Lifestyle
Gray's Guides
San Diego

San Diego

Known for its idyllic climate and miles of pristine coastline, San Diego is a laid-back and historic, yet cosmopolitan and vibrant city drawing over 30 million visitors a year.

Stay

From family-run inns to world-renowned luxury resorts, find a welcoming home away from home.

Hotel del Coronado

An iconic oceanfront property located on Coronado Island, Hotel Del Coronado was built in 1888 and embodies the Southern California state of mind.

The Lodge at Torrey Pines

Overlooking the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, this Craftsman-style resort is upscale, cozy, and a wonderful place to get away.

Rancho Valencia

Situated amongst lush gardens and olive groves, Rancho Valencia is a small luxury hotel with a particular focus on wellness and impeccable service.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

A 400-acre Mediterranean-style resort featuring a private golf course, four pools, an outdoor fitness center, and San Diego's only three-Michelin starred restaurant (Addison).

Pendry San Diego

A fabulous, design-forward hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter featuring a rooftop pool and six distinct restaurants and bars on site.

Alila Marea

A luxurious clifftop resort situated near the coastal community of Encinitas.

Eat

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Juniper and Ivy

Opened in 2014 by Top Chef winner Richard Blais, this popular contemporary American restaurant has gained a reputation for its creative and innovative cuisine.

Callie

Translating to "the most beautiful" in Greek, Callie is a California-Mediterranean restaurant in San Diego's East Village.

Mister A's

Recently renovated, this fine-dining restaurant in Bankers Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the San Diego skyline. It's a popular destinations for special occasions and romantic dinners.

Jeune et Jolie

Experience French cuisine through a Southern California lens at this Michelin-starred restaurant in Carlsbad.

Buona Forchetta

A pizza-centric Italian restaurant with outposts all throughout San Diego County.

Fort Oak

Bold, smoky, wood-fired flavors in San Diego's Mission Hills neighborhood.

Serẽa

Located at Hotel del Coronado, Serẽa offers the ultimate sea-to-table experience, as well as hand-crafted cocktails and million-dollar views.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry

Located in the seaside neighborhood of Bird Rock, this small batch bakery is focused on selling naturally fermented breads, as well as pastries and sandwiches.

A.R. Valentien

Tucked inside the upscale Lodge at Torrey Pines, this contemporary American restaurant offers its visitors both a stunning atmosphere and immaculately-prepared dishes.

Morning Glory

A favorite for boozy brunch in Little Italy, Morning Glory never disappoints.

Trust

A stylish neighborhood eatery offering New American fare, wine, and cocktails.

Et Voilà French Bistro

A charming restaurant in North Park serving traditional French dishes and an extensive wine list.

Born and Raised

A popular steakhouse housed in a stunning Art Deco building. The restaurant has received numerous accolades.

Pannikin Coffee & Tea

Housed in a historic Victorian-era building in the heart of Encinitas, Pannikin has been a local favorite for coffee, teas, baked goods, sandwiches, and salads since it opened in 1968.

Drink

Dining out is an essential part of any travel experience. Explore our favorite restaurants, bars, and more.

Craft & Commerce

Featuring rustic and industrial decor, this restaurant and bar is known for its craft cocktails, which are made with fresh ingredients and house-made syrups and bitters.

False Idol

Tucked inside Craft & Commerce, this tiki bar offers exotic spirits alongside a small menu of Polynesian-inspired dishes.

Polite Provisions

Enjoy a unique and memorable drinking experience in this apothecary-esque cocktail bar.

Campfire

A counterpart to popular Jeune et Jolie, this indoor/outdoor restaurant and bar is an ideal place for cocktails in Carlsbad.

Wolf in the Woods

An intimate wine bar and cafe located in the beautiful neighborhood of Mission Hills.

Sun Deck at Hotel del Coronado

Bask in the sun while enjoying stunning panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, Coronado Beach, and the hotel's iconic red-roofed turrets.

Starlite

An award-winning hidden gem featuring hard-to-find spirits, unique cocktails, and locally-sourced food.

Wormwood

A French bar dedicated to all things absinthe.

What to do

Immerse yourself in local activities — including world-class golf courses, beaches, spas, parks, and more.

Balboa Park

A 1,200-acre urban park offering a variety of cultural institutions, gardens, walking trails, and performance spaces.

Encinitas Surfing

The city has several beaches that are popular among surfers, including Swami's, Cardiff Reef, and Moonlight Beach.

San Diego Zoo

A world-renowned zoo located in Balboa Park housing over 3,500 animals from 650 species.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve Hike

Offering panoramic views, the most popular hike in the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is the Beach Trail, which leads to the beautiful Torrey Pines State Beach.

Whale Watching

Several species of whales can be seen off the San Diego coast during their migration season. The prime season runs from December to April.

La Jolla Sea Lions

Observe a beloved colony of sea lions basking in the sun and swimming in the cove. Walk to half-mile Coast Walk Trail from La Jolla Cove to La Jolla Shores for great views.

Black's Beach

A secluded and picturesque beach located in La Jolla. Known for its stunning cliffs, clear water, and beautiful scenery, Black's Beach is clothing-optional.

Culture

Discover local art museums, theaters, landmarks, festivals, and more.

La Jolla Playhouse

A Tony Award-winning theater founded in 1947 and known for its commitment to new works.

San Diego Museum of Art

A prominent art museum located in Balboa Park housing an impressive collection of more than 20,000 works of art from around the world.

USS Midway Museum

Housed in the aircraft carrier USS Midway, which served the US Navy from 1945 until 1992, this museum features over 60 exhibits and 29 restored aircraft.

Explore San Diego Photography

Surf’s Up, San Diego

The Sunbathers, Hotel del Coronado

Beach Day Pups, San Diego

Beach Ball Splash, Hotel del Coronado

Dogs at the Del, Hotel del Coronado

Torrey Pines Beach

Torrey Pines Beach Horizontal

The Surfboards, Hotel Del Coronado

Surf’s Up Vertical, Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado

Beach Day, Hotel Del Coronado

Moonlight Beach Vertical

Spotted at the Beach, San Diego

Surf’s Up, Hotel del Coronado

Ice Cream Cheers, Hotel del Coronado

Sunbathing Beauties, Hotel del Coronado

Surfing Beauties, Hotel del Coronado

S’mores on the Beach, Hotel del Coronado

The Arrival, Hotel del Coronado

Beach Reads, Hotel del Coronado

Nude Surfer, Black's Beach

The Surfers, Hotel del Coronado

La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club

Milkshakes for Two, Hotel del Coronado

La Jolla Shores Vertical

Moonlight Beach

Moonlight Beach Diagonal

The Cabana Girls, Hotel del Coronado

La Jolla Cove

Children’s Pool Beach

Del Mar Beach

Ocean Beach

Windansea Beach

The Cabana, Hotel Del Coronado

Cruising California, Hotel del Coronado

Afternoon Surf, Hotel del Coronado

Beach Ball Babes, Hotel del Coronado

Solana Beach Lifeguard Stand

Solana Beach

Scripps Beach

Del Mar Beach Vertical

The Concierge, Hotel del Coronado

The Lobby, Hotel del Coronado

Basking in the Sun, Hotel del Coronado

La Jolla Surfers

Law Street Beach

La Jolla Shores

Pacific Beach

Marine Street Beach, La Jolla

La Jolla Surfboard