Most college students in San Diego are familiar with Pacific Beach, lovingly known as PB, for its beachfront bars and frat-adjacent nightlife — but that’s not all PB has to offer. I recently spent a PG-rated day scoping out the best bites, shops, and views in town. So, here is how to spend a surprisingly wholesome day in PB!

Start your day at Palmy’s, a cute brunch spot only three blocks from the beach. Its menu includes unique options like the fried chicken and ube waffle, the prosciutto toast, and colorful smoothies with ingredients like activated charcoal and blue green algae that are sure to impress even the most loyal Erewhon enthusiast. I tried the breakfast sando and honey cinnamon latte and was a big fan of both. The sando was topped with aioli — the key to any great breakfast sandwich — and came with a side of yummy tater tots. Plus, its outdoor seating area is the perfect place to debrief with friends or clear your mind before embarking on the rest of your day.

If your wildest dessert fantasies include trying bacon on a donut, this next stop will help you out: Check out Copper Top Donuts for fresh, made-to-order donuts. With 16 flavors to choose from, including its classic Copper Top with espresso caramel and maple, you’ll be tempted to try them all. I ordered the Salty Dog, which is topped with caramel, chocolate sauce, and crushed pretzels, and the Date Nite, which is topped with raspberry jam and chocolate chips. Both were delicious, and their affordable prices — $3.25 each or $18 for half a dozen — make Copper Top a great place to get a sweet treat with friends and family. I recommend strolling down to Crystal Pier to enjoy your donuts with an ocean view.

Afternoon in PB means it’s time for some shopping! Head to Garnet Avenue to try your luck at the many thrift stores and souvenir shops. If you’re looking for unique gifts, Pangea Outpost is the place to go. Its indoor marketplace features over 70 different local merchants and artists. With its selection of summery clothes, jewelry, funky art prints, craft supplies, Southern California-inspired home decor, crystals, and even Jellycats, exploring the store is an adventure in itself. My favorite section of Pangea Outpost is its wall of clocks made of old vinyls from Records and Stuff. They would be loved by any music lover in your life, and I will definitely be buying one someday. 

Want a spontaneous tattoo? While that might not be the best decision, I highly recommend Axiom Tattoo for all of your tattoo desires. I’ve gotten tattooed here twice, and both times were great experiences — the friendly atmosphere puts my nerves at ease, and my tattoos came out super cute. The artists ensure that their clients are comfortable by explaining each step of the process and even give you a goodie bag with instructions on how to take care of your new tattoo. They have a range of talented artists with distinct art styles, so you can bring your whole friend group, even if you all have different aesthetics. 

Finish your night off by grabbing a bite from Prince Street Pizza and heading to Kate Sessions Neighborhood Park for a sunset picnic. Kate Sessions is one of my favorite places in San Diego and is perfect for reading, tanning, painting, lounging in the grass, and seeing dogs run around. Wind down while enjoying the peaceful vibes and beautiful views of Mission Bay and downtown, which truly never get old. You are guaranteed to have an “Aw, humans are so cute” moment here — I often see people on dates or celebrating birthdays, so it is definitely a wholesome spot.

With yummy food, fun stores, and peaceful parks, PB has much more to offer than just a fun night out. So, whenever you’re bored of the same old places around UC San Diego, head to PB as your next Exploring San Diego destination!