Health & Fitness JANUARY 12, 2026 (Updated Jan 4, 2023)

9 San Diego Fitness Classes & Activities for the New Year

These gym, studios and programs will help get your body moving so you can meet your fitness goals

9 San Diego Fitness Classes & Activities for the New Year
Courtesy of Madhouse Dance

New year, new fitness goals, right? Like many people, we’re starting the new year with a focus on health and staying active. No matter what your fitness objectives may be, there are plenty of activities around town prepared to help you achieve them. From more traditional gym settings to unique ways of getting your body moving, these nine San Diego studios, wellness programs, and activities will help you start the new year off right.

Activate House

Start the year on the right foot with Activate House, the San Diego fitness studio and gym located in North Park offers spin, sculpt, and yoga classes. Calling themselves a “new-age fitness studio,” AH emphasizes intentional training through movement and encourages mental balance and well-being. The sense of community the studio cultivates is accentuated with eucalyptus towels, a juice bar, and highly trained staff.

2855 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, CA 92104

Courtesy of Black Girls Run

Black Girls Run

Hit the pavement with Black Girls Run, a community that’s working to tackle obesity and motivate women to get out and move their bodies. Created in 2009, Black Girls Run has served the San Diego fitness scene as a resource for those looking to practice a healthy lifestyle, whether you’re an avid gym-goer or looking to start a fitness regimen. With national meet-ups already planned throughout the year, this movement is determined to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the community.

Various locations

Body University

Regardless of your fitness level, Body University in La Mesa caters to individuals’ needs and goals. The boutique gym offers small group private training services (6-8 people at a time) and focuses solely on one-hour weight lifting sessions. Though open to all gender identities, you’ll most often find it packed with women only, which can be less intimidating for women who may be new to lifting. BU also offers body building competition services as well as customized nutrition programs and lifestyle guidance. With fitness equipment including free weights, cardio equipment, personal training, and highly trained staff, you’re sure to achieve your wellness goals.

6062 Lake Murray Blvd. #205, La Mesa, CA 91942

CorePower Yoga

A staple in the San Diego fitness scene, CorePower Yoga offers both yoga and high-intensity strength training classes. Their newest class, Strength X focuses on helping you build lean muscles via targeted weight circuits and invigorating breath work. Five San Diego studios are hosting Strength X classes currently, and the Point Loma studio also offers scholarships to the CorePower Yoga Teacher Training program for BIPOC.

Various locations

Courtesy of Wheelchair Dance Organization Inclusive Dance

Wheelchair Dance Organization Inclusive Dance

Wheelchair Dance Organization (WDO) Inclusive Dance is making dance more accessible for everyone. The nonprofit organization works to decrease feelings of isolation among those living with disabilities by building a community of dancers at any and all levels. The variety of dance classes offered—Latin jazz, samba reggae, hip hop, Bollywood—are free, taught by professionals, and include modifications for those in wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

Courtesy of The Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio

The Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio

When the Experience Fitness and Mobility Studio came onto the San Diego fitness scene, they were dedicated to creating a safe space for anyone wanting to reach their health and fitness goals, regardless of identity, race, age, sexual preference, or athletic ability. The openly LGBTQ, wife-owned gym offers a place to reach your fitness aspirations. With a variety of training styles and methodology, you’ll build muscle, improve your range of motion, and eliminate pain. Beyond physical fitness, studio recognizes the inclusion of mental and emotional well-being for overall health and wellness.

1264 University Ave., San Diego, CA 92103

Courtesy of Madhouse Dance

Madhouse Dance

Spice up your workouts with dance fitness classes at Madhouse Dance. The nightclub-inspired studio is a welcome place to try out fitness choreography and get your heart racing through movement. Daily classes include chair choreography, beginners heels, and the studio’s flagship dance cardio. These classes are only open to women, non-binary, and femme-identifying individuals. If you want to try out Madhouse Dance from home, their website also features on-demand dance workouts.

1189 Morena Blvd., San Diego, CA 92110

Courtesy of P.volve

P.volve

P.volve, a fitness company in La Jolla offers low-impact workouts paired with resistance equipment. Focusing on functional movement, P.volve (or Personal Evolution) classes work to activate and strengthen multiple muscles at once. While shaping and toning your body, you’ll also be improving mobility and balance, for a well-rounded workout.

4575 La Jolla Village Dr. #1172, San Diego, CA 92122

Courtesy of StretchLab

StretchLab

True health and strength goes beyond hitting the gym and getting your steps in. StretchLab in Little Italy opened in 2022 and promotes a balanced body through stretching to help improve posture and reduce stress. With one-on-one and group stretch classes available, the sessions will help improve sports performance, decrease joint pain, and increase your range of motion and flexibility.

880 W. Ash St., San Diego, CA 92101

Jordyn Berg

About Jordyn Berg

Jordyn Berg is a freelance writer whose favorite topics include food and travel. A Pacific Northwest native, she delights in exploring the best of San Diego, by searching for hidden gems, experiencing must-try restaurants, and soaking in the city’s amazing views.

Outdoors

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Health & Fitness JULY 15, 2024 (Updated Dec 2, 2022)

10 San Diego Biking Clubs for Every Type of Cyclist

With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, San Diego is home to a wealth of diverse clubs and meetups for bikers of all abilities

10 San Diego Biking Clubs for Every Type of Cyclist
Courtesy of Adams Avenue Bicycles

In spite of its reputation as a quintessential, laid-back southern California beach town, America’s Finest City is perpetually on the move, especially when powered by pedals. With miles of coastal roadways, bike paths, and mountain bike trails, it’s no surprise that San Diego is home to a diverse cycling community with clubs and meetups for bikers of all interests and abilities. Whether riding road, trail, or somewhere inbetween, these group rides are sure to help you find your peloton—or at least your two-wheeled wolfpack.

San Diego biking club Moment Cycles Tuesday and Thursday morning bike rides
Courtesy of Moment Bicycles

Moment Bicycles

Old Town, Carmel Valley

Featuring shop locations in Old Town and Carmel Valley, and group rides leaving from both throughout the week, Moment Bicycles is a good option for both novice and experience riders. Early bird roadies can check out Moment’s 6:30 a.m. Tuesday and Thursday morning rides which treat riders to gorgeous views of San Diego Bay, as they make their way through Point Loma to Cabrillo National Monument, culminating in hill repeats on Tide Pool Hill before returning to Old Town.

Those looking to get off the beaten path (or for a later start) can join Moment’s mountain bike rides, which take place at 8:30 a.m. on the fourth Saturday of every month. While the route each month will vary, the ride typically leaves from the Carmel Valley location and details will be communicated through Moment’s website in advance. Moment also hosts Sunday morning rides with different routes each week.

San Diego Bicycle Club

La Jolla

If skinny tires and spandex are your style, the San Diego Bicycle Club has just the peloton for you. Organizing events since 1976, SDBC continues to host Saturday morning meetups with seven different group and distance options for road riders at all stages in their cycling progression. Elite riders can push the pace with peers in the A Group, while hardcore roadies and weekend warriors will find their cadence in the B and C Groups. The Development Groups offer new riders the chance to build skills while focusing on safe group riding dynamics and techniques like paceline rotation. Each group leaves from UC Cyclery in La Jolla and riding starts at 8:30 a.m.

San Diego biking club No Spandex Saturday Saturday group rides
Courtesy of No Spandex Saturday

No Spandex Saturday

Normal Heights

Beloved Normal Heights cycling establishment, Uptown Bicycles, may have recently closed shop, but that hasn’t stopped its former proprietors from continuing their No Spandex Saturday rides. As the name suggests, leave the lycra at home—this casual group ride is about the simple pleasures and camaraderie of enjoying the city on two wheels. Each week’s route is posted in advance on the group’s Instagram page and tends to feature a stop or two for refreshments at local favorites.

San Diego biking club Gravelsoke's monthly gravel rides event
Courtesy of Gravelstoke

Gravelstoke

Location Varies

There’s enough asphalt in San Diego to keep even the most tenacious spinner satisfied, but sometimes the greatest thrills in life require taking the road less pedaled, which is where Gravelstoke comes in. An online hub for gravel riders, racers, bikepackers, and anyone else who enjoys adventure on two wheels, Gravelstoke hosts gravel rides and events on a monthly basis. Routes and locations are posted in advance on Gravelstoke’s event calendar and feature a mix of gravel, trail, and road riding conditions.

San Diego biking club Fiesta Island Tracklocross Association featuring monthly Saturday races
Courtesy of San Diego Bicycle Club

Fiesta Island Tracklocross

Fiesta Island

It’s often said that the simplest things in life are the best, and the best things in life are free—so why not apply that to biking, too? With no entry fees, no race numbers, and no registration, the Fiesta Island Tracklocross Association’s monthly Saturday race series has everything you want, and nothing you don’t. Starting at 9:30 a.m. the first Saturday of every month, a bike and the willingness to pedal for glory are all that is required to enter. Any type of bicycle is allowed, however “tracklocross” bikes—hybrid track/cyclocross bikes—are encouraged.

San Diego biking club Adams Avenue Bicycles Monday Smackdown group road rides
Courtesy of Adams Avenue Bicycles

Adams Avenue Bicycles

North Park/Florida Canyon/Various

Adams Avenue Bicycles hosts multiple rides that are certain to keep even the heartiest velo fanatics busy. Drop bar banshees, gravel grinders and mountain mashers will all find something to suit their styles throughout the month. Roadie watt watchers can spin until their heart’s content each week on the Monday Smackdown road rides. Leaving from Adams Avenue Bicycles at 6:45 p.m., this ride is all about showing up and throwing down over the course of 26.88 miles before returning to the shop.

Mountain bikers and gravel riders seeking a midweek session will appreciate the DirTNR rides occurring each Tuesday night during the velodrome racing season. Riders link up at the velodrome at 5:15 p.m. before rolling out for a casual hour-long ride through Florida Canyon, returning to the velodrome in time to catch some track racing action.

Those who want to take their riding further afield will enjoy the monthly Sunday Field Trips, typically scheduled for the second Sunday of each month. Each trip will explore a different part of the county with locations and routes shared ahead of time on their website.

Awarewolf Full Moon Bike Ride

Location Varies

With the tagline, “We’re a pack. Not a mass,” Awarewolf is a collection of cyclists led by Charlie Sears and Ricardo Juarez, with the aim of increasing bicycling participation, safety and, of course, awareness, especially between riders and drivers in San Diego. In keeping with this mission, Awarewolf hosts a monthly Full Moon Bike Ride open to riders of all styles, from casual cruisers to fixed gear fanatics. The time, location and routes vary month-to-month and are posted in advance on Awarewolf’s website, but one thing is certain: when the Awarewolves are out, even the moon cycles.

San Diego biking club SheWolves Thursday night bike rides LGBTQ+ friendly
Courtesy of SheWolves

SheWolves

Balboa Park

The Awarewolves aren’t the only pack of pedalers in town; the SheWolves bring their own lycanthropic flair to biking. A cycling club for women, trans, femme, and gender nonconforming riders, the SheWolves focus on fostering inclusion and allyship in the San Diego cycling scene. Thursday night group rides leave from the Bea Evenson Fountain in Balboa Park at 7:15 p.m. and end at a different bar or brewery for post-ride libations each week.

San Diego biking club Rouleur Brewing Social Ride featuring cyclists in matching Rouleur jerseys
Courtesy of Rouleur Brewing

Rouleur Brewing Social Ride

North Park

Given its connections to cycling (its name is a French term for “having wheels,” and was later adopted by racers), it’s no surprise that North County beer staple and bike themed brewery, Rouleur, hosts a social ride every Thursday night from its North Park tap room. The ride begins at 6:00 p.m. and follows a 17-mile route, ending back at Rouleur for beer and refreshments.

San Diego biking club featuring San Diego Bike Coalition on a group ride downtown
Courtesy of San Diego County Bicycle Coalition

Bonus: San Diego Bike Coalition

Various Locations

The San Diego Bike Coalition does essential advocacy work to ensure the region’s bicycling culture continues to grow and thrive by championing projects to improve cycling infrastructure, access to bike lanes, and policies that benefit riders. While the Bike Coalition doesn’t host a dedicated weekly ride, they do publish a robust monthly calendar of biking events in the area, ranging from local races to classes on safe riding skills and bicycle maintenance.

Biking Outdoors
Everything SD MAY 24, 2024 (Updated Jul 17, 2023)

What Your Favorite San Diego Surf Spot Says About You

A guide to the city’s best breaks and the locals that frequent them

What Your Favorite San Diego Surf Spot Says About You
Photo Credit: Cole Novak

Your choice of surf break is a very personal decision. Each spot comes with its stereotypes—are you a grom, noserider, or Wavestorm warrior? From localized reefs to kooky beach breaks, the last 14 years I’ve spent surfing in San Diego have taught me that each spot truly has its own vibe.

What does your favorite San Diego surf spot say about you?

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring an aerial shot of Tourmaline and Old Man's in Pacific Beach

Tourmaline

The Malibu of San Diego

Dubbed as the ultimate old man spot and San Diego’s Malibu, Tourmaline is a longboarder’s heaven. If your board is smaller than 7 feet, go home. In the lineup you can find guys who have been surfing Tourmaline for the last 40+ years and show no signs of stopping. Hanging ten and gracefully maneuvering across a cruising 20+ second wave is irresistible enough for many to fight the crowds and congested streets of Garnett. Good luck snagging waves from the locals who were around to remember Jack Murphy Stadium.

The Uniform: 10ft nose rider log, Greg Noll striped swim trunks, and a nose covered in zinc

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring Sunset Cliffs, Point Loma with a surfer carrying his longboard surfboard at sunset
Photo Credit: John O’Nelio

Sunset Cliffs

The Point Break

Sunset Cliffs isn’t just sunshine and sunsets. Sharks, rips, reef, rocks, and a hell of paddle out on a bigger day can make surfing here a real gauntlet. Perils aside, Sunset Cliffs is arguably one of the more consistent reef breaks in the county. Just make sure you have your surfboard repair shop on speed-dial for the inevitable dings that will riddle your board.

In the lineup, you’ll be sure to hear stories from the locals about how the waves used to be better, the beaches were less crowded, and a California burrito used to cost $7. The good ‘ole days. With the reef generating consistent waves year-round, Sunset Cliffs can boast some of the longest waves in the county.

The Uniform: 9’6 Longboard, dented like a copper Moscow mule mug, and noodle arms

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring Ocean Beach Pier and Jetty with a surfers performing a snap maneuver
Photo Credit: Randy Dible

Ocean Beach

The Venice Beach of San Diego

Ocean Beach feels like the most San Diego beach there is. A boardwalk with shops from another era, consistent waves, great food, lively bars, and drum circles on the beach. What’s not to love? In the water, you can find groms getting air on small waves, older guys putting their stake on the jetty, and beatniks riding the same board they did since the ’80s. Ocean Beach isn’t always the most welcoming of surf spots, so make sure to lock your car and bring your trusty self-defense weapon—or friend who will back you up in the lineup.

The Uniform: 30-year-old, beaten-up 6’5 shortboard with flame decals, tie-dye shirt, and a Rasta-colored poncho

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring Imperial Beach Pier with a surfers walking on the beach at sunset
Photo Credit: Ronaldo Brosas

Imperial Beach

Barrels, Burritos and Sewage Pipes

Unfortunately, the consistent pollution coming from the U.S./ Tijuana wastewater plant has caused lifeguards to keep those yellow “Sewage Contaminated Water” signs up year round. With all these hazards, Imperial Beach surfers are the ultimate lab rats—putting their lives on the line for the sake of science and shredding.

Years ago, I recall surfing in purple waves which were attributed to a “completely safe” water test from the Navy’s military lab located just up the strand. If your skin starts glowing after a surf session, visit your local hospital immediately, otherwise, head down to Palm Avenue for some of the best takeout Mexican food in San Diego.

The Uniform: 5’8 Retro fish surfboard and a bottle of antibiotics

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring Cardiff beach with a surfer in the barrel

Cardiff

Vegan and GMO-Free Waves

Locals here start their day with an acai bowl from the Cedros district, a freshly pressed vegetable juice from their neighborhood market, and a CBD gummy. Cardiff and the Encinitas region are packed with great peaks and reefs that gather surfers like moths to a flame, including legends like Rob Machado.

Paddle out just past the iconic Cardiff Kook statue and you’ll hear surfers chatting about how mid lengths are the best surfboards, becoming vegan has changed their life, wearing shoes is bad for you and surfer’s pitching their band’s latest folk album. Just remember not to drop in. Otherwise they’ll call you “The New Cardiff Kook.”

The Uniform: 6’6 mid-length twin-fin, pair of Birkenstocks, and long-hair

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring Pacific Beach's Crystal Pier with a surfer walking on the beach at sunset
Photo Credit: John O’Nelio

Pacific Beach

The College Hangout

Need a spot to surf off the hangover? Then head to Pacific Beach. In the lineup, you can hear the chattering of college students and locals (still reliving their college days) planning their night of debauchery at the local bars. PB is the land of a thousand soft tops and is not a bad place to learn if you can avoid the crowds. People will ride anything that floats here. I mean anything. Hit pacific beach first thing in the morning while the locals are still recovering from the night before.

The Uniform: 7’6 Wavestorm, cargo shorts, and Reef beer-opener sandals

The best surf spots in San Diego featuring Black's Beach, La Jolla with a surfer in a barrel
Photo Credit: Josh Robusto

Blacks Beach

San Diego’s Pipeline

If you’re up for a 20-minute hike down the cliffs, encounters with nudists, occasional rockslides and daunting canyon sets, Black’s Beach is the spot for you. Known to some as California’s Pipeline, Blacks is the ultimate big wave spot for the adrenaline junkies in town. Though not every session at Black’s is a heart-pounding, arm-deflating, battle of man vs. nature, the spot is consistently one of the best in the county.

Among the lineup you can find characters like groms working on their sponsor videos, Kelly Slater lookalikes, your friend who insists that surfing naked brings them closer to nature, and of course your friend who owns a big wave gun and daydreams about catching that perfect 15-foot wave. Keep dreaming, my friend.

The Uniform: 7’2 big wave gun, DNR bracelet, no pants


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Cole Novak

About Cole Novak

Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.

Everything SD MAY 6, 2024

3 South County Hikes to Try

Check out these four- to 10-mile treks in Jamul, Chula Vista & the Tijuana Estuary

3 South County Hikes to Try
Photo Courtesy of AllTrails

If you have lived and hiked in San Diego long enough, eventually you’ll find yourself in a hiking rut. Heading to the same places, doing the same trails, instead of branching out and trying something new. 

That’s happened to me plenty of times. And while there is something beautiful about hiking the same routes over and over—noticing things you haven’t seen before, or seeing if you can reach a summit in a record time—it’s also important to explore. That’s the whole point of hiking, right?

A great way to explore new trails is to head to a part of the region where you don’t usually go. There are lots of trails in South County that you may not have set foot on before, and many are worth checking out.

So, here are three South County hikes to try.

Hollenbeck Canyon

This 4.7-mile, out-and-back hike takes you through a scenic canyon in Jamul with sweeping green hills on either side. Go in the spring and you’ll have beautiful views of wildflowers, and possibly a few small streams you’ll need to cross (pack a small towel and go barefoot across if you don’t want wet shoes and socks). There are a few steep places along the way, but the trail is well maintained and mostly not too challenging.

Directions: Start at the trailhead on Honey Springs Road off Campo Road.

Distance: 4.7 miles, out-and-back

Difficulty: Moderate

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Buy a California Department of Fish & Wildlife day pass for $5.66 online before you go.

Mother Miguel Mountain

This steep but relatively short climb near Chula Vista is a bit challenging, but the views from the top are totally worth it. On a clear day, you can see mountains to the east, Sweetwater Reservoir, and Chula Vista, plus the ocean and bay along with Mexico, Coronado, and downtown San Diego. The hike is best done before summer months because there’s no shade along the way, and there are steep switchbacks for part of the trail.

Directions: Start at Mount San Miguel Park on Paseo Veracruz.

Distance: 4.4 miles, out-and-back

Difficulty: Challenging

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Parking is free.

Tijuana Estuary

Forget Torrey Pines (OK, don’t forget it, because it’s also beautiful), this wide park along the ocean is way less crowded and still has beautiful views. You can hike along the US-Mexico border, winding your way around as many trails in the Tijuana River Valley as you’d like. Still perfectly pleasant as the weather gets warmer, this estuary is a great spot for bird watching and easy hiking with its flat trails. 

Directions: Start on Imperial Beach Boulevard to follow the North McCoy trail or the full route.

Distance: For the longest hike, follow the 9.2-mile Valley Scenic Route, or do the shorter North and South McCoy trails.

Difficulty: Easy

Dogs: Allowed

Details: Parking is free. A trail map can be found here.

Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.

Studio S JUNE 12, 2026

Nominations Open for the San Diego Business Impact Awards

The annual event honors middle market companies creating jobs, scaling up, and investing in the region

Nominations Open for the San Diego Business Impact Awards
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

San Diego is known for its startup culture and innovation economy, but what happens when the company moves beyond its early-stage years? The San Diego Business Impact Awards aim to answer that question, spotlighting the middle market businesses helping drive the region’s economy.

Hosted by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards celebration takes place on Thursday, July 23, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Scripps Research Auditorium. More than 200 executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are expected to attend the networking and cocktail event honoring some of San Diego County’s fastest-growing companies.

Businesses headquartered in San Diego County that have operated for at least two years are encouraged to submit their nomination by Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. Companies across industries—from technology and life sciences to tourism and consumer products, as well as pre-revenue startups—are eligible for recognition.

For EDC President and CEO Mark Cafferty, the event is as much about building connections as celebrating success. “We’ve had a longtime partnership with JPMorganChase; their work aligns with our efforts to support underserved communities and drive talent development,” says Cafferty. “And the networking was invaluable last year. I’m still in touch with people I met at last year’s awards.”

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

EDC is an independently-funded nonprofit that works directly with San Diego companies to help them grow the local economy, make the region as a whole more competitive, and attract and retain top-tier talent with quality jobs. Through EDC, companies can get help starting or expanding their business with support for things like site selection, permit navigation, and regulatory guidance, plus connections to local resources and potential business collaborators.

The San Diego Business Impact Awards began as an idea with one of EDC’s longtime strategic partners, JPMorganChase. The two organizations share a commitment to San Diego and are dedicated to bolstering middle market businesses.

“We’re blessed with a robust innovation economy and startup community,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager for JPMorgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank and vice chair of the firm’s’ San Diego Market Leadership Team. “But one of the segments of the business community we felt was overlooked was emerging middle market companies—the businesses that are no longer small but not yet large.”

Ryan says supporting those companies is critical as they scale and decide where to invest, hire, and grow.

San Diego’s high cost of living remains one of the region’s biggest business challenges, making talent recruitment and retention increasingly competitive. But local leaders point to the region’s quality of life, climate, and collaborative business community as advantages that continue to attract employers and workers.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

“In order to support thriving households, there has to be enough high-quality jobs for people to be able to afford to live here,” Cafferty says. “Once a company grows and excels past that middle market point in their growth cycle, they become much more likely to pay higher wages and compete globally.”

Both Cafferty and Ryan proudly tout the unique collaboration that exists among San Diego County businesses. Bringing together top universities producing high-quality talent, cutting-edge research institutions, a robust military and defense presence, leading ocean science and environmental organizations, and a binational, cross-border identity creates a distinct business ecosystem that defines and strengthens the San Diego region. 

Last year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards celebrated nearly 60 honorees from 49 industries, representing a total of 8,232 jobs across eight sectors, including: software and technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer goods, professional services, finance, construction and manufacturing, defense, and hospitality and tourism. On average, honoree companies doubled their revenues over the previous year, employed more than 145 San Diegans each, and offered an average annual compensation of $192,415.

Top honorees included defense contractor Innoflight, environmental consulting firm Bancroft Construction Services, life sciences startup Element Biosciences, defense technology contractor GALT Aerospace, organic grocery store chain Jimbo’s, and biopharmaceutical company LENZ Therapeutics. During the event, Innoflight Founder and CEO Jeff Janicik held a fireside chat offering his insights on investing in the community and embracing San Diego culture.

This year, organizers hope to continue highlighting the middle market players driving economic impact across the region. Nominations are now open through June 18 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets to the San Diego Business Impact Awards celebration to enjoy drinks by Snake Oil Cocktail Co., light bites, live music, and networking.

Health & Fitness SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

Best Tips for Eco-Friendly Backpacking, According to Experts

The best ways to help minimize your footprint during your next adventure

Best Tips for Eco-Friendly Backpacking, According to Experts
Courtesy of the National Park Service
Backpacking Joshua Tree National Park Service Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Backpacking Joshua Tree National Park Service Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Courtesy of the National Park Service

Being in nature can change you. Sleeping and eating outside, far away from roads and stores and houses, forces us to unplug, reset, and notice the beauty that’s all around us.

But while you’re soaking in all the benefits of getting outdoors, it’s important that you don’t change nature right back. Conservation experts will remind campers and explorers to “leave no trace”—which means carrying out any trash, respecting wildlife, and letting rocks and plants remain where you found them.

But with so many aspects to consider when aiming to backpack sustainably (from sourcing eco-friendly gear to dealing with human waste), we’re sometimes leaving traces we don’t even notice.

To help you enjoy nature and keep it safe at the same time, we collected tips from two experts: Meg Carney, author and host of The Outdoor Minimalist, and Amber McDaniel, head of content at Sustainable Jungle. Here’s their advice for eco-friendly backpacking:

Flat Lay Gear National Park Service Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Flat Lay Gear National Park Service Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Courtesy of the National Park Service

Rent or Buy Used Gear

To start, Carney says, if you’re planning a trip, you don’t need to rush to the nearest REI and buy a bunch of new stuff.“You can borrow [or] rent gear so you can see if you actually like the activity,” she suggests. “And then, if you’re investing in gear, especially if you want higher-end brands, it can be helpful to try and buy used equipment from gear consignment stores or Facebook Marketplace.

”If you do need to buy new, Carney advises doing your research and investing in brands with eco-friendliness at their core.“Every reliable company will have a website and so you can easily access their sustainability information,” she says. “If they don’t have [that] on their website, I just avoid that company, because in the outdoor industry, it should be at the forefront of … their marketing.”

Backpacking Cooking USD Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Backpacking Cooking USD Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Courtesy of the USDA

Pack Reusable Containers Vs. Individually Wrapped Items

Food can be one of the most challenging areas to maximize sustainability and minimize waste. Even in normal, non-backpacking life, food packaging is difficult to avoid, and when you’re packing to carry meals and snacks for multiple days, it’s even tougher to skip plastic-wrapped products.

Don’t be too hard on yourself if you overpack or eat a lot of pre-wrapped food on your first trip. Carney recommends keeping all the packaging from the meals and ingredients you purchase for the weekend. “Then you can do a waste audit,” she says. “Bring [the packaging] home and then lay it out on the ground. That physical experience of witnessing the amount of waste that you’re using is a good way to kind of identify and then narrow down areas you can reduce waste on future trips.”

For example, if your food-waste flat lay is full of oatmeal or nut packets, try purchasing oats and trail mix in bulk and dividing into smaller, reusable containers. Carney uses Lunchskins paper sandwich bags and beeswax bags instead of plastic. Energy bars can be tougher, since they usually come individually wrapped, but companies like TerraCycle can recycle the packaging from brands such as GoMacro.

Beyond that, Carney says she pays attention to the systems behind her food, including growing, harvesting, transporting, and processing. “Know where your food is coming from and support companies that are moving in the right direction and doing the right thing,” she emphasizes.

Local and organic fruits, for example, have a smaller footprint than those that traveled thousands of miles to reach your nearest grocery store—and they’re easy to carry, store, and eat without any single-use packaging.

Campfire Cooking Outdoors U.S. Forest Service Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Campfire Cooking Outdoors U.S. Forest Service Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Courtesy of the U.S. Forest Service

Cook Meals With a Stove

If you’re cooking over a campfire, Smokey Bear’s adages apply: Be aware of fire restrictions and put out embers by shoveling dirt over them. But, especially for newbies, it may be best to put down the matches altogether. “Things can get out of control,” McDaniel says. “People don’t know how to build them or where to build them properly.”

She recommends bringing a small backpacking stove like an MSR Pocket Rocket. “I love it because it’s really light,” she says. “The downside is [they require] single-use white gas fuel canisters, which is fossil fuel, but they tend to last quite a while. That’s one of those sacrifices that I’ll make, knowing that it’s less impactful to do that than potentially deciding to build a campfire in an area where I shouldn’t and burning the forest down.”

Most campers know that safety and securely storing food is integral to avoiding unwanted animal visitors. But even water used to cook food needs to be properly disposed of.“If animals get too used to, ‘Oh, look, somebody dumped their water from their dehydrated meal over here and I can eat it,’ then it’s going to attract bears,” McDaniel says. At home, many of us drain the starchy water from pasta or oatmeal down the sink, but it’s completely safe to drink (and nutrient-filled and hydrating, to boot!).

Keeping bears at bay isn’t just safer for humans—it keeps the animals safe, too. Wildlife services have had to euthanize bears who became dependent on human food sources and attacked people as a result.

National Park Service Trash How to Clean Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

National Park Service Trash How to Clean Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Courtesy of the National Park Service

Use Refillable Bottles For Hygiene Products

Even seemingly innocuous items like toiletries and soaps can create waste and have environmental impacts. To avoid extra packaging, Carney says she goes to zero-waste grocery stores like Earthwell Refill, The Mighty Bin, and The Nada Shop to refill reusable glass bottles with hygiene products and buy toothpaste tablets, shampoo strips, and biodegradable soaps.

But, McDaniel adds, it’s important to be aware of greenwashing. Just because a label says biodegradable doesn’t mean the product is safe to use however you want.

Many of these products “still have phosphates in them,” she says. “When phosphates get into natural waterways, they cause a nutrient overload which leads to eutrophication—essentially a process that [creates] harmful algae blooms that choke out natural plant life and then, eventually, natural fish life, as well. You don’t want any sort of phosphate soap directly in waterways. Your best bet is to use a natural bar of soap that’s made with olive oil and shea butter.”

Still, she says, never wash things directly in waterways. Instead, bring a collapsible bucket and rinse off clothing, dishes, and yourself 50 to 100 feet away from the waterway. “Then you can dump your natural soap in the brush and it’ll break down just fine,” McDaniel continues.

The same goes for brushing your teeth—even when using natural toothpastes, never spit directly into waterways.

Leave No Trace Toilet Paper Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Leave No Trace Toilet Paper Eco-Friendly Backpacking Tips

Courtesy of Leave No Trace

Bathroom Etiquette

Gone are the days when backpackers would just dig a hole and do their business, McDaniel says. Now, popular camping areas require what’s called a “wag bag”—and, even if it’s not mandated, McDaniel recommends it.

Wag bags are sealable, disposable bags used to store dirty toilet paper… and other things. “If you have to go poop, you poop in it,” McDanel explains. “With so many people going out into the woods, [waste left in nature] is going to keep piling up. So the recommendation now is to always pack out your waste.”
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Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.

Health & Fitness AUGUST 17, 2023

10 Summer Water Activities That Aren’t the Beach

Dive into the the city’s finest pools, spas, waterparks, and swim spots

10 Summer Water Activities That Aren’t the Beach
Courtesy of Mission Bay Sports Center

As any dad will insist, it’s not the heat that gets you—it’s the humidity. With local temps hovering in the 80s and the sky spontaneously breaking into summer showers, it’s a good time to remember that, often, the best way to stay comfy on muggy August days is to get wetter.Instead of braving crowded beaches, take these bodies of water for a spin. Whether you’re seeking a family friendly pool, a natural swim setting, or a rooftop oasis with tropical drinks, your search ends here. These are the 10 best places to get in the water in San Diego that aren’t on the sand.

Glorietta Bay Park San Diego Beach Alternatives

Glorietta Bay Park San Diego Beach Alternatives

Courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority

San Diego’s Natural Bodies of Water

 

Glorietta Bay

Glorietta Bay, nestled alongside the Coronado Golf Course, offers a scenic alternative to the usual beach scene. Access the shoreline by parking at the Glorietta Bay Park. Visitors can indulge in swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Wannabe mariners can rent a sailboat, starting at $95 for two hours, from Seaforth (located adjacent to the Coronado Yacht Club). After a swim and a picnic, families can embark on a bike ride along Glorietta Bay’s scenic path, explore Hotel Del’s shops across the street, or grab a scoop of ice cream in Coronado Village.  1975 Strand Way, Coronado

Cedar Creek Waterfall

Don’t go chasing waterfalls—unless it’s Cedar Creek Waterfall in Cuyamaca. San Diego’s largest waterfall awaits just an hour northeast of downtown (though it is only accessible to hikers with a US Forest Service permit). After checking Cleveland Forest’s website to rule out any heat-related closures, tackle the 5.5-mile round-trip trek to take an immensely gratifying dip beneath one of San Diego’s most celebrated cascades. To stay safe on your adventure, bring plenty of water, your best hiking boots, some sunscreen, towels, and a hat.  15519 Thornbush Rd, Ramona

Mission Bay Sports Center

Mission Bay Sports Center

Courtesy of Mission Bay Sports Center

Mission Bay

Mission Bay caters to sun-seeking locals, offering eight designated swimming spots amidst 27 miles of sandy shores. Locals can bring their paddleboard, kayaks, and boats out onto the water or visit Mission Bay Sports Center for a cruise on jet skis, sailboats, motorboats, and even water-based jet packs. Visitors may also partake in picnics on the beach, go paddle boarding underneath the bay’s numerous bridges, or throw out a line for some fish. End the day by toasting marshmallows over a bonfire on Fiesta Island.  3000 N Mission Bay Dr, Mission Bay

Big Bear Lake Kayak Marina San Diego Beach Alternatives

Big Bear Lake Kayak Marina San Diego Beach Alternatives

Courtesy of Big Bear Lake

Big Bear Lake

Escape the heat with a mountainside retreat at Big Bear Lake, just three hours north of San Diego. While winter snowboarding and skiing are often the primary draw, Big Bear Lake is also the perfect spot to relive your summer camp days. Spend mornings hiking and mountain biking before dipping into the lake for a midday cooldown. Families can take a swim, dive off the iconic China Island boulders, catch some air on a wakeboard, or rent a pontoon boat for fishing from Big Bear Marina. Boat prices start at $95 per hour (plus gas) for up to six people. 500 Paine Ct, Big Bear Lake 

Omni La Costa Pool San Diego Beach Alternative

Omni La Costa Pool San Diego Beach Alternative

Courtesy of Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

San Diego’s Pools, Spas & Waterparks

 

Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

For San Diego residents yearning for a respite from city life, Omni La Costa in Carlsbad offers poolside relaxation. A 30-minute drive from downtown, the Carlsbad property is a great staycation for families. While parents play golf or enjoy a spa day to themselves, kids can revel in two 100-foot waterslides, a family pool, and other aquatic attractions. Want a solo getaway instead? Lay out your towel beside the resort’s 21-plus pool and order some snacks and drinks. 2100 Costa Del Mar Rd, Carlsbad

Mission Pacific Hotel Rooftop Pool San Diego Beach Alternatives

Mission Pacific Hotel Rooftop Pool San Diego Beach Alternatives

Courtesy of Mission Pacific Hotel

Rooftop Pool at Mission Pacific

Sure, you could fight for a spot to set up your umbrella on one of SD’s beaches. Or you could get above it all at Mission Pacific’s rooftop bar. Perched atop a seven-story hotel and overlooking Oceanside’s coastline, this rooftop oasis offers not only a bustling pool and a live DJ but also delectable food and cocktails. Wanna impress a date? Make dinner reservations at Michelin-starred restaurant Valle on the first floor, then cap off the night with an evening swim and margarita to sip on during golden hour. 201 N Myers St, Oceanside

The Plunge Pool San Diego Mission Beach San Diego Beach Alternatives

The Plunge Pool San Diego Mission Beach San Diego Beach Alternatives

Courtesy of Belmont Park

The Plunge San Diego

If you’re looking for the ultimate kid-friendly swim spot, The Plunge has you covered. Admission starts at $15 per hour for access to heated pools, inflatable obstacle courses, and a basketball hoop. Families can opt for a $60 three-hour pass for up to four people. While the kiddos splash around, take advantage of a serene cedar-wood sauna, adult swim lanes, and a fitness area equipped with spin bikes. 3115 Ocean Front Walk, Mission Beach

Pendry Hotel Downtown Gaslamp San Diego Beach Alternatives

Pendry Hotel Downtown Gaslamp San Diego Beach Alternatives

Courtesy of Pendry Hotels

The Pool at the Pendry

For a luxurious waterside day in downtown, visit The Pool House at the Pendry, a lavish rooftop restaurant, bar, and pool located at 5th and J in the heart of the Gaslamp. Open daily from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m for guests, it’s only open to the public Sunday-Friday from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. Reserve a cabana in advance to guarantee a lounge spot. At the bar’s daily happy hour from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., you can grab $1 oysters and half-off appetizers. 435 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter

Dive-In Movies at The Pearl Hotel

Settle in for a movie screening from the comfort of a mid-century-era pool. Hosted every Wednesday night at 8 p.m. The Pearl Hotel’s Dive-in Movie Night series shows classic films like The Big Lebowski and Fight Club while offering poolside bites and sips. Although the event is free (even for folks not staying at the hotel), access requires the purchase of a drink or food item. Reservations are highly recommended—the courtyard’s open seating fills up quickly.1410 Rosecrans St, Point Loma

Aztec Recreation Center Aquaplex Pool San Diego State University San Diego Beach Alternatives

Aztec Recreation Center Aquaplex Pool San Diego State University San Diego Beach Alternatives

Courtesy of the Aztec Recreation Center

Aztec Aquaplex SDSU

Whether you’re a serious swimmer or prefer a leisurely float, Aztec Aquaplex at San Diego State University caters to all. Accessible to SDSU students, alumni, and staff, the facility boasts two large competitive lap pools (25 yards and 50 meters), a 20-person spa, diving boards, water basketball, and a serene float lounge. For $25, visitors can partake in these aquatic amenities as guests of SDSU alumni. Master your backstroke, perfect your dives, or work on your uneven tan lines.5375 Remington Rd, College Area

Mission Bay Sports Center, hero

Courtesy of Mission Bay Sports Center

Cole Novak

About Cole Novak

Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.

Partner Content JUNE 10, 2026

New Options for GLP-1 Users

Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results

New Options for GLP-1 Users
Courtesy of Scripps Health

While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.

For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.

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