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First Time in San Diego

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San Diego's long coast is filled with tourist havens (like the San Diego Zoo and Balboa Park) as well as local secrets (like Coronado's Cafe 1134 and the indie music joint Belly Up) that make this southern California city so special. Casual ambiance is the specialty, where flip-flops, sand and a tan are always in season. Enjoy the beach at every destination, where most neighborhoods (like Cedros Design District, Ocean Beach and even Gaslamp) are all within walking distance of the water. But be aware of San Diego's vast circumference, as must-see destinations like Coronado, North Park, Pacific Beach and Solana Beach are so far apart a car is necessary.

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Author: meaghanclark

Day 1 - San Diego

Things to Do: San Diego is known best for its world famous zoo (which recently welcomed a baby panda) and its beaches. The brilliant part about San Diego's neighborhoods is that most of them include their own secret - with Cedros Design District's own chic vegan restaurant and indie tavern (Belly Up), while the Gaslamp Quarter entertains late into the night - whether you want to find a night club (The Ivy) or mend that chocolate craving (Ghirardelli), Surf in the famous La Jolla Shores with Surf Diva, indulge in Italian music and food in Little Italy and scout out the most popular dogs at the OB Dog Beach. The only necessity besides an open-mind and a willing palate is a car.

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Little Italy District

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Location:

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1830 Columbia Street
(Little Italy Association)
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

+1 619 233 3898 (Little Italy Association)

Gaslamp Quarter

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Location:

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Gaslamp Quarter
(Bordered by Broadway, Harbor Drive, Fourth and Sixth streets)
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

+1 619 233 5227 (Gaslamp Quarter Association)

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

Location:

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Foot of Voltaire St. Ocean Beach
San Diego, CA 92107

Horton Plaza

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Location:

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324 Horton Plaza
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

+1 619 239 8180

Japanese Friendship Garden

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Location:

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2125 Park Boulevard
(Balboa Park)
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

+1 619 232 2721

Balboa Park

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Location:

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1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

+1 619 239 0512

San Diego Zoo

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Location:

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2920 Zoo Dr
Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92103

Phone:

+1 619 231 1515

Day 2 - San Diego

Restaurants: Just as San Diego's neighborhoods are diverse, as is its cuisine - from Italian to Mexican, casual to expensive chic, there isn't an area where you won't find everything you're looking for. La Jolla's Cottage is a neighborhood treat, while the Wild Note Cafe connects indie rock groovers of the Belly Up with divine dishes. It's everything you need to satisfy the taste buds during an exciting trip to San Diego.

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The Prado at Balboa Park

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Location:

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1549 El Prado
(In the House of Hospitality)
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

619 557 9441

Day 3 - San Diego

Nightlife: San Diego knows how to party - with three colleges and a slew of transplants, the city is filled to the brim with spots that are simple, chic, high-class and dive-y. The location makes a difference - you'll find dive bar after dive bar in most beach cities, nightclubs in Gaslmap, local breweries up north and complete funk in Northpark.

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Firehouse Beach Cafe

Location:

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722 Grand Avenue
San Diego, CA 92109

Phone:

1 858 272 1999

Beauty Bar

Location:

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4746 El Cajon Blvd
At Euclid Ave, City Heights
San Diego, CA 92105

Phone:

619/516-4746

Envy at the Ivy Hotel

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Location:

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630 F St
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

(619) 814-1000

Wine Steals

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Location:

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1243 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103

Phone:

+1 619 295 1188

Shout! House (The)

Location:

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655 4th Avenue
4th & G in the Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

619 231 6700

Croce's Restaurant & Jazz Bar

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Location:

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802 5th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Phone:

619 233 4355

Day 4 - San Diego

Local Recommendations: A Day in the life There isn't an area you should miss while in San Diego, so it may be difficult to choose just one category to see and taste while in the area. A must-have is the Gaslamp district where The Bitter End opens with a comedy hour brought to locals by SD resident Mal Hal, followed by an Asian/ Mexican inspired meal at the Red Circle, late night snacks found at the Farmer's Market in OB and finally an impromptu-concert at the Spreckel's Organ Pavilion, following a jog/walk through San Diego's classic Balboa Park. It's all here.

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