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10 Awesome San Diego Check-ins

1. Black's Beach

8.9
Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, San Diego, CA
Nudist Beach · Torrey Pines · 43 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: Justin McLachlan, author of the upcoming novel Time Up, here. If you can handle the hike down (and up) this is San Diego's most scenic—and unofficially clothing optional—beaches.

2. Fiesta Island

8.5
Fiesta Island Rd (at E Mission Bay Dr), San Diego, CA
Island · Mission Bay Park · 33 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: Justin McLachlan, author of Time Up, here. Fiesta Island doesn't fare well in my story, but it's beautifully untouched park lined by beaches and coves where you can walk your dogs off leash.

3. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

9.6
Sunset Cliffs Blvd (btwn Adair & Ladera St), San Diego, CA
Park · Ocean Beach, San Diego, CA · 115 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: Justin McLachlan, author of Time Up, here. I picked this as a surfing spot for the characters in my story, but it's (as the name implies) a great place to watch the sunset. Bring a blanket or chair.

Little Italy Mercato is one of 10 Awesome San Diego Check-ins.

4. Little Italy Mercato

9.2
580 W Cedar St. (btwn Kettner Blvd & Front St.), San Diego, CA
Farmers Market · Little Italy · 76 tips and reviews

KitchenKonfidence.comKitchenKonfidence.com: Several blocks of complete farmer's market awesomeness. If you are wondering what to do with your newly purchased produce & other food items, check out kitchenkonfidence.com for recipes & inspiration.

5. The Gaslamp Quarter

San Diego, CA
Neighborhood · 86 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: The Gaslamp is popular with tourists, but locals will venture downtown to grab some great food and visit a few boutique shops. Easy parking at Horton Plaza.

6. JRDN

8.5
4551 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA
Seafood Restaurant · Pacific Beach · 86 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: Justin McLachlan, author of Time Up, here. JRDN's a crazy fantastic steak house. Ask to sit on the back patio. It fronts the ocean, is quiet and has fire pits to keep you warm.

7. Giant Dipper Rollercoaster

8.2
3146 Mission Blvd (at Belmont Park), San Diego, CA
Attraction · Mission Beach · 22 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: A national landmark, it's the coaster is a fantastic picture spot just a block from Mission Beach.

8. Hash House a Go Go

8.2
3628 5th Ave (btwn Brookes & Pennsylvania Ave), San Diego, CA
Breakfast Spot · Hillcrest · 263 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: You can't go hungry here. One of their farm-fresh, locally-sourced entrees is more than enough to feed two people. Be prepared to take leftovers and if you're planning for brunch get in line early).

9. Hillcrest Farmers Market

9.3
3960 Normal St, San Diego, CA
Farmers Market · Hillcrest · 82 tips and reviews

PainPoint.comPainPoint.com: The largest and most diverse Farmer's Market in San Diego. Try the "green juice" at the far north end - super healthy!

10. San Diego Convention Center

111 W Harbor Dr (at 5th Ave), San Diego, CA
Convention Center · Marina · 106 tips and reviews

Boxfire PressBoxfire Press: The home of Comic-Con, need we say more? Take the trolley to avoid looking for parking.