A Day Out in San Diego: A queer couple’s breathtaking travel guide
For proud OutTravelers Barry Hoy and Teraj Allen, it wasn’t just love that brought them together — it was travel. After nearly a decade together and visits to 47 countries in just the past two years, the international, jet-setting couple has found themselves drawn to one destination in particular: San Diego.“It’s such an open city,” said Allen, recalling how he fell in love with the Southern California gem during his first visit more than 10 years ago. “It’s so welcoming, and it embraces everybody no matter who you are or where you’re from.”With its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, welcoming locals and laid-back coastal charm, San Diego has become one of Allen’s favorite getaways. This time, he is bringing along Hoy, who is visiting the beach city for the first time.In Out’s new two-episode video series, Out in San Diego, Hoy and Allen invite fellow queer travelers to join them on their latest West Coast escapade. Watch this episode and spend the day with the couple in come-as-you-are San Diego’s rich culture and iconic scenery: strolling through Balboa Park with a stop at the Old Globe Theatre, sampling local bites at Liberty Public Market, reflecting and meditating at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and savoring the culinary innovation at Callie — where electrifying art meets diverse flavors, and hand-holding isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated!Watch the full series at Out.com/Out-In-San-Diego!Balboa Park & the Old Globe TheaterHoy and Allen began their day in sunlit San Diego at its cultural heart — Balboa Park. Nestled just steps from downtown, this 1,200-acre urban oasis features 18 world-class museums, manicured gardens, ornate architecture, and the iconic San Diego Zoo — making it one of the most culturally rich urban parks in North America.“You can go for a stroll,” said Hoy. “You can go shopping, or to restaurants to eat! There are cafes everywhere! So many things to do!”A blend of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and contemporary expression, Balboa Park is more than just picturesque — it’s a living reflection of San Diego’s evolving identity.“It was like Disneyland on steroids,” Allen laughed. “It feels almost like a spiritual procession — the deeper I went into Balboa Park, the more it blew my mind!”A must-see within the park is the nationally-recognized, Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre, home to year-round performances across three renowned stages that bring the power of live theater to San Diego’s sunny coast!Liberty Public Market at Liberty StationFor lunch, the beautiful couple brought us to Liberty Public Market. Open daily in the heart of San Diego’s historic Liberty Station, the market is a curated celebration of the region’s rich culinary and creative spirit.“Liberty Public Market was lot of overstimulation in the best way — with the number of restaurants and eateries,” said Allen, “It was so diverse and I counted over 30 different places to eat and drink, from Asian fusion cuisine to Italian and Jamaican… Whatever you want to eat, they definitely have it!”With its industrial-chic interiors and open-concept layout, the market offers everything from gourmet pastries to craft beer and locally sourced produce.“It was unique beyond the food too,” said Hoy. “If you are an aviation geek like me, that’s where all the planes fly by and you can have a perfect view!”Museum of Contemporary Art San DiegoStill hungry for inspiration, Hoy and Allen spent the afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — sitting on the glittering coastline of La Jolla, the museum translates the city’s creative identity into a sharp, compelling focus, spotlighting artists whose voices push boundaries and expand narratives, particularly across the U.S.-Mexico border.“It is one of the best demonstrations of how far the art scene has come along,” said Allen, who was especially moved by the museum’s expansive collection — from the surrealism of Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami to the regal, unapologetically queer portraiture of his favorite Black gay artist, Kehinde Wiley.The museum, complete with oceanfront terraces and light-filled galleries, offers a refreshing blend of architecture and atmosphere.“You can see the outside, you can see the water, you can see the beach from the museum,” counted Hoy. “It’s such a unique perspective!”Stop by for a leisurely stroll through the exhibits or a bite at the on-site café!Torrey Pines State Natural ReserveNo visit to San Diego would be complete without a moment of awe — and for Hoy and Allen, that moment arrived at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Just north of La Jolla, this protected stretch of coastline offers hiking trails, golden cliffs, and panoramic ocean views.“The landscapes there are unlike anything else you’ll see here in the United States,” said Allen.One of their favorite stops was the beach at the base of the reserve, where dramatic cliffs towered over the Pacific on one side, and waves rolled endle
For proud OutTravelers Barry Hoy and Teraj Allen, it wasn’t just love that brought them together — it was travel. After nearly a decade together and visits to 47 countries in just the past two years, the international, jet-setting couple has found themselves drawn to one destination in particular: San Diego.
“It’s such an open city,” said Allen, recalling how he fell in love with the Southern California gem during his first visit more than 10 years ago. “It’s so welcoming, and it embraces everybody no matter who you are or where you’re from.”
With its vibrant LGBTQ+ scene, welcoming locals and laid-back coastal charm, San Diego has become one of Allen’s favorite getaways. This time, he is bringing along Hoy, who is visiting the beach city for the first time.
In Out’s new two-episode video series, Out in San Diego, Hoy and Allen invite fellow queer travelers to join them on their latest West Coast escapade.
Watch this episode and spend the day with the couple in come-as-you-are San Diego’s rich culture and iconic scenery: strolling through Balboa Park with a stop at the Old Globe Theatre, sampling local bites at Liberty Public Market, reflecting and meditating at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and savoring the culinary innovation at Callie — where electrifying art meets diverse flavors, and hand-holding isn’t just welcomed, it’s celebrated!
Watch the full series at Out.com/Out-In-San-Diego!
Balboa Park & the Old Globe Theater
Hoy and Allen began their day in sunlit San Diego at its cultural heart — Balboa Park. Nestled just steps from downtown, this 1,200-acre urban oasis features 18 world-class museums, manicured gardens, ornate architecture, and the iconic San Diego Zoo — making it one of the most culturally rich urban parks in North America.
“You can go for a stroll,” said Hoy. “You can go shopping, or to restaurants to eat! There are cafes everywhere! So many things to do!”
A blend of Spanish Colonial Revival architecture and contemporary expression, Balboa Park is more than just picturesque — it’s a living reflection of San Diego’s evolving identity.
“It was like Disneyland on steroids,” Allen laughed. “It feels almost like a spiritual procession — the deeper I went into Balboa Park, the more it blew my mind!”
A must-see within the park is the nationally-recognized, Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre, home to year-round performances across three renowned stages that bring the power of live theater to San Diego’s sunny coast!
Liberty Public Market at Liberty Station
For lunch, the beautiful couple brought us to Liberty Public Market. Open daily in the heart of San Diego’s historic Liberty Station, the market is a curated celebration of the region’s rich culinary and creative spirit.
“Liberty Public Market was lot of overstimulation in the best way — with the number of restaurants and eateries,” said Allen, “It was so diverse and I counted over 30 different places to eat and drink, from Asian fusion cuisine to Italian and Jamaican… Whatever you want to eat, they definitely have it!”
With its industrial-chic interiors and open-concept layout, the market offers everything from gourmet pastries to craft beer and locally sourced produce.
“It was unique beyond the food too,” said Hoy. “If you are an aviation geek like me, that’s where all the planes fly by and you can have a perfect view!”
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Still hungry for inspiration, Hoy and Allen spent the afternoon at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego — sitting on the glittering coastline of La Jolla, the museum translates the city’s creative identity into a sharp, compelling focus, spotlighting artists whose voices push boundaries and expand narratives, particularly across the U.S.-Mexico border.
“It is one of the best demonstrations of how far the art scene has come along,” said Allen, who was especially moved by the museum’s expansive collection — from the surrealism of Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami to the regal, unapologetically queer portraiture of his favorite Black gay artist, Kehinde Wiley.
The museum, complete with oceanfront terraces and light-filled galleries, offers a refreshing blend of architecture and atmosphere.
“You can see the outside, you can see the water, you can see the beach from the museum,” counted Hoy. “It’s such a unique perspective!”
Stop by for a leisurely stroll through the exhibits or a bite at the on-site café!
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
No visit to San Diego would be complete without a moment of awe — and for Hoy and Allen, that moment arrived at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. Just north of La Jolla, this protected stretch of coastline offers hiking trails, golden cliffs, and panoramic ocean views.
“The landscapes there are unlike anything else you’ll see here in the United States,” said Allen.
One of their favorite stops was the beach at the base of the reserve, where dramatic cliffs towered over the Pacific on one side, and waves rolled endlessly on the other.
“It was just something out of a movie,” Hoy concluded. “Breathtaking!”
Callie
For dinner, the couple brought us to Callie, a California-Medditerannean restaurant tucked away in San Diego’s East Village neighborhood. Named after the Greek word for “most beautiful,” Callie lives up to its promise — serving cuisine du soleil in a space that feels as golden as the light pouring through its windows.
“It was Mediterranean cuisine in a way I never had before,” said Allen. “They really went there with interesting ingredients, like my favorite uni. And the chicken dish? Creme de la creme!”
At Callie, Chef Travis Swikard has written a love letter to the Mediterranean — signed, sealed, and delivered with a distinctly San Diego flair. After years spent under the tutelage of legendary French chef Daniel Boulud in New York, Swikard returned home to channel his globe-trotting palate into something personal: a restaurant where the sun-kissed flavors of Greece, Spain, Morocco, and the Middle East dance with the ingredients of the California coast.
“I’m drooling just thinking about it right now,” Hoy laughed.
Think: bold saffron, juicy citrus, briny olives, and just a hint of ocean breeze!
Watch the next episode HERE, where the couple explores San Diego’s eclectic nightlife — from sunset at Mission Beach to the culinary artistry at Le Coq, and the buzzing LGBTQ+ scene at Flicks, Rich’s, and Books & Records.
Start planning your San Diego adventure today HERE!
This story is brought to you by our partners at San Diego Tourism.
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