48 Hours in San Diego

My trip was sponsored by Kia.

Though I only spent 48 hours in San Diego earlier this year, Kia made sure that it was so action-packed that I still got a good feel for the city. I stayed in the Gaslamp area but ventured out as well. Today I’m sharing all of the places I experienced during my trip, a few others recommended by friends via instagram, as well as notes about my favorites.

Eat & Drink

Caffee Italia
Italian cafe fare, gelato, and coffee with a pet-friendly patio.
1704 India Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Cafe Moto
Offering organic, roasted in-house coffee.
2619 National Avenue, San Diego, California 92113 (www)

Cafe Sevilla
Dedicated to the essence of Spain, this is one of 3 locations.
353 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Coffee & Tea Collective
Hip coffee & tea place with locations in North Park and East Village.
2911 El Cajon Boulevard, San Diego, California 92104 (www)

Communal Coffee
There is coffee. And there are flowers. Go without hesitation.
2335 University Avenue, San Diego, California 92104 (www)

Copa Vida
Clean and modern space for great coffee and tea downtown.
905 J Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Cucina Urbana
Reclaimed wood lines this stylish, contemporary Italian restaurant & wine shop with craft cocktails.
505 Laurel Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Donut Bar
Featuring a locally sourced menu and vegan options.
631 B Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

El Indio
Serving traditional Mexican fare since 1940.
3695 India Street, San Diego, California 92103 (www)

Herringbone La Jolla
North of San Diego, this gem is well worth the drive. Set in a 1930’s era warehouse with a flair for the outdoors.
7837 Herschel Avenue, La Jolla, California 92037 (www)

Holy Matcha
Beautiful pink, floral, & marble space serving matcha and light bites
3118 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104 (www)

Ironside Fish & Oyster
Renovated warehouse location with quirky accents. Featuring seafood fare & cocktails.
1654 India Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Lofty Coffee
San-Diego roasted coffee, featuring locally sourced organic ingredients in their breakfast and lunch menus.
444 W Cedar Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Lucha Libre Taco Shop
Authentic street-style Mexican dishes, plus a salsa bar & old wrestling matches on TV.
1810 W Washington Street, San Diego, California 92103 (www)

Mona Lisa Italian Restaurant
Old school Italian eats, featuring a gourmet deli & market.
2061 India Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Pappalecco
Coffee and small bites just outside of the Gaslamp.
1602 State Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Rustic Root
Features a rooftop lounge perfect for happy-hour to late-night drinks & bites.
535 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Sushi Deli
Rustic-modern sushi space known for serving large portions.
7986 Armour Street, San Diego, California 92111 (www)

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse
Featuring a seafood-driven menu and epic views.
2150 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

See & Do

Balboa Park
You could easily spend all day here, don’t miss the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Park Boulevard & Presidents Way, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Old Town Trolley Tours
Hop on and off all day at 10 stops with over 100 points of interest. Kids are free in October (one with each paid adult).
4010 Twiggs Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Pigment
Hip shop featuring a cool plant wall and handmade goods.
3801 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104 (www)

Seaport Village
Waterside shopping, eating, and walkways along the water. Features a trolley stop!
849 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Sleep

Hard Rock Hotel
Rock ‘n’ roll-themed, luxe hotel with a spa, 2 chic restaurants, & a trendy rooftop pool & bar.
207 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

Hotel Del Coronado
Iconic in photos, beachfront resort with a spa, a fitness center, outdoor pools & multiple dining options.
1500 Orange Ave, Coronado, CA 92118 (www)

Hotel Republic San Diego
Modern rooms & suites in a slick hotel offering a restaurant, a rooftop bar & an outdoor pool.
421 West B Street, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

The US Grant Hotel
Downtown and listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is 11 stories high and has 270 guest rooms.
326 Broadway, San Diego, California 92101 (www)

This post is a part of my City Guide series, click here to see them all.

Have you been to San Diego? Any places you would add to this list? I’d love to hear!

My trip to San Diego was sponsored by Kia as part of their “New Kia” campaign to check out their new eco-friendly vehicles.