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Exploring the Thrill of Travel
There’s nothing quite like the thrill of visiting a “cool” city that you’ve only ever seen on TV or TikTok. The characters, the hustle, and the iconic sights are all part of what makes travel so exciting. However, not every experience is as smooth as it seems. Spending 90 minutes in an Uber trying to get a few blocks away, struggling with dinner bookings, or having to photoshopped people out of your photos can quickly dampen the excitement.
In bustling cities like Tokyo, Paris, Rome, and Los Angeles, navigating crowds and congestion is almost inevitable. This is why many travelers are now seeking out lesser-known destinations and alternatives to the big, well-known places. These hidden gems offer a more relaxed and authentic experience without the usual tourist crowds.
San Diego: A Hidden Gem
I recently spent a week in San Diego, California, and I found it just as cool—or maybe even cooler—than LA, but with fewer tourists and less traffic. While San Diego isn’t an undiscovered city, it doesn’t feel that way as a visitor. Here’s my itinerary for a guaranteed good time, including where to stay, how to get there, things to do, and the best places to eat and drink.
Getting to San Diego
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While you can’t fly direct from Australia to San Diego, getting there is still super straightforward. The most common layover is in a nearby major hub like Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO).
As an Australian, I’m used to traveling 24 hours to get to Europe. I flew 13 hours from Melbourne to San Francisco, then took a 90-minute domestic flight to San Diego. If you’re in LA, it’s a minimum two-hour drive depending on traffic, but it’s very scenic cruising down the coast.
Pro Tips:
– Check if you need an ESTA visa, and if you do, ensure you carve out a good hour or so to fill out the online application form (the website can be a bit glitchy).
– Check TSA luggage and toiletries requirements to avoid having to bin your skincare (or Vegemite).
– TikTok would have you believe TSA and security lines are out of control at US airports — I found them to be fairly reasonable, but arrive at the airport with plenty of time and make sure your phone is charged.
Where to Stay in San Diego
San Diego sprawls along 112km of coastline; there are dozens of beachside, inland, and urban neighbourhoods, each with their own unique vibe. I stayed in La Jolla (pronounced la hoi-yah). It’s known as “the jewel” of San Diego because it has a bit of all the best bits: village vibe, beaches, coastline, ocean views, nature, and activities, and so many places to eat out.
There are a bunch of hotel chains, bed and breakfasts, and AirBnB La Jolla accommodation options, but I can’t recommend Estancia La Jolla enough. 
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Not only is this 10-acre ranch-inspired property perfectly located for exploring San Diego, but it feels like staying in a private secret garden villa. Think: lush gardens, quiet courtyards, crackling fireplaces, and golden Southern Californian decor.
Other key areas to look into depending on your priorities: Downtown (great bars and food, near Petco Park), Balboa Park (museums, San Diego Zoo, family-friendly), and Mission Beach (beachside, boardwalks).
Where to Eat and Drink in San Diego
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Before I left, my dad sent me this Condé Nast Traveller feature that says San Diego’s food scene is sneaking up on LA. Foodie people used to think of it as LA’s younger, less sophisticated sibling, but the San Diego hospitality is not anymore.
Here are a few of the standout cafés, restaurants, and bars I can recommend:
- Fleurette: This was one of the places featured in the article Dad sent. Holy moly, it might be the most memorable meal I’ve ever had. Modern French/Italian Riviera-style cuisine with a Californian spin, from Chef Travis Swikard (of Callie). Incredible cocktails. Immaculate vibes.
- The Lion’s Share: A dark, cosy “hidden gem” cocktail bar and restaurant located near Seaport Village. Known for its eclectic, game-heavy menu (bison, wild boar, rabbit), unique cocktails, and surrealist, zoo-themed décor.
- Artifact: Global fine-dining within Balboa Park, inspired by all of the international exhibits and multicultural activities within the park. Refined but laid back, and really delicious.
- Tacos El Franc: The best tacos, hands down. Food like how they do it in Tijuana; featured on Netflix’s Taco Chronicles, and recognised by the Michelin Guide.
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Things to Do in San Diego
I knew nothing about what there was to do in San Diego before my trip. I almost feel like I owe the city of San Diego an apology, because, woah, there are so many cool and different activities, attractions, and experiences to be had.
Image: Supplied.
Image: Supplied.
Here’s everything I ticked off in a few short days:
- San Diego Zoo: Absolutely stunning scenery, along with too many animals to count — they even have a Giant Pandas enclosure.
- Balboa Park: Known as “The Smithsonian of the West,” Balboa Park features 17 museums, numerous galleries, and performing arts venues.
- La Jolla Cove: Go and visit the San Diego sea lions!
- Petco Park Tour: Home of the San Diego Padres, and named the nation’s best MLB ballpark than any other stadium.
- Sunset Cruise: A 2.5-hour sunset cruise splashes by all of the major monuments in San Diego bay including the Coronado Bridge, USS Midway, Coronado Naval Base, Portside Pier, and the downtown San Diego skyline.
Happy travels!
Feature image: Supplied.
