On 15th Street, a sliver of Old Del Mar has reclaimed its patch of sand. On the same stretch where Desi Arnaz once barbecued, the Del Mar Beach Hotel is fresh from a multimillion-dollar redesign. The 46-room landmark exudes low-key glamor, courtesy of the Carlsbad-based Parisi Portfolio. From $279.
Prism Guitars
String Theory
Turns out, skateboards have an afterlife. Prisma Guitars founder and designer Nick Pourfard has carved out a cult following with his stunning instruments made from recycled skate decks. Indie singer Toro y Moi recently commissioned one, and a collab with artist Dalek (famed for “Space Monkey”) resulted in a series of colorful pop-art axes. Get up close to the craftsmanship at the Mingei exhibitToying with Design: Play Inspires the Everyday, in conjunction with San Diego Design Week. Sept. 10-Feb. 26.
ReBru Spirits
Shot in the Dark
The latest elixir from ReBru Spirits falls neatly in line with the distillery’s philosophy of doing more with less. During Covid, founder Dennis O’Connor was approached by Dark Horse Coffee Roasters on how to utilize vats of unsold cold brew. The result: a limited-edition coffee vodka distilled from moonshine with toasty coffee notes. Available at Acre of Awesome—the Barrio Logan warehouse that’s home to ReBru, Thorn St. Brewing, and Kové Hard Yerba Mate.
“Could we build the most comfortable T-shirt?“ That was the big question for Rowan co-founder Joe Roberts when he set out to create his own brand after a career building others like James Perse. The North County resident chose Westfield UTC to debut his West Coast flagship, stocked with men’s and women’s wardrobe essentials, including the sumptuously broken-in tees ($55). You got the answer.
Andy Davis
Tomoko Matsubayashi
Paint the Town
Fans of Andy Davis can spot his work from a moving car. It’s that trademark groovy minimalism defined by clean lines, throwback hues, and Aloha spirit. The Leucadia artist has become a mainstay of the surf world—from Thomas Campbell films to collaborations with Vans and Sun Bum. This fall, slow your roll on 2nd Street in Encinitas for a closer look at his newest mural.
Edge Theory Labs
Cool Factor
From the same family of entrepreneurs who brought the world Suja Juice comes Edge Theory Labs, the first-ever portable iceless ice bath (37°F in 2 hours). “We’re extremely passionate about disrupting the athletic recovery space,” says co-founder Joshua Church. Fans include WNBA star Kelsey Plum and the SDSU track and field team.
The world lost an icon when the Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Tina Turner, passed away on May 24. The trailblazing singer, actress, and author’s life is celebrated in the new musical, TINA–The Tina Turner Musical, which runs July 25–30 at the San Diego Civic Theatre. From her humble beginnings in Brownsville, TN, to her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner and a triumphant comeback that cemented her reputation as one of the greatest musical acts of our time, Tina was simply the best.
Pickleball Courts Westfield UTC
Pickleball’s In Your Court
The pickleball craze shows no signs of slowing down, and, for a limited time, you can hit the courts at Westfield UTC. Open through July, the mall’s three regulation-size pickleball courts (located above True Food Kitchen) are available on a first-come, first-serve basis—no pun intended. Bring your own gear and show off your skills during regular daylight hours. Use of the courts is complimentary.
Oddish Wine Bay Park Winery
Photo Credit: Danielle Adams
Nothing “Oddish” About It
As co-founders of Lost Cause Meadery, Bill and Suzanna Betz know their way around a fermenter. Recently, the duo opened another drinking establishment: Oddish Wine in Bay Park. Specializing in minimal intervention wines made with Southern California grapes, Oddish also offers an array of ciders, spritzes, vermouth, and amari (gotta catch ’em all). Nestled next to Lost Cause, Oddish is located at the Gärten, a multi-vendor space that also includes Pizza Cassette and Deft Brewing.
Malibu Dream Lounge SDCC 2023 – XLE Productions
Courtesy of XLE Productions
Come On, Barbie, Let’s Go Party
Bring your retro, Barbiecore dreams to life at the Malibu Dream Lounge pop-up during San Diego Comic-Con (July 19–21). To get in on the plastic action—held beneath Parq nightclub—reserve entry into any of XLE Productions’ Comic-Con parties (they all take place at Parq). During the day, reservation-holders can visit the lounge and enjoy themed cocktails (non-alcoholic sips are also available), photo ops, and immersive experiences. After dark, VIP guests can dance the night away to the sounds of DJ Atomic Blonde and get dolled up with glitter and cosmetics from viral TikTok sensation Designer Dust Co. Prices vary.
Jennifer Ianni is a long-time San Diego journalist whose work has appeared in the Los Angeles Times, PACIFIC magazine, Point Loma-OB Monthly, PB Monthly, and more. She’s a native San Diegan who loves puns, pop culture, dive bars, yoga, extra dirty martinis, walks with her dog, Luna, and hanging out with her nephew, Jay, and her niece, Siena.
This month’s hot list celebrates the return of lowriding in National City, a different kind of boozy kombucha, yet another hotel refresh, and some truly gorgeous poetry
Miixt’s new canned vodka-kombucha drinks in flavors Strawberry Lemonade, Peach, Mango, and Tangerine
Turn That Kombucha Up to 11
Kombucha with a kick pops up again in San Diego—this time in a different form. Miixt launched its first-to-market canned vodka-kombucha drinks. They’re low-carb (no added sugar), high in antioxidants, and gluten-free. Initial flavors include strawberry lemonade, peach, mango, and tangerine, and each can holds a mixture of organic, raw kombucha brewed in San Diego, vodka, fruit juice, and sparkling water. The result is an incredibly sessionable drink that’s different from typical hard kombuchas since the alcohol is added rather than fermented. It clocks in at just 4.5% ABV, 110 calories, and five grams of sugar.
lowriders, san diego
Courtesy of Wikipedia Commons
Lowriders Cruise Again
Crank up the lowrider jams and rev those engines: Earlier this spring, National City’s city council voted to repeal a ban on cruising that was initially enacted in 1992. In recent years, many California cities lifted their lowriding bans—National City was the last in San Diego County to do so. Expect Highland Avenue to host its legendary vintage car parades again soon.
A Plucked Zither by UCSD Ph.D. student Phuong T. Vuong
Plucked from Memory
UCSD PhD student Phuong T. Vuong just released A Plucked Zither, a beautiful and haunting collection of poems that spans space and time. In particular, she explores the dichotomy of making a home in the United States and Vietnam, two countries that have fraught war-torn histories with one another, and what that legacy means for the people left in the wake. In addition to her own observations of refugee migration and its aftermath, Vuong also leans on the anti-war Vietnamese singer and songwriter Trịnh Công Sơn, teasing out themes of grief, longing, and justice.
Interior of the Marriot Marquis San Diego Marina
Waterfront Upgrade
Located right on the waterfront, the Marriott Marquis San Diego Marina recently completed a multi-million-dollar renovation devised by Boston-based Parker Torres Design. Upgrades to the two-towered hotel include refreshed guest rooms and presidential suites with subtly nautical navy blues and wood; a Top Golf Swing Suite; and a brand- new lobby in the North Tower. Marriott members (and any guest willing to tack on the fee) have access to the lobby’s M Club Lounge, functionally a perk- filled coworking space offering continental breakfast, all-day snacks, and evening hors d’oeuvres and sweets.
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.
A new, all-ages-friendly reason to brave the throngs of little humans at Legoland: Miniland San Diego—a Lego version of America’s finest city—has opened at the park with all of our favorite landmarks depicted in tiny plastic block form. Highlights include the Gaslamp sign, Coronado Bridge, San Diego Public Library, Petco Park, The San Diego Fair, and Santa Fe Depot.
Majorette
Grand Opening in Rolando
The team behind College Area’s beloved Scrimshaw Coffee just opened up a restaurant and bar further down El Cajon Boulevard in Rolando: Majorette. Picture a dog-friendly patio out front and classic bar fare with twists, including shared plates, sandwiches, and milkshakes for dessert. Highlights include the flat-top burger, dad’s beer snacks (tinned fish and saltines), a Cubano with slow-cooked mojo pork, house-made sausage, and sauerkraut.
McGills
Courtesy of Tony Hawk
A Skate Shop Begins Again
After 35 years, legendary Encinitas skate palace McGills Skate Shop has moved locations to 140 Encinitas Boulevard and recently reopened. Guests at the grand reopening included Tony Hawk, skate photographer (and SDM contributor) J. Grant Brittain, Rodney Mullen, and Bryce Wettstein. (In that legend-filled photo are, from left to right, Steve Caballero, Kevin Staab, Christian Hosoi, Stacy Peralta, Tony Hawk, Mike McGill, and Lance Mountain.)
Arawayuu
Photo Credit: Odom Media
Woven Together
Color fiends, rejoice: San Diego accessories brand Arawayuu just released its 2023 spring-summer collection. The local brand, run by founder Maria Salazar, who is originally from Colombia, sells handwoven mochila bags and clutches made by artisan women of the Wayuu tribe in La Guajira, Colombia. The new collection features neon versions of the company’s signature bags, bright tassel earrings, and yoga mat straps.
inHarmony
Getting Harmonized
The tech-assisted meditation tools from San Diego–based inHarmony help practitioners reach whatever higher level they seek. Its mindfulness gadgets, including hooked-up cushions, massage tables, and a brand-new sound lounge (all of the above in one), utilize sound, vibration, and frequency. Each device can be paired with inHarmony’s app featuring music meditations.
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.
A perfectly designed home rarely happens by accident. Those kitchens that feel effortless and rooms that seem to tell a story the second you walk in? They’re usually the work of someone who knows exactly what they’re doing.
It’s knowing which ideas will actually work, which materials will hold up over time, and how to turn a collection of choices into a space that feels intentional. That’s where a professional interior designer comes in.
For the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) California San Diego Chapter, the goal is to help people see interior design as more than just the finished look. Behind every well-designed space is a process built on technical expertise. Designers are educated in everything from professional software and construction details to building codes, space planning, materials, and functionality.
Courtesy of ASID
“People don’t always realize how much goes on behind the scenes,” Kirsten Recce , current president of the ASID California San Diego Chapter, says. “Our designers are not just doing furniture placement and color selection and picking out new fluffy pillows. That’s not what they’re trained for.”
ASID members bring formal education, continued learning, and industry knowledge to their projects, helping create spaces that are not only beautiful, but designed to work. A paint color that changes completely depending on the lighting. A material that looks beautiful in a showroom but doesn’t make sense for everyday life. A layout that photographs well but doesn’t function for the people living there. These are the details where professional guidance can make all the difference.
Still, one of the biggest misconceptions about hiring an interior designer is that it’s reserved for massive renovations, luxury homes, or people who already know exactly what they want. The process can feel intimidating. Where do you begin? Is a designer worth the investment? What if you only need help with one room?
ASID’s answer: start with one hour.
ASID’s Spruce Up events break down one of the biggest barriers between homeowners and professional design: knowing where to begin. Held twice a year, the community program gives homeowners the chance to work directly with an ASID designer through a one-hour, $125 consultation in their own home. Whether you’re looking for advice on furniture placement, window treatments, kitchen and bath updates, remodeling ideas, vacation rentals, color selections or something else entirely, the upcoming September 2026 event offers an approachable way to get expert guidance before committing to a full project. Signups are open through Sept. 7, with consultations taking place Sept. 21 through Oct. 31. Proceeds benefit ASID San Diego’s educational and community programs. Register here!
Courtesy of ASID
“It’s a great opportunity for people who are in that exploratory phase,” Recce says. “Maybe they’re not sure they want to hire an interior designer yet, or they think it sounds daunting or expensive. This gives them a chance to discover what working with a designer is actually like.”
Design is personal. A good designer isn’t just creating a beautiful room; they’re helping create a space that fits the way someone lives.
“We’re a resource to all of San Diego County,” Recce says. “It doesn’t cost anything to pick up the phone and call and ask. We’ll answer.”
To the delight of anyone consistently underwhelmed by jarred sauces (me), an artisanal brand called Romolo & Remo has sprung up in City Heights. Their Roman-style tomato sauces are fit for pastas, pizzas, and anything else that requires red liquid gold. Chef Nico Del Guidice-Piña was raised in Rome, where his mom is from, returning to the United States in 2007 to live and attend high school in City Heights, where he’s been ever since. The sauces come in four varieties with either a garlic or basil base, each with a spicy option aided by chile de arbol. Hand-jarred (and delicious, I can confirm), the sauces are always vegan and gluten-free, with no added sugars.
SD Museum of Natural History – 50th Anniversary Canyoneers Program
Into the Wilderness
If dating app profiles are to be believed, hiking is easily one of the most popular activities among San Diegans. This month is the San Diego Museum of Natural History’s 50th anniversary of its Canyoneers program, comprised of volunteer naturalists who offer free, expert-guided hikes all over SD County. What began in 1973 as an advocacy group to help preserve Florida Canyon has evolved into a full-fledged program providing natural history interpretation and info on regional flora and fauna. A list of led hikes can be found online.
Nomadic, Presented by The Colony
Desert Dreaming
If you’ve been hearing about new stuff popping up in far East County, you’ve been hearing right. The latest opening is Nomadic, presented by The Colony, an artistic playground-slash-desert-resort with glamping, a geodesic dome, motel rooms, full RV hookups, customized park model homes, and an on-site arts collective. The park model homes are designed by Leslie K. Monroy, a local cannabis florist and installation artist, each with its own color and theme (’60s Sunrise Yellow, ’70s Afternoon Blue, ’80s Sunset Purple, and the others garden-themed). It’s in Jacumba Hot Springs, right past the Golden Acorn Casino.
Pop Up Picnic Co. – Picnic + Flowers
In Full Bloom
Bust out those wide-brimmed hats and floral digs: Pop Up Picnic Co. is hosting Picnics + Flowers through May 14 at Carlsbad’s The Flower Fields. The picnic series includes ranunculus-filled ocean views, a prix-fixe meal, a variety of non-alcoholic drinks like aguas frescas and iced teas, cold towel service, and a Polaroid photo. The picnics are also customizable for guests with accessibility limitations. There’ll be two seatings per day at 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. Tickets available online for $125 per person.
Oh Glory Day Spa, North Park
Glory Be
A brand-new day spa, called Oh Glory, has arrived in North Park. Focusing on holistic treatments that incorporate acupuncture, facials targeting microbiome and cell regeneration, massage treatments that fuse intuitive modalities with traditional techniques, and powerful plant compounds like healing herbs, cold-pressed organic oils, and floral waters, the program is designed to bring peace to both body and mind. Owners (and best friends for 17 years) Jessica Anderson and Serena Kahlen have long careers in spa care: Kahlen, an esthetician for 20 years, owns La Jolla’sZio Skin Spa. Anderson has been a hairstylist for 20 years and owns Salvage Salon and the newly opened Lovesong Coffee next door to the spa.
Palihotel San Diego
Downtown Digs
Adding to the ever-growing list of posh lodgings debuting in the Gaslamp is Palihotel San Diego, a 122-room boutique hotel from the chic Palisociety portfolio. The site was originally built as the St. James Hotel in 1912—the transformed version has stylish, modern updates as well as design features that nod back to the building’s early 20th-century roots. The hotel also boasts a guest-only roof deck and a new restaurant, Saint James French Diner, which melds American diner-style food with French bistro classics.
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.
Throughout late January and early February, researchers at Scripps Institution of Oceanography released nontoxic pink dye at the mouth of the Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, which turned the surf pink at Torrey Pines State Beach. The experiment, titled Plumes in Nearshore Conditions (PiNC), aims to study how small freshwater outflows interact with the surf zone, a little-understood process that has important implications for how pollutants, sediments, larvae, and other materials spread into the coastal ocean. Preliminary data analysis will be completed soon, with a peer-reviewed publication to follow.
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Luxury Underfoot
Local luxury flooring company Duchateau has released its first designer collection with renowned interior designer Martyn Lawrence Bullard. Each design is named after a prominent architect—for example, Niemeyer, Lutyens, Neutra, Napoleon III, Jeanneret, and Palladian—with a corresponding hue and underlying wide plank 9.5-foot European oak.
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Photo Credit: Leah Paquette
Drinks & Kinks
On March 11, ReBru Spirits in Barrio Logan will host Bondage & Brews: Hoe Down. It’s a live rope bondage, BDSM, burlesque, pole, and queer line dance show with an erotic art display featuring a variety of well-known and loved BDSM and burlesque performers, including Gisella Thorn and Ginger N. Whiskey. Tickets are $65 if you buy beforehand, or, if there are any left, $75 day off.
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Photo Credit: Jasmine Fitzwilliam
In The Club
Coffee-turned-wine-and-home-goods shop Communal (locations in Oceanside and North Park, including the newly opened Haven) just released a monthly wine club. Selections focus on biodynamic and natural wines. Memberships start at $165 for three months and include two bottles a month. Club members will also have access to a monthly pick-up party, a “Glass Pass” for free bottles or glasses (depending on the length of subscription), a monthly exclusive gift, and 10 percent off all bottles in shops.
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Safer Streets
When it comes to pedestrian accessibility, little improvements often have big impacts. Recently, Balboa Park access in the Golden Hill area has become much safer and easier thanks to a $380,000 project to restore the pathway for pedestrians and bicyclists along 26th Street. Started in 2019, a makeshift trail created by bicyclists and pedestrians over the years was formalized by California Conservation Corps members who cleared, widened, and stabilized the trail, adding fencing, a small bridge, and 25 baby coast live oak trees.
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.
Chemotherapy and radiation have long been considered gold standards of cancer treatment, but they can cause severe side effects. A promising new approach called theranostics—a combination of “therapeutics” and “diagnostics”—could offer patients with certain types of metastatic cancers new hope. It’s a two-step process that uses a drug that binds to specific receptors on cancer cells. Advanced imaging detects this radioisotope, allowing doctors to then use a second radioisotope that binds to the cancer cells and destroys them. Click here to learn more about how specialists at Scripps Cancer Center are using theranostics.
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