I’m heading home to San Diego this weekend, and I thought “how have I NOT shared anything about my city on the blog?” So, here we go!
San Diego, with its sun-soaked beaches, diverse food scene, and laid-back vibe, is perfect for solo female travelers. Whether you’re looking for Instagram-worthy coffee shops, cultural hotspots, or unforgettable outdoor adventures, San Diego has something for everyone. With multiple military bases and a bustling immigrant communities, it’s diverse and safe enough for women of color. Plus, it’s a very welcoming city for travelers with disabilities and LGBTQ travelers. Maybe I’m biased since I was raised there, but I promise I wouldn’t lead you astray!
Below, you’ll find everything you need to plan an epic solo adventure—from top attractions to must-try restaurants and inclusive travel recommendations.
Things to See & Do
- Balboa Park
Explore San Diego’s crown jewel, home to lush gardens, historical museums, and the famous San Diego Zoo. The park has wheelchair-accessible paths, and most museums offer ADA-compliant access. Don’t miss the beautiful botanical gardens and the Spanish Village Art Center. Also, The Prado restaurant offers a lovely dining experience with Spanish influence. Check out their Happy Hour Tuesday-Saturday for specials from 2:30-4:30pm and 2:30-close on Wednesdays. Sip on $6 beers and $8 margaritas and savor delicious bites starting at $5.50. AND Tuesday night you can do their Date Night Menu featuring a shared salad, 2 entrées and a bottle of wine for $68.95 per “couple,” excluding tax and gratuity. - Liberty Public Market
This bustling marketplace features local food vendors, artisan goods, and craft beer. It’s a great spot to sample a variety of local flavors. The market is accessible for those with disabilities and has gender-neutral restrooms. - Old Town San Diego
Step back in time with a visit to this historic part of the city. Explore old adobe structures, vibrant Mexican culture, and plenty of authentic eateries. Old Town is mostly accessible, but some historic buildings may have limitations. Trek up the hill to the original presidio – the yellow barrier in the parking lot was the original border between San Diego and Mexico! - Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
A hidden gem that offers panoramic views of the lush canyon below. This bridge may not be ideal for travelers with mobility concerns, but it’s a short, easy walk from the street for those who can navigate it. - Cabrillo National Monument
Located at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, this national monument offers breathtaking ocean views, tide pools, and a historic lighthouse. Accessible pathways make it easier for travelers with disabilities to enjoy the park. It’s technically a state park, so be prepared to pay $10 (last I checked) for entry/parking per vehicle. - La Jolla Shores
A pristine beach perfect for kayaking, swimming, and catching the sunset. La Jolla is LGBTQ-friendly and offers accessible beach mats for travelers with disabilities. Don’t forget to visit the nearby La Jolla Cove to see sea lions! - Day Trip to Temecula Wine Country
Just an hour’s drive from San Diego, Temecula offers rolling vineyards and boutique wineries. Many wineries are LGBTQ-friendly and offer accessible tasting rooms.
Where to Eat
- Davanti Enoteca
Italian cuisine with rustic charm, located in Little Italy. The pasta here is amazing, and they also offer gluten-free options. The restaurant is accessible and offers a cozy patio. You have to get the polenta board and their house specialty foccacia di recco, a Ligurian flatbread with soft cow’s milk cheese and honeycomb for drizzling. Weekend brunch is also a must here, with a CRAZY Bloody Mary bar. - Pastaia
Modern Italian dishes with a focus on fresh, handmade pasta. A cozy spot for solo dining. They have Happy Hour Mon-Thursday 4pm-6pm & Fri-sun 4p-6pm (bar and patio only) with $1.25 oysters and other tasty deals. The restaurant is known for its creative menu and inclusive atmosphere. It’s female owned, too! - Morning Glory
A trendy breakfast spot in Little Italy, Morning Glory is known for its decadent brunch items and beautiful decor. The vibes are what keep me going back, and their fun hot chocolate flight and eclectic spins on breakfast and brunch don’t hurt, either. Accessibility may be challenging due to its second-floor location, but the staff is very accommodating. - Las Cuatro Milpas
An iconic spot in Barrio Logan (just under the Coronado bridge and across the street from Chicano Park), this hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint is famous for its tortillas and tacos. It’s a casual place with limited seating, but it’s worth the wait – because there’s always a line. Women inside are making tortillas from scratch and it’s the ultimate fast and cheap comfort food. Bring cash, because that’s all they accept. Street parking is typically available all day. - Din Tai Fung
World-renowned for its soup dumplings, this upscale Asian chain offers a dining experience that’s both refined and casual. I first experienced “DTF” in 2014 visiting Seattle, so when we got one in San Diego I was so excited! Must haves on the menu include the garlic green beans, pork Xio Long Bao (soup dumplings), fried rice, pan fried noodles, and the awesome iced green tea/orange juice combo. The restaurant is accessible and has an inclusive atmosphere. - The Seventh House
A bohemian-style restaurant offering seasonal, plant-based dishes. Great for health-conscious travelers or those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant is LGBTQ-friendly and fully accessible. It’s a Tarot-themed speakeasy and you have to experience it when you visit! - Born and Raised
For a luxurious steakhouse experience, this rooftop gem in Little Italy is a must-visit. The restaurant has a modern, art-deco vibe and an expansive rooftop patio. Accessibility accommodations are available, and the environment is LGBTQ-friendly. It’s pretty pricey, but the Happy Hour is a stellar value. - Old Town Mexican Cafe
A classic in Old Town for authentic Mexican food, especially the handmade tortillas. The restaurant is spacious and offers accessible seating. Get the molcajetes with grilled chicken, shrimp, beef and cactus with their special roasted salsa and fresh tortillas. It’s so, so good!! - Casa Guadalajara
Located in Old Town, this colorful restaurant offers traditional Mexican dishes and a vibrant atmosphere. It’s fully accessible and LGBTQ-inclusive. The margarita list is extensive and doesn’t disappoint, either!
Coffee Shops to Check Out
- Cuppa Cuppa
A cozy local favorite with great vibes for solo travelers. This small cafe is accessible and has excellent espresso drinks. They have the Cuppa Cuppa Lab where you can sit in and enjoy, or my personal fave, the Cuppa Cuppa coffee shack that’s drive thru only. They have the BEST staff and coffee, in my opinion. - Cafe Zucchero
Located in Little Italy, this Italian bakery and coffee spot is perfect for enjoying a pastry and cappuccino. One of my favorite traditional Italian treats are Cartocci, which are sugar dusted ribbon shaped donuts piped with cannoli filling and they have them at Cafe Zucchero year round. It’s right around the corner from the Italian Cultural Center, too! LGBTQ-friendly and wheelchair accessible. - Black Market Bakery
Located in North Park, this bakery offers freshly baked treats alongside great coffee. The breakfast sandwiches are top notch, and they have an awesome outdoor seating area, too! Known for its inclusive, LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere. - Cafe Madeleine
A charming French-inspired cafe in South Park with sidewalk seating. Accessibility can be limited due to outdoor seating arrangements, but the staff is accommodating. They also have a cozy indoor seating area, and amazing French breakfast classics like quiche and croissants. - Better Buzz Coffee
Known for its “Best Drink Ever” (an irresistible vanilla latte), Better Buzz has several locations around San Diego and offers a lively, inclusive vibe. I especially love the Hillcrest location with two stories- it’s great for studying or getting some work done! Most locations are wheelchair accessible.
LGBTQ-Friendly and Accessible Travel Recommendations
- LGBTQ-Friendly Neighborhoods: Hillcrest is the heart of San Diego’s LGBTQ scene, offering a variety of bars, restaurants, and events like San Diego Pride. It’s a safe, welcoming area for solo female travelers.
- Accessible Attractions: Balboa Park and Cabrillo National Monument are excellent choices for accessible exploration. Many beaches, like La Jolla Shores, offer beach wheelchairs for easier access.
- Transportation: San Diego’s public transportation (trolleys and buses) are generally accessible. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft also offer accessible vehicle options.
San Diego is an incredibly welcoming city for solo travelers, offering a mix of culture, nature, and world-class dining. Whether you’re spending a weekend or an entire week, this guide will help you make the most of your time in this sunny paradise. I’ll eventually include more places to eat and see, but feel free to email me at curvesandacarryon@gmail.com for more specific recs and info if you’re heading to my city!
Soak up the sun! XO
Curves and a Carry On 
Leave a comment