Best San Diego Staycations: Where To Eat, Play & Stay
San Diego, California is an absolutely amazing place to live or visit! But, which San Diego? The city has a wealth of attractions in its own back yard: Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Harbor, and Petco Park are just a few on the book-length list.
The city is also home to some of the best hotels and liveliest restaurant scenes in the country. But the city of San Diego is just one glittering facet in the jewel of San Diego County.
With the county’s over 70 miles of gorgeous Pacific coastline dotted with some of the most picturesque, fun-loving, and foodtastic towns in all of Southern California, San Diegans are spoiled with opportunities for San Diego staycations close to home that are perfect getaways from the everyday.
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So, if you call San Diego home and are looking for great local staycation ideas, you’ve come to the right place! If you’re planning to visit San Diego and are looking for the perfect way to truly tap into the kaleidoscope of diverse options available in the greater San Diego area, we’ve got you covered too!
I’m a San Diego local, and I absolutely love to plan and enjoy staycations near me. I want everyone else to have the same chance to explore the mindboggling options for great food and good fun in this gorgeous area! So, I’m going to share with you the best San Diego staycations, from downtown San Diego up to Oceanside in the county’s northwest corner and all along the coast down to the tip of Point Loma.
I’ll introduce you to some of the most phenomenal San Diego staycation locations, the most alluring San Diego hotels, the best beaches, the most interesting activities, and, of course, the most delicious places to eat! I hope you’re hungry for a good time!
1. San Diego Staycation: Oceanside
The library in Oceanside, our most northern San Diego staycation
Long thought of as a scruffy beach-town hangout for Marines from nearby Camp Pendleton, Oceanside has transformed itself in the past decade into a gleaming resort with a bumper crop of attractive new hotels, exciting eateries, fun watering holes, and a rejuvenated downtown retail district.
Yet Oceanside still retains a strong all-American hometown vibe, with vintage neon-lit marquee movie theatres, the backdrop flutter of stars and stripes, and an abundance of old-school barbershops interwoven into the appealing old-meets-new mix that marks the city.
Tucked into the northwestern corner of San Diego County, this beachside community offers plenty of things to do on a staycation. As you may have guessed, the ocean is a big attraction. Eight beaches offer plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Pacific your way. Swimming, surfing, SUPing, and sunning are all popular activities.
O’side, as the locals call it, even boasts the longest wooden pier on the West Coast, stretching out almost 2,000 feet. It offers fishing, a nice walk with great views of the coast and the surfers below, and the perfect perch for taking in glorious sunsets.
The California Surf Museum is just inland from the pier, and the Oceanside Museum of Art is just a few minutes’ walk from there. Mission San Luis Rey, California’s largest and most prosperous mission, is also in Oceanside and offers a fascinating glimpse into the Mission Era of California history.
Oceanside Harbor offers whale-watching cruises; kayak, jet-ski, and paddleboard rentals; and a chance to spot seals and sea lions sunning themselves on boat slips.
Where To Stay in Oceanside
The historic Brick Hotel in the heart of downtown Oceanside
While today there are lots of fine places at which to stay in Oceanside, my husband Mike and I just had a great time at The Brick Hotel. Housed in a building first constructed in 1888 as Oceanside’s first hardware store, this unique boutique hotel opened its doors in 2022 after a multiyear, top-to-bottom restoration of the structure. Retaining its brick exterior and historic flourishes throughout, the wonderfully located hotel offers all the modern amenities you would expect from a property built today.
Its location is ideal! Situated right on Pier View Way, it’s smack dab in the heart of town. A short walk down the street takes you right to the pier and beach, and just outside the front door is where the ever-popular weekly Sunset Market sets up every Thursday.
Guest rooms are comfortable, showing off brick walls and wooden elements fashioned from the lumber used in the building’s original construction. Many rooms offer ocean views, and all sport spacious, stylish bathrooms. And you’ll never have to worry about going hungry or thirsty at this hotel. On the premises, there is a slew of offerings from the top of the morning till well into the night.
Coffee and tea needs are met at Succulent Coffee, which offers a soothing, plant-filled outdoor space at the back of The Brick. Adjacent is an outdoor outpost of San Diego’s legendary craft brewery, Stone, with a large, meandering beer garden where it’s easy to find a great spot to relax and enjoy some cold ones.
Back up front is the New Orleans–focused Q&A Restaurant and Oyster Bar, which we loved! (The lowdown is just a bit lower down in this article.) Abutting Q&A is Frankie’s Cocktail Lounge, whose classic brick and wood interior, cushy booths, and impressive bar serves as the perfect backdrop for serving up craft cocktails of the highest caliber. And to top things off—literally—is the Brick’s Cococabana Rooftop Bar, offering gorgeous views, festive drinks, and tasty Caribbean small bites (details down below).
Where To Eat in Oceanside
The Dragos at Q&A Restaurant, a great place to eat in Oceanside
New Orleans is one of my favorite foodie cities, and Q&A at the Brick does it proud. The Happy Hour is great! Bites include a Hot Chicken Biscuit for $8 that is a whole lotta yummy for so little coin! The Charbroiled Gulf Oysters are so savory and succulent, and the $5.04 Old Fashioned cocktail is top notch.
For dinner, the Dragos is worth the splurge! It’s a dressed chick lobster smothered under a pile of parmesan-dusted lobster pasta. Over-the-top amazing! Beignets just as good as you would find in the Big Easy round things out. Eating New Orleans this deliciously in Oceanside is like two vacations in one!
Truly, enjoying the views and vacation vibes of this place is a satisfying experience in itself, but tasty tropical drinks and satisfying shareables dial up the fun factor! Festooned in island fashion, this rooftop spot offers ocean views enhanced by a panoply of palm trees. Share plates deliciously conjure up the Caribbean: The Jerk Butter Charbroiled Oysters and Salmon with Coconut Rice & Black Beans are rewarding choices.
The Cococabana is also an incredibly relaxing and delicious way to soak in Oceanside sunsets. The scene and the sights, the sips and the bites all make for a memorable evening at just the right height!
On a restaurant-sprinkled section of Mission Ave, the Flying Pig is an ode to the South in this corner of Southern California. Credited with sparking the flame that led to the now-flourishing foodie scene in Oceanside, the Flying Pig opened the doors to this new location in 2021. It offers an impressive range of Southern food done right that would be right at home in Charleston or Savannah. Some of it is inventively refined, the rest is just excellently executed old-school.
This is an O’side favorite with local residents and visitors alike. With generous portions of inventive comfort foods, creative cocktails, and over 20 local beers on tap, it’s no wonder. Since we fell in love with Pozole in Santa Fe, NM, trying the Pozole Verde Mussels here was a must. Adding an ocean element to an already delicious New Mexico staple worked brilliantly!
Another big hit was the Korean Beef Short Rib Grilled Cheese. This jackpot reminded me of a duo of great Korean-inspired sandwiches we had enjoyed in Astoria, one of our favorite foodie destinations in Oregon.
Enjoying a few brews with our great finds left us too full to enjoy anything else. That’s not going to be a problem since Oceanside is home to one of the best staycations in San Diego, and we will definitely be back before long!
2. San Diego Staycation: Carlsbad
The Carlsbad Flower Fields are a must on spring staycations in Carlsbad.
Just south of Oceanside, Carlsbad is another Staycation San Diego gem. Like its northern neighbor, Carlsbad is coastal, with gorgeous beaches that play host to all the water sports you would expect.
In addition, its seawall trail and upper path atop the beachside bluffs offer easy routes for a long walk filled with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. Extend your walk to include the Batiquitos Lagoon Wetlands Reserve, and you’ve got a hike that will almost certainly add herons and egrets to the pelicans and seagulls you’ll spot at the beach.
As one of the most popular amusement parks in the entire United States, Legoland is, of course, a big draw in Carlsbad year-round, especially if you have kids. But for nearly two months from early March through early May, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch offer a tremendous tapestry of colors as giant Ranunculus bloom over 55 amazing acres.
Then it’s Carlsbad Strawberry Company’s turn for fun in the sun. You can shop their stands for the freshest strawberries or roam the fields and pick your own. In the fall, the property transforms into a giant pumpkin patch with an amazing maize maze.
And if fresh fruit and produce is your thing no matter the season, tap the locals’ secret at Skyline Farm Stand (4079 Skyline Rd), where you can pick up the season’s best offerings at this charming throwback setup in the middle of a residential neighborhood.
Although shopping safaris are not my thing, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets offer lots of discounts at over 85 name-brand retailers, while The Forum is an upscale amalgam of shops that even includes an Apple Store.
Where To Stay in Carlsbad
The view from our room at the SpringHill Suites, Carlsbad
Carlsbad is home to a number of high-end resort properties that offer lodging, spas, and golfing. These include the Omni La Costa Resort, the Westin Carlsbad Resort, and the Park Hyatt Aviara Resort. All three are incredibly impressive, but to be honest, they have more going on than I typically need, and I usually prefer to stay in the heart of town no matter what town I’m visiting. In Carlsbad, I choose the SpringHill Suites, Carlsbad, right on Carlsbad Boulevard.
A 10-minute walk from the hotel puts me on the beach, and a quick stroll in almost any direction gets me to whichever of my favorite restaurants in Carlsbad Village that I’m in the mood for. Newly renovated, the hotel has a modern, beachy, but kitsch-free feel. Rooms are rather spacious and comfortable, and the swimming pool, hot tub, and fitness center nicely augment the recreational options that the nearby ocean, beach, and walking paths provide.
Nearing renovation, the rooftop lounge is a tantalizing touch too. Lots of seating, fire pits, cocktails, and bites with birds-eye views of the beach beckon.
Where To Eat in Carlsbad
Lunch at Tip Top Meats, one of the best values in Carlsbad
Carlsbad is one of my favorite foodie towns along the San Diego coast. It has a surprising variety of options along a wide spectrum of price points across a broad swathe of cuisines for a town its size—and that’s really just focusing on Carlsbad Village and the beachy side of town. Here are some of my go-to faves!
This is a breakfast and lunch legend: Think “Old School,” then think “Even Older,” then think it in a German accent. Come hungry and try the Big John Breakfast: 3 eggs, home fries, toast, and ALL the pork link sausage, bratwurst, Polish Sausage, or ham you can eat for $8.99! Prices are ridiculously retro, and portions break scales! Hot and cold sandwiches and plenty more sausages are available at lunch—again at hard-to-believe prices. For additional great breakfast spots in Carlsbad, read my article on the Best Breakfast in Carlsbad, CA.
Carlsbad happy hours are great, and Vigilucci’s has one of the best, but they have an amazing dinner menu as well. I love the Cucina location because it’s in the Village, but the Seafood and Steakhouse offers lovely ocean views. The fried calamari is the best I’ve ever had in California. The pastas are reliably excellent. The drinks are serious. I don’t need any more reasons to go—but there are some.
If you read me, you know I love chefs who play with fire, and Campfire comes by its name honestly. There’s a big fire in the kitchen used to create inventive California fare that might leave you scratching your head while reading the menu but asking for more once you’ve polished off your plate. Rustically refined hodgepodge design and a great outdoor space give me a warm campfire glow here, and the food always looks as great as it tastes.
Fancy pants French fare with California flair. Do you dare? The airy, art deco, light-filled, colorful indoor space with alluring bar paired with al fresco starlit seating hits all the right notes. You choose the elements of your 4-course $105 dinner from the menu offerings. I think it’s a fair price and an elegant meal considering today’s restaurant economics. Curious but can’t commit? Snag a bar seat and order à la carte.
3. San Diego Staycation: Encinitas
Hitting the beach is one of the best things to do in Encinitas.
All the coastal staycation locations we’ve covered so far have wonderful beach options, but Encinitas, just south of Carlsbad, might just be the beachiest beach town in the entire San Diego area. With some 45 acres of ocean-hugging shorefront stretching out over 6 main beaches, you’ll find great options for action under the San Diego sun no matter how you like to play sandside.
Moonlight Beach offers the most options: lots of oceanfront acreage, fire rings, restrooms, showers, snack shack, playground—even tennis and volleyball courts! Further south, Swami’s Beach is a legendary surf spot. All of Encinitas’s beaches sparkle in their own unique way.
The San Diego Botanic Gardens (formerly Quail Botantical Gardens) offer their own type of outdoor splendor: 37 acres of beauty in bloom, with 29 different gardens, 4 miles of trails, and stunning ocean views too! The Self Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens also offer great gardens with meditation nooks, koi ponds, and awesome ocean vistas, with no admission fee.
Along US 101, Old Encinitas offers lots of eateries, drinkeries, and boutique shopping. It also offers La Paloma Theater, which opened in 1928. It’s San Diego’s oldest movie theatre and still screens today’s latest flicks and hosts special events too. The 1883 Schoolhouse goes back even further in time and offers free tours of the first school built for the newly founded town way back when.
Where To Stay in Encinitas
The Meditation Garden at the Inn at Moonlight Beach
For a truly unique stay that takes the Encinitas’ laid-back vibe to a higher high, there is no place like the Inn at Moonlight Beach. This boutique hotel is truly an oasis of tranquility. The peaceful sanctuary is WELL certified, meaning that the property’s special design provides each guest the best in air, water, lighting, nutrition, fitness, comfort, and mindfulness.
The inn is ensconced in a biodynamic garden that is not only beautiful but provides much of the food offered at breakfast and in the lobby’s help-yourself snack station. It was also the source of the cornucopia of healthy, delicious treats that awaited us in our suite upon our arrival.
There’s even a harvest basket provided in your room so that you can pick your own herbs to supplement the variety of teas available in your room and in the lobby or to infuse in any of the raw honeys, organic olive oils, or balsamic vinegars for sale at the onsite Moonlight Farmstand.
With meditation nooks in the gardens, massages, and Wellness Lab workshops, there are plenty of options to reach a deeper level of reflection, relaxation, and creativity. The hotel is also located just a short walk from all the Old Encinitas in-town offerings.
Where To Eat in Encinitas
One of the best things I ate on my San Diego staycations, hoecake with seabass and caviar at Herb & Sea
Encinitas offers plenty of good eating with lots of variety and a plethora of price points. The list also includes offerings in Leucadia and Cardiff by the Sea, two areas of Encinitas whose separate names are sometimes mistaken for separate cities.
Located in Cardiff by the Sea, The Waverly’s mosaic-adorned walls, nautically themed bar, and alfresco aura give this restaurant and lounge a very Mediterranean feel. That’s reflected in the menu as well, which features progressive American cuisine with a European influence. Fun drinks, tasty dishes, and a transporting vibe make for memorable meals here.
Herb & Sea is renowned San Diego restaurateur Brian Malarkey’s Encinitas eatery blending classic East Coast culinary tradition with contemporary California sensibilities. Although cavernous, the incredibly inviting space is reminiscent of a Hamptons’ cottage that happens to have dozens of chandeliers, a giant bar, and an opera-scaled open kitchen anchored by a wood-fired oven. Add wonderfully inventive menu items and excellent service to the list of what makes this spot a must-eat destination for any foodie.
The reliably good and very reasonably priced Buona Forchetta offers a pick-your-own pasta, sauce, and toppings selection for those in a noodle-centric mood and over 40 different types of pizzas for those in search of cheesy circles of deliciousness. The inside is inviting, the patio is nice, and there are outdoor tables in front of the restaurant. For a quicker bite, GP Diner is Buona Forchetta’s take on Roman street food favorites.
I’m going to let you guess what the house specialty here is, but I must say I did have one of the best margaritas ever at this spot recently. Mike and I just popped in for happy hour, during which we also enjoyed incredibly good tacos worthy of Mexico City and some great conversation with the bartender. We’ll be back for more of all of the above.
I love walking into this white-washed beauty because I’m immediately whisked away to Spain, and I know the tasty tapas will take me back to the Barcelona street foods I crave whenever I’m stateside for too long. Nothing is too fussy, and everything is skillfully prepared. And trust me when I tell you that you have to save room for the Basque Cake dessert!
4. San Diego Staycation: Solana Beach
We see egrets all the time at Fletcher Cove.
Encinitas’ neighbor to the south, Solana Beach is another awesome place to enjoy some wonderful San Diego beaches and inland attractions. It was the first beach town in San Diego outside of my new hometown of La Jolla that I fell in love with after moving to this gorgeous stretch of sunny Southern California.
One of the reasons was Fletcher Cove Beach Park. If you hit it outside of high-tide time, you’re treated to a wide, flat, sandy expanse of beach lined by dramatic bluffs on one side and the rolling waves of the gorgeous Pacific on the other. It’s easy to find a spot to plop down and set up shop, and you can walk for sandy miles in either direction.
Walk about a half mile south of Fletcher Cove, and you’ll arrive at the lovely Seascape Surf Beach (also accessible via the coastal access path at 501 S. Sierra Avenue). Roughly 1/3 of a mile north of Fletcher Cove is Tide Beach Park, where an archipelago of tide pools is home to scads of sea creatures that are always interesting to check out.
Although the lot at Fletcher doesn’t have all that much parking, there are usually plenty of street spots nearby. And a short 3 blocks away is the Cedros Avenue Design District, another favorite draw in Solana Beach. This always hot spot is home to art galleries, an array of home furnishing and design showrooms, fashion boutiques, cafes, restaurants—even a winery and craft brewery.
The last time my husband and I enjoyed a weekend stay in Solana Beach, we lined it up with seeing the Ukrainian avant-garde quartet DakhaBrakha at Belly Up in the Design District. This wonderfully intimate venue for live music has been host to an encyclopedic number of world-famous bands since opening its doors in 1974!
Where To Stay in Solana Beach
This Courtyard by Marriott is a convenient staycation location for exploring Solana Beach.
When we stay in Solana Beach, we choose the Courtyard San Diego Del Mar Solana Beach. Just minutes from Del Mar and its famed fairgrounds, race track, and other attractions, the hotel is indeed in Solana. Newly renovated, it has a nice outdoor pool and hot tub, large comfortable rooms, and a great location. You can easily walk to the beach, the Cedros Avenue Design District, and nearby restaurants.
The Bistro does a fine job of meeting your breakfast and coffee needs, and the 24-hour fitness center couldn’t offer a more convenient way to slot in a workout at any time that works for you. There’s also an onsite market and plenty of comfortable seating indoors and out where you can plug in and get some work done if needed—or just lounge in between activities.
Where To Eat in Solana Beach
Perhaps the most decadent dish in Solana Beach, Do It Dirty Fries at SB Kitchen
For the smallest of the North County San Diego beach towns, it’s a delicious surprise how many worthwhile eateries there are in Solana Beach.
Even when not overnighting in Solana Beach, my husband and I will sometimes drive up to the Solana Beach Roberto’s to indulge in their incredible Chile Verde Burrito. It’s the best Chile Verde Burrito we’ve ever had! We’ll take our tortilla-swaddled treasures to nearby Fletcher Cove Park, sit and enjoy our meal while looking out at the waves, then take a long walk at the beach below, trying to burn off at least a few of the calories we just enjoyed so much.
At the other end of the price spectrum, we love Rare Society, in the Cedros Ave Design District. Chef Brad Wise’s retro, art deco steakhouse has a cool vibe and hot dining scene. Although pricey, everything we’ve had is great. One strategy for enjoying a bunch of excellent food without declaring bankruptcy is to get a number of sides and just one entrée and maybe a couple lamb lollipops and share everything.
In addition to being a great live music spot, Belly Up’s Tavern has a menu with lots of tasty options. The outside patio is great for people watching, but the best strategy if you love music is to eat here before the show that you’re seeing. Diners have access to the performance space’s inside entrance from the tavern, so if you have general admission seats, you’ll be allowed in to the concert before people entering from the main street entrance.
This place takes inventive comfort food to a whole different level. Their Do It Dirty Fries are one of the most decadent, delicious Poutine takes I’ve ever had. Their West Coast Wings and Surf N’ Turf Nachos are also big favorites. We’re always too full after sharing apps to try the Hot Chick Sandwich, which always looks so yummy and impressively large, and there are plenty of entrees that we’ll have to return for as well.
This colorful, cheery spot is a great idea for breakfast. A large menu with plenty of omelette, scramble, and benedict options; tasty toasts, pancakes, and waffles; and a long list of other breakfast staples and creative offerings ensure you’ll get off on the right foot for the first meal of your day. I’ve only had breakfasts here, but based on my morning satisfaction level, the lunch menu looks worthy of visit later in the day too.
5. San Diego Staycation: Del Mar
We were honored to take a peek at Addison’s kitchen—the only Michelin 3-star restaurant in SoCal!
Del Mar is most famous for its racetrack where seasonal horse racing is held. Secondly, the town is known for the Del Mar Fair, which features amusement park rides and foods on a stick during the early summer months. Personally, I’m not a big of fan of either activity, but I still think Del Mar deserves to be on the list of best stays in San Diego.
The beaches stretch for miles, there’s a thriving food scene, and the town itself is charming. Del Mar is one of San Diego’s more upscale beach towns. Strolling the streets, you’ll find high-end boutiques and some great spots to grab a drink or a bite.
Where to Stay in Del MaR
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort, one of the best staycations in San Diego
Staying at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar Resort is one of the best staycation ideas for couples. This place oozes romance. And the seductive Mediterranean-style architecture makes me feel like I’m in France or Italy.
The Fairmont also oozes luxury. It’s not just one of the best San Diego resorts, it’s one of the best resorts in the United States.
In fact, it is the ONLY 15-star hotel in North America!
How does a resort earn 15 stars? With a 5-star hotel, a 5-star restaurant, and a 5-star spa. If you go by stars, you simply cannot find a better place to stay. You might even say it’s the perfect constellation for a vacation!
But there’s actually more than luxurious rooms, an award-winning spa, and the highest rated restaurant in San Diego. This resort also boasts a championship golf course, tennis courts, pickleball courts, 400+ acres of gorgeous property, a horse stable, and four heated pools.
What I like about the pools is that there’s a separate family pool for those with kids. And if you are taking children, there are suites and villas on the property big enough for the entire family.
Undoubtedly one of the best staycation hotels in San Diego, the biggest risk in choosing the Fairmont is that you may never want to leave. And, luckily, at least for the duration of your stay, there’s no real need to budge from here once you’ve checked in.
Indeed, the only time you’ll need to leave this amazing resort is if you wish to hit the beach about 5 miles away—and even for that you can arrange for shuttle service provided by the hotel.
Where to Eat in Del Mar
Don’t miss the Parker Rolls at Amaya!
The Fairmont Grand Del Mar is undeniably the best staycation in San Diego for fancy foodies. The resort is home to the fine-dining restaurant, Addison, the only Michelin 3-star restaurant in San Diego. Moreover, it’s the only one in all of Southern California.
Chef William Bradley showcases regional ingredients with a 9-course tasting menu of contemporary California cuisine. Reservations are a must, and you should book up to 3 months in advance.
Amaya, Addison’s sister restaurant at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar, is also a top-notch dining experience. Every single dish I’ve ever had here has been perfectly cooked and presented.
Start with the house-made Parker Rolls. Parkers may be an original Boston specialty, but the ones at Amaya are the best ones I’ve ever tasted. And I love that the accompanying honey butter is made using honey that comes from the onsite bee rescue hive.
Monarch Ocean Pub is a great option in downtown Del Mar. From the artisanal cheese and charcuterie board to their in-house brined and smoked short rib pastrami to the scallop and pork-belly chowder, you’ll find this is not your typical pub.
Plus there’s a wonderful view! Perched high above the street, you’ll have the best view of the Pacific from anywhere in town.
If you’re looking for a restaurant with the ultimate ocean view in Del Mar, it doesn’t get any better than Jake’s. You’re essentially at the beach!
My absolute favorite thing on the menu is the Mixed Seafood Pot. A cousin of the famous French dish, Bouillabaisse, I cannot resist this bowl filled with flavorful broth, crustaceans, mollusks, and fresh fish.
6. San Diego Staycation: La Jolla
Seals on the shore of the Children’s Pool Beach in La Jolla
Can you believe I live in La Jolla and I’ve staycationed there? True story. I may be biased, but I think it’s one of the prettiest cities on America’s West Coast.
And although many people first think of the posh village filled with art galleries, designer shops, and fancy restaurants, I think La Jolla is the best location to stay in San Diego for nature lovers.
For starters, a few blocks from the center of La Jolla Village, you’ll find a stunning coastal walk. A paved path runs along the cliffs from the Cave Shop past La Jolla Cove to the Children’s Pool Beach and beyond.
Strolling along the cliff walk is one of the best things to do in La Jolla. It’s the perfect place to see seals (Children’s Pool) and sea lions (just past the Cove) in their natural habitat. Seriously, after spending some time coming this close to a pod of seals and colony of sea lions, you can skip SeaWorld San Diego!
I’ve also often spotted dolphins here, and even large whales! True, I don’t get as close as I might on a whale-watching excursion, but it’s always pretty cool.
Other outdoorsy La Jolla activities include kayaking the caves, snorkeling the cove, and hiking Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve.
Where to Stay in La Jolla
A spectacular sunset view from our room at the Grande Colonial La Jolla
When I staycation, I prefer to be able to walk to everything and not get in my car for a couple days. That’s why it’s worth it to me to get a hotel room just a few miles from where I live. And the La Jolla boutique hotel I like to stay at is the Grande Colonial La Jolla.
It’s the best-priced luxury hotel in La Jolla, and it has one of the best restaurants in the city, Nine-Ten, which offers room service to the hotel’s guests.
Located right in the center of town, the Colonial is within walking distance to the beaches and all of the best village restaurants.
Its other-era charm is authentic: The hotel dates back to 1913. If you are fascinated by ghost stories, this San Diego hotel has lots—from Groucho Marx and Abraham Lincoln sightings to mysterious late night phone calls from empty rooms.
Besides apparitions, amenities include a heated pool, complimentary transportation within La Jolla Village, complimentary valet parking, a fitness pass, beach gear, and use of hotel bicycles.
Where to Eat in La Jolla
Ramen and a Pig Character Bun at La Jolla’s hidden gem, Blue Ocean / Harumama
Recognized by the Michelin Guide, Nine-Ten features a sophisticated farm-to-table menu full of local ingredients. Everything I’ve ever ordered has been nothing less than superb.
As the menu is dictated by the freshness of ingredients, it changes often. Some of my favorites have been hamachi sashimi, Jamaican jerk pork belly, smoked duck breast, and braised lamb shank.
Blue Ocean / Harumama is one of La Jolla’s hidden gems. It has one of the best views of La Jolla Cove, and they don’t charge extra for it.
This restaurant serves quality Japanese food at an affordable price. From sushi to bao buns, it’s all fresh and tasty, but I am addicted to their Flying Pig ramen. Even their wine prices are reasonable, which is a rare but big plus in this town.
This is the best La Jolla steakhouse, but it’s also known for its seafood towers, oysters, and fresh fish. The parmesan sole is outstanding—but even better if you ask for extra sauce.
As for the meat dishes, you can’t go wrong. If you consider steak tartare a delicious delicacy rather than a weird French food, this is the place to order it.
If you can get a seat at the bar for happy hour, the filet sliders are quite the bargain and tender as can be. And you get an incredible ocean view.
The most legendary restaurant in La Jolla village is undoubtedly George’s by the Cove. George’s has been a San Diego institution since 1984 and still fills up regularly.
With an ocean view deck on top and two levels below, you may think the vistas take center stage. But at George’s, they are also committed to a cuisine marked by excellence and top-quality ingredients.
The menu is on the small side but offers a wide variety of melding flavors from different cuisines, including Italian, Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Oaxacan.
Pasta made fresh daily, a mozzarella flight of Italian cheeses, and the best wood-fired Neapolitan pizza in the village—need I say more? OK, just in case . . .
Isola’s menu highlights recipes and ingredients from all over Italy.
They put their own yummy spin on the most famous food of Bologna, Bolognese meat ragú. And their versions of the traditional Roman specialties Spaghetti Carbonara and Cacio e Pepe will transport you to the Eternal City. You’ll want to share so you can taste as many items as possible.
7. San Diego Staycation: Mission Bay
Aerial view of Mission Bay
Mission Bay is the best place to stay in San Diego for foodie families.
Home to the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, Mission Bay San Diego offers oodles of outdoor activities and an array of delectable culinary delights. So, bring the whole family, especially in the summer months.
With its 27 miles of coastline, Mission Bay is an ideal destination for water sports enthusiasts. Kayaking, water skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, and sailing are just a few of the popular water activities that visitors can enjoy.
For those who prefer terrestrial pursuits, Mission Bay has several walking paths, bike trails, and sports courts. The bay boasts 19 different beaches that offer a variety of amenities such as picnic areas, barbecues, and playgrounds.
And if the bay activities aren’t enough for you, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach are just a short drive or bike ride away.
Where to Stay and Eat on Mission Bay
Mission Bay is the perfect place to staycation for water sports enthusiasts.
Mission Bay has so many great places to stay, I narrowed them down to my top three for a fabulous beachfront vacation. And since these resorts happen to have the best restaurants on Mission Bay, I’ve included their restaurants in this section.
I do have a special place in my heart for the Bahia Resort Hotel because this is where Mike and I were married. We had the ceremony in the gazebo and our reception on their riverboat, the William D. Evans.
In addition to being an unforgettable wedding venue, the Bahia offers non-stop fun in a gorgeous setting. There are games, an olympic-size pool, waterfront lounge chairs, live music, sunset s’mores, and so much more.
Eateries at Bahia Resort Hotel
Dockside 1953 is the nautical-themed main restaurant at the Bahia. Located on a scenic patio overlooking the bay, this is the perfect spot for outside dining. The specialties lean toward seafood, with dishes such as ceviche, seared daybook scallops, and seabass meunière.
For a quick breakfast or snack, the Airstream Grab ’N Go will be the ticket. And if you find it hard to leave the pool area, the Pool Bar & Grill can keep you both hydrated and satiated.
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
All of the rooms at the Catamaran Resort Hotel have a balcony or patio. To fully optimize this waterfront location, book a bay view room if possible.
This bayfront hotel provides an impressive range of on-site amenities. Pamper yourself at the onsite spa, take a dip in the resort's heated outdoor pool, lounge on the sandy beach, or rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the bay.
Eateries at Catamaran Resort Hotel
You’ll find chef-driven cuisine at Oceana Coastal Kitchen. The eclectic menu features globally-inspired menu items from near and far. From Thai curry to Tuscan pasta, from Provençal ratatouille to the San Francisco specialty Cioppino, there’s a pleasing pick for every palate.
For a more relaxed atmosphere with fire pits and tiki torches, try Moray’s for a casual meal. Or to get even more laid-back, think Lava Java or their poolside grill.
Paradise Point is located on Vacation Island in the middle of Mission Bay. If that alone doesn’t scream one of the best staycation hotels in San Diego, I don’t know what does.
In fact, with its lagoons, waterfalls, and abundance of tropical plants, some call this island retreat “Fantasy Island.” So, if you’re dreaming of an exotic change of scenery, this is hands down one of the best places to staycation in SD.
This Mission Bay resort has lots of answers for those wondering what to do on a staycation here. It boasts a full-service marina with all kinds of water vessels available for rental, from jet skis to sail boats. You’ll be spoiled for choices of activities with five swimming pools, a miniature golf course, tennis courts, lawn games, and more.
Eateries at Paradise Point Resort
Situated where the land meets the shores, Tidal is the island’s premier outdoor restaurant. With a seasonal menu full of local flavors, you’ll enjoy starters like crab fondue and roasted Brussels sprouts. Main courses range from grilled octopus with bacon vinaigrette to braised Wagyu beef cheek with Campari.
For more casual cuisine, dine at the Barefoot Bar and Grill and order salads, burgers, or a variety of Mexican dishes.
8. San Diego Staycation: Little Italy
The main piazza of San Diego’s Little Italy
For those seeking to explore downtown San Diego and some of its main attractions, Little Italy overlooking the San Diego Harbor is a great pick. You can easily visit the Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, USS Midway Museum, Old Town, San Diego Mission, and Balboa Park from this lively staycation location.
You can also take a daycation from here to Coronado Island across the San Diego Bay and visit one of the most famous luxury resorts in San Diego, the Hotel del Coronado. Grab a drink and watch the Pacific Ocean crash on the coast stretching from Point Loma to “The Del,” as this legendary landmark is affectionately called.
However, if you’re like me, you may want to immerse yourself in the bustling neighborhood of Little Italy. Learn about its rich history and eat at as much Italian food as you can handle. Although this enclave has had its ups and downs over the course of its long history, today it is thriving with restaurants, farmers markets, specialty food stores (don’t miss Filippi’s or Mona Lisa), outdoor concerts, and a spirited sense of community.
Fun Fact: San Diego’s Little Italy comprises 48 square blocks, making it the largest Little Italy in America! I learned this and many other fun facts on this walking food tour: Little Italy Food Tour. I highly recommend it!
Where to Stay in Little Italy
La Pensione Hotel couldn’t be more centrally located, so close to the Little Italy sign.
The boutique La Pensione Hotel has been revered by such press outlets as Sunset Magazine, New York Magazine, and the Huffington Post. But the two biggest reasons I’m choosing it as one of the best places to stay in San Diego are these: Number 1: It is smack in the middle of Little Italy. Number 2: It’s earned a special place in local history.
Some San Diego historians credit the development of this hotel in the early 1990s as the beginning of the neighborhood’s revival after many years of decline.
The rooms are European style—in other words, on the small side compared to many San Diego hotels. But you can’t beat the location for exploring the food scene in Little Italy!
Where to Eat in Little Italy
Pasta being tossed in a wheel of cheese at Monello
Monello calls itself “a Milanese Kitchen,” and indeed, their menu showcases many of the traditional foods of Milan, like polenta, gorgonzola cheese, and ossobucco. However, because we are in California, they also feature Genovese pesto, Emilia-Romagna style tortelloni, and the one dish you see on every Roman food tour, supplì al telefono.
Every week, Chef Fabrizzio creates a new recipe for their cheese-wheel pasta, which is finished with a tossing inside a huge wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano cheese. All pasta is made in house for Monello and their more upscale restaurant next door, Bencotto.
From the Busalacchi family, one of Little Italy’s most successful restaurateurs, Nonna celebrates traditional Sicilian comfort food. Try authentic arancini (Sicilian rice balls), polpo grigliato (grilled octopus), or their signature Gamberi Busalacchi (shrimp in a white wine lemon sauce). For a more modern take on traditional Sicilian fare, the critically acclaimed Barbusa, another Busalacchi creation, will fit the bill.
A restaurant inside a bakery, or a bakery inside a restaurant? It’s hard to tell and it doesn’t matter. Because if a restaurant has a bakery, or vice versa, freshly baked bread will be served—yes, please!
In Rome, many bakeries are also known for the best pizzas too, and Solunto serves up perfect wood-fired Italian pies. But if you love artichokes like I do, don’t miss the Carciofini al Forno dish on the menu. These long-stemmed artichoke hearts are stuffed with cheese and olives and topped with delicious marinara sauce.
Not all of Little Italy’s notable restaurants center on Italian cuisine. Juniper and Ivy has made quite a name for itself. James Beard–nominated chef Anthony Wells focuses on hyper-local, hyper-fresh ingredients. The menu changes constantly depending on the catch of the day and the harvest at local farms.
Expect inventive SoCal cuisine and dishes with Asian and Latin accents. Located in a once-abandoned warehouse, the space is almost as creative as the food. The dining room’s open ceiling of beams and ducts exudes a cool hipness while the leather booths and wood tables feel cozy yet chic.
The Best San Diego Staycation: Your Own!
If you didn’t know it before, you certainly know it now: San Diego is a Staycation Southern California jewel—and I didn’t even mention the allure of sipping and supping your way through Temecula Wine Country or weekending in Temecula, just a few miles over the San Diego County line.
I hope this exploration of some of the best San Diego staycation spots has inspired you to do some exploring of your own. You now know some of the most beautiful destinations, many of the Top 10 San Diego restaurants, and dozens of activities undeniably worth a short drive from wherever you may live in this SoCal paradise. And as any San Diego native, newcomer, or old timer will tell you, there’s more magic here than you might ever get to know—but now’s the time to give it a go!
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