A Weekend in San Diego: Sunsets, Sweets Spots, and Sips
Well, here we are, and I felt like I’d hardly traveled this year. Cough, cough… despite spending a few months in Europe this spring. Australia in fall.. Still, the itch for a quick getaway was tugging at me. So I packed up my carry-on and flew out to visit a friend in San Diego.
California is such a wild and wonderful state, two major cities with so much personality in between. Northern and Southern California feel like completely different worlds, and with just a one-hour flight, it’s like stepping into another reality. That’s one thing I adore about the West Coast.
This was my second trip to San Diego, so I had a rough idea of my must-do list: where I’d eat, what I’d sip, and which beaches I’d be soaking up the sun on. While my weekend was fairly relaxed, you could easily fit some of these highlights into a 1–2 day itinerary alongside the city’s bigger attractions.
Friday:
As the wheels touched down, I had one thing on my mind: the beach.
First stop? The newly opened beach club Fit Social. With its effortlessly chic setup, it felt like I’d been transported back to the south of France. Bonus? $5 Frozé Fridays, so naturally, we grabbed a drink and toasted to the weekend.
Mission Beach was our first stop for a stroll, it’s great for people-watching and soaking in the buzz, though it can get a bit crowded. So we headed up to Pacific Beach, looking for cocktails, a view, and that easy summer feeling.
We found it at JRDN / Tower 23. Think summer music, laid-back elegance, and one of the best sunset views along the beach. It was exactly what we needed to enjoy the first night in SD.
Saturday:
Brunch mode: activated.
We headed to Coronado Island, one of those places that feels iconically SoCal, an elegant beach town wrapped up in its own little bubble. We chose Cocina 35 for brunch, and it did not disappoint. Think bold flavors, fabulous drinks, and a mini agua fresca flight we couldn’t stop raving about.
Afterward, we browsed some local shops and, of course, found ourselves with freshly made gelato in hand. A summer day isn’t complete without beach breeze, warm sun, and a little bit of ice cream.
As the evening rolled in, we were in the mood for something a bit more elevated, a chance to dress up, enjoy a cocktail, and feel transported.
Enter: The Lafayette.
If you’ve never been, imagine an old-Hollywood hotel with a circular bar, moody lighting, a vintage jazz club, and a dreamy outdoor terrace, plus a pool and glam décor that makes the whole place feel like a movie set.
We sipped excellent espresso martinis and took in the scene. Pro tip: it gets busy on weekends, so go early or be ready for a line.
Bonus: If you're a jazz lover, Lou Lou’s (inside The Lafayette) features live performances that feel like stepping into a black-and-white film. We were obsessed.
Sunday:
We started the day with a catch-up over coffee and a walk through Balboa Park. It’s one of those timeless places, art, architecture, fresh air, and a little quiet magic.
Then it was off to La Jolla, which had been on my list forever. And wow, it did not disappoint.
This seaside town feels like a page from a Mediterranean postcard. Coastal cliffs, charming homes tucked into the hills, and that golden SoCal light, it reminded me of the south of France in the best way.
La Jolla’s waterfront path is perfect for a leisurely stroll, with plenty of scenic overlooks and tucked-away coves. It’s also seal central, yes, actual sunbathing seals. They’ve clearly claimed the beaches as their own, and honestly, they run the place. One even stole someone’s snack. We were dying.
We ended the day with a quick bite and made our way to the airport. Just one hour later, I was back home, and back to reality. But this trip was exactly what I needed: a refreshing little escape, packed with sun, laughter, and those tiny moments that make a weekend unforgettable.