Savannah has lived in San Diego for 15 years and still hasn’t stopped discovering it. She moved from Modesto, a small city near Sacramento, expecting the beach and the weather. What surprised her was everything else: the food, the neighborhoods, the trails tucked into places most people drive past without a second look.
She lives in Carlsbad now, raising her son close to the coast, and by day she’s Senior Billing Manager at ResortPass. Her idea of a good day off is straightforward: coffee from a spot she loves, some time outside, and an afternoon near water where there’s nothing on the agenda besides relaxation.
We asked her how to enjoy the best parts of San Diego, whether you’re a resident, a traveler, or just passing through. Here’s what she said:
Soak up the fog
For Savannah, a perfect day in San Diego starts before the sun burns through the fog off the ocean. That’s one of the region’s small rituals: a cool marine layer settling over everything in the morning, the air carrying hints of salt and sunscreen before anyone’s even made it to the beach. By mid-morning it’s gone and the sky has turned that particular shade of blue the county seems to produce almost daily.
Her first stop is coffee, preferably from Revolution Roasters. Then, depending on the day, there might be a baseball field involved (her son, or maybe the Padres—someone’s always playing). By afternoon, the goal is water. “Everything slows down,” she says. “Kids are laughing, towels are everywhere, and the day ends with that golden sunset light that makes everything glow.” That’s the San Diego she came for.
Take a hike
One thing she’s clear on: being outside is non-negotiable. “San Diego’s too beautiful to hide indoors,” she says. A walk on the beach, a quick hike, time near the water. Any of those will do. But if she’s pointing someone toward something specific, she’ll reach past the obvious choices.
Savannah’s current recommendation for anyone looking to earn their pool time: Annie’s Canyon Trail in the San Elijo Lagoon Eco Reserve. A short, moderate hike through narrow sandstone slot canyons with small ladders built into the rock. It sounds almost too dramatic for something so close to the coast, which is exactly why most visitors never find it.
Something for everyone
For a family beach day, La Jolla Shores is Savannah’s first call. The water is calm, there’s space to spread out, and between the playgrounds, grass, and paths for bikes and scooters, no one runs out of things to do. Further north, Carlsbad Village works just as well: a full beach day followed by a walk to grab coffee or ice cream after; one of those afternoons where everyone comes home happy and a little sandy.
She schedules family days based on the mood. When her son has energy to burn, she goes somewhere with room to run: the San Diego Zoo is a reliable answer, big enough that everyone gets to have their own kind of fun. When the goal is to rest, the pool wins. “There are so many things to explore in San Diego,” she notes, enough that she’s still exploring 15 years in.
On timing, her advice is weekday afternoons: after school or work, when the crowds thin but the sun is still out. “Everything feels more relaxed,” she says, “and it’s one of those moments where I’m reminded just how amazing San Diego is, every single time.”
Her packing list for a family water day is generous by design: extra towels, extra sunscreen (face and body separately), and more snacks than seems reasonable. Kids get hungrier near water. So do adults.
The principle behind all of it: don’t overschedule. Bring what you need, leave the expectations, and let the day find its shape. That, more than any specific spot or itinerary, is what makes a day in San Diego feel like something worth remembering.
Savannah’s picks: Top ResortPass properties in San Diego, CA
The personal favorite: Cape Rey Carlsbad Beach, A Hilton Resort and Spa
This is Savannah’s backyard resort, nestled along the Pacific Coast half a mile from South Carlsbad State Beach. The pool sits above the ocean with panoramic coastal views, a hot tub, and private VIP cabanas bookable for up to four people. The onsite restaurant, Chandler’s, serves California coastal cuisine with an ocean backdrop that makes lunch feel like more than lunch. It’s a strong pick for anyone who wants the full coastal resort experience without leaving North County.
For a luxe day in La Jolla: Estancia La Jolla Hotel and Spa
A boutique resort near Torrey Pines with a Spanish hacienda feel, Estancia La Jolla delivers a genuinely unhurried pool day. It boasts a sparkling pool, poolside dining, cabana options, and an award-winning spa just steps away for anyone who wants to turn the afternoon into something more. One of the quieter, more considered options in the San Diego area.
For a family day with real options: Hyatt Regency Mission Bay
When the priority is keeping kids entertained and parents relaxed at the same time, Mission Bay delivers. Waterslides, a water playground, poolside dining, and shaded cabanas are all available. It’s the kind of property where a group of mixed ages and energy levels can all have a genuinely good day.
For something iconic: Hotel del Coronado
No San Diego list is complete without it. The Del offers oceanfront cabanas, multiple pools, a full-service spa, and enough history and atmosphere to make the whole day feel like an event. Worth it at least once, ideally more.
