travel

You’ll come for the weather, but you’ll stay for the great eats, entertainment, culture and, yes, spectacular surfing.

DAY ONE
1:00 P.M.
Stay close to the action and check into the boutiquey Hotel Solamar. It’s located in the buzzy Gaslamp Quarter, just steps from downtown shops, restaurants and PETCO Park.

2:00 P.M.
Animal-lovers shouldn’t miss the San Diego Zoo, home to more than 4,000 animals, including three giant pandas. This renowned zoo maintains elaborate habitats like the Monkey Trails and the unique Polar Bear Plunge. Be sure to wear your walking shoes as there is plenty of ground to cover.

7:00 P.M.
No trip to San Diego is complete until you’ve savored some authentic Mexican cuisine. A stone’s throw from the stadium, Lolita’s tends to draw sports enthusiasts, so don’t expect anything fancy–just enormous portions, best washed down with a beer or two.

DAY TWO

10:00 A.M.
Surfing and San Diego go hand-in-hand. If learning to ride the waves sounds thrilling, consider booking a lesson. The San Diego Surf School is a great place for beginners, with group lessons available on the hour.

1:00 P.M.
After you’ve built up your appetite paddling up a storm, relieve those hunger pangs at the Pacific Beach AleHouse, where you’ll be able to sip local microbrews and indulge in some classic pub fare like burgers and flatbreads. Get cozy on the deck and soak up the ocean view.

3:00 P.M.
Home to baseball’s San Diego Padres, the open-air PETCO Park boasts great views from every seat. Cheer your way through the innings and fill up on traditional ballpark delights.

8:00 P.M.
Sip a drink (or a few!) and still maintain a conversation at The Tipsy Crow. The third floor (a.k.a. The Nest) has a comfy atmosphere with two fireplaces and a custom marble bar. The bar’s signature Salty Dog cocktail is a must!

DAY THREE

10:00 A.M.
Catch a few extra zzzz’s and do brunch at Café 222, home of the famous Peanut Butter and Banana Stuffed French Toast, which Bobby Flay touted on Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Noon
Squeeze in a taste of the arts and culture scene at Balboa Park. As the country’s largest urban cultural park, you’ll find gorgeous gardens, art venues, restaurants and 15 museums, including The San Diego Museum of Art, best known for its Spanish old master paintings.