Find your weekend happy place in San Diego!

Bird Rock is a cool, cozy neighborhood in La Jolla. With amazing ocean views and charming restaurants, this is the place to get yourself set for an amazing day in San Diego. There may be a line outside Wayfarer Bread and Pastry, but you’ll be thankful once you taste one of their croissants, buns, scones or other morning pastries. You can also hit up Dodo Bird Donuts for one of their legendary donuts, one of their amazing breakfast sandwiches (or both, we’re not judging!) along with a wide variety of coffees, teas and breakfast beverages.

Torrey Pines is nationally known for its premier waterfront golf course, and although avid golfers will certainly want to book a tee time for the majestic Pacific Ocean views alone, there’s plenty more to do in Torrey Pines. Take on acres of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve trails by foot, and keep your eyes peeled for dolphins and an array of birds. Or, head to the Gliderport, the most historic aviation site in North America with nearly 100 years of flying history. It’s the best place for foot-launched flying, as the location provides every service, from beginners to experts (more than 40 advanced clinics are offered each year), for paragliding or hang gliding.

Ever wonder why Point Loma is one of San Diego’s most photographed spots? The hilly peninsula, overlooking the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay, boasts panoramic views of the skyline and up-close observations of notable landmarks, like the original Point Loma Lighthouse and the Cabrillo National Monument. Hike around Shelter Island (hint: it’s actually an isthmus), where there’s sandy beaches, picnic tables complete with fire pits, and boat ramps. The Point Loma tide pools are also a must, and the Sunset Cliffs, as visitors might guess, are perfect for watching those vibrant San Diego sunsets.

Can’t come to a consensus on what to eat? Whether you’re craving a fresh-fruit smoothie, Bangkok pan-fried noodles, Argentinian empanadas or a sweet (or savory!) French crepe, Liberty Public Market is the ultimate destination for indecisive foodies with a global palate. Located in Liberty Station’s oldest Barack, which was once home to San Diego’s navy training camp, this bustling seven-day-a-week market is filled with nearly 40 hip eateries as well as specialty food—and craft!—vendors.

La Jolla Cove is one of the most sought-after kayaking destinations in Southern California. For starters, the calm waters make it the perfect active pastime for all skill levels, including first-timers. Bring your own boat or take a guided tour to learn about the stunning rock formations, steep cliffs and rugged coastline. Be sure you make your way to Seven Sea Caves, where you can paddle through a series of caverns carved out by the sea. If that’s not enough water exploration, visit La Jolla Underwater Park to snorkel with a variety of fish and marine animals in their natural habitat. Looking for a simpler family-friendly option? Head to the aptly named Children’s Pool Beach to catch a glimpse of the majestic—and quite silly—La Jolla seals and sea lions who sunbathe on the shore year-round but primarily during pupping season.

Come for the cocktails, stay for the visual—and experiential—art. This North Park bar prides itself on botanical-based artisanal spirits sourced from around the world (and seasonal bar bites!), but the 1,500-square-foot space doubles as an art gallery. It houses several custom-designed framed screens that display a rotating collection of digital works from artists around the globe. The unique space features not just commissioned pieces from local artists but also unique non-fungible tokens—also known as NFTs.

What makes San Diego sunset sails so special? Not only are they typically associated with calm ocean conditions because the ocean breezes usually die down at sunset, but they take in not only the beautiful San Diego skyline, but also offer views of the scenic waterfront, military vessels and historical landmarks. There are a number of cruise companies to choose from, so make sure they offer just what you need whether you’re looking for a traditional sailboat, a catamaran or a duffy boat.

There’s no shortage of competition for top-notch Mexican cuisine in San Diego, so it wouldn’t be right to visit and not dine out at a traditional Mexican restaurant. Las Cuatro Milpas is a beloved taco hot spot known for its homemade corn tortillas and tamales. Be prepared for a line out the door—it’s well worth the wait!

San Diego is the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles (or anywhere, for that matter). This weekend itinerary will offer you just a taste of what’s available, and we’re pretty sure you’re going to want to come back and explore on your own. Also, if you’ve already experienced the restaurants in this article or you want to change things up a little, make sure to check out our restaurant recommendations.

Funded in part with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds.