Blog: Tips & Info

San Diego Staycation Guide

Solo woman walking along the beach at La Jolla Cove in San Diego

San Diego, CA — Staycation Inspiration

10 Things To Do In Town

  1. Balboa Park + Museums
    • Vibe: Lush and cultural
    • Description: Wander through gardens, Spanish architecture, and 17 museums — all in one mega park.
    • Special Events: December Nights holiday fest
    • Best Time: Spring and early fall
  2. La Jolla Cove
    • Vibe: Picturesque and playful
    • Description: Watch sea lions, snorkel with fish, or kayak through sea caves.
    • Special Events: La Jolla Art & Wine Festival
    • Best Time: Late spring to early fall
  3. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
    • Vibe: Peaceful and dramatic
    • Description: Soak in jaw-dropping coastal sunsets and tidepool walks along rugged cliffs.
    • Special Events: None
    • Best Time: Sunset, year-round
  4. San Diego Zoo
    • Vibe: Legendary and wildlife-filled
    • Description: Explore one of the world’s most renowned zoos with 650+ species in lush settings.
    • Special Events: Nighttime Zoo (summer), Jungle Bells (winter)
    • Best Time: Weekdays, spring or fall
  5. Gaslamp Quarter at Night
    • Vibe: Lively and social
    • Description: Eat, drink, and dance in San Diego’s historic and nightlife-packed downtown core.
    • Special Events: Mardi Gras block party, holiday parades
    • Best Time: Friday/Saturday nights
  6. Old Town San Diego
    • Vibe: Historic and festive
    • Description: Explore 1800s buildings, grab margaritas, and catch folklórico dancers in this Mexican heritage district.
    • Special Events: Día de los Muertos (Nov)
    • Best Time: Year-round
  7. Coronado Island Bike Ride
    • Vibe: Breezy and charming
    • Description: Ride across the bay to white-sand beaches, the historic Hotel del Coronado, and cute cafés.
    • Special Events: Sandcastle competition (Aug)
    • Best Time: Spring through fall
  8. Seaport Village Stroll + Harbor Cruise
    • Vibe: Waterfront and relaxed
    • Description: Shop and snack by the bay, or hop on a boat tour for skyline views.
    • Special Events: Busker Festival (March)
    • Best Time: Spring and summer
  9. Torrey Pines Hike
    • Vibe: Coastal and invigorating
    • Description: Hike sandstone cliffs above the Pacific — it’s a classic for a reason.
    • Special Events: Ranger walks and whale-watching hikes
    • Best Time: Fall and spring
  10. Little Italy Food + Farmers Market
    • Vibe: Trendy and delicious
    • Description: Sample handmade pasta, fresh seafood, and local produce in one of SD’s buzziest neighborhoods.
    • Special Events: ArtWalk, summer movie nights
    • Best Time: Saturday mornings, spring to fall

10 Things To Do Within 30 Miles

  1. Encinitas Beach Day
    • Vibe: Surfer town chill
    • Description: Hit Moonlight Beach, browse spiritual shops, or visit the Self-Realization Gardens.
    • Special Events: Switchfoot BRO-AM surf + music fest
    • Best Time: Summer
  2. Del Mar Racetrack + Fairgrounds
    • Vibe: Classy and social
    • Description: Bet on the ponies or catch a concert after the races.
    • Special Events: San Diego County Fair (June–July)
    • Best Time: Summer
  3. Birch Aquarium (La Jolla)
    • Vibe: Kid-friendly and ocean-loving
    • Description: See seahorses, sharks, and tide pools with ocean views to match.
    • Special Events: Sunset Scripps Pier walks
    • Best Time: Year-round
  4. Mission Bay Paddleboard + Beach BBQ
    • Vibe: Active and laid-back
    • Description: Rent a paddleboard or just grill out at a beach park along the bay.
    • Special Events: Outdoor movie nights
    • Best Time: Summer
  5. San Diego Safari Park (Escondido)
    • Vibe: Wild and expansive
    • Description: Go on a safari-style tram ride through huge open habitats with rhinos, giraffes, and cheetahs.
    • Special Events: Butterfly Jungle (spring)
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  6. Solana Beach + Cedros Avenue Design District
    • Vibe: Artsy and upscale
    • Description: Shop home goods and local art, then hit the beach for sunset.
    • Special Events: Taste of Solana, live shows at Belly Up
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  7. Julian Pie + Cider Day Trip
    • Vibe: Cozy and rustic
    • Description: Head to this historic mountain town for apple pie, cider tastings, and gold mine tours.
    • Special Events: Apple Days Festival (Sept–Oct)
    • Best Time: Fall
  8. Carlsbad Flower Fields (seasonal)
    • Vibe: Colorful and romantic
    • Description: Walk through acres of blooming ranunculus — an Instagram dream.
    • Special Events: Spring workshops
    • Best Time: March to early May
  9. Cardiff State Beach Bonfire
    • Vibe: Chill and coastal
    • Description: Roast s’mores, watch surfers, and unwind with ocean sounds.
    • Special Events: None
    • Best Time: Summer and early fall
  10. San Diego Botanic Garden
    • Vibe: Peaceful and green
    • Description: Explore themed gardens and tropical spaces in Encinitas.
    • Special Events: Lightscape (winter), plant sales
    • Best Time: Spring

10 Things To Do Within 60 Miles

  1. Temecula Wine Country
    • Vibe: Boozy and beautiful
    • Description: Spend a day sipping at vineyards with scenic views and hot air balloons overhead.
    • Special Events: Wine & Balloon Festival (May–June)
    • Best Time: Spring and fall
  2. Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
    • Vibe: Remote and otherworldly
    • Description: Hike through slot canyons, view desert wildflowers, and stargaze far from city lights.
    • Special Events: Wildflower bloom (Feb–Mar)
    • Best Time: Late winter and early spring
  3. Laguna Beach
    • Vibe: Coastal artsy escape
    • Description: Gallery-hop, tidepool explore, or relax on sandy coves with a SoCal vibe.
    • Special Events: Pageant of the Masters (summer)
    • Best Time: Summer and early fall
  4. Idyllwild Mountain Escape
    • Vibe: Forested and cozy
    • Description: Hike pine-covered trails, browse artisan shops, or rent a romantic cabin.
    • Special Events: Jazz in the Pines
    • Best Time: Fall
  5. Oceanside Harbor + Pier
    • Vibe: Classic SoCal
    • Description: Walk the wooden pier, try fish and chips, and maybe spot surfers or dolphins.
    • Special Events: Harbor Days
    • Best Time: Summer
  6. Mission San Juan Capistrano
    • Vibe: Historic and peaceful
    • Description: Visit the “Jewel of the Missions” with blooming gardens and colonial charm.
    • Special Events: Return of the Swallows (March)
    • Best Time: Spring
  7. Palomar Mountain State Park
    • Vibe: Forested and cool (literally)
    • Description: Camp, hike, and visit the observatory above 5,000 feet.
    • Special Events: Star parties
    • Best Time: Summer
  8. Del Mar Horseback Riding on the Beach
    • Vibe: Dreamy and unforgettable
    • Description: Book a ride along the sand near San Dieguito River and the Pacific Ocean.
    • Special Events: Seasonal sunset rides
    • Best Time: Spring through fall
  9. Escondido Craft Beer + Distillery Tour
    • Vibe: Hoppy and handcrafted
    • Description: Check out local breweries and distilleries in one of SoCal’s underrated craft hubs.
    • Special Events: San Diego Beer Week (November)
    • Best Time: Year-round
  10. Borrego Springs Sky Art Sculptures
    • Vibe: Desert and surreal
    • Description: Road trip through 130+ massive metal sculptures scattered across the desert floor.
    • Special Events: None
    • Best Time: Winter to early spring

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.”