48 Hours in San Diego
Sun, sand, and…seals? San Diego lives up to its laid-back reputation as a coastal enclave that’s a paradise for surfers and beach bums, but there’s so much more to see and do than taking in the Pacific—though you definitely need to do that. Decidedly more low-key than its neighbors to the north (that’d be Orange County and Los Angeles), San Diego is the perfect getaway for anyone hoping to embrace relaxing and restoring—and it’s also now home to the very first dine-in goop kitchen. It’s just minutes from where Gwyneth grew up spending the weekend in Leucadia and goes to show that San Diego is so much more than a city known for giant pandas, year-round sunshine, and pristine beaches.
Here’s where to stay and what not to miss as you explore the best of San Diego and North County.
Where to Stay
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe has everything you'd want from a retreat in San Diego, and you'd be hard-pressed to find another hotel like it in the area. Tucked among the citrus groves and hills of San Diego County, The Inn was an old Hollywood hideaway long before a major renovation brought it up to date. It still feels like a true escape, and the whole experience is quintessential California: Erewhon curates the snacks and wellness offerings at The Café, the StayWell longevity center is backed by Southern California's leading integrative concierge doctor, and there's plenty to keep a family busy, from hot air balloon rides to trail rides to sailing tours. And while it's not situated oceanfront, they can of course arrange for surf lessons and bring you to the best breaks.
Photos courtesy of The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe
L’Auberge Del Mar
Del Mar is known for its racetrack, but away from the excitement of the horses is a jewel box of a hotel, the L’Auberge. With 121 rooms, it’s small enough to feel like you’re staying somewhere with that under-the-radar, if you know, you know ethos, including the LIVV Well Suite—which comes with access to LIVV Cardiff, San Diego’s very first private health club, where guests enjoy IV therapy and aesthetic treatments. The rooms feature private outdoor spaces so you can take in views of the Pacific and guests have access to a fleet of electric beach cruisers and can even book private surf lessons at the legendary 15th Street swell.
Photos courtesy of L’Auberge Del Mar
Day One
San Diego and its surrounding cities are too big to experience in a single day, but there’s no reason to skip a drive north to La Jolla, a seaside enclave known as the “jewel by the sea” that prides itself on being walkable and is home to seals and sea lions that sun themselves on the sand. Stop by Children's Pool to take them in from a safe distance as they lounge. Then, head to Warwick’s, a book and gift shop that’s been around since 1896. Browse the latest from local authors, plus fountain pens, stationery, ceramics, and jewelry.
Grab a coffee from Il Giardino di Lilli, where the patio is enough of a draw for locals and visitors alike. It’s become an institution since opening in 2022, known for its strong Americanos and pastries inspired by the owner’s grandmother, Lilli. The area’s known for being one of the only places to see Torrey Pines, rare gray-green trees that you can only see in the San Diego area. You’ll see them if you stop for brunch at Farmer & the Seahorse, famous for its breakfast fried rice and daybreak burrito.
From La Jolla, head to Del Mar—even though it’s just a short drive away, it feels markedly different thanks to its beloved racetrack and European flair. The Del Mar Farmers Market is a weekend favorite, but Stratford Square might steal the spotlight for anyone looking to really get local. The fairy-tale style plaza has a gallery, shops, and cafes you can’t find anywhere else.
Stop in for lunch at goop kitchen’s very first dine-in location and the only one where you’ll find the Field of Greens Pizza, a gluten-free pie with pesto sauce and garlic confit covered in a peppery arugula salad. The warm wood tones and statement-making marble slab were inspired by Gwyneth’s own Pinterest board and brought to life by Michael, Maija, and the team at HSU Office of Architecture. Plan to stay a while, since you’ll want to linger in the cozy dining room with a strawberry-goji berry Palmer.
Goop Kitchen Del Mar (Photos courtesy of Michael P.H. Clifford)
The restaurant rubs shoulders with some big names at One Paseo, like Van de Vort for a mix of contemporary brands and vintage finds. For a truly unique souvenir, make a stop at Marrow, where award-winning designer Jillian Sassone can custom-make just about anything, or you can take home a piece of the brand’s signature goth-meets-romantic jewelry.
After lunch, it’s worth taking a 20-minute drive to Carlsbad Village, a North County town just up the coast. It’s got a new bookstore that’s already become a community staple. Carlsbad Village Books carries bestsellers, but look deeper for a selection of stationery, board games, and even book-nerd merch. Grab a coffee from Revolution Roasters for an afternoon pick-me-up and spend some time people- and dog-watching on the patio.
For a nightcap, the Remedy Lounge at Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa is San Diego’s first and only non-alcoholic hotel bar. With a menu of apothecary-inspired elixirs, the options are playful and purposeful, all designed to support holistic wellbeing with adaptogenic herbs, delicate florals, and rich spices. For night owls, a walk along the paths at La Jolla Cove offers views of sandstone cliffs and the crashing waves below. With bright lights along the pedestrian path, there’s no chance of tripping as you take it all in.
Remedy Lounge; La Jolla Cove
Day Two
Any time in San Diego proper has to include a stop at Balboa Park, which is double the size of New York City’s Central Park. The legendary area includes some of the city’s heaviest hitters, like the San Diego Zoo—yes, it’s worth going to see the Giant Pandas and support the conservation efforts, which are global, not just focused in Southern California. Plan to get there in the early morning to see the animals getting their breakfasts. Just steps from the zoo is a sprawling park with Spanish Renaissance architecture and photo opps at the Botanical Building and Lily Pond. Museum geeks can get their fill at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the San Diego Automotive Museum.
Refuel in Point Loma with fish tacos at Mitch's Seafood, a local institution that’s right on the water. For a taste of old-school San Diego, Bali Hai is famous for its tiki temple and mai tais—and there’s no shame in leaning into kitsch once in a while. Liberty Station Public Market is a must-visit for families with picky eaters or anyone who wants a bit of everything under one roof.
Nearby, the San Diego Naval Training Center has transformed into a collection of galleries, shops, and restaurants. Touching grass may be top of mind these days, but touching rocks and shells at the tide pools may be an entirely different kind of healing and is a favorite pastime at the Point Loma tide pools a short drive away—just make sure to check the tide charts to make sure you can access the best spots.
San Diego Zoo; Lily Pond and Casa de Balboa
Old Town San Diego may claim to reflect the history and culture of the area, but Barrio Logan is where it really shines. The area on Logan Avenue from Chicano Park to National Avenue is a nexus for Chicano and Mexican-American culture. You’ll need a jolt by now, so grab a Mexican mocha at Por Vida. You’ll be able to take in the murals and graffiti just strolling down the main drag, and don’t miss Beat Box Records for a little treasure hunting. Bread & Salt is a beloved gallery that showcases local art—and is another chance to get a souvenir that’s not just a fridge magnet.
For dinner, head to Zuma. After years of hype in London, it’s finally in California, with its first West Coast location in downtown San Diego. While most sushi spots lean into minimalism, Zuma goes all out, with palm trees on its terrace and a huge boulder wall inside. Try the miso black cod wrapped in hoba leaf or torched salmon. For something more laid-back, One of Us is a new gastropub that spotlights women’s sports by showing soccer, basketball, ice hockey, and softball on its screens, and it serves coal-fired smoked wings and fired pizza, along with local brews and sports-themed cocktails.