If you ask any local who has been away from home for a while, “What’s the first thing you are going to do when you get back to San Diego?”, their answer will probably be, “Get Mexican Food.” It’s just not the same anywhere else, and the guacamole and carne asada withdrawals are real. It’s here where cultural influences from Mexico blend deliciously in the form of dishes such as Carne Asada Fries, Fish Tacos, and a California Burrito. Get your fix at local favorites like Lolita’s, Las Quatro Milpas, Las Olas, and Lucha Libre.

There are miles of trails around San Diego where you can take in the amazing and varied natural beauty of our city. There are mountain hikes, desert hikes, waterfall hikes, and beach hikes. Take your pick! On days when the weather is good- which is pretty much every day-you will find San Diegans enjoying the views of the ocean at Torrey Pines State Reserve, chasing waterfalls at Three Sisters Falls, or taking a victory photo on Potato Chip Rock at Mount Woodson. With so many to choose from, you are bound to find one that tickles your fancy so put on good hiking shoes, pack some snacks and extra water, and go out explore.

We love shopping local and supporting our farmers here in San Diego. There is a Farmer’s Market held every day in different parts of the county where you can enjoy sampling artisan goods, live music, and art in addition to fresh local produce. A few of the more popular markets are held in Hillcrest, North Park, and Little Italy. Why not try cooking up some delicious dishes with the fresh produce you find while you’re visiting?

It’s way off the beaten tourist path but if you venture over to Convoy Street in the Kearney Mesa area, you will be treated to the most authentic Asian cuisine and culture that San Diego has to offer. Gather some friends and rock out in your own private karaoke room at Karaoke 101, or Muzen. After your performance, you will no doubt be parched so check out some of the Boba cafes in the area and order a slushy, milk tea, or juice with boba (tapioca balls) to quench your thirst.

On any given night, you will find locals hanging out by the fire along the bay, or on beaches like Coronado, La Jolla Shores, and Mission Beach. All you need is wood, s’more stuff, and good company! But get there early as fire pits are first come, first serve.

While most visitors are understandably more interested in escaping the snow on their vacation, San Diegans are fascinated by that cold, powdery white stuff that falls from the sky.  So, on the rare occasions when we get rain here in San Diego, it usually means that there is snow in our mountains to play in! Julian is an adorable former gold mining town on the east end of the county. It’s a great place to spend the day perusing the western style shops, and playing in the snow. Afterward, you can have a glass of Julian’s famous warm apple cider, and a slice of Julian Apple Pie.

Temperatures rarely dip below fifty degrees here, and when the holidays come around it may be a bit hard to get into the holiday spirit when it still feels like Summer. Every year from Thanksgiving to the beginning of January, the Hotel Del Coronado hosts “Skating by the Sea,” an ice rink where you can skate to holiday music while enjoying hot chocolate, holiday lights, and views of the Pacific Ocean.

Didn’t get a badge to Comic Con? It’s okay, neither did most of us. But, you can still venture down to the area around the convention center and feel like part of the action! This is one of the biggest events of the Summer and the businesses in downtown get decked out to cater to the Comic and pop culture loving masses. There are tons of events, parties, and lectures centered around the main event that are open to the public. At the very least, pick a spot on the steps of the convention center and entertain yourself by watching for celebrities and costumed convention goers.

If you’re here in the Spring, grab your camera and head up to Carlsbad in the North County area to see the colorful blooms of the Flower FIelds. Open from March to mid-May, you’ll find locals of all ages meandering around colorful fields taking photos and enjoying the activities and events held at the ranch. Carlsbad Premium Outlets are close by so after a day wandering the flower fields, head to the outlets for food and shopping.

The name says it all. Sunset cliffs is one of, if not the best place to watch the sunset in San Diego. Almost every evening right before the sun goes down for the day, you will find local
photographers setting up to capture that perfect sunset shot, couples holding hands, and locals taking a break from their stroll with their dogs to stop and watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean.

Opening Day at the Del Mar Race Track is the place where locals go to see and be seen. It’s one of the most fashionable and glamorous events of the Summer. If you’re feeling lucky, dress up, don your summer hat, and place your bets on the best horse! If you’re feeling creative, enter the annual Opening Day Hat Contest where you can win cash prizes for Most Glamorous, Best Racing Theme, and Most Outrageous hat designs.

San Diego has been called the Nation’s number one craft beer destination and with over 80 breweries it’s easy to see why! Take yourself on a beer tasting tour while you’re visiting and you’re bound to meet enthusiastic locals giving you tips on their favorite San Diego breweries.

Balboa Park is one of the prettiest spots in San Diego. On any given day you will find locals enjoying the museums, fountains, lush green lawns, and unique architecture at this urban park. Weekends are the most lively time to visit as the streets are filled with buskers performing magic, telling fortunes, and playing music. Take a break and listen to the free Organ concert on Sundays, or check out the International Cottages for cultural demonstrations and performances.

If you are here in the Summer, don’t miss your chance to indulge in an array of deep fried foods such as oreos, cheese curds, butter, and even deep fried Starbucks (Starbucks coffee beans, chocolate chips, sweet pastry roll, topped with whip cream)! Then try not to lose your lunch on one of the high flying rides!

Downtown La Jolla has many unique boutiques to browse, and delicious eateries to enjoy. After spending the afternoon wandering around this picturesque little town by the sea, stroll down to the Children’s Pool to view the seals. The Children’s Pool was originally intended to be for children to swim but the safe conditions proved also to be ideal for the seals to bask, and even give birth to their pups. It is truly an amazing sight!

A fun way to spend an evening is at Petco Park cheering on the Padres. It is a beautiful venue with unique seating and great views anywhere you sit. On clear nights during the home games, there are fireworks displays. Don’t forget to don your Padres hat!

Forget the touristy and expensive bars and clubs in downtown San Diego. Locals spend an evening bar hopping in North Park, an eclectic neighborhood about 10 minutes away from downtown. Here you will find a vibrant nightlife scene with food, fun, and drink choices abound. Try a Pink Elephant cocktail at Bar Pink, a Mule at West Coast Tavern, or hop around the breweries in the area for some craft beer.

The majestic views of the Embarcadero, the Star of India, and the sun setting over San Diego Bay are enough to inspire even the most ardent couch potato to get up and go for a walk. At almost any time of the day you will see locals jog this route weaving in out of the patches of people. It’s a decent length from one end to the other to justify it as exercise, so afterward why not reward yourself with a Ben and Jerry’s at Seaport Village?

Indulge your curious side and discover the wonders of the tide pools around San Diego. These delicate ecosystems are home to many thriving, diverse organisms, and locals of all ages enjoy this San Diego treasure. Take a stroll at sunset and peer into the deep ravines and shallow pools to find anemones and sea cucumbers making their home in this unique environment.

Go ahead! Sign up for that haunted tour of the Whaley house, enjoy the sights via a hop on-hop off trolley, monkey around at the San Diego Zoo, and take as many beach selflies as you want because chances are we are doing it too. San Diego sights are too awesome not to enjoy!