Rugged coastlines, hidden surf spots, posh boutiques, and eateries with a coastal ambience are all quintessential features of La Jolla. Known as the “Jewel of San Diego County,” La Jolla provides a range of bites and experiences that feel just as good as the city’s other draws: warm sun on your skin and salty ocean air.
Photo Credit: James Tran
La Jolla Restaurants & Bars
Marisi
Marisi opened last fall, bringing Amalfi Coast–inspired dishes and sexy, tiled surrounds to downtown La Jolla (and nabbing critic’s choice for Best New Restaurant in our 2023 Best Restaurants issue). Owned by five La Jolla natives, Marisi offers hand-rolled pasta, traditional butchery, and housemade limoncello.
1044 Wall Street
Mary’s Gourmet Salads
A good option for a quick, pre-beach lunch, Mary’s crafts a kaleidoscopic array of fresh salads (including a build-your-own options for those who like to go off-book). Try the Thai Crunch salad, which tops chopped fruits, veggies, and crunchy stuff (mango, Napa cabbage, and wonton strips, to name a few) in a tangy Thai dressing.
723 Pearl Street
Taco Stand
If you didn’t eat el pastor at Taco Stand, did you really visit La Jolla? The taqueria brings Tijuana-style bites to this side of the border. Accompany your tacos with the eatery’s incredible elote (corn on the cob), sprinkled with parmesan and chili powder. Round it out with housemade churros.
621 Pearl Street
El Pescador
El Pescador serves a variety of seafood options, but the local fish is where it’s at. Chow down on char-grilled yellowtail, halibut, sea bass, and even thresher shark from hometown waters. You can also buy seafood by the pound for an ultra-fresh dinner at home.
634 Pearl Street
Paradisea
La Jollans hit up Bird Rock for pre-surf cups of coffee, but the neighborhood typically turns into a ghost town after 8 p.m. La Jolla locals Zoe and Eric Kleinbub intend to stir up some excitement with their new passion project: Paradisea. The upscale dinner joint serves classical California cuisine and a bangin’ happy-hour cocktail list. Try the white sea bass crudo and the beef tartare, which derives inspiration from Japanese flavors.
5680 La Jolla Boulevard
Bobboi Natural Gelato
Don’t be alarmed by the apparent lack of gelato at Bobboi—the shop keeps their sweet treats hidden away to maintain the optimum temperature. The flavors (including a charcoal-infused vanilla, rose honey, and the three-nut Mediterraneo) reflect what is locally in season.
8008 Girard Avenue
Shorehouse Kitchen
Shorehouse Kitchen satisfies sweet and salty brunch cravings in La Jolla Shores. The cocktail menu includes a mai tai with lilikoi foam, a hazy Irish coffee, and a margarita fresca with fresh-squeezed orange juice. Soak up the morning booze with the parmesan risotto benedict or the caramelized Tahitian vanilla bean toast.
2236 Avenida De La Playa
Courtesy of Bay Bird Inc.
La Jolla Shops & Boutiques
Aviator Nation
Founded in a Venice Beach garage, Aviator Nation sells activewear, trucker hats, bikinis, and cozy sweat-suits that channel ’70s surfer fashion. While the products can be pricey, each piece is hand-sewn in California and as soft as your favorite vintage hoodie.
7840 Girard Avenue
Vuori
Encinitas native Joe Kudla founded Vuori in 2014, starting with men’s shorts before expanding to activewear for all genders. Inspired by surf styles but designed to sustain high-intensity workouts, the apparel is ethically manufactured with earth-friendly materials.
7841 Girard Avenue
La Valencia Hotel
La Jolla’s La Valencia, known as the “Pink Lady,” has welcomed guests for over 95 years. Scope out views of the Pacific while nibbling on persimmon scallops at the onsite Mediterranean Room restaurant or enjoy a facial or massage at the spa.
1132 Prospect Street
Mitch’s Surf Shop
Sure, flip-flops and board shorts are staples in every San Diegan’s closet, but what really marks a La Jollan is a hat or tee from Mitch’s Surf Shop. Founded in 1967, the iconic store gears up groms with boards, wetsuits, fins, and other surf staples.
631 Pearl Street
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa
Featuring 210 rooms on 10 verdant acres, the Estancia is a favorite for local babymoons and staycations. Brunch at the hotel’s tea party–inspired Greenfinch Restaurant and lounge at the saltwater pool before hitting the spa for a CBD-oil massage. 9700 N Torrey Pines Road
Warwick’s
The country’s oldest and continuously family-owned bookstore, Warwick’s hosts high-profile author events in La Jolla. The shop’s staff offers an almost overwhelming number of excellent recs, and, beyond their wide selection of literature, you can also find stationary items, jewelry, and custom wrapping services.
7812 Girard Avenue
Hermosa Surf Shop
What’s more La Jolla than hand-shaped surfboards and açai bowls? A joint that sells both. Hermosa Surf Shop is a new, locally owned space for smoothies, tea, beachy apparel, and surf gear. Inviting and photogenic, it’s a great spot to meet other wave-chasers.
5636 La Jolla Boulevard
Courtesy of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Things to Do in La Jolla
La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market
Every Sunday morning, around 150 vendors gather at La Jolla Elementary School. In addition to flowers, fruits, and veggies, shoppers can find locally made clothing, jewelry, and personal care items. Personally, I never leave without a fresh-squeezed juice and a savory crepe.
7337 Girard Avenue
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove’s picturesque bluffs are the perfect destination for a sunset stroll. The Children’s Pool—a bit of a misnomer, since little ones should be kept close at hand here—is ground zero for gawking at sea lions and snorkeling in some of San Diego County’s clearest waters.
1100 Coast Boulevard
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Newly remodeled, the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego sits on three acres and houses thousands of works of thought-provoking modern art. After wandering the rotating exhibitions, grab Mediterranean small plates at the onsite Kitchen.
700 Prospect Street
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
I’m an LJ native, so La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club forms a core part of my childhood memories. The club is home to numerous family-friendly activities, from pickleball to poolside fun. Tip: Kids can collect a bag of trash from the beach for a free scoop of ice cream!
2000 Spindrift Drive
La Jolla Kayak
La Jolla boasts some of California’s most beautiful coastline, featuring caves, marine life, and stunning reefs. Safely explore all this goodness with a snorkel or kayak tour with La Jolla Kayak. The company’s guides can show you the best areas to spot leopard sharks and help you paddle through peaceful marine caverns.
Windansea Beach is a hub for locals, whether they’re suiting up for a surf sesh at the Shack or laying out in the soft sand at Westbourne. Windansea is the perfect location for a salty swim, a sunset drive, a picturesque proposal, or a beach picnic.
“The book is basically a piece of advocacy for better urban design wrapped in a sexy guidebook,” says Megan Groth, author of Places We Love San Diego Tijuana. The book—272 pages of the very best places to visit from North County to Tijuana—is rich with beautiful photography and studded with bilingual essays encouraging new and improved public spaces. It’s a love letter, of sorts. And a call to action.
Inspiration for the book struck Groth—an urbanist, educator, and native San Diegan—after she studied architecture in Helsinki, Finland, just one year before the city was announced as the 2012 World Design Capital. When she returned in 2012 for a conference, Groth picked up a portable, photo-oriented guidebook about Helsinki.
But it wasn’t until years later, when she was back home in San Diego, that she rediscovered the book and really began musing about creating a similar guide for San Diego and Tijuana.
Passion for representation, public spaces, and community has been a consistent theme since those early days. The accumulation of all the places in the guide was the result of, yes, lots of research, but also the snowball effect that came from Groth reaching out to “friends and friends of friends and neighbors and just saying, ‘Hey, I’m writing this book. What do you think?’”
The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park, Downtown San Diego Photo Credit: Jenna Selby
Groth embraced the diversity of locations that came from crowdsourcing. She had just one criterion for inclusion: that each place is free and publicly accessible. “I did make a few exceptions for places like the Mingei and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, because I am an architect and both of those projects have recent amazing, architecturally significant renovations,” she notes. “I felt like it was important that those were celebrated.”
Though your typical guidebook is penned with a visitor’s perspective in mind, Groth hopes to see Places We Love taken up by locals and tourists alike. “I think the goal was not to restrict it, and so not to write it in a way that didn’t feel accessible to everyone,” she says.
Her desire for an inclusive look at the area also drove her decision to make the guide a binational one. “I don’t know of any other book that shows both [Tijuana and San Diego] together as one, and that is the reality of so many people that live here,” she says. Blurbs describing each place—regardless of what side of the border it’s on—are published in English and Spanish, and Groth drew visual connections between the two cities by ensuring that Tijuana and San Diego were photographed “in the same vein.”
Groth and her team commissioned more than 15 photographers to shoot the book’s locations, resulting in a beautiful array of styles, including both digital and analog snaps. Though Groth allotted creative control to the photographers, she did stress the importance of capturing the relationship between people and space, which is why you’ll see locals and visitors hanging out in almost every photo.
A 100-or-so-word blurb packed with history and fun facts accompanies the photograph of each location. Groth also uses this space to urge people to visit and care about these places and to emphasize the importance of public spaces. “We need to further invest in these places and understand how they came to be so that we can make more now and in the future,” she says.
Photo Credit: Jazzmine Taylor
She believes that bringing “more [and] better” public spaces to San Diego and Tijuana requires an equal division of work between top-down and bottom-up policies. “The truth is, you have to have both because, if not, you’ll have communities organizing and working very hard without the support of the city or country, and you’ll have public entities putting resources into policies and plans without community support,” she says. “Neither scenario is effective or sustainable.”
Coincidentally, around the same time that Groth was putting final touches on Places We Love, San Diego and Tijuana were jointly named the 2024 World Design Capital. Groth, however, feels that “it’s not that we are a world design capital as much as I think this is a year that we can really galvanize around [that title] to promote things—you know, move the dial.” And that’s exactly what she aims to do with her book: to guide us not just through the San Diego and Tijuana of today, but to the future of public spaces.
Amanda Parmele is a third year undergraduate student at UCSD and works at SD Magazine as a Photography/Visual Editing intern. She takes photos for her school newspaper, is a writing mentor, and loves surf photography, though she cannot surf to save her life.
“Is Coronado part of the South Bay?” read an innocent chat sent out the entire SDM staff one day.
Here we go…, I remember thinking. What followed was a flurry of animated debate.
“ABSOLUTELY NOT,” read a reply from a staff member, who lives in Chula Vista.
“Of course!” said another, who lives in Coronado. Folks from the city and North and East Counties weighed in, drawing lines according to the Coronado Bridge, the 94 freeway, and where Southeast meets National City. They evaluated the boundaries of communities like Imperial Beach, Coronado Cays, and Coronado proper. Folks from Chula Vista, in particular, were the most in opposition, likely owing to the stark cultural differences between the wealthy, mostly-white island (peninsula, actually) and the majority non-white cities east of the 5.
We reached no consensus, even among staff who live in South Bay, so I looked outward. “That’s funny to me,” texted Richard Bailey, Coronado’s mayor. “To be honest, I haven’t given it much thought, but, yes, I definitely consider us part of the South Bay.”
Photo Credit: Randy Dible
Serge Dedina, former mayor of Imperial Beach, agreed, and offered some social proof. “Traditionally, in terms of high school sports and even now with politics … there was the South Bay Metro League, and Coronado was part of it. The mayors held meetings for the South Bay, which includes San Diego, National City, Chula Vista, IB, and ‘Nado,” he said, using an affectionate nickname for the Crown City.
“The city of Coronado is often referred to as located in ‘South Bay for directional or regional purposes,” wrote Andrea McCullough, who handles communications for the city of Coronado.
A dual call to the Chamber of Commerce and Discover Coronado (the tourism board), which share an office, resulted in some discussion. Both entities said they “absolutely” consider Coronado part of South Bay, but neither organization markets the city as such officially. Additionally, Coronado used to be in the same congressional district as the rest of the South Bay cities, but since redistricting in 2022, it is now looped in with the northern coastal cities.
“We still feel the historical geographical designation,” added Rena Clancy, executive director of the Chamber, but someone else in the office piped up in the background: “Honestly, I was sure of the answer when the question was first asked. But now that we talked through it, I’m not so sure. And I was born and raised here.”
So, Coronado is part of South Bay, but it’s also its own thing. The term “South Bay” is colloquial, anyway-it’s not a government designation, but a geographic and cultural one. It’s a vibe, one that Coronado fits into… depending on who you talk to.
Jackie is a long-time freelance journalist covering cannabis, food/restaurants, travel, labor, wine, spirits, arts & culture, design, and other topics. Her work has been selected twice for Best American Travel Writing, and she has won a variety of national and local awards for her writing and reporting.
Anyone seeking some of San Diego’s best noodles has likely wandered to Convoy, our city’s official Pan-Asian Cultural District. We won’t pretend that beloved cluster of restaurants laying down hot pot, ramen, and bibimbap isn’t a major part of Kearny Mesa’s appeal, but there’s much to do in the neighborhood besides chowing down. You’ll find shops slinging imported goods and adventure-ready active gear here, as well as performance venues, unique date spots, and opportunities to take to the sky or sea.
This Korean supermarket is a one-stop shop for grocery items like marinated meats, kimchi, and banchan (side dishes), plus imported housewares and beauty products. There’s also a food hall onsite with five vendors offering quick-service bites like Korean corn dogs and fried chicken.
7725 Balboa Avenue
Shancheng Lameizi Hot Pot
Hot pot restaurant chain Shancheng Lameizi has 20-plus locations in Beijing, but the eatery is harder to find stateside—Convoy’s is one of only three in the US. Here, you’ll cook meats and veggies at your table in two bubbling broths: one spiced with Guizhou peppers, the other more mild.
4225 Convoy Street
O’Brien’s Pub
Surrounded by Asian eateries, this American pub with an Irish name stands out on Convoy Street. O’Brien’s was one of the first craft breweries in San Diego. Emphasizing hoppy beers on tap and Belgian ales in bottles, they also have great pub food, including burgers, sandwiches, salads, and housemade soups.
4646 Convoy Street
Realm of the 52 Remedies
This cozy hidden speakeasy in Convoy Street’s Common Theory serves creative, seasonal cocktails and small plates. Guests pass through a stark-white apothecary before emerging into a sexy, dimly lit drinking den slinging mixes inspired by everything from manga and anime to classic Japanese treats.
4805 Convoy Street
Two Hands Corn Dogs
A popular street food in Seoul, Korean corn dogs are fried in a rice flour batter for a crispy exterior with chewiness beneath. Two Hands offers a broad range of batters, seasonings, and fillings, including cheese sticks and plant-based franks for vegetarian diners.
3860 Convoy Street, Suite 100
RakiRaki
RakiRaki is best known for its ramen (get the spicy miso tonkotsu with mochi noodles), but chef Junya Watanabe’s popular local restaurant chain also serves other staples from Japanese cuisine, such as gyoza, curry, sushi, and crispy chicken karaage.
4646 Convoy Street, Suite 102-A
The Butcher Shop
This retro, Chicago-style steakhouse serves all the standards: prime rib, lobster bisque, salt-covered baked potatoes. The Butcher Shop grills all its beef—from dainty steak medallions to a formidable 48-ounce tomahawk—over mesquite wood.
5255 Kearny Villa Road
MNGO Cafe
The moniker says it all. This little sweet shop transforms its namesake fruit into all sorts of desserts, from cakes, ice cream, and kakigori (Japanese shaved ice) to milk teas and lemonades. But you’ll find other flavors here, too, including strawberry-, lychee-, and taro-based treats.
4176 Convoy Street
Zion Market
Seeking pre-made Korean foods or sushi-grade fish to make rolls at home? Stop by this sprawling grocery store. Zion Market also houses counter-serve eateries, a location of the delicious Korean bakery chain Paris Baguette, clothing shops, a travel agency, and more.
7655 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
Cafe Hue
Crepes are king at Cafe Hue, which serves sweet and savory versions of the paper-thin pancakes (the nutella-stuffed is most popular, but don’t sleep on the cookie butter). Guests can also get Belgian waffles, coffee, and rotating flavors of gelato.
3860 Convoy Street
Courtesy of Marukai
Kearny Mesa Shops & Boutiques
BOOKOFF
Bibliophiles should set aside at least an hour to browse through the shelves at this packed-to-the-gills used bookstore. Those searching for hard-to-find manga and older DVDs and TV shows may have particular luck here. BOOKOFF also vends figurines and collectibles and purchases used items to resell.
4240 Kearny Mesa Road, Suite 128
Marukai
This vibrant, mega outpost for Japanese goods sprawls across three buildings, vending groceries, grab-and-go bites, toys, electronics, porcelain dishware, and even furniture. Signs throughout the shelves stocked with food offer suggestions and instructions for popular Japanese dishes.
8151 Balboa Avenue
REI
Kearny Mesa is home to one of San Diego’s two REI locations, a campers’ wonderland slinging activewear and must-haves for backpacking, rock climbing, and other outdoor adventures. REI also offers a bike shop, a ski shop, and used and rental gear.
5556 Copley Drive
Road Runner Sports
Overwhelmed by the deluge of running shoes on the market? Leave it up to science. The staff at Road Runner Sports will create a 3D scan of your feet to determine the best-fitting shoes (and even socks!) and create custom insoles for your trotters. You can also check out their activewear, fitness gear, and nutrition products.
5553 Copley Drive
Sin City Skates
Owned and operated by experienced skaters, Sin City Skates is a great spot for beginners just foraying into roller skating to gear up and get some expert tips. The shop also offers lessons and transforms ordinary shoes—including sneakers and Doc Martens—into tricked-out skates.
8280 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 126
Courtesy of Hendo Studios
Things to Do in Kearny Mesa
Axe Thro Co
Before indulging on Convoy Street, stop by the family-owned Axe Thro Co for a fun workout and personalized instructions for improving your aim. Groups can also pass time at onsite pool tables while waiting for their turn to toss.
4428 Convoy Street, Suite 310
The Golf Bar
Practice your swing at The Golf Bar, where simulation technology allows you to play 18 holes in the great indoors. You can also order beer and bites, catch a game on TV, and try your hand at other simulated sports like baseball and soccer.
5583 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
Mic Drop Comedy
This spacious stand-up venue has welcomed major names like Margaret Cho, Fortune Feimster, and Emma Willmann. Mic Drop hosts shows nearly every night and occasionally offers classes for aspiring comics.
8878 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard
The Unlockables Escape Room
Grab your besties and test your mettle against a series of puzzles. Games at The Unlockables’ Kearny Mesa location ask you to create an antidote to end a zombie apocalypse, pull off a pawn shop heist, and figure out whether the high school principal is an extraterrestrial.
7380 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 205
San Diego Sky Tours
Get a birds-eye view of the San Diego skyline with this veteran-owned business’s aerial tours and biplane flights. Former military pilots from San Diego Sky Tours can take you on a thrilling ride full of loops and rolls or offer a more relaxing jaunt over the ocean to catch sight of whales and dolphins.
Executive Airpark, 3717 John J Montgomery Drive
Hendo Studios
Your band’s music video shoot just got an upgrade. Hendo Studios offers 2,000 square feet of studio space complete with makeup stations and an audio recording area for capturing photos, films, commercials, podcasts, and more.
4898 Ronson Court, Suite E
Ocean Enterprises
Take advantage of San Diego’s seaside locale by getting up close and personal with some aquatic critters. Ocean Enterprises offers scuba diving lessons, special courses in subjects like underwater photography, and scuba gear rentals and repairs.
Mimi Le is a web intern at San Diego Magazine. She is currently majoring in Communications at the University of California - San Diego with a minor in Marketing and plans to graduate in spring of 2024. She is always looking for creative and culturally-enriching ways to fill her days.
In this city, chef Brian Malarkey and restaurateur Chris Puffer are kind of like peanut butter & jelly, tacos and Tuesday, Padres and Petco—they just go together. This month, the duo celebrates 10 years of partnering on some of San Diego’s top restaurants including their first venture, Herb & Wood.
To celebrate this milestone, we stepped back and revisited their journey becoming some of this city’s most successful restaurateurs.
But first, let’s go back to the beginning. The duo met at Oceanaire in 2007 where they both worked. Malarkey was still riding the high from his stint on Top Chef Season 3 where he won runner-up. He was a great chef, Puffer recalls, if not a tad arrogant. Whatever he was doing, though, it worked. Sales doubled under his watch.
In 2009, Malarkey was approached by some patrons to start what would become Searsucker. He knew he wanted Puffer to be his partner. They had great chemistry and loved hospitality and food. “We both came to this with a bit of a chip on our shoulder,” says Malarkey. “We wanted to prove it to other people that we know what we’re doing.”
Courtesy of Puffer Malarkey Collective
Searsucker, Gabardine, and Herringbone (under the Fabric of Social Dining restaurant group) were born through the new partnership. But in 2012, they sold their concepts to Hakkasan and soon partnered on a new lease.
That building would eventually become Herb & Wood. “We were going to do it differently this time around,” says Malarkey as he reflects on Wood’s early days. “And we [wanted to] build it to last.”
The vision: Great food. Great music. Great service. It’d be a place where diners would let go, put their phones down, and be fully present to enjoy a meal together. When they walked into 2210 Kettner Blvd, they knew they had found their spot.
The only problem was that, at the time, that area of Little Italy was still severely underdeveloped. In a 8,500-square-foot space, they were going to have 230 seats to fill. “It may as well have been on Mars,” says Troy Johnson, San Diego Magazine publisher, content chief, and the city’s longtime food critic.
Courtesy of Puffer Malarkey Collective
And, of course, there were the naysayers. The prevailing feeling in the dining world was, “Let’s see what these f**king idiots do,” recalls Malarkey. The duo let all the noise be noise. In fact, the noise fueled them. “We weren’t going to cater to the haters,” Puffer says.
Their next hurdle would be to tackle the restaurant’s design. “There was nothing. It was literally a box,” says Puffer of the former space. Design teams were too expensive or didn’t quite get their vision—no, they didn’t want exposed beams or wooden tables made from reclaimed barns. “Then, Puffer was like, ‘f**k it, dude, I’m going to design this restaurant.’”
Having never really designed something like this before, he decided not to work in the programs that most professionals use to create their layouts. 3D mockup? Didn’t need it. CAD? That’s what a paper and pencil are for.
Courtesy of Herb & Wood
“It was all in my head,” he recalls. “I had this moment where I was like, ‘If I died right now, no one would know where any of this shit goes.’”
“Yeah, it made no sense,” Malarkey says.
And it still doesn’t if you hear him explain it. A mishmash of vignettes from the inner workings of his memory bank, evoking everything from Mississippi riverboats to Eiffel tower ironwork, Kensington home façades, an old theater he frequented, and a canoe, because why not? Yet somehow, it all worked.
“It’s a sense of nostalgia,” says Puffer. “People might say, ‘Oh, my gosh, this feels good’ and they don’t realize it reminds them of the time they were in Paris.’”
“We don’t play trends,” Malarkey says. “We play timeless.”
Courtesy of Herb & Wood
Over the course of many years and plenty of trial and error, the partnership has continued to thrive. And, the Puffer Malarkey Collective has found its sweet spot within their restaurants: The service had to be kind and unpretentious and the food had to come out quick, delicious, and consistent. “Consistency is key!” says Puffer.
They also learned to balance out one another. “He’s a go-go-go-go [person],” says Puffer, “I’m a let’s-take-a-deep-breath-and-sleep-on-it [type of person].”
So, when they opened the doors to Herb & Wood in April of 2016, with those lessons in place, everything was just right. “We knew it had to fire on all cylinders,” says Puffer. “And it did.”
Courtesy of Puffer Malarkey Collective
There was no pretense and the dress code was exceedingly simple. “Money in your pocket,” says Malarkey. “That’s all you need.”
The phones rang, the seats filled, and the haters had to give it to them, those gnocchi hit. People began embracing every aspect of the place, even the edgier ones.
“We thought people were going to complain about all the paintings with boobs,” says Puffer of the many John Lanes on the wall. “But the amount of people who take pictures in front of the boobs is amazing.”
They even had a middle finger statue that Puffer had picked up from a yard sale. If a table was rude or antagonistic toward the staff, he’d walk over to them with the finger. “Congratulations,” he’d say, handing it over. “You’ve won asshole of the night.”
Courtesy of Puffer Malarkey Collective
The point is, they were ready to laugh (and not take shit from anyone). When someone wrote a review of Herb & Wood and called it Weed & Boners, they both had a laugh. It’s one of the keys to longevity.
Along with the fun and deliciousness, they’ve also served as a culinary talent incubator for San Diego. “It’s like a centrifuge,” says Johnson about Herb & Wood. “They train up all these young chefs and start spinning all this talent into different parts of the city.”
There’s Sebastian Becerra with Pepino, Samantha Bird of Relic Bakery, Aidan Owens at Herb & Sea, and Tara Monsod of Animae and Le Coq (San Diego’s first James Beard award finalist) to name a few. “They’ve expanded the footprint of the food revolution in San Diego,” says Johnson.
Their plans for the next 10 years?
“We’re just going to keep the magic going,” says Malarkey.
Ocean Beach is the quintessential laid-back, free-spirited California beach town. While much of its retro culture has persisted through the decades, OB has also welcomed many modern restaurants, bars, and shops, attracting a new generation of food lovers and sandy surfers.
Here’s where to chow down, hang out, and gear up next time you’re wandering Newport Avenue and its nearby streets.
Courtesy of the Wonderland Ocean Pub
Ocean Beach Restaurants & Bars
Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer Co.
If you’re craving some warm, tasty, and cheesy comfort food, stop by Mad Munch Grilled Cheezer Co. Get their original grilled cheese and tomato soup, or mix it up with a breakfast sando, a meaty “cheezer,” or a basket of deep-fried cheddar cubes.
4871-B Newport Avenue
The Template
Zebra print couches, ivy-covered bird cages hanging from the ceiling, a dinosaur skeleton sculpture… this is not your mama’s coffee shop. The Template offers creative lattés, as well as a kava bar, and hosts live music jam sessions on Monday nights.
5032 Niagara Avenue
OB Noodle House
OB Noodle House is a popular local spot for Asian-fusion dishes like steak phở and fried rice. It’s also where the Screwball peanut butter whiskey shot originated, and it was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives. If Guy gives his blessing, you know it’s gotta be good.
You know the feeling of sitting in a dark, dull bar, looking around, and thinking… Now what? Well, those days of sipping your beer in boredom are over. At Kilowatt Brewing, you can play giant Jenga, participate in weekly trivia, exercise your creativity on a massive Lite-Brite board, and take down your friends in Battleship, all while enjoying craft brews under neon lights.
1875 Cable Street
Azúcar
For both sweet and savory pastries, visit Azúcar, a Cuban-style patisserie in the heart of OB. There are dozens of options to choose from, but make sure to try the Cubano sandwich, guava and cheese pastry, and meat pies.
4820 Newport Avenue
Blue Water Seafood
Serving only local fish, Blue Water Seafood is a popular spot for locals to come grab a fun cocktail alongside chipotle butter–doused shrimp tacos or yellowtail sashimi. Added bonus: You can enjoy the catch of the day with a view of the waves.
5083 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite 2B
The 3rd Corner Wine Shop & Bistro
You get the best of both worlds at The 3rd Corner. The spot is half wine shop and half trendy bistro, so you can explore the store’s extensive vino selection before bringing your bottle over for dinner with a mere $5 corkage fee.
2265 Bacon Street
Lighthouse Ice Cream
Whether you’re 5 or 95, the best way to end a day in the sun is with a massive ice cream cone in hand. Luckily, Lighthouse Ice Cream is only a few steps from the beach and offers a wealth of fun ice cream and sorbet flavors, including a hot waffle ice cream sandwich.
5059 Newport Avenue, Suite 102
Wonderland Ocean Pub
At Wonderland Ocean Pub, you can enjoy delicious tacos, burgers, and cocktails with a perfect view of the waves. On Mondays, the restaurant lays down local mussels in four different sauces for $10 a pound.
5083 Santa Monica Avenue, Suite 2B
It’s Raw Poke Shop
A no-frills, counter-service shop, It’s Raw Poke Shop has made a name in the community for its fresh, delicious fish and edamame and mac salad sides, all served just steps away from the sand. Don’t expect tons of toppings here: It’s Raw serves poke lightly dressed over rice.
4991 Newport Avenue, Suite A
The Holding Company
Located in a three-story building in the heart of OB, The Holding Company is a music venue, restaurant, and rooftop bar all wrapped up in one, ensuring you don’t need to go anywhere else for your night out on the town. You can even come back the next morning for a bloody mary and eggs benny to cure your hangover.
5046 Newport Avenue
Raglan Public House
Head over to Raglan Public House for New Zealand–inspired burgers and craft beers and cocktails. Popular dishes include the wagyu smash burger, seared rare ahi tuna burger, and classic NZ meat pies and chips.
1851 Bacon Street
La Doña
Quality Mexican cuisine? Check. Good vibes? Check. Woman-owned? Check. Head chef and owner Gabby Lopez draws from the flavors of Guadalajara and Baja California. Enjoy a spicy marg and ceviche al fresco on La Doña’s shaded outdoor patio.
1852 Bacon Street
The Olive Tree Market
If you don’t have enough time for a sit-down meal on your way to the shore, stop at The Olive Tree Market, a local spot for craft beer and wine, basic groceries, and legendary deli sandwiches. Seriously. Your beach picnic will never be the same.
Lili Kim is a content coordinator and writer for San Diego Magazine, with experience highlighting local businesses and communities. When not writing or shooting film, she is likely brewing her seventh cup of tea of the day or strolling along Sunset Cliffs.
West of downtown San Diego sits Point Loma, a rugged peninsula known for top-notch food and shopping. As the landing place of the first European expedition in California and, later, the US military’s first San Diego foothold, the area has a complex history, much of it on display at Cabrillo National Monument and other local preserves and museums. Next time you’re nearby, check out some of our favorite spots to eat, shop, play, and learn in our Point Loma neighborhood guide.
The oldest house in Point Loma is now a cozy café vending breakfast, salads, and sandwiches (including gluten-free bread and pastries). Out to eat, but up against a work deadline? Rent a desk in their co-working space for 15 percent off your meal.
1018 Rosecrans Street
Stone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens
Prepare to spend a full afternoon at Stone Brewing’s Liberty Station—in addition to an eclectic menu and a bar with 40 taps, the legendary local brewhouse boasts a bocce ball court, outdoor cinema space, and garden.
A longtime SD institution (it touched down in the city in 1963), Point Loma Seafoods draws on generational recipes to craft the soups and sauces that accompany the restaurant’s fried fish, sushi, tacos, and shellfish cocktails.
2805 Emerson Street
Liberty Public Market
Picky friend groups, you’re in luck. With more than 30 teeny eateries, this popular food hub has a plate for every palate, plus communal seating where you can reconvene. Not much is a miss here, but Filipino spot White Rice and The Mini Donut Company are must-tries.
2820 Historic Decatur Road
Con Pane Rustic Breads and Cafe
Con Pane’s team arrives onsite at 1 a.m. every day to bake levain loaves in a French stone hearth. Pick up a week’s supply of artisanal bread or settle in for a pastry or sandwich with a cup of joe from San Diego roaster Cafe Moto.
2750 Dewey Road, Suite 105
Supannee House of Thai
This laidback lunch and dinner spot serves curries and stir-fries, as well as Thai classics like larb, tom yum, and green papaya salad. Artfully arranged and crowned with flowers, the restaurant’s dishes are almost too pretty to eat.
2907 Shelter Island Drive, Suite 110
Bali Hai
Since its opening in 1954, this famous Shelter Island spot has laid down more than 2.7 million deceptively strong mai tais. Enjoy Polynesian-inspired plates and waterfront views under the watchful eye of “the Goof,” the eatery’s iconic tiki mascot.
2230 Shelter Island Drive
Harbor Town Pub
Drop by this family-friendly pub for generous portions and a surprisingly robust list of craft cocktails, plus weekly BBQ slider nights, trivia, taco Tuesdays, and karaoke. The little ones can drop quarters in the arcade while grown-ups have a pint or two from Harbor Town’s 16 taps.
1125 Rosecrans Street
The Wine Pub
Grab the leash—this spot for light bites and full glasses welcomes pups on its heated patio (and provides a special menu just for them). The Wine Pub also hosts local musicians, trivia nights, and wine-centric trips to Valle de Guadalupe.
2907 Shelter Island Drive, Suit 108
Courtesy of Moniker General
Point Loma Shops & Boutiques
Paru Tea Bar
Paru sells loose-leaf teas, many sourced from small-batch tea gardens in Asia, and mills matcha in-house. Schedule a tea tasting in store, or sign up for a subscription to get three new teas sent to your home each month.
3034 Cañon Street
En Concordia
The staff at plant boutique En Concordia are a wealth of knowledge when it comes to figuring out what leafy new pal best suits your lifestyle and your home’s light. They also offer homewares, toys, and pantry items ideal for gifting.
3028 Cañon Street
Rare Bloom Boutique
The hallmarks of breezy coastal style—lightweight knits, wide-legged pants, flowy sundresses—are available at Rare Bloom. Once you’re outfitted like a lifetime San Diegan, pick up some California-inspired goodies for your home, too.
2841 Cañon Street, Unit G
Sea Hive Station
Buzz by Sea Hive Station to browse gifts, homewares, clothing, and accessories from more than 150 San Diego-based brands and small businesses. On every second Sunday of the month, the store hosts an outdoor vintage market.
2750 Dewey Road, Suite 103
La Playa Books
Searching for a read that’ll keep you turning pages into the wee hours? Head to La Playa, a women-owned shop vending new and used books. Join one of their two book clubs (including one that centers wine) to befriend fellow bibliophiles.
1026 Rosecrans Street
Rekindle Pottery
Hit Rekindle Pottery for wall art, home décor, dinnerware, and more (as well as private pottery lessons for aspiring artists). To shop in person, you’ll have to book an appointment, but you can browse the collection online at any time.
2770 Historic Decatur Road, Suite 208
Shop Moniker
After grabbing a coffee or cocktail at Moniker General, mosey over to the retail side to peruse men’s and women’s clothing and accessories, home goods, and personal care items. Stock up on their hand-poured candles as fail-proof housewarming presents.
2860 Sims Road
Courtesy of the Monsaraz Point Loma
Things to Do in Point Loma
Cabrillo National Monument
In addition to being one of Point Loma’s best scenic viewpoints, Cabrillo National Monument offers visitors the chance to learn about the historic significance of the area, explore the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, take a hike on the Bayside Trail, and spot marine critters in the tide pools.
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
The Pearl Hotel
With 23 rooms lining an oyster-shaped pool, the Robert Platt–designed Pearl Hotel earns its name. On Wednesday nights, tune into a cult classic film poolside as part of the 64-year-old resort’s “dive-in” movie series.
1410 Rosecrans Street
The Monsaraz San Diego
Sitting near Fisherman’s Landing, this Portuguese-influenced, mid-century modern hotel is a pet-friendly Hilton property home to Dark Horse Coffee, a local roaster, and Westley, a coastal-inspired restaurant and bar.
1451 Rosecrans Street
NTC Arts and Culture District
Liberty Station’s former Naval Training Center now houses oodles of artsy opportunities. Galleries, nonprofits, art supply stores, theaters, music studios, and restaurants call the arts and culture district home, hosting local pieces and performances.
2820 Roosevelt Road, Suite 201
The Bar Method
Tone up with this boutique fitness studio’s low-impact workout classes, which incorporate elements of pilates, yoga, and ballet to strengthen your muscles, keep your heart pumping, and create community among attendees.
3125 Rosecrans Street, Suite B
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
A favorite date spot among locals, the 68-acre Sunset Cliffs Natural Park affords visitors spectacular sea views and access to tide pools. From mid-December to April, keep an eye on the water for passing gray whales headed toward Alaska.
Ladera Street
New Americans Museum
Liberty Station’s New Americans Museum celebrates and explores America’s immigrant past, present, and future through art exhibitions, verbal history lessons, and social-impact initiatives with a goal of creating connections between cultures and combating racism and intolerance.
Mimi Le is a web intern at San Diego Magazine. She is currently majoring in Communications at the University of California - San Diego with a minor in Marketing and plans to graduate in spring of 2024. She is always looking for creative and culturally-enriching ways to fill her days.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
