San Diego is known for its sunshine, beaches and laid-back vibes. But there’s so much more to the city than swells and swimsuit weather. The SoCal destination, located two hours south of Los Angeles, has ample outdoor attractions, from hiking trails in Torrey Pines Nature Reserve to the La Jolla tidal pools—not to mention a pleasant climate to spend time outside year-round—and its own cultural identity. Balboa Park alone boasts 18 museums. It’s also a burgeoning creative hub with galleries and artist studios.

Craft beer is one of San Diego’s calling cards. Nicknamed the “Capital of Craft,” the greater metro area boasts more than 150 indie breweries. Beer lovers won’t want to miss brewery hopping in Miramar—affectionately called “Beeramar”—and 30th Street in North Park. Proximity to the border with Mexico heavily influences its food culture, with tacos, burritos and ceviche as classics. For a long time, the city’s crowning culinary achievement was the California burrito, stuffed with carne asada, fries, cheese, salsa and sour cream, which was invented in the 1980s. Over the last decade, there’s been a groundswell of exciting new restaurant concepts. The burgeoning food scene—driven by a mix of homegrown talent, local ingredients and international influences—is starting to draw attention from critics and diners alike. 

North Park buzzes with indie shops and trendy restaurants. The revitalization of Little Italy has resulted in a palpable sense of excitement at its coffee shops, farmers market and alfresco bars. And a new wave of design-forward stays (ahem, the Granger Hotel and The Lafayette Hotel) are giving modern travelers more stylish boutique alternatives to long-standing corporate hotels. 

While the pursuit of exploring San Diego’s many sides is a worthwhile one, it’s also a large metropolis with a lot of ground to cover. To help break down the myriad things to eat, see and do, we’ve curated a modern traveler’s guide to America’s Finest City, full of cool new spots and local-approved favorites.

For a sun-dappled San Diego getaway steeped in nostalgia, check into Hotel del Coronado, one of California’s most historic hotels. Occupying prime real estate on one of Southern California’s most beautiful beaches, the classic seaside idol on Coronado Island has a long legacy dating back to 1889. The sizable property is broken down by “neighborhoods”—hotels within the greater compound—each with its own vibe. Guests can shack up in a room in the original, beautifully renovated Victorian building or opt for the contemporary comfort of a coastal cottage. There are multiple restaurants (including a newly opened Nobu), a great spa, and vacation-making amenities like fireside s’mores and bikes for cruising the paved, six-mile loop.

Upon glimpsing the Colonial Revival facade, it’s clear this building has a story to tell (one involves celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Ava Gardner). But The Lafayette Hotel isn’t just any old revamped historic landmark. The hippest crashpad and see-and-be-seen hangout in San Diego, it’s a place where maximalism rules. The retro-meets-contemporary design is decidedly bold and glamorous with a mix of contrasting colors, textures and patterns. Rooms flaunt dramatic canopy beds, cheetah-print lamp shades and toile wallpaper. The over-the-top aesthetic and cool vibe draw a creative crowd who post up by the pool during daylight and sip espresso martinis at the atrium bar when the sun goes down.

While the boisterous Gaslamp Quarter is more closely associated with tossing back shots than restful sleep, the newly minted Granger Hotel makes a compelling case for sauntering a few blocks rather than calling a car after a night out. Tucked inside a Romanesque building, the guest-only retreat (read: spaces are reserved for those with a booking) blends vintage statement pieces—notably a structural cage........

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