48 Hours in San Diego

Day One

Morning

Half a mile from the hotel, you’ll find The Mission, a breakfast spot offering a menu of hearty, Latin-inspired dishes that will help you fuel up for your morning adventures. The restaurant’s eclectic selection includes strawberry granola pancakes, French toast crafted with cinnamon bread and the Mission Chilaquiles. Another option within walking distance is Breakfast Republic, an East Village eatery serving up American classics—with a twist. The menu includes items like Oreo cookie pancakes, a chicken-mango sausage egg scramble, breakfast hot dogs and a French-inspired croque monsieur benedict.

After breakfast is finished, head to the nearby Petco Park, connected to the hotel via the Sky Bridge and home stadium of the Padres baseball team. This downtown ballpark offers a guided, behind-the-scenes tour that highlights everything from the dugouts to the press box. Visitors will also be given access to the Padres Hall of Fame and Museum that is located within Petco Park.

After your tour, head back to Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark via the hotel’s Sky Bridge, which connects the property to the ballpark. Spend the rest of the morning wandering through the on-site L Street Fine Art gallery, which features paintings and photographs from local artists.

Afternoon

If the weather’s nice—and it usually is—head to the nearby Embarcadero for the afternoon. Only about a mile away from the hotel, this is the perfect spot to grab a bite for lunch. The Fish Market has been a staple of the region since the late 1980s, with various places to dine, including the casual downstairs eatery, an oyster bar, a sushi bar and the Top of the Market restaurant on the second floor.

Those looking for a more casual option can check out Carnitas’ Snack Shack, a counter-service spot with a menu that plays up the pork. From pork belly and beef terrine to carnitas tacos and the Triple Threat pork sandwich, there’s something for pork lovers of all ages and appetites to enjoy.

Between the two restaurants lies the USS Midway Museum so after you eat, stop in to learn about local maritime history and happenings. The unique museum is set aboard the longest-serving Navy aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Climb aboard to see the sleeping quarters, engine room, on-ship post office and more as well as various aircrafts, flight simulators and historical exhibits.

On the way back to the hotel to rest up before dinner, pay a visit to the Seaport Village, where you can do some shopping for yourself or for friends back home. With more than 50 shops, including the American Nostalgia memorabilia store, San Diego Surf Co. and Eclipse Eyewear, you’ll find some unique things that just might be the best buys of your trip.

Evening

For a lively night out in the downtown area, have dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter, a neighborhood known for its vibrant nightlife. At Searsucker San Diego, social dining reigns supreme, with a menu that runs late into the night and classics like steak, bone-in pork chop and lamb or smaller plates like scallops, short ribs or tomato soup.
Head up to the rooftop at Rustic Root for a visual dining experience that is just as memorable as the food and cocktails themselves. Sample fried chicken sliders, salmon tartar, firecracker shrimp, a garden flatbread and more while enjoying sip-size craft cocktail shots with specially chosen garnishes.

After dinner, pay a visit to the Resident Brewing taproom to enjoy some craft beer before a night out on the town. Then it’s time to head out for some fun. The historic Balboa Theatre is the best place in the area to watch a live stage show or concert. For something a little more adventurous, listen to live music at Moonshine Flats or Patrick's Gaslamp Pub, or dance the night away at Fluxx or OMNIA Nightclub.

Day Two

Morning

For more than 70 years, Hob Nob Hill Restaurant has been serving up generous portions. Dine on farm fresh egg platters, served with things like fried steak, Canadian bacon or roast beef hash, or choose from an array of benedicts, omelets and waffles. Pair your meal with the almost bottomless mimosas, limited to six sparkling drinks.

Further north, Hash House a Go Go is another local hotspot, with award-winning breakfast and so-called “twisted farm food.” Experience incredibly generous portions of classic American breakfast dishes like egg scrambles, flapjacks, waffles, hashes and more.

Now it’s time to head east to the San Diego Zoo, one of the most famous spots in the city. With more than 3,000 animals from 650 different species, it’s the ideal activity for anyone who loves animals. View everything from leopards and anacondas to foxes, bonobos and bears as you take part in unforgettable experiences like the Skyfari aerial tram, on-site talks with the trainers and up-close animal encounters.

Afternoon

Upon leaving the zoo, venture out into the rest of Balboa Park for an afternoon of cultural exploration. The picturesque park makes for the perfect place to stroll while viewing the vibrant gardens, but the real highlight is the collection of museums. Some of the highlights include the Museum of Photographic Arts, the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the San Diego Natural History Museum and the San Diego Museum of Art.

If you visit the San Diego Museum of Art, dining at Panama 66 within the museum grounds is a must. Technically a beer bar, guests can dine on a selection of salads and hot or cold sandwiches while taking in views of the surrounding sculpture garden. Another lunch option at Balboa Park is The Prado, located in the House of Hospitality. Known for its historic charm, the restaurant offers up soups, grilled skewers, salads, burgers, paninis, tacos and more, along with specialty cocktails.

Before the afternoon comes to an end, take a tour of the city by bicycle with the Downtown Diego 10-mile bike tour. Leaving from Balboa Park, you’ll take in Coronado Island, Point Loma, the Gaslamp District, the Embarcadero and the East Village, giving you a nice lay of the land with fresh air and exercise to boot.

Evening

For a taste of California’s coastal spirit, head to Tortuga—the Gaslamp Quarter’s freshest poolside bar and restaurant at The Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark. Offering Baja-California-inspired cuisine, Tortuga is perfect for sharing light bites and flavorful plates with friends. Enjoy vibrant dishes like Baja ceviche, grilled fish tacos, smoked tuna sliders, and shrimp & adobada quesadillas. Pair your meal with a refreshing drink and cap things off with a warm churro mess or a classic root beer float.

Another option is Juniper and Ivy, a modern restaurant that has rustic wooden accents and brightly colored paintings. The menu, too, is modern, with dishes like bone marrow dip, yellowtail, rabbit leg, persimmon caprese salad, seafood risotto, California squab and seasonal desserts. Or, for something more elegant, dress up and stop by Mr. A’s Restaurant for incredible views of the city and menu items like mussels, foie gras, veal chops, beef filets, sea bass, lobster tail and more.

Get some laughs in at the American Comedy Club, which features nationally recognized comedians as well as up and comers in the world of comedy. If it’s an open mic night, try your own hand or watch other amateurs while enjoying drink specials.

Before the night ends, take a relaxing pedicab cab ride through the Gaslamp District and downtown area.

If you have more time...

Nearby Coronado Island is a great little getaway not far from the downtown area. This is the best area for outdoor activities near the water—whether it’s biking, boating, kayaking, snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding, you’ll find it here, and it’s just a ferry ride away from the city. Or visit the Cabrillo National Monument, located at Point Loma. This scenic region is the perfect place to learn about the discovery and history of California.

The Omni San Diego Hotel at the Ballpark concierge team contributed to this article.
By Ashley Ryan, Firebrand Media