Self-care is more than just a wellness buzzword. In today’s hectic world, where productivity equals success and the grind has become the norm, it’s easy to let self-care fall to the wayside. You may have mentally reserved treating yourself to something nice for some time further down the line—when the kids get older, when you’re […]
Self-care is more than just a wellness buzzword. In today’s hectic world, where productivity equals success and the grind has become the norm, it’s easy to let self-care fall to the wayside. You may have mentally reserved treating yourself to something nice for some time further down the line—when the kids get older, when you’re making more money, when you have more free time—and may even consider taking time for yourself as overly indulgent. But self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential to our physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
Self-care doesn’t have to involve some over-the-top multi-step skincare regimen or hours on the treadmill. It could be a poolside vinyasa session followed by a healthy snack. Or finally seeking treatment for anxiety or depression. Or even straightening your smile.
Thankfully, San Diego County is full of opportunities to put yourself first. Here are three of our favorite.
Invest in Your Health at AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club
One of the most efficient ways to take care of yourself is a membership to a one-stop wellness shop like AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club. This four-story, 40,000-square foot luxury facility adjacent to the downtown Westgate Hotel offers fitness, wellness, and spa services, plus a sauna, steam room, and cool plunge.
It’s only fitting that a place whose name translates to “water of life” have a luxe pool. AquaVie boasts a serene rooftop sanctuary with a Junior Olympic-sized pool, hot tub, and a sun deck that’s perfect for soaking up the rays. And it doesn’t stop there. AquaVie’s rooftop is the heart of the establishment. Aside from the sparkling lap pool and the sweeping views of downtown San Diego, the club rooftop features fire pits to keep you cozy once the sun goes down, refreshing cocktails delivered pool-side, and decadent dining options prepared by The Westgate Hotel’s culinary team. Don’t miss the sustainably sourced bluefin tuna tartare or the plant-based protein-packed Maqui superfruit smoothie.
The rooftop is also equipped with free weights, strength training equipment, stationary bikes, and a running track for those looking to take their fitness training to new levels. AquaVie offers poolside yoga and group exercise classes, and even has a workspace area for when the occasional work emergency interrupts your me time.
The rooftop is just the beginning. The modern, state-of-the-art club has a spacious fitness studio that offers in-demand group exercise classes, such as Pilates, spin, core, and cardio sculpt, in addition to more than 200 high-end cardio and strength machines from top brands like TechnoGym, Iron Grip, Precor, TRX, and Peloton. AquaVie’s expansive gym floor and group fitness classes allow members to tailor their workouts to their individual goals and customize their workout routine to fit their lifestyle and schedule.
If grueling workouts aren’t your thing, a spa membership at AquaVie includes access to an array of results-driven skincare and body treatments in a luxurious, yet tranquil setting on the third floor of AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club.
Feel the tension melt away with a AquaVie’s signature elevated wellness massage, or really dig into those problem area with a deep tissue therapeutic massage. Or make your wellness session a date with a couple’s massage for you and your partner.
Shift the attention up to the face with a custom facial that’s designed to target your skin’s specific needs. AquaVie Spa practitioners use all natural actives to rebalance the skin, combat environmental damage, purify the pores, and restore a youthful glow. Take your experience up a notch with high-tech add-ons. Microcurrent technology lifts and tones and on-trend LED light therapy enhance AquaVie’s offerings and take already effective treatments to new heights.
Finish strong with a full-body ritual that promotes ultimate healing. Aquavie offers two to pick from: the Ocean Dew Magnesium Muscle Recovery detoxifies and relaxes muscles, while Prickly Pear Age Defense restores skin health and hydration. Each includes a full-body scrub, wrap, and foot massage.
AquaVie offers three membership tiers that provide different levels of access to the club’s amenities and benefits, with options to upgrade with lockers and valet parking.
For some, self-care can become a lifeline. LGBTQIA+ individuals often face unique challenges that can impact their mental and emotional well-being. Many members of the LGBTQIA+ community experience discrimination, intergenerational trauma, complicated family dynamics, and barriers to accessing inclusive health care. Element Q Healing Center in Kearney Mesa was founded by practitioners within the LGBTQIA+ community who deeply understand systemic and social concerns experienced by clients and tailor each treatment to meet them exactly where they are in their individual healing journey.
Element Q Healing Center isn’t your average treatment center. Element Q Healing Center’s caring and compassionate staff leverage their lived experience to empower clients to find their own voice. At Element Q Healing Center, LGBTQIA+ individuals can find hope and healing from a range of conditions that intersect with social determinants of health.
The center’s practitioners approach mental health through a lens of holistic healing and evidence-based care. They combine traditional clinical therapy with alternative medicine practices, such as acupuncture, reiki, art therapy, and trauma-informed yoga, to support sustainable mental wellness. Mental health and wellness in the LGBTQIA+ community requires comprehensive care that takes into consideration an individual’s identity and personal journey. Element Q Healing Center is committed to providing identity-affirming care that’s rooted in both compassion and clinical research. Providers balance symptom management with embracing the whole person.
Conditions treated at Element Q include trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder; depression; anxiety; addiction; bipolar disorder; borderline personality disorder; gender-identity challenges; neurodiversity; mood disorders; relationship issues; domestic violence; disordered eating; and more.
Element Q Healing Center offers several treatment options, ranging from visits with providers trained in queer-specific health care to more intensive outpatient treatment that includes case management, individual and group counseling, and psychiatric medication management. Outpatient treatment helps patients address trauma, mental health, and addition issues while building community and maintaining their day-to-day lives. LGBTQIA+ providers create a welcoming environment free from judgement and the stress of having to explain identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation.
Element Q Healing Center also operates a partial hospitalization program for those who need a higher level of structured care. The program provides intensive daily support and is grounded in evidence-based modalities designed to promote sustained stability. Partial hospitalization is ideal for people who need more support than outpatient therapy can provide, and those who are leaving a residential care facility or inpatient treatment and would benefit from continuing to heal while transitioning back to living at home.
Each incoming patient at Element Q Healing Center receives neuropsychological testing and a comprehensive assessment to evaluate cognitive and behavioral health, ensure proper diagnoses, and guide future treatment planning. Clinicians work to ensure that each patient receives the level of care required for sustainable recovery and success.
The benefits of undergoing treatment Element Q Healing Center include healing within a community of people that celebrate diversity, improved resilience and self-awareness, reduced feelings of isolation, and authentic expression and empowerment. Inclusive health care is not a privilege, it’s a right.
While many view self-care as working on the inside, improving the outside can dramatically improve a person’s well-being and self-esteem. Since 1956, Chula Vista Orthodontics has been helping San Diego County residents keep their teeth healthy and achieve their ideal smiles.
Chula Vista Orthodontics’ caring staff personalizes care to each individual patient. Dr. Lauren Frisch and her highly skilled team work to straighten and refine patients’ smiles using traditional braces and invisible aligners.
Dr. Frisch is certified by the American Board of Orthodontics, and is an active member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, San Diego County Dental Society, San Diego Association of Orthodontists, Pacific Coast Society of Orthodontists, and American Association of Orthodontists. She was also awarded a Global Oral Health Fellowship and Schweitzer Fellowship, under which she conducted research and dental care in underserved communities around the world.
The dental “dream team” at Chula Vista Orthodontics provides a continuum of comprehensive care. Orthodontic issues, such as crowding, over- or underbite, and protrusion, can develop in childhood. Chula Vista Orthodontics offers an “early interceptive treatment” to address these issues early on—as early as age 7 for certain patients—when a child’s permanent teeth are beginning to come in. The focus at this age is not a perfect smile; clinicians aim to prevent development problems that may lead to irreversible damage.
When older children or adults have orthodontic issues that need correcting, they have options. Chula Vista Orthodontics combines traditional treatment with emerging technologies to ensure each patient achieves their desired results.
Dental braces have been the gold standard for teeth straightening for several decades—and for good reason. Traditional braces have proven to be effective in treating common issues like an overbite, underbite, or crooked teeth, and to reposition the jaw. But braces have come a long way from the clunky metal hardware of yesteryear. Today’s braces are smaller, sleeker, and more durable. And though the process of moving the teeth using gentle pressure remains the same, modern braces straighten teeth in an average of 18 to 24 months.
The staff at Chula Vista Orthodontics understands that traditional metal braces aren’t for everyone. Invisalign clear aligners are available for patients who prefer a less noticeable and removeable option. Dr. Frisch is an expert in Invisalign and has more experience than most—she even worked on the research and development team at Invisalign’s manufacturer, Align Technology, while completing her dental training in San Francisco.
Once patients are satisfied with their smile, they’ll need to wear a retainer to keep their pearly whites from shifting. Chula Vista Orthodontics offers ultra-durable Hawley retainers made from acrylic and metal wires, that hold teeth in place, and Essix retainers, which are similar to a night guard. Essix retainers cover the surface of the teeth and absorb the force of the patient’s bite. Vivera retainers are similarly made from clear plastic and come in a pack of four, which is ideal for forgetful patients prone to losing their appliances. Fixed retainers, which are bonded to the back of the teeth, are also an option.
Chula Vista Orthodontics offers free consultations and flexible financing options.
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Try This!
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Try This!
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha
Labora Café
8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111 858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Try This!
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.
Happy Medium
4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104 619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com
