Guidebook for San Diego
Arts & Culture
Award winning best live stage theatre in town, located in the State Historic Park of Old Town, with lots of restaurants and San Diego history in one of the most visited Parks in California.
12 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cygnet Theatre
4040 Twiggs StAward winning best live stage theatre in town, located in the State Historic Park of Old Town, with lots of restaurants and San Diego history in one of the most visited Parks in California.
A second floor martini bar/restaurant in the heart of Hillcrest, live entertainment most nights. Recent standout was Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys on Broadway and the film), Molly Ringwald is coming soon.
32 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Martinis Above Fourth | Table + Stage
3940 Fourth AveA second floor martini bar/restaurant in the heart of Hillcrest, live entertainment most nights. Recent standout was Erich Bergen (Jersey Boys on Broadway and the film), Molly Ringwald is coming soon.
Food Scene
Excellent bar/restaurant only 10 minute walk from listing. Kind of the
"premier" hotspot that has spawned a number of great eateries near the listing.
48 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Brooklyn Girl
4033 Goldfinch StExcellent bar/restaurant only 10 minute walk from listing. Kind of the
"premier" hotspot that has spawned a number of great eateries near the listing.
Neighborhood "greasy spoon" restaurant - been there forever, tiny.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Huddle
4023 Goldfinch StNeighborhood "greasy spoon" restaurant - been there forever, tiny.
Cool, funky coffee stand with outdoor seating. Neighborly feel
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Meshuggah Shack
4048 Goldfinch StCool, funky coffee stand with outdoor seating. Neighborly feel
Your morning hit of corporate coffee right by the bus stops
293 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Starbucks
1206 28th StYour morning hit of corporate coffee right by the bus stops
San Diego's premier shopping dining district, 200 restaurants, bars, countless boutiques & art galleries. "THE" playground of hip, eclectic San Diegans and an elite urban destination. Walk to the Bay.
1208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego's premier shopping dining district, 200 restaurants, bars, countless boutiques & art galleries. "THE" playground of hip, eclectic San Diegans and an elite urban destination. Walk to the Bay.
Named for its heritage as where San Diego's Italian immigrants settled. They, along with the Portuguese (who settled in Point Loma) were the backbone of the tuna industry here.
889 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy
Named for its heritage as where San Diego's Italian immigrants settled. They, along with the Portuguese (who settled in Point Loma) were the backbone of the tuna industry here.
Funky "Greasy Spoon" breakfast place, owned by the self appointed "Mayor of Golden Hill" Judy the Beauty and known for a past employee, Whoopi Goldberg. (Her signature is still on the kitchen wall.)
80 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Big Kitchen Café
3003 Grape StreetFunky "Greasy Spoon" breakfast place, owned by the self appointed "Mayor of Golden Hill" Judy the Beauty and known for a past employee, Whoopi Goldberg. (Her signature is still on the kitchen wall.)
A new location for Ingrid Croce's bar/restaurant with live music. Yes she is the widow of the late singer/songwriter Jim Croce, who died in a plane crash in 1973.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Croce's Park West
2760 Fifth AvenueA new location for Ingrid Croce's bar/restaurant with live music. Yes she is the widow of the late singer/songwriter Jim Croce, who died in a plane crash in 1973.
We have a classic New York vs Chicago Pizza War in Mission Hills! Bronx Pizza represents the Big Apple viewpoint.
20 minute walk.
82 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bronx Pizza
111 Washington StWe have a classic New York vs Chicago Pizza War in Mission Hills! Bronx Pizza represents the Big Apple viewpoint.
20 minute walk.
We have a classic New York vs Chicago Pizza War in Mission HIlls! Lefty's, representing Chicago offers excellent authentic Chicago Dogs and Pizza according to my transplanted experts! 10 minute walk.
95 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria
3448 30th StWe have a classic New York vs Chicago Pizza War in Mission HIlls! Lefty's, representing Chicago offers excellent authentic Chicago Dogs and Pizza according to my transplanted experts! 10 minute walk.
To eat overlooking the coast is a luxury in San Diego. According to my friends this is the best, great view, great food, great prices, what more do you want?
65 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Caroline's Seaside Cafe
Kennel WayTo eat overlooking the coast is a luxury in San Diego. According to my friends this is the best, great view, great food, great prices, what more do you want?
One of 5 featured CA coffee roasters by AAA Westways Mag, its a warm, inviting place. Friday mornings there are public "cuppings" (tastings) where you can learn about roasting and brewing coffee.
217 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
5627 La Jolla BlvdOne of 5 featured CA coffee roasters by AAA Westways Mag, its a warm, inviting place. Friday mornings there are public "cuppings" (tastings) where you can learn about roasting and brewing coffee.
One of San Diego's "Big Three" craft beer makers brings beer to the heart of Little Italy! Highly recommended are the Grapefruit Sculpin and Victory at Sea. See also their original location.
182 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ballast Point Brewing Little Italy
2215 India StOne of San Diego's "Big Three" craft beer makers brings beer to the heart of Little Italy! Highly recommended are the Grapefruit Sculpin and Victory at Sea. See also their original location.
On the bluffs overlooking the ocean, just 37 miles south of the border. A hotel with an unparalleled restaurant and bar, breathtaking ocean views, and one of the best stretches of beach in Baja.
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gary's La Fonda Hotel & Restaurant
On the bluffs overlooking the ocean, just 37 miles south of the border. A hotel with an unparalleled restaurant and bar, breathtaking ocean views, and one of the best stretches of beach in Baja.
This is the newly reopened "Olivetto" and everything about this place is way better than before. Another great eating establishment in the Goldfinch/Washington area, only 9 minutes from my place.
Olivetto Ristorante
860 West Washington StreetThis is the newly reopened "Olivetto" and everything about this place is way better than before. Another great eating establishment in the Goldfinch/Washington area, only 9 minutes from my place.
Easily one of my favorite bar/restaurants in Hillcrest. My many friends who live downtown say the same thing.
124 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
D Bar San Diego
3930 Fifth AveEasily one of my favorite bar/restaurants in Hillcrest. My many friends who live downtown say the same thing.
Standout local craft brewer, Cosimo Sorrentino mans this location where he oversees all Monkey Paw brewing. Excellent beer and fish menu here. Right beside Hamilton's - another craft beer bar.
105 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South Park Brewing Company
1517 30th StStandout local craft brewer, Cosimo Sorrentino mans this location where he oversees all Monkey Paw brewing. Excellent beer and fish menu here. Right beside Hamilton's - another craft beer bar.
Excellent Airbnb friendly Thai restaurant.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Chi Extraordinary Kitchen
2789 Adams AveExcellent Airbnb friendly Thai restaurant.
This waterfront establishment is simply a stunner! The views to the city are perfection, the food and the famous Cohn hospitality makes Coasterra an instant icon for water side dining.
105 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coasterra
880 Harbor Island DrThis waterfront establishment is simply a stunner! The views to the city are perfection, the food and the famous Cohn hospitality makes Coasterra an instant icon for water side dining.
Excellent European establishment. You order and eat within a sea of antiques (all for sale!) Everything is fabulous!
37 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cafe Bassam
3088 Fifth AveExcellent European establishment. You order and eat within a sea of antiques (all for sale!) Everything is fabulous!
Essentials
Vons
3610 Adams AveNearest grocery store
San Diego's biggest and best weekend Farmers' Market, every Sunday, 9-2. It ain't just food either, plenty of crafts, health products and services. Actual location is Normal Street and University Ave.
La Jolla Certified Farmers Market
San Diego's biggest and best weekend Farmers' Market, every Sunday, 9-2. It ain't just food either, plenty of crafts, health products and services. Actual location is Normal Street and University Ave.
The closest Trader Joe's, a somewhat funky, affordable grocery store with prepared, frozen and fresh provisions. Home of the famous "2 Buck Chuck" which is Charles Shaw Wine, now $2.49/bottle!
752 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveThe closest Trader Joe's, a somewhat funky, affordable grocery store with prepared, frozen and fresh provisions. Home of the famous "2 Buck Chuck" which is Charles Shaw Wine, now $2.49/bottle!
Excellent store with a lot of organic and alternative foods, reasonably priced. Vegetables are usually a "loss-leader" (meaning that they are a bargain)
209 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sprouts Farmers Market
3015 Clairemont DrExcellent store with a lot of organic and alternative foods, reasonably priced. Vegetables are usually a "loss-leader" (meaning that they are a bargain)
Everything Else
Closest commercial urban village, tons of restaurants, clubs, shopping. The center of San Diego's very vibrant "Gay" community it is actually frequented by everyone in a spirit of "live and let live."
369 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hillcrest
3960 Normal StClosest commercial urban village, tons of restaurants, clubs, shopping. The center of San Diego's very vibrant "Gay" community it is actually frequented by everyone in a spirit of "live and let live."
Its all about the water here, sailboat rentals, etc adjoining beach communities Pacific Beach & Mission Beach, home of Belmont Park and the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mission Bay
Its all about the water here, sailboat rentals, etc adjoining beach communities Pacific Beach & Mission Beach, home of Belmont Park and the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster.
San Diego is only 17 miles from Mexico and "TJ". The Trolley goes right to the border. Not everyone's "cup of tea" but gives access to beach areas. Fair warning - Busiest Border Crossing in the World!
148 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tijuana
San Diego is only 17 miles from Mexico and "TJ". The Trolley goes right to the border. Not everyone's "cup of tea" but gives access to beach areas. Fair warning - Busiest Border Crossing in the World!
First European Spa in North America and still very exclusive and $$$. You can go for the day with return bus transport from Old Town. Its a unique San Diego "thing" but its actually in Mexico!
Rancho La Puerta
First European Spa in North America and still very exclusive and $$$. You can go for the day with return bus transport from Old Town. Its a unique San Diego "thing" but its actually in Mexico!
At the tip of Point Loma is the historic lighthouse built in 1855, history, terrific views of the region and tide pools down below on the Pacific side. Best by car, access through Fort Rosecrans.
58 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
New Point Loma Lighthouse
Cabrillo RoadAt the tip of Point Loma is the historic lighthouse built in 1855, history, terrific views of the region and tide pools down below on the Pacific side. Best by car, access through Fort Rosecrans.
Kinda unique. Its a car collection with active restorations going on. Public tours on alternate Fridays.
Only Yesterday Classic Autos Inc
10343 Roselle StKinda unique. Its a car collection with active restorations going on. Public tours on alternate Fridays.
An hour North by car you'll find several wineries offering tastings. San Diego is also your gateway to Mexico's Wine Country including Valle de Guadaloupe just South of Tecate on the "Ruta del Vino."
207 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Temecula
An hour North by car you'll find several wineries offering tastings. San Diego is also your gateway to Mexico's Wine Country including Valle de Guadaloupe just South of Tecate on the "Ruta del Vino."
I added this just to show the terrific range of SoCal experiences available. About 2 hours drive from San Diego there is decent snow skiing!
87 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mountain High Resort
24510 CA-2I added this just to show the terrific range of SoCal experiences available. About 2 hours drive from San Diego there is decent snow skiing!
Snow skiing about three hours drive from San Diego, located in Big Bear, in the mountains East of LA.
906 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Snow Summit
880 Summit BlvdSnow skiing about three hours drive from San Diego, located in Big Bear, in the mountains East of LA.
Only 2 hours from San Diego is the iconic Palm Springs, historical desert playground of the rich and (in)famous. Today there are lots of excellent shops, galleries
and restaurants.
527 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palm Springs
57096 Twentynine Palms HighwayOnly 2 hours from San Diego is the iconic Palm Springs, historical desert playground of the rich and (in)famous. Today there are lots of excellent shops, galleries
and restaurants.
International House San Diego
233 A StSome of my guests come to stay so they can go to this language school.
Nearest Trolley Stop, accessible from my place via No. 10 bus. I can help you figure the bus system out to your best advantage.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Washington Street Station
Nearest Trolley Stop, accessible from my place via No. 10 bus. I can help you figure the bus system out to your best advantage.
San Diego International Airport
3225 N Harbor DrIt's the airport!
Our massive convention center - but not big enough yet to handle the world wide demand for the huge shows and conventions. Home of world famous Comic-Con, but skip the $300 hotel rooms, stay with me!
360 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Convenciones de San Diego
111 W Harbor DrOur massive convention center - but not big enough yet to handle the world wide demand for the huge shows and conventions. Home of world famous Comic-Con, but skip the $300 hotel rooms, stay with me!
Rosarito Beach Hotel is the traditional cornerstone of this beach community about 20 minutes south of TJ.
59 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Rosarito Beach Hotel
CoronadoRosarito Beach Hotel is the traditional cornerstone of this beach community about 20 minutes south of TJ.
Shopping
Funky clothing exchange store, always busy with Hillcrest "hipsters"
17 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Buffalo Exchange
3862 Fifth AveFunky clothing exchange store, always busy with Hillcrest "hipsters"
Need your hit of "Retail Therapy"? This place is always packed, great stores, cinema, restaurants, accessible via trolley less than 30 minutes by transit, 10 minutes by car.
833 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdNeed your hit of "Retail Therapy"? This place is always packed, great stores, cinema, restaurants, accessible via trolley less than 30 minutes by transit, 10 minutes by car.
A quaint collection of artists' studios located in older Spanish buildings in Balboa Park. Great unique gift opportunities. .
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Arte de la Aldea Española
1770 Village PlA quaint collection of artists' studios located in older Spanish buildings in Balboa Park. Great unique gift opportunities. .
Sightseeing
One of the reasons I moved to San Diego, the world famous San Diego Zoo, all museums, Old Globe Theatre, site of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, leisure park space and formal areas.
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Balboa
One of the reasons I moved to San Diego, the world famous San Diego Zoo, all museums, Old Globe Theatre, site of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, leisure park space and formal areas.
The site of San Diego's original downtown, now a lot of Mexican restaurants, "touristy" shops, Par 3 golf course, and the home of the great Cygnet Theatre!
1070 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town
The site of San Diego's original downtown, now a lot of Mexican restaurants, "touristy" shops, Par 3 golf course, and the home of the great Cygnet Theatre!
Mixed use residential, retail, business, recreational, cultural, and educational development. Formerly the Naval Training Center. Great example of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture.
269 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Estación Liberty
2640 Historic Decatur RdMixed use residential, retail, business, recreational, cultural, and educational development. Formerly the Naval Training Center. Great example of Spanish Colonial Revival Architecture.
Water, ships, great boardwalk exercise adjacent downtown
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Diego Bay
Water, ships, great boardwalk exercise adjacent downtown
WWII aircraft carrier, now a naval museum
775 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrWWII aircraft carrier, now a naval museum
Home to the "Star of India", the world's oldest active sailing ship and a dozen other ships and submarines including HMS Surprise. the ship used in the Academy Awarded film "Master and Commander"
124 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Museo Marítimo de San Diego
1492 N Harbor DrHome to the "Star of India", the world's oldest active sailing ship and a dozen other ships and submarines including HMS Surprise. the ship used in the Academy Awarded film "Master and Commander"
Lots of sportsfishing opportunities, great views back to downtown.
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Point Loma
Lots of sportsfishing opportunities, great views back to downtown.
One of the World's Exclusive beach towns, with beach, shopping, walking and seals! Home to The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spanning 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and tidelands.
492 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Jolla
One of the World's Exclusive beach towns, with beach, shopping, walking and seals! Home to The San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park spanning 6,000 acres of ocean bottom and tidelands.
Coronado is like 1950's "Smalltown USA", home to Lambs Players Theatre, world famous Hotel Del Coronado, great beach and views back to downtown and Point Loma. Ample restaurants, and laid back.
388 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coronado
Coronado is like 1950's "Smalltown USA", home to Lambs Players Theatre, world famous Hotel Del Coronado, great beach and views back to downtown and Point Loma. Ample restaurants, and laid back.
The best way to get to Coronado is the ferry . Running hourly from downtown it drops you at the Landing which is about 15 minutes walk to the beach and Hotel Del Coronado on other side of "island."
102 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coronado Ferry Landing Park
1201 1st StThe best way to get to Coronado is the ferry . Running hourly from downtown it drops you at the Landing which is about 15 minutes walk to the beach and Hotel Del Coronado on other side of "island."
San Diego de Alcala, the first of the great California Missions, California's first church. This remarkable and significant historical shrine was founded in 1769.
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mission San Diego de Alcala
10818 San Diego Mission RoadSan Diego de Alcala, the first of the great California Missions, California's first church. This remarkable and significant historical shrine was founded in 1769.
Adjacent the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, this National Landmark commemorates the 1542 arrival of Juan Cabrillo, the first European to land on America's West Coast. Travel here is best by car.
502 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Centro de Visitantes del Monumento Nacional Cabrillo
1800 Cabrillo Memorial DrAdjacent the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, this National Landmark commemorates the 1542 arrival of Juan Cabrillo, the first European to land on America's West Coast. Travel here is best by car.
Charming, if slightly "touristy" old mining town about an hour east of San Diego in the hills.Its all about the Sunday drive out there and the apple pie!
245 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Julian
Charming, if slightly "touristy" old mining town about an hour east of San Diego in the hills.Its all about the Sunday drive out there and the apple pie!
Located on San Diego Bay adjacent downtown, its a great place to experience the water, take stroll along the edge of the bay, admire the views and enjoy shops and restaurants.
762 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrLocated on San Diego Bay adjacent downtown, its a great place to experience the water, take stroll along the edge of the bay, admire the views and enjoy shops and restaurants.
A thrilling cable car ride from the desert floor to the heights of Mt. San Jacinto, up to 40-degree temperature drop in minutes. Cocktail bar and restaurant at the summit.
1213 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway
1 Tram WayA thrilling cable car ride from the desert floor to the heights of Mt. San Jacinto, up to 40-degree temperature drop in minutes. Cocktail bar and restaurant at the summit.
A very popular morning hiking location, where from the top you get to see San Diego spread out below you all the way to the ocean.
314 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Cowles Mountain
Cowles MountainA very popular morning hiking location, where from the top you get to see San Diego spread out below you all the way to the ocean.
Entertainment & Activities
Mini Amusement Park, home of the "Giant Dipper" , built in 1925 is one of the only beach roller coasters left. Right on the beach and with easy access to Mission Bay.
689 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdMini Amusement Park, home of the "Giant Dipper" , built in 1925 is one of the only beach roller coasters left. Right on the beach and with easy access to Mission Bay.
San Diego's premier experience/amusement park, home to the Killer Whale "Shamu" Show (well until it is outlawed!). A full day outing for family and evening fireworks.
1754 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.San Diego's premier experience/amusement park, home to the Killer Whale "Shamu" Show (well until it is outlawed!). A full day outing for family and evening fireworks.
A good 40 minute drive to the Lego Amusement Park. Super kid friendly and adjacent the flower fields in Carlsbad.
1249 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrA good 40 minute drive to the Lego Amusement Park. Super kid friendly and adjacent the flower fields in Carlsbad.
About 90 minutes drive North is the Happiest Place on Earth, enough said?
3085 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Disneyland
1313 Disneyland DrAbout 90 minutes drive North is the Happiest Place on Earth, enough said?
Home for extreme rollercoasters in California! 150 miles North and through LA but the thrills, chills and the screams of happy people make it a great experience!
716 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Six Flags Magic Mountain
26101 Magic Mountain PkwyHome for extreme rollercoasters in California! 150 miles North and through LA but the thrills, chills and the screams of happy people make it a great experience!