Neighborhood Guide: San Marcos

The city of San Marcos, nestled along Highway 78 between Escondido and Vista, has an agricultural heritage dating back to the 1850s centered around wine, honey, poultry and dairy production. While San Marcos still has remnants of those roots (such as the family-run Hollandia Dairy), it has now evolved into the educational hub of San Diego’s North County. It’s not only home to California State University San Marcos and Palomar College, but it also has an award-winning K-12 school district. Combine that with its extensive trails and parks (the city is nicknamed “San Parkos”) and its variety of job opportunities, and San Marcos has grown into a popular location for families, outdoor lovers and professionals.

Here’s where to eat, explore and shop next time you’re passing through this North County town.

San Marcos Restaurants and Bars

Eugenio Italian Ristorante

Tucked in a strip mall between a taco shop and boba restaurant, you’ll find the surprisingly authentic Italian restaurant Eugenio. The chef—Eugenio himself—was born in Treviso, Italy, and brings decades of experience from LA, Orange County, Honolulu and Carlsbad restaurants. His menu includes such mouth-watering delights as Wagyu beef carpaccio, lobster bisque, and a long list of fresh pastas and pizzas. Don’t miss the osso buco served over saffron risotto, or the short-rib pasta.

679 South Rancho Santa Fe Road

Brickmans Restaurant & Bar

Overlooking the putting green at Lakehouse Resort on Lake San Marcos you’ll find Brickmans, a relaxed resort eatery that offers elevated cuisine and locally sourced beer and wine. You can start the day with breakfast here—try the steak and egg smash, made with a Brandt beef ribeye, avocado salsa and cotija cheese, or the short rib breakfast tacos. For lunch and dinner, try their signature “steak bombs” or buttermilk-fried calamari before a main meal of a stacked burger or fish and chips. Pair it with a local craft brew or signature cocktail.  

1025 La Bonita Drive

Churchill’s Pub & Grille

When you walk into the divey San Marcos mainstay Churchill’s, you can expect more than typical pub food. The English pub-style restaurant offers not only arguably the most extensive beer list in town (250+ bottled beers from all over the world, 20 draft beers), but also a full menu of English and American fare made well. For starters, their dry rub chicken wings have their own cult following. Other popular dishes are the cottage pie, the beer-battered fish, shrimp and chips, and the sticky toffee pudding.

887 West San Marcos Blvd.

Craft Coast Brewery & Taco Stand

Like so many San Diego breweries, Craft Coast’s San Marcos location is in an industrial park, but don’t let that fool you. The second location of the Oceanside-based restaurant pairs a large craft beer list (usually pretty IPA heavy) with authentic Baja-style tacos, which are so good they might be a bigger draw than the beer. Try the birria or al pastor tacos, or the carne asada nachos, and don’t skip the salsa bar.

1325 Grand Avenue, Unit 100 

Sushi On

This unassuming little spot attached to a Walmart parking lot delivers fresh sushi, high-value lunch specials, and excellent customer service. Sushi On’s specialty rolls are reasonably priced—try the Nordahl Roll, Lemon Wave or El Fuego—and the premium rolls give some unique options (Truffle Lover Roll). The menu has something for everyone: Sushi skeptics can order from a long list of hot plates (e.g., bulgogi, pork katsu), ramen, and bowls, and children can order a kid-size portion of bulgogi or teriyaki.

751 Center Drive, Unit 110

San Elijo Vine & Tap

Inside the charming downtown of the master-planned San Elijo Hills community, you’ll find San Elijo Vine & Tap. This cozy little establishment offers inventive twists on classic foods to pair with your wine and beer. The build-your-own cheese boards are a popular pick, as is the baked brie appetizer and warm loaf of bread served with olive oil and house-made balsamic glaze. You can also try an elevated mac and cheese (like prosciutto bleu cheese) or a buffalo chicken dip. Patrons also love the specials—happy hour, taco Tuesdays and trivia nights. 

1231 Elfin Forest Road West, Suite 110

Manna Heaven BBQ

A spin-off location from the original Manna Heaven BBQ on Convoy Street, this all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue eatery is a popular destination among meat lovers. You simply choose from two menu options, one with several more premium cuts of meat, and they’ll keep bringing marinated meat (like bulgogi), non-marinated meat and seafood as long as you’re cooking and eating it. All the food is served with house-made banchan (Korean side dishes), including kimchi, and you can request sides like dumplings and corn cheese to round out your meal.  

740 Nordahl Road

Fish House Vera Cruz

Nestled between Lemon Grove, Valencia Park, Skyline, and the 94 freeway is the hilly, residential neighborhood of Encanto. Drive around, and you might feel transported to a small town. The chaparral-covered slopes are full of single-family homes and quiet, dead-end streets where locals raise chickens and goats in their backyards. Despite Encanto’s rural charm, the hilltop views of downtown remind you that you’re only 15 minutes away from the city center.

The housing market in the area is on the rise, with the median price of an Encanto home up 13 percent from last year to around $735,000. Beside the trolley tracks, two modern housing developments tower over Imperial Avenue, where nearly all of the neighborhood’s businesses are located. In 2022, the nine-block stretch of Imperial Avenue from 61st Street to 69th Street was designated the San Diego Black Arts & Culture District, part of a plan to revitalize the area and preserve its history. Vibrant murals decorate buildings and electrical boxes.

However, Encanto has faced recent challenges, as well. It was severely impacted by the extreme rainfall in January, which devastated homes and swept cars away in floodwaters. And the local economy is struggling: Interspersed between the taco shops, beauty parlors, and churches are boarded-up storefronts—evidence of what some call a “business desert.” But the area appears to be on the precipice of change.

Encanto is one of San Diego’s most culturally diverse neighborhoods—it was one of the first parts of San Diego where Black and Mexican families were allowed to buy homes, due to discriminatory housing laws in other areas of the city. Local resident David Peña says his grandfather was one of those buyers. He purchased a house in Encanto in 1960 after moving here from Tijuana, and the property has been passed down through the family. “It’s nice how there’s still a lot of land out here,” Peña says. “But it’s crazy how this area is starting to get gentrified.”

Things to Do in Encanto, San Diego

Roll with the Black Lowriders Association

Black lowriding culture has been a part of Southeast San Diego since the 1950s, and the Encanto-based Black Lowriders Association of San Diego is keeping the tradition alive. Members meet in Marie Widman Memorial Park to showcase their classic cars and impressive hydraulics. But they aren’t just here to cruise Imperial—part of their mission statement is to be a positive influence in the area. They organize bike giveaways and charity drives. “I love those guys,” Baraka says. “They are giving back 100 percent to the community.”

Jamaican Bites at Caribbean Taste

Decorated with images of palm trees and sunsets, Caribbean Taste in Trolley Stop Plaza draws a constant stream of customers through its doors. It’s been there almost 20 years, Baraka says, and he knows the owner, Frank, by name. “The jerk chicken is the best I’ve had in San Diego,” he asserts, but he also recommends the goat stew, and, of course, the oxtail. “Caribbean Taste is bomb.”

Great Brisket at Coop’s West Texas BBQ

Although not within Encanto’s borders, this nearby BBQ joint in Lemon Grove is one of Baraka’s favorites. “The brisket is off the chain,” he says. Before he had a storefront, owner Brad Cooper would deliver directly to barber shops and beauty parlors in the area. “I’ve got a lot of respect for Brad,” Baraka adds. “Everybody does.” Coop’s only accepts cash, so come prepared.

Facts About Encanto

• The area’s land was once owned by Abraham Klauber, whose daughter chose the name Encanto (Spanish for “enchantment”) when he was subdividing his property.
• In 1993, the artist Eddie Edwards was commissioned to paint 24 panels depicting life in Encanto. You can still see them hanging from lamp posts on the median of Imperial Avenue.
• In 1994, the Encanto Neighborhood Park was renamed Marie Widman Memorial Park to honor Marie Widman, who advocated for the creation of parks in Southeast San Diego and served as the secretary of the local branch of the NAACP.
• Dennis Newsome, a capoeira master whose studio is on Imperial, was inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame back in 2007 as a “Black Pioneer of African Martial Arts.” He also choreographed fight scenes for the movie Lethal Weapon.
• Encanto was home to the musician and activist Ramon “Chunky” Sanchez, who worked alongside Cesar Chavez and co-founded Chicano Park.

Local Tips for Encanto

The exterior of Imperial Avenue’s World Famous Imperial Barbershop is plastered with murals. The inside is steeped in history. Photos of Black leaders and organizers cover the walls. “That’s Marcus Garvey’s only living son,” says owner Tau Baraka, pointing to one of the frames. “All these people used to come to San Diego, to this area, all the time. I want to see that happen again.”

The barbershop has become a cornerstone of the neighborhood, collecting charity donations and hosting potlucks. As the demographics of the area change, Baraka says, he gets customers of all ethnicities in the shop. “And we give them love; we build friendships,” he continues. “We need to have people from all cultures come together.” Here’s where he likes to gather with the community in Encanto.

What’s Next for Encanto

In 2023, Encanto’s San Diego Black Arts & Culture District announced a partnership with the NewSchool of Architecture & Design in downtown to develop plans for the area’s revitalization. The district, overseen by The San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art, wants to prioritize the arts in these urban development plans by preserving historic buildings and creating spaces for youth creativity, while keeping a focus on the elements of the community that make up the Black experience.

The City of San Diego’s community plan for Encanto, which was adopted in 2015, includes improving the streets and sidewalks, restoring canyon trails, and bringing more businesses back to the area. The new apartment buildings by the trolley tracks are part of that plan—they’re intended to create higher density housing developments along the public transit corridor while maintaining the hillsides full of single-family homes that give the neighborhood its semi-rural character. Marie Widman Memorial Park is due for
a facelift, as well. The city aims to enhance the park with ADA improvements and an upgraded “tot lot.” But these plans are still in the preliminary engineering phase, and funding has yet to be secured.

The changes aren’t limited to Imperial Avenue. In March, a 30,493-square-foot lot at 6353 Broadway sold for $1.35 million. The only building at the address is an abandoned church, but the property is permitted for the development of 11 accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Baraka says that the gentrification in the area is a double-edged sword. “People with businesses may look at it as prosperous, but a lot of people who have been here for years are scared of the change,” he explains. But his vision for the future is optimistic. “I love the people, I know what [Encanto] can become,” he says. “It was once a vibrant cultural place—we can do that again.”

Where to Eat in Encanto

Vaqueros Carne Asada

The Mental Bar

Bambino’s Pizza & Deli

Where to Shop in Encanto

The Avenue

Lemon Grove Antique Mall

Spring Valley Swap Meet

More Things to Do in Encanto

Kuumba Fest

Ringer’s Roller Rink

Art by Maxx Moses

El Cajon (Spanish for “the box,” so named because it is “boxed in” by foothills on all sides) served as fertile ranchland for decades before being incorporated in 1912. Once a sleepy farming town, the city is now the largest in East County, housing more than 100,000 residents and an unrecognized wealth of eateries (especially of the Mediterranean and Middle Eastern variety), shops, and visitor-friendly farms and gardens. 

Here’s where to explore next time you’re in El Cajon:

El Cajon Restaurants & Bars

Ali Baba Family Restaurant

This Mediterranean spot known for its big portions offers excellent bang for your buck. Try Ali Baba’s chicken tekka, pompano fish with rice, and tannour bread. Feeding a crowd? Order a feast for up to ten people with kabab skewers, shawarma, cream chop, salad, rice, burghul, and hummus. 

421 East Main Street

Sahara: Taste of the Middle East

At this haven for Middle Eastern bites, start with hummus, tabbouleh, and cucumber salad and follow with kabobs, chicken tikka, or falafel. Drench it all with unlimited sauces from the Sahara‘s self-serve bar.

2990 Jamacha Road, Unit 116

The Breakfast House

Stepping inside this quaint breakfast spot feels like traveling back to a 1950s diner. The extensive menu at The Breakfast House offers nearly every classic American breakfast dish imaginable, as well as lunch choices like salads and sandwiches. 

1464 Graves Avenue

Royal Sweets

Royal Sweets offers not only royally good Middle Eastern desserts, but also a variety of other pastries and cakes. Stop by for baklava, tiramisu, or gelato, or order a custom birthday cake that is sure to impress. 

110 South Mollison Avenue

Grand Ole BBQ Flinn Springs

Inspired by the BBQ he ate in his youth, Andy Harris bought a smoker and set out to bring the flavors of Central Texas to San Diego County. Make sure to arrive early at Grand Ole BBQ to beat the long lines and get your share of some of the best pork, brisket, ribs, and sides the city has to offer. 

15505 Olde Highway 80

Funky Fries and Burgers

Funky Fries and Burgers lives up to its name with creative combos like a bacon mac n’ cheese burger and a Philly cheesesteak burger, but the true stars of the show are the extravagant milkshakes. Piled precariously high, each “Funky Freak Shake” is topped with enough candy and treats to feed a first-grade birthday party.

101 West Washington Avenue

Hacienda Casa Blanca

Happy hour and Mexican food go together like peanut butter and jelly, especially at Hacienda Casa Blanca, which offers sweet deals Monday through Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. and all day on Sunday. They also serve brunch on Sunday mornings, laying down chilaquiles and huevos rancheros. 

700 North Johnson Avenue, Suite A

Antonelli’s Deli

The Antonelli family brought their classic, East Coast–style deli to California in 1984. Tucked away between motor shops in El Cajon, the old-school locale has almost 50 unique sandwich options, including capocollo subs, liverwurst sandos, and a French dip.

1354 North Magnolia Ave

Burning Beard Brewing Company

Head to Burning Beard for punk rock vibes and good brews, from hoppy IPAs and lagers to seltzers. Pair your drink of choice with bites like smashburgers, truffle and garlic fries, and chicken tenders.

785 Vernon Way

The Yogurt Mill

The Yogurt Mill vends a rotating menu of classic fro-yos such as vanilla and strawberry, plus more off-the-wall flavors: toasted marshmallow, Irish mint kiss, banana cream pie. Keep an eye on their Instagram page to get the inside scoop on the flavors of the day.

935 Broadway

Al Azayem

If you find yourself craving stuffed chicken, breakfast lentil soup, or baba ganoush, head to Al Azayem. The Middle Eastern dishes at this counter-serve joint come with a small price tag and a big flavor profile. 

550 East Main Street

Mal Al Sham

In addition to popular Mediterranean eats like falafel, pitas, and meat kabobs, Mal Al Sham serves the hard-to-find quzi—a roasted lamb and rice platter that’s one of Iraq’s national dishes—on weekends and holidays.

388 East Main Street

Things to Do in El Cajon

Summers Past Farms

Stop by Summers Past Farms to see what the farmers are planting, harvesting, and crafting. There are shops, gardens, and wildlife to explore here, and the farm can serve as a background to any photo shoot, as it changes each season depending on what plants are growing. 

15602 Olde Highway 80

Water Conservation Garden

The Water Conservation Garden offers fun ways to learn about saving H2O. Play and learn with the six-acre farm’s four hands-on exhibits, or simply observe the beautiful landscape as inspiration for your own home garden. 

12122 Cuyamaca College Drive West

Olaf Wieghorst Museum & Western Heritage Center

Self-taught artist Olaf Wieghorst, born Denmark in 1988, drew upon the aesthetics of the American West in his paintings of landscapes, humble abodes, cowboys, and lonely travels. This museum honors Wieghorst and fellow Western genre painters with exhibitions, workshops, and tours.

131 Rea Avenue

Sycuan Casino

El Cajon is home to Sycuan, a resort and casino to rival those in Sin City. Get gaming, attend a concert, or relax at Sycuan’s full-service spa and lazy river pool. You’ll also find a wealth of dining choices, including pizza, Mexican food, and steak.

5469 Casino Way

A Simpler Time Alpaca Farm and Mill

Alpacas never make the list of oft-spotted wildlife in San Diego, but this family farm on the outskirts of El Cajon provides private tours that give you the chance to get up close and personal with the critters. Don’t forget to browse the store, where you can purchase yarn, clothes, accessories, toys, and dryer balls spun from alpaca wool.

1802 Alta Place

Parkway Bowl

Reserve at this family-owned El Cajon bowling alley and entertainment center for an evening of all-ages fun. Not a fan of bowling? Hit the arcade, play a round or two of billiards, or grab a meal and drink at the in-house restaurant and bar. 

1280 Fletcher Parkway

El Cajon Shopping & Boutiques

Off the Shelf Games

Board game store and tabletop lounge Off the Shelf offers table reservations and a retail shop with a unique library of more than 1,500 games. Join the shop’s membership program to enjoy three-day board game rentals for $20 a month and $6 a game.

173 Fletcher Parkway

El Cajon Guitars and Music

Owned and operated by musicians Maria Hart and Frank Cogliana, El Cajon Guitars and Music is a friendly, community-driven spot for both guitar newbies and seasoned shredders. In addition to vending instruments and accessories, the store provides instrument repairs and guitar classes.

172 East Main Street

Harvest International Market

Taste flavors from around the world at the Harvest International Market, a one-stop shop for fresh local produce and imported goods. Visitors will discover a tasty Middle Eastern bakery onsite, too.

733 East Main Street

Parkway Plaza

A rare enclosed mall in SD County (good for rainy days!), Parkway Plaza is home to more than 130 stores, from major chains like Best Buy, Ulta, and H&M to small local businesses such as 619 Underground Clothing.

415 Fletcher Parkway

Comics N Stuff

Calling all comic fanatics: San Diego’s largest comic and collectibles shop is right here in El Cajon. Expand your comic collection with fairly priced, new and vintage books.

1020 El Cajon Boulevard

Ocean Beach is the quintessential laid-back, free-spirited California beach town. While much of its retro culture has persisted through the decades, OB has also welcomed many modern restaurants, bars, and shops, attracting a new generation of food lovers and sandy surfers. 

Here’s where to chow down, hang out, and gear up next time you’re wandering Newport Avenue and its nearby streets.

Ocean Beach Restaurants & Bars

Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer Co.

If you’re craving some warm, tasty, and cheesy comfort food, stop by Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer Co. Get their original grilled cheese and tomato soup, or mix it up with a breakfast sando, a meaty “cheezer,” or a basket of deep-fried cheddar cubes. 

4871-B Newport Avenue

The Template

Zebra print couches, ivy-covered bird cages hanging from the ceiling, a dinosaur skeleton sculpture… this is not your mama’s coffee shop. The Template offers creative lattés, as well as a kava bar, and hosts live music jam sessions on Monday nights. 

5032 Niagara Avenue

OB Noodle House

OB Noodle House is a popular local spot for Asian-fusion dishes like steak phở and fried rice. It’s also where the Screwball peanut butter whiskey shot originated, and it was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If Guy gives his blessing, you know it’s gotta be good. 

2218 Cable Street

Hodad’s

Since opening in 1969, Hodad’s has been a neighborhood staple for a classic burger and fries. Enjoy your meal in a retro-looking space with license plates, colorful stickers, and surfboards covering every inch of the walls and booths. 

5010 Newport Avenue

Kilowatt Brewing

You know the feeling of sitting in a dark, dull bar, looking around, and thinking… Now what? Well, those days of sipping your beer in boredom are over. At Kilowatt Brewing, you can play giant Jenga, participate in weekly trivia, exercise your creativity on a massive Lite-Brite board, and take down your friends in Battleship, all while enjoying craft brews under neon lights. 

1875 Cable Street

Azúcar

For both sweet and savory pastries, visit Azúcar, a Cuban-style patisserie in the heart of OB. There are dozens of options to choose from, but make sure to try the Cubano sandwich, guava and cheese pastry, and meat pies. 

4820 Newport Avenue

Blue Water Seafood

Serving only local fish, Blue Water Seafood is a popular spot for locals to come grab a fun cocktail alongside chipotle butter–doused shrimp tacos or yellowtail sashimi. Added bonus: You can enjoy the catch of the day with a view of the waves.

5083 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite 2B

The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro

You get the best of both worlds at The 3rd Corner. The spot is half wine shop and half trendy bistro, so you can explore the store’s extensive vino selection before bringing your bottle over for dinner with a mere $5 corkage fee. 

2265 Bacon Street

Lighthouse Ice Cream

Whether you’re 5 or 95, the best way to end a day in the sun is with a massive ice cream cone in hand. Luckily, Lighthouse Ice Cream is only a few steps from the beach and offers a wealth of fun ice cream and sorbet flavors, including a hot waffle ice cream sandwich. 

5059 Newport Avenue, Suite 102

Wonderland Ocean Pub

At Wonderland Ocean Pub, you can enjoy delicious tacos, burgers, and cocktails with a perfect view of the waves. On Mondays, the restaurant lays down local mussels in four different sauces for $10 a pound.

5083 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite 2B

It’s Raw Poke Shop

A no-frills, counter-service shop, It’s Raw Poke Shop has made a name in the community for its fresh, delicious fish and edamame and mac salad sides, all served just steps away from the sand. Don’t expect tons of toppings here: It’s Raw serves poke lightly dressed over rice.

4991 Newport Avenue, Suite A

The Holding Company

Located in a three-story building in the heart of OB, The Holding Company is a music venue, restaurant, and rooftop bar all wrapped up in one, ensuring you don’t need to go anywhere else for your night out on the town. You can even come back the next morning for a bloody mary and eggs benny to cure your hangover. 

5046 Newport Avenue

Raglan Public House

Head over to Raglan Public House for New Zealand–inspired burgers and craft beers and cocktails. Popular dishes include the wagyu smash burger, seared rare ahi tuna burger, and classic NZ meat pies and chips. 

1851 Bacon Street

La Doña

Quality Mexican cuisine? Check. Good vibes? Check. Woman-owned? Check. Head chef and owner Gabby Lopez draws from the flavors of Guadalajara and Baja California. Enjoy a spicy marg and ceviche al fresco on La Doña’s shaded outdoor patio. 

1852 Bacon Street

The Olive Tree Market

If you don’t have enough time for a sit-down meal on your way to the shore, stop at The Olive Tree Market, a local spot for craft beer and wine, basic groceries, and legendary deli sandwiches. Seriously. Your beach picnic will never be the same.

4805 Narragansett Avenue 

West of downtown San Diego sits Point Loma, a rugged peninsula known for top-notch food and shopping. As the landing place of the first European expedition in California and, later, the US military’s first San Diego foothold, the area has a complex history, much of it on display at Cabrillo National Monument and other local preserves and museums. Next time you’re nearby, check out some of our favorite spots to eat, shop, play, and learn in our Point Loma neighborhood guide.

Point Loma Restaurants & Bars

Cesarina

Named after its chef, Cesarina Mezzoni, who founded the restaurant with two fellow Italian natives, Cesarina offers classic plates and ample vegan options in an airy space where staff makes fresh pasta and pastries before diners’ eyes.

4161 Voltaire Street

Jennings House Eatery

The oldest house in Point Loma is now a cozy café vending breakfast, salads, and sandwiches (including gluten-free bread and pastries). Out to eat, but up against a work deadline? Rent a desk in their co-working space for 15 percent off your meal. 

1018 Rosecrans Street

Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens

Prepare to spend a full afternoon at Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station—in addition to an eclectic menu and a bar with 40 taps, the legendary local brewhouse boasts a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space, and garden. 

2816 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 116

Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle

Perched on a tiny fishing pier, Fathom Bistro, Bait, and Tackle serves craft beer and bar bites, as well as the opportunity to watch anglers aim for the perfect catch. Try one of Fathom’s four housemade sausages, including the veggie-stuffed chicken pot pie frank.

1776 Shelter Island Drive

Point Loma Seafoods

A longtime SD institution (it touched down in the city in 1963), Point Loma Seafoods draws on generational recipes to craft the soups and sauces that accompany the restaurant’s fried fish, sushi, tacos, and shellfish cocktails.

2805 Emerson Street

Liberty Public Market

Picky friend groups, you’re in luck. With more than 30 teeny eateries, this popular food hub has a plate for every palate, plus communal seating where you can reconvene. Not much is a miss here, but Filipino spot White Rice and The Mini Donut Company are must-tries. 

2820 Historic Decatur Road

Con Pane Rustic Breads and Cafe

Con Pane’s team arrives onsite at 1 a.m. every day to bake levain loaves in a French stone hearth. Pick up a week’s supply of artisanal bread or settle in for a pastry or sandwich with a cup of joe from San Diego roaster Cafe Moto.

2750 Dewey Road, Suite 105

Supannee House of Thai

This laidback lunch and dinner spot serves curries and stir-fries, as well as Thai classics like larb, tom yum, and green papaya salad. Artfully arranged and crowned with flowers, the restaurant’s dishes are almost too pretty to eat. 

2907 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 110

Bali Hai

Since its opening in 1954, this famous Shelter Island spot has laid down more than 2.7 million deceptively strong mai tais. Enjoy Polynesian-inspired plates and waterfront views under the watchful eye of “the Goof,” the eatery’s iconic tiki mascot.

2230 Shelter Island Drive

Harbor Town Pub

Drop by this family-friendly pub for generous portions and a surprisingly robust list of craft cocktails, plus weekly BBQ slider nights, trivia, taco Tuesdays, and karaoke. The little ones can drop quarters in the arcade while grown-ups have a pint or two from Harbor Town’s 16 taps.

1125 Rosecrans Street

The Wine Pub

Grab the leash—this spot for light bites and full glasses welcomes pups on its heated patio (and provides a special menu just for them). The Wine Pub also hosts local musicians, trivia nights, and wine-centric trips to Valle de Guadalupe. 

2907 Shelter Island Drive, Suit 108

Point Loma Shops & Boutiques

Paru Tea Bar

Paru sells loose-leaf teas, many sourced from small-batch tea gardens in Asia, and mills matcha in-house. Schedule a tea tasting in store, or sign up for a subscription to get three new teas sent to your home each month.

3034 Cañon Street

En Concordia

The staff at plant boutique En Concordia are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to figuring out what leafy new pal best suits your lifestyle and your home’s light. They also offer homewares, toys, and pantry items ideal for gifting.

3028 Cañon Street

Rare Bloom Boutique

The hallmarks of breezy coastal style—lightweight knits, wide-legged pants, flowy sundresses—are available at Rare Bloom. Once you’re outfitted like a lifetime San Diegan, pick up some California-inspired goodies for your home, too.

2841 Cañon Street, Unit G

Sea Hive Station

Buzz by Sea Hive Station to browse gifts, homewares, clothing, and accessories from more than 150 San Diego-based brands and small businesses. On every second Sunday of the month, the store hosts an outdoor vintage market. 

2750 Dewey Road, Suite 103

La Playa Books

Searching for a read that’ll keep you turning pages into the wee hours? Head to La Playa, a women-owned shop vending new and used books. Join one of their two book clubs (including one that centers wine) to befriend fellow bibliophiles.

1026 Rosecrans Street

Rekindle Pottery

Hit Rekindle Pottery for wall art, home décor, dinnerware, and more (as well as private pottery lessons for aspiring artists). To shop in person, you’ll have to book an appointment, but you can browse the collection online at any time.

2770 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 208

Shop Moniker

After grabbing a coffee or cocktail at Moniker General, mosey over to the retail side to peruse men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, home goods, and personal care items. Stock up on their hand-poured candles as fail-proof housewarming presents.

2860 Sims Road

Things to Do in Point Loma

Cabrillo National Monument

In addition to being one of Point Loma’s best scenic viewpoints, Cabrillo National Monument offers visitors the chance to learn about the historic significance of the area, explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, take a hike on the Bayside Trail, and spot marine critters in the tide pools. 

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive

The Pearl Hotel

With 23 rooms lining an oyster-shaped pool, the Robert Platt–designed Pearl Hotel earns its name. On Wednesday nights, tune into a cult classic film poolside as part of the 64-year-old resort’s “dive-in” movie series.

1410 Rosecrans Street

The Monsaraz San Diego

Sitting near Fisherman’s Landing, this Portuguese-influenced, mid-century modern hotel is a pet-friendly Hilton property home to Dark Horse Coffee, a local roaster, and Westley, a coastal-inspired restaurant and bar.

1451 Rosecrans Street

NTC Arts and Culture District

Liberty Station’s former Naval Training Center now houses oodles of artsy opportunities. Galleries, nonprofits, art supply stores, theaters, music studios, and restaurants call the arts and culture district home, hosting local pieces and performances.

2820 Roosevelt Road, Suite 201

The Bar Method

Tone up with this boutique fitness studio’s low-impact workout classes, which incorporate elements of pilates, yoga, and ballet to strengthen your muscles, keep your heart pumping, and create community among attendees.

3125 Rosecrans Street, Suite B

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

A favorite date spot among locals, the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park affords visitors spectacular sea views and access to tide pools. From mid-December to April, keep an eye on the water for passing gray whales headed toward Alaska.

Ladera Street

New Americans Museum

Liberty Station’s New Americans Museum celebrates and explores America’s immigrant past, present, and future through art exhibitions, verbal history lessons, and social-impact initiatives with a goal of creating connections between cultures and combating racism and intolerance. 

2825 Dewey Road, Suite 102