Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
Cute little bakery. Choose between canolis, tiramisu, brownies, lemon bars, granola bars, macaroons, cinnamon rolls, bread loaves, and more, all made from scratch and in-house. 2 minute walk
17 locals recommend
Olive Baking Company
735 Santa Clara PlCute little bakery. Choose between canolis, tiramisu, brownies, lemon bars, granola bars, macaroons, cinnamon rolls, bread loaves, and more, all made from scratch and in-house. 2 minute walk
Great breakfast and lunch spot. Outdoor patio dining as well as indoor. This is the most favorite of our guests! (2 min walk)
111 locals recommend
Olive Cafe
805 Santa Clara PlGreat breakfast and lunch spot. Outdoor patio dining as well as indoor. This is the most favorite of our guests! (2 min walk)
Starbucks
4994 Newport AveOur closest Starbucks.
This is a popular breakfast/lunch spot. If you get there after 9 am expect to wait for a table. No wait at lunchtime. (5 min walk)
112 locals recommend
The Mission Mission Beach. WE ARE TEMPORARILY CLOSED! PLEASE KEEP CHECKING! NORTH PARK AND SOMA OPEN FOR PATIO DINING! TAKEOUT AND DELIVERY!
3795 Mission BlvdThis is a popular breakfast/lunch spot. If you get there after 9 am expect to wait for a table. No wait at lunchtime. (5 min walk)
Kono's is a very popular breakfast/lunch spot situated across from the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Decently priced amazing home-style breakfast! HUGE portions. Usually there is a line out the door, but it moves pretty quickly. All served on paper plates to keep it simple. This place is right on the ocean with 3 different patios. Cash only. If you get there after 9 am expect a line down the block and a wait of at least 30 minutes. But its all part of the scene and HIGHLY recommended! (15 min walk/5 min bike away)
208 locals recommend
Kono's Cafe
704 Garnet AveKono's is a very popular breakfast/lunch spot situated across from the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Decently priced amazing home-style breakfast! HUGE portions. Usually there is a line out the door, but it moves pretty quickly. All served on paper plates to keep it simple. This place is right on the ocean with 3 different patios. Cash only. If you get there after 9 am expect a line down the block and a wait of at least 30 minutes. But its all part of the scene and HIGHLY recommended! (15 min walk/5 min bike away)
Grab lunch here on the beach side of the roller coaster. Dine on the sand & watch the boardwalk pass you by or watch people attempt to surf the big man-made wave. (10 min walk/5 min bike)
100 locals recommend
Beach House Grill
3125 Ocean Front WalkGrab lunch here on the beach side of the roller coaster. Dine on the sand & watch the boardwalk pass you by or watch people attempt to surf the big man-made wave. (10 min walk/5 min bike)
This is a little dive of a Mexican food place that faces Mission Blvd. Eat there or take out. (10 min walking distance 5 min biking)
61 locals recommend
La Playa Taco Shop
3973 Mission BlvdThis is a little dive of a Mexican food place that faces Mission Blvd. Eat there or take out. (10 min walking distance 5 min biking)
If you like curry this is the place. They have curry dishes from all around the world from Thailand to Malaysia to England. The price is about $10-12/plate. (Street parking on Garnet)
47 locals recommend
World Curry
1433 Garnet AveIf you like curry this is the place. They have curry dishes from all around the world from Thailand to Malaysia to England. The price is about $10-12/plate. (Street parking on Garnet)
Go here if you want a nice meal out with a lovely ocean view! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Super cheap bar menu on weekdays. Valet parking and free underground parking. (15 min walk)
207 locals recommend
World Famous
711 Pacific Beach DrGo here if you want a nice meal out with a lovely ocean view! Serving brunch, lunch, and dinner. Super cheap bar menu on weekdays. Valet parking and free underground parking. (15 min walk)
Our favorite sushi place. If you go on a Monday or Tuesday they offer 1/2 off sushi rolls all day. (Street parking on Garnet)
12 locals recommend
Kato Sushi
980 Garnet AveOur favorite sushi place. If you go on a Monday or Tuesday they offer 1/2 off sushi rolls all day. (Street parking on Garnet)
Cozy little Thai restaurant with all the usual Thai dishes. (15 min walk)
13 locals recommend
Coconut Thai Asian Bistro
4150 Mission BlvdCozy little Thai restaurant with all the usual Thai dishes. (15 min walk)
Extremely popular ice cream place. Expect a line out the door most nights. Custom ice cream sandwiches with your choice of ice cream and fresh baked cookies or brownies. (15 min walk)
97 locals recommend
The Baked Bear
4516 Mission BlvdExtremely popular ice cream place. Expect a line out the door most nights. Custom ice cream sandwiches with your choice of ice cream and fresh baked cookies or brownies. (15 min walk)
EVERY TUESDAY, 2 pm - 7 pm on Bayard Street at Garnet. Fruits, vegetables and farm-fresh eggs; fresh baked bread and pastries, fish, meat, cheese, & fresh flowers. Live music & craftspeople.
42 locals recommend
Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers' Market
901 Hornblend StEVERY TUESDAY, 2 pm - 7 pm on Bayard Street at Garnet. Fruits, vegetables and farm-fresh eggs; fresh baked bread and pastries, fish, meat, cheese, & fresh flowers. Live music & craftspeople.
Two slices with a topping each is about $6.50 and it's really good. Sandwiches are good as well.
23 locals recommend
Rosaria Pizza
3741 Mission BlvdTwo slices with a topping each is about $6.50 and it's really good. Sandwiches are good as well.
Go here for lunch! These sandwiches are huge! We recommend the pastrami. They stack the meat on super high. You can definitely share one of these sandwiches. (5 min walk)
62 locals recommend
Rubicon Deli - Mission Beach
3819 Mission BlvdGo here for lunch! These sandwiches are huge! We recommend the pastrami. They stack the meat on super high. You can definitely share one of these sandwiches. (5 min walk)
This is exactly what you think it is - the national chain diner. But its one of the only restaurants in the area open 24 hours.
21 locals recommend
Denny's
800 Garnet AveThis is exactly what you think it is - the national chain diner. But its one of the only restaurants in the area open 24 hours.
Specializing in breakfast food all day long and typical American lunch/dinner food. Specializes in waffles, crepes, and pancakes. Open 6am-10pm weekdays and 24 hours weekends.
30 locals recommend
IHOP
856 Grand AveSpecializing in breakfast food all day long and typical American lunch/dinner food. Specializes in waffles, crepes, and pancakes. Open 6am-10pm weekdays and 24 hours weekends.
A popular coffee bar / breakfast cafe. Locals prefer this over Starbucks. See if you agree. They have some breakfast items including acai bowels. (5 min walk)
153 locals recommend
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters
3745 Mission BlvdA popular coffee bar / breakfast cafe. Locals prefer this over Starbucks. See if you agree. They have some breakfast items including acai bowels. (5 min walk)
Upscale restaurant for brunch or dinner with a lovely view of Mission Bay located at the Catamaran Hotel. To get here just take a stroll down the Bayside boardwalk. (10 min walk)
30 locals recommend
Oceana Coastal Kitchen
3999 Mission BlvdUpscale restaurant for brunch or dinner with a lovely view of Mission Bay located at the Catamaran Hotel. To get here just take a stroll down the Bayside boardwalk. (10 min walk)
Upscale, ocean view located at the Tower23 Hotel, just 1 block north of the Pier. 3 hrs of complimentary valet parking when dining there.
163 locals recommend
JRDN Restaurant
723 Felspar StUpscale, ocean view located at the Tower23 Hotel, just 1 block north of the Pier. 3 hrs of complimentary valet parking when dining there.
Oscars Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise StThe best Fish Tacos in the area.
Drinks & Nightlife
Local bar. Great lunch and dinner menu. They have delicious bure tacos. It's a great place to watch a game or go out for Trivia Night. Families welcome. (4 min walk)
73 locals recommend
Guava Beach Bar & Grill
3714 Mission BlvdLocal bar. Great lunch and dinner menu. They have delicious bure tacos. It's a great place to watch a game or go out for Trivia Night. Families welcome. (4 min walk)
If you want an outdoor ocean front brunch experience this is the place. In the afternoon and evenings this becomes a noisy bar. (15 minute walk)
32 locals recommend
Baja Beach Cafe
701 Thomas AveIf you want an outdoor ocean front brunch experience this is the place. In the afternoon and evenings this becomes a noisy bar. (15 minute walk)
Tiki inspired cocktails and dishes based on Caribbean and Cuban flavors and ingredients, ranging from jerk chicken and curried coconut shrimp to a Cuban sandwich and citrus-marinated skirt steak. Miss B's also offers a brunch menu every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes coconut-rum French toast, a Monte Cristo sandwich and a ropa vieja hash with braised beef, Jamaican beer cheese and chimichurri.
102 locals recommend
Miss B's Coconut Club
3704 Mission BlvdTiki inspired cocktails and dishes based on Caribbean and Cuban flavors and ingredients, ranging from jerk chicken and curried coconut shrimp to a Cuban sandwich and citrus-marinated skirt steak. Miss B's also offers a brunch menu every day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., which includes coconut-rum French toast, a Monte Cristo sandwich and a ropa vieja hash with braised beef, Jamaican beer cheese and chimichurri.
Sightseeing
This is a historic state park, restored to resemble the old west when San Diego was first settled. There are wood sidewalks and dirt roads. Within the official park, there are shopkeepers dressed in traditional period clothing. Check out the Mormon Battalion Museum for a free guided tour. Surrounding the park there are a lot of very popular Mexican restaurants and shops selling Mexican souvenirs (no need to travel to Tijuana.)
170 locals recommend
Old Town San Diego
4002 Wallace StThis is a historic state park, restored to resemble the old west when San Diego was first settled. There are wood sidewalks and dirt roads. Within the official park, there are shopkeepers dressed in traditional period clothing. Check out the Mormon Battalion Museum for a free guided tour. Surrounding the park there are a lot of very popular Mexican restaurants and shops selling Mexican souvenirs (no need to travel to Tijuana.)
The Pier is open to the public and you can walk out and get a great view of the beach areas and plenty of fresh air. The unique part is it has cottages that are available for rent right on the Pier.
96 locals recommend
Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages
4500 Ocean BlvdThe Pier is open to the public and you can walk out and get a great view of the beach areas and plenty of fresh air. The unique part is it has cottages that are available for rent right on the Pier.
Spectacular viewpoint on the top peak of La Jolla. You'll need a car to get here or take an Uber. Bring your camera or your binoculars. It's just a few miles up the road, driving through the ritzy neighborhoods of the wealthy of La Jolla.
270 locals recommend
Soledad Mountain
Spectacular viewpoint on the top peak of La Jolla. You'll need a car to get here or take an Uber. Bring your camera or your binoculars. It's just a few miles up the road, driving through the ritzy neighborhoods of the wealthy of La Jolla.
This is a scenic lookout spot where you can watch the seals sunning on the shore.
108 locals recommend
Childrens Pool Beach
This is a scenic lookout spot where you can watch the seals sunning on the shore.
Parks & Nature
This is a state park with some great trails for hiking. Pick up a trail map at the entry booth. Many of the hikes just take an hour and offer breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs.
1108 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadThis is a state park with some great trails for hiking. Pick up a trail map at the entry booth. Many of the hikes just take an hour and offer breathtaking views of the ocean and cliffs.
Arts & Culture
Great little library with A/C, WiFi, and computers. (15 min bike ride)
12 locals recommend
Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library
4275 Cass StGreat little library with A/C, WiFi, and computers. (15 min bike ride)
Shopping
If you need a new swimsuit or board shorts this is the place to go. They have all the current surf brands.
12 locals recommend
Beach & Resort Wear
4475 Mission BlvdIf you need a new swimsuit or board shorts this is the place to go. They have all the current surf brands.
Essentials
Closest laundromat. If you don't feel like waiting around to get your laundry done, they offer drop-off service at an affordable rate per pound. (10 min walk)
18 locals recommend
Beach Laundromat
3817 Mission BlvdClosest laundromat. If you don't feel like waiting around to get your laundry done, they offer drop-off service at an affordable rate per pound. (10 min walk)
The liquor stores around here are also convenience stores so you can also get basic groceries and necessities here in a pinch. They are open all day and late at night. (10 min walk)
19 locals recommend
Hub Liquor
3757 Mission BlvdThe liquor stores around here are also convenience stores so you can also get basic groceries and necessities here in a pinch. They are open all day and late at night. (10 min walk)
This is the closest full grocery store. They have a pharmacy and ATM inside. Free underground parking.
208 locals recommend
Ralphs
8657 Villa La Jolla DrThis is the closest full grocery store. They have a pharmacy and ATM inside. Free underground parking.
This is the local health food store. It's way cheaper than Whole Foods Market and even cheaper than Trader Joe's. Big produce section, fresh meats, deli counter, and lots of vitamins and supplements.
273 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
1260 Garnet AveThis is the local health food store. It's way cheaper than Whole Foods Market and even cheaper than Trader Joe's. Big produce section, fresh meats, deli counter, and lots of vitamins and supplements.
Pharmacy/Convenience store. Open until midnight. They sell sunscreen and beach supplies year round as well as basic groceries. (20 min walk)
168 locals recommend
CVS
1792 Garnet AvePharmacy/Convenience store. Open until midnight. They sell sunscreen and beach supplies year round as well as basic groceries. (20 min walk)
If its time for a manicure or pedicure this is the closest nail salon. On the other hand, if you want to go to a nice spa instead, check out the Catamaran or the Hyatt. (5 min walk)
16 locals recommend
Mission Hair and Nails
3786 Mission BlvdIf its time for a manicure or pedicure this is the closest nail salon. On the other hand, if you want to go to a nice spa instead, check out the Catamaran or the Hyatt. (5 min walk)
This is the nearest spa, which offers a beautiful view. They offer facials, exfoliating, body wraps, manicures, etc. (10-15 minute walk)
92 locals recommend
Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
3999 Mission BlvdThis is the nearest spa, which offers a beautiful view. They offer facials, exfoliating, body wraps, manicures, etc. (10-15 minute walk)
This grocery store is super popular for convenient, prepared food. They have great prepared salads and food that you just heat up. It's very affordable & everything is delicious.
752 locals recommend
Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveThis grocery store is super popular for convenient, prepared food. They have great prepared salads and food that you just heat up. It's very affordable & everything is delicious.
7-Eleven
6953 La Jolla BlvdThe only local convenience store open 24 hours. (15 min walk)