My daughter and I spent a week in San Diego three years ago before her summer job started. We had a great time and she saw a lot more after I left.
Now she's graduating from engineering school and I want to treat her to a short graduation trip to celebrate, relax and experience a few special and memorable days somewhere before she starts work. She chose San Diego so we are returning in two weeks. I was born in Southern California, had family there for decades and traveled there for work a few times so I generally know the area, but don't know about current restaurants, coffee shops, etc.
I would really appreciate suggestions for unique or memorable restaurants and coffee shops, or any little known "experiences" that might appeal to a young adult and her middle aged mom. I would love to find a couple of places that have both good food and nice views (not eat mediocre food just to have a nice view).
- We will be staying two nights downtown (Westin Bayview) and two nights in La Jolla (The Shoal).
- We will have a rental car for two of the four days.
- She is 21, but doesn't drink alcohol so we won't be hitting bars/clubs although I might drag her to the Top of the Hyatt for the views and shared plates. It's been about 20 years since I went there.
- We love to be outside (hikes, walks, explore)
- Things we will likely be repeating this trip:
- Coronado (Taking ferry then walking around. We drove the last time).
- Cabrillo National Monument and tide pools
- Sunsets (make sure we are somewhere for the sunset...Sunset Cliffs, Mt. Soledad, Torrey Pines Gliderport)
- Balboa Park
- Walking around La Jolla
- Annie's canyon trail (north of San Diego, but mentioning to give an idea of things we enjoyed during our last visit)
- Editing to add: she loves to knit and machine sew. Very creative. She loves going to thrift stores to find clothing to upcycle/repurpose to creative reuse centers that re-sell donated yarn, fabric, etc.
Thank you for any suggestions!