Instagram-Worthy Spots in San Diego

From miles of endless blue coastline to a bounty of fresh local ingredients that stem from year-round sunny weather, San Diego is a photo-takers playground.

If you’re looking for the best Instagram-worthy spots in San Diego, you’re in luck! Setting up and styling your food and drink related Insta shots is effortless thanks to the help of these six places in the city.

Whether it’s a cute coffee photo or a hip cocktail shot, these places are bound the make your social media shine. Make sure to take one of our San Diego tours, too, which guide you through the best hidden spots our wonderful city has to offer.

Communal Coffee

One of the most popular Instagram-worthy coffee spots in all of San Diego is no doubt Communal Coffee. Resting in North Park, this quaint space houses both a coffee shop and a florist under one completely charming roof. Whether you’re snapping a shot of your cappuccino next to a bouquet of flowers or taking a selfie alongside the famous “Coffee + Flowers” wall — this is the spot to snag that feminine and beautiful shot. Maybe a rose vanilla or lavender latte and one of their fantastic baked goods will help set the scene, too!

Polite Provisions

When it comes to trendy bars in San Diego, there’s no place quite like Polite Provisions. And if it’s a cocktail-gram you’re after, saunter into this happening North Park spot for a tipple or two. Known as “Manufactures of Local Tonics, Elixirs, and Cures” this San Diego spot is a haven of beautiful beverages. Snag drinks like the Isla Bonita, a mix of white rum, sparkling rosé, raspberry, lemon, and bitters — or go for tropical vibes with Breakfast in the Bahamas, made with blackstrap rum, sherry, brown sugar, black walnut bitters, lime, and pineapple. When it comes to North Park bars, there are plenty that offer the chance for expertly styled photos. Check out this article for our full take on North Park bars, restaurants, and lounges and our ideas on the Top 10 Trendiest Bars in San Diego (Polite Provisions included).

The Cottage

Mimosas, breakfast burritos, and early afternoon sunshine — there’s just something about weekend brunch in San Diego, isn’t there? Get your quintessential sunny shot with brunch at The Cottage in La Jolla with it’s yellow umbrellas and sky blue seating. It’s a cozy spot with fresh ingredients and breakfast until 3pm! Go for a freshly baked scone or lemon ricotta pancakes. The Power Breakfast Bowl with papaya, almonds, granola, green apple, spinach, sunflower seeds, avocado, eggs, offers a vibrant and colorful photo opportunity, too. For more brunch inspiration, take a peek at this article for the Best Brunch in La Jolla. We promise — La Jolla is bursting with prime spots for brunch shots.

Holy Matcha

Holy Matcha in East Village has perhaps one of San Diego’s most chic interiors (making it perfect for all your Instagram pictures). Grab a green-hued matcha and set up your mini photo shoot in one of the cafe’s pink booths. Staying true to its green and pink theme, the background wallpaper of green tropical plants interspersed with tidbits of pink seals the deal for that perfect snapshot. As an added bonus, you’ll get to drink your matcha prop when you’re finished — an ancient Japanese drink that has over 100 times the antioxidants of regular brewed green tea.

Jeune et Jolie

If you find yourself in North County, one of Carlsbad’s latest hot spots also happens to be one of the most Instagram-worthy. The newly opened Jeune et Jolie oozes French charm — from its sophisticated decor to the romantic cocktails. Start with a flute of champagne or pastis, the anise-flavored spirit and apéritif from France. Journey away to another country by way of seafood platters and luxurious ingredients. The sleek velour coral booths and robin’s egg blue bar will make you (and your social media followers) feel as if you’ve been whisked away on a romantic dining exploration of another time. If you’re interested in exploring more of the local scene, join us on a private Carlsbad food tour!

George’s at the Cove

When you’re searching for a spot along the teal coastline of the Pacific Ocean, few views compare with those at the iconic George’s at the Cove. On level two, you’ll find one of San Diego’s best happy hour spots — where you can sip and snap pictures of innovative drinks from the beverage team’s insanely creative menu. Get the San Diego ‘gram you want with the help of floor-to-ceiling ocean view windows and cocktails like the La Jolla — made with dehydrated mango, lime and chile infused tequila, lime, agave nectar, and a sea cube. For more happy hours filled with photo-ops, make sure to give this article a read on the Best Spots for Happy Hour in La Jolla.

Encontro North Park

From a mellow atmosphere to an exceptional selection of wine, cold brew, and kombucha — Encontro in North Park is the epitome of good food and good drinks. For a Saturday or Sunday breakfast gram, try the Cinnamon French Toast, with cinnamon brioche, strawberries, blackberries, powdered sugar, and blueberry syrup ala mode with Hammonds vanilla bean ice cream. If you’re in the mood for something more protein-filled, the Steak and Eggs come served with famous burgundy tri tip, salt roasted crispy red potato, grilled roma tomato, shallots, two eggs over easy, and sriracha aioli. Whether you’re going sweet or savory, this North Park brunch spot is sure to hit the spot (and get you that photo you’re searching for).

Whether you’re looking for an exceptional pancake breakfast to photograph, or an epic San Diego cocktail, these Instagram worthy spots in San Diego are sure to make your social media shine.

Have any favorite places in San Diego that didn’t make this list? Feel free to let us know in the comments below. At So Diego, we’re always looking for the next best hotspot to share with our guests! We look forward to hosting you on a San Diego tour soon.

 

Book a tour today!

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

Categories

Signature Tours

The historic Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its entertainment, shopping, and nightlife, but most people don’t realize the historic district was once home to one of the most anticipated red light districts in the West. On this guided Gaslamp tour full of cuisine, culture, and curiosities, we’ll take you through the scandalous post-Gold Rush history of the heart of downtown San Diego.

On our Tequila, Tacos and Tombstones guided tour, we take you back in time to Old Town San Diego—also known as the Birthplace of California. Together with one of our expert tour guides, you’ll discover the events and learn about the individuals that led to Old Town’s current popularity as a cultural hotspot.

But don’t worry, we don’t believe in following the usual tourist paths when it comes to exploring a town so rich in history and culture. On our Old Town food tour, you’ll get authentic food tastings, elevated cocktail sampling, and a haunted location or two for an unforgettable historic Old Town experience.

No San Diego Little Italy walking tour would be complete without exploring this culinary hotspot’s best places to eat. Known for its variety of restaurants, America’s biggest Little Italy has become a food lover’s bucket list destination, and we’re here to show it off!

Join our Little Italy walking tour full of food, fun, and Italian culture.

Planning a romantic date or your next friend’s night out? Our Little Italy wine tasting tour is the perfect way to elevate your outing and get to know one of San Diego’s most unique downtown neighborhoods.

As we stroll through this historic fishing town, you’ll learn all about the area’s rich history and, of course, sample the food and wine that makes Little Italy one of the best dining locations in all of San Diego and, dare we say, Southern California.

Whether you’re a local event planner, trying to “wow” your clients with unique San Diego team building activity ideas, or a bride coordinating a whole family outing for your wedding, So Diego can help you plan a special day.

Contact Us!