24 hours in San Diego

A quick trip to San Diego raises burning questions like: What should I see instead of something else? I only have four meals here, where can I find the ultimate, hands-down BEST food in San Diego?

Well, I’m lucky because I live in Los Angeles, and I can drive down to SD nearly any weekend I like. For those of you who can’t, though, I’ve laid out our trip to San Diego below!

First things first, I am a sucker for any kind of indoor or outdoor market. I love the bazaar-like feel of wandering through different food or shopping choices, among people who are looking around and doing the same thing. The hunt is exciting, although a little overwhelming, but when you finally settle on the spot to eat, it’s just the best thing ever.

So, there was no question that Liberty Public Market was a must-see. This public market, open 7 days a week, offers the best of San Diego. Anything you can think of – beer, wine, oysters, fish, meats, desserts, pasta, fine jewelry, woven handbags, dog treats, etc. – this place has everything! All the best that local artisans have to offer. If you love to shop and support local businesses, this place is perfect for you, and it’s also great if you’re short on time. It is so much fun just wandering in and out, observing and taking in everything. After picking up some treats for our dog at Howlistic, we finally settled on just a snack before lunch at Roma Express, where we picked up half a dozen arancini balls.

Pro tip: If you love taking photos with murals, be sure to check this one out, which is right outside Liberty Public Market. I was instantly drawn to the bright blue background and fun sentiment!

Next, we headed to Little Italy for lunch. My favorite spot is Filippi’s Pizza Grotto on India Street. If you shop the grocery store at the front of the store, be sure to take home some fennel sausage. It’s the best sausage I’ve had anywhere! Buy a ton, and then store the rest in your freezer, if you’re able to transport it home.

Filippi’s is filled with the natural Italian charm that most Italian restaurants also have, but I love this place especially because of its dimly-lit room with hundreds of chianti bottles hanging from the ceiling.

We actually sat in a different room because we had a big group, which was bright and welcoming. We loved the pizza – we got a margarita pizza and pepperoni & sausage pizza, along with a couple sides of meatballs. I wasn’t too crazy about meatballs, personally, but the red sauce was to die for. After filling up on Peroni, Moretti, pizza, and meatballs, it was time for dessert!

Since it was raining, we didn’t venture around too far. A quick walk next door had us at Cafe Zucherro, where the most divine desserts are on display. After much back and forth, I settled on a nutella filled dessert. I ate it so fast, I don’t have a even have a photo!

Given that we were short on time, this trip mostly centered around food instead of activities (I’m not complaining, though!). On our list for our next trip is the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

Ciao for now, San Diego!