Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
Some of our favorites. San Diego is always evolving, so there is MUCH more to our food scene than what we list here.
Family owned authentic Mediterranean restaurant. Great atmosphere.
22 locals recommend
Alforon Mediterranean
5965 El Cajon BlvdFamily owned authentic Mediterranean restaurant. Great atmosphere.
Farm to table goodness with a large selection of wines and locally sourced food when possible.
18 locals recommend
Terra American Bistro
7091 El Cajon BlvdFarm to table goodness with a large selection of wines and locally sourced food when possible.
College favorite pizza place with beer, vegan & gluten-free options plus dessert pizza.
22 locals recommend
Woodstock's Pizza SDSU
6145 El Cajon BlvdCollege favorite pizza place with beer, vegan & gluten-free options plus dessert pizza.
Bourré Southern Bistro
6523 University AvenueCreole Californian. Sometimes has live music.
Bleu Bohème
4090 Adams AveFrench. Awesome food. Good atmosphere.
DZ Akins
6930 Alvarado RdPopular Jewish deli.
Minh Ky Restaurant
4644 El Cajon BlvdChinese food hole in the wall that is so good. Almost always packed.
Part of City Farmer's Nursery. Vegan options. Sometimes has live music.
36 locals recommend
Nate's Garden Grill
3120 Euclid AvePart of City Farmer's Nursery. Vegan options. Sometimes has live music.
Red Sea Ethiopian Restaurant
4717 University AveAuthentic Ethiopian food. Hole in the wall.
Tacos El Panson
4433 El Cajon BlvdAuthentic Mexican. Hole in the wall.
Part of the Cohn Restaurant Group. Gourmet Mexican food right on the water with a view of the city.
105 locals recommend
Coasterra
880 Harbor Island DrPart of the Cohn Restaurant Group. Gourmet Mexican food right on the water with a view of the city.
Another Cohn Restaurant Group restaurant. Steak & seafood right on the water, next to Coasterra.
130 locals recommend
C Level Lounge
880 Harbor Island DrAnother Cohn Restaurant Group restaurant. Steak & seafood right on the water, next to Coasterra.
Cafe Gratitude San Diego
1980 Kettner BlvdIconic vegan restaurant. Gourmet food.
Indoor market with gourmet vendors. Also has arts vendors selling unique jewelry.
227 locals recommend
Liberty Public Market
2820 Historic Decatur RdIndoor market with gourmet vendors. Also has arts vendors selling unique jewelry.
In my opinion, this is the best beachside place to eat or grab a cocktail. Can't go wrong with the food, they have blankets (if needed) for when you're on the patio, and it is right on the beach. Gorgeous.
69 locals recommend
SEA180
800 Seacoast DrIn my opinion, this is the best beachside place to eat or grab a cocktail. Can't go wrong with the food, they have blankets (if needed) for when you're on the patio, and it is right on the beach. Gorgeous.
Sit on the deck with a view of the marina - great for cocktail hour.
70 locals recommend
The Fish Market Valet
3 Tuna LnSit on the deck with a view of the marina - great for cocktail hour.
Born and Raised
1909 India StNewish place that is getting high marks from meat eaters.
A great place to watch the sunset or people watch at lunch, as it’s right on the boardwalk in Mission Beach. May need a reservation, especially on weekends.
207 locals recommend
World Famous
711 Pacific Beach DrA great place to watch the sunset or people watch at lunch, as it’s right on the boardwalk in Mission Beach. May need a reservation, especially on weekends.
Parks & Nature
Hidden gem park 2 blocks away with a small lake, various water birds. Miles of trails. No fees. Great view of the city from the hill west of the lake.
29 locals recommend
Chollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove DrHidden gem park 2 blocks away with a small lake, various water birds. Miles of trails. No fees. Great view of the city from the hill west of the lake.
There is almost always free parking available - even in the summer. At very low tide a shipwreck can be seen very close to shore.
Gator Beach
Trident WayThere is almost always free parking available - even in the summer. At very low tide a shipwreck can be seen very close to shore.
Good place to see local tidal wildlife. Make sure to go at low tide -
65 locals recommend
Point Loma Tide Pools
1800 Cabrillo Memorial DrGood place to see local tidal wildlife. Make sure to go at low tide -
Entertainment & Activities
The best movie theater in San Diego. Reclining LaZBoy type seats with food & beverage service from your seat.
68 locals recommend
THE LOT Liberty Station
2620 Truxtun RdThe best movie theater in San Diego. Reclining LaZBoy type seats with food & beverage service from your seat.
Getting Around
The trolley is a great way to get downtown or to Old Town without having to look for parking. The nearest station to us is 2.5 miles away.
Euclid Ave Station
The trolley is a great way to get downtown or to Old Town without having to look for parking. The nearest station to us is 2.5 miles away.
Essentials
Albertsons
7090 BroadwayGeneral grocery store with a good variety.
Healthier option grocery store. Good selection of vitamins.
273 locals recommend
Sprouts Farmers Market
1260 Garnet AveHealthier option grocery store. Good selection of vitamins.
Sightseeing
Iconic wooden hotel where they filmed 'Some Like it Hot' with Marilyn Monroe. On a boardwalk with a long beach, sand dunes.
519 locals recommend
Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange AveIconic wooden hotel where they filmed 'Some Like it Hot' with Marilyn Monroe. On a boardwalk with a long beach, sand dunes.
Old Town
Old San Diego buildings and history. Good places to eat.
Good walking, people watching. Many restaurants on every block. House of Blues is down here.
1208 locals recommend
Gaslamp Quarter
Good walking, people watching. Many restaurants on every block. House of Blues is down here.
South Park
Good walking neighborhood. Older homes. Little shops.
Ocean Beach is a hippy town. The pier is great for walking anytime. Lots of antique malls on Newport Avenue. Sunset watching is popular here - very laid back.
776 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StOcean Beach is a hippy town. The pier is great for walking anytime. Lots of antique malls on Newport Avenue. Sunset watching is popular here - very laid back.
Shopping
Flea market open Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Best day to go is Sunday - more garage-sale people.
20 locals recommend
Kobey's Swap Meet
3500 Sports Arena BlvdFlea market open Friday, Saturday, Sunday. Best day to go is Sunday - more garage-sale people.
Outlet mall right by the border - you can see into Mexico - with great shops. Make sure to stop by the info booth for a coupon book.
138 locals recommend
Las Americas Premium Outlets
4211 Camino De La PlazaOutlet mall right by the border - you can see into Mexico - with great shops. Make sure to stop by the info booth for a coupon book.