Eat See Do: San Diego

Freshly grilled or fried fish tacos are among San Diego’s most quintessential dishes: white fish in a crispy coating, served in warm tortillas and topped with slaw, salsa, and a squeeze of lime – reflecting both the city’s coastal location and its proximity to Mexican cuisine. Whether in small hole-in-the-wall joints or cozy bistros, San Diego-style fish tacos are a culinary calling card for the city and taste especially good with a view of the ocean.

More Culinary Delights:

• California Burrito: In San Diego, Mexican cuisine meets California-sized portions – the burrito here is stuffed with carne asada, guacamole, onions, jalapeños, and French fries, making it a hearty local specialty.
• Loaded fries Baja-style: Even beyond the classic burrito, the Mexican-Californian influence shines through – laid-back and very much in the spirit of street food. Fries are “loaded” with toppings such as ground beef, guacamole, beans, cheese, salsa, or jalapeños. You’ll find this dish as a standalone option on the menu at many modern taco spots and casual restaurants.
• Bistro cuisine in Little Italy: In the city’s historic Italian quarter, small, cozy restaurants combine Mediterranean inspiration with local ingredients – from seafood and homemade pasta to antipasti, celebrating the full variety of Italian cuisine.

In Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the history of 19th-century Southern California comes to life. Opened in 1968, this open-air museum paints a vivid picture of early San Diego life through a mix of authentically restored adobe buildings and faithful reconstructions.

Also Worth Seeing:

• La Jolla Cove: Nestled in a sheltered inlet, this small beach is framed by striking rock formations and is ideal for swimming and snorkeling. Sea lions and other marine life are often spotted here, and the view over the Pacific is spectacular.
• Maritime Museum of San Diego: Historic ships, including the Star of India built in 1863, tell stories of international seafaring and the region’s maritime heritage.
• North Park: This vibrant neighborhood is defined by galleries, cafés, stylish boutiques, and small breweries. A stroll along University Avenue, in particular, offers a wealth of varied and memorable impressions.

Along the rugged cliffs above the Pacific and its crashing waves, winding paths invite you to get active and explore – with the chance to watch seals and sea lions in their natural habitat. The trails can be combined into longer loops and offer ever-changing perspectives of the coastline and the city.

More Experiences:

• Kayak or SUP tour through the La Jolla Sea Caves: The seven spectacular caves are carved into the sandstone cliffs between La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores and can be explored on guided kayak tours – an ideal activity, especially in good weather. The caves are part of the La Jolla Underwater Park, a marine reserve with a rich and diverse ecosystem.
• Visit to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave: In the picturesque neighborhood of La Jolla, a staircase through a tunnel leads visitors down to Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave, the only one of the seven sea caves that can be reached from land. It supposedly owes its name to L. Frank Baum, the author of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz.” The cave’s entrance is said to have reminded him of the head of “Sunny Jim,” a mascot from a British cornflakes box.
• Mission Trails Regional Park: Wide hiking trails, hilly paths, and spectacular viewpoints invite you to enjoy long walks and hikes in the largest urban park in San Diego County, covering more than 3,200 hectares (7,907 acres). The literal high point is 485-meter (1,591-foot) Cowles Mountain, one of the park’s five peaks, which rewards hikers with a breathtaking panorama.