Key Stops
Spend an afternoon exploring Barrio Logan, a historic Mexican American neighborhood where you can enjoy cult-favorite rolled tacos at Las Cuatro Milpas, admire murals at Chicano Park, explore innovative art at Bread & Salt, and sip micheladas at Mujeres Brew House. Take the ferry to Coronado, an island city in San Diego Bay, and ride the bike paths to Coronado Beach. Don’t forget to visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado, a Victorian-era gem. For an iconic San Diego experience, stop by Mike’s Taco Club to enjoy a California burrito, filled with French fries and carne asada.
Getting Around
With a compact urban core, much of San Diego is walkable, a rarity for a city in the Western United States. Public trolleys, buses, ferries, pedicabs, and ride-hailing services make it easy to explore without a car.
Friday
Begin your weekend at Ironside Fish & Oyster Bar in Little Italy. Enjoy fresh oysters and sip on seasonal cocktails during happy hour. Before leaving Little Italy, treat yourself to some pistachio gelato at Bobboi Natural Gelato. From there, take a leisurely stroll along the waterfront to the Rady Shell, a gleaming concert venue where you can enjoy a live performance. For dinner, head to Callie in the East Village for a splurge-worthy meal. Afterward, cap off your evening with a visit to Bar Kamon, a hidden cocktail bar with a 1920s Japan vibe.
Saturday
Start your morning early at Cocina 35 Brunch to enjoy one of their five varieties of chilaquiles. Alternatively, grab a California burrito from Mike’s Taco Club and take it to Ocean Beach for a beachfront breakfast. Next, take the Flagship Ferry to Coronado, rent a bike, and explore the island’s charming neighborhoods and beaches. In the afternoon, dive into the rich Chicano culture of Barrio Logan, where you can visit Las Cuatro Milpas for homestyle food, admire the murals at Chicano Park, and browse the galleries at Bread & Salt. Finish your day with some shopping in South Park, where you can pick up unique Southern California souvenirs from Bad Madge & Co. and explore the vibrant Verbatim Books.
Sunday
On your final day, grab breakfast from Secret Sister and head to Oakoasis County Preserve for a morning hike through oak and chaparral. For lunch, drive to Atelier Manna in Leucadia for a refreshing booze-free brunch, then take a stroll along Leucadia State Beach. Finally, spend your afternoon exploring Balboa Park, home to the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, 18 museums, and the recently renovated Mingei International Museum.
Whether you’re soaking up the sun at the beach or exploring the city’s rich cultural offerings, San Diego offers a perfect blend of history, art, and modern sophistication in just 48 hours.
