San Diego

Why San Diego for a Bach Trip

San Diego is the bach trip for groups who want California beach weather year-round, world-class craft beer, the Gaslamp Quarter's bar density, and the kind of city where you can do brewery tours, beach time, and a whale-watching tour all in one weekend. The bachelorette circuit favors groups in their late 20s through 40s; bachelor groups do well with the brewery focus. Pacific Beach (PB) and Mission Beach for college energy, Gaslamp for upscale, La Jolla for date-night-luxe.

The right group is one who wants reliable weather and beach access without committing to a beach-only trip. The wrong group is looking for nightlife depth on the level of LA or Vegas; SD is more chill.

Where to Base Your Group

Gaslamp Quarter for nightlife focus, Mission Beach for beach access. Hotels: Pendry San Diego (Gaslamp boutique), Hotel Republic (Marriott boutique), Andaz San Diego. For groups, oceanfront condos in Mission Beach or La Jolla; expect $400 to $1,200 per night for a four-bedroom. Pacific Beach has the boozy-college vibe if that fits your crew.

When to Go (and When to Avoid)

San Diego has the most consistent year-round weather of any US city. Best months are technically September through November but every month works. Summer (June through August) has the best beach weather. Winter is dry and 65 degrees. Avoid Comic-Con (late July, lodging triples) and major holiday weekends.

The Day Scene

Beach time at Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, or La Jolla Cove. Whale watching tours from the harbor (gray whales December through April, blue whales June through September) via Hornblower Cruises or San Diego Whale Watch. Brewery tour day in North Park or Miramar (Stone, Ballast Point, Modern Times). Kayaking the La Jolla sea caves. Hiking Torrey Pines State Reserve. Old Town for Mexican food and history. Spa day at Cal-a-Vie or Rancho La Puerta (both inland resort spas).

The Night Scene

Gaslamp Quarter has the bar density: Side Bar, FLUXX, Onyx Room, Parq. Pacific Beach: PB Avenue, The Catamaran Resort's Moray's Lounge. La Jolla: George's at the Cove rooftop. North Park: Polite Provisions (cocktails), Tiger Tiger Tavern. Most clubs to 2 AM.

Food and Drink Worth Planning Around

Mexican food is the move. Top picks: Tahona (Old Town, mezcal-focused), Galaxy Taco (La Jolla), El Pescador Fish Market. Higher-end: Born and Raised (steakhouse), Addison (Michelin-starred), Animae. Brunch: Hash House A Go Go, Snooze, Clayton's Coffee Shop. Fish tacos: South Beach Bar and Grill, Oscar's Mexican Seafood, The Taco Stand.

Pro Tips

Public transit is limited; Uber for everything. La Jolla parking is brutal; arrive early or use a beach lot. Whale watching books a few days out. Brewery tours via Brewery Tours of San Diego ($75 per person) handle the transport for you. Coronado is a 10 minute drive across the Coronado Bridge for a beach day at Hotel del Coronado. And the gay-friendly Hillcrest neighborhood has some of the best bars in the city; check Babycakes and Urban Mo's.