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Arts & Culture AUGUST 1, 2025

The Best of San Diego 2025: Readers’ Picks

You voted for your favorite San Diego people, places, and services, from beauty salons and fitness studios to pet groomers, wedding venues, and more

The Best of San Diego 2025: Readers’ Picks
Courtesy of Forever Balboa Park

We asked, you answered. Here are the winners our readers chose as the Best of San Diego 2025. Click on the categories below to jump to your favorite lists.

Beauty & Cosmetic | Fitness | Food & Drink | Health & Wellness | Home & Garden | Kids | People | Pets | Professional Services | Shopping | Travel & Entertainment | Weddings


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Beauty & Cosmetic Shop Good
Photo Credit: Charolette Lea
Shop Good

Beauty & Cosmetic

Barbershop

Rancho Santa Fe Barber Salon

Beard Styling

The Little Italy Barbery on Kettner

Beauty Services

Shop Good

Blow-Dry Bar

Blo Blow Dry Bar

San Diego Magazine Best of San Diego 2025 edition featuring the San Diego Padres at Petco Park

Brow Studio

Naturally Bladed

Clean Beauty Store

Shop Good

Colorist for Balayage

Ryleigh Hunter

Colorist for Highlights

Ryleigh Hunter

Colorist for Single-Process

Kat Mulvaney, Salon Bordeaux

Cosmetic Dentist

Dr. Sarah Winter, Espire Dental

Cosmetic Dermatology

Cosmetic Laser Dermatology

Cosmetic Surgeon (Tie)

Dr. Richard Balikian, Balikian Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgeon (Tie)

Dr. Sirius Yoo, Sky Facial Plastic Surgery

Cosmetic Surgery Group (Tie)

Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa

Cosmetic Surgery Group (Tie)

La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre

Facial

Honest Skin

Fashion Stylist

Sydney Judge

Hair Extensions

The Hair Extension Bar

Hair Removal

Molly’s Sugar Shack

Hair Salon

Salon Bordeaux

Hair Stylist

Tina Valencia, V Collective

Keratin Treatment

Smoothed

Laser Hair Removal

San Diego Aesthetics & Med Spa

Lash & Brow Technician

Sunnybee Brows

Lash Studio

Naked SD

Makeup Artist

Ashley Fierro

Manicure

The Lullabar

Microblading

Elicia Marie Beauty

Nail Salon

Lulu’s Nail Spa

Pedicure

Lulu’s Nail Spa

Piercing Studio

Enigma Professional Piercing Studios

Tanning Salon

iTAN

Tattoo Artist

Chris Estrada

Tattoo Studio

Buju Tattoo

Waxing

Waxing & Skincare By Celeste


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Fitness Fit Athletic gym
Courtesy of Anonym Agency
Fit Athletic

Fitness

5K Run

Mission Hills 5K

Body-Sculpting Class

Booty By Barbells

Boxing Classes

Xplicit Fitness

Climbing Gym

Mesa Rim Climbing Centers

Crossfit Studio

KMF Athletics

Dance Studio

Culture Shock San Diego

Fitness Bootcamp

Renegade Fit

Fitness Studio

Tempo Training

Gym

Fit Athletic

HIIT Studio

Renegade Fit

Indoor Rowing Classes

Row House

Jiu-Jitsu Classes

Victory MMA & Fitness

Judo Classes

San Diego Judo & Jiu Jitsu

Karate Classes

White Dragon Martial Arts Clairemont

Kickboxing Classes

The BXNG Club

Krav Maga Classes

Impact Krav Maga Self-Defense

Mixed Martial Arts Studio

Studio 540

Personal Trainer

Michelle Trapp, Fit Athletic

Pickleball Courts

San Diego Mission Bay Resort

Pilates Studio

Saltvault

Spin Studio

Activate House

Taekwondo Classes

American Kickboxing Academy San Diego South Bay

Yoga Studio

Yoga Box


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Food & Drink Happy Medium bar
Photo Credit: Alessandra De Roe
Happy Medium

Food & Drink

Açai Bowl

Everbowl

Alt Drink, Alcoholic (Cider, Hard Kombucha, Canned Cocktails, Seltzer)

Juneshine Hard Kombucha

Artisanal Chocolate Shop

Iris Delights Chocolates

Bartender

McClain Campbell, Happy Medium

San Diego Magazine's Best San Diego Food & Drink 2025 featuring new restaurant Lilo in Carlsbad

Beer Retail Selection

Bottlecraft

Bloody Mary

Breakfast Republic

Bread

Izola Bakery

Brewery

Pure Project

Canned Cocktails

Cutwater Tasting Room & Kitchen

College Bar

Majorette

Craft Cocktails

Polite Provisions

Distillery

Cutwater Tasting Room & Kitchen

Dive Bar

Aero Club Bar

Farmers’ Market

Little Italy Mercato

Farmers’ Market Food Vendor

Flavors of East Africa

Fish Market

Point Loma Seafoods

Food Truck

Shawarma Guys

Frozen Drinks

Bali Hai Restaurant

Gourmet Grocery Store

Lazy Acres Natural Market

Happy Hour

Cowboy Star

Local IPA

North Park Beer Co. Hop-fu! West Coast IPA

Juice Bar

Señor Mangos

Kombucha

Juneshine Hard Kombucha

Local Agave Spirits (Tequila/Mezcal)

Tahona Bar

Local Beer

Pure Project

Local Gin

Botanica Art & Cocktails

Local Tequila

Casa Don Lorenzo

Local Vodka

619 Spirits

Local Whiskey

Fierce & Kind

Local Wine

Pali Wine Co.

Margarita

Cantina Mayahuel

Martini

Mabel’s Gone Fishing

Mocktails

Jeune et Jolie

Negroni

J & Tony’s Discount Cured Meats and Negroni Warehouse

New Bar

Roma Norte

New Brewery

Athletic Brewing Co.

Old Fashioned

Seven Grand San Diego

Pitmaster

Grand Ole BBQ y Asado

Produce Market

Jimbo’s

Romantic Bar

Raised By Wolves

Rooftop Bar

Seneca

Sommelier

Daniel Cools, Juniper & Ivy

Speakeasy

Raised By Wolves

Specialty Food Store

Cardiff Seaside Market

Sports Bar

Fairplay

Taproom/Tasting Room

Blind Lady Ale House

Tequila/Mezcal Bar

Cantina Mayahuel

Whiskey Bar

Seven Grand San Diego

Wine Store

Vino Carta

Winery

Oddish Wine


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Health & Wellness Four Moons Spa
Photo Credit: Shawn Kallio
Four Moons Spa

Health & Wellness

Acupuncture

Concept Wellness

Aesthetician

Nalu Healing Arts

Chiropractor

Healcove Clinic Chiropractic and Wellness

Day Spa (Non-Resort or Hotel)

Four Moons Spa

Best of San Diego 2025 Health & Outdoors featuring an exercise class at FIT Athletic in the East Village, San Diego

Day Spa (Resort or Hotel)

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Dental Office

Espire Dental La Jolla

Dermatologist

San Diego Family Dermatology

Doula

Joyful Roots

Fertility Center

Reproductive Partners Fertility Center of San Diego

Hospital

Sharp Memorial Hospital

Massage

Botticelli Bodyworks

Med Spa

Cultivé Medical Aesthetics

Nutritionist/Dietician

Tara Coleman

Orthodontist

Chula Vista Orthodontics

Pediatrician

Coast Pediatrics

Pharmacy

Remedy Holistic Pharmacy

Physical Therapist

Thrive Physical Therapy

Physical Therapy Practice

San Diego Sports Medicine & Family Health Center

Primary Care Doctor

Dr. Nicholas Dembitsky

Primary Care Medical Group

Sharp Rees-Stealy Medical Group

Psychiatry Practice

Dr. Ankur Bindal, KMG Psychiatry

Reiki

Nalu Healing Arts

Spa for Skin Care

Four Moons Spa

Mental Health Therapist

Hope for Healers

Weight-Loss Clinic

Saffron & Sage

Wellness Shop

Saffron & Sage

Wellness Studio

Pure Infrared Sauna Studio


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Home & Garden, Blythe Interiors
Courtesy of Blythe Interiors

Home & Garden

Architect

Safdie Rabines Architects

Artificial Turf & Lawn

Greenway Landscape Design & Build

Building Contractor

Jackson Design & Remodeling

Carpet Cleaner

Tranquil Home

Doors & Windows

Window World of San Diego

Fabric Store

Rosie’s Calico Cupboard Quilt Shop

Flooring Store

Flooring San Diego

Furniture Store

Roam Homeware

Garden & Nursery Center

Walter Andersen Nursery

General Contractor

Pacific Blu Construction

Hardware Store

Ace Hardware Hillcrest

Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning

Baker Home Energy

Home Builder

Jackson Design & Remodeling

Home Cleaning Service

Cleanology Housekeeping Personnel Service

Home Remodeling

Kaminskiy Design & Remodeling

Housekeeping

Tranquil Home

Interior Designer

Blythe Interiors

Janitorial Service

Dapa Services Inc.

Kitchen & Bath Showroom

Boyar’s Kitchen Cabinets

Landscaper

Drab to Fab

Lighting Store

Fan Diego Ceiling Fans & Lighting

Lumber Supply

Pine Tree Lumber Co.

Mattress Store

Yawnder

Moving Company

Little Guy Big Truck

Neighborhood

Mission Hills

Painting Contractor

Brad Stoner Painting

Patio Furniture

D3 Home Modern Furniture

Pest Control

Talos Pest Control

Plumber

Bill Howe

Plumbing Supply Company

Standard Plumbing & Industrial Supply Co.

Property Management Company

SBI Realty & Property Management Inc.

Real Estate Agent

Sara Ghodsi

Real Estate Agent Team

Move Up San Diego, EXP Realty

Real Estate Brokerage Company

Compass

Roofing Company

Dana Logsdon Roofing & Solar

Solar Panel/Green Energy Provider

Baker Home Energy

Swimming Pool Service Company

Aloha Pool and Spa Service

Tile Store

Unique Stone Imports

Upholstery & Drapery

Lessler’s Draperies & Design Inc.


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Kids, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Courtesy of San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance

Kids

After-School Program

YMCA

Amusement Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Art Classes for Kids

ArtReach San Diego

Children’s Bookstore

The Book Catapult

Children’s Party Venue

Children’s Museum of Discovery

Dance Classes for Kids

San Diego Junior Theatre

Day Camp

ArtReach San Diego

Daycare

Bee You Bee Happy

Family Attraction

San Diego Zoo

Family Beach

La Jolla Shores

Instrument Classes for Kids

Guitars in the Classroom

Martial Arts School for Kids

The Stronghold

Park/Playground

Civita Park

Photography Classes for Kids

Outside The Lens

Singing Classes for Kids

San Diego Children’s Choir

Sleepaway Camp

Roar & Snore at San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Swim School

My Baby Swims

Theater Classes for Kids

San Diego Junior Theatre

Toy Store

Gepetto’s Toys

Youth Sports

Plunge Elite at Plunge San Diego


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for People mural artist Sarah Stieber
Courtesy of 1805 Gallery
Sarah Stieber

People

Artist

Sarah Stieber

Artist: Jewelry

Crevette Design Studio

Artist: Muralist

Sarah Stieber

Artist: Painter

Stefanie Bales

San Diego Magazine's Best San Diego Arts & Culture 2025 featuring the new Botanical Building renovation at Balboa Park

Artist: Photographer

Angela Garzon

Athlete

Manny Machado

Cover Band (Tie)

Riptide

Cover Band (Tie)

Paging the 90s

Do-Gooder

Babs Fry

Entrepreneur

Billy Canu

Female Vocalist

Alicia Keys

Local Band

Switchfoot

Male Vocalist

Alex Bergan

Meteorologist

Jodi Kodesh

Musicians: Country

Sara Petite

Musicians: Jazz

Gilbert Castellanos

Musicians: Pop

Jason Mraz

Musicians: R&B

Sully & The Blue-Eyed Soul Band

Musicians: Rock/Metal

The Plagues

Musicians: Singer/Songwriter

Julie Rogelstad

News Anchor

Ashley Jacobs, Fox 5

Philanthropist

Ernest Rady

Radio DJ

Geena Aguilar, 93.3

Social Media Influencer

Erica Costello, @whatericacraves

Sports Anchor

Ben Higgins, ABC 10 News


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Pets Frosted Faces Foundation
Courtesy of Frosted Faces Foundation

Pets

Animal Welfare Organization

Frosted Faces Foundation

Dog Park

Fiesta Island Dog Park

Dog Walker

Crown City Pet Sitter

Doggy Daycare

Club Pet at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Pet Boarding

Club Pet at Helen Woodward Animal Center

Pet Groomer

South Bark Dog Wash

Pet Rescue

The Animal Pad

Pet Store

Dexter’s Deli

Pet Trainer

San Diego Pet Training

Veterinarian

West Coast Animal Hospital


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Professional Service SD Bytes
Courtesy of SD Bytes

Professional Services

Accounting Firm

Halbert & James Inc.

Auto Repair

John’s Automotive Care

Bank

US Bank

Bankruptcy Law

Robberson Schroedter LLP

Bicycle Repair

Adams Avenue Bicycles

Car Detailing

Pacific Coast Auto Detail Inc.

Car Wash

Soapy Joe’s Car Wash

Car/Limo Service

America’s Finest Transportation

Commercial Real Estate Company

Compass

Computer Repair

SD Bytes Computer Repair

Contractor

Del Mar Landscapes

Coworking Spaces

Moniker Commons

Dry Cleaning

VIP Cleaners & Laundry

Estate Planner

Lawyers in Blue Jeans Group

Family Law

Genesis Family Law APC

Financial Planner

Canter Wealth

Health Insurance

Sharp Health Plan

Health Insurance Agency

Hammett Health Insurance Services

Home Insurance Provider

Schaub Insurance Agency, Inc.

Home Loan Provider

Veterans United Home Loans

Law Firm

Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers

Litigation Law

Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers

Loan Provider

San Diego County Credit Union

Local Credit Union

San Diego County Credit Union

Personal Injury Law

Batta Fulkerson Law Group

Portrait Photographer

Danielle Miranda Photography

Professional Organizer

Silver Linings Transitions

Real Estate Law

Ashley Peterson Law

Retirement/Assisted Living Community

Casa De Las Campanas

RV Dealership

La Mesa RV

Tax Law

RJS Law

Tax Preparer

Halbert & James Inc.

Travel Agent

Mackenna Martinet, Fora Travel

Wealth Management

Canter Wealth


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Shopping Pigment
Courtesy of Pigment

Shopping

Antiques/Vintage Store

Consignment Classics

Art Gallery

Stefanie Bales Fine Art

Bait & Tackle Shop

Squidco Fishing

Bookstore

Verbatim Books

Camera Store

George’s Camera

Cannabis Dispensary

March and Ash

Comic Book Store

Knowhere Games & Comics

Crafts/Hobby Store

Art Form

Eyeglass Store

North Park Optometry

Florist

Native Poppy

Home Decorating Store

Artelexia

Jewelry Store

Taylor Custom Rings

Kitchenware Store

Casa y Cocina

Mall

Westfield UTC

Musical Instrument Store

Alan’s Music Center, Inc.

Outdoor Apparel & Equipment Store

Iron Mountain Outfitters

Car Dealership

Pacific Honda San Diego

Plant Shop

Pigment

Record Store

Vinyl Junkies Record Shack

Shopping Center

One Paseo

Stationery & Paper Goods

Gold Leaf

Surf Shop

Mitch’s Surf Shop

Thrift Shop

Father Joe’s Villages

Vintage Clothing Store

Sea Hive Station

Women’s Boutique

Thread Spun


Consortium Holding's newly renovated Lafayette Hotel in North Park, San Diego featuring a pool, poolside cabanas, and lounge chairs
Photo Credit: Tomoko Matsubayashi
The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Travel & Entertainment

Airline

Alaska Airlines

Annual Event/Festival

Comic-Con

Bike Trail

Mission Bay Bike Loop

Boutique Hotel

The Lafayette Hotel & Club

Bowling Alley

East Village Tavern + Bowl

Casino

Sycuan Casino Resort

Casino Pool

Harrah’s Resort Southern California

Casino Restaurant

Hell’s Kitchen at Harrah’s Resort Southern California

Christmas Attraction

Balboa Park December Nights

Comedy Club

National Comedy Theatre

Concert Venue

The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park

Country Bar

Moonshine Flats

Evening News Broadcast

Fox 5

Event Space

San Diego Botanic Garden

Golf Course (Private)

The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo

Golf Course (Public)

Torrey Pines Golf Course

Halloween Attraction

The Haunted Trail, Balboa Park

Hiking Trail

Torrey Pines

Hotel

Hotel del Coronado

Jazz Club

Lou Lou’s Jungle Room

Karaoke Bar

The Lamplighter


San Diego Magazine's Best of 2025 Reader's Pick winner for Weddings Frost Me Cafe and Bakery
Photo Credit: Kristen Vincent
Frost Me Cafe & Bakery

Weddings

Bridal Dress Shop

The Dress Theory

Jeweler For Engagement/Wedding Rings

Lady Cromer Jewelry

Wedding Cakes

Frost Me Cafe & Bakery

Wedding Caterer

The Wild Thyme Company

Best San Diego wedding venues featuring Venue 808 in East Village

Wedding DJ

Aaron Zuniga

Wedding Florist

Native Poppy

Wedding Hair Stylist

Brooklyn Cardenas

Wedding Makeup Artist

Shelby Henry MUA

Wedding Planner

Reva Event

Wedding Rehearsal Dinner

Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa

Wedding Seamstress/Tailor

Olga’s Alterations

Wedding Stationery

Sunkissed Native

Wedding Tuxedos

Friar Tux

Wedding Venue

San Diego Botanic Garden

Wedding Videographer

Epoch Visuals

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Everything SD AUGUST 13, 2026

A Rare Look Inside Callaway Golf’s San Diego Test Center

The Ely Callaway Performance Center is where tour-level fittings, cutting-edge technology, and golf equipment you can’t buy yet all come together

A Rare Look Inside Callaway Golf’s San Diego Test Center
Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

“Come test something.”

Those are quite possibly my three favorite words in the English language—all due respect to “I love you” or the highly underrated “you were right.”

I’ve been a PGA Golf Professional since 1994, and yes, full bias disclosure, a Callaway Golf Ambassador for 18 years. One of the bonuses that comes with that combo is access to the Ely Callaway Performance Center—a place so exclusive it gives “velvet rope” vibes.

Originally opened in 2006 as a highly functional (yet not exactly breathtaking) test facility, the ECPC got a serious glow-up in 2018 when Gil Hanse (along with partner Geoff Shackelford) turned it into what can only be described as a fully engineered golf playground. Hanse is no stranger to golf course renovations. In 2024, he completed an extensive redesign of the Omni La Costa North Course in Carlsbad, so it could host the NCAA Division 1 Golf Championships. He also worked on acclaimed courses like Winged Foot, Merion Golf Club, and Oakmont Country Club.

In just two months, it went from a standard test center and R&D lab to a fully dialed-in golf playground.

Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

What was once purely practical is now intentionally designed to be both precise and inspiring. The targets are staggered with purpose—forcing creative shot-making while also calling you out on your actual distances (no more “that’s my 150-yard club … ish”).

Add a massive hitting area, bunkers and greens that mimic real on-course conditions, a “Himalayas” putting green (named for its roller-coaster undulations), an upgraded indoor putting lab, and a 120-decibel sound system blasting a very golf-appropriate playlist, and suddenly it’s a rare blend of high-performance testing facility and “don’t mind if I stay here all day” energy. Since this isn’t exactly open to the public, SDM asked me to take you behind the curtain.

As the iron gates part, it feels less like arriving at a practice facility and more like being granted backstage access at a rock concert—if the bandmembers were made entirely of launch monitors and perfectly manicured turf.

There are no mats. No guessing. No “I think that one felt good?” Just conditions that mirror exactly what tour players see in competition. Because when you’re testing equipment at this level, accuracy isn’t a bonus—it’s the whole point.

Even the sand matters. Different textures. Different densities. Because bunkers have personalities, too, and they are often unfriendly. And the golf balls? Brand. New. Not the usual “these have seen some things” range balls. New balls mean consistent spin, truer trajectory, and no surprises. The older a golf ball gets—and the more it’s been baked in the sun, scuffed, or generally lived a full and complicated life—the less reliable it becomes. Think of it like this: fresh ball, predictable performance; old range ball, slight chaos with a side of mystery.

I’m escorted to my personal hitting bay—basically a pop-up shaded oasis stocked with enough equipment to make a gear junkie weak in the knees. Shafts in every weight and profile imaginable. Heads lined up like they’re waiting to be drafted by their favorite team.

Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

Toptracer technology was patiently waiting to track every one of my swings, each shot instantly delivering ball speed, launch, spin, carry distance, and dispersion (a polite way of saying consistency, or lack thereof), so there’s no guessing—just data telling the truth, whether I like it or not.

We start with irons. Different heads, different feels, different results. When I miss a shot, the ball tends to leak right, so we check lie angle. A quick adjustment—2 degrees upright—and suddenly the clubface is consistently square at impact like it remembered its job. Effort level: down. Ball flight: improved. Confidence: creeping back.

Next we look at the different shaft options—because nothing says “fun afternoon” like realizing a higher kick point can change your entire golf identity. Shaft flex (how much the shaft bends during your swing) helps determine whether you get more height and distance or more control, while kick point (where the shaft bends the most) influences your ball flight—lower kick point for higher launch, higher kick point for a flatter, more penetrating shot. In other words, one small tweak and suddenly you’re hitting shots you’d normally only describe later, slightly exaggerated, over a glass of wine.

Then we move through the bag: hybrids, fairway woods, drivers, wedges. It’s a full rotation of “try this,” “now try this,” and “okay wait … THAT one.”

And yes—the new Quantum driver and fairway woods made an appearance. Without getting too deep in the weeds, they’re faster, more forgiving, and smarter (thanks to AI face mapping) than previous models. Translation: Even your mishits are now slightly less embarrassing. And they were not the only things getting tested. My patience was under attack because the driver and woods would not be available to the public for a good three months.

Courtesy of Ely Callaway Performance Center

Watching the fitting team work is like watching a Formula 1 pit crew. Clubs are swapped in seconds. Shafts tightened, adjusted, replaced. One minute you’re swinging something that seems “fine,” and the next, you’re holding a club that feels like it is a part of your DNA.

Then there’s the putter fitting. Drivers are physics. Putters are therapy. Inside the putting lab, sensors track everything—tempo, face angle, path—things you didn’t even know could be measured. Within minutes, my data politely informs me that my putter face is slightly closed at impact. Not shocking, but also not ideal.

A few quick adjustments—different head (with a bit more weight at the toe to discourage the face swinging closed at impact), shorter shaft (so I feel more over the ball, which helps my eyeline)—and suddenly the ball starts rolling exactly where I’m aimed.

Same stroke. Same golfer. Completely different outcome. If only the rest of life worked like that.

And then there’s the part that feels slightly classified. The ECPC isn’t “just” a performance center—it’s also where future equipment lives before the public even knows it exists. I’ve been there when certain clubs were basically under surveillance. Not “don’t touch,” but more “please keep phones in your pocket.”

It’s golf’s version of Area 51. Except instead of aliens, it’s drivers that won’t hit shelves for another year—and like I mentioned, waiting is not my strong suit.

Getting to test the newest equipment isn’t just a perk—it’s part of the job. It’s what allows me to stand in front of students and say, “I’ve tried it. I know what works and what doesn’t. And more importantly, I know why.” And if I happen to sprint to my car every time the phone rings and someone says, “Come test something” … well, that’s just professional courtesy.

Other Fitting Spots in SD

Callaway isn’t the only place to get your swing analyzed and clubs fitted. You can stroll into big retail spots like The Golf Mart or Golf Galaxy, book a next-level session at a dedicated studio like Club Champion or True Spec Golf, test brand-specific gear at various manufacturing companies (many located in Carlsbad), or even combine a lesson and a fitting at GOLFTEC. And let’s not forget your local golf course, where fittings happen on actual turf, on a driving range you have some history with—many times with the golf professional who is familiar with your swing so they can give you valuable input. With this many options, there’s really no excuse, other than pride, to keep blaming your clubs.

Arts & Culture AUGUST 11, 2026

The Photos San Diego’s Young People Want You to See

Outside the Lens puts cameras in the hands of local youth, giving them the tools to capture their communities from the inside

The Photos San Diego’s Young People Want You to See
Photo Credit: Danny I.

Big feelings hit us all. Younger populations—or those who haven’t yet developed their own language of expression—outsource angst through external means. That’s where homemade haircuts, studded belts, and musicians like The Cure, Elliott Smith, or Phoebe Bridgers come around. In San Diego, though, there’s a nonprofit that gives youth a way to feel not only heard, but also understood, through photography and digital storytelling.

Outside The Lens’ mission is to amplify the voices of systemically marginalized young people and help them develop the confidence (and artistry) to tell their stories and shape their communities. OTL just celebrated its 25th anniversary earlier this year with dual exhibitions of student work at San Diego Central Library and Museum of Contemporary of Art San Diego. Since 2001, more than 30,000 students have completed programs at OTL, getting their hands on industry-respected DSLR cameras (no shade to iPhone photographers), editing files and images with Adobe Creative Suite, and recording podcasts. Participants explore their worlds through the lens and on the mic.

“Our biggest opportunity, and what’s really needed, is to bridge the understanding between the youth and their communities and how people are seeing what youth are going through right now,” says OTL Executive Director Sarah Beckman.

OTL’s participants, Beckman explains, are young people navigating systems that never gave them access to the tools and mentorship that inspire creative expression, financial mobility, and civic engagement. The nonprofit offers support—in the form of meals, transportation, and healing-centered educators—and a creative outlet for exploring and coping with those challenges.

San Diego skater fashion featuring a skateboarder jumping into a bowl at Robb Field Skate Park, Ocean Beach

OTL’s in-school programs meet California core standards for arts and partners with at least 37 schools and community sites throughout San Diego, including the Monarch School in Barrio Logan, East County Community School in El Cajon, and Creative Performing and Media Arts School in Clairemont Mesa. The nonprofit doesn’t just work within the school system. Its Media Makers program invites young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to express their place and purpose in the world through film, photography, animation, design, and entrepreneurship.

“We’re always asking the question, and we’re engaging youth in our civic discussions [of], ‘How can we make this city somewhere youth want to be?’” Beckman says. “‘How can we make San Diego somewhere for young people to build a future?’”

This year OTL’s annual Voice Out celebration event spotlighted student work that hung on gallery walls beside “Giants,” the Dean Collection at MCASD. The Voice Out contest is open to all San Diego youth ages 8 to 25; all submissions are published in a catalogue and displayed in a public exhibition. These are some of the students’ works, and their words, from the past three years of Voice Out.

Lines and Light Within Structure

“I wonder how the architect decided to connect the beams [at Del Norte High School] by creating repetition. Without color [in the photo], the structure becomes the focus of the image.” –Monroe S., 15

The Quiet In Between

“Every day, time slips forward, whether we notice it or not, and life can feel overwhelming in its constant motion. In this long-exposure photograph, the blurred train rushes past, symbolizing the speed of life, while the still subject remains grounded and aware. It’s easy to become tangled in society’s expectations: what to wear, what grades to earn, what future to chase. In that rush, we forget to pause. The stillness in this image becomes a breath, a moment of reflection. Through it, I hope to show that wonder lives in slowing down, in watching the world blur while choosing, even briefly, to stand still.” –Leo N., 15

Enough

“Teenagers constantly wonder if they will ever be enough. I wrote words on the mirror that might represent what a teenager thinks about when it comes to being ‘enough’ for the people around them. They might wonder if they are pretty, smart, or good enough. I wanted to bring attention to what thoughts teenagers struggle with in everyday life.” –Illiana I., 16

Go Skate Day

“I took this picture during Go Skate Day in 2023 or 2024 I think … but who cares? It’s sick! Keep riding!” –Danny I., 18

Never Let Go

“This was taken at an all-women’s retreat in the mountains to heal inner trauma, at the end of the trip where we all hugged each other and healed. My mother is the one being hugged and one of her friends is embracing her. Place is somewhere you belong, somewhere you feel comfortable in, and somewhere you can be yourself. I believe womanhood and friendship is not only a place but home.” –Michelle G., 16

Leorah Gavidor won her first essay contest at age 5. She writes features, news, and non-fiction in San Diego.

Everything SD AUGUST 5, 2026

Your Guide to Del Mar Wine & Food Festival 2026 

From celebrity pickleball tournaments to intimate dinner parties with your favorite Food Network chefs, here are all of the can’t-miss events going on Sept 30–Oct 4

Your Guide to Del Mar Wine & Food Festival 2026 
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Play is underrated. Somewhere along the way, someone decided it was something we should outgrow. That you A good song comes on, and they dance. A game appears, and they’re in. Someone hands them a melting ice cream cone, and somehow it’s the best part of the day.

Adults tend to need a reason. Or maybe just the right setting.

That’s part of what makes the Del Mar Wine & Food Festival feel different. Yes, the week revolves around food and wine, with celebrated chefs, winemakers, and restaurants drawing crowds from across the region. But what lingers afterward is the conversations that stretch a little longer than expected, the strangers who become dinner companions, the live music that pulls people out of their seats, and the rare chance to spend a few hours simply enjoying yourself without much of an agenda.

The Grand Tasting is the festival’s centerpiece, bringing thousands of guests together over two days for hundreds of bites and pours. But some of the week’s most memorable experiences happen on a smaller scale. In the days leading up to the main event, intimate dinners, chef collaborations, and guided tastings create opportunities for guests to interact more closely with the people behind the food and wine and with each other.

Here’s your guide to the 2026 Del Mar Wine & Food Festival happening September 30–October 4.

Photo Credit: Olivia Lillian

Wednesday, September 30

Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub

Start festival week the San Diego way: ocean views, Baja-inspired bites, and a drink in hand as the sun goes down. The Signature San Diego Opening Night Party at Monarch Ocean Pub sets the tone for the week ahead with a walk-around tasting experience celebrating the flavors that make this city impossible to replicate. It’s an evening of fresh coastal cuisine, bold Mexican flavors, Baja seafood, and plenty of local favorites—all served against one of Del Mar’s most iconic backdrops. Consider it your first official toast to the weekend ahead…

  • Monarch Ocean Pub | 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar
  • 5–9 p.m.
  • Get Tickets 
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Friday, October 2

Celebrity Pickleball Tournament Presented by Justin Vineyards & Winery

Wine and competition make an unexpectedly perfect pair. You can join Drew Brees and celebrity players at Barnes Tennis Center for a pickleball tournament benefiting Feeding San Diego, where the sidelines are just as exciting as the court. Grab a paddle, cheer from the sidelines, or simply enjoy a glass of wine while the action unfolds. The day blends friendly competition with an all-inclusive tasting experience.

Since year one, Del Mar Wine & Food Festival has partnered with Feeding San Diego to raise $100,000 in support of the organization’s mission to fight hunger across the region. Every serve, sip, and bite helps give back to the community that makes this festival possible.

Remember that pickleball paddle you swore you’d use? Time to put it to work.

  • Barnes Tennis Center | 4490 W Point Loma Blvd, San Diego, CA 92107
  • 11 a.m.—3 p.m.
  • Get Tickets
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Thursday, October 1

Rioja Uncorked at Rancho Valencia

This is essentially a passport to Spain with no airport required. Set among the lush grounds of Rancho Valencia, Rioja Uncorked celebrates one of Spain’s most iconic wine regions with an evening of exceptional pours and thoughtfully paired bites. Guests will sip their way through Rioja wines while enjoying a menu featuring everything from Hiramasa crudo and uni toast to duck rillette, birria mini tacos, Cardiff Crack tri-tip sandwiches, and a sweet finale from Karen Krasne of Extraordinary Desserts (date night plans, solved).

  • Rancho Valencia | 5921 Valencia Cir, Rancho Santa Fe
  • 6–9 p.m.
  • Get Tickets
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Friday, October 2

Justin Wine Dinner with Chefs Kaitlyn Weber, Buddha Lo & Jackson Kalb

Justin Wine Dinner sounds simple: three chefs, one unforgettable table. But chefs Kaitlyn Weber (Estancia La Jolla), Buddha Lo (Top Chef), and Jackson Kalb (Top Chef) are taking you on a one-night-only culinary ride where three styles collide over a multi-course menu paired with exceptional pours from Justin Vineyards & Winery. Set in Estancia’s coastal estate, the evening unfolds course by course with pairings from Justin wines as each chef brings their own style to a menu focused on craft, connection, and a bit of friendly culinary overlap. It’s the kind of culinary conversation that only happens when very, very talented people cook together. 

  • Estancia – Olive Lawn | 9700 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, California 
  • 6–9:30 p.m
  • Get Tickets
Courtesy of Del Mar Wine & Food Festival

Saturday, October 3

Official After Party at Guesthouse La Valle

Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.

Studio S MAY 5, 2026

Artistry, Aesthetics, and Inclusive Luxury

KQ Aesthetic Society goes beyond cosmetic to provide comprehensive care and transformative results

Artistry, Aesthetics, and Inclusive Luxury

Kelly H. Harfouche, founder of KQ Aesthetic Society, knows firsthand that cosmetic treatments like fillers, neurotoxins, and microneedling, can not only enhance a person’s appearance and restore confidence, they have the power to truly change a person’s life. An expert injector has the ability to tailor treatments to each individual patient’s anatomy and goals for personalized results. Harfouche, a board-certified nurse practitioner, has spent nearly a decade perfecting her craft as an aesthetic injector and integrating her multifaceted artistic skills with precision patient care. Her commitment to continual education and training, plus a passion for helping people look—and feel—their best, set KQ Aesthetic Society apart in a sea of local medspas. 

For many people considering nonsurgical treatments, the intent is to look refreshed and refined. KQ Aesthetic Society’s philosophy eschews a cookie cutter approach that bases treatments around units, instead working to understand each person’s unique goals, then curating a treatment plan to fit that vision. Harfouche focuses on “inclusive luxury,” the belief that everyone deserves access to aesthetic treatments, respective of budget restrictions. She develops long-standing trusted relationships with her patients, and works with each one to achieve their aesthetic objectives and address the underlying causes of their concerns. 

“For me, forming an honest and open relationship with every patient who walks through the door is essential. This means understanding them on a deeper level and meeting them where they are to define and achieve their individual goals,” she says. 

Drawing on her artistic background, which inspired her transition into medical aesthetics, Harfouche sees each client as a “unique canvas.” Rather than relying on standardized procedures, the practitioner’s distinctive approach combines her profound understanding of the physiological and anatomical changes associated with aging with an unwavering commitment to ongoing education about the newest products and their mechanisms of action. Her goal is to make each patient feel beautiful in their own skin and to embrace their individuality. 

She has also pioneered a way to combine her talent for aesthetic artistry with her philanthropic nature. Harfouche is one of only a handful of providers using dermal fillers to treat patients with lip asymmetry and scarring resulting from cleft lip surgery. Patients travel from around the country for this transformative treatment, noting increased confidence and a restored identity. She hopes to eventually launch a training program to help fill the void in this space.  

“My passion has always been connecting with people and giving back in any capacity that I can,” she says. In the rapidly advancing landscape of aesthetic medicine, you can place your confidence in Harfouche and KQ Aesthetic Society to deliver exceptional care. To learn more or book a consultation, please visit kqaestheticsociety.com.

Everything SD JULY 31, 2026

The Best of San Diego 2026: Kids & Family

From elephant encounters to escape rooms, these are the adventures that kept San Diego families busy all year long

The Best of San Diego 2026: Kids & Family
Courtesy of San Diego FC

Best Trunk Show

San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s Elephant Valley

If you can’t quite swing the cost of a trip to the African outback, the Safari Park’s new Elephant Valley is a pretty convincing Plan B. The 13-acre immersive habitat—the largest project in the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance’s 109-year history—is home to eight African elephants, but it’s the thoughtful details that steal the show. Keep your eyes open for intricate Kenyan-inspired artwork, native landscaping, and stop by the Mkutano House, where you can grab lunch with a front-row view of the herd.

Best Fresh Grounds

Pepper Park

Pepper Park became the emotional anchor of the bayfront overhaul when the National City park reopened this March with a 2.5-acre expansion. Hopefully that’s just the start. The California Coastal Commission also approved the city’s ambitious waterfront plan, clearing the way for a long-envisioned 77-acre bayfront makeover with more green space, better bike paths, and improved waterfront access. Money still has to be raised, but head to Pepper Park, sit on a brand-new bench, and gaze out at the future of the South Bay.

Family holding hands walking up to a free concert at Balboa Park's Spreckels Organ Pavilion in San Diego

Best Community Sports Glow-Up

Willie Henderson Sports Complex

Not every family destination comes with roller coasters—sometimes, they have paint rollers. The Willie Henderson Sports Complex in southeast San Diego recently received a new paint job and major facelift (courtesy of San Diego FC, the Prebys Foundation, and community advocates), giving thousands of kids a safer, smoother, and more colorful place to play basketball or soccer. If your weekends revolve around sports gear, folding chairs, and orange slices, you’ll definitely appreciate the upgrade.

Best Slice in the Galaxy

Killer Pizza From Mars

Parents come for the pizza. Kids come for the games. Sci-fi nerds come for it all. Killer Pizza From Mars is an Oceanside mainstay for families who love arcades, vintage Star Wars memorabilia, and piled-high pizzas with outrageously silly names like the “Mars”gherita pizza. Order a basket of Killer Fries, sink your teeth into a Martian Melt sandwich, and don’t be surprised if your kids clamor for a return mission.

Best Return to Monkey Business

Fanuel Street Park

After what must have felt like an eternity for Pacific Beach families, Fanuel Street Park’s playground is finally back. The old play structure got the heave-ho nearly two years ago, but this spring, the community raised enough donations to replace it with modern climbing structures, new swings, and better accessibility. It’s finally back to being a low-key locals spot perfect for picnicking, splashing around, and letting the kids burn off some energy.

Photo Credit: Farah Assi

Best Way to Frustrate Your Child in a Fun Way

Lara’s Labyrinth

If screen time has obliterated your attention span, try giving your brain a workout at an escape room. Lara’s Labyrinth provides a few options ranging from kid-friendly to “try not to pee your pants in fright,” where participants can attempt to escape an enchanted forest or decipher clues left by Leonardo da Vinci. (Some rooms have G, PG-13, and R-rated versions for your family’s comfort level, but maybe save the “Cannibal” room for an adults-only excursion.)

Best Babysitter With a Degree in Marine Biology

Living Seas at Birch Aquarium

Birch Aquarium has always made a splash, but the $18.7 million Living Seas exhibit is a tidal wave of awesome. The immersive exhibit features different marine ecosystems throughout the Pacific Ocean, from the warm aqua waters of tropical zones to the frigid (but nourishing) Pacific Northwest. Bigger is better here: There are areas designated for the gigantic sunflower sea star and giant Pacific octopus, so prepare for oceanic marvels to wow you.

Best Hip New Thing at the Hip Kid Place

Artopia at The New Children’s Museum

Forget “don’t touch the art.” At Artopia, touching, building, climbing, experimenting, and making a colorful mess are all exactly the point. Created by the museum’s in-house Creative Studios team, the interactive space invites kids to become artists through hands-on projects like weekend ceramics workshops and after-school programs. When creativity gets a little chaotic is when it’s at its most fun.

San Diego family friendly restaurant Corvette Diner featuring kids

Best Free-Range Kid Lawn With Wine

Grand Social at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar

The Fairmont Grand Del Mar used to feel like someplace you admired from afar. Grand Social changed that. Three levels of outdoor space are now home to a bar and grill, bocce courts, and other lawn games, as well as a summertime concert series and other family-friendly events that welcome locals just as much as overnight guests. It’s proof that one of San Diego’s fanciest addresses also knows how to have a little fun.

Best Place to See Sharks and Only Be a Little Scared

SeaWorld’s Shark Encounter

You don’t need a cage to come face-to-face with sharks anymore. SeaWorld’s revamped Shark Encounter lets you get startlingly close to species like reef sharks, massive sand tigers, and endangered Australian leopard sharks, all inside newly redesigned habitats. It’s equal parts adrenaline and education, and a good reminder that these misunderstood predators are closer to Bruce in Finding Nemo than Jaws in… well, Jaws.

Photo Credit: Richie Wireman

Best Mission for Major Tom

LEGOLAND’s LEGO Galaxy

Houston, we have a new reason to visit LEGOLAND California. LEGO Galaxy is the plastic-brick haven’s biggest in-park investment ever, including the first new roller coaster in 20 years. Between the customizable Galacticoaster experience, build-your-own spacecraft stations, and interactive space adventures, aspiring astronauts can easily spend hours exploring this brick-built universe.

Arts & Culture JULY 31, 2026

The Best of San Diego 2026: Arts & Culture

Whether you love theater, music, dance, or public art, these are the cultural experiences that stood out this year

The Best of San Diego 2026: Arts & Culture
Photo Credit: Stacy Keck

Best Statewide Arts Flex

Arts District Liberty Station

Arts District Liberty Station officially became one of the state’s designated cultural districts, joining a list reserved for places with thriving creative communities. Considering the campus is home to more than 100 galleries, artist studios, museums, and arts organizations—not to mention The Joan, the 42,000-square-foot performance center housing Cygnet Theatre—it was only a matter of time until the district got its flowers.

Best Deterrent of Public Vandalism

Vision Culture Foundation

If you can’t beat ’em, join ’em. The National City Public Works building has been a target of graffiti artists for years, only to be constantly painted over (and the cycle restarts). Now, it’s working with the local artists from Vision Culture Foundation to create intentional public murals. A win-win in our book.

Best Champion of the Arts

Vanguard Culture

One of the biggest questions this year is who will show up for San Diego arts and culture—so a Best Of nod goes to a nonprofit that’s been doing it for years. Founded by longtime arts advocate Susanna Peredo Swap, Vanguard Culture has staged events for creatives, told their stories, and just created an SD ARTS Pass—a single ticket that gets you access to 39 creative spots.

Photo credit: Carly Topazio

Best Way to Overcome Your Fear of Ghosts

The Rosin Box Project

Ballet’s already got a sort of otherworldly thing going for it, with people morphing into 90-degree angles and defying gravity with each pirouette. The Rosin Box Project feels like a raw, creative new force in the classic art form, though—especially with its annual Ghost Light Masquerade. It’s a dance of eerie spirits that makes you second-guess what’s real and what’s not.

Best Music Venue That Also Sells Hot Dogs

Gallagher Square

Once upon a time, Gallagher Square was just a grassy knoll behind the outfield wall at Petco Park. Now, it’s a concert venue, playground, play ball field, dog park, and unofficial home for those who prefer the vibe of baseball more than the actual game. Big-time performers are showing up: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Cypress Hill, and Peach Pit.

Best Local Canvas

Casa Casillas

Casa Casillas has filled a long-standing gap in Chula Vista’s art scene. Open since last August, the space gives local artists a dedicated venue to display their work and visitors a chance to explore the neighborhood’s vibrant art. Two rotating resident artists always keep the space moving, so it rarely looks the same twice.

Courtesy of Alley Cat Art Fest

Best Place to Say “I Think It’s About Capitalism”

Alley Cat Art Fest

El Cajon translates to “the box” in Spanish—a nod to the city’s surrounding hills—but Alley Cat Art Fest (previously called Artivál) doesn’t stay inside it. As the first arts festival in East County, it celebrates local galleries, sculpture, live music, and food trucks—the whole nine.

Best On-Two-Feet Art Tour

Barrio Art Crawl

Every second Saturday, Barrio Logan turns into a choose-your-own-adventure with the Barrio Art Crawl, a free self-guided art tour through galleries, museums, and murals, with street food and music filling in the gaps. Barrio is one of the city’s most thriving arts neighborhoods, and it’s worth getting a bit lost in.

Best Peek Inside Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz’s Living Room Without the Awkward DM

Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego

MCASD is showcasing two powerhouse exhibits—Giants: Art from the Dean Collection of Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys and The Dean Collection Presents: Hometown Heroes. The pop music titans are highlighting local artists, with an intentional focus on diverse experiences. It was one of the biggest (and coolest) art openings of the year, and it closes August 9. So get on it.

Best Season Opener

The Old Globe

Leave it to The Old Globe to give the local theater scene some Hollywood glamour. Katie Holmes led the premiere of Henrik Ibsen’s Hedda Gabler this past spring, turning the classic Norwegian play into one of the most buzzed-about theater productions of the year.

Partner Content MARCH 26, 2026

Design Leaders & Innovative Interiors: AVRP Studios

A look at San Diego's top designers creating unique environments that combine creativity and function

Design Leaders & Innovative Interiors: AVRP Studios


AVRP Studios’ tradition for Design Excellence and Innovation began in 1976 with Doug Austin, FAIA, in Solana Beach, California. The firm has since grown to complete major projects throughout the United States and Canada. We think of ourselves as a family and we care deeply about people. We want to inspire, help make their lives richer and more complete through our efforts. We believe that architecture is one of the most important art forms because of the impact it can have on the lives of those it touches. We’re delighted to have been recognized with over 150 awards for design excellence.

703 16th Street, Suite 200, San Diego, California 92101  |  619-704-2700  |  avrpstudios.com

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