Neighborhoods
Stroll down Newport ave and check out one of the many bars, Antique shops and have a Local favorite, a burger at Hodad's OMG they are the best! O.B. as we locals call it feels like Haight Ashberry meets San Diego Beach culture. Its far out man!
776 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StStroll down Newport ave and check out one of the many bars, Antique shops and have a Local favorite, a burger at Hodad's OMG they are the best! O.B. as we locals call it feels like Haight Ashberry meets San Diego Beach culture. Its far out man!
The gayborhood. Nightlife restaurants, shops, cafes. San Diego likes to put up neighborhood signs in the coolest places to let you know that you have arrived.
369 locals recommend
Hillcrest
3960 Normal StThe gayborhood. Nightlife restaurants, shops, cafes. San Diego likes to put up neighborhood signs in the coolest places to let you know that you have arrived.
Stroll India Street and duck into one of the many cafes for an espresso and a canoli or gelato. My favorite restaurant is Mona Lisa on India at Hawthorne. Good, honest Italian food and resonably priced. Check out the deli and try a pepper shooter and browse the exotic Italian wares, wines, cheeses and meats.
889 locals recommend
Little Italy
Stroll India Street and duck into one of the many cafes for an espresso and a canoli or gelato. My favorite restaurant is Mona Lisa on India at Hawthorne. Good, honest Italian food and resonably priced. Check out the deli and try a pepper shooter and browse the exotic Italian wares, wines, cheeses and meats.
Great historic architecture, fine dining (read: overpriced IMHO), very popular most nights. Clubs, bars etc. Dont drive take a ride share or public transit.
1208 locals recommend
Gaslamp Quarter
Great historic architecture, fine dining (read: overpriced IMHO), very popular most nights. Clubs, bars etc. Dont drive take a ride share or public transit.
Situated just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is consistently voted best beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach. With gentle surf, sparkling wide-sand beaches, charming main street and great hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado, this island paradise is a San Diego must do.
388 locals recommend
Coronado
Situated just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is consistently voted best beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach. With gentle surf, sparkling wide-sand beaches, charming main street and great hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado, this island paradise is a San Diego must do.
NORTH PARK & SOUTH PARK
Southeast of downtown and bordering Balboa Park, you’ll find the diverse and eclectic uptown neighborhoods of North Park and South Park. Catering to a local crowd, streets here are lined with coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, diverse restaurants and craft beer pubs.
439 locals recommend
North Park
NORTH PARK & SOUTH PARK
Southeast of downtown and bordering Balboa Park, you’ll find the diverse and eclectic uptown neighborhoods of North Park and South Park. Catering to a local crowd, streets here are lined with coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, diverse restaurants and craft beer pubs.
West of downtown San Diego, you'll find Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island, all of which offer great restaurants, activities and attractions, a variety of accommodations and stunning views of San Diego’s skyline.
115 locals recommend
Point Loma
West of downtown San Diego, you'll find Point Loma, Harbor Island and Shelter Island, all of which offer great restaurants, activities and attractions, a variety of accommodations and stunning views of San Diego’s skyline.
Located just minutes from downtown is San Diego's water wonderland, Mission Bay Park. The 4,600-acre aquatic playground is the largest of its kind in the world. Surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, and bordered by several beach communities, you will quickly discover that this bustling bay area is action packed from sun up to sun down. Don't miss Belmont Park and the historic bone rattling roller coaster on the beach. Hang with the locals and stroll the boardwalk. Good Times!
554 locals recommend
Mission Beach
3000 Mission BoulevardLocated just minutes from downtown is San Diego's water wonderland, Mission Bay Park. The 4,600-acre aquatic playground is the largest of its kind in the world. Surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, and bordered by several beach communities, you will quickly discover that this bustling bay area is action packed from sun up to sun down. Don't miss Belmont Park and the historic bone rattling roller coaster on the beach. Hang with the locals and stroll the boardwalk. Good Times!
LA JOLLAWHERE A SPECTACULAR COASTLINE AND UPSCALE VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE DEFINE SAN DIEGO'S JEWEL BY THE SEA
One of the top beach destinations in the world
With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it's no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California. Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla's natural beauty, abundance of activities and upscale village lifestyle ensure that it lives up to its nickname as "the jewel" of San Diego.
Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to casual coastal retreats, along with museums and art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, great restaurants and a slew of outdoor activities. Home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the scenic cliff area offers well-groomed hiking trails with spectacular views, and world-class golf. At Torrey Pines Gliderport you can soar out over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just relax and watch the action above.
Along the dramatic coastline lies Scripps Park, where families can picnic throughout the summer, while enjoying Fourth of July fireworks and concerts under the stars. Just south of the park is the Children’s Pool, where a seawall was originally built to protect kids from incoming waves, but has been long taken over by a local seal colony. People are no longer permitted to swim here, but you can walk out along the seawall for a close-up view of the wildlife.
La Jolla is also home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography and plenty of cultural attractions including the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art, all situated in close proximity to The Village. The University of California San Diego, which hosts the popular Geisel Library and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, are both located in La Jolla as well.
La Jolla's biggest draw for locals and visitors alike are the beautiful beaches. During the summer and autumn months, the surf is relatively gentle, with warm waters in 70s. Swimmers, snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers and surfers can enjoy the golden sands of La Jolla Shores, the Cove and Windansea. And be sure to keep an eye out for migrating whales off the coast as they travel to and from Baja California.
492 locals recommend
La Jolla
LA JOLLAWHERE A SPECTACULAR COASTLINE AND UPSCALE VILLAGE ATMOSPHERE DEFINE SAN DIEGO'S JEWEL BY THE SEA
One of the top beach destinations in the world
With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it's no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California. Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla's natural beauty, abundance of activities and upscale village lifestyle ensure that it lives up to its nickname as "the jewel" of San Diego.
Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to casual coastal retreats, along with museums and art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, great restaurants and a slew of outdoor activities. Home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the scenic cliff area offers well-groomed hiking trails with spectacular views, and world-class golf. At Torrey Pines Gliderport you can soar out over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just relax and watch the action above.
Along the dramatic coastline lies Scripps Park, where families can picnic throughout the summer, while enjoying Fourth of July fireworks and concerts under the stars. Just south of the park is the Children’s Pool, where a seawall was originally built to protect kids from incoming waves, but has been long taken over by a local seal colony. People are no longer permitted to swim here, but you can walk out along the seawall for a close-up view of the wildlife.
La Jolla is also home to Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institute of Oceanography and plenty of cultural attractions including the La Jolla Playhouse and the Museum of Contemporary Art, all situated in close proximity to The Village. The University of California San Diego, which hosts the popular Geisel Library and the Salk Institute for Biological Studies, are both located in La Jolla as well.
La Jolla's biggest draw for locals and visitors alike are the beautiful beaches. During the summer and autumn months, the surf is relatively gentle, with warm waters in 70s. Swimmers, snorkelers, scuba divers, kayakers and surfers can enjoy the golden sands of La Jolla Shores, the Cove and Windansea. And be sure to keep an eye out for migrating whales off the coast as they travel to and from Baja California.
Food scene
Vegan fast food. Fries, shakes even "Buffalo Wings". SDSU located In transit bus loop. Environmentally and socially conscience, sustainable, DELICIOUS! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
https://www.plantpowerfastfood.com/order-san-diego#/restaurants/plantpowerfastfood4/6447
29 locals recommend
Plant Power Fast Food
2204 Sunset Cliffs BlvdVegan fast food. Fries, shakes even "Buffalo Wings". SDSU located In transit bus loop. Environmentally and socially conscience, sustainable, DELICIOUS! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
https://www.plantpowerfastfood.com/order-san-diego#/restaurants/plantpowerfastfood4/6447
Hole in the wall Vietnamese/Chinese. Delicious and reasonably priced. In the heart of San Diego's "Little Saigon".
Minh Ky Restaurant
4644 El Cajon BlvdHole in the wall Vietnamese/Chinese. Delicious and reasonably priced. In the heart of San Diego's "Little Saigon".
My favorite Asian Market located in the heart of San Diego's Little Saigon. Cash or Debit only. El Cajon Blvd at Euclid Ave
Sin Lee Food Corporation
4665 El Cajon BlvdMy favorite Asian Market located in the heart of San Diego's Little Saigon. Cash or Debit only. El Cajon Blvd at Euclid Ave
Please do realize that "Your mind, Like a Parachute, only works when open". (my favorite quote from the menu under "Rules") A local San Diego classic. This place is so "Hippy Dippy" it truly belongs in San Francisco (old San Francisco). Nestled off the beaten path in Historic Golden Hills. Ask if the proprietor, and Grande Madame, Judy the Beauty is on duty. A woman who, if you are lucky enough to meet, will brighten your day and warm your heart. A San Diego legend.
Grab a seat at the counter and eat with the locals or fetch yourself a booth in the dinning area. Another option is the enclosed patio. On your way to the back patio be sure to duck your head into the bustling Big Kitchen and to see what legendary Whoopie Goldberg wrote on the wall so many years ago when she worked there.
While in the area, check out the cool enclave of South Park near the East end of Balboa Park and Morley Field. You will find more shops, restaurants and Pubs and a get a feel of the real San Diego.
80 locals recommend
Big Kitchen Café
3003 Grape StreetPlease do realize that "Your mind, Like a Parachute, only works when open". (my favorite quote from the menu under "Rules") A local San Diego classic. This place is so "Hippy Dippy" it truly belongs in San Francisco (old San Francisco). Nestled off the beaten path in Historic Golden Hills. Ask if the proprietor, and Grande Madame, Judy the Beauty is on duty. A woman who, if you are lucky enough to meet, will brighten your day and warm your heart. A San Diego legend.
Grab a seat at the counter and eat with the locals or fetch yourself a booth in the dinning area. Another option is the enclosed patio. On your way to the back patio be sure to duck your head into the bustling Big Kitchen and to see what legendary Whoopie Goldberg wrote on the wall so many years ago when she worked there.
While in the area, check out the cool enclave of South Park near the East end of Balboa Park and Morley Field. You will find more shops, restaurants and Pubs and a get a feel of the real San Diego.
Mid-East Market
4595 El Cajon BlvdGreat food and VERY reasonable prices. Great place in my neighborhood for my Vegetarian and Vegan Guests.
ORGANIC-VEGGI RESTAURANT - HOA TỪ BI TÂM
4591 El Cajon BoulevardGreat food and VERY reasonable prices. Great place in my neighborhood for my Vegetarian and Vegan Guests.
Local Gems and Sacred Spaces
Title pretty much says it all
Historic suspension bridge nearly 100 ft above one of San Diego's many Canyons. My mom used to bring me and my brother here after kindergarten if we were good. Not many people know about this place. Located in the ritzy bedroom community of Bankers Hill. A nice walk from Hillcrest or Balboa Park. OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET. Please be respectful of neighbors and take only pictures and leave only footprints. :}
65 locals recommend
Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
West Spruce StreetHistoric suspension bridge nearly 100 ft above one of San Diego's many Canyons. My mom used to bring me and my brother here after kindergarten if we were good. Not many people know about this place. Located in the ritzy bedroom community of Bankers Hill. A nice walk from Hillcrest or Balboa Park. OPEN SUNRISE TO SUNSET. Please be respectful of neighbors and take only pictures and leave only footprints. :}
Nice day trip and light hike (about 2 miles up to the Peak an2d 2 miles back). About 1 hour drive east of scenic San Diego or as my friend Mark calls it, "Bland Diego" or "Idaho-by-the-Sea" but that's just because he is an East coast Snob. LOL. After your hike it's just a short drive past the shores of colorful Lake Cuyamaca and on to Historic Julian. Stop by the world renowned Julian Pie Co for a slice of the best pie eva! Go ahead and treat yourself and have 'em throw a scoop of old fashioned, homemade, French Vanilla Ice cream right on top. You deserve it! Another nearby culinary attraction is Dudley's Bakery in Santa Isabel. They produce an overwhelming variety of breads, pastries, jams, jellies and other Gluten lovers paraphernalia. YOU MAY WANT TO STOP BY DUDLEY'S FIRST as the pickin's get pretty slim by mid-day.
13 locals recommend
Stonewall Peak Trailhead
Stonewall Peak TrailNice day trip and light hike (about 2 miles up to the Peak an2d 2 miles back). About 1 hour drive east of scenic San Diego or as my friend Mark calls it, "Bland Diego" or "Idaho-by-the-Sea" but that's just because he is an East coast Snob. LOL. After your hike it's just a short drive past the shores of colorful Lake Cuyamaca and on to Historic Julian. Stop by the world renowned Julian Pie Co for a slice of the best pie eva! Go ahead and treat yourself and have 'em throw a scoop of old fashioned, homemade, French Vanilla Ice cream right on top. You deserve it! Another nearby culinary attraction is Dudley's Bakery in Santa Isabel. They produce an overwhelming variety of breads, pastries, jams, jellies and other Gluten lovers paraphernalia. YOU MAY WANT TO STOP BY DUDLEY'S FIRST as the pickin's get pretty slim by mid-day.