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

Food & Drink Events in San Diego This Month

Pucks & Pints

March 29

Watch brewers play hockey for bragging rights, savor craft beer collabs at Bay City Brewing, and catch a San Diego Gulls game—all in one philanthropic day—with Pucks & Pints.

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Month

ShamROCK Festival

March 15

Don emerald garb, raise your glass, and revel in the craic at the 29th annual ShamROCK festival in the Gaslamp, where Irish music, foot stomping dancers, and even a Taylor Swift tribute band play across three stages. You’ll find green beer, whiskey cocktails, and delicious Irish bites, too.

February 17, 2025

8 Artists to See at CRSSD Spring 2025RELATED ARTICLE

Motown: The Groove that Changed America at California Center for the Arts, Escondido

March 7-8

With dynamic singers and a propulsive 20-piece orchestra, CCAE Theatricals pays tribute to the Motor City’s soul music legacy in Motown: The Groove that Changed America at the California Center for the Arts, Escondido.

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Month

San Diego Theatre Month

March 1-31

See shows on a dime throughout San Diego Theatre Month. You can nab $15, $30, and $45 tickets for a broad selection of spectacular theater, music, and dance performances.

February 12, 2025

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Circle of Art in Borrego Springs

March 15-16

Head to Borrego Springs to browse eye-catching artwork from around 70 exhibitors at the 2025 Circle of Art. This year’s event benefits the area’s Soroptimist International chapter.

St. Patrick’s Cabaret at Lamb’s Players Theatre

March 16-17

Lamb’s Players Theatre’s annual St. Patrick’s Cabaret is a musical ode to Ireland for a St. Paddy’s Day treat that will get you dancing in your seat in Coronado.

An Artful Life at MCASD

March 20-August 3

In La Jolla, explore the archives of renowned contemporary art collectors and philanthropists Iris and Matthew Strauss with the new Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego exhibition An Artful Life, featuring 22 pieces from the Strauss Family Trust.

Teechers at Patio Playhouse

March 21-April 6

Teechers, John Harry Godber’s side-splitting play within a play at the Patio Playhouse in Escondido, was inspired by the popular writer’s own experiences as a drama teacher in England in the early 1980s.

Psychology of a Murderer at The Magnolia

March 25

Dr. Rachel Toles will lead a true-crime lesson in notorious killers at The Magnolia in El Cajon
as she analyzes the deadly mindsets that fuel the Psychology of a Murderer.

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month

San Diego FC’s First Home Match

March 1

Major League Soccer’s newest franchise debuts at Snapdragon Stadium when San Diego FC takes on St. Louis City SC in the team’s first-ever home match.

February 7, 2025

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Oddities Flea Market

March 29-30

Oddities Flea Market arrives in San Diego at downtown’s Julep venue, bringing taxidermy treasures, abnormal specimens, morose artwork, and other peculiar finds.

The post The Best Things to Do in San Diego This Month: Mar. 2025 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

A Wicked Afternoon at the Westgate Hotel 

February 19–23

The Westgate Hotel is going totally Wicked with afternoon tea times that will transport you to the Emerald City. In the hotel’s Grand Lobby this Wednesday through Sunday from 1 to 5 p.m., patrons will nibble sweet and savory treats, sip tea and rosé, and hear tunes from the franchise played live on a harp. Attendees are invited to dress as their favorite characters, too. Reservations are $74 for adults and $49 for kids ages 2 to 12 years old, with complimentary admission for infants ages 1 and under. 

1055 Second Avenue, Gaslamp

February 14, 2025

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Shuck & Sip at Postino Little Italy

February 21

At Shuck & Sip, a pop-up at Postino Little Italy this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m., attendees will shuck fresh oysters from The Shellfish Affair and slurp them down alongside sparkling wines from Alta Vista. There are two reservation choices for this event: a $35 option that comes with six oysters and one glass of wine and an $80 option that includes a dozen oysters and a full bottle.

2100 Kettner Boulevard, Little Italy 

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Oceanside International Film Festival 

February 18–22

The Oceanside International Film Festival returns Tuesday through Saturday with a spotlight on independent filmmakers. As always, the Sunshine Brooks Theater—a fixture of the Oceanside Cultural District—will host, offering screenings through Saturday, including a slate of short film programs and international sea- and surf-centered movies. Tickets can be purchased here. 

217 North Coast Highway, Oceanside

February 17, 2025

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Tribute to the Reggae Legends & Bob Marley Day

February 21–22

WorldBeat Cultural Center hosts its 44th annual Tribute to the Reggae Legends and Bob Marley Day this weekend. The two-day festival begins with Friday’s Caribbean musical excursion. Sister Nancy and Johnny Osbourne top Saturday’s tribute lineup. Tickets for Friday ($40) and Saturday ($65) are on sale, along with weekend passes ($80). 

2100 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park 

R.E.S.P.E.C.T.: A Celebration of the Music of Aretha Franklin at Balboa Theatre

February 22

This Saturday at the Balboa Theatre, the Queen of Soul will receive more than a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T. Vocalists and a live band will bring to life the top hits from Aretha Franklin’s musical catalog, including anthems like “Natural Woman” and “Chain of Fools.” Tickets start at $54 for this performance. 

868 4th Avenue, Gaslamp

South Bay Zine Fest

February 23

Emerging artists and storytellers will display their work to the public at the South Bay Zine Fest, taking place this Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Illusion Hall. This festival is free and open to attendees of all ages.

281 3rd Avenue, Chula Vista 

Blind Boys of Alabama featuring Shemekia Copeland at Poway Center for the Performing Arts

February 23

Enjoy a Sunday afternoon gospel performance from one of America’s longest-running music groups at the Poway Center for the Performing Arts. The Blind Boys of Alabama, whose members are visually impaired or blind, have been making music since 1939 and released their most recent album, Echoes of the South, in 2023. This performance will also feature a powerful assist from blues crooner and roots music artist Shemekia Copeland. Tickets range from $42 to $94 for this concert. 

15498 Espola Road, Poway 

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

we are continuous at Diversionary Theatre

Through March 9 

In Harrison David Rivers’ semi-autobiographical play we are continuous, a piece of disquieting news tests the close-knit connections between main character Simon; his mother, Ora; and his husband like never before. There will be four performances of we are continuous this week at the Diversionary Theatre, with tickets ranging from $22 to $62. 

4545 Park Boulevard, University Heights

February 4, 2025

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3 Summers of Lincoln at La Jolla Playhouse 

February 18–March 30

The La Jolla Playhouse’s newest world premiere—the sixth collaboration for Joe DiPietro and Christopher Ashley at the Playhouse—is a historical musical based on three meetings between president Abraham Lincoln and abolitionist Frederick Douglass. 3 Summers of Lincoln features an original gospel- and R&B-infused score crafted by composer Crystal Monee Hall and lyricist Daniel J. Watts. Tickets (ranging from $30 to $92) have already sold out for this week’s performances, but 3 Summers of Lincoln will enjoy an extended run through the end of March. 

2910 La Jolla Village Drive, La Jolla 

Silent Storytellers Opening Reception at Cannon Gallery

February 22 

More than 60 paintings and drawings of the SoCal coast by Fredric Hope are currently available to view in Silent Storytellers at the William D. Cannon Gallery. The exhibition will open with a public reception with refreshments and live music this Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. at the gallery. Silent Storytellers will be on display through June 28, with the gallery open Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 5 p.m. 

1775 Dove Lane, Carlsbad

Keepers of the Culture: Honoring Our Cultural Icons at the San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art

February 22

The San Diego African American Museum of Fine Art and the San Diego History Center will celebrate its 2025 Keepers of the Culture awardees during Keepers of the Culture: Honoring Our Cultural Icons this Saturday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. This year’s honorees are California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, the Cooper Family Foundation, jazz radio host Ron Dhanifu, and local Alpha Kappa Alpha service leader Martha R. Logan. The event will begin with a reception featuring musician Kamau Kenyatta, with the evening’s program starting at 6 p.m. Keepers of the Culture is free to attend, but space is limited; RSVP here to ensure your spot. 

1649 El Prado, Balboa Park 

Charles Johnstone: In Search of the Perfect Palm at Joseph Bellows Gallery 

February 22–March 28

Photographer Charles Johnstone used expired film and a 19th-century printing process to mimic daguerreotype images in his homage to Joseph-Philibert Girault de Prangey’s Palm Tree near the Church of Saints Theodore, Athens. Photography enthusiasts can see a series of Johnstone’s shots in the exhibition In Search of the Perfect Palm, which opens with a reception this Saturday from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Joseph Bellows Gallery’s atrium space. 

7661 Girard Avenue, La Jolla

The Drawing Show at San Diego Central Library 

February 22–May 4

Ten regional artists—including Hugo Crosthwaite, Annalise Neil, Amanda Kazemi, and Steve Gibso—will share their sketches in the 25th anniversary exhibition of The Drawing Show, on display in the Judith Harris Art Gallery of the San Diego Central Library beginning this Saturday. 

330 Park Boulevard, Downtown

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

Whose Live Anyway? at Balboa Theatre

February 21

A quartet of improv comedians will lead a 90-minute improv comedy show, creating songs and scenes with a healthy helping of audience participation at Whose Live Anyway? Performers Ryan Stiles, Greg Proops, Jeff B. Davis, and Joel Murray from the hit TV program Whose Line Is It Anyway? will demonstrate the on-the-spot thinking and impeccable comedic timing they perfected on the show. Tickets start at $79 and can be purchased here. 

868 4th Avenue, Gaslamp

February 13, 2025

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No Other Land at Digital Gym Cinema 

February 21–26

The highly acclaimed yet scarcely available documentary No Other Land arrives for a week-long run at Digital Gym Cinema this Friday. The Oscar-nominated film focuses on an unlikely friendship that forms amidst the devastation of the Masafer Yatta region and displacement of Palestinian residents by the Israeli military. Tickets range from $9 to $13. 

1100 Market Street, East Village

Fido Fest

February 22 

Have a paw-sitively fun time at Fido Fest, a free dog-themed festival at Town Center Community Park East this Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors, along with their furry friends, can check out doggy agility courses, a pet vendor village, and an adoption alley with canines from more than 20 local shelters. Fido Fest will also include a pet costume contest, a dog wellness zone with free microchipping and pet health tips, and a donation drive for attendees to drop off new dog food, bedding, blankets, and toys for rescue pups.

550 Park Center Drive, Santee

The post 16 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: February 19–23 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Fisher 

Sunday headliner Fisher is a man of many talents—the Aussie producer spent time on the pro surfing circuit before pursuing a music career full-time in 2012. A Grammy nominee for his 2018 song “Losing It,” Fisher dropped the sunny, feel-good single “Ocean” with electro duo AR/CO late last year.

Justice

French electronic music duo Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, known together as Justice, remixed tunes for Britney Spears, Daft Punk, and other heavy hitters before garnering fame (and a spot on Pitchfork’s top albums of the year list) with the 2007 debut Cross. The pair’s latest work, 2024’s Hyperdrama, is a diverse, ambitious lineup of tracks that pull in elements of prog rock and disco.

LP Giobbi

A co-founder of Femme House, an org that bolsters musicians underrepresented in the production side of the industry, Leah “LP Giobbi” Chisholm studied jazz piano at UC Berkeley before falling in love with EDM. Don’t be surprised if her Saturday set includes a few Jerry Garcia hits—raised by Deadheads, Giobbi pays tribute to the band in a number of jubilant remixes.

Chris Lorenzo

In the December 2024 release “U Should Not Be Doing That,” the corrosive, punk-rock vocals of Amyl and the Sniffers frontwoman Amy Taylor meet Chris Lorenzo’s booming bass house. It’s not the first successful collab for the 36-year-old Englishman, who’s worked with Skrillex and Steve Aoki.

Jungle

Known for frothy, disco-inspired songs and joyous, single-shot music videos, Jungle (British producers and childhood best friends Josh Lloyd-Watson and Tom McFarland and multi-instrumentalist Lydia Kitto) will flex their DJing prowess on the The Palms stage at CRSSD on Saturday.

Linska

2024 was a big year for British producer Linska—the tech house up-and-comer played her first fest (Palm Springs’ Splashhouse) and hit one million streams on her first single in August. She’s poised to become one of the scene’s next big stars, so catch her on Sunday at CRSSD ahead of her May 2025 stop at EDC in Las Vegas.

François X

François X solidified his gritty, propulsive sound with a 2012 residency at Concrete, the now-defunct (but never forgotten) house venue situated in a barge on the Seine in Paris. The French DJ is known for unearthing underplayed techno tunes, so listen for a new favorite discovery on Saturday.

&friends

Now based in Dubai, Sean Thomas, known professionally as &friends, grew up in San Diego. &friends’ Sunday CRSSD set—full of high-energy club songs marrying the beats of Arabic house with Western hits—will be Thomas’ first hometown show.

The post 8 Artists to See at CRSSD Spring 2025 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Oceanside Restaurants, Bars, and Coffee Shops

Allmine

An elevated take on Italian-inspired cuisine, Allmine showcases masterfully crafted artisanal pizzas, handmade pastas, and thoughtfully curated natural wines. With careful attention to ingredients—like imported Italian flour for their signature pizza dough—and making nearly everything in-house, from rich sauces to house-cured sausages and creamy burrata, every dish reflects a commitment to quality and craftsmanship.

119 S Coast Hwy. 

Communal Coffee

Communal Coffee offers a wide selection of coffee, teas, fresh pastries, and cafe bites all set against a boho-chic space with creative energy, and plentiful indoor and outdoor seating. A favorite for those working remote, as well as business and friend meet-ups. 

602 S Tremont St

January 23, 2025

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The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel

The ultimate lounge for breathtaking ocean views and vibrant sunsets, The Rooftop Bar at Mission Pacific Hotel also features a stellar drink and food menu. With its stylish ambiance, creative cocktails, and shareable bites, it’s a must-visit for a chic coastal experience in Oceanside.

201 N Myers St.

The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill

A new addition to the historic Brick Hotel, The Lobby Tiki Bar & Grill is a vibrant tiki-inspired vibe with Instagram-worthy drinks, and island-infused American cuisine. Don’t miss the Tiki dancers during Friday’s dinner service.

408 Pier View Way

Valle 

One of the rare Michelin-starred restaurants in San Diego, Valle showcases the flavors of Baja California through elevated, modern Mexican cuisine with an extensive wine list highlighting Valle de Guadalupe wines. The multi-course experience is ripe for a special-occasion set amongst a breathtaking ambiance—with ocean views as the cherry on top.

222 N Pacific St

Rose Cafe

Head to Rose Cafe for breakfast, lunch or a little of both with their popular brunch menu and enjoy tasty bites in a charming and cozy setting. They offer a surprisingly large and diverse menu whether you’re popping in for a quick coffee, or fixing for a full on meal. 

1902 S Coast Hwy

Merenda

Merenda is an authentic European-inspired wine bar with a diverse wine list and selection of light bites, including a build-your-own charcuterie experience with a choice-of cheeses and meats. 

1931 S Coast Hwy

Matsu 

A refined and modern Japanese omakase style experience, Matsu uses seasonal ingredients and meticulous techniques to offer a five-star dining experience. Helmed by chef/owner William Eick, his menu blends tradition with innovation and the food is as much art as it is delicious. 

626 S Tremont St 

Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub

An Oceanside staple since 2013, Wrench and Rodent Seabasstropub is sustainability-driven sushi-forward spot is known for inventive flavors and a daily-changing menu, with a focus on responsibly sourced ingredients. The eclectic vibe makes for an effortlessly cool setting.

1815 South Coast Hwy

Dija Mara 

Blending Balinese flavors with modern California cuisine, Dija Mara offers bold, umami-rich dishes. With a stylish, laid-back atmosphere and a well-curated natural wine list. It’s a worthy visit for adventurous and spice-loving foodies. 

232 S Coast Hwy

The Plot

The Plot features an elevated earthy vibe with outdoor dining in a garden-setting complemented by its inventive plant-based dishes. Artfully crafted sushi rolls are popular, as well as the brunch, where the vegan chicken and waffles and the bold and bountiful Bloody Mary, are a crowd favorite. 

1733 S Coast Hwy.

Little Fox Cups & Cones

Little Fox Cups & Cones makes creative ice cream concoctions with a host of inventive flavors, and tried-and-true classics. While they dish out traditional cups and cones of ice cream, they also have their popular ice cream taco, ice cream cakes and other goodies. As a bonus they cater to all dietary needs with a few seriously good vegan options. Everything is made in house, from scratch. 

1940s S Freeman St

24 Suns

In an unassuming strip mall, 24 Suns is a shining culinary achievement. Two former Michelin three-star restaurant chefs have taken over an old dive bar, and turned it into a chef-driven culinary experience with a focus on modern Chinese cuisine.

3375 Mission Ave. 

Things to Do in Oceanside, CA

Raw Rhythm Ceramics Studio 

A creative space dedicated to the art of pottery and ceramics, Raw Rhythm Ceramics Studio offers classes and workshops suitable for all skill levels. The studio also provides monthly memberships for those seeking a regular space to hone their craft.

607 Vista Way

Comedy at the Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar

Every Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Privateer Marketplace & Wine Bar hosts a comedy night featuring a mix of local and touring comedians in an intimate setting. Get there early to grab a table since seating is first come, first served. You can enjoy full food and drink service while laughing steadily through the show. 

1706 S Coast Hwy

October 21, 2024

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Oceanside Farmers Market 

The Oceanside Farmers Market is held every Thursday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and features fresh local produce, flowers, artisan baked goods, organic fare and locally made dips and sauces. Can’t make the morning time? Don’t worry, in the evenings, from 5-9 p.m., the market turns up the volume and features live music and up to 240 food and retail booths across five city blocks.

Pier View Way & N Coast Hwy

Oceanside Pier

Stroll down the pier and watch surfers carve through the breaks below, or catch a stunning sunset at the Oceanside Pier, the longest wooden pier on the West coast. After your stroll, pop across the street to the Top Gun House, a historic landmark featured in the iconic film. The home has been converted into a pie shop which sells gluten-free treats and sweets.

928 N Coast Hwy

Oceanside Museum of Art 

The Oceanside Museum of Art houses a dynamic mix of contemporary exhibitions, highlighting local and regional artists across various mediums. With ever-changing installations and engaging events, it’s a cultural experience for the arts-minded. 

704 Pier View Way

Goat Hill Golf Course

Goat Hill Park golf course is a laid-back, scenic course known for its welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or a beginner, you can enjoy stunning coastal views and a fun round of golf in the beautiful SD sunshine. Or, simply check out the driving range to hit some balls while you sip local brews. 

2323 Goat Hill Dr

Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center & Trail

Perched along the Buena Vista Lagoon Ecological Reserve, Buena Vista Audubon Society Nature Center & Trail makes for a nice stop to see a variety of local taxidermied birds and wildlife—plus other interactive things to see and touch. Then, take the 1/4 mile nature trail that loops around a portion of the lagoon to observe a variety of native plants and wildlife.

2202 S Coast Hwy

Oceanside Beach

A prime spot for sunbathing, swimming and surfing, Oceanside beach (known to locals as “The Strand”) is a great family-friendly spot for enjoying a day outdoors. Enjoy lunch at one of the nearby picnic tables or grill up your favorite summertime eats on public barbecues while there. Or, take the kids to one of a few small parks located around the beach.

The Strand

Oceanside Adventures – Whale Watching Tour

Oceanside Adventures’ whale watching and boat tours, offers guests the chance to spot various sea life, like dolphins and sea lions aboard a 50-foot catamaran. The tour departs from Oceanside Harbor year-round, providing an intimate and educational way to experience marine life, with informative and knowledgeable staff to guide your excursion. 

256 Harbor Dr S

Oceanside Shops & Boutiques

Municipal

A new addition to Oceanside, Municipal is a lifestyle apparel brand co-founded by Hollywood actor Mark Wahlberg offering stylish, high-performance clothing for active living. Its flagship store also features the popular LA-based Urth Caffé, serving organic coffee, teas, and fresh bites, with plenty of space and comfy seating to lounge around. 

1722 S Coast Hwy

Surf Ride Boardshop

A staple in Oceanside’s surf community since 1974, this family-owned shop has a great selection of surfboards, wetsuits, and other surf gear. Surf Ride Boardshop also has plentiful mens and womens apparel, swimsuits, and beach-related accessories. Don’t miss the sale room where you can snag surf gear and apparel for ridiculous reduced prices. 

1909 S Coast Hwy

March 11, 2024

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Captain’s Helm

A vintage clothing boutique, Captain’s Helm features everything from curated, old-school classic apparel to more modern secondhand finds. Plus you’ll also find a few newer items like candles, and other accessories. Stop in next door to Captain’s Grounds coffee shop for tasty drinks and bites.

1832 S Coast Hwy

Sea Hive Marketplace

Sea Hive Marketplace is a charming indoor marketplace featuring curated housewares and goods from local artisans and unique vintage finds, as well as jewelry and clothes. Whether you’re searching for a gift or home decor, this spot is a must-visit for one-of-a-kind treasures.

1555 S Coast Hwy

Estate Sale Warehouse

A perfect place for vintage lovers, Estate Sale Warehouse hosts an ever-changing collection of antique furniture, home decor, and collectibles. Discover rare finds and timeless pieces at this eclectic shopping destination.

1719 S Coast Hwy

Sonora Refillery

Sonora Refillery is an eco-friendly boutique dedicated to reducing waste with refillable household and personal care products. Bring your own containers and refill them with soaps, lotions, shampoos, conditioners, and other natural goods.

1012 S Coast Hwy

Always Hungry Grocery & Goods

A downtown specialty grocery, Always Hungry Grocery & Goods is stocked with locally sourced, organic, and artisanal foods. From fresh produce to gourmet snacks, this shop is a haven for food lovers seeking high-quality, thoughtfully curated ingredients.

110 N Myers St 

Plantplay Gardens 

Plantplay Gardens features a carefully curated selection of indoor plants, succulents, and unique pottery. Whether you’re a seasoned plant parent or a beginner, they have everything you need to bring greenery into your space.

1839 S Coast Hwy

The post San Diego Neighborhood Guide: Oceanside appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Music Mart

Long gone are the days of trying out an instrument that caught your eye… only to be met with a scoff of disdain from a 20-year-old Guitar Center employee. North County’s Music Mart understands that a test drive is critical to finding your six-stringed soulmate and encourages shoppers to jam accordingly.

Address: 122 South Solana Hills Drive, Solana Beach
Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Saturday; 12p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

Imperial Vintage Guitars

If your dad’s midlife crisis involved the purchase of some old guitar with a cracked neck that he insists he’ll learn to play, take him to this spot to finally get it repaired. Kearny Mesa’s Imperial Vintage Guitars specializes in second hand axes, so the store maintains its carefully curated instruments with a little more TLC than your average curio shop would.

Address: 7878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 5, Kearny Mesa
Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday; Wednesday by appointment only; Closed Sunday.

December 12, 2023

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Moze Guitars

Have you ever considered starting a Hank Williams cover band but then didn’t take the plunge because you had no idea where to buy a steel guitar or banjo? Just me? Either way, Moze Guitars in La Mesa offers a niche selection of lap steel, mandolins, banjos, and of course, gorgeous guitars. Throw in a harmonica and your extra starched blue jeans, and you’re set.

Address: 8415 La Mesa Boulevard, Suite 1, La Mesa
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; closed Sunday.

Mark’s Guitar Exchange

Mark’s Guitar Exchange offers perhaps the most expansive selection in the city. Conveniently, their superstore-sized selection on Midway Drive is a 10-minute walk away from teen rock haven SOMA. Go straight from the pit to the store to blow your paycheck on your new favorite guitar.

Address: 3233 Midway Drive, Midway | 945 Otay Lakes Road Unit G, Chula Vista
Hours: Midway District – 9 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday; 12p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.
Chula Vista – 12 p.m.–8 p.m. Monday–Friday; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday; 12p.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

Pitbull Audio

Guitars are cool and all, but have you ever wanted to add an obscene number of pedals to your stage just to give yourself a reason to explain where shoegaze got its name from? Pitbull Audio in National City carries not only a multitude of guitars, but also specific audio accessories to give your music the extra oomph you need to craft your totally-not-Slowdive-inspired sound. 

Address: 300 West 28th Street, Suite 101, National City
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Sunday.

Harper’s Music Store

Recommended by San Diego’s new generation grindcore and metalcore scene, Harper’s Music Store has remained a South Bay institution since 1962. A rent-to-own system starting at $19 makes all the offered instruments that much more accessible to your average high school garage band scraping together their allowance to pay for equipment.

Address: 627 H St. #B, Chula Vista
Hours: 10 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Music Store Live 

Have you ever needed a guitar delivered straight to your house? Music Store Live is the place for that. Although it has an in-person location in National City, the guitar shop is praised online for its free shipping and 30-day returns. Guitars, pianos, basses, and drums can all be delivered right to your doorstep. 

Address: 300 W 28th St Ste #102, National City 
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Monday–Friday; Closed Saturday and Sunday.

Top 40 Guitars

Top 40 Guitars sources those hard-to-find items at the top of your wishlist. With a team of buyers, this guitar shop has a more curated inventory. If nothing suits you or you have your eye on another model, Top 40 Guitars will hunt down your dream guitar for you. 

Address: 8774 Cuyamaca St suit b, Santee
Hours: 10 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday.

Dusty’s Guitar

Dusty’s Guitars in Oceanside calls itself “North County’s favorite guitar shop.” And it just might be because Dusty’s has been around since 1979. More than 40 years later, the family-owned guitar shop still specializes in guitars but it is also a full-service music store, offering repairs, lessons, and appraisals. 

Address: 1609 S Coast Highway, Oceanside
Hours: 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Monday–Friday; 11 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday.

Moonlight Music

Since 1991, Moonlight Music has been slinging guitars and hosting children’s rock bands at their Encinitas shop. A local favorite for its guitar selection, they also offer music lessons and in the summer, a weeklong children’s rock camp. Don’t forget to grab a free pick on the way out.

Address: 467 South Coast Highway, Encinitas 
Hours: 12 p.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday; Closed Sunday and Monday.

Music Central 

With a hefty selection of guitars, ukuleles, and every accessory to pair with, Music Central is a small-business favorite. Along with instruments for purchase, this family-owned music shop sells instructional lessons and lesson books so you can become the musical savant you’ve always wanted to be. 

Address: 8139 Mira Mesa Blvd, Mira Mesa
Hours: 11 a.m.–7 p.m. Monday–Friday; 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m.–4 p.m. Sunday.

The post The Best Local Guitar Shops in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

With the right amount of sunlight, water, and tender loving care, your gardening endeavors will pay off when warmer days arrive. Whether you want to transform your apartment into a low-maintenance succulent Eden or wow friends with a fully homegrown salad at a dinner party, these local plant stores have you covered.

Here are 10 of our favorite San Diego plant shops:

Barrels & Branches Nursery

Encinitas

Nestled on Santa Fe Drive, Barrels & Branches is a hidden gem filled with an array of plants, succulents, pottery, and garden accessories. This North County spot is a haven for gardeners seeking plants suited to San Diego’s micro-climate, including drought-resistant varieties like leucadendron, lomandra, grevillea, and other flora sourced from similar environments, such as South Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and the Mediterranean.

Address: 1452 Santa Fe Drive, Encinitas
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

Mission Hills Nursery

Mission Hills

Founded by the legendary San Diego botanist Kate Sessions in 1910, Mission Hills Nursery holds the distinction of being the city’s oldest plant stop, still serving plant-lovers to this day. Sessions—known as the “Mother of Balboa Park”—and her successors curated a vast selection of flora varieties, an expansive outdoor section, and some friendly garden companions in the form of a resident cat, a couple of chickens, and an oversized garden gnome. Beyond flowers, the shop sells industrial landscaping tools, fertilizers, plant beds, fruit trees, and even landscaping design services for your most ambitious gardening projects.

Address: 1525 Fort Stockton Drive, Mission Hills
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

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Wild Island Collective

Normal Heights

Founded in 2019, Wild Island Collective sells a collection of indoor and outdoor plants as well as gift items like jewelry, candles, stickers, and more. Since 2022, the nursery has come under new ownership and has become a place where plant and wellness enthusiasts meet. For those who desire to trek deeper into the jungle, the shop hosts community events, yoga classes, and workshops. 

Address: 3504 Adams Ave, Normal Heights
Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 2–6 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Terra Bella Nursery

Chula Vista, Midway District

Spread across 300 acres of wholesale plant and farming property on the outskirts of Imperial Beach, Terra Bella Nursery features endless flower beds brimming with greenery, bulk plant supplies, and an affordable green waste disposal service. The nursery’s knowledgeable staff can assist you with any planting project, including custom orders and landscaping services. Keep an eye out for their forthcoming Midway District location.

Address: 302 Hollister Street, Chula Vista | 3535 Camino Del Rio W., Midway District
Hours: Chula Vista – Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–5:30 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m.
Midway District – Monday–Saturday, 7 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m.–8 p.m.

Walter Andersen’s Nursery

Point Loma, Poway

Founded in 1928, Walter Andersen’s Nursery is a great destination for plants suitable for every season and environment in San Diego. They offer a diverse range of options, from flowers and vegetables to ferns and orchids. The spacious indoor and outdoor nursery hosts free hour-long gardening classes every Saturday at both its Point Loma and Poway locations. Additionally, visitors can take advantage of the “Hedge Fund” loyalty program for frequent buyers, a 90-day plant warranty, and a weekly podcast in which Walter Andersen’s expert gardeners answer listener questions and delve into all things plant-related.

Address: 3642 Enterprise Street, Point Loma | 12755 Danielson Court, Poway
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

Cordova Gardens

Encinitas

A family-owned and -operated garden center, Cordova Gardens is a paradise for plant enthusiasts looking to transform their backyard into a serene oasis. They vend a wide variety of plants, with a focus on tropical varieties like plumerias, bromeliads, and hibiscus. In addition to their flower and herb selection, Cordova sells elaborate stone fountains, bird baths, clay pots, and other outdoor décor to enhance your lush refuge.

Address: 902 Encinitas Boulevard, Encinitas
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

Hunter’s Nursery 

Lemon Grove

San Diego’s oldest family-owned nursery has been in operation since 1919. Hunter’s Nursery hosts an array of indoor and outdoor options for any gardener, home or professional. When the nursery was first founded by Howard Hunter, it was tree-exclusive but has since expanded. Now operated by his son, the nursery specializes in fruit trees and vegetables but also sells a variety of flowers, bed plants, succulents, and house plants. 

Address: 3110 Sweetwater Road, Lemon Grove
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

Armstrong Garden Center

Various Locations

Whether you’re a seasoned horticulturist looking to expand your veggie garden or a houseplant novice looking for a low-light companion, Armstrong Garden Centers have you covered. With nine San Diego locations, Armstrong caters to gardeners of all skill levels, providing a diverse selection of plants, tools, and outdoor ornaments. And if your plant haul is too heavy to carry, fear not—Armstrongs offers delivery services, ensuring that towering ficus or 50-pound bag of fertilizer arrives conveniently at your doorstep. After an afternoon of planting saplings, your back will thank you for skipping the extra step of hauling ’em home.

Locations: Temecula, Carlsbad, Encinitas, Del Mar, Rancho Peñasquitos, El Cajon, Grantville, Bay Park
Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

North Park Nursery

North Park

Situated in the heart of North Park on University Avenue, this San Diego plant shop slings native plants, arrangements, and gardening supplies in a compact yet delightful storefront. North Park Nursery specializes in native plants suitable for San Diego’s often arid climate and dry soil conditions, including succulents, aloes, cacti, and other desert plants. Consider reserving their event space for a succulent arrangement workshop, and don’t forget to check their Instagram regularly for updates on new arrivals and discounts.

Address: 2335 University Avenue, North Park
Hours: 10 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

Green Thumb Nursery

San Marcos

Polish your green thumb at this expansive garden center in San Marcos. The comprehensive San Diego plant shop sells a wide variety of drought-tolerant plants, fruit trees, tropical flowers, houseplants, herbs, aquatic plants, and even patio furniture for you to lounge on and smell your roses. Green Thumb Nursery spans four acres of verdant bliss and has everything you need for your dream garden—including eclectic décor like tikis and life-sized bear statues.

Address: 1019 W San Marcos Boulevard, San Marcos
Hours: 8 a.m.–5 p.m. daily

Botanica Home and Garden

Ocean Beach

Houseplants make fantastic home decorations, and you’ll find plenty at Botanica Home and Garden. Located just steps away from Ocean Beach’s Newport Avenue, this San Diego plant shop and boutique is a must-visit for anyone looking to spruce up their living space with botanical charm. In addition to their Instagram-worthy plant collections and succulents, they sell a selection of handmade pottery, antiques, and local art. If you’re feeling creative, join their ceramics workshops and open studio hours from 12 to 6 p.m on weekdays to throw your own plant pots.

Address: 1909 Cable Street, Ocean Beach
Hours: Monday–Friday, 12–6 p.m.; Saturday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m.

City Farmers Nursery

City Heights

Located in City Heights, this is the go-to place for San Diego gardeners looking to grow their own produce. While they specialize in edible plants and fruit trees, City Farmers Nursery offers an array of supplies for raising chickens, goats, and fish, as well. During your visit, be sure to join their “Sunshine Club,” a free quarterly program that provides visitors with an assortment of flower seeds to try in their own gardens (while supplies last).

Address: 3110 Euclid Avenue, City Heights
Hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.; closed Monday and Tuesday

Craftmossphere

Little Italy

Perhaps the mossiest of San Diego’s nurseries, Craftmossphere combines plants and artwork to create unique home decor. From Kokedama moss balls to mounted epiphytes or above-ground plants, these moss-centric plants can zhuzh up any space. If you’re not into moss, don’t worry—Craftmossphere also has a variety of potted plants to breathe life into any space. 

Address: 2360 India St, Little Italy
Hours: Monday and Wednesday–Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.

Pigment

North Park, Point Loma, Carmel Valley

Pigment is a one-stop shop for all your home decor and gift-giving needs. Originally an art gallery, the shop specializes in gifts, plants, furniture, clothing, and one-of-a-kind local pieces. A monkey print tote bag, a flower pot colored petal pink, and miniature succulents, Pigment is full of eclectic items bent on showing off your unique tastes. 

Address: 3715 Caminito Ct, Carmel Valley | 3801 30th St, North park | 2885 Perry Rd, Point Loma
Hours: Monday–Wednesday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Thursday and Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Cuffel Farms 

Clairemont

Turn your thumb green at Cuffel Farms. Located in Clairemont, this nursery is all about air plants. From color-changing to fragranced air plants, the air plant selection here runs deep. Cuffel Farms is care-focused and its founder Andy Cuffel ensures that potential new owners know exactly what they are getting into. The green haven makes it easy to wade into the world of air plants as they categorize their plant options by care level, “easy to care for” and “ the fancy stuff,” where more experienced air plant parents can shop the owner’s personal collection. 

Hours: By appointment only
Address: 6459 Mt. Aguilar Dr, Clairemont

The post 15 of the Best San Diego Plant Shops, Nurseries, and Gardens appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Creative Mornings 

A worldwide organization with local chapters, including one in SD, Creative Mornings hosts in-person events and “virtual field trips” for creatives. On the last Friday of every month, the San Diego branch meets for coffee and conversation around a unique monthly theme at the San Diego Central Library.

San Diego Dreamers

This wellness-focused women’s group hosts regular monthly get-togethers centered around journaling and creative expression. San Diego Dreamers founders Hannah Brooks and Victoria Diehl are both licensed therapists ready to guide attendees through writing prompts aimed at exploration and introspection. Bring your notebook, your favorite pen, and an open mind. You’ll leave feeling a deeper closeness to yourself and your new dreamer friends. 

San Diego Adventure Hub

The San Diego Adventure Hub is the perfect fit for those who enjoy hiking but feel intimidated exploring new trails by themselves. The group hosts regular hiking meetups across San Diego County—no RSVP needed. Hike at your own pace and meet lots of friendly fellow attendees along the path and at the final meeting spot. 

San Diego Girls Who Walk 

San Diego Girls Who Walk is a free women’s club that hosts monthly strolls and social gatherings. In addition to walks throughout the city (which start with icebreakers so you can start chatting before you hit the trail), the group’s events include brunches, book swaps, and happy hours.

Pacific Puzzlers 

Is Pacific Puzzlers the missing piece in your social life? Four times a month, the group hosts competitions to see who can complete a puzzle the fastest. Aspiring speed puzzlers can register as an individual to be assigned a team—just make sure to nab a spot ASAP, as events tend to sell out. 

Let’s Play a Game Foundation 

Let’s Play a Game Foundation is a non-profit organization building community over board games. It holds recurring monthly Board Game and Booch nights at Local Roots’ Vista Taproom. Bring your favorite game to share or explore one of theirs. The group also offers opportunities to volunteer with partnered organizations like the Solana Beach Community Connection Supporting Seniors, the South Bay Youth Center, and the San Diego Center for Children. 

Join a Run Club

Looking to combine that social goal with your fitness resolution? Find an accountability buddy by joining a local run club. As one of America’s most active cities (it’s true!), we’ve got an almost dizzying amount—here’s a handful to consider:

• South O Run Club meets Wednesdays at 5 p.m. and Saturdays at 10 a.m. at South O Brewery in Oceanside.
• Seek Beer Run Club meets Mondays at 6 p.m. at North Park’s Seek Beer Co. for—you guessed it—a run and a beer. 
• Not a Run Club—a self-professed “social club that likes to run”—hosts twice-weekly runs near Mission Bay.
• Coastal Run Club meets along the coast in Cardiff and Leucadia on Wednesdays at 6 p.m., Fridays at 6:30 a.m., and Sundays at 7:30 a.m. 
• Chula Vista Run Club meets Wednesdays at 6 p.m. at Memorial Park in Chula Vista. 
• Flow State Run Club runs every Saturday at 8 a.m. in Oceanside and offers one-, three-, and five-mile routes. 
• SD Girls Run Club hosts runs on Mondays at 6:30 pm in Imperial Beach, as well as walk-and-talk events throughout San Diego County.
• Chismosas Run Club is a women-focused group in Escondido that welcomes all levels and organizes several meetups a month. 
• Black Men Run SD meets on Saturdays at 7:15 a.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
• Lez Run SD is a lesbian-led, all-inclusive running and walking club that gathers every Thursday at 6 p.m. in North Park. 

Volo Sports

Nothing solidifies a bond like the high of winning a game together—except maybe commiserating together when you lose. Volo Sports San Diego is a popular org behind many social sports leagues and events, from traditional sports like basketball, volleyball, and kickball to elevated party games like flip cup. Volo offers monthly and annual memberships that get you onto teams and into pickup games, tournaments, and social events like happy hours. 

San Diego Girls Pint Out 

San Diego Girls Pint Out (GPO) is the local chapter of a nationwide network of beer-loving ladies. GPO hosts monthly meetups exploring the many breweries across San Diego. You don’t have to officially become a member, pay dues, or even know a thing about beer to participate in the group’s crafting events, game nights, brewery tours, and collaborative brew days, where you can learn how beer is made.

Hoppy Yoga

Want to pregame your buzz with a little movement? Enter Hoppy Yoga. Detox before you retox with an all-levels class inside a brewery, followed by a social hour where you are welcome to partake in a beer or NA beverage option. Classes are donation-based and BYOM (bring your own mat). 

Pure Brewing Miramar’s Book Club

If you’re typically at home with your nose in a book, consider joining Pure Brewing Miramar’s Book Club. This highly organized group of enthusiastic readers votes on a book to read each month, then gather at the taproom to discuss it. (Plus, attendance comes with discounts on brews.)

Fourtillfour Car Club

The Fourtillfour Car Club hosts meetups on weekends to spotlight unique vehicles and vintage machines. The group’s meetups outside of the auto-themed Leucadia café Fourtillfour are like a car show without the entry fee. Gearheads gather, socialize, and peruse and praise one another’s vehicles while sipping on gourmet roasts. 

Chicks Birding Club

Birds of a feather flock together, and Chicks Birding Club is proof. This group of nature-loving women meets for monthly, guided birding walks through San Diego’s many nature preserves and regional parks. Or, grab your lawn chair and binoculars to join the Chicks group at a planned Sit Spot to observe birds in their natural habitat and watch for unique species. 

IRL San Diego

IRL San Diego founder Alexandra Hunter organizes meetups like comedy show nights, cooking demos, and fitness events. You can catch IRL regulars (and get closer each time) at recurring events like the org’s 619 Night parties and monthly coffee walks. 

Walkabout

Walkabout is a community-driven app that helps users find events and deals at local businesses. Each time you attend an event or check in at a partnered business, you earn loyalty points to spend on fun items or discounts at your favorite spots for drinks and food. The idea is to get to know your neighbors while frequenting the hangout spots you love. Walkabout features events like game nights, paint-and-sips, networking mixers, and coffee shop meetups. 

Mingle IRL

The easiest way to find something to do right now? Mingle IRL. The app aggregates events from social groups around town, including bonfires, comedy nights, fitness classes, brunch meetups, pickleball, and puppy yoga. If you have an idea for a fun get-together, you can host an event and invite other Mingle IRL members. Don’t have anyone to go to a concert with? Join up with Mingle IRL users who also got tickets.

All Peers No Pressure

All Peers No Pressure is a social club for sober or sober-curious folks looking to build community outside bars and other booze-centric spaces. The group hosts substance-free bonfires, hikes, picnics, and other events, with a focus on people between the ages of 21 and 40.

San Diego Social Club 

San Diego Social Club is a great place to find new buds—and almost any activity you’re looking for. This women-focused group hosts vision board–making and flower-arranging workshops, co-working meetups, surf camps and boat rides, and even overnight retreats where you can relive summer camp. 

San Diego City College 

The hottest (but most surprising) social club in town? School. At San Diego City College, adult learners are diving back into education, exploring subjects that light them up, and meeting fellow enthusiasts in the process. Your study group might just become your new squad.

Volunteer Your Time 

Volunteering is a great way to meet like-minded people and feel more connected to the place where you live. Choose your cause based on your passions: Into gardening and agriculture? Grab your gardening gloves and help plant fresh fruits and vegetables at Wild Willow Farm, a regenerative and educational farm along the Tijuana River. Pet person? Snuggle and care for the feline residents of Whiskers and Wine Bar cat café and lounge, or take the Frosted Faces Foundation’s sweet senior dogs for walks in Ramona. Chances are you’ll make human friends as well as flora or furry ones.

The post How to Make Friends in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Every winter, a quiet revolution in American gastronomy unfolds among the vine-flecked hills of California wine country in January. Winter is truffle season, and at the annual Napa Truffle Festival, chefs, farmers, and foodies convene to celebrate that elusive, glamorous, sumptuous, subterranean fungi. 

The first Napa Truffle Festival took place in 2010, spearheaded by Robert Chang and Paul Thomas, two entrepreneurs whose combined expertise in engineering and mycology has reshaped the nascent American truffle industry. 

The global market has long been dominated by the usual suspects: France, Italy, and Spain, with China and Australia edging in. Chang, an engineer by training, and Thomas, a mycologist, have been working tirelessly to get America into that lucrative club. They focus on cultivating the Périgord black truffle which, at $1,500 per pound, is one of the most expensive fungi on earth (the Oregon black truffle, a lesser product, goes for $50 per pound). California, with its Mediterranean climate and bountiful farmland, is well-poised to grow it. 

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Chang first encountered truffles in Munich in 2002. Where most would have simply seen a delicious plate of well-garnished tagliatelle, he saw a business opportunity. Soon after, he founded the American Truffle Company (ATC) and recruited Thomas, who had earned a PhD at the University of Sheffield in mycorrhiza, the symbiotic relationship between fungi and plant roots—the very stuff of truffle concoction. 

Truffles require patience. After one inoculates the roots of a suitable tree—usually an oak or hazelnut—with spores, it takes around 12 years for a truffle to appear. They require very particular soil conditions. This is why attempts to cultivate truffles in the US have been met with a 98 percent failure rate, Chang says. 

Unlike in parts of Europe, where black Périgords flourish naturally, American growers must artificially recreate the precise soil and climate conditions truffles demand. Over a decade in, ATC says they have perfected this formula and claim a 95 percent success rate (one of the key strategies is to add lime to the soil). “The biggest risk in growing truffles isn’t disease or insects,” Chang adds. “It’s the human factor.”

And it is a good time to be figuring it out, as American truffle demand is on the rise. Just look around: truffle burgers, truffle fries, truffle mac and cheese. This surge of demand is apparent at the Napa Truffle Festival, which has attracted over 300 participants this year. Mostly, these are farmers and landowners who want to get into truffle growing; restaurateurs scouting for new suppliers; and curious foodies like myself and my wife, Ali.

We sit through powerpoint presentations on truffle-dog raising and other esoterica; visit the stalls at Oxbow Market, a boogie food hall in downtown Napa, to taste truffle-laced specialties; and attend dinners served by the Michelin-starred chef Ken Frank, who has crafted truffle-infused dishes for over 40 years at his restaurant, La Toque. 

But it is in the forests and fields of Napa Valley where the true truffle magic begins.

Our Saturday starts with a foraging expedition in Las Posadas State Forest. From the Four Seasons Napa, our luxurious retreat for the weekend in sleepy Calistoga, we drive out in the Lucid, a flashy high-end electric sports car on offer to guests. After navigating a fog-laden mountain road, we emerge beneath cathedral-esque oak trees. The morning air reeks of damp earth. It is sunny and cold. Crows caw. 

Truffle quiche in hand, we meet our guide, Norm Andresen, a seasoned fungi forager. His black utility vest bristles with tools: a small brush, a spade, a pocket knife for slicing fungi from their hiding places. “Mushrooms are like marriages,” he quips to our small group of foragers. “They’re either symbiotic or parasitic.”

Andresen leads us down a trail that snakes into a misty valley dense with pines. The fog is good for the mushrooms. “On average, most mushrooms are not poisonous,” Andresen informs us. 

We pass pockets of red, yellow, and pink mushrooms, and Andresen explains the ways of the forest. “You can see the war between the redwoods and conifers,” he says, noting how the towering redwoods shade out their rivals. “They’re putting an embargo on the sun.” We marvel at the mycological diversity piling up in a basket as we go: turkey tail, King Alfred’s cake, a perfectly golden chanterelle. 

But mushroom foraging is a tranquil affair. The real action takes place a few hours later, when we get to see the truffle dogs at work. About 60 festival-goers gather at Raymond Vineyards in St. Helena for a demo, sipping Champagne beside a small orchard of hazelnut and oak trees. The air is bright and crisp, with the Napa hills rising green and rocky in the distance. Frogs croak from the reedy banks of a dark pond. 

Three handlers fit their dogs with harnesses, signaling go-time. There is a corgi, a German shepherd, and two Lagotto Romagnolos; Alana McGee, founder of Truffle Dog Co., explains that this latter breed has been trained for centuries in Italy to sniff out truffles. Unlike pigs, which were traditionally used for truffle hunting in Europe, dogs don’t have a taste for the prized fungi (though sometimes they still do try to eat them, she notes). 

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The excitement is palpable when Flora, the German shepherd, darts between the hazelnut trees, sniffing intently at the roots. We all watch, mesmerized, as Flora finds her first prize, scratching wildly into the dry earth. “Don’t eat it! Do not eat it!” her handler, Aiko Vail, shouts. When Vail and Flora aren’t truffle hunting, they’re doing search and rescue work around Washington state. Vail herself does not like the taste of truffles. 

She pulls out a treat from her fanny pack, calling “Candy!” Flora bounds towards her, and Vail whispers sweet praise into her ear. 

“Some dogs don’t want any chit chat,” she announces. “Some love it. You have to know your dogs.” It is clear that their relationship is a symbiotic one. 

Truffle farmers don’t unearth their finds until they have a buyer. With a half-life of a mere five days, fresh truffles begin to decay quickly, one reason they’re so pricey. So truffle dog handlers hired by orchard owners mark each discovery, so that the owners can wait until the last moment to harvest. 

Once unearthed, black truffles smell like “pineapple and cake batter,” Vail says, while white ones have an aroma resembling “gasoline” or “horseradish.” European truffle supplies have been declining due to climate change, which are making conditions too dry. But in Napa, through scientific intervention, growers like Raymond Vineyards are creating an American future for the industry. 

On our last day, Ali and I embark on a morning hike near our hotel. The Oat Hill Mine Trail affords splendid views of vineyards sun-bating in the valley below. Afterwards, we enjoy a wine tasting at the nearby Elusa Winery before grabbing lunch—turkey sandwiches with truffle chips and a local rosé—at Oxbow Market. For dinner at Truss, an onsite restaurant at the hotel, we decide to lean into the spirit of the weekend and go full fungi: roasted chicken with black truffle jus and tagliatelle in black truffle butter. Rich, earthy, delectable. You can practically taste the effort. 

The post A Weekend at Napa’s Annual Truffle Festival appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Whether you’re planning a school field trip, weekend activities for out-of-town visitors, or a solo touristy day, chances are that San Diego has an institution that will spark passion, excitement, and curiosity. Dive into our rundown of the top museums in San Diego.

San Diego Natural History Museum

It only seems fitting that we kick this list off in Balboa Park. The park is home to 18 museums, with a fan favorite being the San Diego Natural History Museum. Also known as The NAT, the expansive museum allows guests to explore the past and present of Southern California history, from prehistoric fossils and surrounding garden trails to live animals and a stadium-style movie theater.

Address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $24 for adults; $20 for seniors (62+), students, and military (with I.D.) ; $14 for children (3-17)

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USS Midway Museum

In 1945, the USS Midway was commissioned as the largest ship in the world, and for the past couple of decades, it has been home to one of San Diego’s most popular museums. Officially opened in 2004, the USS Midway Museum features a flight deck full of military aircraft, flight simulators, an immersive theater, and highly-knowledgeable docents. The museum also hosted the Top Gun: Maverick premiere back in 2022.

Address: 910 N Harbor Dr, Downtown
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
Price: $39 for adults; $26 for kids (4-12); $26 for veterans (with I.D.)

San Diego Air & Space Museum

If the idea of taking flight sounds exciting, then check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Originally opened in 1963 as the San Diego Aerospace Museum, the building includes vintage aircraft and spacecraft collections, film archives, and more. It’s a great spot to explore for all ages, from little aviators to lifelong aerophiles.

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Price: $30 for adults; $26 for seniors, students, and retired military (with I.D.); $20 for kids (3-11), free for SDASM Members, Active Duty Military, and kids 2 and under

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Timken Museum of Art

Step into the world of 19th-century American, European, and Russian art at the Timken Museum of Art. Located next to Balboa Park’s Botanical Building, the museum preserves and showcases artwork from all over the world, including iconic Old Master paintings. The cherry on top? Admission is free.

Address: 1500 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: Free

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

It’s hard to decide what’s prettier: the Museum of Contemporary Art’s large collection of paintings, sculptures, and photography, or the views from this La Jolla museum. Celebrating contemporary artwork created after 1950, the museum includes a must-see sculpture garden and exhibits that highlight different artistic styles. Once you’re done soaking in the museum’s beauty, enjoy a bite at The Kitchen, an on-site full-service cafe and restaurant.

Address: 700 Prospect St, La Jolla
Hours: Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mon.-Wed.
Price: $25 for adults ($20 for San Diego and Tijuana residents); $15 for students, teachers, and adults 55 and over; Free for military (with I.D.), visitors with disabilities, and children/adults under 25

Museum of Photographic Art

If a picture is worth a thousand words, then the Museum of Photographic Art at The San Diego Museum of Art (MOPA@SDMA) could fill a library with its photography, film, and video work. With permanent collections, online exhibitions, and virtual resources, the museum is a great place for artists and art enthusiasts. Additionally, the Balboa Park institute does not charge admission fees, but guests can make a voluntary monetary contribution.

Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mon.-Wed.
Price: Free; $10 donation recommended

Mingei International Museum

Opened in the late 1970’s, Balboa Park’s Mingei International Museum celebrates folk art and crafts from talented artists and builders from around the globe. Living up to its name (the Japanese word “mingei” means “art of the people”), the museum’s collection includes hand-sewn clothing, intricately engraved jewelry, and more.

Address: 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Tues.-Thurs., Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Friday 10 a.m.-8 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Price: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors, educators, students (with I.D.), and military (with I.D.)

California Surf Museum

There’s really no more perfect place for a surf collection than in San Diego. The California Surf Museum honors and explores the rich surfing history in Southern California. Immerse yourself in decades of surfing culture, then go shred some waves just a few blocks away.

Address: 312 Pier View Wy, Oceanside
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $7 for adults; $5 for seniors (62+), military (with I.D.), and students; free for CSM members and kids 11 and under

San Diego Museum of Art

Founded in 1926, the San Diego Museum of Art is a fine art museum in Balboa Park that features nationally renowned collections with an emphasis in Spanish and Italian art. The fine art museum is also home to South Asian manuscript illustrations and 19th and 20th century sculptures and paintings. Plus, guests can enjoy a virtual visit and check out its tours, gallery experiences, and educational art tutorials from the comfort of their homes.

Address: 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Mon.-Tues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays; Thurs.-Sat. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sunday 12 p.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $20 for adults; $15 for Seniors (65+), and free for kids 17 and under

Veterans Museum at Balboa Park

San Diego is known for its military history and presence, and the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park proudly honors those who have served in all different branches of the military. Located in the former chapel of a naval hospital, the museum respectfully presents patriotic memorabilia, artifacts, and rotating exhibits that recognize the contributions and sacrifices of those who have served.

Address: 2115 Park Blvd, Balboa Park
Hours: Tues. & Thurs.-Sat. 11 a.m.-4 p.m.; Closed Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays
Price: $5 for adults; $4 for veterans and seniors, $2 for students (with I.D.), and free for active duty military/dependents, museum members, and kids under 12

Whaley House Museum

It doesn’t need to be Halloween to get into the spooky spirit. A museum and historical landmark, the Whaley House in Old Town is often dubbed the most-haunted house in the country. If you’re looking to lean into the ghostly vibes, consider an evening guided tour or paranormal investigation.

Address: 2476 San Diego Ave, Old Town
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; 5 p.m.-9:30 p.m.
Price: Tickets start at $14 for adults and $10 for kids (4-12); free for kids under 4

San Diego Model Railroad Museum

In the Venn diagram of train buffs and model figurine fans is the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. The institute highlights Southern California’s railroading history through the collection of model trains. Make it a family day, as kids 12 and under can visit for free.

Address: 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $20 for adults; $12 for seniors and military (with I.D.), $10 for students (with I.D.), and free for kids 12 and under

Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center

The Chicano Park Museum and Cultural Center is a true celebration of community, resilience, and unity. The space, opened in 2022, honors the history and accomplishments of local groups and organizations with historical exhibits, powerful collections, and a map of Chicano Park’s outstanding murals. Admission for visitors 18 years and under is free, with other discounts available for student teachers and those living in Barrio Logan and surrounding area.

Address: 1960 National Ave, Barrio Logan
Hours: Thurs.-Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Price: $8 for adults; $4 for students and educators; $3 if you’re a Barrio Logan resident; Free for kids 18 and under

Comic-Con Museum

If you’re a comic book connoisseur, chances are you’re familiar with the Comic-Con Museum. Opened in 2021, the museum features memorabilia and exhibits from a variety of comics, stories, and popular art, allowing visitors to year round capture the magic of San Diego’s famous Comic-Con convention hosted in July.

Address: 2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park
Hours: Thurs.-Tues. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Wednesdays
Price: $30 for adults; $20 for seniors (age 65+), kids (13-17) military and students (with I.D.); $14 for kids (6-12); free for kids under 6

La Mesa Depot Museum

Museums come in all shapes and sizes. The quaint La Mesa Depot Museum is the area’s oldest building still in its original form, and is the last San Diego and Cuyamaca Railway Station around. Train buffs (and those who are fans of free admission) may especially enjoy this landmark where they can explore a steam locomotive, freight cars, and a telegrapher’s station.

Address: 4695 Nebo Dr, La Mesa
Hours: Tues. & Thurs. 12 p.m.-3 p.m.; Saturdays 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Price: Free

Women’s Museum of California

Girl power is strong in San Diego. Through changing exhibits, events, and lecture series, the Women’s Museum of California celebrates the important accomplishments made throughout the state by notable activists, creatives, suffragettes, San Diegans, and more. Take your learning outside of the museum’s walls and embark on their new guided tour around Balboa Park to discover more about women who have contributed to the park’s past.

Address: 1649 El Prado, Point Loma
Hours: Wed.-Sun. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Closed Mondays & Tuesdays
Price: Free; Donations recommended

Maritime Museum of San Diego

In a city rich with nautical history, the Maritime Museum of San Diego lets seafaring fans soak it all in. Guests can explore a range of sailing ships (including the waterfront standout, the Star of India), steam powered boats, and a submarine. You can even hit the high seas (well, the bay) on adventurous tours.

Address: 1492 N Harbor Dr, Downtown
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m. (last entry at 4 p.m.)
Price: $24 for adults; $18 for seniors (62+), military (with I.D.), and students (13-17); $12 for kids (3-12); free for kids (2 and under)

Museum of Making Music

It’s been said that music brings people together and the Museum of Making Music puts that to the test. The music-centric museum in Carlsbad helps visitors embrace the sounds, musicians, and instruments that have contributed to the soundtracks of our lives. You can even pick up a guitar and have your own jam session.

Address: 5790 Armada Dr, Carlsbad
Hours: Tues.-Sun. 10 a.m.-5 p.m.; Closed Mondays
Price: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors (60 and up), students, and active military; free for kids (3 and under)

Fleet Science Center

A hotspot for school field trips and educational opportunities, the Fleet Science Center features over 100 exhibits that bring science directly to museum visitors. Like many Balboa Park museums, the Fleet Science Center offers free admission for residents on specific days of the month.

Address: 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park
Hours: Daily 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Price: $25 for adults; $23 for seniors (65 and up); $20 for children (3-12); free for kids 2 and under

New Children’s Museum

Museums don’t always have to be artifacts behind glass cases. The New Children’s Museum makes outings more fun for the whole family, with immersive art installations and colorful rooms. The space prides itself on being inclusive, with a highlight being the sensory-friendly Breathing Room that can help kids who may feel overwhelmed by the stimulating environment.

Address: 200 W Island Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
Hours: Wed.-Mon 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; Closed Tuesdays
Price: $24 for adults (18+); $20 for children (1 and over), seniors (65+), educators, and military (with I.D.)

The post 20 Must-Visit Museums in San Diego 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

Valentine’s Day Beer & Dessert Pairing at PB AleHouse

February 14

PB AleHouse ushers in the year’s loveliest holiday with sweethearts and their sweet tooths in mind. The restaurant’s Valentine’s Day Beer & Dessert Pairing will welcome couples with a spread to share on their shore-view rooftop from 4 p.m. to midnight this Friday. For $34, guests will receive four craft beers, each served with a delightful dessert—such as cheesecake, lemon tarts, or carrot cake—from Molly’s Pastry Chefs. 

721 Grand Avenue, Pacific Beach

January 29, 2025

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Galentine’s Day Brunch at Lilian’s 

February 15

This Saturday, Lilian’s—located inside The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe—invites all gal pals to its Galentine’s Day Brunch, where guests can enjoy specials like bottomless rosé ($29) from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and pink pancakes with whipped chantilly cream cheese ($18). The hotel’s lobby will also host a Marrow Fine Jewelry pop-up from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.—a perfect chance to peruse for a Galentine’s Day gift. Reserve your spot at Galentine’s Day Brunch here. 

5951 Línea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe

Daygo Eatz 

February 16

Black San Diego’s Daygo Eatz pop-up returns for its second year this Sunday from noon to 5 p.m., bringing together dozens of Black-owned businesses and community resources. The event will begin with a standing yoga flow session led by Movement Matters Collective and feature live art displays, live music, and a kids’ zone full of activities. As for the day’s menu, expect food trucks and booths selling soul food, fish and chips, banana pudding, and much more. Reserve your free spot here. 

6785 Imperial Avenue, Encanto

Concerts & Festivals in San Diego This Weekend

Mariachi Con Amor

February 13

Enjoy a mariachi concert hosted by Mariachi Victoria de San Diego at 6 p.m. this Thursday at Novo Brewing. Mariachi Con Amor will feature students from City Heights Music School, Nestor Language Academy, and Nicoloff Elementary, as well as youth mariachi ensemble Mariachi Orgullo Nacional. Mariachi Con Amor is free, but attendees are encouraged to donate in support of the student mariachi performers by reserving seats and tables or requesting a special serenade. 

535 Florence Street, Imperial Beach

February 7, 2025

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Dolly Parton Valentine at Belly Up

February 14

Breast cancer survivor Nena Anderson will don her Dolly Parton wig yet again this Valentine’s Day at Belly Up for her Dolly Parton Valentine performance. Backed by the honky-tonk stylings of Brawley and other musicians and guest singers, Anderson will sing Parton’s greatest hits with the goal of raising $25,000 for breast cancer prevention. The night will include Parton and Kenny Rogers look-alike contests and an auction selling off breast cast art, with all VIP ticket sales, donations, and auction proceeds benefiting Keep A Breast Foundation. General admission ($29) and VIP ($100+) are both available. 

143 South Cedros Avenue, Solana Beach

Black Com!x Day 2025 

February 15–16

Connect with comic book collectors, creators, and illustrators at the WorldBeat Cultural Center during its seventh annual Black Com!x Day. From 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. this Saturday and Sunday, explore an array of comic and food vendors, networking opportunities, and much more during this convention spotlighting Black comic artists. RSVP for the free two-day festival here. 

2100 Park Boulevard, Balboa Park 

Theater & Art Exhibits in San Diego This Weekend

Robert Xavier Burden: The Alien Painting Unveiled at Oceanside Museum of Art 

February 12–23

Robert Xavier Burden spent more than 3,600 hours creating his massive-scale The Alien Painting, which recently sold into a private collection. Now, the public can view the piece (and his rabbit-inspired The Lagomorph Painting) for the last time at this two-week pop-up at the Oceanside Museum of Art. The pop-up will launch with an opening celebration this Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.; the event is free with museum admission, and anyone interested can RSVP here.

704 Pier View Way, Oceanside

January 2, 2025

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Ryde or Dye: A Celebration of Love and Creativity at Sew Loka

February 14

Create a unique piece of wearable art at Ryde or Dye this Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at Sew Loka. All RSVPed attendees will receive a uniquely dyed shirt to use as the canvas for a DIY masterpiece, with sewing tools available to add studs, patches, and embroidery. There will also be a wallet-making workshop, plus food from Legado Artisanal Foods and live poetry performances hosted by Hola Ola. This free event celebrates Sew Loka’s 12-year anniversary, and attendees are encouraged to donate to support local Chicana filmmaker Sara Angela’s work.

2113 Logan Avenue, Barrio Logan 

Our Town at Star Theatre

February 14–23

Thornton Wilder’s acclaimed three-act play Our Town follows the lives of two families through love, marriage, and death. The Star Theatre Company’s production of Our Town will take the stage Friday through Sunday. Tickets are $32 for adults and $22 for children ages 12 and under.

402 North Coast Highway, Oceanside 

Ritmos Latinos: Carnival of the Animals and Tangata at Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center

February 15

As part of its Ritmos Latinos series, the San Diego Ballet will perform Carnival of the Animals (soundtracked by brand-new Latin jazz compositions from the Gilbert Castellanos Quartet) and Tangata (a seductive combo of tango and ballet). Tickets range from $18 to $68 for each performance in The Conrad’s Baker-Baum Concert Hall this Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

7600 Fay Avenue, La Jolla 

Lamoise New Works Festival at Moxie Theatre

February 15–16

Moxie Theatre will present its inaugural Lamoise New Works Festival this weekend, highlighting several new pieces penned by women and other underrepresented genders. At the conclusion of a one-week developmental workshop, the playwrights will share their written works with the public through staged readings of four short and three full-length plays. Attendees will receive a light lunch between morning and afternoon readings, and beverages will be available for purchase. The festival is free to attend, with online RSVPs required. 

6663 El Cajon Boulevard, Rolando

For the People: Modern Printmaking in Mexico at San Diego Museum of Art 

February 15–August 10 

In 20th-century Mexico, printmaking became the most popular form of politically informed expression for artists who lived through the Mexican Revolution, Spanish Civil War, and World War II. The San Diego Museum of Art’s newest exhibition, For the People: Modern Printmaking in Mexico, celebrates and examines that history. 

1450 El Prado, Balboa Park

More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend

For Your Consideration at Digital Gym Cinema

February 12–16

Before the Academy Awards arrive next month, cinephiles can take a crash course in this year’s nominees, courtesy of Digital Gym Cinema. As part of the theater’s For Your Consideration series, film fans can watch the international political drama The Seed of the Sacred Fig (Feb. 12–13), the post-WWII epic The Brutalist (Feb. 14–15), and the Brazilian biographical feature I’m Still Here (Feb. 14). Additionally, Digital Gym Cinema will screen the 2025 Oscar-nominated short films for animation, documentary, and live action (Feb. 14–20). Screenings are $14 for regular admission and $10 for DGC members.

1100 Market Street, East Village 

February 5, 2025

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The Genesis Invitational 

February 13–16

The Genesis Invitational has moved from its usual home at Pacific Palisades’ Riviera Country Club to Torrey Pines due to the LA wildfires. As a signature event on the PGA Tour, this SoCal classic offers a stacked field: 46 of the world’s top 50 golfers will play, including last year’s Genesis champ Collin Morikawa. Ticket options include $100 Grounds passes and VIP entry for The Bluffs and The Backlot starting at $360. 

11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla

Brian Regan at The Magnolia 

February 16

Brian Regan is a veteran of the stand-up scene—he debuted on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson more than three decades ago and has been making fans laugh with profanity-free jokes ever since. Tickets start at $68 for his Sunday show at The Magnolia, and doors open at 6:30 p.m. 

210 East Main Street, El Cajon

The post 15 Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend: February 12–16 appeared first on San Diego Magazine.