So your friend from Colorado is coming to visit. Most people are easy to entertain in San Diego, but this particular friend requires outdoor adventure. It’s not that food and culture are to be avoided, but tacos in PB followed by a Padres game won’t cut it. You’ll need to find outdoorsy things to do in San Diego. Luckily, the city offers that in abundance.
To many people’s surprise (including your friend from the Rocky Mountains who won’t fail to mention a Colorado 14er), San Diego is not a flatland. It is hilly, mountainous, and canyon-filled with a massive desert out east and ocean cliffs to the west.
In this weekend itinerary you will find coastal adventures, desert adventures, and urban adventures all within a short distance of San Diego.
The Itinerary
Saturday – Desert Exploration Day
Day 1 – Coastal Exploration Day
Friday Morning
Hike at Torrey Pines State Preserve
Razor Point, Torrey Pines – Photo by Jeeheon Cho Photography – More at jeeheoncho.com/analogblog/
This is a great way to introduce your mountain dwelling friend to the ocean life, but also the unique cliffs and hikes in the San Diego area. If you haven’t been yourself, Torrey Pines State Preserve could become a regular spot for you. 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, though there is nothing wrong with the former. Parking in the main lot can fill up quickly on weekends, but there is plenty of overflow parking. We suggest heading straight for the overflow parking – all it means is you get an extra walk in, which is a good warm up.
If you do head up to the cliffs, you’ll be presented with a network of beautiful trails through small canyons and sheer cliffs overlooking the beach. Succulents, native plants, and wildflowers dot the landscape, along with the famed Torrey pine trees. These trees are only endemic to this part of the world, nowhere else. In the late 19th century, 364 acres of this area became an established park, however the trees lacked protection. This park was under threat of commercial development, but thankfully Ellen Browning Scripps purchased and donated the preserves to San Diego for further protection. Now, we have these beautiful and unique cliffside pine trees, protected in a stunning park.
Friday Afternoon
Get a Late Breakfast/Lunch at the Cliff Hanger Cafe
The Cliff Hanger Cafe is one of the more unique places to grab breakfast or lunch in San Diego. Not because of any eclectic menu or high profile chef, but because you get to watch hang-gliders and parasailers launch themselves off a cliff. It’s a great time.
Cliff Hanger Cafe is just south of Torrey Pines State Preserve, so swing by on your way out. They have a few breakfast items and a good selection of sandwiches, salads, and other snacks. Grab some food, watch people soar through the sky, then head on out to the next coastal adventure.
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 will crash high against the rocks, sure to splash any hikers or tourists in the vicinity. During low tide this is an great 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.
On the eastern side is another 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. And of course the vistas.
You’ll 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.
Go Home And Regroup
You don’t have to do this, but who doesn’t like to take a break, shower, and nap after a nice day of hiking and exploration.
Get cleaned up and get ready for some dinner and drinks.
Friday Evening
Get Drinks And Dinner At Liberty Station Public Market
Photo of Liberty Public Market by Nick Amoscato
Liberty Station is a nice spot for your outdoorsy friend. Yes, it is an urban environment, but Liberty Station is a haven for art, food, and it has a beautiful park looking out to the San Diego skyline over the San Diego Bay. There are many restaurants and places to visit, but we’d recommend stopping at the Liberty Station Public Market. The Liberty Station Public Market is a massive food hall with a brewery, delis, empanadas, ramen, Thai, burgers, pasta, desserts… really anything you can think of.
Grab a beer, grab some food, find a table outside, and enjoy the beautiful night. If you’re up for it, they have bag toss and other games to keep yourself entertained. This place can get busy, but due to its sheer size, you should have no trouble finding a spot to hang out.
When you’re done, go check out the art venues and galleries and then finish with a walk along the Naval Training Center Park – a huge, grassy park overlooking the San Diego Bay and the cityscape. A nice end to the night.
Now get a good nights’ rest because you’ve got a Mad Max-esque day tomorrow…
Day 2 – Desert Exploration Day
Saturday Morning
Get an Early Breakfast
You will want to hit the road early as you head out to the desert, but you will also want some breakfast before your day in the sun.
Grab food and coffee to go at:
Lestat’s – This college style coffee house is well known in San Diego. They have 3 locations, however only the location in University Heights – called Lestat’s On Park – is open 24 hours. This is not a craft coffee house, so don’t expect any $8 single origin Guatemalan pour overs. But they do have good coffee and plenty of other drinks to choose from that will satisfy your cravings. 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. But that is besides the point because it is delicious. They also have a good breakfast sandwiches, plenty of pastries, and other snacks to get your day started.
Grab a quick sit-down bite at:
The Beginners Diner – Located in the more recently renovated Lafayette Hotel, the Beginners Diner is also open 24 hours. Emulating the classic charm of an old school restaurant, you can get a great patty melt, milkshake, slice of pie, French toast, omelets, and other great breakfast items. This place is a bit on the pricier side, so don’t expect Denny’s prices, but you’ll also get way better food than a Denny’s. They do to-go orders as well.
Whatever option you choose, get some food, get some coffee to go, and hit the road.
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. This will be a full day, so make sure you pack some snacks, extra water, and hiking clothes.
There are a few ways to get to Anza Borrego, but for this itinerary you will want 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 right in the desert. And so begins the journey.
Anza Borrego State Park is huge. At over 640,000 acres, it stretches from just above Ocotillo all the way north to the town of Anza. In the middle of the park is the bohemian and artistic town of Borrego Springs. Here you can refresh and check out some local art. Because of the immense size of the park, you will not be able to explore it all in one day, so these are some of the highlights of the park:
The Domelands Trail – Once a shallow sea over 6 million years ago, this trail is an historical and geological wonderland. An 11 mile round-trip hike, this 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, walruses, and other sea creatures. 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). For more details, check out this guide to the Domelands Trail on Magna Terra.
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 and other food). 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 of these, but the most famous and accessible is the Borrego Palm Canyon Trail. Just 2.9 miles round trip, it is a fun sight to see, 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 tons of extra water, food, long cloths, and sunscreen.
Galleta Meadows Sculpture Garden – This famous sculpture garden in the Anza Borrego desert is worth checking out. It’s 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, so don’t hesitate to stop at the Visitors Center and plan out some additional excursions. You can find a map to Anza Borrego Desert State Park and other key information on their website here.
Saturday Afternoon
Grab a Slice of Pie and a Beer in Julian, CA
Photo taken by Minuk – Mom’s Pies
As you head north, you will eventually run into Highway 78. Take that east and you’ll start climbing your way up the Laguna Mountains. Right before you start ascending, you’ll pass a marquis on the right outside of a person’s home in the small town of Banner. This marquis has some very interesting and rather…incendiary statements. By no means are we saying we agree with them – but it’s hard to miss. You’ve been warned.
Eventually, you’ll make your way up to the small mountain town of Julian. Famous for it’s homemade pies, 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 before heading back to the coast.
As you head towards San Diego, 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 one last vista of the Cleveland National Forest, and savor the moment.
Go Home And Regroup
You don’t really have to do this step. But everyone likes a refresher during a busy day exploring the outdoors. Shower, hydrate, relax for a minute.
Saturday Evening
Get Dinner at Kettner Exchange
Named after San Diego’s founding father, William Kettner, the Kettner Exchange is one of the best restaurants in Little Italy. With nautical and outdoor inspirations, it feels like you are entering the estate of your great uncle who was once an avid explorer and safari goer. Kettner Exchange is a bit more elevated in terms of the food and ambiance, and serves more Asian inspired dishes. A favorite of ours was definitely the “Mapo” which is a spicy ground bison dish with small Japanese rice cakes that had such a unique soft but chewy texture that went perfectly with the dish. As far as dress code, you will be just fine in some casual clothes (maybe not board shorts and flip flops, but jeans and a t-shirt are okay).
Boasting an innovative food and drink menu, all seats in the restaurant will surround you with intriguing decor and conversational pieces. We recommend you make reservations ahead of time as this place gets busy, but if you don’t you should be ok to grab a seat at the bar and get the same delicious food.
Tip: Parking in Little Italy on a Saturday night is difficult, so we don’t recommend driving on your own. Take an uber, bike, walk, or any other means to arrive at your destination.
Day 3 – Urban Exploration Day
Sunday 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 a pick-me-up before the hike, 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’s 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.
This 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.
Sunday Afternoon
Pick Up Sandwiches at Royal Food Mart
In the well-heeled Bankers Hill neighborhood sits one of San Diego’s best sandwich shops – Royal Food Mart. Here, 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 snacks to go with your sandwich.
Check Out the Seven Bridges Hike in San Diego
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
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. You’ll come across… yes, seven bridges. Many of them span the canyons and trails that make up the unique landscape.
Royal Food Mart is closest to the Spruce Street suspension bridge (pictured above), as well as 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.
Sunday 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 its 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.
Get Dinner Tribute Pizza
Tribute Pizza is not outdoor themed, but hey…there’s not a lot of tree house restaurants in San Diego, and you gotta eat. It is called “Tribute” pizza because each pizza is a tribute to a particular famous pizza that exists in the world or to a certain pizza theme, such as the Kevin Mccallister (a cheesy pizza tribute to the move Home Alone). The pizzas are all delicious, no matter what you choose.
This place also has a great beer and cocktail selection and a fun atmosphere. It can get busy, so expect a wait if you’re showing up at prime time, but again…it’s worth it. A nice hearty pizza and cold beer should be a great way to end and adventurous itinerary in San Diego.
The Adventure Ends…For Now
That’s a wrap. Now you’re friend who only raves about the Rocky Mountains will return home with some new knowledge and adventures to share which would have otherwise been unknown to them. This is but a taste of the incredible outdoor adventures that are offered in San Diego, and should entice your buddy to head back for more when they visit again.
Keep this itinerary in your back pocket for any other thrill seeking visitors, or just yourself when you need an escape from the urban world.
Happy trails.
A Map To This Itinerary
About The Author
Jeremy lives in San Diego, does not have a dog (yet), and writes about exploring new cities and public lands. If you run into him, there’s a good chance he’ll be hugging a tree.
Read more about When In San Diego.
