Manuel's Neighborhood Guidebook
Walking and Hiking
Chill out and walk to these nice spots. Use your map app to assist with the route!
Two blocks west on W Grape St., and you’re in the middle of historic and chic Little Italy. SO MANY restaurants, it’s also great for pubs, art galleries, shops, hotels, and people watching. I love sunset at Piazza Della Famiglia, and just hanging out discovering a new place. Don’t miss the farmer's market; Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church is pretty inside - it served the original predominantly Italian community. 2/10 of a mile. Website: littleitalysd .com
889 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy
Two blocks west on W Grape St., and you’re in the middle of historic and chic Little Italy. SO MANY restaurants, it’s also great for pubs, art galleries, shops, hotels, and people watching. I love sunset at Piazza Della Famiglia, and just hanging out discovering a new place. Don’t miss the farmer's market; Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church is pretty inside - it served the original predominantly Italian community. 2/10 of a mile. Website: littleitalysd .com
Just a few blocks downhill on W Grape street, you can walk a bayfront boardwalk to the USS Midway, Harbor Tours, Star of India sail ship, a few restaurants, and Waterfront Park concerts. Once you’re at the water, the best direction is to walk towards downtown - you’ll pass the sights and tour boats, and eventually, if you walk far enough, arrive at the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter. It’s only 1/2 mile to the harbor.
24 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Diego Bay
Just a few blocks downhill on W Grape street, you can walk a bayfront boardwalk to the USS Midway, Harbor Tours, Star of India sail ship, a few restaurants, and Waterfront Park concerts. Once you’re at the water, the best direction is to walk towards downtown - you’ll pass the sights and tour boats, and eventually, if you walk far enough, arrive at the Convention Center and Gaslamp Quarter. It’s only 1/2 mile to the harbor.
Balboa Park is great for walking, jogging and just resetting your mind. Check out the gardens, museums, theaters, and don't forget the San Diego Zoo - yes, it's located in the park. 7/10 of a mile away, walk uphill/east on W Grape St., then left/north on scenic First Avenue, then right on Laurel Street into the heart of the park. It's nice to see the neighborhood transition into the park! See their website at: www.balboapark. org. I highly recommend viewing the website to plan your day there.
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Balboa
Balboa Park is great for walking, jogging and just resetting your mind. Check out the gardens, museums, theaters, and don't forget the San Diego Zoo - yes, it's located in the park. 7/10 of a mile away, walk uphill/east on W Grape St., then left/north on scenic First Avenue, then right on Laurel Street into the heart of the park. It's nice to see the neighborhood transition into the park! See their website at: www.balboapark. org. I highly recommend viewing the website to plan your day there.
One of the best zoos in the world - located nearby in Balboa Park. Although you can walk there, I’d drive because you’ll be on your feet quite a bit during the day. 3.7 miles driving if you take your car (zig zagging around the park), or 1.7 miles if you walk. Check their website for ticket purchases: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance. org/
2510 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de San Diego
2920 Zoo DrOne of the best zoos in the world - located nearby in Balboa Park. Although you can walk there, I’d drive because you’ll be on your feet quite a bit during the day. 3.7 miles driving if you take your car (zig zagging around the park), or 1.7 miles if you walk. Check their website for ticket purchases: https://sandiegozoowildlifealliance. org/
Bankers Hill Bridge Walk. Use your map app to find the Spruce Street Bridge (its north on First Ave., then left on Spruce. It's a San Francisco style suspension bridge in the middle of a neighborhood - it's pretty cool. It’s about 1 mile away.
Next, and now use your map app on your phone, find the "Quince Street bridge" to the head to the cafes for a break.
Cafe Bassam (known for antiques and an extensive tea collection and food), James Coffee, or Extraordinary Desserts (for really creative desserts).
You've just hung out in my neighborhood.
23 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bankers Hill
Bankers Hill Bridge Walk. Use your map app to find the Spruce Street Bridge (its north on First Ave., then left on Spruce. It's a San Francisco style suspension bridge in the middle of a neighborhood - it's pretty cool. It’s about 1 mile away.
Next, and now use your map app on your phone, find the "Quince Street bridge" to the head to the cafes for a break.
Cafe Bassam (known for antiques and an extensive tea collection and food), James Coffee, or Extraordinary Desserts (for really creative desserts).
You've just hung out in my neighborhood.
This is NOT in the neighborhood - Drive first, then walk.
I had to list it here, because its a VERY San Diego thing to do with friends.
Hike the beach and the Torrey Pines bluffs. Follow the other walkers/hikers. You can do the beach first, and climb the bluffs; or go up Highway 101 and descend the bluffs to the Pacific. It’s a great early morning hike! There’s free parking along Highway 101 and the Pacific. Also, be careful and don’t linger directly below the bluffs on the beach - they can and have collapsed! Bring comfortable and good hiking shoes. You have to be in shape - I don’t recommend it for little kids, the elderly, or folks with physical limitations - it can be challenging. 18 miles away; 21 minutes by car.
1108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Reserva Estatal de Torrey Pines
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadThis is NOT in the neighborhood - Drive first, then walk.
I had to list it here, because its a VERY San Diego thing to do with friends.
Hike the beach and the Torrey Pines bluffs. Follow the other walkers/hikers. You can do the beach first, and climb the bluffs; or go up Highway 101 and descend the bluffs to the Pacific. It’s a great early morning hike! There’s free parking along Highway 101 and the Pacific. Also, be careful and don’t linger directly below the bluffs on the beach - they can and have collapsed! Bring comfortable and good hiking shoes. You have to be in shape - I don’t recommend it for little kids, the elderly, or folks with physical limitations - it can be challenging. 18 miles away; 21 minutes by car.
This is a San Diego beach community that is generally NOT catering to tourists. They do, but it's not a high dollar touristy vibe - it's more blue-collar, but let's just call it "beach collar".
Grab any parking you see on Newport Ave., closer to the beach is better. You will see small shops, restaurants, bike shops, donut shops, bars, surfers, stoners, moms and kids. It's a nice weekend visit to see real San Diego. FYI, the pier is closed - its old and a danger at this point - it will be rebuilt eventually.
If you go (and I definitely recommend comparing this to the pretty La Jolla and Coronado beaches), make sure to go to Sunset Cliffs, and also Cabrillo National Monument (National Park fee to enter). They are nearby.
Ocean Beach
This is a San Diego beach community that is generally NOT catering to tourists. They do, but it's not a high dollar touristy vibe - it's more blue-collar, but let's just call it "beach collar".
Grab any parking you see on Newport Ave., closer to the beach is better. You will see small shops, restaurants, bike shops, donut shops, bars, surfers, stoners, moms and kids. It's a nice weekend visit to see real San Diego. FYI, the pier is closed - its old and a danger at this point - it will be rebuilt eventually.
If you go (and I definitely recommend comparing this to the pretty La Jolla and Coronado beaches), make sure to go to Sunset Cliffs, and also Cabrillo National Monument (National Park fee to enter). They are nearby.
Food Scene and Coffee
There are literally too many great restaurants to list - I’m just giving you a few that I like. Let me know the favorites that YOU find.
Walk to most ... I'll specify "DRIVE" if it's not in the neighborhood.
A truly family owned Italian coffee shop; serving the best gelato in Little Italy, pannini, pastries and salads. A favorite of the international students studying nearby. 1602 State St., Little Italy, San DIego.
132 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pappalecco
1602 State StA truly family owned Italian coffee shop; serving the best gelato in Little Italy, pannini, pastries and salads. A favorite of the international students studying nearby. 1602 State St., Little Italy, San DIego.
All my guests love this place. They have a small Italian store and deli on the left - its cute and you can get real Italian groceries here. 2061 India St., Little Italy, San Diego.
The restaurant ... makes their own pasta. I love the pizza; plus shorter lines than the famous Fillipi's Pizza. Casual. Just a few blocks away (1/3 mile).
67 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mona Lisa Italian Foods
2061 India StAll my guests love this place. They have a small Italian store and deli on the left - its cute and you can get real Italian groceries here. 2061 India St., Little Italy, San Diego.
The restaurant ... makes their own pasta. I love the pizza; plus shorter lines than the famous Fillipi's Pizza. Casual. Just a few blocks away (1/3 mile).
Dressy, fancy, this is a hip (but delicious) restaurant and bar. It's nice. Famous chef ... beautiful people. Please note that the restaurant is on the side street, around the corner. When you're there I hope this makes sense! 2210 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, San Diego.
62 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Herb & Wood
2210 Kettner BlvdDressy, fancy, this is a hip (but delicious) restaurant and bar. It's nice. Famous chef ... beautiful people. Please note that the restaurant is on the side street, around the corner. When you're there I hope this makes sense! 2210 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, San Diego.
Delicious authentic Italian food; vegan friendly. Try it, it's delizioso.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Civico 1845
1845 India StDelicious authentic Italian food; vegan friendly. Try it, it's delizioso.
DRIVE. Convoy Street is not a restaurant name, but rather, it's the name of the main street in the Kearny Mesa district.
What is here? Asian food! Korean BBQ, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai ... great restaurants and asian dessert places galore, including boba of course.
I really like coming here to eat, especially the all you can eat Korean BBQs. Mana is my favorite KBBQ. For other recommendations, see who has a line out the door!
Note that it's a bland commercial district; not photogenic at all! But follow the hungry crowds and you'll be happy. You’ll need a car and 15 - 20 minutes to get there when traffic is light. Kearny Mesa, San Diego.
27 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Convoy Street
Convoy StreetDRIVE. Convoy Street is not a restaurant name, but rather, it's the name of the main street in the Kearny Mesa district.
What is here? Asian food! Korean BBQ, Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai ... great restaurants and asian dessert places galore, including boba of course.
I really like coming here to eat, especially the all you can eat Korean BBQs. Mana is my favorite KBBQ. For other recommendations, see who has a line out the door!
Note that it's a bland commercial district; not photogenic at all! But follow the hungry crowds and you'll be happy. You’ll need a car and 15 - 20 minutes to get there when traffic is light. Kearny Mesa, San Diego.
DRIVE. You can’t come to San DIego and NOT have a taco. I’d classify these as San Diego style Mexican tacos. Try the seafood tacos. Delicious. 646 University Ave., Hillcrest, San Diego.
323 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Oscars Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise StDRIVE. You can’t come to San DIego and NOT have a taco. I’d classify these as San Diego style Mexican tacos. Try the seafood tacos. Delicious. 646 University Ave., Hillcrest, San Diego.
DRIVE. Tijuana style tacos. Don’t debate it, just go, and you’ll see why we are taco snobs here; and don’t tell me there’s a taco bell in your town ... I don’t want to hear it. FYI, folks from Tijuana sneer when I mention this place (THEY are uber snobby!). This place is different than most taco shops - believe me. There are a few locations in Chula Vista. You’ll need a car and 15 minutes in light traffic. 556 Broadway, Chula Vista.
99 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Tacos El Gordo
556 BroadwayDRIVE. Tijuana style tacos. Don’t debate it, just go, and you’ll see why we are taco snobs here; and don’t tell me there’s a taco bell in your town ... I don’t want to hear it. FYI, folks from Tijuana sneer when I mention this place (THEY are uber snobby!). This place is different than most taco shops - believe me. There are a few locations in Chula Vista. You’ll need a car and 15 minutes in light traffic. 556 Broadway, Chula Vista.
DRIVE. Imperial Beach is a gentrifying blue collar/military town situated literally next to Mexico. Located in the very popular Mike Hess Brewery, City Tacos serve a creative take on the Mexican taco. Ingredients are wild, but they work! Very delicious. Look for the very tall, open air blue, white, and steel structure. After feasting, stroll on the Imperial Beach fishing pier. It’s a lovely so cal walk. 805 Ocean Ln, Imperial Beach.
Notes: I recommend seeing Coronado first, via the Coronado Bay bridge, then coming down to Imperial Beach along the coast via the Silver Strand/Highway 75. The drive is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.
FYI, Imperial Beach - the beach - is closed due to high bacteria coming from Mexico (in the water). Ya, it sounds gross, but IB is a cool place for a friday or saturday night hang, especially if you want to go to a somewhat non-touristy neighborhood. Just don't go in the water.
150 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
City Tacos
3028 University AveDRIVE. Imperial Beach is a gentrifying blue collar/military town situated literally next to Mexico. Located in the very popular Mike Hess Brewery, City Tacos serve a creative take on the Mexican taco. Ingredients are wild, but they work! Very delicious. Look for the very tall, open air blue, white, and steel structure. After feasting, stroll on the Imperial Beach fishing pier. It’s a lovely so cal walk. 805 Ocean Ln, Imperial Beach.
Notes: I recommend seeing Coronado first, via the Coronado Bay bridge, then coming down to Imperial Beach along the coast via the Silver Strand/Highway 75. The drive is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay.
FYI, Imperial Beach - the beach - is closed due to high bacteria coming from Mexico (in the water). Ya, it sounds gross, but IB is a cool place for a friday or saturday night hang, especially if you want to go to a somewhat non-touristy neighborhood. Just don't go in the water.
Go as a group - choose different plates; eat in or out in the plaza. 550 W Date St, Little Italy, San Diego.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy Food Hall
550 W Date StGo as a group - choose different plates; eat in or out in the plaza. 550 W Date St, Little Italy, San Diego.
Drinks & Nightlife
A wine bar with appetizers NOT in the tourist zone, which is one reason why I’m mentioning it. It’s tucked in between condo’s and .. well not much since I don’t remember. It’s a hidden away date night type place - cute and quaint. 3 blocks away. 1927 Fourth Ave, Bankers Hill, San Diego. Closed monday.
20 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Wet Stone Wine Bar & Cafe
1927 Fourth AveA wine bar with appetizers NOT in the tourist zone, which is one reason why I’m mentioning it. It’s tucked in between condo’s and .. well not much since I don’t remember. It’s a hidden away date night type place - cute and quaint. 3 blocks away. 1927 Fourth Ave, Bankers Hill, San Diego. Closed monday.
Trendy. Its a restaurant bar, with a rooftop scene. Not for kids. Guys meet the girls here. Dress up a little. 2001 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, San Diego.
168 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Kettner Exchange
2001 Kettner BlvdTrendy. Its a restaurant bar, with a rooftop scene. Not for kids. Guys meet the girls here. Dress up a little. 2001 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, San Diego.
The second oldest bar in San Diego, its a dive/relic (it actually was on the waterfront a thousand years ago, but land expanded over time). Great burgers. See the old pictures of Little Italy fisherman (when the USA had a tuna fleet that fished the seas). 2044 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, San Diego.
86 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Waterfront Bar & Grill
2044 Kettner BlvdThe second oldest bar in San Diego, its a dive/relic (it actually was on the waterfront a thousand years ago, but land expanded over time). Great burgers. See the old pictures of Little Italy fisherman (when the USA had a tuna fleet that fished the seas). 2044 Kettner Blvd, Little Italy, San Diego.
San Diego has some good beer. Try Ballast Point! 2215 India St, Little Italy, San Diego.
182 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ballast Point Brewing Little Italy
2215 India StSan Diego has some good beer. Try Ballast Point! 2215 India St, Little Italy, San Diego.
If you try to order a touristy drink, they’ll look at you funny. No “sex on the beach” here; I’m serious. They also don’t serve vodka drinks for some reason. They have a prohibition era theme which is really cool - and they make very good, unique, and sometimes very old recipe drinks. Great food too!!
675 W Beech St, Little Italy, San Diego.
PS. There used to be a secret speak easy hear. If you find out about it, like the secret word, and which bookcase flips open, let me know what's up!
151 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Craft & Commerce
675 W Beech StIf you try to order a touristy drink, they’ll look at you funny. No “sex on the beach” here; I’m serious. They also don’t serve vodka drinks for some reason. They have a prohibition era theme which is really cool - and they make very good, unique, and sometimes very old recipe drinks. Great food too!!
675 W Beech St, Little Italy, San Diego.
PS. There used to be a secret speak easy hear. If you find out about it, like the secret word, and which bookcase flips open, let me know what's up!
Shopping
Outdoor street market, Wednesdays and Saturdays, morning to early afternoon.
Great for people watching and buying fresh foods and hand made knick knacks.
247 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market
600 W Date StOutdoor street market, Wednesdays and Saturdays, morning to early afternoon.
Great for people watching and buying fresh foods and hand made knick knacks.
DRIVE, or TROLLEY. Looking for the Apple Store or Nordstroms? They are here. Take the Trolley from Little Italy to the Fashion Valley stop. For international guests looking for an American Mall, this is a good one.
833 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdDRIVE, or TROLLEY. Looking for the Apple Store or Nordstroms? They are here. Take the Trolley from Little Italy to the Fashion Valley stop. For international guests looking for an American Mall, this is a good one.
Grocery Stores
DRIVE. Full grocery store with underground parking. 515 W Washington St, Hillcrest, San Diego.
323 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Vons
3610 Adams AveDRIVE. Full grocery store with underground parking. 515 W Washington St, Hillcrest, San Diego.
DRIVE. Full grocery store, very organic. Great groceries. Not cheap. 711 University Ave, Hillcrest, San Diego.
240 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Whole Foods Market
711 University AveDRIVE. Full grocery store, very organic. Great groceries. Not cheap. 711 University Ave, Hillcrest, San Diego.
DRIVE. I've not tried it. Let me know what you think! 422 W Washington St, Mission Hills, San Diego.
42 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lazy Acres
422 W Washington StDRIVE. I've not tried it. Let me know what you think! 422 W Washington St, Mission Hills, San Diego.
DRIVE. Downtown, full grocery store. Underground parking. 101 G St, Gaslamp, San Diego.
333 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Ralphs
101 G StDRIVE. Downtown, full grocery store. Underground parking. 101 G St, Gaslamp, San Diego.
Neighborhoods
Coronado is a calm, high dollar, "small town" neighborhood with a great beach. Coronado beach has previously ranked top 10 in the US as far as beaches go. I recommend going to the grand Hotel del Coronado, having a drink on the patio, and walking down the steps to the beach. Fighter jets, ospreys, and other aircraft make their approach over a beautiful beach. Note, there are no services on the beach. It's just a beach!
The city has many nice places to eat and drink. Most of the action is on Orange Avenue, between 5th and 10th; very near the Hotel del Coronado.
Take 5 south, to the Coronado Bridge. Cross the bay, get in the left two lanes and turn left on Orange Avenue.
A final note. There is a Coronado ferry that crosses from downtown San Diego. The ferry landing has some restaurants - but the best thing is the view of downtown as the sun sets. It's a beautiful view as the sunset colors downtown. Get the camera ready.
388 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Coronado
Coronado is a calm, high dollar, "small town" neighborhood with a great beach. Coronado beach has previously ranked top 10 in the US as far as beaches go. I recommend going to the grand Hotel del Coronado, having a drink on the patio, and walking down the steps to the beach. Fighter jets, ospreys, and other aircraft make their approach over a beautiful beach. Note, there are no services on the beach. It's just a beach!
The city has many nice places to eat and drink. Most of the action is on Orange Avenue, between 5th and 10th; very near the Hotel del Coronado.
Take 5 south, to the Coronado Bridge. Cross the bay, get in the left two lanes and turn left on Orange Avenue.
A final note. There is a Coronado ferry that crosses from downtown San Diego. The ferry landing has some restaurants - but the best thing is the view of downtown as the sun sets. It's a beautiful view as the sunset colors downtown. Get the camera ready.
Bankers Hill
(section to be written)
A million places to eat, drink, chill and shop. Great coffee shops, gelato, and Italian food of course.
889 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Little Italy
A million places to eat, drink, chill and shop. Great coffee shops, gelato, and Italian food of course.
Hipster central! If you're not sure what a hipster is, I believe its a slightly different definition today as compared to 50 years ago. Here you'll find the crowds that appreciate good small breweries, or fine whiskeys. Music is best indie, and not pop. Sport a beard. Don't really dress up (that's a big difference to the 50 year ago hipster).
(more will be written in the future).
439 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
North Park
Hipster central! If you're not sure what a hipster is, I believe its a slightly different definition today as compared to 50 years ago. Here you'll find the crowds that appreciate good small breweries, or fine whiskeys. Music is best indie, and not pop. Sport a beard. Don't really dress up (that's a big difference to the 50 year ago hipster).
(more will be written in the future).
Hipster, just like North Park, but a bit more residential - in a good way. (more will be written in the future).
119 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
South Park
Hipster, just like North Park, but a bit more residential - in a good way. (more will be written in the future).
Walk the boardwalk; ride the old wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park. Walk across the street to Mission Bay to catch a bay cruise. There are plenty of small restaurants and bars along this boardwalk!
(more will be written in the future).
554 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa de Mission
3000 Mission BoulevardWalk the boardwalk; ride the old wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park. Walk across the street to Mission Bay to catch a bay cruise. There are plenty of small restaurants and bars along this boardwalk!
(more will be written in the future).
Old Town seems to be low on my Airbnb guests list of places to see, but it shouldn’t be. This Old Town show’s San Diego’s original downtown, starting from California’s Spanish settlement days! Eat and drink; stroll the pedestrian-only part of Old Town (otherwise you didn’t see it); visit the haunted Whaley House (Sheriff Whaley was not nice to his prisoners, and they made his family pay for it - boo!).
Try the place where the ladies are making tortillas by hand. Walk the street, you’ll see them.
1070 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town
Old Town seems to be low on my Airbnb guests list of places to see, but it shouldn’t be. This Old Town show’s San Diego’s original downtown, starting from California’s Spanish settlement days! Eat and drink; stroll the pedestrian-only part of Old Town (otherwise you didn’t see it); visit the haunted Whaley House (Sheriff Whaley was not nice to his prisoners, and they made his family pay for it - boo!).
Try the place where the ladies are making tortillas by hand. Walk the street, you’ll see them.
A very nice, truly Southern California beach. Very residential, there won’t be stores or bars nearby. No glass or alcohol allowed on the beach btw.
184 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Jolla Shores
A very nice, truly Southern California beach. Very residential, there won’t be stores or bars nearby. No glass or alcohol allowed on the beach btw.
La Jolla means “the Jewel” in Spanish. I don’t really mention the northern part of San Diego, but it is very nice. La Jolla is considered expensive, and has great beaches and restaurants. Try the Children’s Pool to see seals; or La Jolla Cove to see the cutest little beach. Stroll Prospect Avenue for restaurant’s with a view of the Pacific! Rent kayaks near La Jolla Shores beach.
492 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Jolla
La Jolla means “the Jewel” in Spanish. I don’t really mention the northern part of San Diego, but it is very nice. La Jolla is considered expensive, and has great beaches and restaurants. Try the Children’s Pool to see seals; or La Jolla Cove to see the cutest little beach. Stroll Prospect Avenue for restaurant’s with a view of the Pacific! Rent kayaks near La Jolla Shores beach.
Sightseeing
Not feeling Seaworld? The Birch Aquarium is a boutique aquarium where oceanography is taken seriously. It's a great alternative when you want to see sea life, but don't need an amusement park vibe.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Not feeling Seaworld? The Birch Aquarium is a boutique aquarium where oceanography is taken seriously. It's a great alternative when you want to see sea life, but don't need an amusement park vibe.