San Diego is known for its sunshine, beaches and laid-back atmosphere. However, the city has a lot more weather than expansion and swimsuits. Located two hours south of Los Angeles, SOCAL destination has plenty of outdoor attractions, from the hiking trails in the Tory Pines Nature Reserve to the La Jolla Tidal Pools, not to mention a pleasant climate to spend the whole year, and its own cultural identity. Balboa Park alone has 18 museums. It's also a creative hub with gallery and artist studios.
Craft beer is one of San Diego's phone cards. Nicknamed “City of Handicrafts”, the metropolitan area has more than 150 independent breweries. Beer lovers don't want to miss Miramar's Brewery Jump (known as “Beerama”) and North Park 30th Street. The distance to border with Mexico has largely influenced its food culture, tacos, burritos and ceviche as classics. For a long time, the city’s culinary achievements were California burritos stuffed with Carne Asada, fries, cheese, salsa and sour cream, which was invented in the 1980s. Over the past decade, there have been an exciting new restaurant concept. Driven by the integration of local talent, local ingredients and international influence, the emerging food world has begun to attract the attention of critics and diners.
North Park buzzes with independent shops and stylish restaurants. Little Italy’s revitalization brings a clear sense of excitement in its coffee shops, farmers’ markets and open-air bars. A new wave of design (Ahem, Granger Hotel and Lafayette Hotel) is offering modern travelers a more stylish boutique alternative to long-standing corporate hotels.
While it is worth pursuing many aspects of San Diego, it is also a metropolis that covers a lot of ground. To help break down countless foods, see and do things, we curated a modern travel guide to America’s best cities, filled with cool new attractions and locally approved favorites.
