Katherine & Kelsi’s San Diego Survival Guide

We came for brunch. We stayed for the dogs.

What started as a casual mimosa mission turned into full-blown patio euphoria at Farmer’s Bottega—where the omelets slap, the vibes are golden-hour soft, and every table comes with a side of someone else’s extremely photogenic golden retriever.

It’s giving farmers market chic meets dog park glam.

We nearly canceled the rest of our day just to soak in the sunshine and serotonin.

If the idea of sipping prosecco next to a schnauzer while pondering if you could just live here resonates—you’re going to want the full story.

Nolita Hall might look like just another trendy cocktail bar—but step inside and it’s a full sensory vortex you didn’t see coming.

Think Euro airport energy meets California cool: a glowing departure board overhead, natural light flooding through skylights, and a playlist so perfectly curated you’ll accidentally stay for three hours and two Negronis.

The drinks are strong, the design is seamless, and the vibe? Somewhere between “spontaneous girls’ night” and “first date you’ll definitely text back.”

It’s not just a bar—it’s a whole experience. And trust us, you’re going to want in on this one.

We thought we were popping in for pasta. What we got was a multi-course Italian saga complete with wine pairings, unsolicited wisdom, and a Sicilian named Joe who treated us like long-lost famiglia.

The lasagna? Layered like a novella.

The Grappa? A dare we accepted (twice).

And somewhere between the first pour and the unsolicited tiramisu, we found ourselves mid-toast with strangers, laughing too loud and plotting how to move in upstairs.

It was chaotic, cozy, and so wildly unexpected we’re still not convinced it wasn’t a setup for a food-focused reality show.

The full story? Buckle up—it only gets better.

Raised by Wolves isn’t just a cocktail bar—it’s an experience wrapped in velvet, mystery, and the kind of design that makes you whisper “Are we supposed to be here?” (Answer: yes, and also probably no.)

What started as a casual drink turned into a full identity crisis, thanks to moody lighting, baroque energy, and a cocktail so unexpectedly perfect it felt personal.

Every detail is theatrical, every moment curated. We left slightly buzzed, mildly changed, and completely obsessed.

There’s a twist we didn’t see coming—and no, we’re not spoiling it. But trust us: the story is worth the detour.

Kelsi walked in anti-oyster. She walked out a changed woman.

What happened in between? A seafood showdown at Water Grill San Diego that started with skepticism and ended in full-blown bivalve devotion.

Picture a tower of ice, briny perfection, and Katherine coaching like a reality show judge mid-season twist.

There were oysters. There was wine. There were sourdough rolls so good we briefly considered proposing to the bread basket.

If you think you know how this story ends—you don’t. Because when one of us swallows her pride (and a raw oyster), the results are unexpectedly delicious.

The drama? It’s all in the shell.

We were sun-dazed, museum-weary, and dangerously close to hangry when The Prado at Balboa Park came through like a linen-draped miracle.

What we thought would be a decent lunch turned into full patio escapism—complete with vine-wrapped trellises, garden views, and crab cakes that healed something emotional.

The architecture flirted, the margaritas delivered, and the Monte Cristo came with berry jam that nearly started a custody battle.

Add in historic charm, sneaky-good cocktails, and a setting that whispers “stay awhile”—and yeah, it was a moment.

Let’s just say, lunch ended… but we weren’t quite ready to leave the storyline.

We came in search of carbs and comfort. What we found at Filippi’s Pizza Grotto in Little Italy was an unapologetically old-school Italian haven—complete with checkered tablecloths, Chianti bottles overhead, and marinara so good we stopped mid-bite to reassess our standards.

You enter through a deli, pass shelves stacked with imported goods, and end up in a dining room that feels like it’s been feeding families—and cravings—for decades.

The garlic bread? Legendary.

The pizza? Borderline theatrical.

It was chaotic, cozy, and exactly what we didn’t know we needed.

What unfolded between that first bite and the empty plate? You’ll want the details.

Some spots don’t just serve cocktails—they stage them.

At Lou & Mickey’s in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, even a casual drink turns cinematic.

A puff of smoke. A glint of rye. A shrimp appetizer that lowkey rewired our expectations.

We sank into velvet patio chairs, ordered “just a snack,” and left with a new standard for what happy hour should feel like.

Think East Coast steakhouse charm with a sun-drenched SoCal twist.

From smoked Old Fashioneds to coconut shrimp worth its own fan account, this wasn’t a pit stop—it was an unplanned highlight. And yeah…we’d do it again tomorrow.

The Lion’s Share is what happens when a hunting lodge, an art gallery, and a moody cocktail bar walk into a room—and decide to serve boar bacon and existential vibes.

We wandered in on our way to the ballet and were instantly derailed by velvet booths, animal portraits in cravats, and a cocktail menu that reads like gothic fan fiction.

One gimlet turned into a personality test.

The truffle fries nearly started a table rivalry.

And the taxidermy? Somehow… chic?

It’s strange in the best way. And if you think this was just a pre-theatre stop, think again.

We thought SeaWorld San Diego would be dolphins, splash zones, and maybe a roller coaster.

What we got? A fish-powered hand spa, a near-religious beluga encounter, and penguins with the emotional range of Shakespearean actors.

The rides hit harder than expected (looking at you, Emperor), the otters had main-character energy, and the sea lions delivered comedic timing we’re still talking about.

It was chaotic in the best way—part wildlife documentary, part theme park adrenaline rush, part existential crisis via roller coaster.

We laughed, we screamed, we made questionable animal impressions.

And somewhere in between? We kind of fell in love with the place.

We thought we signed up for a cute little golf cart tour.

What we got? Animal drama, behind-the-scenes gossip, and a jaguar with a vibe so intense she intimidated a lion—without ever meeting him.

The San Diego Zoo’s Inside Look Tour delivered big: feeding giraffes with snack preferences, side-eye from sea lions, and the kind of animal facts you’ll absolutely repeat at dinner parties.

There was rain. There were revelations. There was a giraffe named Chifou who spit out his stems with main character flair.

Curious how we went from casual tourists to emotionally invested in elephant mentorship?

Buckle up. It’s a ride.

One minute we were sipping cinnamon-laced Mexican hot chocolate.

The next? Standing on 3,000 unmarked graves with a lantern and a mild existential crisis.

The Ghosts & Gravestones Tour is San Diego history with a supernatural side-eye: haunted hotels, cursed cemeteries, and a tour guide channeling a Victorian spiritualist like it’s community theater meets séance.

From La Llorona’s weeping wails to grave markers without actual graves, this tour doesn’t rely on cheap jump scares—it leans hard into eerie facts and unsettling real estate decisions.

Curious what happens when your Lyft pickup spot is also a paranormal hotspot? You’re going to want the full story.

What started as a “let’s pop in real quick” museum stop turned into a full-blown nautical adventure—complete with submarines, tall ships, and a certain someone whispering “aye aye” unironically.

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is docked history you can climb aboard, crawl through, and geek out over.

One moment you’re ducking through a Cold War sub, the next you’re standing on a ship from Master and Commander, wondering if it’s too late to become a sailor.

From cannon salutes to pirate-worthy rigging, this isn’t just maritime history—it’s sea-soaked storytelling you’ll actually want to dive into.

What starts as a mellow trolley ride through San Diego turns into a full-on glow-up moment—with disco lights, skyline drama, and a guide named Rico who somehow channels both Ryan Seacrest and your favorite cruise director.

Between spontaneous singalongs, million-dollar real estate fantasies, and skyline views that practically beg for a slow-motion montage, this isn’t your average city tour—it’s part rom-com, part music video, and part architectural roast.

We laughed, we vibed, we took 200 night photos of the Coronado Bridge.

You’ll leave with trivia, dinner plans, and a surprising desire to narrate your life with a soundtrack.

We thought we were touring a museum. What we got was a front-row seat to American military history—with jets, sailors’ secrets, and below-deck drama included.

Picture it: you’re standing where fighter pilots launched off a moving runway every 45 seconds, then ducking into narrow passageways where 4,000 people once lived, worked, and somehow didn’t lose their minds.

The USS Midway isn’t polished history—it’s gritty, loud, and weirdly emotional.

Add in Cold War vibes, flight simulators, and a surprise respect for bunk beds, and yeah… this ship’s got stories.

The kind you have to climb three ladders and a flight deck to hear.

We thought we signed up for a wine tour.

What we got? A full-blown food-and-flirtation-fueled field trip through Little Italy—with rare pours, rooftop lounges, and debates over banana notes in red wine (yes, really).

Add a history lesson, a surprise appearance by the best olives we’ve ever had, and one dangerously good cannoli, and this wasn’t just wine—it was a vibe shift.

Whether you’re wine-savvy or still calling everything “red or white,” this tour proves you don’t need to know the difference between tannins and terroir to have an iconic afternoon.

Just show up.

The wine (and new best friends) will handle the rest.

We came for the cherry blossoms.

We stayed because the koi were judging us, and honestly? We needed the accountability.

Tucked inside Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden isn’t just pretty—it’s peace, poetry, and a gentle nudge to stop doom-scrolling and go outside.

Think koi ponds that whisper affirmations, bonsai so perfect they feel fake, and quiet corners that make you believe you could start meditating (or at least pretend really convincingly).

This garden will have you reevaluating your entire lifestyle in the best way—and yes, you’ll leave with at least one koi-related item from the gift shop.

We thought we were just stopping for dessert. What we got? A retro-blue cottage, a surprise Tom Cruise moment, a highly controversial dipping sauce, and an unplanned deep-dive into our pie-related belief systems.

Nestled right on the Oceanside coast, the Top Gun House isn’t just a photo op—it’s an oddly emotional, slightly unhinged, and unexpectedly cinematic experience.

One minute you’re posing with a vintage motorcycle, the next you’re emotionally unraveling over apple pie with ice cream inside.

Why were there cow portraits on the wall?

Did someone cry over pastry?

You’ll have to read the full story to find out.

We arrived before the museums opened, fueled by blind optimism and caffeine, and somehow stumbled into San Diego perfection. Balboa Park at 8:30 a.m. is a dreamscape of golden light, smug parking spots, and shockingly empty courtyards that make you feel like the main character in a European period drama.

No crowds. No chaos.

Just lattes, secret gardens, and the kind of peaceful wander that makes you rethink your relationship with mornings.

Spoiler: we found rom-com lighting, toddler bliss, and a playlist-worthy tram.

Curious how an early start turned into our favorite part of the trip? You’re gonna want the full story.

We bought ballet tickets. We left with a full-blown architectural crush.

What was supposed to be one night of Gatsby-inspired twirls turned into a love affair with San Diego’s most extra venue.

Think: domed ceilings, a tiled fountain still gurgling like she’s on Old Hollywood time, and gold accents that practically purr.

Balboa Theatre isn’t just a venue—it’s a vintage drama queen who knows her angles.

The velvet seats? Plush.

The chandeliers? Flirtatious.

And the vibe? Pure cinematic romance.

If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step inside a living movie set…this story might ruin all other theatres for you.

You think you’re just checking into a hotel. And then suddenly, you’re drinking a smoked Old Fashioned under a velvet chandelier, emotionally attached to a diner patty melt at midnight, and casually bowling in heels next to a martini bar.

Welcome to The Lafayette—where every hallway feels like a movie set, and every corner tempts you to text someone, “You have to see this place.”

Maximalist design. Moody lighting. Secret-jungle-disco energy.

And did we mention the scent?

We’d bottle it.

This isn’t just a hotel—it’s a full-sensory fantasy.

Warning: returning to regular hotels after this might feel like emotional whiplash.

We went in expecting a beachside hotel. What we got? A living legend with a side of mystery, movie lore, and truffle fries.

One minute you’re sipping cocktails under a red turret where Marilyn Monroe once flirted; the next, you’re side-eyeing the vintage elevator that might be haunted (but like, glamorously).

From a ghost story with plot holes to history that reads like a celebrity tabloid, “The Del” isn’t just a stay—it’s a full-blown experience.

We uncovered the quirks, the cocktails, the secrets, and the room you absolutely shouldn’t book alone. And trust us, the plot twists start early.

It started as a quick “let’s just pop in” detour—and spiraled into a book-buying bender, lavender chai-fueled revelations, and matching mystery-solving gloves.

Bay Books Coronado is part indie bookstore, part rom-com set, and fully the reason we now believe bookstores should require luggage allowances.

One minute you’re admiring a Jane Austen shrine, the next you’re debating if your tote can hold one more paperback and a pastry.

It’s cozy chaos in the best way—and the kind of place where the café knows your order before you do. We came for the books. We left in our main character era.

What starts as a casual trolley stop ends with full-blown cinematic awe.

The San Diego skyline from Coronado isn’t just pretty—it’s scene-stealing.

By day, it’s polished and glowy; by night, it goes full sparkle-mode, reflecting across the bay like it’s auditioning for a rom-com montage.

You’ll take 97 photos, narrate your life in a whispery voiceover, and question if you actually need to go home.

Whether you arrive by ferry or scenic bridge, this view isn’t just Instagram-worthy—it’s borderline emotional.

Prepare to fall in love, lose storage space, and briefly consider moving in.