Things to do in San Diego

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Anyone who visits San Diego, a city of palm trees and blue seas, is bound to find something fun to do, whether that be alone, with a loved one, or out with the guys. The city is a beach-lover’s utopia, but sunny oceanside activities are a small part of all that San Diego has to offer. The complex geography and layout of the area may make exploring the city a little tough, but we have you covered. Our team has compiled a list of the best places to visit, to eat, or to just have a good time in San Diego.

Manchester Grand Hyatt

Situated by the water, the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s two separate towers each provide the most beautiful view of the ocean and the city that San Diego has to offer. At its base lies Seaport Village, a collection of small businesses and restaurants that comfort anyone who enters. It is also close to the Gaslamp Quarter which hosts a large collection of night life activities. 

Hotel del Coronado

This Victorian hotel was built in 1888, making it one of the oldest Victorian hotels in the United States. It is in the beautiful area of Coronado right by the beach and has enough amenities and features to make the most lavish of guests satisfied.

The Dana

This hotel offers a more relaxed stay in San Diego than my other of its counterparts. It is great for families as well since it is very close to SeaWorld and the San Diego Zoo. The sunset viewable from the hotel’s many patios make it the perfect escape for couples too.

Where to Eat in San Diego

Allegro

This Italian restaurant will make you feel as if you’ve been transported to Tuscany in Italy with its terraced roofs and decadent foods. Once you’ve indulged in Allegro’s famous pasta, you can walk the streets of Little Italy and enjoy street performers and Italian shops.

Trujillo’s

This little-known Mexican restaurant is the favorite late-night eat of college students at San Diego State University. After ordering the restaurant’s California burrito or any other of its delicious food offerings, we recommend that you walk around San Diego State University’s beautiful campus.

Hodad’s

In the mood for a burger? We’ve got you covered. This earthy burger spot has some of the best gargantuan-sized burgers ever. Don’t believe us? Ask Guy Fieri about his experience at the joint, featured on his show “Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives.”

Where to Drink in San Diego

Monarch Ocean Pub

The happy hour at Monarch Ocean Pub is unmatched, not only because high quality drinks are cheap, but also because they’re accompanied by a beautiful ocean view. The friendly staff will cater to your every need and ensure that you leave wishing you had spent more time at this beautiful spot.

Whiskey Girl

Located in the Gaslamp Quarter, this bar offers live music, delicious food, and a lively mood. Come here if you’re looking for a good time with friends, or a place to have a couple drinks before going to one of the many nightclubs just down the road.

Coin-Op Game Room

This bar, or better known as a “barcade,” offers a plethora of drink selections paired with an even larger selection of arcade games. Looking to get that high score? Coin-Op Game Room has five of the top twenty pinball machines for pinball enthusiasts.

Best Bars and Night Clubs in San Diego

NOVA SD

This nightclub is by far the best club in San Diego for any fan of EDM or electronic music. The club features several floors with a beautiful rooftop for a calmer escape from the partying crowd below. It is full of people every weekend, making it hard not to make a friend or two.

Bloom Nightclub

A more relaxed  nightclub visited predominantly by locals, this nightclub offers a vibrant dance floor contrasted by a more relaxed entrance bar. The staff is fantastic and will ensure the safety of all customers while partying.

Waterbar

Restaurant by day, nightclub by night, Waterbar is every single guy’s dream. Take some time before the chaos ensues at night to meet new people and enjoy a drink by the water as the sun sets over the ocean. The nightclub is full of young people and will never disappoint.

Best Spots for Single Guys in San Diego

Sunset Cliffs

As the name suggests, this oceanside path offers some of the best views of the sunset San Diego has to offer. Take a seat on one of the many benches in the area with a loved one and enjoy the relaxing breeze and beautiful colors in the sky.

Kate Sessions Park

A go-to spot for locals, Kate Sessions Park is situated on the slope of a hill overlooking the entirety of downtown San Diego and Coronado. Watch as the lights in the city slowly turn on as the day ends and the night time festivities begin.

Belmont Park

Are you more of a thrill-seeker? This oceanside amusement park in Mission Beach is the perfect spot for embracing your wild sides together. Sick of the rides? Take a walk around mission beach and buy some of San Diego’s best tacos.

Best Date Locations in San Diego

Better Buzz

The most iconic local coffee shop, Better Buzz has multiple locations all around San Diego and is an easy choice for anyone visiting San Diego. The environment is hip, trendy, and never fails to disappoint. Their “Best Drink Ever” is known to be the best coffee in San Diego and is raved about by many locals.

The Forum Coffee House

In the mood for coffee, but also have built up an appetite? The Forum Coffee House has a fantastic selection of foods and coffee. We recommend “This Waffle” for those with a sweet tooth paired with the more savory “Troubleshooter” coffee.

Scrimshaw Coffee

This lesser-known coffee shop uses all natural ingredients and has some of the best seasonal coffee blends that San Diego has to offer. The crowd here is a mix of college students and working professionals, creating an environment great for getting work done or for relaxing after a long night.

Want More Local Advice?

At The Guys List, we pride ourselves in being your one-stop shop for all things guy, including local-specific advice for any need you could have. Our local experts are here to help you best prepare for your next guy’s trip, couples getaway, or business meeting. Check out more of our San Diego content for a more in depth look at each of the segments discussed above or check out some of our other city survival guides to figure out the best location for your next adventure!