If you and your besties are in need of a quick getaway full of sunshine, beach vibes, tasty food, and plenty of time for relaxation and adventure, a long weekend in San Diego is the perfect escape. Mission Beach offers the best of both worlds: stunning coastline and close proximity to some of San Diego’s most iconic spots. Whether you’re all about unwinding in a hot tub or exploring the city’s unique neighborhoods, San Diego has everything you need for the ultimate girls’ weekend.
This last November, I planned a long weekend for my girl friends to get away and enjoy the sunshine together. Here’s a breakdown of our weekend adventure in Mission Beach, San Diego—featuring plenty of bubbles, beach walks, tacos, and unforgettable moments!
Thursday: Cheers to the Start of an Epic Weekend
What’s a girls’ trip without a little bubbly to kick things off? It’s the perfect pre-flight treat, and there’s no shame in a little day-drinking when the trip ahead promises sun and fun. For this trip, we decided to add some extra fun and did a funny t-shirt swap before we boarded. While the photos of the shirts aren’t appropriate to share on the internet, the looks we got on the faces of passers-by was priceless. It definitely set the tone for the weekend!
When I come to San Diego, I always make a stop at Coasterra for happy hour. Our early afternoon arrival made for the perfect time to introduce my friends to my favorite spot before heading to our VRBO. With sweeping views of downtown San Diego and the bay, it’s a fantastic place to kick off your San Diego experience. Don’t miss their famous coconut margarita – available by the pitcher for large groups like ours!
Mission Beach is the perfect spot to enjoy classic San Diego weather and beach vibes. I was so excited to find an incredible home available for our weekend, with plenty of rooms for our group of 10, a hot tub, and incredible rooftop deck with ocean and bay views. Don’t forget, that when you’re booking your trip to San Diego, make sure to look up when the sun sets – and keep a lookout for the green flash as the sun dips behind the ocean.
Friday: Beachside Bliss & Coronado Adventures
Our group typically likes to stay active, and this trip was no exception. Staying on Mission beach meant an opportunity for groups to walk or run on the iconic Mission Beach boardwalk. For day one – we hoped on the boardwalk heading toward Pacific Beach. The salty ocean air and the sound of waves crashing are the perfect motivation to get your body moving, even if it’s just a casual stroll.
We were incredibly lucky to get connected to a local yoga instructor, who gave us the special treat of a post-boardwalk stretch on the roof deck. The stretch was just what we needed after the workout on the boardwalk, and another great opportunity to look at the bay from our deck. This was a great reminder that when you’re booking places in San Diego it’s critical to look at your outdoor space. Whether you’re stretching or just relaxing, having a place to retreat outside brings the San Diego lifestyle to life.
After yoga and breakfast, we made our way to Coronado, a charming island just across the bay from downtown San Diego. There’s so much to explore and not a bad spot to turn. We opted for Lunch at the Sun Deck at Hotel Del Coronado: A must-try, this spot offers ocean views and a relaxed atmosphere perfect for enjoying fresh seafood and cocktails. After our late lunch, we grabbed drinks to go from the boardwalk bar. Toes in the sand, wine in our hands, it was a beautiful end to our day.
Saturday: Adventure, Shopping, & Glow Boats
For the outdoorsy crew, we headed to Torrey Pines Nature Reserve for a scenic hike. The views of the Pacific Ocean from the cliffs are jaw-dropping, and the trail is relatively easy to moderate, making it accessible for everyone. That being said, we were all ready for a treat after, so we headed to the Lodge Torrey Pines Grill for a round of mimosas and light bites—perfect for recharging after our hike.
After an afternoon of exploring the Mission Beach boardwalk and shops (and maybe getting a tattoo), we closed our San Diego weekend with a fun and quirky experience: a Glow Boat Pedal Boat Ride. I cannot recommend this experience enough! These illuminated pedal boats are a unique way to see the bay after dark while getting in some friendly competition and plenty of laughs. We clipped on a speaker, brought some drinks, and enjoyed the view.
Final Thoughts
This long weekend in Mission Beach was the ultimate way to celebrate friendship, sunshine, and great food. We are so fortunate to have spouses that have allowed us the opportunity to get away and reset annually for going on 10 years now. This was our first trip down to San Diego and it’s safe to say it won’t be our last. Whether you’re enjoying margaritas at a restaurant, lounging on the beach, or exploring San Diego’s best neighborhoods, it’s a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. So gather your squad, pack your bags (and don’t forget the ugly swimsuits!), and get ready for a girls’ trip you’ll never forget!
Want to chat about planning your next family trip? Let’s chat! Send me an email at peeblesonpto@gmail.com!
Peebles on PTO 
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