Consider this scenario: your friend is visiting you in San Diego for the weekend, coming from NorCal, or Colorado, or some other outdoorsy place with lots of mountains and non-BPA water bottles, and they say to you, “I don’t know man, San Diego doesn’t have any nature outside of the beaches”.
Or consider a different scenario: you yourself live in this lovely city of San Diego, but for whatever reason you’ve forgotten about all of its natural beauty. Life has gotten busy and one day you wake up to realize you haven’t seen greenery or the ocean in weeks. You’ve become trapped in the concrete jungle. In the system. That system that kills the human spirit. You’ve become one of those dead souls inching along the freeway in your metal coffin.
Anyway.
Whatever your scenario may be, we’ve made this itinerary is for those of you looking for outdoorsy things to do in San Diego. And lucky for you, the city offers that in abundance. To many people’s surprise, San Diego is not a flatland – it is hilly, mountainous, and canyon-filled with a massive desert out east and a beautiful ocean to the west. San Diego is also supposedly the most biodiverse county in the contiguous United States and we believe it.
In this weekend itinerary you will find coastal adventures, desert adventures, and urban adventures all within a short distance of San Diego.
The Itinerary
Friday – Coastal Exploration Day
1. Hike Torrey Pines
2. Get Lunch at the Cliff Hanger Cafe
3. Go to Cabrillo National Monument
Saturday – Desert Exploration Day
1. Get Coffee and Food To Go at Lestat’s
2. Road Trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park
3. Get Pie and a Beer in Julian
Sunday – Urban Exploration Day
1. Grab a Coffee at Industrial Grind Coffee
2. Hike in Mission Trails Regional Park
3. Get Sandwiches at the Royal Food Mart
4. Check Out the Seven Bridges Hike
5. Go to the San Diego Zoo
Dinner Suggestions
Day 1 – Coastal Exploration Day
Morning
Hike At Torrey Pines State Preserve
If you haven’t been before, Torrey Pines State Preserve should become a regular spot to visit in San Diego. There are two ways to go about hiking here – on the beach below the cliffs or up in the cliffs themselves. We recommend the latter, starting up at the Torrey Pines Reserve Lodge and Visitor Center. Parking in the main lot by the visitor center is usually open, though it can fill up on weekends and sunset. There is overflow parking at the bottom of the hill by the beach.
From the visitor center, you’ll be presented with a network of beautiful trails through small canyons and sheer cliffs overlooking the beach. The Razor Point trail leads to a beautiful overlook, while the Beach Trail leads to… you guessed it, the beach below the cliffs. Just know that at high tide you will not be able to walk back along the beach to the lower parking lot, so you have to time it right if that is your plan.
Succulents, native plants, and wildflowers dot the landscape, along with the famed Torrey pine trees, a critically endangered species only endemic to this part of the world. Torrey Pines State Reserve is the only place these Torrey pine trees still grow wild.
Afternoon
Get Lunch At The Cliff Hanger Cafe
The Cliff Hanger Cafe is one of the more unique places to grab breakfast, lunch, or a sunset beer in San Diego, not because of the eclectic menu, but because you get to watch hang gliders and paragliders launch themselves off a cliff while you eat or have a drink. This always makes for a great time.
Cliff Hanger Cafe is just south of Torrey Pines State Preserve. They have a few breakfast items and a good selection of sandwiches, salads, other snacks that they serve until 4pm. On weekends they have live music and serve beer and cocktails, so this can be a great place to watch the sunset. Grab some food, maybe a drink, and watch people soar through the sky toward the ocean. We never have figured out what actually happens to the paragliders…
Go To Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument is like the big brother to Sunset Cliffs in Ocean Beach – it is nationally protected, historically significant, and even more pristine. Not to say that Sunset Cliffs is historically insignificant, but Cabrillo National Monument is part of America’s National Park System. It is where the first European explorer – Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo – stepped foot on modern California in 1542. Here, he and his crew encountered the Kumeyaay Native Americans who have lived in this region for millennia.
On the western side of Cabrillo National Monument you will find beautiful trails along the time-worn cliffs. During high tide, waves crash high against the rocks, sure to splash any hikers or tourists in the vicinity. During low tide this is an amazing place to go tide-pooling. If you’re unfamiliar, tide-pools are all the mini pools of water that get stuck in coastal rocks and beaches during low tide, and they are biological hot zones where you can find crabs, octopus, sea sponges, anemones, and a whole plethora of ocean life to observe in its glory. If you are lucky you might catch a nudibranch, literally the best animal ever. Or are they animals?
On the eastern side of Cabrillo National Monument is a beautiful hike that provides views into the San Diego Bay and downtown San Diego. No cliffs or tide-pooling on this side, but there are some interesting historical land markers and sites from old US military posts.
You will find plenty more to do at the monument – including a small museum, an old lighthouse, and other historical markers. If you have an America The Beautiful Pass you can enter for free. If not, it’s around $20 per vehicle, which goes towards the staff and maintenance of the park. Cabrillo National Monument is located at the southernmost tip of Point Loma and is just a short 20 minute drive from downtown.
Day 2 – Desert Exploration Day
Morning
Get Food And Coffee To Go At Lestat’s
Lestat’s is a college-style coffee house well known in San Diego. This is not a new, craft coffee roaster, so don’t expect any $8 single origin Guatemalan pour overs, but Lestat’s does have good coffee and plenty of other drinks to choose from. They also have what they call a “Whoopie Pie” – honestly it’s not really a true whoopie pie, but more like a snickerdoodle cookie sandwich filled with frosting. It is delicious. They have good breakfast sandwiches, smoothies, and plenty of pastries to get you going in the morning.
Lestat’s has three locations – in University Heights, Normal Heights, and Hillcrest. The location in University Heights – called Lestat’s On Park – is open 24 hours.
Road Trip To Anza Borrego Desert State Park
One of the most adventurous things to do in San Diego is a desert trip to Anza Borrego Desert State Park. Just over one hour east from San Diego, Anza Borrego is often overlooked by tourists visiting the area, yet out here you’re bound to see some of the more spectacular non-coastal scenery in the country. From scrubby hills to alpine mountain peaks and deep desert canyons this place is full of natural treasures, and possibly some literal treasures, who knows. It is also home to one of the more spectacular wildflower blooms in the country during winters and spring. Visiting Anza Borrego will be a full day, so make sure you pack food, extra water, and hiking clothes.
There are a few ways to get to Anza Borrego, but we tend to follow these directions and take Highway 8 East towards the town Ocotillo. Exiting in Ocotillo, you will then take highway S2 North. If you’re feeling rambunctious and the time is right, you can stop at the Lazy Lizard Saloon – a roadside bar with ice cold beer. Disclaimer: we have never visited the Lazy Lizard Saloon we just think it looks cool.
Anza Borrego State Park is huge. At over 640,000 acres, it stretches from near the Mexican border to up near Temecula. In the middle of the park sits the bohemian and artistic town of Borrego Springs where you can refresh and check out local art. Because of its immense size you will not be able to explore the entire park in one day, so here are our highlights:
The Domelands Trail – There was once a shallow sea covering parts of Anza Borrego over 6 million years ago and most of it seems to have deposited its sediment on the Domelands Trail, making this trail an historical and geological wonderland. An eleven mile round-trip hike, the Domelands Trail is filled with slot canyons, wind caves, and great views of the Carrizo Badlands. It is also rich with fossils from ancient seashells, sand dollars, whales, and walruses. There are some great backpacking opportunities on this trail, but it can easily be done as a day-hike (so long as you’re properly prepared).
Blair Valley – A huge sweeping valley surrounded by mountain peaks, Blair Valley is an awesome place to explore. This areas hosts two famous trails – the Pictograph Trail and The Morteros Trail. Both are easy hikes with ancient Native American pictographs and morteros ground into the stone (small man-made holes in bedrock that were used to grind seeds). There are plenty of harder trails if you’re feeling ambitious, but these are some easy and high-reward hikes.
Borrego Palm Canyon and Indianhead Mountain – A quintessential image of the desert is the palm oasis – a refuge of water and shade in the barren desert landscape. Anza Borrego has quite a few oases, but the most famous and accessible is at the end of the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. Just 2.9 miles round trip, this is a magical place to visit, especially during the wetter winter months when water may be flowing.
If you’re looking for a harder hike with grander views, you can continue on from the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail to the Indianhead Mountain. Just over 7 miles and 3000+ feet of elevation gain, this is a challenging desert hike. Don’t underestimate this hike, especially with the complete exposure to the sun and elements. Bring lots of extra water, food, long clothes, and sunscreen.
Galleta Meadows Sculpture Garden – This famous sculpture garden in the Anza Borrego desert is worth checking out – think of it as an oasis of culture. The sculptures at Galleta Meadows are pretty extraordinary and perfectly exemplify the artistic vibe you will find throughout the Borrego Springs community. Go for the pictures, the artful conversations, and to admire some beautiful works found in the middle of the desert.
Keep in mind this is just scratching the surface. Of course one of the most famous things that happens in Anza Borrego is the wildflower bloom that comes after rains. There are multiple websites dedicating to tracking when a bloom might happen, so just Google it. Also, don’t hesitate to stop at the Visitors Center – they are incredibly helpful and have a cool little museum inside. You can find a map to Anza Borrego Desert State Park and other key information on their website here.
Afternoon
Grab A Slice Of Pie And A Beer In Julian, CA
The small mountain town of Julian is famous for their homemade pies and their quaint, gold-rush, old-timey western feel. If you head to Julian, we suggest you stop for a slice (or two) at Mom’s Pie House. This place can have quite a line depending on the time of day, but it’s worth it for a wholesome experience.
If you want a cold beer and a more substantial meal then stop at the Julian Beer Co. This place has nice cold beer too cool you down from the desert heat and some solid barbecue straight from their smoker. Julian is small, but it has the classic charm of a well-preserve historic mining town. Peruse the gift shops and walk among the old western architecture.
As you head towards San Diego from Julian, there is one special place to stop at for a nice scenic view, particularly for sunset. Taking the Sunrise Highway, there will be a pull off right before you get on Highway 8, right here. Pull over, take in a vista of the Cleveland National Forest.
Day 3 – Urban Exploration Day
Morning
Grab Coffee And A Snack At Industrial Grind Coffee
Open at 6AM. Industrial Grind Coffee is legit.
Great coffee, friendly service, and good food. If you need an early morning pick-me-up before a hike in Mission Trails, this is the spot to go, as it’s just a few minutes from the trailhead.
Hike In Mission Trails Regional Park
Mission Trails Regional Park is the largest municipal park in California. With around 8,000 acres, there are hundreds of miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, rock climbing routes, and indigenous artifacts from the Kumeyaay Tribe.
While the most popular route is Cowles Mountain, we highly suggest the South Fortuna Trail starting from the West Fortuna Staging Area. It is a challenging hike that takes you through hills, meadows, riparian forest, and a steep mountain climb. This hike can be done as a loop (6 miles), or as an out-and-back hike (4 miles), and is mostly exposed to the elements. From the top of South Fortuna, you can look west to the ocean and see downtown San Diego in the distance.
If you want a more easy-going but still beautiful hike, take the Father Junipero Serra Trail which is more of an open road hike through the park, but no less beautiful as it follows the San Diego river and is towered by steep walls on either side.
Mission Trails Regional Park is truly a gem for San Diegans. Those who crave outdoor adventure on a regular basis will find this to be a nice local reprieve from the urban life.
Afternoon
Pick Up Sandwiches At Royal Food Mart
Here at When In San Diego we spend an inordinate amount of time trying to find good sandwiches in this city, so trust us when we say – in the well-heeled Bankers Hill neighborhood sits one of San Diego’s best sandwich shops: Royal Food Mart. At this establishment they don’t try to over do the deli experience with complex ingredients and overly stylized construction – they serve simple, classic sandwiches with some home-spun enhancements. Our personal favorite is the Royal Roast Beef, but to each their own. The staff are kind and friendly, which also makes this an enjoyable place beyond just the food.
As the name suggests, Royal Food Mart is also a general store, so you can grab an ice cold beverage, the local newspaper, and a giant bag of chips to go with your sandwich.
Check Out The Seven Bridges Hike In San Diego
San Diego has some amazing urban hikes. In all honesty, better than many major cities. What a lot of visitors don’t realize is San Diego is a hilly, cliff-laden, canyon-filled landscape, and thankfully the city, along with other great organizations like the San Diego Canyonlands, realized what a gem this was and created hiking trails and parks out of them. The most iconic urban hike in San Diego is the 7 Bridges Hike. On this hike, you’ll come across six bridges… no, just kidding. Many of the seven bridges on this hike span the canyons and trails that make up the unique landscape.
Start at the Spruce Street suspension bridge (pictured above) or the Quince Street bridge which stretches over the beautiful Maple Canyon. Try to hit as many as you’d like, but keep in mind the total hike for all seven bridges is around six miles.
Evening
Go To The San Diego Zoo
It is as great as they say it is. We have not been to every zoo in the world, but they say the San Diego Zoo is one is the best and you will see why. The jungle-scape and botanical gardens they’ve created in the zoo are astounding enough to be their own attraction. Of course, the animals are plentiful and incredible, including several massive aviaries where you can walk around and be one with the birds.
Most zoos serve as some of the greatest conservation and rehabilitation centers for animals in the world. Many times, these animals were either poached illegally or kept as pets, and then thankfully were rescued and brought to the zoo for proper care. Because these animals grew up in captivity, they cannot be released in the wild, but they do have a better life here.
The San Diego Zoo also serves as a major center for species rehabilitation and re-introduction efforts, aiding in the repopulation of many animals, including the Galapagos tortoise. In fact, the San Diego Zoo holds one of the largest colonies of Galapagos tortoises in the world, having hatched over 90 tortoises in the last century.
It’s an incredible zoo. Don’t miss it. Especially if you love nature and the outdoors.
The Adventure Ends For Now
That’s a wrap. This is but a taste of the incredible outdoor adventures that are offered in San Diego, but hopefully it itches the scratch. Your out of town friends should be sufficiently impressed and hopefully you can feel you have shed your corporate chains for a few days and come closer to releasing your inner Bodhisattva.
Vaya con dios.
Dinner Suggestions
After all these days of outdoor adventure you are going to work up an appetite. See these places we like for dinner around San Diego, some casual and easy, some a little fancier to reward yourself for a hard days hike.
Best Italian Restaurants in Little Italy
Blind Lady Alehouse
