Ruby & Brian
Ruby & Brian
Things to Do
For out-of-town guests, here are our recommendations for activities and food in San Diego.
Activities
Balboa Park
Famous park with plentiful open spaces, museums, theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. We highly recommend at least walking through to see the beautiful Spanish Colonial architecture, originally built for the 1915–16 Panama–California Exposition.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Beautiful hikes along the cliffs of Torrey Pines overlooking the water. Parking is free if you find a spot at Torrey Pines State Beach (or $20 for the parking lot).
La Jolla Seals & Sea Lions
A short walk from our venue, stop by La Jolla Cove or Children's Pool to watch the seals sunbathe and play. Warning: they smell.
Coronado Ferry Terminal
Take the ferry from downtown to Coronado Island for $8. You can spend the day at Coronado beaches, walk the boardwalk, get some ice cream from MooTime Creamery, and/or see the famous Hotel Del Coronado.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
Watch the sunset at Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Explore the historic neighborhood of Old Town, originally the home of the Kumeyaay tribe, and later the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. Now filled with historic buildings, quaint shops, and Mexican-American art.
Food & Drink
Fast casual:
• The Taco Stand and City Tacos for great tacos (both with multiple locations around the city)
• Poki One N Half: many locations, my go-to poke place
• The Crack Shack: Located in Little Italy, a great place for fried chicken
• Azucar: a Cuban bakery in Ocean Beach with killer sandwiches and desserts
Breakfast/brunch:
• The Cottage: my favorite brunch spot in La Jolla. Their scones are great. Go early (by 9:30) to avoid a wait.
• Brockton Villa: another great brunch spot in La Jolla
• Madi and Hanna's Gourmet for decadent pancakes and brunch in Normal Heights
• Communal Coffee is my favorite cute coffee shop in San Diego. It also has the best avocado toast.
Dining:
~ These are our favorite restaurants in San Diego. Make reservations weeks to months in advance if you plan to go. ~
• Herb & Wood: California-style mediterranean in Little Italy
• Born & Raised: aesthetic steakhouse in Little Italy with great cocktails
• Mabel's Gone Fishing: Iberian restaurant in North park
• Callie: Mediterranean in the the Gaslamp
• Animae: Asian-fusion in the Gaslamp
• Trust: New American in Hillcrest
• Buona Forchetta: for traditional Neapolitan pizza (or pasta)
• Mister A's: classic fine-dining establishment with a panoramic view of San Diego
Bars:
• The Rose: our favorite neighborhood wine bar with some cocktails and great tapas selection.
• Mothership: also in our neighborhood. A very cool space-themed Tiki bar (rum only)
• The Lafayette Hotel: newly-renovated hotel with a selection of themed bars (mezcal bar, bar with a bowling alley, pool-side bar, diner)