Dinner with a View

There’s no shortage of oceanfront dining in San Diego, but a Valentine’s meal deserves an extra-special setting. For a classic La Jolla sunset, head to George’s at the Cove. Prefer a hip rooftop vibe with Italian fare and Aperol spritzes? Garibaldi is your spot. And for a unique experience, book a table at Tom Ham’s Lighthouse for waterfront dining with a touch of novelty.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is chock-full of date possibilities, thanks to its wide variety of museums, gardens, and dining options. Learn something new together at the Nat, take a romantic stroll through the Japanese Friendship Garden, or simply lay out a picnic on one of the park’s relaxing grassy knolls.

May 13, 2024

San Diego Date Nights for Every Type of CoupleRELATED ARTICLE

South Bay Drive-In

All those teens in the 1950s can’t have been wrong: There’s something quite intimate about a drive-in movie theater. South Bay Drive-In shows up to six flicks on three screens, seven days a week. Cuddling up in the comfort of your own car while watching a story unfold is a classic date activity that has stood the test of time.  

Belmont Park

Up the adrenaline next date night with a trip to Belmont Park. The iconic Mission Beach amusement park is packed with heart-pounding thrill rides (which science says can turn up the heat in your relationship), plus fair games where you can charm your cutie by winning them a prize.

Get Artsy Together

This Valentine’s Day, channel your inner Patrick Swayze and create something meaningful (and messy) with your partner. Instead of the predictable paint-and-sip classes, opt for a hands-on pottery class at Pinch Pottery Studio downtown. This special Valentine’s Day class is $150 and will leave you each with a handmade piece to cherish as a keepsake.

Wine & Dine

Nothing says romance like a good wine and charcuterie pairing. The Rose in South Park is an adorable spot for sipping cabernet while nibbling on meats, cheeses, and breads from Secret Sister Bakery. Afterward, stroll through the charming streets of South Park for a perfect end to the evening. Want more wine bar inspiration? We’ve got you covered here.

September 4, 2024

10 Stunning Places to Propose in San Diego RELATED ARTICLE

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Are you and your honey outdoorsy? Then Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve may be right up your alley. The expansive reserve offers breathtaking environs, multiple trails to explore, and access to Torrey Pines State Beach.

Farmers Market

You can find an abundance of farmers markets across the city almost any day of the week. They’re a great place to wander hand-and-hand, scoping local produce and buying ingredients to make a fun, fresh lunch together after. 

Liberty Station

Whether it’s a first date or your weekly couples night, the romantic outing options at Liberty Station are endless. You can enjoy a luxury cinema experience at The Lot or have a friendly mini golf competition at Tapper Mini Golf. Round out the evening with dinner at Liberty Public Market.

Indulge in a Spa Day

Treat yourselves this Valentine’s Day with a couples massage at one of San Diego’s most luxurious spas. The Spa at Fairmont Grand Del Mar offers a decadent Restorative Couples Massage for $930, complete with a mineral-rich bath, moisture wrap, and foot massage. Your skin—and your special someone—will thank you.

Take the Leap

Besides marriage, paragliding might just be the ultimate declaration of love. Soar side-by-side from the Torrey Pines Gliderport, where professional instructors will guide you on a tandem flight over La Jolla’s stunning coastline. It’s the perfect mix of adrenaline and awe for you and your adrenaline-seeking partner. Flights start at $200—commitment optional.

Coin Haus

If your date night takes you to East County, pop by Coin Haus in La Mesa. The arcade bar features self-serve taps and retro games, making it perfect for a cool and nostalgic outing. You can also team up with your main squeeze or double-date with friends at Coin Haus’ weekly trivia night.

Rooftop Cinema Club

A trip to the movies is a quintessential date night activity. Take it to the next level with Rooftop Cinema Club, an open-air experience at the Manchester Grand Hyatt featuring new flicks and older classics. The city views, theater snacks, and personal headphones offer a more immersive viewing opportunity.

Have a Bougie Picnic

Elevate your picnic game with a touch of luxury. If your charcuterie skills are a little lackluster, let the pros at San Diego Picnics handle it. They’ll craft an Insta-worthy glamp for you and your boo in picturesque spots like Sunset Cliffs, Mission Bay, or Kate Sessions Park. Ready to take things to the next level? Opt for their proposal package and pop the question.

Kayaking in La Jolla 

If you really want to bond with your boo, try something adventurous that requires a little teamwork. Kayaking around the waters of La Jolla really fits that bill—plus, you’re likely to catch amazing views of sea lions and tiger sharks.

Sip and Stroll at a Winery

Skip the grocery store wine and taste varietals fresh from the vine. Bernardo Winery’s Valentine’s Day festivities, running February 12–16, feature live music, themed cuisine, and specialty drinks. Reserve a tasting or tour the 136-year-old vineyard for a date steeped in history—and wine.

Punch Bowl Social 

Gaslamp Quarter hotspot Punch Bowl Social is a great place to bring a date, as endless opportunities for fun are right at your fingertips. Cap off ten frames of bowling at Punch Bowl with a menu full of late-night bites, comfort food, and cocktails.

San Diego Zoo

At the San Diego Zoo, you and your date can spend hours peering at elephants, orangutans, and other fascinating creatures. For a new fling, it offers plenty of time to chat and get to know each other. For those in an established relationship, it’s a great place to spend quality time together and have some wholesome fun. 

The Pearl Hotel 

Let me grab my swimsuit probably isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think “movie night”—unless, of course, you’re headed to The Pearl Hotel. The Point Loma lodging’s Wednesday Dive-In movie nights in the pool often include cult classics, as well as the opportunity to dine at the onsite restaurant.

Eco Boat Rentals

Tired of meeting for drinks? Try something new: Eco Boat Rentals in Point Loma offers great day and evening boating opportunities. I personally enjoyed taking their pedal boat for a ride during the afternoon, laughing along with my husband as we tried to keep our pedaling in sync. You can also check out their nighttime “glow ride” option to take in the lights of San Diego’s skyline from the water.

The post 20 Fun Valentine’s Day Ideas in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Modest for the secluded and high-dollar neighborhood of Rancho Santa Fe, the 2,000-square-foot, white, mid-century ranch house has a separate guest home and a hillside perch offering breathtaking views of a private bocce court, eucalyptus groves, and towering live oaks. But before it became a comfortable retreat for Clasen and her family when they’re not in Newport Beach, the home required some sweat equity. 

“We refreshed it on a major budget, replacing only plumbing, counters, and flooring and cleaning up the rest with a fresh coat of paint,” Clasen says. 

January 10, 2025

Inside the 5,000-Square-Foot Modernist Home Built Into a CliffRELATED ARTICLE

Budget or not, the home is a living representation of Clasen’s distinctive design approach. Functional and quietly chic, her aesthetic choices reflect her ever-firing brain, with a bright, airy style oriented toward an active yet relaxed lifestyle (she also designed Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch complex and penned the 2024 design book Surf Style at Home). 

She loves typography art and admits she “totally forces” her clients into embracing it. “Every project, I’ve tried to stuff those down on my clients,” Clasen laughs. “Sometimes they’re like, ‘I don’t want one word! Don’t even bring it up!’ But I love how it plays out, and I try to sneak it in there and, usually, they see the vision. I love how symmetric lettering is.”

It’s everywhere in her own home and guest house, which are decorated in modern style. The focal point of the property is the open living/dining/sitting room, which occupies the space between the north and east walls of the home, featuring floor-to-ceiling glass sliding doors; high, white-painted, wood-beam ceilings; and a variety of gathering spaces. A couch near the white-painted brick fireplace gives way to a nook overlooking the backyard, directly adjacent to a large dining table in front of the kitchen counter, which is lined with barstools. Flanking the dining room are original cabinets that Clasen painted olive green.

“I know it’s considered a sin in original modern homes to paint the wood and brick,” Clasen says. “But they weren’t in great shape and had to be trashed or painted. I think it’s better this way.” 

She and her husband take their coffee in the nook most mornings, watching the deer go by. Then, her husband and sons “usually go surfing down at Del Mar 26th Street,” she adds, while she relaxes and gets work done. 

Her family and friends usually end their days in that space, typically with a few drinks. “We’ve fit 20 people in this spot, dancing the night away!” Clasen says. Surf style, indeed.

The post The Designer of Kelly Slater’s Surf Ranch Takes Us Inside Her Home appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

March 25, 2024

Inside The Yen House, One of San Diego's Most Iconic HomesRELATED ARTICLE

Corinne and Kerry have been married for 41 years. Their family has migrated each summer from their hometown of Fort Lauderdale, Florida to North San Diego County since the kids were little. Kerry, a lifelong surfer, met Corinne at a Fort Lauderdale beach party when they were 16. He briefly studied architecture at college in Miami but soon dropped out to join friends on a five-month surfari from Baja to Guatemala. Back in Fort Lauderdale, he embarked on a development career. Today, his company converts abandoned big-box stores into storage facilities, among other large-scale projects.

Fifteen years ago, the Marshes began their search for a site in Del Mar where they could build their dream home. “In the end, it came down to a couple lots,” Kerry says. “Corinne liked this one best, and she was right.” Their one-third acre is only a stone’s throw from Torrey Pines State Beach—if the wind is right and you have a strong arm.

The Pacific Surfliner runs nearby, which doesn’t bother the Marshes. “I wanted to be close to the tracks because I love the sights and sounds of trains passing by,” Corinne says.

The Marshes’ lot formerly held a small 1950s bungalow designed by Del Mar modernist Herb Turner. While many other homes by Turner have been preserved, theirs was an obvious teardown. Their realtor had enlisted Solana Beach architect Brian Church to evaluate sites. He and the Marshes hit it off, and they tapped him for the new house’s design, which went through several iterations before it was approved by the Del Mar Design Review Board. Church’s plan was partly inspired by his love of Southern California modernists such as Richard Neutra and Rudolf Schindler, whose 100-year-old El Pueblo Ribera courtyard duplexes in La Jolla feature strong indoor-outdoor connections and simple materials.

As work began, the Marshes were clear about their priorities.

“I wanted to see whitewater and the waves rolling in,” Corinne says.

“It’s always view, view, view,” Kerry adds. That may sound too simple, but it really captures the home’s essence.

Kerry was not always a fan of modernist architecture, with its spare, no-frills approach. “The design changed at least four times,” he says. “The first version was French Country with a barrel tile roof, then it went more modern, like a lot of stuff I’d seen with wood, metal, glass, and stone. In the end, I’m glad it went the way it did. I really love the house now.

Construction began in 2018 and was completed in 2021. But it took two more years to “dial it in,” Kerry explains. “We worked on every room and went back and forth with ideas several times.”
Church’s design spreads 5,000 square feet among five levels connected by steps zigzagging between wide landings. Smaller spaces tuck into the slope, while voluminous sections face sweeping coastal views. A foundation of two-foot-thick retaining walls is anchored deep in solid sandstone. The rugged base supports open interior areas as tall as 19 feet, though they seem even higher, since the open plan lets you gaze from the bottom level all the way up to the entry landing. The house may be barely visible from the street, but there’s drama over the edge.

Walls of limestone blocks, dry-stacked without mortar, and smooth-troweled stucco precisely meet floors of limestone and wood. Railings and hardware are made of steel, stainless steel, and copper. Yucca, ocotillo, snake plant, agave, prairie grasses, and other species chosen by landscape architect Greg Hebert, who died in 2022, surround the home. Together, these elements conjure dreamy nights and days in Joshua Tree or Twentynine Palms.

Kerry has often collaborated with Fort Lauderdale interior designer Michael Beamish, whose resume includes resorts in far-flung locales along with custom homes. Beamish, a charming Brit, brought a simple but elegant aesthetic that resonates with Church’s architecture. Furnishings are contemporary but subtle. Beamish used natural materials including wood grain, soft linens, and light-hued stone.

The primary suite is a fabulous lair, Corinne’s favorite place in the house for meditation, solitude, and pondering the ocean and sky. The Marshes enjoy sea views from a custom bed and swoopy freestanding tub. Beamish designed other bedroom furniture, too, like a daybed covered with organic chenille and additional pieces upholstered with fabrics from textile company Kravet. A wall of smart glass overlooks the vast, sometimes bustling central spaces. It goes opaque for privacy at the flick of a switch.

A chandelier of crystal butterflies hangs in the entry. Nearby is an industrial-strength, steel-and-glass elevator like the one Kerry saw in a remodeled historical building in Switzerland. The kitchen features stainless steel appliances and light-toned Taj Mahal quartzite countertops. The adjacent dining and living room holds a plush Nathan Anthony sofa and Adriana Hoyos side chairs. Mounted over the built-in gas fireplace and flat-screen TV is a hardwood surfboard matching the contours of boards designed by legendary shaper Gary MacNabb for big waves at Todos Santos, the epic south-of-the-border break. This life-size replica is too heavy for surfing, but it’s a fabulous example of the surfboard shaper’s art.

Recessed shelves line walls on each floor. They hold a fascinating, sometimes amusing array of family memorabilia, ranging from framed photos to ceramic objects and a model of cartoonish characters aboard a VW convertible towing a teardrop trailer. Most rooms showcase images by North County photographer Aaron Chang, best known for shots of surfers and coastal landscapes. Many of those are on view, but visitors wandering through will also see Chang’s abstract photos of oceanic textures and colors, as well as a triptych over the primary bed of large dried leaves that he came across in the Dominican Republic.

All told, the home is an homage to the stretch of Southern California coastline just outside its doors—which, for the Marshes, is what it’s all about.

“We wake up every morning, get our coffee, and sit on the patio, and my wife does not want to go back to Florida,” Kerry says. “I walk down the trail and surf behind the house. We walk on the beach every day.”

“I love waking up here,” Corinne adds. “I raise the blinds and do a prayer and look out and feel like I’m so blessed to have this view in the morning and the sunsets at night. We both grew up middle-class, and we feel very lucky we’ve come this far and get to live here. It was always our dream, when we were young, to live on the ocean and see the whitewater coming in. We got pretty much everything we asked for.”

That includes a vanishing-edge pool, just past the built-in wet bar and custom pool table and through broad sliding glass doors. Lined with dark pea gravel, bordered by blue glass tiles and ipe hardwood decking, and furnished with chairs and chaise longues from RH Outdoor, it’s the centerpiece of this outdoor living room, a lovely place to relax most days of the year. At the property’s back edge grow three Torrey Pines that are special to Corinne—she preserved them as tributes to her three children. From just the right angle at sunset, you can imagine that the pool spills through the silhouetted trees and into the Pacific.

The post Inside the 5,000-Square-Foot Modernist Home Built Into a Cliff appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Thankfully, I’m back to enjoying any and all treats, but I know some of my friends aren’t so lucky. So, with November being Gluten-Free Diet Awareness Month, what better time to share the best gluten-free dessert spots in San Diego? Here are six bakeries worth visiting for mouthwatering gluten-free pastries. 

Gluten-Free Baking Co. 

Truthfully, GF baked goods don’t have the best rep. They’re usually small and not as flavorful as their gluten-filled counterparts. So Gluten-Free Baking Co. owner Roana took things into her own hands, starting her sensitivity-friendly baking journey after her son was diagnosed with multiple food allergies. 

I discovered Gluten-Free Baking Co.’s two locations (North Park and Clairemont) during the pandemic, and after a bite of their vegan chocolate chip cookie, I forgot the snack in my hand was even gluten-free. I have zero willpower when it comes to sweets, so after scarfing down the cookie, I dove into my assorted GF box, sampling donuts, cheesecake, and brioche bread. All delicious, whether you face allergies or not.

Address: 2647 Ariane Dr, Bay Ho
Hours: Daily 8 a.m.–2 p.m.

March 3, 2023

Where to Get Gluten-Free Brunch in San DiegoRELATED ARTICLE

Nectarine Grove

Locals with dietary restrictions love Encinitas’ Nectarine Grove for its 100-percent gluten-free and primarily organic offerings. While I could go on about my favorites on the breakfast menu, the real stars of the show here are the gluten-free baked goods. It’s nearly impossible for me to say no to Nectarine’s famous cinnamon rolls—the sweet icing and gooey center make for an unreal end cap to a savory brunch.

When the eatery opened a second location in Del Mar’s Flower Hill a few years ago, it introduced a close second on my favorite pastry list: the gluten-free croissant. Dare I say, they’re better than the ones in Europe. 

Address: 2720 Via De La Valle E110, Del Mar | 948 N Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas
Hours: Del Mar – Daily 8 a.m.–4 p.m. | Encinitas – Sunday–Thursday 8 a.m.–7 p.m

Gluten Freedom Baking Co.

Any eater with a gluten allergy knows what a joke gluten-free bread can be. Generally, you receive a cardboard-like square too small to be classified as a slice. Gluten Freedom Baking Company in Sorrento Valley fights the depressing stereotype with tasty sandwich breads and dinner rolls. Their loaves are two-pound behemoths (that freeze well, in case it’s just you chowing down on them). No more sad gluten-free avocado toast for breakfast. 

Another crowd favorite is the phenomenal chocolate chunk cookie. Gluten Freedom sells dough balls so you can bake them at home—though, unfortunately, mine rarely reach the cookie stage after I accidentally polish off a dozen hunks of delicious dough. 

Address: 8597 Spectrum Ln, Sorrento Valley
Hours: Tuesday–Friday 4:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.; Saturday 4:00 a.m.–3 p.m.; Monday 8 a.m.–12 p.m.; Closed Sundays

Starry Lane Bakery

My constant craving for a treat is at constant war with my desire to save money on eating out, but Starry Lane Bakery in Hillcrest makes it possible for me to enjoy sweets without the crazy price tag (a wild concept for gluten-free products). You can buy a sugar cookie for only $1.25 at Starry Lane. In this economy, that feels free. 

Aside from the incredible price, their holiday cookies taste as good, if not better, than the preservative- and gluten-filled cookies we grew up eating around the holidays. Starry Lane also sells baking mixes so you can re-create your own in the comfort of your kitchen. 

If sugar cookies aren’t your vibe, don’t sleep on the pretzel roll. I’d make a trip to the bakery just to secure one of these flaky, salty buns.

Address: 3925 Fourth Ave, Hillcrest
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Closed Monday and Tuesday

Phatties Bake Shop

I’m an OG Krispy Kreme stan, so it’s not every day I find a gluten-free donut that can compete. Phatties Bake Shop in Point Loma serves up some of the best in the county. 

These aren’t your average glazed flavor either—think s’mores, maple bacon, and cookie dough.

For more formal occasions, Phatties offers vegan and gluten-free cakes, which, to my surprise, don’t at all taste like they’re lacking standard ingredients like eggs and all-purpose flour. The shop won’t customize your cake, but the incredible flavors and adorable cake toppers make up for it.

Address: 4143 Voltaire St, Ocean Beach
Hours: Daily 7 a.m.–2 p.m.

Paleo Treats 

I still find it shocking when something healthy tastes really, really good, but Paleo Treats makes it happen. Paleo Treats serves gluten- and dairy-free treats (plus vegan and keto options) out of a Normal Heights storefront. I’m a huge chocolate lover, so my go-tos are the brownie bomb and the Bandito, a keto version of a Reese’s peanut butter cup. 

Even better: Paleo Treats delivers via Uber Eats, GrubHub, and DoorDash, so you don’t even have to step outside to satisfy that sugar craving. 

Address: 3275 Adams Ave # A, Normal Heights
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Chani’s Donuts

Chani’s Donuts (pronounced Shaw-nee’s) is a Kearny Mesa gem with sweet treats for everyone. Known for its adorable mini donuts, this bakery specializes in gluten-free, vegan, and allergen-free creations that taste as good as they look. Fan favorites include the churro donut dusted with cinnamon sugar, the apple pie flavor that tastes like a slice of nostalgia, and the indulgent raspberry truffle. With its whimsical, circus-inspired interior, picking up a dozen feels like a celebration all its own.

Address: 5250 Murphy Canyon Rd Suite 118, Kearny Mesa
Hours: Monday-Thursday 7:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Friday-Saturday 7:00 a.m–8:00 p.m.; Closed Sunday

The post Where to Get Gluten-Free Pastries in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

We all know San Diego is top-tier in countless categories: cuisine, location, beaches, you name it, yet one area that we tend to lack in is fashion. Van De Vort saw the perfect opportunity to change this. After a massive pivot from a bio-chem major to business, the fashion entrepreneur made her way from Arizona to Los Angeles, and finally to San Diego to open her first fashion boutique store, Van De Vort, in 2013. 

Van De Vort’s most recent expansion, and third brick-and-mortar shop at The Forum Carlsbad, is set to inspire even more fashion lovers through accessible and statement-making clothes and accessories, inspired by cutting-edge trends from Australian brands. 

Following the Carlsbad grand opening on November 15, we chatted with Van De Vort to learn more about the growth of her business, balancing CEO and family life, and her personal style and advice. 

February 16, 2024

From Fashion Valley to Fashion IconRELATED ARTICLE

San Diego Magazine (SDM): Can you share more about the essence of Van De Vort stores and what kind of experience you want customers to have when they walk in?

Andrea Van De Vort (AVDV): We specialize in a very personalized, neighborhood company. We bring people of all walks and all phases of life into one location and bond over our love of fashion. The best times are when random people are in the store, like a 60-year-old and a 20-year-old, and everyone ends up having just a fun bonding experience. It makes a big neighborhood feel small. 

Bringing all these brands to San Diego that you can only get from us and helping women push their limits, that’s always my favorite to do. Most people are a bit apprehensive to stand out in a crowd and always tend to go toward jeans and a t-shirt, but it’s our favorite thing when they walk out [of the store] with styles outside of their comfort zone. 

SDM: The grand opening looked like a major success. What was the most rewarding part of that day?

AVDV: Just being done with the construction. There’s so much that goes into building a store and there’s so many moving parts, so I do all of that. Just having it all done was a huge weight off my shoulders and it was a relief to get it open and move on with my life. And then just having my friends, my family, and people at the shop with us since day one when they’re there to celebrate. 

SDM: How would you describe your personal style and are there any specific designers, eras, or trends that have influenced your aesthetic over the years?

AVDV: I would say it’s kind of all over the place. Some days I am mom-ing and I’m just wearing baggy jeans and sneakers, but I also love dressing up and having a reason to dress up. But you’ll never catch me without accessories—my layered necklace, six earrings on, my fingers full of rings. Even if I am in my sweats, I still have my jewelry on. 

Australian labels have definitely had an influence on my personal style. They are always one season ahead in fashion, so I think I have always been inspired by Australian style. It’s a bit more funky and not your everyday kind of vibe. Also my employees, they are 15 years younger and very “in the know” so I get inspired by them when they come into work and they’re dressed in something from the store. 

SDM: How do you balance having three kids and a family with this very successful business? What do you do to make it all work?

AVDV: It’s very hard. I have many panic attacks everyday. No, I’m just kidding. I have a lot of help. We have a really amazing nanny for the babies. And my employees, I have such a good team who are all young and excited and willing to pick up any kind of tasks that I might have to pass off to them. So it’s really just teamwork and taking each day at a time. I also want to give my husband a shout-out. He does help a lot. 

SDM: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs looking to break into the fashion industry?

AVDV: Getting experience in all parts of the industry helps. My first job was working for a denim company. It was a really big corporate company, so I got to see all the different roles that go into making a brand work. Just getting experience and weighing out your options and seeing exactly what you like. And then of course reaching out to mentors or anyone in the community. I feel like most people, most entrepreneurs at least, are willing to offer up advice for people trying to get into it. 

SDM: What are your goals for Van De Vort as you enter the next year of your business?

AVDV: I definitely want to open a couple more locations. We will most likely stay in San Diego, just because it’s easy to reach and traveling isn’t really an option for me right now. And then we are also launching our new in-house label next Spring. One of the private label designers from Revolve is helping us get that line developed, so that will be fun. 

The post Q&A With Boutique Store Owner Andrea Van De Vort appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Ride a Rollercoaster in Mission Bay

The century-old Belmont Park is essentially a year-round carnival right on the Mission Beach boardwalk. Thrill seekers will enjoy the adrenaline-boosting—and iconic—Giant Dipper roller coaster as it hits speeds up to 48 miles per hour as well as the views from the top of Zero Gravity before it plunges from the sky. Those looking for less thrill and more chill can climb the rock wall or play a round of Tiki Town mini golf or laser tag. No carnival-type experience is complete without the food, and Belmont delivers exactly what you’re looking for. Salty carbs? Wetzel’s Pretzels will satisfy that craving. Need something sweet? Head to the Sweet Shoppe for Moo Time Creamery ice cream. 

3146 Mission Blvd, Mission Beach

Join a Local Sports League

Just because the sun goes down doesn’t mean the fun has to stop. Consider joining Volo Sports, San Diego’s largest co-ed adult sports organization featuring volleyball, soccer, kickball, and softball leagues. Or, for the less-athletic among us, challenge other locals to lawn games like cornhole and skeeball. Volo’s leagues are organized by skill level and day of the week, making it easy to find one that fits your busy schedule. Many leagues meet after work hours, providing a convenient way to stay active and social. Membership fees start at around $25 per person or $133 per team.

September 14, 2023

20 Fun Indoor Activities to Try When it Rains in San DiegoRELATED ARTICLE

Sleep Near Lions in Escondido

If you spend the night at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Roar & Snore, you’re in for an action-packed adventure all the way till nighttime. Each sleepover includes after-hours peeks at wildlife, guided walks, meals and, of course, campfire s’mores. Accommodations range from classic tents with sleeping pads to better situated “Vista” tents with a view and cots, to full-on glamping tents with queen beds and wood floors. The Roar & Snore nights are themed to accommodate specific groups, such as adults only or families. Upgrade your visit to also include a zipline ride, a night vision safari and a wildlife ambassador meeting. Located within sight of the lion camp, you’ll likely get a lion wake-up call, er, roar.

15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido

Take the Ferry to Coronado 

Gain a new perspective on the San Diego skyline by taking the passenger ferry across the bay to Coronado Island. Catch the ferry from either 5th Avenue (behind the Convention Center) or the Broadway Pier just north of the USS Midway. Ferries depart hourly. Then walk along the waterfront to Centennial Park for a stunning panorama of downtown. Grab dinner at one of the local bay-facing restaurants—Little Frenchie for upscale dining; Village Pizzeria Bayside for a less formal bite. Afterward, snag a seasonal latte from Coronado Coffee Company or a made-from-scratch macaron at Parfait Paris French bakery. Just don’t miss the last ferry back to San Diego—9:30 or 10:30 p.m., depending on the day of the week.

1201 1st St, Coronado

Get Spooked in an Old Town Haunted House

Take a guided evening tour of the legendary Whaley House, touted as “the most haunted house in America” and as seen on the Travel, SyFy and Discovery channels. This 1857 home is said to have been destined to be haunted, as it was built on the site of the original Old Town gallows where the infamous thief James “Yankee Jim” Robinson was hanged. Later, several members of the Whaley family died in the house. 

On the 30- to 40-minute guided tour, you’ll hear all about the legacy and legends of the Whaley family, and you might even experience the paranormal (recommended for ages 13 and up). Even if you don’t believe in the paranormal, you can still appreciate this California Historical Landmark for its Greek Revival architecture and fine mahogany furnishings.

2476 San Diego Ave, Old Town

Stargaze with the San Diego Astronomy Association (SDAA)

The 60-year-old SDAA is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to teaching people about astronomy. As part of its mission, it hosts regular stargazing opportunities around the county that are free and open to anyone eager to learn. The SDAA hosts public sky viewing events outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center at Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of the month, as well as sky observing sessions (“star parties”) at its 10-acre site in East County. On the third Wednesday of the month, you’ll find them giving a lecture at Mission Trails Regional Park. Check the events calendar to find the latest info on an event (some are canceled due to inclement weather), then grab some hot cocoa and a warm jacket to enjoy some time under the stars. 

Catch a Show at The Old Globe

Balboa Park’s Old Globe is California’s oldest professional theater and San Diego’s largest theater organization. Its theater complex, located right behind the Museum of Us, features three stages that host 15 productions and 600 performances annually. You can view anything from Broadway hits and musicals straight from London to modern plays and Shakespearean classics. The Globe was originally built for Shakespearean productions as part of the California Pacific International Exposition in 1935, and it honors that history with a Shakespearean Festival each summer, showcasing two of the Bard’s plays under the night sky.

1363 Old Globe Way, Balboa Park

Cheer for the Padres at Petco Park

Will this be our year? Join thousands of hopeful Pads fans at a home game in what we will confidently declare America’s most picturesque ballpark. Enjoy the views of the Coronado Bridge, the San Diego Bay and downtown skyline from the upper decks, then enjoy some tasty local flavor from regionally based favorites. Chow down on a burger from Hodad’s, loaded fries from Carnitas’ Snack Shack or a shrimp taco from Blue Water Seafood. On Saturdays before first pitch, you can arrive early to hear the Padres House Band play a mix of country, pop and oldies in Gallagher Square, then take your seats to cheer among the Friar Faithful. 

100 Park Blvd, East Village

View Open-Air Live Entertainment at Moonlight Amphitheatre

Expect more than community theater–level performances: Moonlight Stage Productions brings high-quality musical theater to Vista’s Brengle Terrace Park by utilizing regional Broadway and professional on-stage talent, pro designers and crews, and a full orchestra. This outdoor venue has staged more than 200 shows in its four-plus decades of existence, and every summer you can expect a lineup of Broadway musical hits under the stars. 

Take your pick of lawn seating (with provided lawn chairs) or stadium-style seating, and you can bring food and nonalcoholic beverages with you for your own picnic. Or opt for a gourmet grilled cheese and a bowl of coconut curry tomato soup at the Bread & Cheese Eatery concessionaire on-site. In between musical theater performances, the stage hosts live music entertainment year-round, ranging from tribute bands to contemporary favorites.

1250 Vale Terrace Dr, Vista

Watch a Movie at the South Bay Drive-in Theater

Head south to Imperial Beach to enjoy a film at San Diego County’s last operating drive-in theater, which has been in operation since 1958. You can catch any genre, from kid-friendly animation to comedies to sci-fi, on one of the three screens. The drive-in is an affordable family entertainment option, or it can be a great way to change up your date night routine. Grab some popcorn or carne asada nachos from the snack bar (or BYO snacks and non-alcoholic drinks), tune in through your FM radio, and enjoy the show. Depending on the movie, you might even get to catch a double feature. The theater is open seven days a week year-round, rain or shine. 

2170 Coronado Ave, Imperial Beach

Listen to Live Jazz

Bop to bebop in live weekly jazz sessions hosted in a studio in Barrio Logan, adjacent to Chicano Park. And the best part? The Future Is Color Studio Sessions are free to attend, open to all ages. The “experience series” explores the power of music and art to break down barriers. Opened in 2020, the sessions have grown to support emerging artists and connect communities. Both indoor and outdoor seating are offered, and an RSVP is suggested. Select wine and drinks are available to purchase but are not central to the experience.

 2060 Logan Ave, Barrio Logan

Roam the Oceanside Sunset Market

Part street fair, part farmers’ market and part live entertainment venue, this market has been a favorite evening activity for locals since 2007. With more than 200 vendors spread across four city blocks, there is something for everyone. Grab dinner at the international food court, which provides options from American classics to European fare and Latin-American specialties. If you brought the family, then swing by Dorothy’s KidZone for some children’s activities. Arts and crafts vendors offer unique gifts while you enjoy the live musical entertainment.

401 Pier View Wy, Oceanside

Grab a Non-Alcoholic Beverage

San Diego’s non-alcoholic beverage scene is expanding with a few new options on the horizon. Good News bar, set to open in early 2025 in University Heights, has already generated buzz as “San Diego’s first non-alcoholic bar and bottle shop.” But, until then, check out spots like Maya Moon Collective in Normal Heights, which specializes in cacao-based, alcohol-free drinks. Open until 9 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, this cozy venue doubles as a “third space,” offering weekly events like sound healing sessions, art exhibits, and cooking classes. Or Monday Morning, an alcohol-free bottle shop and tasting room in Pacific Beach to try some of the best NA beverages in town. 

The post 13 Alcohol-Free Things to Do in San Diego at Night appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

San Diego Ramen Festival

November 21

What better way to fight off the brutal SoCal cold than with a piping hot bowl of ramen? The San Diego Ramen Festival will offer a menu of 12-ounce selections to slurp. The festival takes place at the Handlery Hotel this Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m. It also features live entertainment, local pop culture vendors, and ramen-inspired artwork. Ticket options include general admission passes ($44.52) with three ramen servings and VIP ($129.89) with perks like unlimited beer and sake samples, six ramen servings and an extra hour of admission (5 to 6 p.m.). 

950 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley

October 15, 2024

10 of the Best Fall Drinks to Try at Local Coffee ShopsRELATED ARTICLE

Parfait Paris 10-Year Anniversary Party

November 23

Parfait Paris is saluting a decade of decadence in San Diego by throwing a street festival packed with sweets. This Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Parisian bakery will offer an assortment of French goodies, along with bites from The Sushi Stand and drinks courtesy of Understory Bar and Hopnonymous Brewing Co. RSVPs are required for this anniversary event, with $5 admission for adults (redeemable for food and drinks) and free entry for children and teens under the age of 15. 

3555 India Street, Middletown

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Cyndi Lauper at Viejas Arena

November 20

Cyndi Lauper sang some of the defining hits of the 1980s and composed the beloved musical adaption of Kinky Boots. Now, on her final arena tour, Lauper is here to remind us all that “Girls Just Wanna Have Fun.” Tickets are on sale for $55.10 for Wednesday’s concert at Viejas Arena.  

5500 Canyon Crest Drive, Rolando

San Diego Live Aid 

November 21

Many San Diego families were affected by the devastating rain storms that hit the city in early January. To raise proceeds for them, three local tribute groups—All Fired Up, Supreme Legacy, and The Mamas & The Papas Experience—are throwing a special charity concert. This Thursday evening at Humphreys Backstage Live, guests will hear timeless renditions of nostalgic hits. Tickets range from $23.60 to $39.10

2241 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Your Local Theater Presents: A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens, Again at La Jolla Playhouse

November 19–December 15

In Your Local Theater Presents…, Julliard grad Eddie can’t escape a local production of A Christmas Carol. There will be six preview performances of this world-premiere play at the La Jolla Playhouse now through Nov. 23, with tickets ranging from $30 to $72 before the show officially opens on Nov. 26. 

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla

Just Like Us at Grossmont College Stagehouse Theatre

November 21–23 

Based on Helen Thorpe’s nonfiction book of the same name, Just Like Us follows four Latina teenagers who, as the children of undocumented immigrants, are impacted by the heated national debate on immigration. There will be four performances of Just Like This, as well as additional shows Dec. 5–7. Tickets for the general public are $18. This Grossmont College production will also have performances on December 5–7.

8800 Grossmont College Drive, El Cajon

Tres minutos at Jacobs Music Center

November 22

Composer Nicolás Lell Benavides and librettist Marella Martin Koch’s poignant chamber opera, Tres minutos, reckons with the devastation of sudden deportation. The title of the program is inspired by Border Angels’ initiative that grants families three minutes of reunification at the border. The Border Angels documentary Love Has No Borders will be screened before the performance, and ticket-holders can attend an artist talkback after the show. Tickets to this musical program presented by the San Diego Symphony at Jacobs Music Center Friday night can be purchased for $35 here.

1245 Seventh Avenue, Downtown

CONTRA-TIEMPO Activist Dance Theater’s joyUS justUS at Mandeville Auditorium

November 22 & 23

Created and directed by Ana Maria Alvarez, joyUS justUS is a collaborative effort between communities of color in South Los Angeles, who aim to demonstrate joy as a form of resistance. General admission is $40 and can be purchased here.

9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla

It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play at Spreckels Performing Arts Center

November 22–December 15

Beginning this Friday, the Spreckels Performing Arts Center will host an audio-centric take on a beloved holiday film, presenting It’s a Wonderful Life as a vintage radio play à la Orson Welles’ The War of The Worlds. There will be evening showings Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday afternoon at 2 p.m. General admission tickets are $32 and can be purchased here.

5409 Snyder Rohnert Park, Rohnert Park

PST ART Weekend: San Diego & La Jolla

November 22-24

Free interactive events are popping up all over San Diego this weekend as part of Getty’s PST ART initiative. PST ART Weekend: San Diego & La Jolla will include a festive art party at MCASD in La Jolla (Nov. 23), a hands-on art workshop in Oceanside (Nov. 24), the premiere of five new musical compositions derived from weather data at C You Saturday! (Nov. 23) at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Balboa Park, and much more. Best of all, most of the 20 events are free and only require an RSVP.  

Citywide

German Expressionism at San Diego Museum of Art

Opens November 23

Starting this Saturday, visitors to the San Diego Museum of Art can explore the museum’s German Expressionism exhibition, which documents a transformative period in the early 20th century when German and Austrian artists began to rail against tradition. The show will feature paintings, drawings, and prints endowed to SDMA’s permanent collection in 2011 from the estate of collector Vance E. Kondon. 

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Coin-Op Game Room 11th Anniversary

November 19

Coin-Op Game Room is taking it totally retro for its 11th anniversary bash, with an ’80s-centric, neon-themed gathering this Tuesday from 8 p.m. to midnight at its North Park location. The celebration features tunes from DJ KC Dalton, tattooing from American Gypsy Tattoo artist Sebastian Garcia, caricature art from Dianna Colina, and classic cocktails, from piña coladas to Midori sours. 

3926 30th Street, North Park

Rady Children’s Ice Rink at ARTS DISTRICT

November 21–January 5 

Liberty Station’s Central Promenade will once again play host to the outdoor Rady Children’s Ice Rink, with net proceeds going towards Rady Children’s Hospital’s Thriving After Cancer program. Guests can lace up their skates through January 5, beginning with this Thursday’s opening day from 4 to 10 p.m. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for children, and you can purchase them in advance here. 

2875 Dewey Road, Point Loma 

October 25, 2024

2024 Holiday Gift Guide: 35 San Diego Goods & Local FindsRELATED ARTICLE

Santee Holiday Lighting

November 22

The city of Santee offers a plethora of family-friendly activities from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. this Friday at the Santee Holiday Lighting. Held at Santee Trolley Square, this free event will feature live music by the Bayou Brothers, photos with Santa, face painting, sledding, arts and crafts activities, and of course, the tree-lighting ceremony. 

9884 Mission Gorge Road, Santee

Encinitas Holiday Street Fair

November 24

Explore more than 450 local arts, craft, and retail vendors at the Encinitas Holiday Street Fair this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This free community event also includes kids’ rides, two live entertainment stages with local musicians and dancers, and a dog zone. 

Coast Highway 101 between D and J streets, Encinitas

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: Nov. 19–24 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Food & Drink | Concerts & Festivals | Theater & Art Exhibits | More Fun Things to Do

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Weekend

Chefsgiving at Pendry San Diego

November 14

Several of the city’s finest chefs will serve up an early Thanksgiving feast this Thursday at Pendry San Diego’s Provisional Kitchen, Cafe & Mercantile from 6 to 9 p.m. NBC San Diego reporters Joe Little and Audra Stafford host Chefsgiving, an event in which local chefs will prepare dishes like duck carnitas, lobster mac n’ cheese, and dark chocolate truffle torte (see the full menu here) with wine pairings from The Prisoner Wine Company. Tickets for this 21-plus dinner are $150 per person, which includes a $30 donation to the San Diego Food Bank. 

425 Fifth Avenue, Gaslamp 

Bikes & Beers San Diego

November 16

This Saturday, push your pedals to the max for an ice-cold reward at AleSmith Brewing Company. At Bikes & Beers, cyclists can take a GPS-guided tour of San Diego, with a choice of a 15-, 30- or 45-mile race out and back with refreshments and rest stops along the way. Upon their return, riders can enjoy an afterparty featuring live music, games, raffles, and pint glasses full of beer. Ticket options range from $30 to $85 for Bikes & Beers. 

9990 AleSmith Court, Miramar 

October 22, 2024

The Best Things to Do in San Diego This Month: Nov. 2024RELATED ARTICLE

World Naan Festival

November 16

The Encore Event Center hosts the second annual World Naan Festival from 12 to 4 p.m. this Saturday. Attendees can enjoy six naan tastings and several samples from each food vendor, along with cooking demonstrations and competitions, live music, henna design, and cultural dance performances. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for kids ages 3 to 12 years old. 

8253 Ronson Road, Kearny Mesa 

Fall Artisan Market & Wine Tasting Fest

November 16

This Saturday, the Mission Bay Beach Club will welcome local retail and artisan vendors and winemakers for the Fall Artisan Market & Wine Tasting Fest. The free market will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with live music and plenty of chances for holiday shopping. The wine fest takes place from 2 to 5 p.m., and a $40 ticket gets you samples of 15 wines. 

2688 East Mission Bay Drive, Mission Bay

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Rainbow Kitten Surprise at the Rady Shell

November 12

At a Tuesday night show at the Rady Shell, alt rockers Rainbow Kitten Surprise will perform tracks from Love Hate Music Box, the band’s latest album. Madi Diaz, whose new album Weird Faith features the countrified banger “Don’t Do Me Good” with Kacey Musgraves, will open. Tickets for Tuesday’s concert start at $74.60 and can be purchased on Ticketmaster. 

222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero 

Valley Arts Festival

November 16

Celebrate Oceanside’s indigenous community at the annual Valley Arts Festival at Heritage Park, put on by the San Luis Rey Band of Mission Indians of the Luiseño Nation from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. this Friday. This year’s festival features an educational kíicha, the traditional dome-shaped shelter of the Luiseño people. Friday’s entertainment will include Native American drumming, blues, and storytelling, as well as interactive community murals, dancing demonstrations, and activities like rock and gourd painting, basket weaving, and jewelry making. 

220 Peyri Drive, Oceanside

Cowboy Bebop LIVE

November 15

Despite running for just over two dozen episodes at the turn of the century, Cowboy Bebop is one of the most enduring anime series of all time, with an international fan base, widespread acclaim, and even a live-action Netflix adaptation. Now, the intergalactic journeys of the Bebop’s bounty hunter crew will be soundtracked live by the 14-piece Bebop Bounty Big Band. As the animated adventures play out on the big screen at The Magnolia this Friday, the jazz ensemble will breathe even more life and love into a franchise that’s somehow still on the rise. Tickets start at $59 for this performance.

210 East Main Street, El Cajon

Concerts at Gallagher Square at Petco Park 

November 15 & 17

Though the nights are getting a bit frostier, outdoor concert season is still in full swing at Gallagher Square. On Friday night, rock bands Thrice and Manchester Orchestra will revisit their classics. Then, Sunday evening, Becky G will warm up the night with her Latin pop hits. Tickets for Friday’s show are on sale for $63.70 while tickets to Sunday’s performance will cost you at least $104. 

100 Park Boulevard, Downtown

Punk in the Park

November 16

Spend your Saturday jamming out to SoCal punk rockers at Snapdragon Stadium’s Punk in the Park. Several regional bands will take the stage throughout the day, including Streetlight Manifesto, Manic Hispanic, and headliners The Offspring and Pennywise. VIP festivalgoers will enjoy prime stage views, plus exclusive food, bars, and access to a seated lounge. Tickets for Punk in the Park range from $88.50 to $753.15. 

2101 Stadium Way, Mission Valley

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Misery at Tenth Avenue Arts Center 

November 14–December 7

In this stage adaptation of Misery, one of Stepen King’s most unsettling stories, an author finds himself in the clutches of a superfan who “rescues” him from a bad car wreck and sequesters him in her remote cabin. The Backyard Renaissance Theatre Company will preview the show through Nov. 22, followed by opening night on Nov. 23 at Tenth Avenue Arts Center. Tickets are $40.

930 Tenth Avenue, East Village 

Trans Diaries at Diversionary Theatre 

November 15–16

For two nights at the Diversionary Theatre, a group of five trans and nonbinary artists will share personal stories on stage for Trans Diaries. Joshua Gershick and director Shakina Nayfack lead a cast of returning and debut performers for the production’s fifth year. See Trans Diaries this Friday and Saturday at 7:30 p.m.; you can make your free reservation to attend here.

4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights

Tiny Beautiful Things at Scripps Ranch Theatre

November 15–December 8

Based on Cheryl Strayed’s real-life “Dear Sugar” anonymous advice column, Tiny Beautiful Things is a tearjerker about grief, trauma, and making it through tough times. This production, originally adapted by Nia Vardalos from Strayed’s book of the same name, will run for 13 shows. Tickets range from $29 to $35. 

9783 Avenue of Nations, Scripps Ranch 

Roberto R. Pozos at Centro Cultural de la Raza

November 15–December 22

Tepatitlan native and longtime San Diego resident Roberto R. Pozos’s newest painting exhibition will grace the walls of Centro Cultural de la Raza beginning this Friday. Pozos is known for his vibrant logo designs, as well as his contributions to the murals of Chicano Park. The opening reception for his exhibition is this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m.

2004 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park 

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Under the Stars: A Festive Autumn Evening at the SD Air & Space Museum

November 14

Guests at the San Diego Air & Space Museum’s “Under the Stars” evening will get an exclusive look after-hours this Thursday from 5 to 8 p.m. The event will feature access to the museum’s Above and Beyond exhibit with space artifacts, private docent tours, live music from Gladish Night, and a buffet dinner. Tickets are $55.20 and can be purchased on Eventbrite. 

2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park

Lightscape at the San Diego Botanic Garden

November 15–January 5, 2025

Every year, the San Diego Botanic Garden’s annual Lightscape installation creates an illuminated winter wonderland amid the usual natural flora. Those who want to see the installation will have the choice between value, off-peak and peak days, each with different ticket prices. This weekend, value tickets for non-members are available for $26 (adults) and $16 (children ages 3 to 12 years old). 

300 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: November 12–17 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Then, Rosinsky came to roost in San Diego in 2012, building her nest in a most unusual location: the Fairmont Grand Del Mar.

Following a health scare in San Miguel de Allende, where she’d briefly moved after the death of her husband 15 years ago, Rosinsky was diagnosed with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT), a condition that can cause excessive bleeding. Doctors at UC San Diego Health were among the top experts on the disease, so Rosinsky traveled here for treatment, taking a room at the Fairmont. Initially, she says, physicians gave her four months to live—but seven months on a lung medication that kept her virtually immobile dramatically extended that prognosis. The treatment has since saved others. “God gave me work to do in San Diego: to find the cure for HHT,” she adds.

Somewhere along the way, Rosinsky realized she’d need more long-term housing. But when she informed the Fairmont she’d be checking out, she recalls, a receptionist asked, “Why? We love you here.”

“My dear,” she replied, “I can’t afford you.”

The general manager, however, suggested she make a deal—and then accepted her offer. “Welcome,” she recalls him saying. “This is your home now.”

As the hotel’s only permanent guest, she spends her days practicing pilates in her room; writing her memoirs; and dining at the resort’s onsite restaurant, Amaya, where the staff members all know her by name. “I’m the grandmother of everyone here,” she says.

The post Meet Fairmont Grand Del Mar’s Only Permanent Guest appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

I’m shopping for…

The Chef | The Socialite | The Homebody | The Adventurer | The Parent | The Local

San Diego Gifts for the Chef

They’re the designated executive chef for every holiday dinner, whipping up dishes that rival those at San Diego’s Michelin-starred spots.

Community Supported Agriculture Box, $29–39

Yasukochi Family Farms

What’s better than a single surprise? One every week. With a subscription to Yasukochi Family Farm’s CSA box, a ridiculously generous (and reasonably priced) bounty of seasonal, local fruits and veggies will land at your recipient’s door four times a month. They won’t get to choose what comes, but figuring out a menu based on the latest cornucopia is half the fun.

San Diego Etched Whiskey Glasses, $40

Apollo Emporium

Give them the world—or at least the city. With these glasses from Little Italy home goods shop Apollo Emporium, one can trace all of San Diego across a single old fashioned. Neat! (No pun intended.)

San Diego Cooks: Recipes from the Region’s Favorite Eateries, Bakeries, and Bars, $34.95

Figure 1 Publishing

Really, this new book from SDM contributors Ligaya Malones and Deanna Sandoval is just as much a gift for you—as long as your recipient is willing to share when they try their hand at homemade versions of iconic San Diego dishes like JRDN’s steamed mussels, Smokin J’s brisket chili, and Extraordinary Desserts’ lemon meringue cake.

Bourbon Vanilla Extract, $20

Bees & Teas Herbal Apothecary

Bourbon infused with real Madagascar vanilla adds complexity to holiday baked goods—as well as coffee, french toast, horchata, and other treats. The bottle comes full of whole vanilla pods, so your giftee can simply pour in more bourbon when things run low.

Puebla Talavera Mantequilla, $37

Casa y Cocina

Handmade in Puebla, Mexico and sold at dangerously-easy-to-get-lost-in North Park home goods shop Casa y Cocina, this gorgeous ceramic dish keeps butter soft, safe, and close at hand.

Chili Crisps, $18

Karanchi

Karanchi founder Nguyen Le’s favorite way to eat his addictive, garlic-studded chili crisp is atop avocado toast—but, really, there’s no going wrong here (one NYT Cooking recipe even suggests adding the ingredient to fettuccine alfredo). You can pick it up online or at local shops like Home Ec (Little Italy), Bica (Normal Heights), Tablespoon (North Park), and Wildwood Flour Bakery (Pacific Beach).

Hand-Painted Stoneware Platter, $45

Apostrophe Home

Charcuterie boards just got even more photogenic, thanks to this weighty, 16-inch stoneware serving dish from downtown’s Apostrophe Home. (Looking to shop for a set? The store sells a pretty serving bowl in the same pattern.)

San Diego Gifts for the Socialite

They get a free drink everywhere they go and can reapply their lipstick flawlessly in even the smokiest vintage restaurant mirror.

Milano Slim Crossbody Bag, $110

Mavis by Herrera

Local Mavis Herrera works with artisans in Mexico to produce this stylish bag made from recycled plastic. It’s sized just right to hold a phone, wallet, key, and a hand cream or lip balm (without being so big it becomes a receipt graveyard).

Lucia Strand, $557 & Saltwater Strand, $123

Ordoñez Le

Handmade in SD, Ordoñez Le’s beaded necklaces add a delicate pop of color and the alleged energy-balancing powers of gemstones. They’re all cute, but we’re partial to the Lucia (with two hands to rep your friendship) and the Saltwater (featuring a shell charm for beach-loving besties).

Restore Mini Set, $70

Aloisia Beauty

This set from Latina-owned, cruelty-free skincare company Aloisia Beauty is intended to provide everything your recipient needs for healthy skin—two cleansers, a gently exfoliating peel, and a moisturizing gel—in travel-ready packages.

Mahiri Lip + Cheek Tint, $38

Dehiya Beauty

Available in seven shades with names like “The Queen,” “Warrior,” and “Siren,” this oil- and shea butter–based tint from Moroccan-inspired beauty brand Dehiya adds a buildable flush of color to cheeks and lips.

Alia Argan Beldi Cleanser, $38 & Mihakka Moroccan Exfoliating Tool, $22

Dehiya Beauty

Paired with a cotton-covered, Marrakech-made, terra cotta exfoliating tool called a mihakka, this argan oil cleanser is designed to clean skin without stripping it. Plus, the packaging is so pretty they’ll want to leave it out on the counter.

I Smell Like Money Eau de Parfum, $65

Gavin Luxe

What’s the aroma of wealth? According to fragrance company Gavin Luxe, it’s vanilla and jasmine with touches of brown sugar, tonka bean, patchouli, amber, and musk.

Ring Sueño 2, $175

June Handmade

Alongside its broad collection of adorably twee leather shoes, June Handmade makes conversation-starting ceramic pieces, including statement rings that would look equally elegant strung on a necklace chain as they do on a finger.

Tortuga Gin, $100

Storyhouse Spirits

The product of a collab between East Village distiller Storyhouse Spirits and the new Omni San Diego hotel in downtown, this citrus-forward gin has notes of lemon and orange peel and lemongrass.

San Diego Gifts for the Homebody

They’ll change careers before they return to office, and they refer to their patio as “the sanctuary.”

Matcha & Bergamot Scented Candle, $24.99

Home Base Smell Good Co.

Celebrated Asian fusion steakhouse Animae burns candles from local maker Home Base Smell Good Co. in its chic bathrooms. This lightly sweet tea scent will bring gravitas to even the most cramped apartment commode.

Monthly Membership, $120

Vino Disco Wine Club

Send natty wine straight to their door with this subscription. San Diegan Erin Callahan curates four organic, biodynamic, and small-batch bottles every month—along with a playlist that matches the vibes.

Secret Keeper, $85 & Chimenea Incense Burner, $85

Perro y Arena

Tijuana-born artist Socrates Medina Ahearn produces playful, functional, and gorgeous ceramic pieces like a mini chimenea that directs plumes of incense smoke upward and a coyote-head box for storing small objects (and secrets). You can find his work at outposts in SD and TJ, including the Mingei International Museum’s onsite shop.

Moss Art DIY Kit, $45

Euflora

There are few things a homebody loves more than a plant… except maybe a project. This kit is both in one. Recipients can spend a happy afternoon or two arranging and gluing preserved moss and lichen in a wood frame to create evergreen art. 

Club Time Warp Sun Catcher, $60

Apollo Home

Available at Apollo Home, this sun catcher from California artist Club Time Warp adds funky hippie sensibilities to any space with poured resin, crystals, and stones on a macrame rope. 

San Diego Gifts for the Adventurer

They show up to work with wet hair and a too-big-for-a-Monday smile from a morning surf sesh.

Kelly Slater: A Life of Waves, $55

Rizzoli

San Diego–born surf photographer Todd Glaser has spent more than 15 years capturing 11-time World Surf League champion Kelly Slater in and out of the water. The duo explore that archive in this new coffee table tome sure to inspire any grom. 

The Underworld: Journeys to the Depths of the Ocean, $19

Penguin Random House

Local author Susan Casey takes readers into the deep, talking with oceanographers and marine geologists and biologists about the alien creatures and strange landscapes that exist where light can’t reach.

Leopard Shark Mug, $118

Ludvik Handcrafted

Ludvik Handcrafted’s one-of-a-kind mugs are functional works of art depicting marine critters like green sea turtles, bat rays, and leopard sharks—La Jolla’s most beloved annual visitors. 

Rainbow Turkish Cotton Towel, $18–80

Citizens of the Beach

Upgrade their ragged beach towels with a soft, Turkish cotton variety in a fun print. Local company Citizens of the Beach sells these linens on Amazon, on Etsy, and at pop-up markets around town.

Roy Lichtenstein MCASD x Slowtide Beach Blanket, $80

The Shop at MCASD

The Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego partnered with San Diego towel brand Slowtide to produce this eye-catching beach blanket (with a water-repellent lining) based on legendary pop artist Roy Lichtenstein’s Mirror #4, a piece on display at the La Jolla arts institution.

Original Surf Wax, $3

Horny Toads Surf Wax

A Pacific Beach native launched this surf wax company in 2020, naming it after his father’s surf club (members Hank Warner and Mike Lovell went on to craft sought-after boards and fins). The watermelon-scented wax makes a great stocking stuffer.

Cozy Reversible Jacket, $222

All That Apparel

Local entrepreneur Jody White turns deadstock fabrics into sustainable clothing like this reversible jacket. Giftees can wear the playful print on the outside and the cozy fleece inside for foggy coastal mornings and then flip for a subtler look while running errands. 

San Diego Gifts for the New Parents

They somehow manage to wrangle twin newborns and three rescue pets into matching sweaters for a holiday card photo that’s not leaving your fridge… ever.

Insulated Dog Water Bottle, $28 & Persimmon Classic Leash, $37

Cookies & Co.

Make hikes on San Diego’s many dog-friendly trails safer and more stylish with goodies from local pet company Cookies & Co.: a sturdy leash in an eye-catching hue and a metal water bottle that pups and their people can both drink from.

Nooee Pet Cave, $86.99 & Speckle & Spot California Dog Toy, $18.99

Decker’s Dog & Cat

The hardest part about shopping for pet-centric presents at Decker’s Dog & Cat’s La Jolla and Clairemont outposts? Deciding what to choose from their massive inventory. For kitties, may we suggest a sleek, easily cleanable bed? Puppies, on the other hand, will dig a squeaky toy paying homage to the Golden State.

Maison Rue City Blocks & Gems Set, $80

Palomita

SD–based kids’ company Palomita curates stuff for children that’s sustainable, artist-driven, and—maybe best of all—so pretty that parents won’t mind when it ends up scattered all over the living room. Case in point: Maison Rue’s cute wooden houses, which help toddlers develop fine motor skills as they slide pretty lucite blocks into window-like cutouts.

Vintage Youth Sweater, $40

Timshel

Charming University Heights shop Timshel vends new and antique homewares, locally made jewelry and accessories, and vintage fashion, including retro knitwear for little ones in a range of kid-friendly colors. 

Yellow Linen Striped Shorts, $32

The Milk Crew 

A linen-viscose blend makes these soft shorts from kids’ clothing brand The Milk Crew comfy and durable for beach days, play dates, and trips to The New Children’s Museum in downtown.

Custom Charm Jewelry, $65–$350

Raiz

Portraits of kids and pets are the most common subject on mom-owned jewelry company Raiz’s delicate, customizable charms, but the founders say customers get creative, requesting signatures, old photos of their ancestors, and more. 

Red Cozy Things Print, $24

Cozy Made Designs

In addition to jewelry and custom invitations, menus, temporary tattoos, and more, San Diegan Kara Gil vends cute art prints, like this nursery-ready compilation of comforting doodles, on her site Cozy Made Designs.

Gifts for Any San Diegan on Your List

Neighborhood Ornaments, $15–25

 WTF Mary

Local designer WTF Mary laser-cuts mini versions of San Diego’s iconic neighborhood signs and transforms them into holiday ornaments. Sure, a star on the top of the tree is classic, but repping your ’hood amid the Santas and sparkly baubles? Way cooler. 

San Diego Magazine Subscription, $9

San Diego Magazine

A subscription to San Diego Magazine is the perfect present for any local who loves our fine city. Each month, they’ll enjoy insight into San Diego’s food, drink, neighborhoods, and people shaping our community. Plus, they’ll receive our iconic Best Restaurants and Best of San Diego issues, packed with the year’s top picks.

The post 2024 Holiday Gift Guide: 35 San Diego Goods & Local Finds appeared first on San Diego Magazine.