The Locals-Only Guide to San Diego
So the saying goes in California- we grew here you flew here. San Diego is home to some of the best beaches, best microbreweries and best weather in the world. It’s no wonder why locals take pride in their California culture so seriously. The relaxed, sunny city draws up to 34 million tourists a year making it densely packed in a lot of areas especially during the summer months.
San Diego Bay
Living in the Golden State my entire life throughout SoCal, I'm truly a born and bred Cali Girl. The Beach Boys sang about us, Katy Perry dedicated a whole song to us and Maroon 5 sings about how great our weather is. So according to popular culture, I've learned that you truly cannot go wrong with being in California. Every area of the state has something exceptional to discover but San Diego definitely tops the list in its allure for its iconic beaches and undeniable sunsets happening year round.
La Jolla Sunset
So after years of bumming on the beach and grubbing after a long day spent in the sun, I bring you my locals-only guide to living like a San Diegan for the day—a little bit of surf, a little bit of sand, and a lot of good times to look forward to. When it comes to eating, drinking, and handling the sun like a local- I’ve got you covered!
EAT
A lot of San Diegans are big foodies and if the sun is out you can find us binging on bottomless mimosas and scarfing down a huge brunch. We pride our city on its restaurant options so when dining in San Diego, location is key.
Queenstown Public House
Queenstown is a New Zealand- themed pub situated in the heart of Little Italy. Their extensive menu features grass-fed burgers and upscale bar fare including a large selection of local craft beer. Their outside dining area and dog-friendly patio draws locals in on the weekend for brunch and friendly gatherings. The Portobello fries are to die for and the chicken potpie is nothing you have ever seen before.
Queenstown Public House | 1557 Columbia St.
Coasterra
If you’re willing to drop a few dollars on some food this is the place to do it.
With panoramic dining views of the San Diego Bay, you’re not just paying for the delicious modern Mexican food. This ocean-hovering restaurant is the best view in town and you must have a reservation to even get in unless you try your luck at the bar. The Deb's Coconut Margarita is hands down the tastiest piece of paradise you will ever get your hands on.
100% Angus Beef Carne Asada with Chimichurri & Cotija Fries
Coasterra | 880 Harbor Island Dr.
Luche Libre
This authentic street-style Mexican taco shop is a cult favorite with the locals. Either after a long day at the beach soaking up the sun or a long day of drinking craft beer, this is the go-to for greasy goodness. The brightly colored restaurant is adorned with Mexican-style wrestling masks and you can rent out the wrestling ring for private parties. A very eclectic gem of San Diego’s foodie culture.
Luche Libre | 1810 W. Washington St.
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
San Diego is known for its fish tacos. If you are looking for the freshest in town, Blue Water is unquestionably the best spot. If you aren’t a fan of fish then try their delicious fresh clam chowda!
Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill | 3667 India St.
Chez Nous
It may look like a little hole in the wall but this Mom and Pop shop is where you will find the best spicy chicken sandwich you will ever taste. That’s all you need to know.
Chez Nous | 9821 Carroll Canyon Rd. Suite E
Pizza Port
If pizza and beer isn’t the best combination in the world than I don’t know what is and Pizza Port is the master of this combination. Why not grab a slice and a brew at this brewpub and then walk it off by taking a stroll on the beach? Sounds like the best day ever if you ask me.
Pizza Port Brewing Co. | 135 N. Hwy 101
DRINK
Just like everywhere else in the world, us San Diegans like to drink. With over 100 microbreweries, San Diego is known as the “Craft Beer Capital of America,” so yeah we know how to drink. Here are a few of our faves-
Polite Provisions
Be one with the San Diegan local hipster scene and enjoy a craft cocktail at this apothecary style bar complete with an atrium. If counting change tickles your fancy you can count how much money is on the floor in the bathroom tiling made out of nickels. Tagging along with a group? Make sure you try out their awesome punchbowls!
Polite Provisions | 4696 30th St.
Seven Grand
If you’re looking for a cabin-like feel, this bar is just for you. This hip bar is complete with pool tables, plaid wallpaper, taxidermy and an extensive whiskey menu. The dimly lit atmosphere and dark wood interior will make you feel like you are at an outing with your friends in the woods.
Seven Grand | 3054 University Ave.
Wonderland
This local ocean view hideaway is a perfect place to grab a drink and catch a sports match at any point in the day. The views are killer and the drink menu won’t break your wallet. You will often find people sitting around in their swimsuits while tracking sand in after them.
Wonderland Ocean Pub | 5083 Santa Monica Ave.
Rustic Root
A new bar that recently popped up in the bustling nightlife of the Gas Lamp Quarter. Locals try to avoid Gas Lamp as much as they can during the summer as lines grow longer for the bars and cover charges go up to keep up with the tourist season. However, if we must we will only be found at a bar where we can easily catch our fellow San Diegans. Rustic Root is a modern rooftop bar with the best view looking down on Gas Lamp Quarter. The open air aspect is also a nice touch considering bars tend to get hot inside during the summer and this is nicely ventilated in the most natural way!
Rustic Root | 535 Fifth Ave.
BREWERIES
Ballast Point
A San Diego staple. With multiple locations around the city, you can’t go wrong with grabbing a day brew and hanging outside on their outdoor patios with some good friends. You can hang there all day if you please! Grab a pint of refreshing Grapefruit Sculpin or enjoy their classic Pale Ale. If you want to catch the locals you can see them hanging out as regulars in the Scripps Ranch location.
Ballast Point Brewery | 10051 Old Grove Rd.
Belching Beaver
If you love peanut butter as much as I do, then this brewery is for you! The Peanut Butter Milk Stout is definitely a top seller along with their Me So Honey Ale. They offer a variety of beers but the flavors they use stand out among the rest providing for a long day of sampling and indulging in these different flavors.
Belching Beaver Brewery | 980 Park Center Dr.
Saint Archer
Handcrafted beers and weekend food trucks lure the locals directly to their doorstep. With a surfer, beach themed interior how can we not end up here? This company directly markets their beer towards the young craft brew enthusiast. Don’t forget to pick up a growler or a stylish tee before you head out.
Saint Archer Brewery | 9550 Distribution Ave.
DO
Locals are either very active or very lazy on the weekends. We enjoy our outdoor activities but also pride ourselves on our laid back culture. So unless we are taking a nap on the couch or even out by the pool you can find us gathering up a group for a day of fun.
Cruising around downtown
Bike Balboa Park
San Diego isn’t necessarily known for its architecture but Balboa Park is a landscape of arts and culture that will leave you in awe. Balboa Park also offers a large variety of museums but the 1,200 acre urban cultural park is best seen from the outside. So rent a bike and take a relaxing ride while getting lost amongst the different gardens, the old globe theater or even ride along the beautifully crafted Cabrillo Bridge.
Go to a Locals Only Beach
The summer beach crowds are every San Diegans worst nightmare. I would probably be banned from California if I gave out the true locals-only hidden beaches but I will give you a few beach options that will take you away from the crowds and enjoy some sun and sand like a local-
Black’s Beach – San Diego’s only nude beach. There is no direct route but you can access the beach by trail or if the tide is low enough you can cross over through the North tail end of Scripps Beach.
Black's Beach still beautiful with the foggy marine layer
Wind & Sea – Just around the corner from San Diego’s most famous family-friendly beach of La Jolla Shores is a more calm and scenic version. You can access Wind & Sea easily- just head South on Prospect Street (keep going past the cove) and once you reach the residential area just keep following the coastline until you find a long staircase that leads you down to the beach.
Some wind, a lot of sea and not a lot of people.
11th Street Del Mar- You will literally need to find 11th street in Del Mar, if you are driving you can park on 11th or a street nearby. Once you are on 11th street walk to the dead end and then you will have to walk over the railroad tracks and walk down the cliffs to access the beach. Local tip- check tide levels before going! This is primarily a surfing beach so if tide is too high there will not be enough sand to put your belongings down.
11th Street. See? No one around.
Walk Along the Coast and See Sunset Cliffs
Throw some walking shoes on and a tank top! Brace yourself for one of the most beautiful walks you’ll ever take. Aligned with sandy cliffs and beautiful beach homes you will find yourself amongst one of the most pristine spots in San Diego. What better time to go to Sunset Cliffs than, well- when the sun is setting!
View from the cliffs
STAY
Locals wouldn’t stay in hotels so why should you? Book an Airbnb near the beach or on Bankers Hill overlooking all of downtown. Or why don’t you book a weekend rental in a beach house in Mission Beach or on Mission Bay? Your options are limitless in such a big city with so many different scenes.