Our trip to {SAN DIEGO}:

The Palihotel San Diego has breathed new life into the historic Hotel St. James, originally built in 1912. The hotel has been transformed into a stylish, design-forward stay in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. It blends preppy charm with an effortless West Coast cool. The rooms strike a balance between playful and polished, with custom-designed furniture, plush Bellino Fine Linens and luxurious Diptyque bath amenities. Thoughtful touched including a SMEG mini-fridge, curated minibar and Nespresso machine add to the comfort. Rich textures and vintage-inspired decor give each space a distinct personality.

Downstairs, Saint James French Diner puts a sophisticated spin on the classic American diner, serving up all-day fare with a Parisian twist. A good spot whether you’re starting the morning with espresso and a croissant or settling in for steak frites and a cocktail. And a private rooftop deck, exclusively for guests, offers panoramic city views and a daily social hour; the perfect spot to unwind after a day of exploring.

Photos: palisociety.com

Calling Balboa Park a park is an understatement. Sprawling over 1,200 acres, it’s home to ornate Spanish-style architecture, themed gardens like the Japanese Garden (below center), theatres, and over a dozen museums, not to mention the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Whether you’re here for a morning stroll through the Botanical Building, an afternoon exploring art at The San Diego Museum of Art, or a night at The Old Globe Theatre, there’s no shortage of things to do. A lesser-known museum we enjoyed on our last visit is the Mingei International Museum. It celebrates global folk art, craft, and design, showcasing handmade works from diverse cultures that highlight the beauty of everyday objects. Even if museums aren’t your thing, simply walking its palm-lined promenades is an experience in itself.

The Gaslamp Quarter is where San Diego’s nightlife thrives. Picture a mini-New Orleans, where historic facades house an electric mix of bars, rooftop lounges and restaurants spilling onto the sidewalks. The neighbourhood buzzes with energy, from swanky cocktail dens to thumping nightclubs, making it the go-to spot for a night out. It’s touristy for sure, but that’s part of its charm, especially during Mardi Gras, when the streets erupt into a full-blown festival.

Barrio Logan is area south of Downtown where history, activism and creativity collide. At its core is Chicano Park, where more than 80 vivid murals stretch across the concrete pillars of the Coronado Bridge, telling the story of Mexican and Chicano resilience. Activists painted these works in the 1970s after a promise of a park there was rescinded. In 2017 the park was named a National Historic Landmark. Places we read about but didn’t have time to visit include Por Vida, a local coffee spot, or Border X Brewing, known for its Mexican-inspired craft beer. On weekends, Logan Avenue transforms into a street market with Walk the Block, a celebration of local art, music, and food.

Catching a baseball game at Petco Park is a full-on immersion into American culture. Even if you don’t know a home run from a double play, the electric atmosphere and roar of the crowd make for an enjoyable experience. Situated in downtown San Diego with stunning skyline views, this ballpark is the perfect place to kick back with an ice-cold beer, savour a classic hot dog and soak up the passionate energy of Padres fans.

Step into the heart of San Diego’s origins in Old Town, where Spanish settlers shaped the city’s earliest days. This historic district blends past and present, with well-preserved adobe buildings, charming boutiques and museums including the legendary haunted Whaley House. As you wander through its streets, you’ll find three major parks and a collection of 32 historic sites inside Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, offering a glimpse into life when this was a Mexican pueblo. Don’t miss the Presidio, where the city’s first mission once stood, overlooking it all.

San Diego has a vibrant and varied dining scene, with several different areas to explore…

Juniper & Ivy is a Michelin Bib Gourmand honouree that helped put San Diego’s fine dining scene on the map. A once-abandoned warehouse has been transformed into an impressive social dining space with a big open kitchen where guests can catch the action of the chef team meticulously plating dishes. Opened nearly a decade ago by Top Chef alum Richard Blais, this modern American restaurant remains a local institution, blending inventive flavours with a touch of playfulness. The menu evolves with the seasons, offering everything from indulgent main courses like a New York strip or whole fried snapper to a lineup of small plates that let you sample more of the kitchen’s creativity.

For the best experience, grab a seat at the counter, where you’ll get a front-row view of the chefs at work. Whatever you do, save room for The Yodel: a rich Devil’s Food Cake stuffed with cream, hazelnut, and white chocolate pearls. When it hits your table, the staff douses it in a cascade of warm, velvety chocolate right before your eyes, making for the perfect sweet finale to a standout meal!

Photos: juniperandivy.com

Herb & Wood leans into a natural vibe suggested by the restaurant’s name, with a warm wooden plank ceiling, lush greenery and an atmosphere that feels both elegant and effortlessly relaxed. The menu by chef Brian Malarkey focuses on rustic, wood-fired dishes. The menu elevates humble ingredients, highlights Mediterranean flavours, and brings a California ethos of seasonality and sustainability to every dish. The offerings shift with the seasons, but you might find yourself lingering over crispy potatoes dressed in lemon vinaigrette and Parmesan or a mushroom truffle pizza with creamy goat cheese. The cocktail list is just as enticing, featuring playful concoctions like the Bourbon & Honey, spiked with a kick of chili oil. And the extensive wine list includes nearly 150 bottles, with California wines interspersed with Old World varietals.

Photos: herbandwood.com

Craft & Commerce is a gastropub that nails a Brooklyn-meets-California aesthetic with exposed brick walls, wood-beamed ceilings and well-curated bookshelves. The menu offers hearty, fire-kissed meats, wood-fired vegetables and shareable plates. After dinner, False Idol is a hidden tiki bar tucked behind a steel door disguised as a walk-in cooler.

A love letter to Mediterranean flavours with a distinctly Californian touch, Callie is the much-anticipated debut restaurant from chef Travis Swikard, who honed his craft in New York City under acclaimed chef Daniel Boulud. The best way to experience it? Opt for the Mediterranean feast, a five-course tasting menu that showcases the kitchen’s greatest hits. Expect bright, bold flavours, from green Israeli hot sauce drizzled over kanpachi crudo to an Aleppo-spiced half chicken, charred and caramelized with coriander honey. The space is modern yet inviting, perfect for lingering over mezze, wine, and the kind of warm hospitality that makes you feel right at home.

Tucked inside the sleek Pendry Hotel, Lionfish is where modern coastal cuisine meets a buzzy downtown energy. The menu focuses on sustainable seafood and prime cuts, with inventive small plates.

Born and Raised is an ode to the classic American steakhouse, wrapped in a sultry Art Deco aesthetic with leather banquettes, marble tabletops and gleaming brass details. A meal here is an event, with 250 seats yet an intimate, club-like feel that makes it all the more indulgent.

One of the spots in San Diego where people actually dress up for dinner, Animae is a stylish, high-energy steakhouse with a Southeast Asian twist. Executive chef Tara Monsod, a James Beard Award finalist, brings her Filipino heritage to the menu, which features bold flavors and a mix of wagyu steaks and innovative plates. Standouts include the A5 Miyazaki strip, pork tomahawk with mango sauce, and short rib kare kare with peanut oil and fermented seafood paste. A well-curated selection of craft cocktails, sake, and Japanese beers rounds out the experience, making Animae a top pick for a night out that feels celebratory from start to finish.

Trust is a North Park neighbourhood favourite with a stylish but unpretentious vibe. The restaurant serves up bold, seasonal flavours in a lively, open-kitchen setting. The menu is built for sharing, with standouts including wood-grilled octopus, roasted cauliflower with tahini and their ricotta agnolotti. The cocktails are crafted with the same attention to detail as the food.

Set inside the Mingei International Museum at Balboa Park, Artifact draws inspiration from ancient cooking methods and global spice routes, bringing together bold, unexpected flavours in beautifully plated dishes. Think slow-roasted meats, aromatic grains, and botanical-infused sauces that feel both modern and deeply rooted in history. Whether you’re stopping in for a leisurely brunch or a post-museum lunch, Artifact delivers a dining experience that’s as artful as the space around it.

Hotel del Coronado is a legendary resort immortalized in films like Some Like It Hot. It has been hosting Hollywood stars, dignitaries, and travellers for over a century. Its red-roofed Victorian architecture stands as a landmark on one of San Diego’s most famous beaches. The hotel offers a range of restaurants with the ocean in sight. For a toes-in-the-sand experience, we liked the Beach and Taco Shack, where you can sip a margarita while watching the waves roll in. For something more refined, Serẽa delivers a seafood menu with everything from whole roasted branzino to locally sourced oysters.

The rooftop at the Andaz Hotel is a sleek urban escape with firepits, city views and good cocktail menu. Another elevated spot to soak in the sounds of the city coming to life after sunset.

The Nolen is Perched 14 stories above the Gaslamp Quarter. The open-air rooftop bar offers panoramic views stretching from Petco Park to the Coronado Bridge. It’s a good spot for sundowners or for laid-back drinks to cap off an evening.

On a recent trip a search for some cool boutiques to browse took us to North Park, a 20 minute bike ride from Downtown. We did it after a trip to the nearby Balboa Park.

On a recent trip a search for some cool boutiques to browse took us to North Park, a 20 minute bike ride from Downtown. We did it after a trip to the nearby Balboa Park.

Pigment offers beautifully curated home goods, lush plants and unique gifts that bring a touch of California cool to any space. The colour-coordinated aesthetic add to the browsing experience. The selection is a mix of local artisan goods and carefully sourced items from independent makers. Shelves are stocked with everything from handcrafted ceramics and minimalist jewellery to stylish stationery.

Verbatim Books is an independent bookstore, with a labyrinth of new and used books. The walls are lined with quirky artwork and the outside is home to an impressive, extensive literary themed mural.

Lovesong Coffee has an interior that is minimal yet inviting, with earthy tones, soft lighting and multiple hang-out areas. The side of the café is open to the street, giving it an airy feel, with more seating outside on the pavement. It as a good spot to chill out over an iced coffee after wandering round North Park.

La Jolla is a seaside town just north of San Diego, set on a beautiful coastline with rugged cliffs, small coves and views out across the Pacific.

At the centre is La Jolla Village, a compact and  walkable area packed with cafés, boutiques, galleries and restaurants. Palm trees line the streets and many of the buildings follow the Spanish-inspired Californian style with soft pink and sandy-coloured façades. The streets are beautiful with manicured lawns and colourful flowers. We also loved the little wooden houses we found on some of the side street (below middle).

The cultural side of the village is surprisingly strong, including the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

Set inside a restored 1910-era home designed by California modernist Irving Gill, Orli is a boutique, 13-room retreat near the beach. It blends the luxe touches of a high-end stay with the ease of a homestay. You can tailor your visit through a web-based app, ordering fresh flowers from local florists or surprise treats from a nearby bakery, for example. Rooms strike a balance between modern minimalism and comfort, with warm wood tones, natural textures, plush bedding and rainfall showers.

The downstairs lounge is a refined yet relaxed gathering area, where guests can start their morning with expertly brewed coffee from the self-serve espresso bar. The lounge doubles as an evening bar, where travelers can pour a glass of wine or craft a cocktail from a curated selection of spirits. Just beyond, an enclosed garden courtyard invites guests to unwind in a tranquil outdoor setting.

La Valencia is one of La Jolla’s historic properties and sits in a spectacular position overlooking the Pacific. Built in the 1920s, the building has a classic Southern California coastal look with soft pink tones, terracotta tiles and Mediterranean-style detailing. At first glance it can look slightly dated, but the old-world, lived-in feel is part of its charm.

The location is hard to beat. You are right in the centre of La Jolla village, surrounded by cafés, boutiques and restaurants and just a few minutes’ walk from the ocean cliffs.

Rooms vary across the property. We opted for one of the recently refurbished Tower rooms, paying a little extra for an ocean view. The décor is fresh and simple, with a nautical theme, light neutral colours, comfortable beds and windows that frame the Pacific. 

The lounge has a relaxed atmosphere with large windows looking out to sea, making it a good place for an early evening drink. Outside, the terrace tables are perfectly positioned for sunset and sunrise.

But the real focal point at La Valencia is the pool, set on a terrace overlooking the ocean. The cabana bar serves drinks and light food throughout the day.

MCASD La Jolla is the local outpost of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and is one of our favourite museums anywhere in the world! The setting right on the coast is stunning. It has sleek, airy interiors and views of the Pacific outside. The permanent collection is impressive, with works from iconic artists including Andy Warhol and Ed Ruscha. We loved the fun sculpture from Yayoi Kusama (below right) on show in the lobby!

There are also temporary exhibitions, with A Decade of Pop Prints and Multiples, 1962–1972: The Frank Mitzel Collection showing on our last visit. This featured over sixty Pop Art prints, offering an impressive  survey of Pop’s growth across the United States, England and Europe.

Finally, the museum shop is also worth a browse. It has a great section of art & design books, plus other art-inspired gifts and homeware.

One of the more unexpected and fun things to do in La Jolla is the mural art trail. The Murals of La Jolla project has brought large-scale contemporary artworks to building walls around town, turning a simple walk through the neighbourhood into an informal outdoor gallery. The murals vary widely in style, from bold graphic pieces to intricate, colourful works that cover entire façades. Some of our favourite murals are show below to give you an idea. The official website provides a list of the murals on show at the moment and a simple map to help you find each piece.

One of the more unexpected and fun things to do in La Jolla is the mural art trail. The Murals of La Jolla project has brought large-scale contemporary artworks to building walls around town, turning a simple walk through the neighbourhood into an informal outdoor gallery. The murals vary widely in style, from bold graphic pieces to intricate, colourful works that cover entire façades. Some of our favourite murals are show below to give you an idea. The official website provides a list of the murals on show at the moment and a simple map to help you find each piece.

The best way to start a day in La Jolla is to walk along the coastal path. Start at La Jolla Cove is a small, rocky inlet that is a popular place for divers and swimmers to enter the sea. From here, walk along the coastal path to the Children’s Pool, where harbour seals lounge on the beach in the afternoon sun. Carry on down to Wipeout Beach where you can admire the skim boarders and surfers in action. Carry on down to Culver Park, a sandy beachfront park with picnic tables, BBQs & panoramic ocean views.

From here, you can cut in and walk east for a few minutes to get to the Blue Whale for breakfast (see entry later). You’re also close to the Museum of Modern Art for a bit of culture!

A walk along the coastal path at sunset is also a must for any visit to La Jolla. The colours of the sky are truly breathtaking, changing from burnt orange to pink and purple as the minutes pass.

George’s at the Cove is one of the most established restaurants on the La Jolla dining scene and one we always book. We dine on the rooftop terrace, which has simply stunning ocean views. We’ve been lucky to have spectacular sunsets on the last two occasions we’ve dined there. Book a premium seating option (not cheap!) if you want a table right along the glass wall. The vibe is buzzy, lively and casual.

George’s serves up polished but relaxed California coastal food, with familiar dishes given a fresh West Coast spin through bright citrus, local seafood and seasonal produce. Save space for dessert with indulgent options like sticky toffee cake, chocolate crémeux and crème brûlée.

Marisi sits right in the heart of La Jolla village and is one of the prettiest and buzziest restaurants we visited. It was voted Best Italian restaurant in San Diego Magazine’s Critic’s & Reader’s Pick awards.

There is a semi-circular bar, an open kitchen and an outside terrace for warmer evenings. The cooking focuses on Italian flavours, with fresh seafood, house-made pastas and seasonal ingredients. We had a tasty Pesto Campanelle with pine nuts and parmigiano-reggiano. We also had a delicious and ginormous Foccaia: remember to adjust your ordering when in the USA! 

The Kitchen at MCASD is a museum restaurant that genuinely stands on its own as a dining destination. Located inside the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, it sits on a terrace that opens out toward the ocean. The menu is Mediterranean with bright salads, seafood and lighter plates too. It’s an ideal stop either before or after exploring the museum galleries.

Set just steps from La Jolla Cove, Cove House is one of favourite spots for breakfast and brunch. It has a laid back, California coastal vibe and a lively atmosphere. Locals who live in the sunshine are happy to have sit in the cool inside! But we go for a table on the terrace with views of the sea or we pull up a stool at the bar. Cove House serves a sunny, California-style brunch that mixes classic egg dishes and indulgent breakfast favourites, including French toast and several takes on Eggs Benedict. Our favourite is the California Benny with poached eggs, avocado, heirloom tomato and brown butter hollandaise on a house herb biscuit. Yum!

Sugar & Scribe which, as name suggests, is all about sweet indulgence. The restaurant and bakery is owned by Food Network champion Maeve Rochford. The space is cheerful and laid back. The menu is extensive and unapologetically indulgent. Think towering piles of fluffy pancakes and indulgent French Toast.

Wayfarer Bread & Pastry is a charming neighbourhood bakery to the south of La Jolla, known for its flaky pastries, naturally leavened sourdough and a lineup of seasonal treats. Everything is made by hand, with a focus on quality ingredients and old-world techniques that result in some of the best baked goods in San Diego.

The Blue Whale has a laid-back surf vibe, with a sunny terrace and a stream of locals queuing out of the door for coffee and breakfast: always a good sign! It has a relaxed buzz that feels very Californian. The menu is simple but done well. Breakfast sandwiches and burritos are the main attraction. We went for the lovely açaí bowl which had plenty of fresh fruit and was finished off with peanut butter.

La Jolla has an impressive array of shops, boutiques and galleries for a town of its size. If you like browsing and shopping you can easily spend a morning or an afternoon doing just that! A good place to start is the lower end of Girard Avenue, close to our favourite breakfast spot, the Blue Whale. You can then stroll up the avenue back towards the coast.

Warwick’s at 7812 Gerard Avenue is one of those independent bookshops with real character. It has well-stocked shelves covering a whole range of genres, along with recommendations from people working in the store. They also organise regular talks from authors, so worth checking their website when you are there is you like that sort of event.

Ralph Lauren, right next to Faherty, brings its usual polished, all-American style to the village.

Faherty at 7824 Gerard is worth popping into even if you are not shopping, as the store really captures that easy California surf mood, It has an area with sofas and books where any non-shoppers can chill out for a while!

Aviator Nation adds a brighter, more playful note to Girard Avenue. It’s one of the most colourful and fun stores we’ve seen. They sell colourful sweats and T-shirts that feel very much in keeping with Southern California’s casual, surf-rooted style.

One you get to the top of Girad Avenue, you arrive at Prospect Street. Here, opposite La Valencia hotel you’ll find a smart cluster of watch boutiques including Omega, Jaeger-LeCoultre and Panerai. Ideal for a little bit of luxury browsing if you are a watch fan! You’ll also find here quite a few art galleries.

Further to the east of Prospect Street is Simple La Jolla, an upmarket, curated collection of clothing and soft cashmere pieces, with a quieter, more understated luxury mood.

Beautiful Solana Beach is located along the northern coast of San Diego County. It is a great spot for combining shopping with a trip to the beach, with a mix of interesting art galleries, boutiques, furniture shops and surfing outfitters.

There are several beaches to chose from. Fletcher Cove (below) located at Solana Beach Plaza has a little beach with a park that overlooks the ocean. Tides Beach Park is a good place to explore tide pools and is known for its snorkeling. It can be reached via stairs at Pacific Avenue and Solana Vista Drive.

A contemporary art space with an international edge, Madison Gallery brings museum-worthy exhibitions to Solana Beach. Showcasing work from established and emerging artists, the gallery specializes in modern paintings, sculptures and mixed-media pieces that make a bold statement.

Beachfront dining doesn’t get much better than Poseidon in Del Mar, a short hop from Solana Beach. Here, the waves practically touch the restaurant’s open-air patio. This spot is all about fresh seafood, a relaxed coastal vibe and front-row seats to some of the best sunsets in San Diego.

The Pacific Coast Grill is perched right on the sand in Cardiff, with a front-row seat to watch the crashing waves. The menu is heavy on fresh seafood with a SoCal twist, with sushi rolls, grilled local catches and their signature lobster tacos on the menu.

Culture is more than just beer. Culture is an idea. An idea that we are not all that different from each other and that art, community spaces, and yes… beer too can bring us together. That is why Culture embodies the ethos of the neighborhoods we call home through monthly art shows featuring local artists, fundraisers, and community events. But also by brewing beer styles that anyone, from beer-novice to beer-nerd, can enjoy.

In the heart of Solana Beach’s Cedros Avenue Design District, SoLo is a carefully curated collection of a mix of home décor, textiles, books and ceramics. The store is housed in an 8,000-square-foot Quonset hut from the 1940s. It blends minimalist design with soaring, three-story-high ceilings. We could spend hours browsing here, especially the amazing selection of art & design books, one of the best we’ve ever come across.

Native Poppy is a bright and colourful florist that also has a pretty corner boutique selling greeting cards and gifts.

Yes Yes Collective is an antique shop we  popped into on our most recent visit. The main attraction for us in the record store towards the back, which has a decent selection of vinyl to browse and buy at reasonable prices.

Grange Garden is a charming stop in Solana Beach for coffee or a casual bite, with a rustic, garden-led look that makes it feel more like a tucked-away hideaway than a standard café. The space is set up around an outdoor terrace with plenty of greenery. They offer coffee and light lunches in addition to pizzas that looked good. An area with bunny rabbits add to the slightly eccentric appeal of the place!

Grange Garden have also expanded just up the road at 214 S Cedros Avenue, opening a café and little boutique in a cute historic-cottage and deli.

Lofty Coffee has a breezy, laid-back atmosphere and a sunny patio. It is a local favourite for handcrafted espresso drinks, organic teas, house-baked pastries and avocado toast.

Oceanside is a quintessential Southern California beach town that feels a little less crowded than some of the more obvious coastal names nearby, like La Jolla and Carlsbad. It’s a great place to visit and spend a couple of chilled-out days. We walked down the beach watching the surfers, strolled the pier and then had sundowners in one of the several rooftop bars. There is also a good selection of places to dine, from Michelin-starred Mexican fine dining to vegan brunches and more classic American fare.

Mission Pacific is a perfectly positioned waterfront hotel facing Oceanside’s famous wooden pier. It has a sleek, contemporary design and polished look. The hotel describes the interiors as “earthy coastal elegance” with an upscale urban edge, which is a fair summary. One fun feature of the hotel is that right in front of the house from the original Top Gun movie (below right), where Tom Cruise went to visit Kelly McGillis! It’s also a café, but it was closed for refurbishment at the time of our stay.

Rooms have a cool-toned, casual chic California feel. We had an oceanside room, which had a nice balcony, which was a great spot for sitting and admiring the beautiful sunsets.

One of the biggest draws is the rooftop. There is a pool up here where guests hang out during the day. It is also the setting for Oceanside’s premier rooftop bar, which gives the hotel lots of social energy. In the late afternoon and early evening, people start arriving for sunset drinks. The views from here were simply stunning! There is also a large outside area for casual dining.

Right opposite Mission Pacific is its sister hotel, The Seabird, with the same perfect position by the beach and pier. We didn’t stay here, we did pop in to check it out. Where Mission Pacific feels sleeker and a little more urban, The Seabird has a more colourful, relaxed and playful seaside feel. The lobby has a beach-house look with natural textures, nautical notes and brighter pops of colour.

The Seabird also has Sunny’s Spa & Beauty Lounge, open to Mission Pacific guests too. The hotel also has its own rooftop pool. It’s not the same sort of destination rooftop scene as Mission Pacific, more a place to settle in and relax if you’re staying at the hotel.

Valle is the standout special-occasion table in Oceanside and gives the town real destination-dining credibility. Chef Roberto Alcocer’s Michelin-starred restaurant is a love letter to Baja cuisine, centred around the charcoal oven. The interior design is striking, with a wood ceiling, white brick walls and a dramatic carved panel above the fireplace. Soft lighting and candlelight create an elegant, polished feel. There is also a bar area for a more casual menu and setting (see far right photo).

Service was slick yet friendly and a sense of theatre makes your evening especially memorable. The meal unfolds across different spaces, beginning with amuse-bouches on the terrace, before moving inside, then ending with a kitchen visit and final treat.The Northern Mexican wine pairing was another nice surprise, as this is a wine region we had never sampled.

The tasting menu is served with flair and also a sense of fun in the visual presentation. One course was a taco you make yourself, with poached lobster and a sourdough tortilla. One of the deserts looked just like an orange, but had yoghurt, ginger and cardamon.

The Plot is a good one for a casual brunch or low-key dinner in Oceanside. The space is light, modern and relaxed, with a clean, contemporary look that suits the town’s beachy, health-conscious mood. The food has a proper point of view, with a being plant-based menu and a zero-waste ethos. It’s a bit out of town, but worth the 30-35 minute walk in our book.

Campfire is in nearby Carlsbad and is worth the short drive. Cooking is built around fire and a slight sense of outdoor, Californian nostalgia. The food is a blend of polished presentation and rustic ingredients. On our last visit, we enjoyed grilled carrot with hazelnut, Hungarian pepper and feta, and market fish with wild mushroom, miso, black garlic and scallion. DIY s’mores over your own mini hot coals is a playful way to end the dinner!

Dija Mara is another places that has helped put Oceanside’s food scene on the map. Chef Ryan Costanza has created a Bali-meets-California menu and natural wine programme that has earned Michelin recognition for value and flair. We didnt’t have time to dine here, but it look like a good option for dinner when you want a change from coastal California fare.

The beach is the main draw in Oceanside. There is plenty of space and a relaxed rhythm that suits the town. Here’s our tips for the ideal beach day.

Start the day by walking the pier at sunrise when there is less of a crowd. At nearly 2,000 feet, it is one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast and gives the town its focal point. We loved watching the early morning surfers in action.

Walk down the beach from the pier. Eventually, you have to cut inside and walk along the street, but the beach houses create a pretty backdrop, and you get glances of the ocean between gaps in the buildings. After 20-25 minutes, you arrive at The Tremont Collective, a small collection of boutiques (see the Shop section) and the Communal coffee shop (see Coffee & Treats).

Walk back north towards the pier and settle in for an afternoon of chilling on the beach. You can rent beach chairs and parasols at the Beach Rambler, with a nice bonus on staying at the Mission Pacific, being a complementary service.

The pier side area is a wonderful spot for sunset, with everything starting to glow bright orange.

If you want a break from the beach, the Oceanside Museum of Art is an easy cultural stop to add to the day. The programme is centred on Southern California artists, with changing exhibitions that can range from painting and sculpture to more contemporary, mixed-media pieces. The building itself is part historic, part modern, combining a clean-lined building by architect Irving Gill with a newer central pavilion. There is also a small museum shop with pieces by local makers, jewellery, books and gifts.

Thursday evening is a very good time to see Oceanside at its liveliest. The Sunset Market brings in a big local crowd, with food stalls, music and a busy, sociable feel. We missed this on our recent trip, but we will try to include a Thursday night on our next trip.

Tremont Collective is an example of Oceanside growing beyond its beach-town roots. Set in converted industrial buildings away from the seafront, it brings together shopping, food and a bit of creative energy in one place. It is worth a browse when you want a change of scene from the waterfront. It’s about a 20-25 minute walk south from the pier.

At Adobe, the focus is on homeware, gifts and objects for the house, with a warm California aesthetic running through it. The store is beautifully curated by interior designer Jess Vargas and full of pieces with real personality.

Brixton is a clothing store that fits naturally with Oceanside’s surf-meets-city mood. The brand is known for its hats, easy separates and laid-back West Coast styling, and the shop has that same clean, relaxed style.

Communal is the coffee shop in Tremont Collective (See Shop section), with a soft, airy look, indoor seating, an outdoor terrace. It feels very Southern California, in a tasteful, understated way. There is also a small boutique selling books and homeware with a focus on a natural, outdoors California lifestyle. There is also a pretty little florist that adds an extra touch of colour.

High/Low is part of the Mission Pacific set-up, right by the seafront and was a good place to grab a coffee. It’s also a good spot for breakfast or brunch if you want something simple in a good location.

Parlor Doughnuts is the place to go when you want something unapologetically indulgent! The doughnuts are the layered, slightly over-the-top kind that feel fully in keeping with holiday mode. It’s good for a mid-afternoon detour when something sweet suddenly feels like what you want.

If you’re looking for a perfect mix of beachside relaxation, cultural immersion and high-end indulgence, San Diego is a great choice.