The San Diego Master List is finally here! I decided to create this guide because I get so many questions about San Diego, and it’s really tough to give a simple answer. Having lived in San Diego since I was six years old and in various parts, like Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, and now La Mesa, I’ve realized there’s so much more to this city than just downtown.
When people talk about “San Diego,” they often mean anywhere from Downtown to Oceanside, so I wanted to include all of it. Initially, my list started with just my favorites, but I soon realized it was missing some of the city’s highlights. I haven’t lived in North County in quite some time and don’t have much insight into the nightlife, so I reached out to my followers for recommendations.
The response was incredible! I received fantastic suggestions for new places to try and reminders of old favorites I’d forgotten. I went through each one, picking only the best spots that truly represent San Diego’s charm.
I’m quite proud of how organized this guide is! To make it user-friendly, I’ve sorted everything into categories with drop-downs based on location. The beauty and wellness sections are organized by service, acknowledging that people are willing to travel for standout treatments. Most of the listed restaurants, stores, and salons have clickable links to their Instagram pages.
This guide includes a little something for everyone, from the cutest neighborhoods and chic cafes to the best lunch, dinner, and dessert spots. You’ll find top shopping destinations, the hottest hotels, nightlife suggestions, things to do, and even workout spots and hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts.
Under health and beauty, you’ll discover lists of hair salons, brow services, hair removal, makeup artists, skincare, spas, faux tanning, and overall wellness. If you have any additions to this list, feel free to comment. Enjoy exploring San Diego with this comprehensive guide!