Trip Recap: 4 Nights in San Diego, CA

We arrived in San Diego in the afternoon and checked into our hotel, the Manchester Grand Hyatt. The hotel is located in the downtown area, close to many attractions and restaurants. Once we were checked in and the hubby got his conference badge, we decided to treat ourselves to dinner at Garibaldi.

Here’s what we ordered:

• Octopus and squid ink pasta: This was a delicious dish, with tender octopus and flavorful pasta. The squid ink added a rich and earthy taste to the sauce.
• T-bone lamb chop: This was a huge and juicy piece of meat, cooked to perfection and served with roasted vegetables. The lamb was tender and succulent, and the vegetables were crisp and fresh.
• Oysters: We ordered a dozen of fresh oysters, served on ice with lemon and cocktail sauce. The oysters were plump and briny, and tasted like the ocean.
• Ahi tuna crudo: This was a light and refreshing appetizer, with thin slices of raw tuna, avocado, cucumber, and cilantro. The tuna was fresh and melt-in-your-mouth, and the avocado added a creamy texture. The dish was dressed with a tangy lime and soy sauce.

We enjoyed our dinner with a bottle of white wine, and finished with a tiramisu for dessert. The service was attentive and friendly, and the atmosphere was elegant and cozy. We highly recommend Garibaldi for anyone looking for a romantic and upscale dining experience in San Diego.

The next day, we started our morning with a visit to the Cat Café, a cute and cozy place where you can enjoy a cup of coffee and play with adorable cats. The café has a partnership with a local animal shelter, and all the cats are available for adoption. We had a lot of fun petting and cuddling with the furry friends, and we also learned about their stories and personalities. The café also serves a variety of drinks and snacks, such as lattes, muffins, and cookies.

For lunch, we headed to Puesto, a popular Mexican restaurant that serves authentic and innovative tacos. The restaurant has a colorful and modern décor, and a lively and upbeat vibe. We ordered three different kinds of tacos, and they were all amazing:

• Filet taco: This was a decadent and satisfying taco, with grilled filet mignon, crispy cheese, avocado, and spicy pistachio serrano sauce. The meat was tender and juicy, and the cheese added a crunchy and cheesy texture. The sauce was spicy and nutty, and complemented the meat well.
• Carnitas taco: This was a classic and flavorful taco, with braised pork, guacamole, cilantro, and onion. The pork was moist and tender, and the guacamole added a creamy and fresh touch. The cilantro and onion gave a burst of freshness and crunch.
• Birria taco: This was a spicy and hearty taco, with beef stewed in a rich and savory broth, topped with onion, cilantro, and lime. The beef was soft and succulent, and the broth was aromatic and warming. The onion, cilantro, and lime added a tangy and refreshing contrast.

We also ordered a cucumber margarita, which was a refreshing and delicious drink, with tequila, cucumber, lime, and agave. The cucumber added a crisp and cool flavor, and the lime and agave balanced the tequila well.

After lunch, we walked to Mike Hess Brewing, a craft brewery that offers a wide range of beers and a spacious and inviting tasting room.

Blood Orange IPA: This was a fruity and hoppy beer, with a citrusy and floral aroma and flavor. The blood orange added a sweet and tangy note, and the hops added a bitter and crisp finish.

Once lunch was over, I finally got the call from my bestie and we headed over to see her!

We went to Ironside Fish & Oyster, a hip and trendy seafood restaurant that serves fresh and delicious dishes. The restaurant has a nautical and industrial theme, with a giant octopus sculpture, a wall of piranha skulls, and a display of oyster shells. We ordered four dishes, and they were all incredible:

• Oysters: We ordered a dozen of oysters, and they were served with three different sauces: mignonette, cocktail, and horseradish. The oysters were fresh and briny, and each sauce added a different flavor and kick.
• Bone marrow: This was a decadent and indulgent dish, with roasted bone marrow, parsley salad, and grilled bread. The bone marrow was rich and buttery, and the parsley salad added a fresh and herbal touch. The bread was crispy and warm, and perfect for spreading the marrow on.
• Chowder fries: This was a hearty and comforting dish, with crispy fries, creamy clam chowder, bacon, and chives. The fries were crunchy and salty, and the chowder was thick and savory. The bacon added a smoky and meaty flavor, and the chives added a pop of color and freshness.
• Clam chowder soup: This was a classic and delicious dish, with clams, potatoes, bacon, cream, and herbs. The soup was warm and satisfying, and the clams were tender and sweet. The potatoes added a starchy and filling texture, and the bacon and herbs added a flavorful and aromatic touch.

Before heading out to dinner with my hubby’s co-workers that all came along, we met everyone to have a drink at the Top of the Hyatt, a rooftop bar that offers a stunning view of the city and the bay. I ordered a mezcal cocktail, which was a smoky and spicy drink, with mezcal, lime, agave, and jalapeño. The cocktail was smooth and refreshing, and the jalapeño added a fiery and zesty kick. We enjoyed our drink while admiring the night skyline and the sparkling lights.

We ended our night with a visit to Havana 1920, a Cuban restaurant and bar that transports you to the old Havana. The restaurant has a vintage and rustic décor, with Cuban memorabilia, wooden furniture, and dim lighting.

I ordered a carne asada, which was a juicy and flavorful steak, served with rice, beans, plantains, and salad. The steak was tender and well-seasoned, and the sides were tasty and filling. We also ordered a mojito, which was a refreshing and minty drink, with rum, lime, sugar, and mint. The mojito was sweet and tangy, and the mint added a cooling and fresh flavor. We enjoyed our meal and drink while listening to the live music and feeling the Cuban vibe.

The third day, my bestie came and scooped me up and we had breakfast at Breakfast Republic, a fun and quirky breakfast spot that serves creative and delicious dishes. The restaurant has a whimsical and colorful décor, with egg-shaped chairs, chicken-themed art, and funny signs.

I had Chilaquiles: This was a spicy and satisfying dish, with tortilla chips, salsa verde, cheese, eggs, sour cream, avocado, and cilantro. The chips were crunchy and cheesy, and the salsa verde was tangy and zesty. The eggs were cooked to our liking, and the sour cream, avocado, and cilantro added a creamy and fresh touch.

We also ordered a coffee and a mimosa, which were both refreshing and energizing. The coffee was smooth and strong, and the mimosa was bubbly and fruity. The service was fast and friendly, and the atmosphere was fun and lively. We loved Breakfast Republic for its originality and quality.

After breakfast, we drove to Sunset Cliffs, a scenic spot where you can enjoy the view of the ocean and the cliffs. The cliffs are a natural park, with trails, benches, and picnic areas. We walked along the trails, and admired the beauty of the nature.

It was unbelievably windy and just beginning to rain so we didn’t stay too long.

Next, we drove over to Coronado Island, a charming and historic island that is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado. The hotel is a landmark, with a Victorian architecture, a red roof, and a white façade. The hotel has a rich history, and has hosted many celebrities, presidents, and royalty. We stopped at the hotel bar for a drink and walked around admiring the architecture and everything that hotel has to offer. I will definitely be staying here next time I come back to San Diego!

After our cocktail and walking around the hotel a bit, we went to Coronado Brewing, a local brewery that serves craft beers and pub food. The brewery has a casual and cozy décor, with wooden tables, barrels, and signs. We ordered two beers, and they were both refreshing and tasty:

I had the Never Better Double IPA: This was a hoppy and citrusy beer, with a grapefruit and pine aroma and flavor. The beer was crisp and bitter, and had a smooth and malty finish.

When we finished our beers, Carrie drove me back to the Gaslamp District, a historic and vibrant neighborhood that is full of restaurants, bars, shops, and entertainment. The district has a lively and upbeat vibe, and a mix of old and new buildings. I walked around the district for a bit waiting for the hubby to finish meetings. The district was a fun and exciting place, and we felt the energy and the spirit of the city.

For dinner, we went to Saltwater, a modern and chic seafood restaurant that serves fresh and delicious dishes. The restaurant has a sleek and stylish décor, with a blue and white color scheme, a glass wall, and a fish tank. We ordered three dishes, and they were all incredible:

• Lobster Mac and Cheese: This was a creamy and cheesy dish, with chunks of lobster, macaroni, cheese, and breadcrumbs. The dish was warm and comforting, and the lobster was sweet and tender. The cheese was gooey and rich, and the breadcrumbs added a crunchy and toasty texture.
• Cioppino: This was a spicy and hearty dish, with a variety of seafood, such as shrimp, clams, mussels, scallops, and fish, in a tomato and wine broth. The dish was flavorful and satisfying, and the seafood was fresh and succulent. The broth was tangy and zesty, and had a hint of garlic and herbs.
• Grilled Octopus: This was a tender and smoky dish, with grilled octopus, potatoes, olives, and capers. The dish was simple and elegant, and the octopus was tender and smoky. The potatoes added a starchy and filling texture, and the olives and capers added a salty and briny flavor.

The fourth and last day, we had brunch at Farmer’s Table, a cozy and rustic restaurant that serves farm-to-table dishes. The restaurant has a farmhouse and country décor, with wooden furniture, mason jars, and a tractor.

I had the Chicken and Waffles: This was a sweet and savory dish, with fried chicken, waffles, eggs, and maple syrup. The chicken was crispy and juicy, and the waffles were fluffy and buttery. The eggs were cooked to our liking, and the maple syrup added a sweet and sticky touch.

After brunch, we drove to La Jolla, a beautiful and upscale seaside town that is known for its beaches, cliffs, and wildlife. We went to the La Jolla Cove, where we saw hundreds of seals and sea lions resting on the rocks and swimming in the water. We also saw some pelicans, gulls, and cormorants. We watched the animals, and took some pictures and videos. The cove was a stunning and natural place, and we felt amazed and delighted.

Next, we went to the Monarch Ocean Pub, a casual and beachy restaurant and bar that serves seafood and drinks. The restaurant has a breezy and sunny décor, with a blue and white color scheme, a patio, and a view of the ocean. We ordered some lunch snacks, and they were all yummy and light.

After lunch, Carrie dropped me back off at the hotel. I waited for the hubby to finish his meetings then we headed out to the Gaslamp District, where we had our last dinner at Rustic Root, a rustic and trendy restaurant that serves American comfort food. The restaurant has a cozy and chic décor, with a wood and brick theme, a fireplace, and a rooftop.