San Diego is an amazing city that highlights beach living in sunny California. There are plenty of things to do, whether it's viewing seahorses at the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla, paddleboarding in the bay, eating a California burrito from a small taqueria, or just enjoying a sandy day at the beach. San Diego is broken up into different areas, including lavish Coronado, vibrant Pacific Beach, upscale La Jolla, and family-friendly Mission Beach, among others. Each area has its own personality, paired with exciting experiences and delicious eateries.

I have family in this city, so I have been able to get the tea on some great local spots. Of course, there are many more incredible places than what is listed below, but I put together a great mix of locations that I personally like to visit whenever I am in the area. Read on for some ideas to add to your itinerary in San Diego!

Waterbar

📍4325 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Waterbar is exactly how it sounds. The entire restaurant has a water theme, and large windows frame beautiful ocean views. The décor includes paintings of mermaids and divers, and there are large photos capturing waves and bubbles in the sea. I enjoy visiting this location in Pacific Beach mostly because of the ambiance, but they also serve great drinks and food. Their menu includes beer, wine, and cocktails, with my personal favorite being the frozen watermelon margarita, which is slightly sweet and refreshing on hot days. They also have savory seafood dishes like creamy crab Rangoon dip (my sister's favorite), buttery lobster rolls, and crispy fish tacos.

I am usually able to get in at the bar just fine without a reservation. However, it's suggested that you make a reservation if you want to get a table.

The Henry

📍1031 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118

The Henry is a fancier restaurant serving modern American cuisine in Coronado. This includes rich pastas, steaks, and harvest bowls. I was personally blown away by the food here, and we loved their puffed pretzel appetizer paired with provolone fondue. I don't think you can go wrong with any of their dishes, but I especially liked the bolognese and the braised short rib. They are both savory and made me do a little happy dance. Along with the amazing food, there are also high-class cocktails and drinks available.

We did not make reservations but were able to get in just fine. However, it does get busy around lunch or dinnertime, so I would keep this in mind.

Georges at the Cove

📍1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037

Georges at the Cove is a classy, upscale restaurant in La Jolla. However, it is unique because there are multiple levels, including the Ocean Terrace and Level2. Both serve similar menus, but the Ocean Terrace is situated on the rooftop, while Level2 is covered and located on the second floor. Due to the high pricing, I personally like to go during their happy hour to save money. The menu is constantly changing, but typically you can get discounted drinks from 2–5 p.m., Monday through Friday, at both bars. Check out their website for further details on their offerings.

The restaurant overlooks the blue ocean, and every seat has a great view. Their cocktails are also strong and well-crafted. Food typically isn't included on the happy hour menu, but they do offer a wide variety of fresh seafood if you want to order from the regular menu. My favorite appetizer is the crispy calamari, served with lemon and fresh tartar sauce.

Oltre Mare

📍4286 Cass St, San Diego, CA 92109

Hands down, this is one of the best Italian restaurants in San Diego. Tucked away in a converted house in Pacific Beach, Oltre Mare is a hidden gem that many locals frequent. You can enjoy fresh homemade pastas and pizza in an intimate, cozy space. They do not serve alcohol, but you can bring your own wine to open at no cost.

We had the spaghetti alle vongole, which was thin pasta served with clams, olive oil, and garlic. We also had the pappardelle ai funghi porcini, which featured thick pasta noodles and fresh mushrooms covered in a creamy sauce. Both dishes were exquisite, and I ate everything on my plate despite being full. We couldn't leave without dessert, so we tried their homemade tiramisu, and I was in heaven. It was light and airy, with just the right amount of sweetness. I highly recommend this restaurant if you are in the area.

Sun Deck: Hotel Del Coronado

📍1500 Orange Ave. Coronado, CA 92118

Hotel Del Coronado is a luxurious beach resort that has been around since 1888. It is shaped like a giant sandcastle, with pointed rooftops and waving flags. I have not yet had the opportunity to stay here, but I always enjoy exploring it and walking along the surrounding beach. They have a handful of restaurants and gift shops that are open to the public, but my personal favorite is the Sun Deck.

The Sun Deck is a large deck leading toward the sea. It is surrounded by glass walls, which allow for beautiful 360-degree views. There is cozy lounge furniture and even fire pits to add to the ambiance. The restaurant serves customers on a walk-in basis only, but I have never had a problem getting in. There is a full bar on site, and the menu offers a variety of seafood dishes. I personally like ending my night here with a glass of wine while enjoying the sunset views.

Captain's Quarters

📍910 Grand Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Captain's Quarters is a pirate-themed speakeasy located in the Grand Central Business Center. Its sister speakeasy, The Grass Skirt, has a fun Polynesian theme and is situated right next to Captain's Quarters. No password is needed to enter, but you will need to let the host know which speakeasy you want to visit before entering.

After stepping through a door made of kitchen tile, Captain's Quarters transports you to the inside of a pirate ship. The interior is made of polished wood, and the open ocean peers through fake windows. Tentacles from a giant octopus dangle from the ceiling, and painted captain's portraits give off eerie, Disney Haunted Mansion vibes.

Aside from the unique ambiance, the drinks are strong, and there are plenty of cocktails to choose from. There is a food menu, but mostly small bites are served. Definitely check out this fun speakeasy if you get the opportunity!

The Whaling Bar

📍1132 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

If you find yourself in La Jolla, The Whaling Bar is an excellent spot to grab trendy cocktails and meticulously crafted cuisine. This upscale restaurant gives me old Hollywood and Gatsby vibes with its emerald velvet chairs and gold accents. The cocktails are carefully curated, with both classic and unique ingredients such as avocado tequila, chai tea–infused bourbon, Earl Grey–infused gin, and even homemade ice cream.

The food is prepared elegantly and made with top-quality ingredients. To this day, I still dream about the Caesar "Twinkie" salad, which comes with fresh romaine spears, creamy dressing, grated Parmesan, and fried croutons. While there are no Twinkies in the dish, it is definitely one of the best takes on a Caesar salad I have ever had. We also enjoyed a braised short rib bao bun and a juicy cheeseburger made with pickled red onion and harissa aioli.

Due to the high prices, I recommend coming for happy hour from 4–5 p.m. daily. While it is a short amount of time, the menu has a decent number of options for both food and drinks. We were able to get seats at the bar without a reservation, but the restaurant did get busier as the night went on.

Flamingo Deck

📍4110 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Flamingo Deck is a vibrant bar and restaurant in Pacific Beach. Centered around flamingos, the décor is a mix of tropical and modern contemporary. Plants hang throughout the space, and there is even a lounge section with cushioned chairs and pillows. This place gets packed as the evening begins, and it has a clubby atmosphere once the sun goes down.

Despite the clubby vibes, this location has some of the best food and drinks around. When I say drinks, I mean the tiramisu martini, which is made with vodka, espresso, coffee liqueur, and tiramisu foam. The creamy, thick tiramisu foam makes the drink, and it is topped with a flamingo made from espresso powder. This is easily one of the best espresso martinis I have ever had.

Along with fun cocktails, Italian food is served, including pasta that is made daily in-house. I tried the Bolognese, which came with chewy pappardelle pasta and a rich, savory meat sauce. This was perfect for soaking up all the alcohol from the delicious martinis. Homemade pizza and focaccia are other items on the menu that are worth checking out.

Better Buzz Coffee

📍1305 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118- There are multiple locations throughout San Diego

Better Buzz is a coffee chain in Southern California that is mostly situated in the San Diego area. It is certified by the California Certified Organic Farmers (CCOF) as an organic coffee roaster and strives to source Fair Trade and Rainforest Alliance coffees. I'm no coffee expert, but I find their coffee to be delicious, and they even have a signature vegan vanilla creamer used in some of their specialty drinks.

The décor in their locations is Instagram-worthy, with vibrant yellow colors and neon signs that play on getting "buzzed." The Pacific Beach West location even has outdoor swings, and I always see furry friends enjoying the patio area. Instagram aside, Better Buzz serves up great coffee, and I stop by multiple times whenever I am in San Diego.

Armonia Kitchen

📍1422 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109

Armonia Kitchen in Pacific Beach serves delicious brunch and coffee. On the menu, you can find organic eggs, acai bowls with house-made granola, breakfast burritos with bean and red salsas (highly recommend), and protein pancakes with bananas and macadamia nuts. All ingredients are fresh, and their lattes are strong and not too sweet. Order at the counter and find a seat inside or outside, since this is a casual restaurant.

Pure Project

📍2865 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103 - There are multiple locations throughout San Diego

Pure Project is one of my favorite breweries in the San Diego area. They have a really chill ambiance, and the Balboa Park location even has outdoor swinging chairs. Relaxing videos of the blue ocean and crashing waves play on their TVs, and greenery hangs from the ceiling. The brewery is dog-friendly, and you can expect to see many furry friends partaking in the experience.

Vibes aside, they also serve delicious, refreshing beer, hard seltzer, cider, wine, and even hard smoothies. I recommend getting a tasting flight so you can try the different options available.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

📍5525 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry is a small bakery in the neighborhood of Bird Rock in San Diego that serves naturally fermented breads and French-inspired pastries. Organic, high-quality local ingredients are used, with fresh sandwiches made every afternoon and even pizza available through pre-order on Friday and Saturday nights. Pastries are baked daily and include different flavored croissants, scones, cookies, and other buttery, flaky treats.

This place gets packed, and you will likely have to wait in line to place your order. If you come for lunch, there are typically only two different types of sandwiches available in the afternoon—one with meat or one that's vegetarian. Seating is limited, with only a long bench outside, but if you don't mind getting cozy with some strangers, this can add to the overall experience. However, the ocean is about a 5-minute walk away, so you could also snag a bench overlooking the beach.

The Britannia Tearooms

📍2323 Midway Dr, San Diego, CA 92110

The Britannia Tearooms serves afternoon tea in a space that has an Alice in Wonderland theme. Clocks line the hallway, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts are painted on the wall, Alice's legs dangle through the ceiling, and a tiny replica of the smoking caterpillar sits on a mushroom. The atmosphere is both fun and relaxing, with lots of things to look at. Even though Alice is a popular character, Harry Potter fanfare can also be found throughout the space. For instance, Moaning Myrtle lurks in the women's restroom, should you decide to brave her.

The afternoon tea package comes with scrumptious finger sandwiches, pastries, and desserts that are presented on a tower of plates. The menu is seasonal and typically changes monthly. Each person also gets their own pot of tea, with over 70 different tea varieties to choose from. We enjoyed our experience here and had superb service, so I highly recommend trying The Britannia Tearooms for a relaxing afternoon. I also recommend booking a reservation in advance through their website.