9 Ways to Travel Like a Local in San Diego

If your travel goals consist of warm weather, beautiful coastal lines, and plenty of authentic Mexican food, then San Diego is the place to be. Known as “America’s Finest City”, San Diego experiences more than 34 million travelers every year from around the globe. Highlights of this beautiful city include basking in the warm sunny weather, enjoying the craft beers, booking some tee times, and munching on mouthwatering Mexican delicacies. San Diego is definitely know for tourist attractions like Legoland, Sea World, and the Zoo, but if you truly want to enjoy the essence of the city, here are few suggestions on how to travel like a local.

It’s All About the Food

Ask any local what they miss while away, and their answer would be the world-famous Mexican food – San Diegan style. Withdrawals from carne asada and guacamole are no joke to them. San Diego is the place where the Mexican culture blends with the California vibe, which is how dishes like fish tacos, carne asada fries, and the California burrito came into existence. For local favorites, we suggest Miguel’s Cocina, which has locations across the county.

Hike Around Extraordinary Landscapes

San Diego is known for its breathtaking hiking destinations. There are miles and miles of trails with the perfect backdrop for every mood. Whether you want to stroll along the beach, enjoy a waterfall hike, or wander into a beautiful forest setting, San Diego has something for everyone. On a day with good weather (also known as “every day”), hiking is a favorite activity for many locals. North San Diego has some of the best hiking locations, including the Instagram-famous “Potato Chip Rock” on Mount Woodson in Poway. With so many options to select from, you are bound to find one that fits your interests. Lace up your hiking shoes, pack plenty of water and snacks, and go exploring!

Enjoy Some Fresh Produce at the Farmer’s Market

One thing San Diegans love is supporting their local economy, especially the farmers. With year-round harvests and plenty of sunlight, San Diego produces a wealth of fresh fruits and vegetables. Farmers’ markets are held at different locations throughout the week. At any of these markets, you can enjoy some of the best local food sampling, live music, arts and crafts from local artisans, fresh produce, and much more.

Fun Fact: San Diego is home to more than 6,500 farms. San Diego is the top producer of avocados, number three in honey production, number five in lemons, number nine in strawberries and ranked tenth in number of egg-laying hens.

A Beach Bonfire is a Must

On any day, you will find locals hanging by the beach, sitting around a bonfire. San Diego nights by the coast cool down a bit, and a bonfire feels just right. All you need is to bring some wood and to find one of the many public firepits by the beach – of course, they are claimed on a first come, first serve basis.

Witness the Bloom at the  Carlsbad Flower Fields

If you are in San Diego during spring time, you need to grab your camera and head to The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch to see the rows upon rows of colorful blooms. It is open from March to mid-May, and locals of all age love this place. There are plenty activities for both adults and children surrounding the fields. You will be amazed by how beautiful and marvelous those flowers look, spread across acres of the rolling hillside.

Bet on a Horse Race

The Del Mar Racetrack is a must-visit place for anyone coming to San Diego. This year’s Opening Day is on July 19, and the season continues into September. It is one of the most fashionable and glamorous event for the summer. Feel lucky, dress up in your best summer hat, and place a bet on your horse! If you think you are very creative, enter the Opening Day contest where you can win a cash prize for most outrageous hat, best racing, and most glamorous categories.

A Beer Lover’s Paradise

You simply cannot miss the craft beers when in San Diego. It is known as the country’s premium craft beer destination. With more than 100 breweries and brewpubs in the county, one can spend all their time tasting an endless variety of brews and flavors. In the past year alone, San Diego added nearly two dozen breweries and doubled the number of tasting rooms, as the creativity of Craft Beers has skyrocketed. With so many great options available, the real question is where to stop.

Book a Tee Time

It addition to its craft beer, San Diego is admired for its marvelous golf courses. The city boasts more than 90 courses, most of which are located in North San Diego. The golf courses in San Diego are sprawled along a multitude of coastlines, deserts, and valleys. Most widely known, of course, is the renowned Torrey Pines Golf Course, but the choices extend well beyond there. Maderas Golf Club in Poway, Bernardo Heights Country Club, and the Rancho Bernardo Inn are just a few of the many other options in North County that promise scenic and challenging layouts.

Experience Something Real at the California Center for the Arts

Nestled in the growing downtown of Escondido, the California Center for the Arts is considered a jewel of North San Diego. Since its founding, the Center has been dedicated to its mission of promoting the arts and their power for community building and enhancement, and enriching the lives of all within its reach, by providing artistic and cultural opportunities of the highest quality. Art of all mediums and disciplines, created by professional and student artists, has been hung in the Center’s modern and spacious 9,000-square-foot museum. Once you are finished admiring the art, you can head over to the theater to take in a wonderful play or concert. The Center allows you experience some of the best cultural offerings available in all of San Diego.