There’s something about a photo booth that just hits different. Maybe it’s the flash, the grain, or the split-second moment you decide: pose or no pose? Whether it’s a first date or a reason to celebrate something small, these little boxes of nostalgia let you be the star—no velvet rope, just the occasional velvet curtain.
Luckily, San Diego’s full of them.
Holy Matcha
San Diego’s first matcha café is the North Park home of “Le Pink Booth.” It’s floor-to-ceiling pink, with vintage black-and-white stripes and matcha lattes that double as photo props.
Corvette Diner
This retro fever dream in Liberty Station has a classic booth tucked next to the arcade. Waitresses in poodle skirts and $5 photo strips? Say less.
Coin-Op Game Room
Grab a cocktail and some friends and hop in for a photo with filters and borders, then lose track of time with pinball and pizza at this arcade bar with locations in North Park and the Gaslamp.
Belmont Park
Sunburned cheeks, rollercoaster hair, and a cheesy photo booth by the rock wall all make for a coming-of-age movie montage in Mission Beach… no matter how long ago your 18th birthday was.
Studio Casually’s Casual Market
East Village hosts this twice-monthly vintage pop-up with vendors, DJs, flash tattoos, and custom photo strips. Just buzz up to unit 310 at 710 13th Street.
Zion Market
Next time you’re in Convoy, hit up this photo booth tucked inside a Korean market that offers custom filters, K-pop-inspired sticker layouts, and enough fun treats to make you stay way too long.
