San Diego Guidebook
Food scene
For your foodie heart to go wild and enjoy the local grub.
A neighborhood eatery that has farm to fork. All of their ingredients make every plate of food spectacular. Open for breakfast + lunch + dinner. Though they are famous for their Bloody Mary’s, on a warm evening I love their blackberry basil lemonade.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Farmer's Table La Mesa
8141 La Mesa BlvdA neighborhood eatery that has farm to fork. All of their ingredients make every plate of food spectacular. Open for breakfast + lunch + dinner. Though they are famous for their Bloody Mary’s, on a warm evening I love their blackberry basil lemonade.
They have a great dining space to enjoy a delicious cocktail or local brew. They have some tasty food with my favorites being their sharables. You can’t go wrong with their nachos.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Curbside Eatery & Drinkery
8353 La Mesa BlvdThey have a great dining space to enjoy a delicious cocktail or local brew. They have some tasty food with my favorites being their sharables. You can’t go wrong with their nachos.
Amazing Thai food and the best in La Mesa. I recommend the Panang Curry and Fresh Rolls that come with the peanut dipping sauce.
10 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bamboo Fresh Thai Cuisine
7953 University AveAmazing Thai food and the best in La Mesa. I recommend the Panang Curry and Fresh Rolls that come with the peanut dipping sauce.
Great spot to grab a burger and beer. You can watch your favorite sports team at the bar.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Johnny B's Burgers, Brew & Spirits
8393 La Mesa BlvdGreat spot to grab a burger and beer. You can watch your favorite sports team at the bar.
Burgers, Tacos, and elevated pub grub. If you are looking for a fun brunch experience, go there for their pajama brunch on the weekends.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Hills Local Pub
8758 La Mesa BlvdBurgers, Tacos, and elevated pub grub. If you are looking for a fun brunch experience, go there for their pajama brunch on the weekends.
Great crispy Brussel Sprouts and flat breads are great to share with a glass of wine on their patio. The patio area has fire pits and is a great place for a dinner date.
71 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
BO-beau kitchen + garden
8384 La Mesa BlvdGreat crispy Brussel Sprouts and flat breads are great to share with a glass of wine on their patio. The patio area has fire pits and is a great place for a dinner date.
Best breakfast in town. Everything is reasonably priced and large portions. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, everything on the menu is amazing and you can't go wrong with going to Swami's.
50 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Swami's Cafe
8284 La Mesa BoulevardBest breakfast in town. Everything is reasonably priced and large portions. For breakfast, lunch, and dinner, everything on the menu is amazing and you can't go wrong with going to Swami's.
Looking for a classic deli sandwich, this place has it all. Their sandwiches come with their house pasta salad. Highly recommend the Beefy Cado.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trolley StopDeli
8150 La Mesa BlvdLooking for a classic deli sandwich, this place has it all. Their sandwiches come with their house pasta salad. Highly recommend the Beefy Cado.
I recommend their monthly specials, either the monthly sushi combo sampler or the bento box. You can call ahead to pick up your order and take it to the beach to watch the sunset.
54 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sushi Deli 1
228 W Washington StI recommend their monthly specials, either the monthly sushi combo sampler or the bento box. You can call ahead to pick up your order and take it to the beach to watch the sunset.
Looking for authentic Mexican food in San Diego? This is the place. The taste of Mexico on our side of the border. They make a limited amount of food each day, when they run out of food for the day, they close shop. I recommend the rolled tacos.
60 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Las Cuatro Milpas
1857 Logan AveLooking for authentic Mexican food in San Diego? This is the place. The taste of Mexico on our side of the border. They make a limited amount of food each day, when they run out of food for the day, they close shop. I recommend the rolled tacos.
Heading down to OB, check out Hodad's for a giant burger. It is worth the wait if there is a line. This is the place the re-fuel after surfing by the OB Pier.
291 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Hodad's
5010 Newport AveHeading down to OB, check out Hodad's for a giant burger. It is worth the wait if there is a line. This is the place the re-fuel after surfing by the OB Pier.
Heading to La Jolla, grab the best tacos at the Taco Stand. This is a great spot to grab food on your way to hang out at the beach and watch the sunset. Make sure to get all their different types of sauces.
132 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Taco Stand
621 Pearl StHeading to La Jolla, grab the best tacos at the Taco Stand. This is a great spot to grab food on your way to hang out at the beach and watch the sunset. Make sure to get all their different types of sauces.
Coffee
Because everything is better with a cup of coffee to brighten your day.
This is the perfect coffee spot to sit outside on their patio and watch the world go by. They also have some yummy food options. On Fridays, start your afternoon here and then walk your way back through the La Mesa Farmer’s Market.
34 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sheldon's Service Station
8401 La Mesa BlvdThis is the perfect coffee spot to sit outside on their patio and watch the world go by. They also have some yummy food options. On Fridays, start your afternoon here and then walk your way back through the La Mesa Farmer’s Market.
Their coffee is delicious. But the thing that brings me back again and again is their daily made scones with their different flavored butters.
28 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Public Square Coffee House
8278 La Mesa BlvdTheir coffee is delicious. But the thing that brings me back again and again is their daily made scones with their different flavored butters.
This instagrammable place is fun and has some great coffee. Head there to take a picture and grab a coffee as you walk through La Mesa Village.
7 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Pink Rose Cafe
8209 La Mesa BoulevardThis instagrammable place is fun and has some great coffee. Head there to take a picture and grab a coffee as you walk through La Mesa Village.
Drinks
San Diego is known as a craft beer capital with over 150 breweries throughout, plus brew pubs and tasting rooms scattered across the county. You can even find some wineries.
Great local beer with rotating food trucks. Support the locals at this brewery. Sourworx is located inside as well.
22 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Helix Brewing Co.
8101 Commercial StGreat local beer with rotating food trucks. Support the locals at this brewery. Sourworx is located inside as well.
Liberty Station is a cool spot to spend the afternoon. The Stone Brewery there has a garden area and bocce ball courts. Stone is one of the most famous local breweries in San Diego.
175 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur RdLiberty Station is a cool spot to spend the afternoon. The Stone Brewery there has a garden area and bocce ball courts. Stone is one of the most famous local breweries in San Diego.
Enjoy local wines, flat breads, and small plates. Definitely worth the drive to this beautiful winery. You can walk the property, while sipping on wine. Bernardo Winery has been producing and serving San Diego grown wines since 1889.
44 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Bernardo Winery
13330 Paseo Del Verano NorteEnjoy local wines, flat breads, and small plates. Definitely worth the drive to this beautiful winery. You can walk the property, while sipping on wine. Bernardo Winery has been producing and serving San Diego grown wines since 1889.
Groceries
Grab all your food to whip up your own meal. Some even have online pick-up and delivery options.
Support the locals by shopping for your groceries from the vendors at the Farmers Market. Every Friday, 3-7pm located on La Mesa Blvd.
13 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Mesa Antique Mall
4710 Palm AveSupport the locals by shopping for your groceries from the vendors at the Farmers Market. Every Friday, 3-7pm located on La Mesa Blvd.
Reasonably priced and freshest produce.
55 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Sprouts Farmers Market
152 N 2nd StReasonably priced and freshest produce.
Trader Joe's is my go-to for all the best snacks and healthy choices on food. They have a grab-and-go selection of salads and sandwiches, and some great frozen foods. They have a great selection of dressings and sauces, like their BBQ sauces and yellow curry. Their frozen desserts are amazing, like their cookie ice cream sandwiches, or their cheese cake variety pack.
52 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Trader Joe's
5495 Grossmont Center DrTrader Joe's is my go-to for all the best snacks and healthy choices on food. They have a grab-and-go selection of salads and sandwiches, and some great frozen foods. They have a great selection of dressings and sauces, like their BBQ sauces and yellow curry. Their frozen desserts are amazing, like their cookie ice cream sandwiches, or their cheese cake variety pack.
The Great Outdoors
San Diego is made to enjoy outside in the sunshine, waves, and nature. Grab your tennis shoes, sandals, or go barefoot to hit these places.
Get out there for an early morning hike to enjoy the Torrey Pine Trees and the waves. The best hiking along the coast line in San Diego County. There is a state park fee to park at the top of the hill.
1108 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Reserva Estatal de Torrey Pines
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadGet out there for an early morning hike to enjoy the Torrey Pine Trees and the waves. The best hiking along the coast line in San Diego County. There is a state park fee to park at the top of the hill.
If you are really up for a challenge and love to hike, start early and go late in the day hitting all 5 peaks in the 5 peak challenge. This is the spot for hiking, biking, rock climbing, or simply take a relaxing stroll. There is a Visitor Center which is fun to get information on the park and the animals that live there.
194 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Regional de Misiones de Senderos
1 Father Junipero Serra TrailIf you are really up for a challenge and love to hike, start early and go late in the day hitting all 5 peaks in the 5 peak challenge. This is the spot for hiking, biking, rock climbing, or simply take a relaxing stroll. There is a Visitor Center which is fun to get information on the park and the animals that live there.
Kid and family friendly beach. Great for learning how to surf. Rent a stand up paddle board or kayak or snorkel and explore sea caves and protected wildlife refuge.
304 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Jolla Shores Hotel
8110 Camino Del OroKid and family friendly beach. Great for learning how to surf. Rent a stand up paddle board or kayak or snorkel and explore sea caves and protected wildlife refuge.
This is the spot to see some local wildlife. You can even go into the La Jolla Cave Store to go inside the local sea caves. There are some great shops and restaurants to enjoy the coastal view.
1327 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdThis is the spot to see some local wildlife. You can even go into the La Jolla Cave Store to go inside the local sea caves. There are some great shops and restaurants to enjoy the coastal view.
Famous for Belmont Park with a roller coaster, surfing, and boogie boarding. Walk, bike, or rollerblade along the boardwalk. There are shops and restaurants all along the boardwalk area.
554 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa de Mission
3000 Mission BoulevardFamous for Belmont Park with a roller coaster, surfing, and boogie boarding. Walk, bike, or rollerblade along the boardwalk. There are shops and restaurants all along the boardwalk area.
Walk or bike along the water. Swimming, water sports, fishing, or a picnic. Scenic and relaxing. Local tip is head to the bay side where the Catamaran is and rent a paddle board or pedal boat to get out and play on the Mission Bay waters. Weekends get crowded so get there early to reserve a boat.
109 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mission Bay
Walk or bike along the water. Swimming, water sports, fishing, or a picnic. Scenic and relaxing. Local tip is head to the bay side where the Catamaran is and rent a paddle board or pedal boat to get out and play on the Mission Bay waters. Weekends get crowded so get there early to reserve a boat.
Great surfing or boogie boarding spot, cool local shops, restaurants, take a stroll, walk on the pier. There is also a large dog beach area on the North end. Recommend stopping at Pomas sandwich shop or Hodad's burger shop.
776 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa del Océano
1850 Ocean Front StGreat surfing or boogie boarding spot, cool local shops, restaurants, take a stroll, walk on the pier. There is also a large dog beach area on the North end. Recommend stopping at Pomas sandwich shop or Hodad's burger shop.
Walking this area you will see so much coastal beauty. During low tide, you can access some of the sea caves on the beaches in the area.
268 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Natural de Sunset Cliffs en San Diego
Ladera StreetWalking this area you will see so much coastal beauty. During low tide, you can access some of the sea caves on the beaches in the area.
Scripps Pier is a photographer's dream. You can always catch families and friends taking photos by the pier. It is a spot for boogie boarding and surfing. walk south towards the end of the beach for famous protected snorkeling, don’t forget to do the sting ray shuffle during the summer months.
Scripps Pier Laboratory
2000 Naga WayScripps Pier is a photographer's dream. You can always catch families and friends taking photos by the pier. It is a spot for boogie boarding and surfing. walk south towards the end of the beach for famous protected snorkeling, don’t forget to do the sting ray shuffle during the summer months.
For the skilled surfers with larger waves. a 10 minute walk from parking at the top of the cliff. Enjoy great views of the coastline as you walk down the cliff.
144 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Black's Beach
For the skilled surfers with larger waves. a 10 minute walk from parking at the top of the cliff. Enjoy great views of the coastline as you walk down the cliff.
Tourist Spots
Take in all the beautiful scenic spots San Diego has to offer. Grab your hat and sunglasses to enjoy the history and iconic spots throughout San Diego.
The Embarcadero stretches along the waterfront, where you can see the Midway Museum, splash in the waters of the waterfront park, and even hop on a ferry to Coronado and back. It captures the history of San Diego joined by the downtown skyline.
36 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Embarcadero
The Embarcadero stretches along the waterfront, where you can see the Midway Museum, splash in the waters of the waterfront park, and even hop on a ferry to Coronado and back. It captures the history of San Diego joined by the downtown skyline.
Located South of the Embarcadero, add this to your stops along the waterfront. There are shops and restaurants right on the water.
762 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrLocated South of the Embarcadero, add this to your stops along the waterfront. There are shops and restaurants right on the water.
Sharing the history of San Diego's establishment, you can visit shops, restaurants, museum's, and even go to a haunted house. Head to Cafe Coyote for some Margaritas and Mexican food. Take home some fresh made tortillas as well.
1070 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Old Town
Sharing the history of San Diego's establishment, you can visit shops, restaurants, museum's, and even go to a haunted house. Head to Cafe Coyote for some Margaritas and Mexican food. Take home some fresh made tortillas as well.
The San Diego Zoo is located at one end. There are many museums, including the Fleet Science Center which is our family’s favorite. Just simply walking through the gardens and enjoying the architecture of the buildings is relaxing.
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Balboa
The San Diego Zoo is located at one end. There are many museums, including the Fleet Science Center which is our family’s favorite. Just simply walking through the gardens and enjoying the architecture of the buildings is relaxing.
Theme Parks
See any or all of the theme parks throughout San Diego County.
Check out all sorts of wild life from around the world. There are also a variety of plants. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, pack water, and sunscreen.
2510 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de San Diego
2920 Zoo DrCheck out all sorts of wild life from around the world. There are also a variety of plants. Make sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, pack water, and sunscreen.
Take a real safari ride through this safari park, which makes you feel transported to Africa with all the wild life around you.
967 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Safari del Zoológico de San Diego
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdTake a real safari ride through this safari park, which makes you feel transported to Africa with all the wild life around you.
See all the ocean creatures and hop on all of their roller coasters. There are seasonal events, so make sure to check out their events calendar to make the most out of your visit.
1754 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.See all the ocean creatures and hop on all of their roller coasters. There are seasonal events, so make sure to check out their events calendar to make the most out of your visit.
A child's playground, and an adult's as well. This is for the lego builders who love to dream up creations. See all the lego creations while hopping on roller coasters. This is a great theme park for young children.
1249 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrA child's playground, and an adult's as well. This is for the lego builders who love to dream up creations. See all the lego creations while hopping on roller coasters. This is a great theme park for young children.