I partnered with Affirm, and an online tool that helps make great brands more accessible to consumers, to take a trip to San Diego. From flights to hotels, Affirm has travel options that allow you to spread purchases over time, to help ease anxiety about overspending and take that dream trip you’ve always wanted to go on. This post is sponsored by Affirm, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
There’s something about the West Coast. As soon as we landed in San Diego, I was in love. The sun was shining, it was the perfect temperature and when I looked to my right I saw endless ocean. Staying in the heart of downtown, we got to explore so many amazing places.
Where to stay:
Manchester Grand Hyatt: I LOVED the area we stayed in. We were in what’s considered Downtown San Diego. Through merchants like CheapOAir, Affirm makes it so easy to book a nice hotel instantly that we can pay off over time! We were in walking (or scootering) distance from almost anything and everywhere we wanted to be! Our hotel room was super spacious and cozy, the staff was so friendly and the amenities were unreal. They have a rooftop pool and a rooftop bar! I also loved their 24/7 little deli in the lobby. It had a Starbucks and food with vegan options!
Where to eat:
Gratitude Cafe: I’m vegan so I try and find the place that all the locals recommend! I was OBSESSED with all of the food we tried. There are drinks and foods for no matter what you’re craving! My girlfriend who isn’t vegan finished her plate completely clean! Each dish is a word of affirmation which is such a cute touch.
Gossip Grill: As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it’s important for me to find a place to go where I feel comfortable! Gossip Grill is a lesbian bar in San Diego that has an AMAZING brunch, one of the best bloody Mary’s I’ve ever tried and does happy hour every day of the week! And their food (both vegan and not) are UNREAL. Outside has tons of photo opportunities and with the weather, it’s the perfect place for Sunday Funday.
Civico 1845: I cannot rave enough about our dinner here. Sarah is Italian and we both agreed to find a date night where we could both get a good meal that suited my vegan diet and her nonvegan diet. This modern Italian dinner spot has an insane dinner and wine menu with so many options no matter what you’re craving. It’s a MUST eat!
Where to drink:
Juniper & Ivy: This restaurant was absolutely adorable. Sarah and I saw it and had to go inside. It was just a quick walk from our lunch at Gratitude Cafe and were in the mood for some martinis! The bartenders were all really friendly and made AMAZING cocktails. I took a peak at their menu while I was there and it looked SO good! Plus, they have an outdoor space.
Gossip Grill: I know I mentioned it for food but I had to mention it again for drinks. They have so many different drink options, their employees were so friendly, they had an amazing DJ and there are games everywhere to play!
False Idol: This was suggested to us by tons of San Diego locals we talked to! It’s a speakeasy tiki bar hidden inside of Craft and Commerce. The vibe is amazing, the bartenders are awesome and the drinks are great!
What to do:
Torrey Pines State Park: This was a perfect place for a quick hike and breathtaking views. Between the ocean views and being surrounded in nature, I couldn’t get enough. Surprisingly, California has been getting tons of rain lately so when we went on our hike it was covered in greenery and flowers. I guess we got lucky because this isn’t typically the norm! I highly suggest visiting this if you want a little piece of the beautiful California hiking scene.
Black’s Beach: I am a sucker for the beach but this one I was OBSESSED with because this secluded little area off of Torrey Pines has black sand. It was quiet so we sat and ate lunch while looking out at the ocean. I highly suggesting ending up here after your hike at Torrey Pines!
Sunset Cliffs: This place was the top suggest place when I told people I was heading to San Diego! I highly suggest this breathtaking view of the water. During the day or at dusk, you’ll be in awe at the views surrounding you!
Pacific Beach: This is the perfect beach for sunbathing and relaxing. When you get sick of the beach, this area is surrounded by trendy hotels, bars and boutiques so there are endless opportunities of things to do surrounding you!
I am obsessed with San Diego and can’t wait to go back and explore more that it has to offer. From flights and hotel rooms to my amazing new luggage from Timbuk2, Affirm made it easy to make this trip possible. Simple payment options give travelers the freedom to explore more throughout the year without overspending! This will keep us traveling without breaking the bank.
Have you ever been to California? What’s your favorite place?