So, I just got back from San Diego, and mate, I’ve got to tell you—it’s probably my new favorite city in the U.S.
Seriously, it’s like this hidden little gem that’s totally off the radar, especially for us Aussies.
You know how places like LA and SF are all over the tourist maps? San Diego’s not like that at all, and I kind of loved it for that reason.
Let me tell you why.
First Impressions: Sydney Vibes All the Way
Okay, so picture this: I get off the plane, and the first thing that hits me is the vibe.
BEACH. SUN. Flip-flops everywhere.
I swear, it was like being back in Sydney. You know that feeling when you just know a place is going to be your kind of place?
Yeah, that was me the second I set foot in San Diego.
The beaches are stunning. I mean, we’ve got good beaches back home, but San Diego’s are right up there. Clean, beautiful water, soft sand… I instantly felt at ease.
And the sun? It’s perfect. Not too scorching, just warm enough to make you want to stay outside all day.
A Break from the Busy U.S. Life
In contrast to San Francisco and New York, where everything moves fast and people are always on the go, San Diego felt refreshingly different. Even though people were still busy with their lives, there was a noticeable change in the energy. People took the time to say hello or share a friendly smile—something that’s easy to miss in larger cities. It was as if the entire city operated at a slower, more mindful pace, and that’s something I quickly grew to appreciate.
It’s hard to explain, but you know how Sydney can get busy, but Bondi always has that laid-back, beachy vibe?
San Diego is like that—everywhere.
Nightlife: Like a Scene from Another World
Now, I didn’t expect this—San Diego’s nightlife is wild.
People were driving hours from places like LA and Santa Ana, just for a good time on the weekend. The crowd was a mix of older folks, young people celebrating their 21st, and everyone in between.
Downtown was absolutely packed. It honestly felt like I’d been transported to Thailand or something—bars spilling out into the streets, music blasting, and the energy was electric. If you’re looking for a good night out, San Diego’s got you covered.
Slow Mornings and Movie Moments
The mornings in San Diego are a whole different story. You wake up, and everything just slows down. The beaches are buzzing with people, but not in a rush—everyone is there to relax.
Volleyball courts were filled with college students, the water was packed with people surfing or swimming. It felt like walking into a scene from one of those classic U.S. college movies, where everyone’s hanging out by the beach, living the dream.
A Vertical Hike to Freedom: Black’s Beach
Oh, and here’s something I didn’t expect—Black’s Beach.
I stumbled upon it by accident. Turns out it’s a semi-nude beach, and let me tell you, getting there was an adventure in itself. You have to hike vertically down a mountain to reach it, but once you’re there, you’re greeted by this incredible sunset view.
And yeah, people are comfortable in their birthday suits, but surprisingly, it didn’t feel weird. Everyone was just relaxed, enjoying the freedom of the beach, and it felt completely natural. It’s one of those places that’s totally unexpected, but somehow it fits perfectly into the laid-back San Diego vibe.
Under the Radar, and That’s Part of the Charm
One of the reasons I think San Diego doesn’t get the international attention it deserves is because it doesn’t have an international airport. You really have to make the effort to get there. But honestly, that’s part of the magic.
It feels like a hidden gem—less crowded, more peaceful, and still offering everything you’d want from a coastal city. It’s like finding a little slice of paradise that not many people know about.
Final Thoughts: Why You Should Visit
If you’re ever thinking about heading to the U.S., skip the usual tourist spots and check out San Diego. Honestly, I think it might just be my new favorite city in the country.
It’s everything you want from a beachside city—beautiful views, great food (especially the Mexican cuisine), and an incredible mix of fun nights out and slow mornings by the ocean.
It’s not on everyone’s radar, but that’s exactly what makes it special. Trust me, if you’re after a sun-soaked escape with some unexpected surprises, San Diego’s your spot.