We recently traveled to San Diego and it has got to be one of our favorite cities in California. If you’re an adventurer and a fun-seeking traveler like us you will love this city as well. From hiking and surfing to city tours and exploring the Gaslamp district, San Diego has it all. Believe us; this city is more than just beaches and bars.
We hope you use this Weekend Guide as a excellent resource for planning a trip to San Diego! Listed down below are neighborhood highlights, itinerary ideas, food recommendations and more. You can download the PDF version here. Let us know what you think of our Weekend Guide in the comments!
Note: We traveled to San Diego from Los Angeles. Thus, we included tips on how to travel between cities in California.
Day 1: Los Angeles to San Diego, Color Wall Hunting and Crime Tour
Breakfast: How do you start the day off right? With donuts of course! Donut Friend is an all-vegan bakery that makes all of their donuts from scratch. You can choose one of their signature donuts or build your own! First, choose a donut, then pick as many fillings and toppings as you want. It is your masterpiece! ($8)
LA to San Diego via Amtrak: It is incredibly easy to travel to and from cities in California. We booked a one-way ticket to sunny San Diego via Amtrak. The ride down was amazing. There was wifi (a necessity), and we had terrific views of the ocean and piers. Pro Tip: If you can, book the business class seats instead of coach. You get a little more leg room and a coffee bar ($56)
Lunch: Head to Plant Powered Fast Food for an ingenious take on fast food. The creators have veganized all your favorite fast food items! Enjoy food that will make your taste buds happy without killing animals! We recommend getting a Bacon Burger with Voodoo Fries ($12)
Activity 1: You know we love walls that have color! Check out a list of walls/places we visited.
Neighborhood– Gaslamp and Northpark
What Lifts You, Blue Mural 324 Horton Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Greetings - 4225 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
“Living Wall” Pigment - 3801 30th St San Diego, CA 92104
Holy Matcha Café - 3118 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Activity 2: One of La Jolla’s coolest attraction is Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave. This dark cave is actually inside a gift shop! All you have to do is pay $3-5 to see the only sea cave in California accessible by land. Pro Tip: There is parking in front of the shop or on Coast Blvd. Get there early to claim a spot! After you see the cave you can walk 5 minutes to La Jolla Cove for a picnic or swimming ($3-5)
Dinner : For out-of-this-word vegan food and Insta-worthy pictures, head to Café Gratitude. This vegan café has lovely décor and strives to create a menu and environment that supports the environment. We recommend getting the Nachos, Soul Bowl or Blackened Tempeh Caesar Wrap ($18)
Activity 3: Want to get to know the city? Take The San Diego: Historic True Crime Tour! This one hour tour is produced by Murder n’ Mayhem! You will walk through time and learn the dark history of the Gaslamp Quarter. The tour guide will take you through several eras in time as you explore the darker history of San Diego ($15)
Total Per Person: $66 plus tax and tip ($122 plus Amtrak)
Day 2: Relax, Rejuvenate and Refresh
Coffee: Get the day started with a jolt! Head to Communal Coffee for a quick drink and pastry. Be sure to check out the black and white mural ($5).
Brunch: If you want the best brunch of your life, then you must go to Kindred. This contemporary space serves a vegan menu that you don’t what to miss! The décor is whimsical and eccentric. For drinks, we recommend the Punch Bowl! It has Tequila, Mezcal, grapefruit, Sparkling Rose and more in it. It took three hours for two of us to finish it!!! For food, we recommend the Drop Biscuits with Gravy, The Benedict, and Hashes for the Mashes ($30)
Activity 2: Pool time! Kick back and relax at your hotel’s pool or head to a beach.
Activity 3: You have to check out this rooftop patio and bar! Fairweather offers craft cocktails with a tropical twist, plus views of Petco Park! ($10)
Dinner: To satisfy your craving for Italian food, Civico 1845 in Little Italy is a “must.” We stumbled upon this gem and man…we are so glad that we did. This restaurant offers contemporary Italian cooking with vegan options! No, seriously. They have a whole vegan menu. The Mushroom “Calamari,” Lasagna Romagnola, and Gnocchi Alla Caponata were FAN- FREAKING-TASTIC ($25)
Total Per Person: $65 plus tax and tip
We hope you enjoyed this guide. Don’t forget you can download the PDF version here!
Leave us a comment on what you would like to do in San Diego.
Until Next Time,
Tay
“Your life is happening now. Make it amazing!”