Hi everyone! My name is Ayana Smith, and I’m a 25-year-old (often solo) traveler and content creator from Phoenix, Ariz. I began traveling when I graduated from university in 2020. After spending half my senior year amid the Covid crisis, I was ready for adventure, change, and something drastic! So I packed up and moved to Europe to be an au pair.
Since then, I have been to 27 countries, with no plans to stop! I love to assist others in their travel planning as well as inspire young women to go out and see the world, even if it’s alone!
Recently, I traveled to San Diego on the hunt for amazing beach bars, music events, and trendy hotels. In this blog, I’ll give you a rundown of the ideal weekend in San Diego for all my 20-somethings who love to have FUN!
If you’re looking for a good time, there’s something for everyone in San Diego. From the bustling nightlife to the beautiful beach bars and clubs, it’s impossible to be bored.
Live Music
One of San Diego’s most attractive qualities is its live music scene. When I was in San Diego, I was able to attend the CRSSD Festival at the stunning Waterfront Park. The venue, DJs and vibes here were incredible and something that can’t be missed if you’re coming to San Diego in the fall. The festival occurs every September, so stay tuned for 2024 dates! Another amazing venue I visited that offers live music was the trendy Beach House at Belmont Park in Mission Beach. I have never had a better Bloody Mary in my entire life, and the views are unbeatable. Pair that with the huge stage — this venue hosts regular concerts and events that should be added to your San Diego itinerary!
Local Cafes
There is no shortage of Instagrammable local cafes in San Diego. If you’re looking for amazing coffee and beautiful bay views while also upping your Instagram game, then you have to stop by Mission Bay Beach Club’s Superbloom. This coffee shop is trendy and adorable, with affordable prices. The iced lattes are also delicious (the fall special, an iced pumpkin spice latte, was my favorite) and the avocado toast is super-fresh! This is the perfect first stop for your morning.
Stunning boutique hotels
I truly could’ve spent the entire trip just hanging around the stunning Pendry Hotel, located in the Gaslamp Quarter. The Pendry is truly in the heart of the downtown area and is near hundreds of restaurants and bars, but The Pendry itself has some notable restaurants, bars and even a nightclub! It truly has everything you need for an amazing visit. My absolute favorite part of this hotel was the rooftop pool, The Pool House. Not only is it beautiful, but the vibes are immaculate, the drinks are amazing (and strong), and the food — don’t even get me started on the food! I placed multiple orders of the seasoned fries (HUGE portion) and also had the Lobster Cobb salad, which was incredible! On Sundays, the Pool House has DJs and huge parties, which can be a lot of fun. But if you want a more chill and relaxed atmosphere, you can go any other day from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
San Diego is a place for everybody! I’ve grown up coming to San Diego and have always loved my visits. But visiting it as a 20-something and being able to experience the nightlife, beach clubs and rooftop bars and restaurants was such an amazing time!
Thanks for taking the time to go on this little adventure through San Diego with me. Make sure to save this blog for the next time you’re planning a trip to San Diego!