Sunny San Diego has a well-earned reputation for near-perfect weather in every season, with over 250 blue-sky days each year. But gorgeous weather isn’t the only thing this Southern California city has going for it. It’s also home to 70 miles of gorgeous coastline, a bustling downtown area showcasing world-class dining, art, and entertainment, and pockets of cozy neighborhoods just waiting to be explored.
Because San Diego offers something fun for everyone, we’ve come up with three perfect ways to enjoy three different types of vacations in this West Coast beach town.
Way #1 – Family Vacation: Fun for All Ages
Things to Do:
San Diego is a real-life dream destination for families, packed with exciting attractions and tons of fun activities. Spend a day at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, where kids can see everything from mountain lions and leopards to elephants, camels, and capybaras. Families can also upgrade their zoo experience with guided tours and up-close wildlife encounters.
For adventure park fun, there’s Legoland California Resort, a 128-acre theme park with rides and shows, a massive water park, and the really cool SEA LIFE® Aquarium, just 30 minutes away from your Equity Estates home. Or, if you’re up for a 90-mile road trip up the coast, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure parks are always must-do, fun-for-all-ages destinations.
Of course, right outside your door you’ll find gorgeous Mission Beach where the whole family can set up chairs and umbrellas and while away the day playing and swimming in the water, building sandcastles, or simply soaking up the sun.
Places to Go:
Besides the theme parks and zoo, there are dozens of other places worth a visit when you’re vacationing in San Diego with the kids or grandkids.
Head over to Balboa Park for the amazing museums and attractions there. Take a spin on the historic carousel, check out exhibits at the Comic-Con Museum, Fleet Science Center, or the San Diego Air and Space Museum, and run, climb, and play on the Pepper Grove or Sixth Avenue playgrounds.
For more outdoor fun, pack a picnic and take the family to La Jolla Cove, where kids can watch sea lions sunbathe on frolic on the rocks.
Restaurants to Try:
Don’t miss a chance to have breakfast, lunch, or dinner at World Famous. This casual, beachside restaurant is known for its delicious pancakes and Baja breakfasts in the morning, tacos and sandwiches in the afternoon, and kid-friendly small plates and entrees at night.
If you’re craving Italian, pay a visit to Filippi’s Pizza Grotto at Pacific Beach. The portions are huge, and the old-world atmosphere is warm and inviting. With a full menu of pastas, pizzas, and house-special entrees, it’s a great end-of-day spot that both kids and adults will love.
Way #2 – Friends Trip: Adventure and Nightlife
Things to Do:
Gather your friends for surfing lessons on Mission Beach where you can spend the morning out on the water together followed by an afternoon checking out the famous Mission Beach Boardwalk. Take a 90-minute, guided group kayak tour through the La Jolla Sea Caves. Or keep your adventure land-based and head out for a scenic hike at the stunning Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
For a truly unique San Diego experience, sign up for the three-hour walking Beerucation Tour in North Park to check out some of the area’s best craft breweries. Catch a Padres game at Petco Park. Or visit the fabulously fun Belmont Park, a historic beachfront amusement area featuring midway games, mini-golf, rides and the iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster.
Places to Go:
During your friends trip to San Diego, be sure to set aside time to head over to downtown La Jolla for sightseeing and shopping. Visit Girard Avenue & Prospect Street for a range of local and big-name boutiques and walk to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for panoramic ocean views and a chance to see wild seals, sea lions, gulls, and pelicans on the rocky shore below.
In the evening, explore the buzzing Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll find restaurants, bars, rooftop lounges, and live music venues for an unforgettable night out. For a special treat, wrap up your night at Noble Experiment, a hidden speakeasy serving expertly crafted cocktails in a swanky, intimate setting behind a secret door inside The Neighborhood restaurant.
Restaurants to Try:
For breakfast, try the coffee and pastries at Olive Baking Company (their cinnamon rolls are a must) or hit up Breakfast Republic, a lively spot with creative dishes like s’mores French toast and a shrimp & ricotta frittata. Both are just minutes from your Equity Estates home.
The super-casual El Jefe Tacos beachside stand can’t be beat for lunch. They serve up deliciously authentic grab-and-go tacos that you order, pick up, and enjoy outside. The fish tacos, in particular, (drizzled with a tangy chipotle crème sauce and accompanied by a refreshing agua fresca) make for a true beachy SoCal lunch experience.
As the sun goes down, gather for dinner on the rooftop lounge at Cannonball Sushi. Merging traditional Japanese fare with California flavors, this beachside spot offers unique sashimi and sushi rolls, light apps and salads, and heartier entrees such as the Cannonball Burger and Crispy Salmon Tacos. They also take reservations for large parties and feature live acoustic music on Thursday nights.
Way #3 – Couples Getaway: Romance by the Water
Things to Do:
San Diego’s picturesque coastline and laid-back vibe make it a perfect romantic destination.
Relax together on the beach right outside the door of your Equity Estates home. Afterwards, enjoy a couples massage or spa treatment at Catamaran Spa or the Hotel del Coronado — or, better yet, let your Destination Manager arrange an in-home spa day for you.
Put on your walking shoes for a day out at Balboa Park, the 1,200-acre cultural heart of the city. Balboa is the world’s largest urban park (even larger than Central Park in NYC) and is home to over a dozen wonderful museums, beautifully lush gardens, nice restaurants, and the famous San Diego Zoo — all just a short 15-minute drive from Mission Beach.
For a touch of adventure, consider a private sunset sail from San Diego Bay, where you can sip champagne onboard a comfortable sailing yacht while admiring the city skyline and setting sun.
Places to Go:
Stroll hand-in-hand through the charming streets of Old Town San Diego, where you’ll discover historic sites, unique shops, and cozy courtyards perfect for an afternoon of shopping and sightseeing.
If you love wine, take a day trip to Temecula Valley, about an hour’s drive away, where you can enjoy vineyard tours and intimate wine tastings.
And for breathtaking views, drive down to Cabrillo National Monument to hike scenic bayside and oceanside trails and take in panoramic, picture-perfect sights of the Pacific Ocean and downtown San Diego.
Restaurants to Try:
For some of the best romantic dining in the city, consider a cozy candlelit dinner of traditional Italian pastas and burrata at Enoteca Adriano. Try the elevated California-inspired Mediterranean cuisine at upscale Herb & Wood, where entrees such as grilled Iberico pork and za’atar-crusted tuna steal the show. Or enjoy reservations at the uniquely modern Mister A’s. Perched atop the Manchester Financial Building, this sleek yet romantic restaurant offers a fresh take on the classic French-influenced American menu with sharable dishes, an expansive cocktail and wine list, live jazz, and a dazzling 360-degree view of the city skyline — perfect for an unforgettable night out.
At Home with Equity Estates:
Take California living to a whole new level with Equity Estate’s beachfront San Diego vacation home.
Just a short drive from La Jolla and steps from the water, this light and airy five-bedroom residence is perfect for couples’ getaways, friends’ trips, and unforgettable family vacations. Located on Mission Beach, the home boasts a spacious open floor plan, expansive deck space, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing beautiful ocean views.
Your Destination Manager will work with you to plan your itinerary before you arrive and make sure your stay is effortless. Leave the details to us and arrive to a fully stocked kitchen and bar with groceries of your choice. With Equity Estates, comfort and luxury are yours.
Travel with Equity Estates for a unique and memorable experience. If you would like more information about investing with Equity Estates, please reach out to our Investor Relations team at 404.445.8501 or click to schedule a call. Your personalized San Diego getaway awaits!
