Best Collagen Supplements For Skin, Hair & Overall Health: Reviewed By Dermatologists
Looking for the best collagen supplements for a healthy body, skin, hair, and bones? Here is a detailed guide that lists the best collagen supplements.
With age comes natural sagging of the skin, hair fall, and brittle bones. While you might confidently look after your health with multiple skincare and haircare routine products, nothing beats the natural power of collagen.
Collagen is the best form of protein to naturally and effectively restore your skin, hair, and overall health by hydrating and helping maintain its elasticity from within. It comes in several types and is made from animal or fish bones, confusing people about the best.
We gathered our best health experts to try out 30+ leading collagen supplement brands to find the 8 best collagen supplements for skin, hair, and health. These provide people with a natural way to restore their natural collagen levels in the body.
Riti is our top pick in the list of the best collagen supplements. The gummies contain 6 main ingredients, carefully selected to boost skin health, stimulate hair growth, aid in easier digestion, and maintain nail health. The formula is packed with ingredients like Vitamin C, Zinc, Vitamin E, and D-biotin that help with natural collagen production in the body.
The gummies come in a delicious orange flavor, which is easy to consume for people who prefer flavored supplementation. They contain 0% allergens, easily catering to various dietary needs. Each gummy serving has 200mg of collagen, sufficient to reap this protein’s benefits.
The dosage is 2 gummies once daily, which can be taken after meals but gives the best results when taken once in the morning and once before bed. Through third-party testing, Riti evaluates its collagen gummies for contaminants or harmful chemicals, so all the products are safe and beneficial for your overall well-being.
Pros:
No artificial colors and flavors
Third-party tested
25% off on subscription
It contains only 25 calories per gummy
Cons:
Not available offline
Price:
Riti collagen gummies are available in 3 pack options, ranging between $49.95 and $127.37.
Oweli is popular among people who prefer collagen and protein blends. They offer a powdered collagen formula that can be taken with other beverages like juices and shakes. It has multiple types of collagen made from bovine and chicken sources. It can provide benefits like youthful skin, strong nails, and healthy joints.
Each scoop serving of 14 grams of the collagen powder supplement offers 7.8 grams of collagen blend, 7 grams of protein, and 25 milligrams of sodium. With just 30 calories per serving, it provides a diet-friendly option. However, this might not be the best option for people who are avoiding sodium.
This science-backed collagen protein formula comes in chocolate and vanilla flavors and an unflavored version to suit every taste. The vanilla flavor is milder, while the chocolate flavor has a stronger taste. You can take 2-3 scoops in the morning to meet your daily collagen intake.
Pros:
CGMP compliant
100-day money-back guarantee
100% natural product
Helps mitigate the appearance of wrinkles & fine lines
Free from pesticides, heavy metals & harmful pathogens
#3: Best Vegan Collagen With Anti-Aging Properties – Nuzena
Next on our list of the best collagen supplements is Nuzena. It is offered as a capsule that is easy to take and contains 1500mg of premium collagen blend. This collagen supplement’s main benefit is anti-aging, which the formula achieves by hydrating your skin and restoring its natural elasticity. Other benefits are joint pain relief, cartilage rejuvenation, bone support, and hair thickness.
The blend comprises animal and fish collagen peptides like bovine collagen peptides, hydrolyzed chicken collagen peptides, pure hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides, eggshell membrane collagen peptides, and avian sternum collagen peptides.
Nuzena collagen supplement contains pure extracts and is free from soy, gluten, and artificial flavors. It is suitable for both men and women and should be taken 3 times daily for optimum results. The product goes through 4 types of testing- formula testing, microbiology, heavy metal testing, and allergen testing.
Pros:
15% off on a subscription
3rd party lab tested for purity and potency
Sugar-free, Hormone-free & Non-GMO
Free shipping over $50
Suitable for both men and women
Cons:
No flavor options
Price:
$40.00 (one-time purchase) and $34.00 (monthly subscription)
You can also pay in 4 interest-free installments for orders above $50 with ShopPay.
Elm & Rye is a great collagen supplement brand that offers easy-to-consume supplements. They offer collagen gummies, powder, and capsules, which people can choose from according to their needs. The gummies are the most convenient and provide 20 grams of collagen per serving, which is slightly lower, putting it #4 on the list.
It is formulated with ingredients like hydrolyzed bovine collagen, gelatin, and vegetable magnesium stearate. Each of these ingredients has benefits for healthy skin, hair, and nails. It also improves joint health and supports bone strength.
The Elm and Rye gummies come in a refreshing natural lemon flavor, while powder and capsules offer the unflavored option. The dosage for these is 1 gummy per day. If you want to see better results, follow the supplementation with a healthy balanced diet.
Pros:
25% off on subscription
Lab tested for purity & quality
Option of interest-free payments with Afterpay
Free gifts with bulk purchase
Cons:
Only one flavour available
Price: $44.99 (one-time purchase) and $33.74 (monthly subscription)
#5: Best For Boosting Elasticity & Reducing The Signs Of Skin Aging – Olly
We have placed Olly in the 5th position for its quality and effective supplements at affordable prices. Available in the ring form and a delicious Peach Bellini flavor, the supplement is formulated with proprietary Verisol bioactive collagen peptides.
It is a special blend mostly used in skincare and beauty products and can support skin elasticity and hydration, as well as reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
The formula contains a clinically tested dose of this trademark ingredient of 2.5 grams. You need 2 gummy rings daily to see effective results within 4 weeks. You don’t need any additional food or beverages to consume this product. All the flavorings and colorings used are also derived from natural ingredients.
You can buy these gummies as a 1-time purchase or through their automated delivery service, which delivers these every month, 2 months, or 3 months.
Pros:
Fast shipping & easy returns
Free shipping over $59
15% off on a subscription
Affordable pricing
Visible results in just 4 weeks
Cons:
Less collagen than other brands
Price:
$19.99 (one-time purchase) and $16.99 (monthly subscription)
#6: Known For High-Quality Collagen Supplements – Orgain Hydrolyzed Collagen
Orgain Hydrolyzed collagen supplement is a high-quality product that is made with grass-fed and pasture-raised Type I and Type III collagen. They source all their from reputed sources to maintain the high quality of their product.
The formula supports anti-aging properties, wound healing, bone, and body composition. It also helps in strengthening nails & promotes radiant skin.
Every dose of Orgain hydrolyzed collagen supplement is packed with 20g of collagen peptides. Each serving contains 2 scoops or 20g of the powder formula. It is also packed with 18 essential amino acids, so it improves your overall health with collagen’s natural benefits.
The product is suitable for everyone and caters to the paleo and keto diets. The supplement is available in unflavored and chocolate flavor options. Orgain collagen can be easily mixed with hot and cold foods and beverages.
$35.99 (One-time purchase) and $26.99 (monthly subscription)
#7: Best Collagen Supplement For Skin – Vital Proteins
The next brand on our list of best collagen supplements is Vital Proteins. Vital Proteins collagen peptides are powdered supplements that contain hydrolyzed collagen peptides, which are highly beneficial for skin health. The formula is made to help with the skin’s structure, strength, and elasticity. It also easily penetrates the skin’s extracellular matrix to replenish the collagen content.
They source the peptides from the hides of grass-feed and pasture-raised cows. The collagen supplement contains collagen types I and III. It also includes probiotics and hyaluronic acid, which can repair and help with skin tissue regeneration for better glowing skin and strengthen hair, nails, bones, and joints.
Vital Proteins offers supplements in powder form that can be easily added to your daily coffee, tea, smoothie, or shake. With 20g of collagen powder per serving, the supplement provides 18 grams of protein.
Also, Vital Proteins Collagen peptides supplement is NSF-certified (meaning it doesn’t contain any ingredients prohibited by the sports organizations), certified kosher, CGMP compliant, and free from gluten, dairy, and fillers.
Pros:
Grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine peptides
Third-party lab tested
A good source of protein
15% off on a subscription
Cons:
Doesn’t dissolve in cold liquids
Slightly expensive
Price:
$29.99 (one-time purchase) and $25.49 (monthly purchase)
#8: Best For Body’s Collagen Production – Biosil Collagen Generator
Biosil Collagen Generator is the best product to protect and replenish your skin’s collagen production. It is formulated from clinically proven ingredients, including ch-OSA, known as choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid, which has a unique 2-in-1 effect that activates the body’s production of collagen, keratin, and elastin and simultaneously protects existing levels of collagen from degradation.
It also strengthens and stabilizes the cross-link collagen fibers of the body to maintain long-term collagen levels. This effective ingredient can result in fewer wrinkles, radiant skin, strong bones, hair and nails, and healthy joints.
The collagen generator is available in liquid capsules, powdered capsules, or drops formula for convenient ingestion. The product must be consumed twice daily to get the best results. These capsules are free from wheat, eggs, fish, soy, shellfish, and artificial sweeteners, making them most suitable for vegetarians and people following special diets.
Pros:
Vegetarian-friendly
Non-GMO
Gluten and allergen-free
Free shipping for orders above $39
10% off on monthly subscription
Cons:
Slightly expensive
Price:
$46.99 (one-time purchase) and $42.29 (monthly subscription)
You can also pay in 4 interest-free payments of $11.74 with Klarna
What are Collagen Supplements?
Collagen supplements are ingestible products designed to replenish and support the body’s natural collagen levels. Collagen is an important protein found throughout the body that usually diminishes with age and affects the skin and joints. When taken at moderate levels daily, these supplements can help promote skin hydration, joint health, and overall wellness.
How Do Collagen Supplements Work In The Human Body?
Over the years, collagen supplements have attracted the attention of commoners and dieticians alike. And why not? The supplements offer so many benefits.
Now, let’s understand how these supplements work on the human body!
Till now, around 28 types of collagen have been identified, out of which 5 are the main types of collagen and work on different parts of the body.
The main collagen types include:
Type I: This is the most abundant type and makes up around 90% of the body’s collagen. It is densely packed and provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
Type II: This is the 2nd type and is found in elastic cartilage. This collagen supports the joints and intervertebral discs.
Type III: this collagen type is found in muscles, arteries, and organs.
Type IV: This type is found in the layers of the skin, maintaining hydration and elasticity.
Type V: This collagen type is found in the cornea of the eyes, layers of skin, hair, and tissue of the placenta.
How Long Does It Take To Get Results With Collagen Supplements?
Like all supplements, collagen pills take time to show results. Your dosage and diet can determine how long it will take you to see results with collagen supplements. Let’s find out:
Skin: To witness the effective skin benefits, one would need to wait for a minimum of 3-4 months, as the body’s natural regeneration cycle takes time.
Joints and Tendons: According to studies, it can take up to six months to see effective results. However, people suffering from joint issues may find significant differences much faster.
Bones: According to several studies, collagen supplements might take up to 1 year to offer changes in bone density and porosity.
Muscles: As the muscle stamina differs from person to person, it is difficult to put the timing in any frame. Yet, it is estimated that it can take 3 months to improve muscle mass, along with resistance training.
Hair and nails: With consistent consumption of collagen, you can see results in a week for nail and hair growth.
How Can You Boost Collagen Production In Your Body?
We recommend the below-mentioned lifestyle and dietary changes, which, when incorporated into your life, can help increase collagen production in the body.
Include Superfood:
You can use the following food items in your daily diet:
Glycine: chicken skin, gelatin, pork skin, bone broth
Vitamin C: Citrus fruits, bell peppers and berries
Increase Physical Activity:
Regular exercise naturally boosts collagen production and increases its circulation. You must also include facial exercises in your daily exercise regime.
Clean Up Your Habits:
Getting rid of certain lifestyle habits can also help in increasing the collagen levels in the body. These include:
Smoking
Exposure to sun
Sugar-rich diet
Refined carbohydrates
Along with these, several other ways include massages, collagen pills, invasive procedures, botox, and more.
How To Find The Best Collagen Supplements?
There is no denying the popularity of collagen and how the market is saturated with so many brands offering these supplements. Thus, choosing a brand that offers quality is rather difficult. However, by seriously considering the following factors, one can select a brand that can work wonders for them.
Collagen Types:
Collagen supplements contain several types, including type I, II, III, IV, and V, with everyone offering distinct benefits, like better skin, strong nails and hair, joint health, and strong bones. Understand your requirements and the collagen type you need.
Sourced:
The ingredients must be ethically sourced and high quality, as it ensures the overall quality of the product and makes it safe for consumption.
Also, as the collagen peptides present in these supplements are usually derived from natural food items like chicken, fish, cow, and wheat, check for any allergies before you buy.
Available forms:
Collagen supplements are available in several forms, including collagen gummies, powder, rings, and capsules. You can choose a form that suits your preferences for consumption.
Ingredients:
Always make sure to check the ingredient list of the product. Understand every ingredient and learn if it contains any additives or synthetic ingredients.
It is even better if these supplements contain supporting ingredients like vitamin C, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, and similar.
Hydrolyzed or Peptides Collagen:
These supplements are better for people with digestive issues as they break down the larger collagen molecules into smaller peptides, making it easier for the body to absorb the compound.
Test:
It is always a better idea to go for supplement brands that are tested by third-party laboratories, as this is a parameter that ensures the safety and transparency of the product.
Brand Value:
It is a better idea to choose high-value, reputed brands with good track records and positive customer reviews for your next collagen supplement.
FAQs About Collagen Supplements
Q1: Are collagen supplements safe to take?
Yes, collagen is safe to take, provided you buy it from a reputable brand, as it ensures that the product you are consuming is made from quality ingredients and free from contamination. Another factor that you must check is that the supplement is free from synthetic ingredients.
On that note, it is recommended to consult your dietician to discuss the dosage and other factors.
Q2: Who should not take collagen?
People allergic to food items like fish, eggs, wheat, etc., should refrain from taking collagen, as most of these supplements derive their collagen from these foods. Also, people suffering from skin conditions, osteoporosis, heart problems, and other underlying conditions or on specific medication should avoid taking these supplements.
Q3: What is the most effective form of collagen?
As already discussed, collagen supplements are available in several forms, including capsules, powder, rings, and gummies. All these forms offer a different way of consumption but provide the same effects. Thus, based on your preference, you can choose a form and enjoy the benefits like radiant skin and stronger nails, and hairs.
Q4: When should you take collagen, morning or night?
According to several studies, there are no specific time restrictions related to consumption. You can include them in your daily routine based on your personal preferences.
Having said that, some people prefer taking collagen in the morning with their first coffee, while many others like to take it at their bedtime. Choose the timing that suits you the most, and be regular to get the desired results.
Q5. How Much Collagen Supplements Should You Take Per Day?
Ideally, you should take 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen peptide daily, along with a balanced diet. Individual factors like body physiology and medications should also be considered. Consult with a dietitian to be sure you don’t face any adverse effects with health conditions or taking medications.
Q6: Is collagen available in Vegan sources?
Collagen peptides are generally derived from natural sources like cows, fish, and chicken, among others. Therefore, it is difficult to find supplements available for vegan followers.
That said, there are brands like Nuzena that offer vegan-friendly collagens.
Concluding Thoughts: What Is The Most Effective Collagen To Take?
Collagen is a great option for people looking for healthy skin, hair, nails, bones, and joints. However, it is important to consider factors like dosage, ingredients, desired results, collagen type, and more while selecting a brand.
With our research, we have tried our best to offer you the best brands that can satisfy your health needs. Our research team vouches for Riti as the best collagen supplement brand because of its quality offerings and great results. Available in delicious gummies, Riti offers easy consumption, so too, at an affordable price.
Adding collagen to your daily routine brings many benefits. That said, it is a better idea to do complete research before choosing a brand.
Studio S
JUNE 8, 2026
Seven Restaurants, One Rising Star
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.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
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.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
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.
Courtesy of Omni La Costa
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.
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 theBalboa 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.
16 Museums, One Pass
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.
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
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
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
The Old Globe
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
San Diego Air & Space Museum
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
San Diego History Center
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
San Diego Junior Theatre
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
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
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
WorldBeat Cultural Center
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
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
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.
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.
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
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
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).
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.
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.
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.
Try This!
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri
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.
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Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha
Labora Café
8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111 858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
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.
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Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.
Happy Medium
4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104 619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com
For nearly 30 years, The Fishery has been serving some of the freshest seafood in San Diego. The cozy neighborhood spot is perfect for all dress codes and pallets, whether you’re thinking fish and chips or the whole fried sculpin. And with celebrated mixologist Zach Sheldon as bar lead, the food isn’t the only reason to visit. Inspired by Chef Mike Reidy, Sheldon employs high-level sustainability techniques to create unique European-style cocktails that pair perfectly with The Fishery’s seasonal menu.
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Agua Mágica: A gimlet made with Cara Cara mezcal, yuzu vodka, green chile vodka, aloe vera, fino sherry, cilantro eau de vie, celery, and black pepper.
