The City Column
May 3, 2023
The City Column: Discover H&H’s Guide To San Diego
Recently named one of 2024’s World Design Capitals, this Southern California city has wow-worthy hotels, restaurants and art.
Scroll down for our guide to San Diego!
Where To Stay:
New: The Guild Hotel
Once the home of the Army-Navy YMCA, this 1924 historical building has undergone a renovation, bringing minimalist Art Deco style to a grand dame.
500 W Broadway, theguildhotel.com
Classic: Hotel del Coronado
Designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, this storied waterfront hotel has welcomed guests since 1888 (the 1959 movie Some Like It Hot was even filmed here). Whether you book a room, cottage or luxe residence, the ocean is the star of the show — beachside bonfires are an essential experience.
1500 Orange Ave., Coronado, hoteldel.com
Where To Eat:
New: Tuétano Taquería
In 2020, after the Michelin Guide recognized this resto as one of the city’s “new discoveries,” it changed locations to a larger spot in the Old Town Urban Market. But what hasn’t changed is chef Priscilla Curiel’s signature birria taco with grilled bone marrow, a must-order. Grab a jar of salsa macha before you leave to enjoy Tuétano flavours at home.
2540 Congress St., instagram.com/tuetanotaqueria1
Classic: The Marine Room
This award-winning restaurant is lauded for the quality of its menu and wine list, and has been serving up incredible seafood since 1941. Book a table in the lounge and treat yourself to a caviar flight paired with champagne while you watch the sunset.
2000 Spindrift Dr., La Jolla, marineroom.com
What to see:
New: Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center
The centre opened last year and celebrates the diverse history and creativity of San Diego’s Chicano community. You’ll find the world’s largest collection of Chicano murals in the park — more than 80 paintings — and the museum’s debut exhibit, Pillars: Stories of Resilience and Self-Determination.
1960 National Ave., chicanoparkmuseum.org
Classic: Museum of Contemporary Art, San Diego
After a $105-million renovation led by Selldorf Architects, the MCASD reopened last year. The 82-year-old institution features a vast collection of mid-20th-century art from the Americas and Europe. Don’t miss the Celia Álvarez Muñoz retrospective!
700 Prospect St., La Jolla, mcasd.org
Where To Shop:
New: Whatever Gallery
Opened in 2019 by collectors Graham Loper and Noah Feldman, this space is as much a design gallery as it is a shop for rare mid-century modern pieces. Zero in on a set of American Modern dining chairs by Russel Wright or the conversation-starting Chit Chat chair by Greta Grossman.
2202 30th St., thewhatevergallery.com
Classic: Serena & Lily
The luxury retailer has offered coastal-chic pieces since the early aughts. Its new location is packed with bed linens, rugs, wallpapers, outdoor sectionals and beach chairs — everything you need for decorating indoors or out in the SoCal style.
3720 Caminito Crt., Suite 260, serenaandlily.com
House & Home