Back to Cali

Things to do and see while in San Diego for #HealthyTeen26

AUGUST 27, 2026

I’m going, going, back, back to Cali, Caliiiiiii.

That’s right, we’re on the West Coast again!

It’s your favorite foodie and adventurer back with things to do and see while here in San Diego for Healthy Teen Network’s 46th annual national conference, Made to Belong.

Come along with me as I curate your visit to San Diego.

Come along with me as I curate your visit to San Diego.

Stop 1: Gaslamp Quarter

The historic heart and soul of downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter boasts a multitude of restaurants, cigar lounges, and entertainment options. Stroll the promenade while taking in excellent people-watching. Check out their website for a myriad of events and happenings while you’re in town!

An arch stretches across the street with a sign reading "Gaslamp Quarter: Historic Heart of San Diego"

Photo credit: Bernard Gagnon, CC BY-SA 3.0

Stop 2: Balboa Park

With well over 1,200 acres, 18 museums, and endless trails, this urban cultural park is one of the United States’ oldest park sites dedicated to public recreational use.

Facade of Casa del Prado in Balboa Park

Photo credit: Shanise Taylor

Balboa Park is the home to the San Diego Zoo, Centro Cultural de la Raza, Comic-Con Museum, Japanese Friendship Garden, and George Washington Carver Children’s Ethnobotany Peace Garden, just to name a few. Known for its botanical gardens and endless things to do and see, it’s no wonder it attracts 14 million visitors per year!  Will you be one?

In the botanical garden in Balboa Park, pink flowering bushes overlook a fountain.

Photo credit: Shanise Taylor

Haven’t you gotten enough time outside? No? Great! That leads us to stop 3!

Stop 3: La Jolla

Who does not love sandy beaches and scenic seaside scapes? La Jolla is home to not only good eats, shopping (La Jolla Village), and sea lions, but also the La Jolla Cove, Birch Aquarium, and Murals of La Jolla. If you love being outdoors and murals, this is a nice area to visit. Let this quaint seaside escape be another one of your “must-see” items on your visit list!

Sea lions lounge on the beach in La Jolla

Photo credit: Debbie & Darcy, World Adventurists

Walking not your thing? You just came to eat?

Well, I’ve got you covered, too.

While in San Diego, sign up for one of Foodelicious’ impressive tours. They have everything from Italian eats to beer!

Photo credit: Foodelicious

Did you know that Cutwater was San Diego-based? Did you also know they have a tasting room in addition to a restaurant? Not just known for drinks, their restaurant has an extensive menu, from brunch to dinner. They even host specialty events, such as their Halloween Speakeasy Event Series in October. Stop in for a tour & taste or just have a meal!

Closeup of a flatbread featuring meat, pineapple, cheese, and a drizzled sauce

Photo credit: Shanise Taylor

Still hungry? Here are a few more dining options while you’re here:

Closeup of clams artfully displayed in a dish

Photo credit: Shanise Taylor

Now that we’ve explored local San Diego food and sights, I hope you enjoy your time here and use the recommendations above.

Until next year!

Photo By: Andres Garcia

Shanise Taylor is a Manager at Healthy Teen Network and is the go-to person for just about any question you could ask, as she runs the office and has a hand in just about every training, event, and of course, the conference. She’s also always ready to share the best tips for exploring her hometown, Baltimore. Read more about Shanise.

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