We enjoyed our "budget trip" to San Diego! We explored Ocean Beach a bit, but spent most of our time exploring as many areas as we could fit in. We hit Point Loma, Coronado, downtown San Diego, San Ysidro, Imperial Beach, La Jolla, Torrey Pines, Del Mar, Encinitas, Carlsbad, etc. We enjoyed the Outlets at the Border in San Ysidro, watching the planes land in Coronado at the naval base, watching the gliderport at Torrey Pines, the views from Mt. Soledad, and the sea lions and seals in La Jolla. Better Buzz coffee was a favorite as well as Sidecar Doughnuts and Coffee in Del Mar. I'd heard about Sidecar up in Costa Mesa through the grapevine and was so happy there was a San Diego location. We ended up going twice - me for the gluten free treats and my husband for the famous butter and salt doughnut. Seriously divine! We loved the downtown area of Del Mar and enjoyed conversation with new friends there. The shopping area right by Sidecar looked really intriguing, too. Another favorite in San Diego was Tacos El Gordo - there are several locations. Definitely a unique ordering experience and DELICIOUS!
When it came to exploring Ocean Beach, we enjoyed the farmer's market where we got fresh fruit with tajin, fresh juice, lobster tacos, and gluten free baked goods. We enjoyed burgers at Hodad's. Our fave by far in OB was Mike's Taco Club! So, so good. One thing that was different for us as Midwesterners was that when we had to use the restroom, there were rarely any available - we went in Target expecting to be able to use the bathroom and they didn't have any, gas stations and fast food places are a no go either. Makes me thankful for so many public bathroom options in the Midwest! Ha-ha! We had to begin planning ahead for that. Planning ahead for parking was also a must. It was street parking and we were told if we didn't find a spot before 5pm, it would be difficult to find one. We didn't love the feeling of being tied down to the area in the evenings due to parking, but made it work the best we could.
We felt like this place was a good option while trying to keep costs low and while being gone exploring so much. I sent in some concerns I had when it came to the cleaning of the specific unit we stayed in, but I feel assured it'll be well taken care of. One thing that was a learning curve for us was balancing the temperature and humidity in our room. We couldn't get things to the point where we were at a comfortable temperature, but our sheets and clothes didn't have that "wet" feeling. We had a jacket we had to rinse in the sink after a spill and it didn't dry the entire week we were there because it was so humid. Again, maybe that's just how the area is. We're used to the Midwest dryness, I suppose!
Overall, an adventurous stay in a new city. We're happy to have visited San Diego for the first time!