San Diego, named for Diego de San Nicolás by the Spaniards, was the first spot visited by Europeans on the West Coast of the United States. As you probably already guessed, Native Americans had been there wayyyy before 1542–the Kumeyaay people to be exact. Kumeyaay translates to “those who face the water from a cliff.” It’s got a ring to it.
I recently took a weekend trip to this beautiful coastal city. It was my first time back since I visited with my family a long time ago. (oh, family vacations!) Since then, San Diego has transformed into a craft beer paradise.
We stayed at the Hotel Republic. It was in a quiet part of downtown, but I really enjoyed the hotel itself. Breakfasts were great and it had a fun rooftop bar.
As I already mentioned, the streets of San Diego are flooded with craft beer. Here were some of my favorite stops:
- Half Door Brewing: This place was so great, we went twice. The food was outstanding and the beer was even better.
- Modern Times Flavordome: I would have happily gone back for seconds here too, but it was a bit of a trip from our hotel. Every square inch of this taproom was covered in art instillations made of found objects and there was SO MUCH good beer.
- Stone Brewing: Everywhere you look these days there’s a Stone taproom, and you can’t get upset about that.
- Mikkeller: Another great taproom by Mikkeller–a bit similar to the one in Copenhagen in its unassuming nature.
Hotel Republic was a quick walk from Little Italy. This neighborhood is always buzzing with people, from the farmers’ market in the morning to fun bars and restaurants in the evening. Pair that with pedestrian friendly areas, and you have the makings of a great hang.
If you’re looking for good seafood, as you should be while in San Diego, head on over to Ironside Fish and Oyster. Their bloody is bloody good.
Through no planning of our own, this San Diego trip lined up perfectly with spring. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ While wandering the expanse that is Balboa Park, we were lucky enough to nab a few free tickets to the Cherry Blossom Festival in the Japanese Friendship Garden.
Just across from San Diego is the sweet little resort city of Coronado (which also happens to be wildly expensive). It’s home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado, which dates back all the way to the mid 1880s.
What are you favorite spots in San Diego? I hope to visit again soon.
for the love of nike 
Next time check out Extraordinary Desserts on Union St., near Little Italy. ‘Extraordinary’. I love flying into San Diego (!), right past the office buildings.
haha! okay, I will! Thanks, John! and isn’t the flight in so cool?! I wish all airports were that close. I love it!