Local favorites: Uptown San Diego Edition
Neighborhoods
This historic neighborhood is a large cul-de-sac. Not much of cross traffic but surprisingly close to downtown, zoo, balboa park and the ocean. It is a small town in a big city
32 locals recommend
Kensington
This historic neighborhood is a large cul-de-sac. Not much of cross traffic but surprisingly close to downtown, zoo, balboa park and the ocean. It is a small town in a big city
Trendy north park, it is a fun diverse neighborhood with restaurants, breweries, art galleries. And of course north of Balboa park. It is a fun place, we lived here for a decade before moving to Kensington.
439 locals recommend
North Park
Trendy north park, it is a fun diverse neighborhood with restaurants, breweries, art galleries. And of course north of Balboa park. It is a fun place, we lived here for a decade before moving to Kensington.
Only few minutes from San Diego downtown, it is a vibrant uptown neighborhood. 5th avenue is a popular weekend stroll along with the farmers market.
Hillcrest
Only few minutes from San Diego downtown, it is a vibrant uptown neighborhood. 5th avenue is a popular weekend stroll along with the farmers market.
Nestled between vibrant Hillcrest and bustling old town, it is a quirky little affluent neighborhood with its own offerings
Mission Hills
Nestled between vibrant Hillcrest and bustling old town, it is a quirky little affluent neighborhood with its own offerings
City/town information
San Diego
America's finest city
Sightseeing
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrBalboa Park
The historic balboa park, one of the largest urban park in the USA
Point Loma
360 view of pacific ocean, hiking trails, tide pools
Bike ride along the silver strand, also a very wide beach, kid friendly
297 locals recommend
Coronado Beach
Bike ride along the silver strand, also a very wide beach, kid friendly
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrShopping, kite flying, views
Birthplace of California, must visit during "cinco de mayo" and "dia de muertos"
1070 locals recommend
Old Town
Birthplace of California, must visit during "cinco de mayo" and "dia de muertos"
Gliderport Trail
Gliderport TrailKite flying
Torrey Pines State Beach
One of the best hiking trail in CA as per lonely planet
They have free concert 2-3 times a week, please check the calendar here https://spreckelsorgan.org/
14 locals recommend
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
2125 Pan American Rd EThey have free concert 2-3 times a week, please check the calendar here https://spreckelsorgan.org/
Salk is probably the person who is responsible for saving billion of life through his vaccination. He opened it up. But the reason I love this place is because it is also designed by one of the most eccentric and impacting architect of all time, Louis Kahn (Check here, https://www.salk.edu/about/buildings-of-wonder/). Now no tour is offered due to COVID but when it is over, please check this master piece.
24 locals recommend
Salk Institute for Biological Studies
10010 N Torrey Pines RdSalk is probably the person who is responsible for saving billion of life through his vaccination. He opened it up. But the reason I love this place is because it is also designed by one of the most eccentric and impacting architect of all time, Louis Kahn (Check here, https://www.salk.edu/about/buildings-of-wonder/). Now no tour is offered due to COVID but when it is over, please check this master piece.
The little jewel or La Jolla is home to many politicians and celebrities, but it is also home to sea lions and seals. We have seen baby seals around children's pool.
1327 locals recommend
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdThe little jewel or La Jolla is home to many politicians and celebrities, but it is also home to sea lions and seals. We have seen baby seals around children's pool.
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Our daughter is a big fan
Silver Strand State Beach
5000 CA-75Coronado Beach
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdAnza Borrego State Park;
Star Gazing and slot canyon
Food scene
Extraordinary Desserts
2870 Fourth AveVery creative desserts, host's favorite is Shangri-La.
Host's favorite coffee shop, you can only buy excellent coffee and donut, nothing else.
236 locals recommend
Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams AveHost's favorite coffee shop, you can only buy excellent coffee and donut, nothing else.
Our family tradition for weekend meal, run by brothers from Florence. Authentic Italian pizza, panini, desserts and gelato
132 locals recommend
Pappalecco
1602 State StOur family tradition for weekend meal, run by brothers from Florence. Authentic Italian pizza, panini, desserts and gelato
Tacos El Gordo
556 BroadwayNot your grand mother's taco
Well, not your grandmother's taco, even if your grandmother is mexican.
150 locals recommend
City Tacos
3028 University AveWell, not your grandmother's taco, even if your grandmother is mexican.
Bobboi Natural Gelato
2175 Kettner BlvdBest Gelato outside Italy!
Juniper & Ivy
2228 Kettner BlvdBread and Cie Bakery/Cafe
350 University AveBest rustic European bread in San Diego
Super Cocina
3627 University AveAuthentic mexican food, the one you would have in home
Buona Forchetta - South Park
3001 Beech StAnother proper Italian restaurant
The French Gourmet
960 Turquoise StGoing here for years, excellent food
Pomegranate
2312 El Cajon BlvdNot the friendliest staffs, but good food
City advice
Don't miss
Hillcrest Farmers market on Sunday
http://www.accesshillcrest.com/hillcrest-farmers-market/
Don't miss
Authentic Mexican food
Super Cucina or Tacos El Gordo
What to pack
Sunscreens
Quite a bit of sun
What to pack
Water bottle
San Diego is very dry!
Don't miss
Point Loma - Cabrillo National Monument
To get the almost 360 view of the ocean from Cabrillo National Monument
Don't miss
Don’t miss Liberty station
Collection of San Diego eateries and many art studios, classes and boutique shops.