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If you’re interested in cleaning up your hair care routine, there’s no better place to start than with your shampoo.
Natural shampoos
Sponsored Content Provided by Machines Agency
So many hair products that you find on the market today use synthetic chemicals, preservatives, and unnecessary filler ingredients that simply don’t support the overall health of your hair. Thankfully, as more customers prioritize using clean and natural products in their care routines, many companies are beginning to introduce high-performance, nature-powered formulas that are even more effective than their traditional counterparts.
If you’re interested in cleaning up your hair care routine, there’s no better place to start than with your shampoo. Here is our comprehensive guide to the absolute best natural shampoos of 2022.
Blu Atlas is a fully natural personal care company that offers high-performance products packed with science-backed ingredients. As far as the brand’s shampoo goes, it checks off all of our boxes: it’s vegan, dermatologist-tested, packed with natural ingredients, and is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic fragrances.
The Blu Atlas Shampoo is suitable for all hair types and contains a blend of ingredients that nourish, strengthen, and hydrate the hair without weighing it down or leaving behind a greasy residue. Plant-derived surfactants power this shampoo, working into a creamy foam that washes away excess oil, bacteria, and dirt without drying out the hair or skin or causing any irritation.
This powerful formula features aloe barbadensis leaf juice, which has anti-inflammatory properties. It’s also rich in vitamins and amino acids and works to soothe the skin while moisturizing and strengthening the hair and scalp. Jojoba oil—which is packed with fatty acids, antioxidants, and vitamins—works alongside the aloe, penetrating the hair and skin for maximum nourishment and moisturization.
ArtNaturals offers an excellent range of clean hair products powered by natural ingredients, including the Argan Oil & Aloe Shampoo, which treats dry, brittle, and damaged hair. This cruelty-free formula is free of parabens, phthalates, sulfates, and preservatives and works to improve the manageability of the hair while moisturizing the scalp.
This ArtNaturals shampoo features argan oil, which is rich in fatty acids, vitamin E, and antioxidants. Argan oil softens and hydrates the hair and boosts elasticity while preventing further damage. Since it has a small molecular size, it penetrates the hair cuticles for maximum results. This anti-inflammatory oil also nourishes, soothes, and moisturizes the scalp.
While the argan oil gets to work, aloe barbadensis leaf juice—another anti-inflammatory ingredient—calms the scalp and moisturizes both the skin and hair. This natural shampoo also contains keratin proteins, which strengthen and banish frizz, as well as panthenol, glycerin, and sea buckthorn extract.
100% Pure creates natural, organic, cruelty-free formulas that deliver impressive results. The sulfate-free Honey and Virgin Coconut Restorative Shampoo gently cleanses away dirt and debris while supporting dry and damaged hair so that it is stronger, glossier, and more hydrated.
This moisturizing natural shampoo features two key ingredients: honey and coconut oil. Honey soothes the skin while providing the hair and scalp with a boost of moisture. It also acts as a natural preservative. Coconut oil joins the honey in moisturizing the hair and skin for improved softness, comfort, and manageability.
The formula contains a blend of other ingredients that improve overall hair health. Panthenol locks in moisture and strengthens the hair, while vitamin E restores and protects the skin and hair against damaging environmental aggressors. Aloe barbadensis leaf juice, rose flower water, glycerin, and rosemary leaf extract further support and moisturize the hair so that it looks and feels its absolute best.
True Botanicals is a luxury natural beauty brand that offers expertly-crafted formulas featuring certified organic wild-harvested ingredients. The award-winning Nourishing Shampoo—which is suitable for all hair types—brings antioxidants and other potent ingredients that hydrate and strengthen the hair and scalp. The sulfate-free formula uses coconut-derived surfactants that cleanse away debris and excess oil for a satisfying clean.
This True Botanicals Shampoo contains green tea seed oil, which is packed with antioxidants and other nutrients that hydrate while fighting against damaging free radicals. It also features meadowfoam seed oil, another antioxidant-packed oil that moisturizes while preventing brittleness and tangling.
Aloe leaf extract soothes the scalp while locking in moisture. Lemon peel oil, orange peel oil, sweet violet leaf extract, and ylang ylang flower oil create a refreshing citrus and floral scent that lingers on the hair long after you have showered.
The Curiously Clarifying Shampoo from Acure is one of the best natural shampoos for those looking for a more budget-friendly option. This vegan and cruelty-free drugstore shampoo washes away build-up, debris, and excess oil while nourishing to leave the hair and scalp feeling refreshed and strong. It’s also free of a variety of potentially harmful ingredients, including sulfates, parabens, and petrolatum.
The Acure Seriously Clarifying Shampoo features lemongrass, which has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. It also contains fatty acid and nutrient-rich argan oil, which hydrates, boosts elasticity, and repairs the hair for optimal manageability and health. Additionally, this formula uses a wide range of plant extracts that further moisturize and strengthen the hair and scalp, including vitamin-packed blackberry fruit extract, fatty acid-rich avocado oil, soothing aloe barbadensis leaf juice, and refreshing rosemary leaf oil.
If you have an active lifestyle and need a shampoo with some impressive clarifying and skin-soothing power, you’ll want to try this natural shampoo from Kick Active. The Tea Tree Shampoo features eleven high-performance botanicals that minimize scalp itchiness and irritation, balance the skin, moisturize, and support thick and healthy hair. It tackles sweat, debris, and bacteria—without irritating or drying out the scalp and hair.
Of course, the star ingredient in this shampoo is tea tree oil, which has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial effects. This oil calms the skin, fights dandruff, and gets rid of excess oil and buildup. In addition to the tea tree oil, this formula features lavender, eucalyptus, and peppermint oils that soothe, boost shine, and even fight hair loss. Aloe vera, lemongrass, witch hazel, and other natural ingredients further help clarify, moisturize, and strengthen the hair.
For those with color-treated hair, this is one of the absolute best natural shampoos. The Colorlast Shampoo from nature-inspired hair care company Biolage is formulated at a low pH balance, which ensures hair color stays vivid and lasts for a long time. It also cleanses the hair without stripping color or causing irritation or dryness.
This vegan, paraben-free shampoo strengthens and hydrates the hair while protecting it against damaging environmental stressors. One of the key ingredients in this formula is orchid extract. This floral extract is super moisturizing and helps ensure the hair and scalp stay hydrated during cleansing.
If you’re looking to get stronger, smoother, and shinier hair, you’ll want to try this shampoo from natural beauty brand Drunk Elephant. The Cocomino Glossing Shampoo contains botanical ingredients that boost overall hair health and act as heat protectants to prevent damage from styling. This sulfate-free formula uses the power of coconut-derived surfactants to wash away debris without causing damage or irritation or stripping color-treated hair.
This natural formula features fatty acid and antioxidant-rich sacha inchi seed oil, which moisturizes and soothes irritated skin while boosting hair shine and repairing damage. Argan oil, marula oil, and panthenol (pro-vitamin B5) work to further moisturize and increase smoothness while strengthening the hair.
The Cocomino Glossing Shampoo also features polyquaternium-10 and polyquaternium-7, two conditioning agents that detangle, fight frizz, and add shine. Additionally, the formula has amino acids, which absorb into the hair to improve manageability and strength.
A super affordable and effective natural shampoo to check out is the Moisture Boosting Shampoo from Hydratherma Naturals. This paraben-free and pH-balanced shampoo contains ingredients rich in fatty acids and nutrients that hydrate and support the hair and skin for optimal health. It also regulates sebum production and minimizes symptoms of dandruff.
The Moisture Boosting Shampoo features algae and sea kelp extracts, which are rich in vitamins and minerals that soothe the scalp and nourish the hair. A variety of amino acids also work to strengthen the hair, while passion fruit oil, glycerin, and sodium PCA provide hydration to the hair and skin. This Hydratherma Naturals shampoo contains lavender and orange oils, which—in addition to adding to the scent—work to fight inflammation, treat dryness, and promote healthy hair growth.
Mielle Organics made its Pomegranate & Honey Moisturizing and Detangling Shampoo specifically for type 4 hair. This natural, sulfate-free shampoo cleanses without stripping away the skin or hair’s natural moisture and gives type 4 hair the deep moisturization that it needs.
The star ingredients in Mielle Organics’ shampoo are honey and pomegranate seed oil. Honey moisturizes the hair and scalp while soothing skin inflammation. Pomegranate seed oil—which is rich in vitamins and fatty acids—further moisturizes while softening and fighting frizz.
In addition to these two key ingredients, this shampoo contains silk and hydrolyzed wheat proteins, which strengthen the hair and improve elasticity to reduce the risk of breakage and improve the hair’s ability to retain moisture. Murumuru seed butter, babassu oil, glycerin, and additional ingredients further nourish and moisturize.
Briogeo has become one of the most popular clean hair care brands to hit the market, and this gentle shampoo does not disappoint. The vegan and cruelty-free Be Gentle Be Kind Aloe Oat Milk Ultra Soothing Shampoo has a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, and dermatologist-approved formula that is particularly great for those with sensitive skin. This nourishing and hydrating formula contains 99% naturally-derived ingredients and is free of essential oils, gluten, sulfates, silicones, phthalates, parabens, and artificial dyes.
This Briogeo shampoo features antioxidant-rich, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial green tea extract, which protects the skin and hair while soothing irritation for maximum comfort. Aloe vera—which is also an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredient—joins this extract in promoting a calmer scalp.
This fragrance-free shampoo features moisturizing and nourishing oat milk, which provides fatty acids, polysaccharides, and vitamin B. The formula uses other moisturizing ingredients, including meadowfoam seed oil, panthenol, and glycerin. As these powerful ingredients get to work, mild plant-derived surfactants wash away excess oil, debris, and build-up to cleanse without irritating.
This award-winning natural shampoo from Rahua is great for all hair types in need of an extra boost of hydration. The rich formula brings a variety of plant-derived ingredients that strengthen, smooth, minimize frizz, and boost shine while hydrating the scalp.
The Rahua Hydration Shampoo uses morete oil, which provides fatty acids, carotenoids, and vitamins A, C, and E. This nourishing oil protects the hair from damage, including harm caused by UVA rays. This shampoo also contains fatty acid and antioxidant-rich sacha inchi oil, which conditions and locks in moisture, as well as rahua oil, which strengthens and fortifies weak and damaged hair.
This tropical and fruit-scented shampoo contains a wide range of additional extracts that support overall hair health, including mango fruit, passion fruit, aloe barbadensis leaf, and green tea leaf extracts.
This shampoo from Andalou Naturals is another excellent option for anyone looking to create a budget-friendly hair care routine. The Brilliant Shine Sunflower & Citrus Shampoo uses natural ingredients that strengthen and condition the hair so that it is left looking and feeling healthy and shiny. It’s free of sulfates and silicones and is also vegan and cruelty-free.
Like other products by the company, the Andalou Naturals Brilliant Shine Sunflower & Citrus Shampoo uses the power of the brand’s innovative Fruit Stem Cell Science. Stem cells derived from apples and grapes nourish and improve the hair’s strength. Sunflower seed and jojoba seed oils also work to moisturize and fortify the hair and skin, while aloe barbadensis leaf juice soothes and provides extra hydration benefits. Panthenol and hydrolyzed rice protein lock in moisture and improve hair strength for optimal health and longevity.
tgin—which stands for “thank god it’s natural”—is famous for creating high-performance nature-powered formulas for curly, kinky, and wavy hair types. The company’s Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo hydrates and softens the hair and skin while strengthening and protecting the hair from breakage. This sulfate-free formula is cruelty-free and made without parabens or artificial colors.
The Moisture Rich Sulfate-Free Shampoo uses with pro-vitamin B5, which strengthens the hair to minimize breakage. It also improves the hair’s ability to retain moisture. This shampoo additionally features sugar cane extract, which conditions the hair, as well as amla oil, which increases the hair’s moisture retention while removing buildup on the skin. Coconut oil works to cleanse the hair and scalp while moisturizing, nourishing, and stimulating hair growth.
If you’re looking for a product that will balance and purify the hair while boosting shine and smoothness, try this shampoo from WOW Skin Science. The Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo revives the hair and scalp by using plant-derived ingredients to remove build-up, excess oil, and debris. It’s vegan and cruelty-free and made without sulfates, parabens, or silicones.
As you already know, this shampoo uses ethically-sourced raw apple cider vinegar from the Himalayas. This antibacterial and antifungal ingredient heals and treats the scalp while detangling, strengthening, and softening the hair. It also removes debris and build-up from the scalp to reveal shinier and healthier hair.
While the ACV is the star, a variety of other ingredients boost the performance of this shampoo. Panthenol strengthens the hair, while argan and almond oils nourish and moisturize. Saw palmetto extract—which is common in hair thinning products—also works to promote the growth of healthy and full hair.
The Hydrating Hair Wash from men’s grooming company Scotch Porter works to refresh the hair and scalp while hydrating, moisturizing, and strengthening. It has a sophisticated scent, with notes of eucalyptus, lemon, lavender, amber, and cedarwood. This vegan and cruelty-free formula is free of sulfates, phthalates, parabens, and synthetic colors.
This Scotch Porter shampoo uses the power of hydrolyzed kale protein to protect and strengthen the hair and scalp. The formula also features antioxidant-rich horsetail extract. It joins the kale protein in protecting against environmental damage, while also improving scalp circulation, which can boost the health of the hair follicles and promote growth.
The Hydrating Hair Wash also contains mineral-rich nettle extract, which makes the hair appear shinier while improving growth, as well as moisturizing panthenol and glycerin. Another key ingredient worth noting in this natural men’s shampoo is willow bark extract. This plant-derived ingredient exfoliates, removing dead skin cells, buildup, and excess sebum to refresh the hair and scalp.
If you’re looking for a simple yet effective daily shampoo, try out this product from Native. The cruelty-free Native Daily Clean Shampoo contains just ten clean ingredients and is free of sulfates, silicone, parabens, and dyes. This refreshing shampoo comes in the Citrus & Herbal Musk scent, which has notes of orange and lemon.
The Native Daily Clean Shampoo has a super simple ingredient list. It features cellulose-derived polyquaternium-10, which detangles the hair to promote manageability. A blend of coconut oil-derived cleansers works to wash away debris, bacteria, excess oil, and other impurities from the hair and scalp without causing any dryness or irritation.
Honeyskin Organics crafts effective personal care products that partner honey with other natural and organic ingredients. The Gentle Moisturizing Shampoo formula is suitable for all hair types and is even appropriate for those with sensitive skin. This mild formula calms the scalp and moisturizes and strengthens the hair while washing away debris and impurities for a refreshing clean. It’s free of sulfates, parabens, and fragrances, and is also hypoallergenic and cruelty-free.
One of the key ingredients in this natural shampoo is manuka honey, which has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. The honey works as both a humectant and an emollient, helping to condition, moisturize, and soften the hair and skin. It soothes skin irritation for a more comfortable scalp. The Gentle Moisturizing Shampoo features cehami extract, which is rich in antioxidants, and aloe barbadensis leaf juice, which further calms and moisturizes.
For those with fine and thinning hair looking to boost volume, this Avalon Organics shampoo is a great choice. The Biotin B-Complex Thickening Therapy Shampoo contains a blend of natural ingredients that strengthen hair to prevent breakage and loss while building body. It’s vegan and cruelty-free and doesn’t contain any sulfates, phthalates, or synthetic colors and fragrances.
This Avalon Organics shampoo features biotin, which strengthens the hair and minimizes breakage while supporting the hair follicles for optimal hair health. It also contains saw palmetto extract to promote the growth of healthy hair and quinoa protein, which further fortifies the existing hair strands. Vitamin E also provides protection against damaging environmental aggressors.
In addition to these powerful thickening and strengthening ingredients, the formula features a range of botanicals that moisturize and nourish to support overall hair health. This includes aloe barbadensis leaf juice, argan oil, sunflower seed oil, and jojoba seed oil.
Like other Malin+Goetz products, the Moisturizing Shampoo combines high-performance natural ingredients with their innovative technology to deliver the best possible results. This creamy shampoo—which has a fresh and natural neroli and basil scent—strengthens and hydrates the hair while providing a thorough cleanse. This vegan, cruelty-free, and sulfate-free formula is great for dry, damaged, and chemically processed hair.
The Malin+Goetz Moisturizing Shampoo contains panthenol, which locks in moisture and strengthens the hair strands. This formula also features sodium PCA that traps in water to improve softness and manageability. A blend of amino acids also strengthens the hair to repair and prevent future breakage. As all of these ingredients treat dry hair, surfactants derived from coconuts work into a rich and creamy lather, washing away debris and impurities without stripping away the hair or skin’s natural moisture.
The Pure Harmony Hairbath from clean and organic beauty company Innersense is an ideal daily shampoo for anyone with fine or medium hair. It works to increase volume while boosting hair vibrancy, strength, and nourishment. This formula is vegan and cruelty-free and made without sulfates, parabens, silicones, or synthetic fragrances.
This citrus-scented shampoo features vitamin-packed pumpkin seed oil as well as zinc. This oil boosts shine and nourishes the hair and scalp for optimal growth. Another star ingredient is antioxidant-rich green tea extract, which fights against damaging environmental aggressors that can cause stress to the hair and skin. Shea butter and avocado oil provide extra nourishment so that the hair looks and feels its best. To cleanse, the Innersense Pure Harmony Hairbath also contains coconut and rice bran, which gently wash the hair and scalp.
The Black Jamaican Castor Oil Moisture Growth Shampoo from OKAY Pure Naturals gives dry, stressed, and damaged hair the deep moisturization and nourishment that it needs to look and feel great. It also promotes healthy growth for fuller and more voluminous hair.
This daily shampoo uses castor seed oil, which provides fatty acids and antioxidants. This oil moisturizes the hair and scalp while promoting hair growth. The formula also contains nourishing argan oil—which is also introduces antioxidants and fatty acids to the hair—as well as vitamin E. Both of these ingredients soften and strengthen, boost elasticity, and prevent breakage and further damage. They also work to protect the hair from harmful environmental aggressors.
Yes, Chef! winner Emily Brubaker leads the robust culinary program at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa
For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.
Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.
“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”
Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.
For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.
At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.
Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.
The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).
“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.
Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.
“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.
Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.
For more on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and its dining program, please visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.
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
