San Diego might be famous for its beaches and fish tacos, but it has quietly become one of the most glamorous cities on the West Coast. The dining scene now boasts five Michelin-starred restaurants (including a three-star), the cocktail bars rank among the best in the country and the sunsets are unbeatable all year long. Here is everything we would book for the most luxurious trip to San Diego right now.

Where to Stay

Pendry San Diego

Our home base in the city and still the chicest hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. The rooms are bright and beautifully designed, the rooftop pool is a scene and you are steps from the best restaurants and bars downtown. Read about our stay in our Pendry San Diego hotel spotlight.

Fairmont Grand Del Mar

San Diego’s grand resort feels like a Mediterranean estate tucked into a canyon, with a golf course, four pools, a beautiful spa and Addison, the city’s only three-Michelin-star restaurant.

Shore House at The Del

The historic Hotel del Coronado is a San Diego icon, and Shore House is its most luxurious corner. Expect residential-style suites, a private pool and that legendary Coronado beach right outside.

Rancho Valencia

For a true escape, this Forbes Five-Star resort in Rancho Santa Fe has private casitas, olive trees, tennis and one of the best spas in Southern California.

Where to Eat

Addison by William Bradley

San Diego’s first and only three-Michelin-star restaurant, and one of just a handful in the country. Dinner here is an unforgettable splurge, best saved for a big celebration.

Lucien

The newest Michelin star in town. Chef Elijah Arizmendi’s La Jolla restaurant earned its star in June, less than a year after opening, for an exquisite tasting menu.

Jeune et Jolie

A stylish, Michelin-starred French restaurant in Carlsbad that is absolutely worth the drive up the coast.

À L’Ouest

The hottest new opening of the year comes from TRUST Restaurant Group, with refined French cooking in North Park. Book ahead.

Sugarfish

The beloved L.A. sushi spot finally arrived in Little Italy this spring. Go for the Trust Me menu.

Ironside Fish and Oyster

The best raw bar in San Diego, in a gorgeous Little Italy space. Order oysters and the lobster roll.

Where to Grab Drinks

• Raised by Wolves: One of the best cocktail bars in the country is hidden inside a La Jolla shopping center. Look for the secret entrance.
• Mister A’s: A San Diego institution in Bankers Hill with a classic martini and the best view in the city. Go at sunset.
• Kiku Room: A chic new Japanese-inspired hi-fi listening bar in Little Italy, perfect for a late-night cocktail.
• False Idol: An immersive tiki bar from the team behind Smuggler’s Cove in San Francisco. Fun, transportive and very festive.

Unique San Diego Experiences

A day in Valle de Guadalupe

Mexico’s wine country is about two hours from downtown, so hire a private driver for a day of wine tastings and long, lazy lunches at Baja’s farm-to-table restaurants. Bring your passport.

Kayak the La Jolla sea caves

Paddle along the coastline to see the sea caves, sea lions and the famous seals at La Jolla Cove, then grab brunch overlooking the water.

Bike around Coronado

Rent bikes and cruise around the island past the beach and the historic Hotel del Coronado, then stop for a cocktail on the terrace.

Hike Torrey Pines

The trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve have some of the most beautiful ocean views in California. Go early and finish with lunch in Del Mar.

Spa day at the Fairmont

Book a treatment at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar spa and spend the afternoon by the pool before dinner at Addison.

Our San Diego Tip Sheet

• Getting there: San Diego International Airport is just minutes from downtown, and its new Terminal 1 is one of the prettiest in the country.
• When to go: San Diego is lovely year-round. September and October are especially beautiful, while early summer can bring ‘May Gray’ and ‘June Gloom’ mornings.
• Book ahead: Reserve Addison, Lucien and À L’Ouest as soon as your dates are set.
• Getting around: The Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy are walkable, but you will want a car or driver for La Jolla, Del Mar and Coronado.
• What to pack: A light jacket for cool evenings, chic sandals, a swimsuit and one dressy look for dinner.

Have you been to San Diego? Tell us your favorite spots in the comments!