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Exploring San Diego: 8 Tips from a Local
San Diego, California, United States
"San Diego is a hard place to leave," says Kerry Dunne, who transferred here from Ireland to be the senior event manager at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront. "I really love my job, and I love my leisure time here. I never have to check the weather in the morning."
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Taste your way around Little Italy
San Diego, California, United States
This walkable section of downtown San Diego is a foodie's dream. “Little Italy feels very European,” says Dunne. “I tell our guests to go to one restaurant for an appetizer, another for an entrée, and then finish off with a dessert restaurant or ice cream shop."
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Hop on the Old Town Trolley
4010 Twiggs St
San Diego, CA
Monday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Tuesday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Wednesday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Thursday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Friday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Saturday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday:
9:30 AM – 6:00 PM
This is a great way to get the lay of the land. "It's a hop-on, hop-off tour that gives a good introduction to the city's different neighborhoods,” says Dunne.
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Catch the views from Presidio Park
2811 Jackson St
San Diego, CA
Monday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:
6:00 AM – 10:00 PM
The Old Town Trolley also stops at Presidio Park, which offers sweeping views of both the city and the ocean.
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Explore Balboa Park
San Diego, CA
Monday:
Open 24 hours
Tuesday:
Open 24 hours
Wednesday:
Open 24 hours
Thursday:
Open 24 hours
Friday:
Open 24 hours
Saturday:
Open 24 hours
Sunday:
Open 24 hours
“With just a short walk, you can visit several museums in Balboa Park,” says Dunne. “The Timken Museum is free, so you can just stroll in and explore the art. Kids love the Air & Space Museum.”
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Stroll the coastline in Coronado 🌊
Coronado, CA
You could spend a whole day on Coronado Island, across the bay from downtown. “It feels separate from the city and more like a private resort,” says Dunne. “You can rent bikes and pedal around the island or walk along the shoreline.”
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Have a beer at Mike Hess Brewing 🍻
3812 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA
Monday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Friday:
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Saturday:
12:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
This North Park brewery is an excellent way to experience San Diego’s buzzing beer scene. “They have tables and seats inside the space that houses the brewing tanks,” says Dunne. “If you're hungry, different food trucks show up every day.”
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Shop and eat in South Park 🍴
2219 30th St
San Diego, CA
Monday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Thursday:
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Friday:
12:00 – 11:00 PM
Saturday:
10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday:
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
“South Park is full of historic, Craftsman-style houses, vintage shops, and clothing and jewelry boutiques,” says Dunne. Shop and then wind down with wine and charcuterie at The Rose.
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Try the pizza at Buona Forchetta
3001 Beech St
San Diego, CA
Monday:
12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Tuesday:
12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Wednesday:
12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Thursday:
12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 9:30 PM
Friday:
12:00 – 3:00 PM, 5:00 – 10:00 PM
Saturday:
12:00 – 10:00 PM
Sunday:
12:00 – 9:30 PM
“Buona Forchetta in South Park is a truly authentic Italian restaurant,” says Dunne. “They make a pizza with prosciutto and truffle oil that's to die for. There's always a wait to get in.” For more local tips, visit the link below!