It's quick and fun. Actually 111 Steps. Nothing crazy but if you're in the area. La Mesa has…read moremore but this is just off the freeway.

Challenging and it's definitely steep. As 68 years old, this is doable. Slow & steady. 02Sept24read more

The wife and I came here in 2018 and liked it so much that we returned. Thus, I decided to update…read moremy review. This time in 2025, I avoided food poisoning and did not go back to the restaurant that made me deathly ill in 2018. It is still open and still serves gelato. My impression this time was much more favorable. There are so many restaurants to choose from, it is hard to imagine how we made our choices last time. It's a pizza lover's dream. I think you could eat pizza at a different restaurant every day for half a year. There are cute little shops and food stores that sell Italian foods and pasta. The Little Italy is quite large, I think larger than the one in NYC, so you can spend a lot of time walking, eating and drinking, and people watching.

Little Italy was *truly* the perfect spot to stay as first-time visitors to San Diego. We were…read morecentral to so much by staying in the La Pensione. The farmer's market was right outside on Saturday, and there were dozens of top-tier restaurants and bars within short walking distance. I'm so glad we stayed in this neighborhood over Gaslamp, as that was on my radar too but sounded like it may have been too wild. We didn't have a car, so parking wasn't a problem, and public transportation was close by. It was also easy to call for a Lyft. I also appreciated how close it was to the airport. I'd absolutely stay in Little Italy again in the future if the price permits!

Weird. Cool? They…read morelook like funky mini golf course statues. One of them looks like toast.

I love random stuffs and these two are definitely random.read more

It's been decades since I've been back to Coronado Island. When I drive over the beautiful bridge…read moreand enter the Island, the first thing I tend to notice is how clean, crisp and well kept everything is. The heritage, the history and that 1888 old town feels is super captivating. The restaurants and shops are always fun to explore. Tons to offer from boutiques to bargains and local eats to treats, there is something for everyone! Additionally, the walkability to "ALL the things" is convenient, beneficial and easy. Indulged in lobster roll from Lobster West which was so delicious & had a feature favorite (coconut/chocolate) ice cream from MooTime Creamery! On most of my San Diego visits, I always make a trip to the beach. This one makes a memorial impression. It's so sophisticated, peaceful and pleasant! Plus, it's unique fun finds of some stunning special sea shells is a reminder of its iconic charm. It's just truly a pleasure to come here even if it's just to simply watch the waves of the bay at ALL times of the day! Don't miss out on visiting the stunning Hotel del Coronado. If you are a non guest, you still have options. You can choose to walk thru the property OR you have the option to purchase a "Day Pass" via ResortPass (check their website site) for access to the pool, beach daybeds, and cabanas. There's also options for dinning & drinking as well without having any hotel reservations. Enjoy!

When I was a teenager, I read a long book series that was set in Coronado Island, so it was really…read morecool to see the place in real life 20 years later. The beach was gorgeous with palm trees lining the path to it. The Hotel Del was really neat to see. We also drove past a couple of famous folk's houses. The main area looked pretty as well. I wish I could've spent more time on the island, but it was a lovely first glimpse.

I love a good food hall, and this one doesn't disappoint. A great collection of various cuisines,…read moreincluding yummy dessert options. This is a perfect choice for when you're traveling with a group and have a lot of differing preferences. Seating can be a little tricky, especially when you have a group larger than 6 people, but when the weather is nice, outside seating is lovely.

I love a good public market! This is a perfect spot to go with a group of friends or coworkers so…read moreeveryone can get what they want. I always recommend doing a quick walk through to see all the options available. They have over 35+ vendors and a great variety of food from pizza to BBQ to ramen to empanadas to Latin to sushi and seafood. I tried Wicked Maine Lobster and ordered a crab sandwich with fries. This was the perfect portion and the crab tasted fresh, and the fries were perfectly seasoned.  The market has plenty of seating inside and outside. We opted to sit outside and enjoy the beautiful San Diego weather! The market is located near the airport and you can see the plans overhead. It was a little loud for talking sometimes but you get used to the plane noise quickly.   I always enjoy visiting this spot when in San Diego!

When people think of California, they immediately conjure up all their favorite memes about Los…read moreAngeles and especially San Francisco. However, having lived here for decades, I think the real story is the treasure trove to be found in San Diego. This is truly the gem of the West Coast with its balmy and mild Barcelona-esque weather all year 'round and the visceral influences of sea, sand, and most of all, it's colorful, vibrant, richly cultural neighbor, Mexico. Nowhere is this more apparent than historic Old Town. It may be a tourist attraction, but every time I have gone, I have fallen in love with it and San Diego all over again. I will keep my comments to a minimum and simply share some photos I shot with a Nikon full frame camera, the last time I visited. No one should visit California without spending some quality time in San Diego, and no visit to San Diego is complete without spending a day or night in Old Town. What do you think?

Such a historic place. I got of work early and was walking distance from the hotel…read more Cute gifts, candies, museums, and restaurants galore! So much to explore and wander around. I went twice during my work week and found something different and interesting in every walk!

This is only my second year coming to Starlight circle but it has quickly become one of my favorite…read moreplaces to see lights. It is located right by Santana High School, which they open for parking and bathrooms! So there will always be a spot to park, even if it's a little far. We usually drive it though, since it's like one huge circle of a street. There's beautifully lit houses, light shows, art, and blow ups out! A good portion of the houses also had stands in front of them where they sold hot chocolate, tameles (one of the best I've ever had), macrons, kettle corn, cup of noodles, hot apple cider, and other holiday snacks! You can drive it as many times as you want, just look out for people walking! I highly recommend this is a free holiday must see in San Diego.

Our favorite family holiday outing! This was our 13th year and the houses never disappoint! Fun…read moreholiday lights and decor with neighbors selling yummy treats and crafts. Parking is made easy with a convenient lot at the nigh school down the street.

Green Flash is a meteorological optical phenomena that you can see during sunset or sunrise. It is…read morevery rare to be able to see. Given the right conditions, you can see a distinct green spot above the sun's upper limb, that usually only lasts for no longer than two seconds. It is even more rare, the green flash can resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset or sunrise point. This sculpture is the work of Malcolm Jones and is dedicated to that phenomenon, but it in no way aids you of viewing. You will find it on the Mission Beach boardwalk. The piece is made of a solid cast acrylic archway that is supported by two concrete pillars. There is also a bronze plaque describing the green flash phenomenon located on the sculpture and another title plaque. It was made in 2002 and is in fair shape, especially considering its age. Some has put stickers on it and the plaques are show signs of corrosion. It is unique and I actually learned something new in the process. It definitely sticks out. I have come to the terms that I will probably not ever see a green flash. It takes masterful planning, precise timing, and patience. I have 2 of the 3 (you can figure out which one I am missing). Parking here is simple. There is a free parking lot right by it. You can park, get out and talk a closer look. Well, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. The beach, a park, and an amusement park are in walking distance if you are looking for ideas.

I walked under this on my way to Mission Beach in San Diego and wondered what it was. It looked…read morelike something out of the 1970s!!! What is the Green Flash?? Well, it happens at sunrise or sunset, right before the sun drops out of view or starts to appear, it is said that a green flash appears for about 2 seconds. So this SoCal local flavor arch is a tribute to those 2 seconds!! Don't blink or you might miss it, literally, lol!!!!!

We can always count on the OB Boardwalk for an eclectic mix of people. Tourists, locals, homeless…read more(not aggressive in our experience), buskers, craft vendors, surfers...you name it! The views, the ocean breeze, the sun. Soak it all in. Take a walk on the pier. Put your feet in the water. If the kettle corn guy is there, by all means treat yourself to some. It's really good. If you're fortunate enough to visit during the craft fair, stroll through for some treasures. We love OB.

This walkway stretches along the beach, offering stunning ocean views, picturesque pier sights, and…read morea lively atmosphere that's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a fun-filled day out. I love walking along the boardwalk, taking in the salty air, and stopping at the various shops, eateries, and surf spots along the way. Whether you're a local or just visiting, the OB Boardwalk is a must-visit destination for its classic beach town vibes and unforgettable sunsets.

This place is not what it used to be 10+ years ago. There used to be a collection of small homes…read morewith shorter doorways and windows/ceilings lower to the ground...homes built for little people to live in. It was cool to see accesible housing. This home...I actually don't think it is even that. The house looks like a normal home, and WOW it is extremely difficult to even see this house. The road to get here is extremely steep, NARROW, fast-moving with irritated drivers, and absolutely no parking. There is also a lot of construction going on throughout the road. I really don't recommend wasting your time or gas money coming here.

It's not so much seeing the house as it is driving down through the canyon off the top of Hillside…read moreDrive after driving by the house that is the treat. You'll see breathtaking views of the Pacific and La Jolla so beautifully situated beneath. The houses along that drive are jaw droppers too. Just drive by... you'll enjoy the views!