I just got back from visiting family down in San Diego. Though I don’t do it often, I love exploring new cities. One of my resolutions for 2017 is to travel more! Here are some of the places we went to, food we ate, and overall recommendations for anyone planning a trip to San Diego.

Food:

Our first stop was The Crack Shack, and it did not disappoint. Nothing sounds better than a fried chicken sandwich when you’re starving.

Basic Pizza was the perfect dinner spot before a night out on the town. Their pizzas are massive, but that didn’t stop us from finishing every last bite! Basic’s motto is all in the name–simple, classic, and hipster. Without trying too hard their atmosphere is  contemporary, yet kid friendly. They even have a connecting bar that adds to its appeal.

You can’t visit San Diego without eating at Pacific Beach Fish Shop. Joel and I were introduced to this place the last time we came down, and the yummy shrimp tacos had us coming back for more! Once you try their tacos, no other fish tacos will compare. Not to mention, it’s located in Pacific Beach–the perfect location to walk off the tacos you just inhaled.

Drinks:

Karl Strauss is a brewery staple of San Diego. There are many breweries to choose from, but you can’t go wrong with this one! Though I’m not a huge beer person, my favorite sample was the Red Trolley. It paired nicely with their duck fat pretzel bites.

One of my favorite experiences of the trip was getting to go to San Diego’s original Speakeasy–Prohibition. Only the locals know about this joint, as you have to enter through a misleading hidden door. The steep staircase acts as a time machine that transports you back to a different era. They have a unique menu, live music, and a strict dress code. What more could you ask for?

Activities:

The Hornblower Harbor Cruise was the perfect way to really see and learn about San Diego. There is nothing like the view from a boat.

Ice Skating and San Diego usually aren’t two things you would think go together, but at the Hotel del Coronado they do! Over the holidays they have a fun ice skating rink overlooking the water. It’s the perfect excuse to visit the magnificent hotel that holds so much history.

Speaking of history, the USS Midway Museum is a great way to spend an afternoon, or the whole day! There is so much to see and do that it could take at least 5 hours to get through the whole ship. They even have simulator rides that give you a taste of what being a pilot was actually like. If you have the time, definitely check this place out.

“The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.” -Saint Augustine