A Canberra Girl’s Guide to San Diego
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Warm up those taste buds and have your best camera on hand, because San Diego does not hold back on immaculate food, drinks, and scenic spots.
It’s been several weeks since I returned from my study abroad trip to San Diego, and yes, I haven’t stopped thinking about how unreal that beautiful city is. I distinctly remember the palm trees waving in the breeze, the sunsets that look like they came straight out of a painting, the endless nature reserves, beaches, and parks to explore, and the authentic and diverse food scene that blew my mind.
And since I’ve had ample time to reflect and reminisce on everything that I ate, drank, and explored in San Diego, what better way to use this knowledge than to share it? So, this detailed guide is for all the travel bugs itching for a sun-soaked escape! And if San Diego wasn’t on your list before, it’s about to be. Who wouldn’t want to eat tacos for days, sip piña coladas on the beach, and explore stunning nature reserves at golden hour?
What to Eat
Satisfyingly Savoury
RakiRaki Ramen and Tsukemen (Multiple locations)
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I dare say that this was the best ramen I had in San Diego? That’s because it ticks all the boxes for what I look for in the perfect bowl of noodle soup!
I ordered the Hakata Tonkotsu Ramen, and the portion size is just right for those of you who skip lunch in anticipation for a filling dinner. Even better, the price in comparison to the serving size was very reasonable, which is a very important detail to me! And that broth…I mean I was speechless when I took that first sip. It was rich in flavour, slightly milky, yet not too fatty. Soaked in that broth was the handmade mochi noodles that had a satisfying texture, and was rounded out by generous servings of bamboo shoots, wok-stirred bean sprouts, a five-spice soy sauce marinated egg, green onions, wood ear mushroom, and garlic chips (this just took it to another level!). And for the protein, I recommend the Aburi Kurobuta underbelly for a fattier cut, or the Aburi chasiu for a leaner option. Now, try this absolute bowl of pure goodness the second you set foot in San Diego, because this self-proclaimed ramen connoisseur told you to!
Convoy Street, Little Italy, Mira Mesa, and Rancho Penasquitos | rakirakiramen.com
Flavors of East Africa (Multiple locations)
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If you’re looking for a wholesome meal that takes the term “flavour bomb” very literally, you would be doing yourself a disservice if you didn’t b-line straight to Flavors of East Africa!
Firstly, the sweet jerk chicken is a hit…Every. Single. Time. It is chargrilled yet juicy, and has a sweet but savoury flavour that is so addictive. And once you’ve tried the sweet jerk chicken and you’re looking for a slight kick in your meal, opt for the spicy jerk chicken (but be warned, it is about the same level of spice as the Shin Ramyun instant noodles). As for the sides, the coconut rice is subtly fragrant, the fried plantains are a ten out of ten, and the collard greens are so flavourful that even if you aren’t a vegetable person, you’ll still enjoy it! Take yourself, your grandma, her friends, and everyone that you love to Flavours of East Africa for a feast to remember.
SDSU and North Park | flavorsofeastafrica.com
Tacos El Gordo (Multiple locations)
This is a local favourite that was recommended to me time and time again while I was in San Diego, and so of course I sought to answer the age-old question: “Is it worth the hype?”. And low and behold, after biting into my first taco, I experienced what could only be described as a lightbulb moment. The hype was REAL.
I was there for the Adobada, which is the spiced pork taco, and is their most-ordered item (for good reason!). The meat is cooked on a rotating grill, so you’re guaranteed to get some crispy bits, and it’s topped with fresh herbs and a creamy sauce for an easy-to-inhale experience. The Carne Asada (a.k.a. the grilled beef taco), also packed a punch and was oozing with avocado and salsa – a safe choice that’ll impress just about anyone! But my unexpected top pick has to be the Lengua, or the beef tongue taco. The meat was incredibly tasty and tender, and combined with the aromatic coriander, onion, and green salsa, the taco was immaculately balanced. Once I tried one Lengua, I obviously ordered another without hesitation. And if you’re wondering, I had four tacos in total, which is pretty standard if you rock up borderline hangry!
Downtown and Palm Avenue | tacoselgordobc.com
Buonasera New York Pizzeria (Del Mar)
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If you’re a New York-style pizza type of person (like most of us), then race over to this fantastic pizza joint that’s nestled near the coast of Del Mar! They’ve got an incredible spread of delicious options – some classic, and some you may have never heard before. But there’s something for everyone! And the best part? You get to choose by the slice so you can try as many (or as little) flavours as your heart desires.
At this point, you might be thinking, “Go on, tell us what to order!”, so here’s what the chef recommended to me and what ended up being my favourites. ‘The Crime Scene’ would be on the top of my list, which has a garlic sauce base, pieces of meatball, ricotta, and splashes of marinara, which was the perfect balance of meaty yet fresh, so inhaling five slices wouldn’t be a challenge! The ‘Verde’ was also a hit, which was another garlic sauce-based pie with spinach and ricotta. This was a must-have for me to offset all the meatier slices I had on my platter. And if you prefer red sauce on your pizza, the ‘Pepperoni and Sausage’ was a definite “can’t go wrong” option.
2212 Carmel Valley Road, Suite 1, Del Mar | buonaserapizza.com
The Taco Stand (Multiple locations)
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If you have the chance to visit this wonderful establishment inspired by Tijuana’s hustling and bustling taco stands, read and recite these key menu items: The Camaron, a.k.a. the Spicy Shrimp taco and/or burrito, plus the Corn on the Cob. Firstly, the Camaron taco is heavenly for all those seafood fanatics (like myself) out there. The shrimp is plump, juicy, and full of flavour, the cheese, avocado, and chipotle sauce add a magical richness, and the crunchy cabbage alongside fresh tomatoes provides a balanced and mouth-watering experience for all those who can get their hands on it. And if you’re feeling extra hungry, opt for the burrito version that’s SO big that you’ll likely fall into a food coma (in the best way possible). And as for the Corn on the Cob – ever since I tried this for the first time back in February, I haven’t stopped thinking about it since. It’s THAT good. It’s sweet, spicy, juicy, and creamy all at once – the ultimate starter experience in my humble opinion. And feel free to share with someone since it’s a generous size, but only to those who deserve it…
Downtown, North Park, Convoy Street, La Jolla, and Oceanside | letstaco.com
Sweet and Satiating
The Baked Bear (Pacific Beach)
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Listen up – if you’re an ice-cream sandwich lover, this is your version of heaven on Earth! The Baked Bear offers an array of cookie and ice cream flavours so you can build your dream ice cream sandwich in the blink of an eye. They’ve got all sorts of classic flavours alongside some more fun, outside-the-box options to choose from for both their cookies and ice cream. The fan-favourite is the Cookie Monster Cookie, which is outrageously blue with white chocolate chips, and shards of Oreo and cookie crisps. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Snickerdoodle Cookie, which is a cinnamon sugar cookie, and their Gooey Butter Cake Cookie (need I elaborate on this one?!). And of course, you can choose two different cookies when customising your ice cream sandwich for double the flavour! And bonus: They offer vegan cookies and ice cream flavours so absolutely everyone can live out their ice cream sandwich dreams here!
4516 Mission Boulevard, San Diego | thebakedbear.com
Caked (Carroll Canyon Business Park)
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I’m a self-proclaimed cookie connoisseur, and therefore, you should not take the following statement lightly: I had some of the best cookies of my entire life from Caked. And no exaggeration, I bought at least 20 cookies from Caked while I stayed in San Diego for five months, because I was THAT obsessed. And to further prove my point, I even took some Caked cookies back to Canberra for my family to try.
You’re presented with classic cookie flavours, to an array of Asian traditional flavours, which caught my attention! They also offer mouthwatering brownie flavours, which I didn’t delve into as much but intend to when I visit again! And as for my favourite cookie flavours, the Pandan Coconut Mochi Cookie is hands down my top pick. It is full of flavour, not too sweet, and has this satisfying pillowy, cakey, yet chewy texture when you pop it in the microwave for 20 seconds (that’s a hot tip for you!). I’d also highly recommend the S’mores Cookie with a cup of milk, the Thai Milk Tea Cookie for something different yet delicious, and the Ube Mochi Cookie, because who doesn’t like Ube-flavoured desserts? You can visit their bakery, or they have stalls at several farmer’s markets across San Diego every week, so it’s hard to miss them!
8680 Miralani Drive #129-130, San Diego | caked.love
An’s Gelato (North Park)
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This has been voted the number one gelato shop in America by USA Today two years in a row for a reason! An’s Dry Cleaning is not only charming in its interior design, but also nails unique gelato and sorbet flavours, which rotate every week. That’s right, you get a whole new menu every week, and what a gift that is!
When I went for the first time, I was gobsmacked by their olive oil and rosemary gelato, which would have never been my first pick. But after they gave my friends and I a detailed guided tasting of their seven flavours (you read that right), that was the flavour I had to choose! Go to An’s Dry Cleaning with an open mind, because even though you might look at the menu and think you know what you want, you could be proven very wrong, but in the best way possible. Oh and make sure you’re prepared to line up for up to 30 minutes, or possibly more during peak times – it’s frequented by locals and visited by tourists because it’s just THAT good.
3017 Adams Avenue, San Diego | adcgelato.com
Honourable Mention
In-N-Out Burger (Multiple locations)
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I don’t think I need to tell you to race over to this Californian institution, but in case you haven’t been informed, In-N-Out Burger is an iconic fast food joint that is most well known for its quick service, diner-style storefront, and delicious yet affordable burgers. Make sure you ask for a hat when you reach the counter, and when you take a look at the menu, you’ll notice there aren’t many options. They have three classic types of burgers, but the most iconic is the double-double, which is their double beef patty cheeseburger. If you’re a gym rat or looking to reduce your carb intake, opt for the iconic protein-style burger, which takes out the buns and is wrapped in lettuce. How outlandish…but it works! And do yourself a favour and order a shake to sip on while you chow down on that burger for a well-rounded In-N-Out Burger experience.
Midway District, Pacific Beach, Mission Valley East, Grantville, and Kearny Mesa | in-n-out.com
What to Drink
Better Buzz Coffee (Multiple locations)
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You can’t go to San Diego and not grab a quick bev from Better Buzz! I mean, once you spot one, you start spotting them all, and they’re EVERYWHERE. They have an assortment of classic coffee options to refreshing house-made lemonades, smoothies, and tea. They also have acai and yoghurt bowls, delicious and nutritious sandwiches, and a tasty chilli crunch breakfast wrap for a little pick-me-up that you can grab alongside your drink. Some of their locations even have a drive-thru, so if you don’t want to queue up inside (because it can get packed), you don’t have to!
Bonita, Coronado, Fashion Valley, Del Mar, Encinitas, Escondido, Hillcrest, La Jolla, La Mesa, Mira Mesa, Miramar, Mission Beach, Mission Gorge, Oceanside, Pacific Beach, Point Loma, Poway, San Marcos, and Temecula | betterbuzzcoffee.com
Yun Tea House (Convoy Street)
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Sit down in this aesthetic spot for your much-needed bubble tea fix! Yun Tea House has you covered because their menu includes classic milk and fruit teas, and more unique, specialty offerings that all have that premium feel. I tried the Dark Phoenix, which was like nothing I’ve ever had before. It has an oolong base, a fruity aroma, yet subtle after-taste of roasted rice puffs, which was utterly delightful. I also thoroughly enjoyed the Snow Jasmine tea, which was floral-forward in aroma and a refreshing experience, so this one would be my top recommendation. And while I didn’t have the chance to try the Mango Sticky Rice icy tea, I would highly recommend you do because I just know this one would be a guaranteed win!
And FYI – if you’re part of the lactose-intolerant gang like I am, all of their teas are dairy-free so you can order your milk tea without that feeling of impending doom we know all too well!
4344 Convoy Street, Suite M, San Diego | www.yunteasd.com
Captain’s Quarters (Pacific Beach)
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This one’s for all the cocktail sippers, bar-hoppers, and speak-easy lovers! This hidden gem was one of the most impressive bars I’ve been to, particularly for its decor and breathtaking atmosphere. When you take that first step through the unsuspecting door, you’re transported to what feels like the classiest ship you’ve ever been on that’s peacefully sailing in the middle of the ocean. And while you’re sipping on your delicious cocktail, it’s like all your worries wash away and you’re just focused on the present. And to top it off, they have an array of Instagram-worthy looking cocktails that do not lack in flavour (and booze). And my personal favourites? Island Bird is for my tequila fans out there who also love a fruity and citrus-forward cocktail with a side of tangy spice from the Tajin rim. Another must-try is Sunny in Singapore, which is another fruity, citrusy, yet boozy cocktail that’ll have you tipsy early in the night. Pace yourselves, people!
910 Grand Avenue, Suite 105-107, San Diego | captainsquarterssd.com
The Living Room Cafe (Multiple locations)
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For those of you who frequent cafes to flip through your favourite novel, sip a satisfying cup of coffee, and maybe treat yourself to a cake or pastry, The Living Room Cafe will hit the spot.
True to its name, the interior feels like the most cosy living room that you’d find at your grandma’s house – full of couches, wooden tables, vintage lamps, and extravagant armchairs for your enjoyment. Their baked goods cabinets are always stocked with mouth-watering cookies, scones, and cakes if you’re craving a sweet treat, and they offer a decked-out food menu if you’re feeling peckish. But since we’re talking about drinks here, they’ve got a massive menu that includes classics such as the strawberry matcha latte, Vietnamese coffee, iced Thai tea, and frappes galore! But for the more unique beverages, try the black forest mocha, cinnamon crunch foam cold brew, or a butter brew, which is a latte with spiced brown sugar and sea salt caramel toffee. And if you aren’t already salivating, read that last sentence again!
La Jolla, SDSU College Area, and Rancho San Diego | livingroomcafe.com
Flicks (Hillcrest)
Fancy a night out with the girls? Head over to Flicks because this one-of-a-kind gay nightclub guarantees an unforgettable experience!
A core memory I made when I went to Flicks for the first time started when my friends and I had just sat down and one of the servers came dancing to our table, offering us a platter of fluorescent vials of shots. Of course, we couldn’t refuse, and we were pleasantly surprised that the flavoured vodka shots were dangerously delicious! We ordered dessert cocktails in between that were also satisfyingly tasty yet affordable, and after too many drinks later we found ourselves dancing under the neon lights and glistening disco ball until 2 am. So if you’re in San Diego to make memories like this one, I would highly recommend you pay a visit with your best mates.
1017 University Avenue, San Diego | sdflicks.com
What to Explore
Torrey Pines
Get your hiking gear on and bring your best camera, because this is a walk to remember! You start your hike along Torrey Pines State Beach, where you might be lucky enough to spot a sea lion or two wandering on the sand. You then make your way up the beach trail, and that’s where you’ll witness the views you came here for. There are multiple lookout points you can venture to, and I’d recommend you stop by as many of them as possible to experience panoramic views of the coastline and sky from various angles. And if you aren’t much of a hiker but can appreciate a good view, here’s some great news – this spot is very beginner-friendly. But make sure to start your hike in the late afternoon so you get to witness the short window of time when the sun is setting, and trust me, you’ll thank me later!
Ocean Beach Farmers Market
One thing I was pleasantly surprised by while living in San Diego was that there are plenty of farmers’ markets running all throughout the week, but the one you need to catch is the Ocean Beach Farmers Market!
You’ll find endless amounts of quality food, local fresh produce, fun trinkets, accessories, clothing, and much more – making this the perfect place to buy souvenirs for your loved ones back home. But when you enter the markets, the first thing you’ll notice is the smell wafting from all the incredible food stalls, which cover cuisines from all over the globe – so you should go hungry. And after you’ve taken a stroll through the market, since you’re right by the beach, grab some dinner, take a seat at Ocean Beach, and watch the waves roll in and the sun setting below the horizon. And plan ahead! The market is only open on Wednesdays from 4 pm to 8:30 pm or Fridays from 7 pm to 9 pm.
La Jolla
Here’s what to expect: picture-perfect views, a scenic walk, seals and sea lions basking in the sunlight, and tide pools that will have you in awe. La Jolla is nothing short of breathtaking and is one of my favourite places in San Diego.
You can start by going to the lookout point at La Jolla Harbour, where you’ll see sea lions all over the beach, either having a nap, or taking a dip in the crystal clear waters. Once you’ve taken a million photos of the adorable sea lions, make your way along Coast Boulevard, go down some steps onto Shell Beach, where you’ll be mesmerised by the tide pools and all the little sea creatures thriving in their natural habitat. There are also painters along the boulevard who capture the scenic view on canvas, and it would make a great souvenir to take home. You can then go on a side quest to the charming boutique stores and cafes nearby, before ending your day watching the sun set below the horizon. Sounds magical, right? That’s because it is, so plan your San Diego trip with this spot on the top of your list!
Balboa Park
This incredible park is worth setting aside an entire day for, because there are just endless amounts of things to do, see, and explore! First, I’d start by finding a parking spot near the Comic-Con Museum and work your way up the park. Some notable places to explore (from my personal experience) are the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, which is incredibly picturesque, and the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum which genuinely feels like you suddenly teleported to Japan upon the first step. And of course, head over to the Lily Pond and Botanical Building which makes you feel like you just stepped into a Monet painting! And while there are tons more museums, gardens, shops, and more to explore, if you have the chance to experience those three key spots, I’m certain you’ll walk out ecstatic!
Sunset Cliffs
This is a must-go spot for anyone visiting San Diego, simply because the view is outstanding, especially when the sun is setting (hence the name!). I would highly recommend you go on a stroll along the coastline to start, then make your way to some of the cliff edges where you can set up some camping chairs or lay down a picnic blanket. From there, whip out the snacks you had prepared, and pop those sunnies on as you witness some of the best views of your life. The ocean seems like it goes on for an eternity, you notice the rocky cliffs have a beautiful warm hue while the sun is setting, and the sky is decorated with specks of orange, pink, and blue. From here, you take as many pictures as humanly possible, before taking a mental snapshot so you won’t soon forget how beautiful the world we live in truly is.
