There are few places that capture the feeling of summer quite like San Diego.
Long beach days turn into sunset picnics. Wednesday evenings mean wandering the Ocean Beach Farmers Market. Rooftop happy hours become golden-hour memories, and nearly every weekend brings a new neighborhood festival, outdoor concert, or scenic adventure waiting to be discovered.
As someone who grew up in San Diego, this city will always feel like home. While my adventures have taken me across Italy, Mexico, Morocco, and beyond, there’s something special about returning to Southern California during the summer.
That’s why I’m excited to kick off the Curves & a Carry-On Summer in San Diego Series: a collection of local guides designed to help you experience the city like a local instead of simply checking off tourist attractions.
Whether you’re visiting for the first time, planning a solo getaway, organizing a girls’ weekend, or simply looking for new places to explore close to home, this series is for you.
Over the next several weeks, I’ll be sharing my favorite local spots, hidden gems, budget-friendly adventures, and neighborhood guides that I’ve come to love over the years.
Here’s what you can look forward to:
☀️ The Ultimate Solo Traveler’s Guide to San Diego
🍹 The Best Rooftop Bars for Sunset Views and Happy Hour
🛍️ The Ultimate Guide to San Diego Farmers Markets
🌮 The Best Happy Hours by Neighborhood
🌅 The Most Beautiful Sunset Spots in San Diego
☕ Coffee Shops Perfect for Remote Work
🎶 Hidden Speakeasies and Live Music Venues
🧺 The Best Picnic Spots Around the City
📚 Cozy Independent Bookstores You’ll Love
🚶 Self-Guided Neighborhood Walking Tours
🌈 LGBTQ+-Friendly Experiences Beyond Pride Month
📸 The Most Beautiful Places in San Diego
🗓️ Weekend Itineraries for Solo Travelers, Couples, and Friends
Every guide will include practical travel tips like parking advice, budget recommendations, accessibility notes, nearby attractions, and plenty of local favorites you won’t find in most travel guides.
My goal has always been to help people travel with confidence—whether that’s exploring Tuscany by train or discovering a hidden beach just minutes from downtown San Diego.
And don’t worry, this isn’t goodbye to Italy.
Once summer winds down, we’ll be heading back across the Atlantic together for a brand-new season filled with Florence cafés, Tuscan villages, food guides, train adventures, and even more Italian travel inspiration.
Until then, let’s soak up every bit of sunshine San Diego has to offer.
Grab your sunscreen, your favorite reusable water bottle, and maybe an extra tote bag for the farmers market.
Summer starts now.
See you at the beach! XO
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