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If you’re in need of a new aftershave, one of our 29 best smelling aftershaves is sure to catch your attention
Best Aftershaves
Aftershaves are an integral part of a man’s self care routine. But selecting the right aftershave can be overwhelming due to the amount of aftershaves there are to choose from. From the different types of aftershaves, different prices, and different benefits, it’s hard to know where to start. Fortunately, we did some digging to find the creme de la creme of the aftershaving market.
If you’re in need of a new aftershave, one of our 29 best smelling aftershaves is sure to catch your attention.
For skin that feels velvety smooth and completely free of razor irritation, you absolutely need to buy Blu Atlas Aftershave as your next shaving product. This natural, all-time favorite contains soothing aloe vera and hydrating shea butter.
As well, there’s a splash of rose flower water which quickly heals cuts and scrapes from shaving. Tired of dealing with the symptoms of post-shave irritation? Blu Atlas Aftershave has exactly what you need.
Exfoliate your freshly shaven skin with PC4Men Soothe+Smooth Aftershave Treatment. This soothing aftershave will make your opinions about aftershave do a complete 180.
If you want a non-irritating aftershave that aims to soften skin, prevent razor bumps and minimize the appearance of enlarged pores, it’s a smart idea to buy this aftershave from Paula’s Choice. You can use this soothing aftershave even on the days you don’t plan on shaving.
No one wants their skin to feel uncomfortable after shaving, and that’s why you need Afta Aftershave Fresh Skin Conditioner. Keeping your skin smooth after a shave is simple when you have this aftershave waiting for you in your bathroom.
If you’re someone who shaves on a daily basis, this conditioning aftershave protects and soothes freshly shaven skin. Keep your skin in shape with this freshly scented aftershave.
Dermatologist-tested and intensely relieving, Clarins Men Aftershave Energizer is one in a million. By using plant extracted ingredients like centella, blue alpine thistle, and purslane, this energizing aftershave won’t leave your skin feeling sticky afterwards and doesn’t contain any alcohol that makes your skin burn.
This non-oily formula will always protect and nourish all skin types while preventing razor burn at the same time. The soothing properties of this alcohol-free aftershave are rare to find.
Relieve and prevent shaving irritation with a bottle of BadgerBalm Aftershave Face Oil. The benefits of this aftershave continue even after it has fully absorbed into your skin and can be used as a daily moisturizer.
This relieving aftershave is 100% certified organic and uses only six ingredients to get the job done. Everytime you use this aftershave, you’re welcomed with a delicious citrus scent with menthol crystals that give your skin amazing cooling relief.
For the ultimate protection from razor bumps and other irritation, every man should try L’Occitane Aftershave Balm. Shea butter, glycerin, and birch tree extract are the key ingredients that you’ll find inside of this calming aftershave.
Shaving can cause your skin to feel tight, but with this aftershave, your skin will never feel tight and dry again. Instead, your skin will smell mildly of lavender and feel irrefutably smooth for the rest of the day after you start using this aftershave balm.
There’s no better shaving product than Aveda Men Pure Performance Dual Action Aftershave. This 2-in-1 shaving product doubles as an aftershave and moisture.
Gentle enough to use on all skin types and dermatologist-tested, this dual action aftershave delivers unbeatable, instant relief to irritated, freshly shaven skin. Using this aftershave ensures that your skin is thoroughly hydrated, which is a must after you’re done shaving.
As one of the best aftershaves for men, we suggest Duke Cannon Supply Co. Aftershave Balm. Besides Blu Atlas Aftershave, this is the best bang for your buck. With almost all five-star reviews, you can’t go wrong with this pick.
Sulfate-free, paraben-free, and alcohol-free, this will be your favorite skin care purchase of the year. Minimize trauma from shaving by buying this aftershave for your shaving needs.
SheaMoisture Elixir Aftershave never disappoints, and there’s good cause as to why this remains as one of the top aftershaves available for purchase. This aftershave formula is free of harmful ingredients that shouldn’t be in contact with your fragile skin such as propylene glycol, sulfates, and nasty parabens.
Specifically meant to hydrate dry skin after shaving, this nourishing formula aims to give your skin everything it needs to thrive like shea butter and tea tree oil. For the safest aftershave for your skin, choose SheaMoisture’s gentle aftershave.
Freshly shaven skin is delicate, and needs a skin care product that will be nurturing like Burt’s Bees Men’s Soothing Moisturizer + Aftershave. There’s no other aftershave that’s this affordable and efficient at leaving your skin perfectly hydrated.
Designed with aloe vera and hemp, give your skin the royal treatment by purchasing this extremely soothing aftershave that’s light-weight and made to keep your skin moisturized all day long.
When you buy Clubman Reserve Gent’s Gin Aftershave Lotion, you’re buying top-tier hydration for freshly shaven skin. If you’re someone who gets discomfort right after shaving no matter what shaving techniques you try, we believe this aftershave will be a fantastic choice.
This cruelty-free aftershave lotion instantly calms any uncomfortable symptoms you’re having from shaving and leaves a charming, musky scent on your skin.
One of the most highly rated aftershaves, 212 VIP Men Aftershave Lotion by Carolina Herrera, promises to diminish any apparent skin irritation from shaving.
This unique aftershave lotion will make your shave long-lasting so you can spend less time shaving and more time doing the stuff you actually like doing.
Prevent those irritating razor bumps and ingrown hair with Ultraluxe’s Men’s Ingrown Hair and Aftershave Treatment. The worst part of shaving is suffering from itchy, inflamed ingrown hairs, and this aftershave from Ultraluxe is specifically formulated to remove dead skills and prevent unwanted ingrown hairs.
Best of all, you don’t have to wait an hour to get the relief you need. This aftershave works as soon as it makes contact with your skin.
Originating in Spain, you’re in for a pleasant treat when you use Floid Vigoroso Special Edition After Shave Lotion. Well regarded and menthol-infused, this special edition aftershave lotion is one you shouldn’t hesitate buying.
Every review raves about how wonderful this smells, and it’s one you have to try to fully understand the hype.
For an effective, soothing aftershave that won’t break the bank, choose Dollar Shave Club’s Post Shave Cream. This soothing aftershave cream won’t leave your skin feeling oddly shiny after application. You’ll have skin that smells mildly of herbs and totally polished without needing to get an expensive facial.
The hydration from this aftershave is powerful, long-lasting, and makes your shave stay extra smooth for a long time.
Say goodbye to irritated, dry skin that can happen after you’re done shaving with Sauvage Dior Aftershave Lotion. Just-shaved skin needs the highest quality ingredients, and that’s what you get with Dior’s popular aftershave lotion.
Your skin will always end up looking as sleek and attractive as the bottle when you add this to your shaving regimen. For that fresh feeling all-day long, make sure to choose this rich and creamy aftershave lotion.
Shaving leaving your skin uncomfortable every time? Well, purchase Brickell’s Men Instant Relief Aftershave for Men to immediately take care of freshly shaven, irritated skin. This relieving aftershave works directly upon contact to rid you of shaving discomfort.
This relieving formula uses botanical extracts to provide unparalleled relief after you’re done shaving. Not only does it soothe razor burn, but this alcohol-free aftershave also won’t clog your pores, making it a top contender for those with acne-prone skin.
Applying Jovan Sex Appeal Aftershave will be the best part of your day, we guarantee. If you are interested in attracting the ladies, you’ll love this aftershave particularly designed to give you an enormous amount of sex appeal.
Your skin will smell amazing, and will be protected from razor bumps and burn everytime you apply this creative aftershave. It’ll be difficult to find something you don’t like when you add this to your bathroom repertoire.
Much like their sought-after cologne, Cuba Gold Aftershave for Men provides the one of the highest quality aftershaves for men available nowadays. Lightweight, non-sticky, and soothing, Cuba Gold won’t ever let you down when it comes to protecting your just-shaven skin.
Razor burn won’t be able to win the battle after you put on some of this delicious smelling aftershave for men. Shaving can be enjoyable when you decide to buy this aftershave from Cuba Gold.
For those who prefer their aftershaves to have a lightweight consistency, we think Harry’s Aftershave Mist for Men will be perfect for men who don’t want to get their hands dirty. Applying aftershave is as simple as a spray or two with this calming mist.
Inside of this formula, there’s aloe and unrefined botanical extracts waiting to soothe your skin and reduce the chances of razor bumps from appearing. No matter your skin type, this paraben-free, sulfate-free aftershave is safe and gentle enough for every man.
Instant skin relief from razor irritation is possible when you already have Clinique for Men Post-Shave Soother. The best part is the relief lets you get on with your day without clawing at your face because of skin irritation.
Cliqinue’s soothing aftershave is formulated with aloe vera that leaves your skin with a cooling tingle that feels phenomenal on skin that was just recently shaved.
Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel delivers top-rated relief to tight, irritated skin from shaving. Aloe leaf juice, balm mint, chamomile, and rosemary are some of the ingredients used to achieve the skin calming properties that men everywhere fall in love with.
Fragrance-free and alcohol-free, skin irritation and razor bumps after shaving will be a thing of the past. This is one of the best aftershaves for men of 2023, and you’ll instantly understand why after sampling this cooling aftershave.
Rejuvenate your skin after shaving with NAOBAY Aftershave Balm for Men. This organic aftershave hydrates and soothes irritation from shaving without making your skin feel weirdly rubbery afterwards. Jojoba, pumpkin, argan, and sesame seed oils make for an aftershave dream team.
All of those potent antioxidants mean you’re always left with smooth, hydrated skin after every shave.
Give your skin a brightening, skin-smoothing boost with Backwoods Toner and Aftershave. With an average rating of 4.9 stars out of 5, this aftershave is one you need to try if you’re at your wits end with common shaving discomforts like razor burn and bumps.
Created by men, Backwoods Toner and Aftershave simultaneously evens out your skin tone, moisturizes dry skin, and soothes inflamed skin that can drive you up a wall. Shaving can be a pleasant experience when you buy this toner and aftershave to reduce discomfort from your shaving ritual.
As a cult favorite in men’s skin care products for years, Old Spice Classic Aftershave won’t ever disappoint. If you’re a man who shaves, chances are you’ve either heard of or tried this well-known aftershave by Old Spice.
For those who are already a fan of Old Spice products, this classic aftershave holds up to all expectations.
Your skin will feel undeniably soft after using Truly Coco Cloud Aftershave Serum. This aftershave gives you anti-aging, healing protection for freshly shaven skin that needs extra nourishment and care.
Designed with coconut to calm inflamed skin, vanilla to get rid of bacteria, and argan oil to hydrate dry skin, don’t skip over this aftershave serum that can do just about anything you need it to do.
If you prefer your skin care products unscented, check out Art of Shaving Unscented Aftershave Balm for your shaving needs. Besides being unscented, this sandalwood-scented aftershave balm provides your skin with the ultimate hydration and even reduces signs of aging from starting to appear on your face.
Prone to dry skin after shaving? You can buy this unscented aftershave balm to fix that issue easily and get healthy, hydrated skin that will last up to 8 hours.
Finding Lumin Cooling Aftershave is similar to finding a diamond in a haystack. The cooling effect from this aftershave works instantly to give relief from frequent razor and completely prevents ingrown hair from forming.
Shea butter and caffeine are the main ingredients that work together to calm your skin down after you just dragged a piece of metal against it repeatedly. With all of the distress your skin goes through whenever you shave, it’s a smart idea to add Lumin’s aftershave to your shopping cart.
All of the men who shave on a daily basis need Bvlgari Man in Black Aftershave Balm. Keeping your skin moisturized after shaving has never been simpler once you have this on your bathroom counter.
Want to make your smooth shave last? This aftershave is able to extend your shave, so you can enjoy smooth skin for a longer period of time without needing to shave every single day.
This complete guide to selecting a men’s aftershave clearly answers all of the basic, commonly asked questions about using aftershave, plus gives you tons of pro-tips on how to correctly apply men’s aftershave to your current shaving regimen.
The fact of the matter is everyone’s favorite aftershave is going to change from person to person. What works for your best buddy might end up making your skin excessively dry. That’s why it’s crucial to test out aftershaves first before permanently using one on a daily basis.
The best aftershaves for men will always be the ones that soothe your skin. Keep in mind that shaving causes decent trauma to your skin, since you are using a sharp utensil against your skin. Aftershave is necessary to provide your skin with beneficial ingredients needing to prevent further shaving irritation like razor bumps.
You’ll know when you have found the right aftershave when the chosen product is able to be applied to your skin without causing discomfort like dryness. Dry skin is the last thing you want after shaving, another reason why it’s important to have an aftershave that not only soothes, but also moisturizes and nourishes your skin effectively.
While aftershaves for men normally have an alluring, masculine fragrance to them, the main purpose of using an aftershave is to give your skin nourishment after shaving.
Aftershaves give your skin the best chance at staying smooth and non-irritated. If you decide not to use an aftershave, you’ll be left with dry, itchy skin due to razor burn and razor bumps.
Just like with most skin care products, there’s going to be ingredients that work the best, and won’t harm you in the long run. For aftershaves that are gentle on your skin, see if your favorite aftershave has one of these beneficial ingredients.
Shea butter
Calendula
Jojoba oil
Aloe vera
Witch hazel
Coconut oil
Lavender
Chamomile
Glycerin
Allantoin
The ingredients listed above are able to provide the well-deserved moisture your skin needs after being freshly shaven. Remember that shaving causes distress to your skin, therefore your skin will need all of the vitamins it needs to heal.
Adding an aftershave to your shaving routine means you need to be careful about what lies in the formula of your chosen aftershave.
Be on the lookout for aftershaves that are free of:
Phthalates
Parabens
Acetates
Propylene Glycol
Formaldehyde
These several ingredients are major ones you need to carefully look out for when adding an aftershave to your shaving schedule.
Luckily, there are options when it comes to aftershaves for men. You may find that you prefer one consistency over another.
The 4 different types of aftershaves are:
Balms
Lotions
Gels
Mists/Sprays
Which type of aftershave that will work for you will depend on what consistency you personally prefer, and if one type works better with your skin than the other. It’s good to take note that the alcohol content of lotions tends to be higher than the other two types of aftershave for men.
Properly applying an aftershave is super simple. To apply your favorite aftershave, simply put the aftershave on the area that was recently shaved. Don’t forget to apply it to your neck if you shaved there.
No, aftershave doesn’t have to be washed off. Most aftershaves are meant to be easily absorbed onto the surface of your skin so you can quickly get on with what you have planned for your day or evening.
It’s not uncommon to hear about (or experience) the “aftershave shave burn”. The alcohol content of aftershaves back in the day used to produce a gnarly burning sensation after application. This is the reason for many men neglecting to use an aftershave, which is completely reasonable. No one wants to do anything that burns them.
Fortunately, aftershaves have come a super long way since then. The burning sensation has now been replaced with a soothing sensation. You can expect aftershaves with a high alcohol content to definitely make your skin burn.
Aftershaves for men that contain witch hazel are suitable for those who are in search of an alcohol-free aftershave.
Let’s be real – you don’t have to use aftershave; however, you should use aftershave, especially if you’re prone to redness or those pesky razor bumps.
It’s in your best interest to add an aftershave to your daily grooming ritual, we highly recommend that you take a chance and try any one of our best smelling aftershaves for men.
If you’re a man who suffers from sensitive skin, we sympathize with you. Having sensitive skin isn’t easy, and makes finding adequate skin care products a tough feat.
To make finding an aftershave simple for you, we suggest:
Dollar Shave Club Post Shave Cream
Art of Shaving Unscented Aftershave Balm
Clinique for Men Post-Shave Soother
Truly Coco Cloud Aftershave Serum
Acne is annoying, but choosing the right aftershave with acne-prone skin doesn’t have to be.
In order to keep acne breakouts under control and nourish your skin after a shaving session, try out:
Harry’s Aftershave Mist for Men
SheaMoisture Elixir Aftershave
Duke Cannon Supply Co. Aftershave Balm
Brickell’s Men Instant Relief Aftershave for Men
Razor bumps come along with the territory of hair removal. Preventing razor bumps is easy when you buy:
PC4Men Soothe + Smooth Aftershave Treatment
Ultraluxe’s Men’s Ingrown Hair and Aftershave Treatment
Brickell’s Men Instant Relief Aftershave for Men
Clubman Reserve Gent’s Gin Aftershave Lotion
Backwoods Toner and Aftershave
We know that you just want to know what the most popular, top-rated aftershaves for men are. We promised answers, and the answer to this burning question is:
Lumin Cooling Aftershave
Duke Cannon Supply Co. Aftershave Balm
Afta Aftershave Fresh Skin Conditioner
Old Spice Classic Aftershave
Jack Black Post Shave Cooling Gel
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado
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.”
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
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.
San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.
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 the Balboa 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.

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.
BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.
San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

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.
San Diego History Center | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

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

Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101

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).
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with guided birding, storytelling, soul food, native planting and an African peace drum circle.
WorldBeat Cultural Center | 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

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.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

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.
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
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.
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205 | lagranterraza.com | @eatatusd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
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.
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha

8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
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.
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.

4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com