San Diego is paradise; beautiful weather, gorgeous beaches, and delicious eateries make San Diego the ultimate California destination. Only a short two-hour drive from Los Angeles, weekend trips to SD are the perfect weekend getaway. We don’t all have money to blow, or the availability to take a week off of work. So, if you’re looking for some time in the sun or a way to shake the winter off your shoulders, follow this perfect weekend itinerary.
11 am Shopping + Coffee in North Park
North Park is a delightful bit of San Diego that is too often overlooked. Before heading into the more traversed parts of SD stop by this charming neighborhood.
Before you get your shop on, drop into Holy Matcha the cutest matcha shop in San Diego. Seriously, my pink-loving heart nearly exploded here. Order a lavender lemonade or a matcha lemonade for a refreshing drink. Then walk two storefronts over to Nomad Donuts for some tasty treats; the menu changes daily so you never know what you’ll get!
Once you have your fuel in hand or belly, head to Hunt and Gather for carefully curated vintage and new goods, or Simply Local for locally made and sourced items. If you have a pup, head into Home and Hound for the cutest accessories for your furry friend. Finally, drop into Pigment for all things plants, plant accessories, and home decor.
1:30 pm: Lunch at Lucha Libre Tacos (Reserve the Ring)
For a fun and photo-worthy lunch head to Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop. Inspired by professional Mexican wrestling, the Rojano brothers opened this fast-casual Mexican restaurant that residents have come to know and love. Everything here is wrestling themed, even the soda machine.
Book “The Ring” for your visit and sit above other patrons in the middle of the wrestling ring. The table is free to reserve and is so much fun. Play with a chest of luchador masks and capes to inspire you before and after your meal. When you’re ready to order (if you’ve reserved the ring) call in on a provided phone straight to the counter. They’ll bring you chips and a huge array of salsas, all in an aptly themed wrestling ring. Or just head in and sit at the normal tables.
2:00 pm: Japanese Friendship Garden
Spend the afternoon walking through the Japanese Friendship Garden in Balboa Park. Tickets cost about $10-$12 depending on your age and student or military status. Explore the beautiful 12-acre garden, have a cup of tea at the Tea Pavilion and catch one of the many tours offered on the grounds.
4:00 pm check into Paradise Point Resort and Spa
Paradise Point Resort and Spa is a dreamy escape from reality tucked away on a 44-acre island close to all the attractions of San Diego, it’s the perfect place to stay. Each of the 462 guest rooms are California Coastal inspired and features everything you could need for a weekend away.
The Bayside Bungalows feature a living room with a TV, a huge comfortable couch, a dining table, and a wet bar. The bedroom has another TV, a bed, and a beautiful big bathroom complete with two separate sink areas.
Some rooms open out onto a small patio and lawn which spill onto the sand and the firepits. The resort has 5 pools, mini golf, tennis courts, basketball courts, a marina, and a handful of rental bikes, surreys, kayaks, and paddleboards.
5:00 pm Happy Hour drinks at Tidal
Drop by Tidal, one of Paradise Point’s restaurants for Happy Hour with a view of the bay. From 4-6 PM, enjoy craft cocktails and small bites to share. Make a friend or two at the bar as you sip and snack. Menus change with the season so you’ll have the chance to explore and try new things each time you visit.
6:00 Take a dip in the pool or enjoy a bonfire
Enjoy one of the 5 pools at Paradise Point or grab a bottle of wine and have a bonfire on the beach. During the weekend fire pits are a great way to make friends and meet others as they relax around a crackling fire. If bonfires are not your thing shimmy into your swimsuit and head to the lagoon pool or the adults-only pool. Soak and relax for a while before heading out for dinner and a night on the town.
7:30 Dinner at Garage Kitchen Bar in the Gaslamp
Have dinner in the gaslamp quarter. This popular area is filled with bars, pubs, restaurants, and cafes perfect for satisfying anyone’s cravings. Grab dinner at Garage Kitchen Bar for some truly divine dishes including some delectable vegan meals. Order the Heirloom Tomatoes with Burrata and Stone Fruit Salad to share; the Vegan Lasagna Bolognese for your main; and Belgian Chocolate Pot De Creme for dessert. Sip on an Oaxacan on Sunshine for a refreshing yet boozy drink.
9:00 Music at Prohibition
Live music at Prohibition begins at 9pm, this 1920’s speakeasy is a small hidden bar tucked away behind an unassuming door in the middle of the Gaslamp Quarter. For $10 you’ll be treated to live music and delish drinks. 1920s wear is encouraged and a dress code is enforced so come in a spiffy outfit or your most swinging getup!
8:00 AM Morning Kayak Trip at the Resort
Wake up early, and explore the bay via Kayak. Rent a kayak at the resort and explore the tranquil waters of the bay. Soak up some sunshine to start your morning off right and work on those arms and that tan.
11:00 AM Breakfast at Miss B’s Coconut Club
After you check out of the resort, get your grub on with a delish brunch. Head to Miss B’s Coconut Club. Order the veggie hash or the Coconut Rum French Toast. To drink, order the Caribe Welcome complete with Puerto Rican Rum, Apricot Brandy, Coco Lopez, coconut water and fresh lime juice served in a coconut. Proceeeds from the cocktail goes to Its All About the Kids Charity.
2:00 Old San Diego Historic State Park Tour
Get learning at San Diego’s Historic State Park with a free walking tour. Tours begin at the Robison-Roe Visitor Information Center at 11 AM and 2 PM. Learn about the history of the area, the buildings, and the people who lived in San Diego before it became the city as we know it! Explore the park after your tour and stop by one of the local shops for unique gifts and sweet souvenirs.
3:00: Head Home
You should feel great, you’ve just spent a wonderful 30 hours in San Diego with pals. Are you feeling inspired? Did you learn about any new locations you’ve never been to? Comment below and let me know! Check out this interactive map of all the places listed and have a wonderful time exploring.
Updated: 12/28/2022
The Great Big Wonder 
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