How To Spend A Weekend In San Diego California

“What do I do for two to four days in San Diego?” is a tricky question to answer, simply because the city offers so much. Hopefully, you can start to narrow your options down with these insider tips, which cover nearby day trips, sunny beaches and city center attractions. The next question you’ll have (“what should I do first?”) is entirely down to you.

1. Encinitas

Architectural Landmark, Natural Feature

Just 35 minutes north of San Diego, Encinitas is a beach town with a big surf scene. It’s 100 percent worth the trip just to watch the acrobatics from Beacon’s Beach, and if you’re determined to catch some waves yourself, there are plenty of hire shops and surf schools. Once you’ve packed your board away, there’s a lively downtown food and bar scene to explore – check out Culture Brewing Co, Modern Times and Saint Archer Brewing Co for local craft beer and La Especial Norte for some of the tastiest Mexican food around. Alternatively, head to Le Papagayo for food and live music. Recommended by local insider Lauren Rogers

2. Solana Beach

Natural Feature

To experience a slower pace of life and indulge a little in the pleasures North County San Diego has to offer, head to Solana Beach. This relaxed, well-heeled beach town is filled with art galleries, boutiques and artisan coffee shops, and every Sunday there’s a farmer’s market selling local produce. You can lose hours browsing down the main Cedros Avenue – give yourself plenty of time and make a day of it, and perhaps head to Fletcher Cove for a sunbathe or a paddle afterward. You have plenty of dining options here: local insider Lauren suggests Lofty Coffee for hot drinks and sweet treats; gastropub Pillbox Tavern and pizzeria-brewery Pizza Port for dinner; and Belly Up for late-night live music. Recommended by local insider Lauren Rogers

3. Carlsbad

Architectural Landmark

Carlsbad is a buzzing beachside city about 45 minutes north of San Diego. If you’re visiting with kids, you may well end up over this way to visit LEGOLAND California – which is brilliant fun even for adults. But Carlsbad’s attractions don’t end there. There are good surfing opportunities, several luxury hotels and a lively bar scene. Pour your own beer samples at Barrel Republic, listen to live mariachis over dinner at Casa De Bandini, or engage in something entirely more restorative (but no less Californian) at the Mantra Yoga Studio & Juice Bar. Recommended by local insider Lauren Rogers

5. The Comedy Store La Jolla

Theatre

San Diego’s branch of the famous LA comedy hotspot is a great group hangout. Bring some friends, place your orders at the bar and settle down to watch some of the country’s best-loved comedians do their thing. Find out when your favorite is on and reserve in advance, or come on a random weeknight to see what the local scene has to offer. You’ll have a great night and might even catch the next big thing before everyone else does. Recommended by local insider Hebah Bukhari

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.