Post by Amandeep Kaur, GIC Peer Mentor 2021
With the “re-opening” of California returns some semblance of normalcy. This includes the ability to travel and experience new things.
The pandemic has shown us the importance of not putting off travel plans but instead seizing opportunities to explore new places and garner new experiences. However, for those who may be hesitant, the guidelines put forth by the Center for Disease Control and California are worth reviewing prior to traveling.
For those who want to venture outside Irvine, San Diego (SD) offers plenty of opportunities to eat, shop, visit attractions, and much more. While a quick google search of “things to do in San Diego” will return plenty of search results of things to do and see in SD, this list is curated with students in mind with recommendations from a local San Diegan.
Before moving on to the list (which is presented in no particular order), note that there are multiple ways to get to SD. SD is less than two hours from Irvine via car; however, this duration may vary depending on the time and day. Public transportation is also another option, including train and bus. However, accessing public transportation involves additional travel to the designated train/bus stations. There may be limited schedules due to COVID-19.
Here are some things you may want to check out once in SD:
Liberty Station houses plenty of experiences, including restaurants, bars (even a brewery), an arts district, and more. There are plenty of weekly events that occur, so their calendar of events is worth checking out prior to visiting. There may also be student discounts or reduced prices for certain events so be sure to bring your student ID along!
If you are in a leisurely mood – walk around Ocean Beach and enjoy looking at the murals painted by community members or visit the farmers market to support local vendors. You can grab a bite or have a drink while watching the ocean waves. The best part about being at Ocean Beach is that you can bring your dog along as it is one of the original leash-free beaches. You can visit the Cabrillo National Monument to learn about its discovery along with visiting the tidepools that harbor much eco-diversity.
If you are a fan of craft beers SD has numerous breweries offering tours showcasing the processes of crafting beers. Guided brewery tours are a great way to experience SD – learn about its history and see new places – while discovering new flavors. The only trouble is deciding which Tour to embark upon!
The seaport village is located near downtown SD, which makes it convenient to spend the day at the harbor before heading out to enjoy the nightlife! Here, you can visit the coffee and fudge factory if you are craving something sweet or the aptly names “the something sweet shop” for even more sweets! There are also many other casual dining experiences to be had. You can also have your experience caricatured, which could be loads of fun!
- Nightlife
If you are looking for something more than just bar-hopping, visit the Shout house. This piano bar has live performances of rock ‘n roll hits performed based on audience requests. It is a good time for all to enjoy food and drink while singing along! Due to the popularity of this place, it may be better to book a table in advance.
This community is rich with experiences. It is the place to experience the vibrant nightlife, international cuisine, an arts scene, vintage couture, the largest farmers market, museums, performance arts, and so much more! As a hub for the LGBTQ+ community, it is also the kickoff location for the Pride Parade.
Enjoy visiting SD!
For more classic destinations in SD, see this page.