The CC's Insider Guide to San Diego, California
Nicole Ruback, a TCC Tastemaker in San Diego, California, balances her full-time tech career with travel, exploring new restaurants and discovering local hot spots. Nicole is well-versed in all things food and wine, and loves to tailor her travels around culinary and viticultural experiences. She knows her town inside and out and is ready to share with us her favorite things to do in Downtown San Diego!
PLANNING A TRIP TO CALIFORNIA?
The Citrine Compass is a boutique travel planning network that helps busy, sophisticated world explorers create curated and authentic travel experiences. The CC is comprised of a hand-selected collection of local tastemakers around the globe that have amazing taste and a passion for their region.
Nicole is part of our team of Tastemakers and would love to help you plan a tailored trip to California. Check out our Services and Booking pages to learn more!
What are your favorite hotels in San Diego?
La Valencia La Jolla, L'Auberge Del Mar, The Lafayette Hotel (newly remodeled with an awesome upscale pool club) and last but not least, The Pendry*. Be sure to check out the Veuve champagne vending machine in the lobby!
Favorite type of local food and place to get it?
Seafood! From sushi to tacos to oysters, the seafood scene in San Diego can’t be beat. Ken Sushi Workshop has some of the freshest and most high quality sushi rolls and sashimi in town. Chef Ken can truly do no wrong. Feeling fancy? Then Nobu San Diego in Gaslamp is the sushi spot for you.
Favorite restaurants for dinner?
There are way too many to count but I’ll list a few of the best:
Barbusa in Little Italy has some of San Diego’s finest handmade pastas and fresh seafood dishes. This place draws in quite the crowd (on weekends especially) so definitely have a reservation secured in advance!
Coasterra serves unbelievable coconut margaritas and their ceviche is out of this world. Not to mention the stunning harbor views from your table on the outdoor patio.
Campfire in Carlsbad will transport you to a cozy fireside getaway but with a chic ambiance and creative bites.
Other honorable mentions includes: Fort Oak in Mission Hills, The Henry in Coronado, Catania in La Jolla, Cesarina in Point Loma and Callie in East Village.
What should we see while visiting?
If you’re a fan of live sports like I am, seeing the Padres play baseball at Petco Park is a must. Petco Park stadium was named best MLB ballpark by USA Today in their 2023 ranking and there’s a reason why! In addition to being centrally located in the heart of downtown, the stadium food scene is a key attraction as well. Check out Board & Brew inside the stadium for tasty deli sandwiches with their signature dipping sauce and Puesto for tacos and margaritas.
What is a local’s only spot The CC travelers should know about?
Rooftop Cinema Club Embarcadero. Go for the movie, stay for the unlimited popcorn. Overlooking the downtown San Diego harbor and skyline, this spot is a local gem and the perfect setting for a romantic date night or activity for families with kids. This is open to locals and visitors, anyone is welcome and tickets are available for purchase online here.
Top brunch spots?
Queenstown Public House in Little Italy, Morning Glory in Little Italy (expect a wait, but it’s worth it!), Brigantine at the Portside Pier, GOODONYA in Encinitas, Claire’s on Cedros in Solana Beach, and The Cottage in La Jolla.
Favorite wine bar?
Carruth Cellars Urban Winery has four locations in San Diego, each with a different flare and all are worth a visit. My top locations are Solana Beach (what’s better than wine right by the beach?) and Liberty Station. Try their Unicorn Blend, a unique red blend that you can’t find anywhere else.
Favorite boutiques?
Van de Vort is a trendy women’s clothing boutique with locations in Del Mar and One Paseo. Whiskey & Leather in La Jolla is another favorite - they carry chic clothing for men and women. Pigment in North Park is another great spot to shop for trinkets, plants, and jewelry.
Best day trips?
From San Diego it’s an easy drive to Orange County, LA, and even Rosarito, Mexico down south. Visitors could take the Pacific Surfliner Amtrak train up the coast, stop in San Juan Capistrano to visit the historic mission and have dinner at Trevor’s at the Tracks. Another fun idea is to visit Temecula, home to some of the best hidden gem wineries that SoCal has to offer and only 45 minutes from San Diego!
Favorite beach, park or outdoor space?
Kate Sessions Park in Pacific Beach has sweeping views of the coastline and is an awesome spot for an afternoon picnic. Waterfront Park in Little Italy is the ideal spot to watch the sunset over the harbor while getting cozy on a picnic blanket. Pro tip: Stop by the Mona Lisa Market in Little Italy to fill your picnic basket before going to the park, they have a locally curated selection of charcuterie and Italian wines!
Favorite cocktail bar?
Born & Raised! Here you’ll find the best espresso martinis in San Diego (and arguably the best espresso martinis worldwide because I’ve never experienced a ‘tini quite like these ones). This spot is known for delightfully curated craft cocktails, a swanky rooftop lounge overlooking the bustling streets of Little Italy and a vintage ambiance that can’t be beat. Want something sweet to pair with your nightcap? Born & Raised offers a rotating dessert cart where you can select a delicious treat, my favorite being the gold-crusted seven layer carrot cake.
Best fitness studio or outdoor activity for a workout?
San Diego is a major hot spot for fitness aficionados. Between the beautiful weather and the various outdoor recreation areas, beaches, trails, and hikes, there are plenty of places to get moving and sweating! A few favorite outdoor fitness activities are stand up paddle boarding at Mission Bay, hiking Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, taking a long walk at the Embarcadero through Seaport Village, kayaking in the La Jolla coves, and riding beach cruiser bikes along Crown Point Bay.
Any suggestions on where to listen to live music?
The music scene in San Diego is on the rise. As a HUGE fan of live music myself, I find that the concerts in San Diego feel more locally rooted and intimate. The best venues are House of Blues San Diego, Beach House in Mission Beach, Rady Shell, Hard Rock in Gaslamp and The Observatory in North Park.
Cool events that only happen once a year (or seasonally)?
Although December in California is warm and doesn’t always feel like winter, there are plenty of seasonal festive attractions in San Diego during the holiday time. At the Hotel del Coronado, be sure to visit the ice skating rink on the beach that only makes an appearance during the holidays. Where else can you ice skate while watching the sun set over the beach? The Encinitas Botanical Garden displays a “Lightscape” show every winter season with dazzling light exhibits and art. They serve hot cocoa and boozy libations for you to enjoy during your walk through the twinkling lights.
What is something authentic or local to do while visiting?
You’ve probably heard of the famous California Burrito of San Diego…believe me, there’s a reason why it’s such a sensation. These SD-specialty burritos are loaded with an unexpected key ingredient: french fries! It’s a must-try when visiting San Diego. A few favorite spots to indulge in a Cali burrito are The Taco Stand in Encinitas, Rigoberto's in Pacific Beach, and La Playa Taco Shop in Mission Beach.
*The Pendry San Diego is part of The Citrine Compass’s partner portfolio and we are able to get members of our community VIP perks such as complimentary breakfast for two each morning, hotel credit, early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, subject to availability. Reach out to us here to access our insider connections!
