Top 7 Things to do in San Diego – The Capital of Craft

We flew into San Diego to kick start our Pacific Coast Highway road trip. From the laid-back surf culture in Ocean Beach to the vibrant food and craft beer scene, San Diego bursts with experiences that make it a must-visit destination in Southern California. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, exploring world-class attractions, or diving into local flavours, San Diego delivers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. Here’s our guide to the top things to do in San Diego to make the most of your stay.

If you’re looking to dive into a piece of American history while enjoying stunning views of San Diego’s waterfront, the USS Midway Museum is the place to be. The Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in U.S. Navy history, operating for an impressive 47 years before being retired in 1992. This legendary aircraft carrier turned museum, offers a fascinating insight into naval life, with exhibits, restored aircraft, and interactive displays that bring the ship’s incredible story to life.

You can tour the ship’s various levels, check out the crew’s quarters, and even sit in the cockpits of some of the iconic aircraft on display. It’s an immersive experience that lets you feel what it was like to serve aboard one of the U.S. Navy’s most storied carriers. To make your visit even more informative, an audio guide is included with your entrance fee, providing detailed commentary and fascinating stories about the ship’s history, the planes, and the men and women who served on board.

While visiting the Midway, take a moment to walk over to the nearby Unconditional Surrender Monument. Together, the USS Midway and the Unconditional Surrender Monument offer a powerful reminder of the sacrifices and triumphs that shaped U.S. military history. Whether you’re a history buff, aviation enthusiast, or just looking for a unique San Diego experience, stepping aboard the USS Midway is an unforgettable adventure!

Nestled along the stunning Southern California coastline, San Diego is a seafood lover’s paradise. With the Pacific Ocean right at its doorstep, the city boasts some of the freshest fish, shellfish, and ocean-inspired dishes you’ll find anywhere. Whether you’re enjoying a casual fish taco on the beach, indulging in a gourmet seafood feast with ocean views, or simply savouring the catch of the day, San Diego serves up mouthwatering meals that bring the best of the sea to your plate.

After visiting the Midway and walking by the Unconditional Surrender Monument, head over to the Fish Market and enjoy premium seafood on the waterfront. This bustling seafood spot offers a fantastic blend of fresh catches, oceanfront views, and a casual, yet vibrant atmosphere. We’d also recommend hiring a car and driving to Mitch’s Seafood located on the other side of the marina. Mitch’s Seafood prides itself on offering a daily selection of fresh seafood, allowing guests to choose their preferred catch and decide how they’d like it prepared. Whether you’re in the mood for a casual fish taco or a more indulgent lobster feast, both The Fish Market and Mitch’s Seafood provides a welcoming atmosphere with a menu that showcases the best of San Diego’s coastal offerings.

After visiting the Midway, walking by the Unconditional Surrender Monument and dining at the Fish Market, continue along the marina to Seaport Village. Wander the cobblestone pathways, explore the eclectic shops, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere that make Seaport Village a must-visit spot in San Diego. We spent the afternoon enjoying the coastal sea breeze and trying a few craft beers at Mike Hess Brewing.

The city’s craft beer scene is renowned for its innovation, particularly the development of its signature West Coast IPA—a style characterized by its intense hop profile and bold flavour. San Diego holds a ten day beer week early November to showcase diverse and emerging microbreweries, and celebrates its reputation as the “Capital of Craft”. On the way to the Sunset Cliffs, we stopped by Stone Brewing World – Liberty station to sample its renowned craft beers. Featuring lush gardens and a peaceful courtyard with a koi fish pond, it was a memorable setting to experience San Diego’s rich craft brewery culture.

After stopping by Stone Brewing World, head on west to Sunset Cliffs, a breathtaking coastal gem nestled along the edge of San Diego’s Point Loma peninsula. Look out over sandstone cliffs and brave the wind to gaze upon expansive ocean views. We strolled along the coast thereafter, passed the Sunset Cliffs Cave and imagined living in one of the ocean front residences.

Drive on down to Ocean Beach for a perfect place to enjoy the sun and sand. It’s got a Farmers Market every Wednesday, providing fresh produce, handmade crafts and international food – a perfect chance to soak in the community vibes. We popped into Mike’s Taco Club (more on that later) for a massive burrito before strolling along the sandy beach.

Cruising further up the coast from Ocean Beach, you’ll reach La Jolla Cove—home to some carefree (and slightly smelly) sea lions and seals. Lined along the rocky shore, the sea lions can be quite loud. There is an easy coastal walk trail that spans only 0.6 miles to catch different views of the coast (and escape the smell 😄).

Thanks to its deep cultural ties and proximity to the border, San Diego dishes out some of the most authentic tacos, burritos, and street eats north of Mexico. And if you’re feeling adventurous, the border is just a short drive away—giving you the chance to cross into Tijuana for an even deeper dive into Mexico’s bold, delicious food scene. We had originally planned to cross the border, but after chatting with some colleagues from New York, they warned us that getting back into the U.S. can take a while. Definitely keep that in mind when considering it for your itinerary!

However, the Mexican food in San Diego was so good, it hardly mattered. We mentioned Mike’s Taco Club in Ocean Beach previously, the perfect place to grab some Mexican and chill by the beach. The burrito was massive and paired well with a selection of Mexican beer. The ingredients are fresh and the flavours, bold. On our drive back into town, we stopped by and dined at Coasterra, a restaurant with panoramic bay views. It was not a pre-planned restaurant but oh wow weren’t we glad we found it! The food was delicious and the cocktails, creative. This is definitely a restaurant we would come back to.

Staying in Little Italy, we walked to the Gaslamp Quarter and dined at Tacos El Gordo. The menu is primarily in Spanish, adding to the authentic feel. The perfect place to grab a quick bite and fuel up to explore the Marina and walk around the San Diego Convention Center. It is safe to say, grabbing good Mexican food is a must in your San Diego visit.

Balboa Park isn’t just a park—it’s about art, history, science and nature right in the heart of San Diego. Home to peaceful gardens, fascinating museums, Spanish-style architecture, and San Diego Zoo, it’s the kind of place where you feel like you keep discovering something new. Whether you’re strolling through the rose gardens, admiring art, or just soaking up the chill SoCal vibes, Balboa Park is a must-visit spot that perfectly blends nature, culture, and a little bit of wonder.

At around 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is larger than Central Park in New York (843 acres) and bigger than Golden Gate Park in San Francisco (1,017 acres). No matter how many tacos we had to work off, we were not going to cover it all. With all its cultural components, we decided to visit the Japanese Friendship Garden. Compared to the downtown waft of the Gaslamp Quarter, the floral arrangements in the Garden smelt divine. We definitely found it a peaceful sanctuary and an opportunity to collect our thoughts watching the koi fish swimming around merrily.

Packed with stylish restaurants, cozy cafes, art galleries, and a weekly farmers market, we stayed in Little Italy and found it the perfect base. A 30 minute walk to either Balboa Park or the historic downtown Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy is filled with delicious smells of fresh pasta, wood-fired pizza, and gourmet coffee drifting through the air.

We ate a lot around Little Italy, starting the day with bagels and coffee at Influx Cafe, having ramen for lunch in an industrially-set Underbelly restaurant, and capping it off with dinner at the trattoria Boun Appetito Restaurant. To end the night, we visited False Idol, an elaborately decorated tiki speakeasy serving tasty cocktails. What’s more, we wanted to hire a car to explore La Jolla and there’s an Avis car rental conveniently located with overnight parking garage access. You will notice this post doesn’t recommend the Gaslamp Quarter as a top thing to do. Whilst we did visit this district during the day, we were put off by the unpleasant smell as we were walking through.

Whether you’re soaking in the stunning coastal views, diving into fresh seafood or authentic Mexican cuisine, or sampling SoCal’s finest craft beer, San Diego is a city that brings together sun, sea, and incredible flavours. With so much to explore, from Balboa Park‘s cultural wonders to the vibrant streets of Little Italy, there’s always something new to discover around every corner. So, grab your sunglasses, pack your appetite, and make memories in one of California’s most laid-back and diverse destinations. Let us know your thoughts and whether you agree with our verdict on the Gaslamp Quarter. Happy exploring!