Much as you’ll want to, you can’t move into Thread Spun, a sustainably minded Encinitas boutique on North Coast Highway. But you can stock up on beautifully made, thoughtfully curated homewares, apparel, accessories, personal care items, and goodies for kids to turn your own abode into the closest approximation, knowing you’re doing good in the process—Thread Spun donates two percent of its sales to charitable causes. Excellent excuse to pick up a seabuckthorn facial serum for yourself when you grab beaded coasters for your bestie’s birthday.
Best Retail Relocation
REI
Every climber’s favorite store just got fresh digs: North County’s REI moved from Encinitas to Carlsbad in the La Costa Town Square in February. The grand-opening ceremony included free camping mugs, activities, and a ribbon-chopping ceremony (starring an axe instead of scissors)—a fitting debut for an adventure-focused outpost in one of America’s outdoorsiest cities. Stop by for anything you might need to live your best life al fresco, whether that means an off-the-grid camping trip or a day at the beach with a reusable water bottle and a nice, new umbrella.
Courtesy of Architectural Salvage
Best Spot to Source Century-Old Doorknobs
Architectural Salvage
Egyptian doors from the Napoleonic era, North Park street lamps from the early 1900s, and 100-year-old Hungarian workbenches are just a few of the eclectic treasures you’ll find at Architectural Salvage. Walking into the home and building materials shop feels like stepping into a real life I Spy book—a world of whimsy packed with storied relics. Formerly located in Little Italy, the beloved store reopened this past November in a new Barrio Logan location. Whether you’re giving an antique a second life or hunting for a hidden gem, this spot delivers surprises you didn’t know your home needed.
In February, heaven on earth for toy lovers and collectors—Replay Toys—moved from Ray Street into a newer and larger location on University Avenue in North Park. Mom of two Kim Nabours started selling her kids’ old playthings at the swap meet 14 years ago. Her side hustle turned to a permanent brick-and-mortar where kids can pick out new and used toys and grown-ups can chase down rare collectibles and nostalgic mementos.
Get out your grimoire—North Park’s Datura (named after a lovely but hallucinogenic and potentially deadly f lower) carries everything you need for witchy business: candles and crystals, incense and oils, plus more than 200 different dried herbs and plants. Seeking shatavari for boosting libido? Gentian root for better intuition? Frankincense for warding off the haters? It’s all here.
People call Uniqlo the “Japanese Gap” for a reason: It’s an affordable, reliable, wildly popular source of wardrobe staples. So, last year, when the first San Diego location opened at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, the 1,000-person crowd that gathered at its grand opening celebration came as no surprise. The store had a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a taiko drum performance, and even Japanese pastries and tea. Now, the beloved store will unveil an outpost at Fashion Valley Mall later this year. Get in line early.
Courtesy of Maxwell’s House of Books
Best Bookshop That’s Old Enough To Drink
Maxwell’s House of Books
Maxwell’s House of Books’ 22-year tenure in La Mesa makes perfect sense once you learn that owner Craig Maxwell’s grandpa Vernon Wahrenbrock ran the iconic Wahrenbrock’s Book House in downtown for more than seven decades. Maxwell’s packed used book emporium stocks rare editions and budget-friendly finds alike across genres. While you’re digging for your next read, don’t forget to say hi to the shop’s most esteemed bibliophile: its chubby resident cat.
Best Rose-Scented Ode
David’s Daughter
A surefire way to brighten a loved one’s day? Flowers—especially ones as thoughtful and artfully arranged as the bouquets at David’s Daughter in North Park. Owner Chandler Rossi named the chic, welcoming shop in memory of her father, a fellow florist and lifelong inspiration. Offering custom or premade arrangements, floral subscriptions, cute knick-knacks, and collaborative workshops like Pilates & Petals, David’s Daughter purveys everything you need to express sympathy, say thank you to a devoted family member, or help a new romance bloom.
Everyone knows the classic sunset spots in San Diego like La Jolla Cove and Sunset Cliffs, the tourist traps we both love and hate. But what about the hidden gems, the quiet corners where you can actually enjoy the view without a camera crew? Here are seven underrated spots that are not necessarily undiscovered, but where it feels like the sun sets just for you.
Photo Credit: Cole Novak
Torrey Pines Glider Point
La Jolla
I’ll be honest, this spot isn’t exactly a secret—but it’s absolutely worth the semi-crowded parking. With Scripps Pier and La Jolla Cove as your stunning backdrop and gliders literally swooping right over you, it makes for a thrilling sunset. Everyone picks their favorite spot to take in the view, but if you’re looking for a little more solitude, just wander further out right. If you’re feeling unusually social, stick closer to the glider launch area where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a small DJ set as the sun dips.
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla
La Jolla Hermosa Park
La Jolla
Are locals gatekeeping this park? Maybe, but you can see why. Hermosa Park is a small spot with just a picnic table and a few benches, but that’s what makes the sunsets here feel personal. It’s a great alternative to Windansea Beach since it’s so close (if you do go to Windansea, hit up the far left corner at Neptune and Palomar). Plus, you might actually get to hear the waves and birds instead of just the crowd.
Right off Law Street in Pacific Beach, you’ll find a grass area dedicated to sunset yoga and picnic enthusiasts. Bring a blanket, relax, and take in the popular view of the Pacific Beach pier and surfers without it being shoulder to shoulder. Whether you’re practicing yoga poses, finally diving into that book on your nightstand, or sipping a glass of rosé, this spot welcomes your most laid-back self.
4960 Ocean Blvd, San Diego
Mt. Helix
La Mesa
With a 360-degree view of San Diego, it’s a guaranteed sunset lover’s dream. Drive to the top, blast your favorite sunset playlist, and take in the sparkling city lights. Mt. Helix exudes reflection and renewal, and there are even candlelight symphony concerts with a string quartet. It’s peaceful, and isn’t that what a sunset is all about?
4901 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa
Garbage Beach
Sunset Cliffs
I know, just hear me out. I won’t deny that Sunset Cliffs has some of the most stunning sunsets in San Diego, but those cliffs can get jam-packed. Did you know Sunset Cliffs has its own beach? Right beneath those towering cliffs lies Garbage Beach. Despite the name, this beach offers the same breathtaking views as the cliffs, but with less than half the crowd. While the trek down can be steep, the best time to visit is at low tide when the tide pools are out. This spot is for all you mountain climbers, surfers, and swimmers.
705 Cornish Dr, San Diego (small parking lot near the corner of Ladera Street and Cornish Drive, with a stairwell going down to the shore)
Calumet Park
La Jolla
Fuzzy dogs and small families with bubbles might just be the best part of a Calumet Park sunset. This cozy neighborhood gem in Bird Rock features a dirt trail at the north end that leads down for some low-tide exploring. And, just when you think it can’t get any better, you realize how close you are to the charming downtown area of Bird Rock, where you can pick up pizza and stroll along the mini stretch of La Jolla Boulevard that feels like a town straight out of a book.
5424 Calumet Rd, La Jolla
Courtesy of City of Coronado
Harborview Park
Coronado
Need a break from the busyness at Hotel Del Coronado or Bayview Park? Harborview Park in Coronado is the spot to unwind. It’s a pocket with great views of the bay, the towering downtown skyline, and the waterfront. What more could you ask for? And, if you’re into photography (or just need a new profile picture), this is the perfect backdrop, complete with boats sailing under the Coronado Bridge against a pink and orange sky.
Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.
Sure, San Diego has its picturesque hikes. Its beautiful scenic hikes where you can contemplate the exquisiteness of our surroundings and remind yourself that this is why your rent or mortgage is so high. It also has fun hikes, social hikes, hikes where you can bring your parents, your kids, and your friends who don’t usually exercise.
But sometimes you just really want a challenge. A butt-busting workout that will leave you panting and make your wearable device very happy with your step count and heart rate.
Luckily, the San Diego region has plenty of these hikes, too. But there are some cautions. Before attempting any of them, make sure you are ready—that you’ve done some easier hikes in the region and have a good base of fitness. Also bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and go early in the morning on days that will not be as hot.
Courtesy of AllTrails
El Cajon Mountain Trail – 11.6 Miles
For most hikers, the El Cajon Mountain Trail is really the epitome of challenging hikes in the region. Some like to call it El Capitain, or El Cap, not to be confused with the far taller mountain in Yosemite. But this hike still has lots of steep climbs, and it’s not just a steady uphill, but times where you climb down and then up again to make it to the summit. The trail is rocky at times as well, with big boulders to cover. But if you make it to the top, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something significant. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.
Even if you don’t make it all the way, you can stop at any of the saddles on the trail and take in the panoramic views. But be prepared, you will definitely feel sore the next day.
Directions: Start at the parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road.
Distance: 11.6 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Allowed
Details: The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The trail is closed in August due to the heat.
Courtesy of San Diego Parks & Recreation
Mt Gower Open Space Preserve – 9.8 Miles
Mount Gower Open Space Preserve is a massive space in Ramona, and has a few trails that are very challenging but with seriously stunning views. The open space covers 1,574 acres, and has the trail to Mount Gower summit. The summit itself does not actually fall in the preserve—that’s in Cleveland National Forest. But you can reach it on the trail that goes through the preserve. And the viewpoints along the way make the long journey worth it.
There are multiple routes to take to the top. If you follow the southern trail, you get the best views of the San Vicente Valley below.
Directions: Start at the parking lot at the end of Gunn Stage Road.
Distance: 9.8 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
Details: The parking lot doesn’t open until 9 a.m., but if you want to start earlier, you can park outside the gate. That adds an extra 0.25 miles to your hike. Also, be on the lookout for poison oak, which is sometimes found along the trail.
Courtesy of AllTrails
Black Mountain in Ramona – 14.5 Miles
Another very challenging but rewarding hike in Ramona is Black Mountain. This is not to be confused with the smaller Black Mountain near Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a far easier hike. Sometimes it’s called Big Black Mountain to make the distinction. The trail takes you past a variety of trees and plant life, including oak groves and chaparral, as well one of the biggest growths of Engelmann Oak, a threatened species.
You can start the climb from the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail, which is also open to off-road vehicles, but is always open for hiking. In the rainy months, this road can get very muddy, so be warned.
Directions: From downtown Ramona, follow Pamo Road to the gated Forest Service Road entrance. Park along Pamo Road.
Distance: 14.5 miles roundtrip
Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
Details: Be prepared for mud in the winter and spring. There are no bathrooms at the parking lot or on the trail.
Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Matt Furman Photography
Building the Infrastructure Behind Clean Energy
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Developing Medicine One Patient at a Time
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Matt Furman Photography
Growing a Beach-Town Brand into a National Business
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
Everything SD
SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 (Updated Aug 21, 2023)
The Best Independent Local Bookstores in San Diego
From new and used books to classics, modern romances, memoirs, and sci-fi, discover your next favorite read at these local gems
Courtesy of Verbatim Books
By Jenna Miller, Cole Novak
San Diego is a haven for book lovers. How do we know? It’s full of charming, local bookstores whose shelves sag under the weight of literary treasures new and used. Stephen King nailed it when he said that “books are a uniquely portable magic.” So, whether you’re heading to the airport, your couch, or the beach, stop by one of these bookshops and pick up a bit of magic. Just make sure to pack extra sunscreen if you’re beach bound—there’s no telling how long you might be under the spell of a good read.
Courtesy of Bluestocking Books
Bluestocking Books
Hillcrest
This quirky Hillcrest establishment is a go-to for used books, from Shakespeare and Atwood to contemporary titles. Bluestocking also offers a trade-in program, letting you swap old reads for store credit to fuel your next literary adventure. Time to start rummaging!
Tucked away in Point Loma, La Playa Books has been a bookworm’s paradise since 2016, offering a trove of new, used, and antique books. The store also hosts a variety of community events, including the Cookbook Club; Shhh, We’re Reading quiet book club; and a virtual book club where caffeinated discussions unfold via Zoom every first Monday of the month.
Located in the heart of North Park, Verbatim Books is the local epicenter for book lovers. Marked by an eye-catching mural of the shop’s name spelled in worn volumes, the shop is home to a diverse mix of used titles, including a handful of local authors looking to build a readership. Stop by for its monthly poetry open mics and its Books in the Park til Dark meetup every third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bird Park. Verbatim also buys used books and hosts book fairs, so consider trading in those tattered, secondhand Kurt Vonnegut copies… for some more Kurt Vonnegut?
As one of San Diego’s oldest family-owned bookshops, Warwick’s deserves its own history volume: It debuted in Minnesota in 1896; reopened in Waterloo, Iowa in 1916; and finally made its way to La Jolla in 1939. Today, this iconic shop frequently hosts author events, book signings, and readings with renowned authors, including Pulitzer-Prize winners and former presidents. Local book clubs can also score discounts by purchasing their reading lists in-store!
Few bookstores can say they started off as a book lover’s blog, as this South Park shop did. Owner Seth Marko went from chronicling 117 days of reading James Patterson on his site, now titled The Old School Book Catapult, to launching a bookstore seven years later. The Book Catapult slings a variety of new titles, like Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s Long Island Compromiseand, soon, Sally Rooney’s highly anticipated Intermezzo. The shop also partners with businesses like Communal Coffee to host informal, java-fueled book discussions each month.
Meet Cute is a queer-owned bookstore specializing in romance novels from writers like Gabrielle Zevin, Rebecca Yarros, and Bonnie Garmus. After outgrowing its original North Park location, the shop relocated to a more spacious spot in La Mesa earlier this year. Outside of books, the shop offers an array of chic stationary including notebooks, totes, mugs, and greeting cards, in a variety of pastel colors. For a literary surprise, try out their mystery book specials or their surprise care package tailored to your reading interests. And that’s not all—the shop boasts its own podcast, the Meet Cute BookPod, featuring in-store interviews and panels with like-minded authors and editors.
Located in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood, Libélula Books & Co stands as an independent bastion, dedicated to fostering representation, accessibility, and community empowerment through literature. Owners Jesi and Celi have curated a collection of new and used books in both English and Spanish, echoing the diversity of their local community. Peruse an array of books, graphic novels, and social justice literature that reaches to the ceiling, accompanied by the charming presence of the store’s friendly resident cats. In an era where giants like Barnes & Noble and Borders have faded, Libélula shines as a refreshing beacon, giving voice and power to local communities, indigenous stories, LGBTQ voices, and independent writers.
Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Address: 950 South 26th Street, Barrio Logan
Camino Books
Del Mar
Founded in 1989, Camino Books (formerly DIESEL) originated in Northern California and has brought its love of reading to Brentwood and Del Mar. A sanctuary for readers of all ages, the store features an expansive children’s section, inviting young minds to immerse themselves in the world of literature. Camino also offers a captivating selection of signed books and frequently hosts author meet-and-greets and book fairs and even orchestrates virtual events for its wider audience.
Bay Books, a staple in Coronado, ought to be on your San Diego book crawl itinerary. With a wide selection of books, journals, greeting cards, and magazines, you’ll find plenty more than beach reads to stuff into your bag. If your hands aren’t completely occupied with reading material on the way out, grab an iced coffee or a tea latte from the hole-in-the-wall cafe next door. Island residents, you’re in luck: Bay Books shop provides free shipping to your door.
Lose yourself in a galaxy far, far away… as far as the Midway District, anyway. Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore transports you to worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery at this habitat for bookworms. Delve into fictional worlds with the shop’s monthly Young Adult book club (every fourth Friday), General Book Discussion (every third Wednesday), or Romance book club (every second Sunday) to get your literary discussion fix.
From the Marine Room, I paddle through the surf break, trying not to get knocked into the water. Once through, I stand on my stand-up paddleboard (SUP), navigating the next set of challenges: avoiding the groups of snorkelers directly in front of me, and then the flotilla of kayakers working their way from La Jolla Shores in the direction of the sea caves—each of us connecting with the ocean in our own way.
At a little over one square mile in size and reaching offshore depths of some 330 feet, the area between the shores and La Jolla Cove is technically a marine protected area called the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. Under the surface of the water, you might spot sea lions and seals, leopard sharks, garibaldi and other fishes, various kinds of rays, lobsters, and possibly even moray eels. Above water, winged creatures like brown pelicans and egrets dart through the skies. One of the joys of snorkeling here is when you spot a Brandt’s cormorant “flying” underwater, fishing for a meal.
Photo Credit: James Murren
Past most of the snorkelers and in front of the flotilla, I turn south and head over to where the water is more open and less hectic. After 10 minutes or so, with the leash wrapped around my ankle, I squat down and straddle my SUP. Then, I secure my paddle through the accompanying loops on the side of the board. Strapped under the SUP’s bungee webbing are my snorkel, mask, and fins. I put them on and drop into the water.
The visibility is okay, about 15 feet or so. Immediately, I see the territorial garibaldis protecting their watery turf. Juvenile ones, identifiable by the iridescent blue-purple spots on their backs, swim by. Snorkeling in the direction of the undulating grasses, I pass over a patch of sand. Down there, round stingrays hover. No bigger than a small dinner plate, they are in their element, fluttering with ease.
Photo Credit: James Murren
Above the grasses, I hover, emulating the rays. It is one of my favorite things to do while snorkeling: I simply float, using my fins only to maintain my position and avoid being pushed into the rocky underwater cliffs. As the waves roll in and back out, the green grasses shimmer in the sunlight, dancing to and fro.
Amidst it all, my body sways with the grasses, recalibrating my being for the days ahead.
Courtesy of Visit California
Tips for Stand-Up Paddleboarding in La Jolla
La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove are very busy and crowded areas. Be mindful of those around you while SUPing. Your board can cause injury to others in the blink of an eye. Be very aware that open ocean swimmers and sometimes scuba divers are out there as well.
You cannot SUP in the La Jolla Cove zone. Lifeguards will get on the intercom and ask you to leave the cove. As a rule, I suggest staying around the sea caves—if you’re going to pass them, go north, not toward the beach-goers in the shore break zone.
You can rent SUPs in the village area at La Jolla Shores. Be sure to have a waterproof bag—also called a dry bag—for your phone and other valuables.
Do not forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a long-sleeved sun shirt with a hood. You get burned more quickly out on the water.
James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.
San Diego is home to world-class aestheticians, plastic surgeons, and dermatologists who can help turn back the hands of time and revitalize tired, damaged skin. Enhancing your look is a spectrum. Treatments range from noninvasive procedures like lasers or injectables to the big guns, like a deep-plane facelift—many with better results and less downtime than ever thanks to advanced techniques and technology. Whether you’re a Botox beginner or an aesthetic medical care veteran, San Diego aestheticians and aesthetic medicine providers can help you look and feel like the best version of yourself.
Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa
Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa is San Diego’s premier destination for aesthetic surgery, led by world-renowned plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Rossi. Celebrated for his artistry, precision, and natural-looking results, Dr. Rossi is known for creating customized Mommy Makeovers that help women restore confidence and reclaim their bodies after pregnancy. His expertise also extends to comprehensive post-weight loss body contouring, addressing excess skin and skin laxity with sophisticated surgical techniques tailored to each patient’s unique anatomy and goals. From breast and body rejuvenation to deep plane facelifts and eyelid surgery, every treatment plan reflects Dr. Rossi’s commitment to surgical excellence, personalized care, and transformative results that look as beautiful as they feel.
Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
At Cosmetic Laser Dermatology, the board-certified, internationally acclaimed team has the power to erase 10+ years of aging in a single treatment. The center’s 60+ laser, light, and energy devices do it all—refining texture and tone, calming acne, minimizing pores, and erasing that ill-advised spring break tattoo of yesteryear. Their dermatologists take it further by stacking multiple devices in one session for synergistic results—the philosophy behind their signature Take5 and Take10 treatments, the latter capable of removing a decade-plus of aging in just one visit. Add a full suite of injectables, body sculpting, and vein treatments for every skin type and tone, and it’s no wonder the practice’s medical director was named the #1 cosmetic dermatologist in America by Newsweek two years running.
Cultivé Medical Aesthetic
If it’s subtle, lasting results you’re after, Cultivé Medical Aesthetics has you covered. Cultivé purposely combines aesthetics and wellness. The Bankers Hill practice offers a full menu of services designed to improve skin health and support the three pillars of aesthetic aging: skin tone and texture, volume loss, and laxity. Cultivé offers a wide range of aesthetic treatments, including collagen boosting powerhouse Morpheus8, biostimulators like Sculptra and Radiesse, PRP therapy, laser hair removal, VI peels, and regenerative skincare treatments. They also provide wellness-focused services such as hormone replacement therapy, IV therapy, and medical weight management programs.
Starlite Aesthetics and Wellness
Starlite Aesthetics and Wellness focuses on enhancing natural beauty through science-backed treatments tailored to each client’s goals. Michelle Langston, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, founded Starlite on the principle that aesthetic medicine should be precise, personal, and rooted in wellness. The boutique aesthetic practice in La Jolla combines modern medical aesthetics with holistic wellness principles for refined results personalized to each patient. Langston has spent more than a decade honing her skills in advanced injectables, regenerative therapies, and anti-aging care. Starlite offers regenerative therapies rooted in science, promoting skin rejuvenation using a multiple modality approach. Service offerings include RF microneedling, wrinkle relaxers, facial balancing and more.
The “It” List
In the rapidly advancing field of aesthetic medicine, it can be hard to tell what’s worth the hype. Here are some of the latest, most advanced, and most popular options out there.
Morpheus8: This combination of microneedling and radiofrequency (RF) energy activates your skin’s own collagen and elastin without the downtime associated with some laser treatments. It can be used to reduce wrinkles, tighten skin, improve skin tone, contour the jawline, and minimize acne scars.
Exosome Therapy: This cutting-edge treatment uses protein-packed nanoparticles to trigger repair and rejuvenation at the cellular level. Often used post-microneedling or lasers, exosomes penetrate deep into the skin to stimulate collagen production.
Post-GLP-1 Skin Removal: Rapid fat loss prompted by GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide, tirzepatide, and retatrutide, can leave users with sagging skin. Skilled surgeons can remove excess skin and reshape the figure.
Treatment Stacking: Sometimes it’s the more the merrier when it comes to aesthetic procedures. Combining multiple non-surgical treatments in a single session allows users to address several issues efficiently, with less downtime.
