Pilates to Start the Day
We kicked off our San Diego weekend with a Pilates class taught by Nika P at Be Fit in the East Village Studio. With its airy, light-filled space and upbeat vibe, it was the perfect way to energize and set the tone for a weekend full of fun activities and exploration.
Cafe Adventures
Grange Garden, a popular bunny-themed cafe about half an hour north of San Diego, was our first stop and a truly unique experience. For $8, you can cuddle with bunnies in their cozy pen. The atmosphere here is whimsical and inviting, with guests chatting and feeding the bunnies—a delightful way to start our day with a playful twist.
Muri Coffee & Cake was another highlight. This quaint, European-inspired cafe offered a warm, inviting setting where we enjoyed tea and cappuccinos alongside delicious cakes. My personal favorite was the börek—crispy, flavorful, and simply unforgettable.
Exploring the Little Italy Farmers Market
The Little Italy Farmers Market, held every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM on West Cedar Street between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street, is a bustling blend of color, sound, and energy. We visited during an art festival, which added even more liveliness to the market’s vibrant atmosphere. Some standout finds included tamales from The Tamale Fiesta, avocado toast from Smashed Avocado Toast, fresh bread from Mi Pan Bakery, and beautiful, ripe persimmons. Wandering through the stands, we enjoyed the cheerful atmosphere, making it one of the must-see spots on any San Diego itinerary.
Beach Day at La Jolla
No San Diego weekend getaway would be complete without a beach day. We spent a relaxing afternoon at La Jolla Beach, with its stunning coastal view and wide, sandy stretch, ideal for sunbathing, people-watching, or simply unwinding to the sound of the ocean waves. The area offers a peaceful escape from the city’s bustle, making it a top San Diego attraction.
Dinner and Dessert
For dinner, we headed to Ristorante Illando in Little Italy, a cozy, authentic Italian spot tucked away on a charming side street. We enjoyed Caprese to start, followed by savory Fiori di Zucca Ripieni (stuffed zucchini flowers) and a fresh Spinaci salad that paired beautifully with the rest of the meal. The Gnocchi alla Pesto was a standout, with crushed garlic, pine nuts, salt, basil leaves, and Parmesan cheese, while the Spaghetti Alla Carbonara was a classic delight made with guanciale, egg, and pecorino cheese. This candlelit, intimate dinner was a perfect end to a busy day in San Diego’s Little Italy.
After dinner, we stopped by Salt & Straw for dessert and tried their gluten-free ice cream, which was a refreshing and satisfying treat.
After our cafe stop at Grange Garden, we also enjoyed a tasting at Carruth Cellars nearby, adding a sophisticated wine-tasting experience to our day.
Where We Stayed: Gaslamp
We stayed in the Gaslamp Quarter, an ideal home base for a San Diego weekend getaway. Its walkable layout and vibrant nightlife made it easy to explore everything on our list. From here, we walked to the Little Italy Farmers Market, dinner, and more, making it a convenient location for seeing San Diego’s top attractions.
Next Time
On my list for next time are visiting the pandas at the zoo, catching the magical bioluminescent beach at night, and seeing a Padres game, as we missed out this time because they were out during the playoffs. I’d also love to return to Fig Tree Cafe in La Jolla for brunch—highly recommend it for anyone planning a weekend getaway to San Diego!
