/
Experiencing San Diego: A Weekend Getaway from La Valencia Hotel to Hotel Del Coronado
San Diego is a true highlight of Southern California, renowned for its stunning beaches and vibrant coastal atmosphere. A weekend trip here feels like a mini-vacation. Brice and I recently enjoyed exploring this awesome destination. In this post, I will share about our experiences, including our stay at La Valencia Hotel in La Jolla, great meals at Paradisaea, Brockton Villa, Duke's, and Himitsu, and a luxurious stay at Hotel Del Coronado.
Day 1: La Valencia Hotel, Gem of La Jolla
Our adventure began at the iconic La Valencia Hotel, conveniently located in La Jolla. Nestled in the heart of La Jolla, this hotel is a breathtaking blend of old-world charm and coastal luxury. Often referred to as the “Pink Lady,” this historic Mediterranean-style retreat immediately transports you to another era with its iconic pink stucco facade, terracotta roof tiles, and wrought-iron details.
The Spanish Revival architecture, with its arched windows, hand-painted tiles, and lush courtyards, exudes an effortless elegance that perfectly complements the stunning Pacific Ocean backdrop. Inside, the ambiance is timeless and sophisticated. The lobby and common areas feature rich wood accents, vintage chandeliers, and classic art pieces that enhance the hotel’s storied past. To say we were transported upon arriving to this unique hotel, is an understatement. We loved it!
Whether you’re strolling through the beautifully manicured gardens, sipping a cocktail on the terrace, or lounging by the ocean-view pool, the overall vibe is relaxed glamour—where history and modern luxury seamlessly intertwine.
La Valencia isn’t just a hotel; it’s an experience. It captures the essence of La Jolla’s coastal charm while offering a refined escape that feels both exclusive and inviting. Whether you’re a lover of classic architecture or simply seeking a stylish retreat, this boutique gem is an unforgettable destination.
While the hotel itself was gorgeous, the staff were also friendly, yet very professional.
Our only note would be that the water pressure varies drastically between the shower, the tub, and the faucets. This didn’t negatively affect our trip whatsoever, and is expected with an older hotel, but I thought it was worth mentioning. We stayed in Villa 8.
Day 1 Dinner:
Michelin Rated Restaurant Paradisaea
After settling in, it was time for dinner at Paradisaea, a modern coastal restaurant. Located just a short 10 minute walk from our hotel, it prides itself on using the freshest local ingredients.
Dinner was fantastic! We kicked off our meal with the house baked sourdough bread and it was absolutely out of this world!
The jalapeño Hamachi was different than anywhere we’ve ever had it, but a welcomed twist. We would totally order it again. The Caesar salad was also a 10/10, and neither of us are big Caesar salad fans, so that's saying a lot!
The lively atmosphere and unique decor made for an enjoyable dining experience.
Overall, the restaurant surpassed our expectations and is a must-visit for anyone in the area.
Photos courtesy of San Diego Magazine, theresandiego.com, & Paradisaea
Day 2 Breakfast:
Brockton Villa, Coastal Classic
Photos courtesy of Brockton Villa Restaurant
The next morning, we were excited to start our day with a hearty breakfast and found our way to Brockton Villa Restaurant (walkable from La Valencia Hotel), known for boasting one of the best views in La Jolla. Perched on the cliffs, the restaurant perfectly combines stunning ocean views with a warm dining atmosphere.
We could not resist trying their famous bananas fosters coast toast, crafted from a cherished family recipe. It certainly lived up to its reputation—those caramelized bananas will remain in our memory forever.
The BYO bowl with some veggies and Canadian bacon was the perfect thing to balance the sweetness of the coast toast.
The service was impeccable, with friendly staff who made our experience even more enjoyable. 10/10 recommend going and sitting outside or on their beautiful covered patio!
Day 2 Lunch:
Duke's La Jolla: Casual Vibes and Tasty Bites
Photos courtesy of Yelp and UberEats
After a morning spent exploring the La Jolla Cove, we headed to Duke's for lunch—a casual eatery that embodies the laid-back spirit of Southern California culture.
We kind of knew by the grandeur of the building that this place would be more touristy, and the food and ambiance was just that. Though the menu had plenty of enticing options, we opted for the ahi poke tuna bowl and coconut shrimp. Nothing was great enough to write home about but nothing was bad either. Duke’s relaxed vibe and delicious food provided the perfect midday break for our daily adventuring in SoCal. 6/10 probably wouldn’t recommend if you’re only in town for a short trip.
Day 2 Dinner:
Himitsu: Fusion of Flavors
Photos courtesy of Himitsu
As evening arrived, after a trip back to the hotel to freshen up, we made our way to Himitsu for dinner (the hotel has a golf cart that will happily cart you around in close proximity to the hotel). This is a restaurant celebrated for its innovative menu blending Japanese and Californian influences. The vibe was chic yet cozy, sophisticated and cool.
Full disclosure: we’re sushi snobs. I mean, we did go to Japan and have the freshest fish of all time, so our standards are pretty high. But Himitsu did not disappoint!
Each dish showcased creativity and great attention to detail. The combination of textures and tastes made every bite delightful. We ordered a variety of items and everything we ordered was 10/10. The food came quickly, everything was super fresh, the portions were accurately sized, and the price was fair for the quality. 10/10 would go back!
We didn't forget the sweet treats!
Day 3: A Captivating Stay at Hotel Del Coronado
For the second part of our trip, we switched gears and checked into the beautiful Hotel Del Coronado. This historic beachfront hotel is a San Diego landmark, famed for its impressive coastline and amazing location.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by the hotel's stunning façade and lush gardens. We immediately felt the iconic charm that sets this hotel apart.
A stay at the iconic Hotel del Coronado is like stepping into a piece of California history, where grand Victorian architecture meets the relaxed elegance of a beachfront retreat. The hotel’s distinctive red-roofed turrets, white wooden siding, and intricate Queen Anne-style detailing create an unmistakable and timeless silhouette against the Pacific Ocean.
However, during our visit, the main rotunda—usually the crown jewel of the hotel—was enclosed in scaffolding as part of ongoing renovations, slightly diminishing our initial impression, but understandable with the age of the hotel.
Despite the construction, the newly renovated rooms are a highlight. They beautifully balance historic charm with modern comforts, featuring refreshed interiors that maintain the original character while introducing contemporary touches. Walking through the property, you can still feel the magic of its past, from the grand hallways to the breezy verandas overlooking the beach.
Photos courtesy of lajollamom.com
We laughed a lot about the structure of the hotel, with floors that sloped 4” from one wall to another wall in a 14’ span. If you know construction, you know that’s a LOT. But we loved that the hotel stayed true to itself and we admired the heck out of the trim carpentry work. We know from experience being THAT out of square, unlevel and not plumb makes for a challenge, but we enjoyed seeing the craftsmanship and could tell these carpenters truly took pride in their work!
Detailed wood trim work at the famed Hotel Del Coronado, Coronado, CA
The overall vibe remains classic and sophisticated, with an undeniable energy. While the renovations mean some areas lack their usual charm, it’s clear that once completed, the Del will shine brighter than ever. If you’re a lover of historic architecture and don’t mind a little work in progress, it’s still a memorable stay—just know that some of its most iconic features may currently be hidden from view. We stayed in The Victorian Room in the main building, for reference.
A Memorable Weekend Trip to San Diego
Our weekend getaway to San Diego was a fun one, filled with culinary delights and relaxing stays. From the charm of the La Valencia Hotel to the historic elegance of Hotel Del Coronado, we truly enjoyed ourselves on this trip.
Dining at Paradisaea, Brockton Villa, Duke's, and Himitsu offered such a variety of different meals; they showcased San Diego's vibrant food scene. This trip was a blend of restoration and exploration, making us eager to return.
If you're considering a weekend trip to San Diego, this city is worth every moment of your exploration. Whether you're seeking adventure, indulging in food, or just wanting to unwind by the beach, San Diego has something for everyone.
Where should we go next?
Comments