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Great photos that didn't make the cut
A good problem to have as an art director is too many beautiful photos. We spent about 6 hours photographing Tracy Borkum’s home and dinner party for a Live feature. See the story in the August issue here. Jenny and Becca of Found Creative Studio both snapped shots of the home, decor, dinner guests, chefs prepping and of course, eating! And then we all sat down and ate with the team after the photo taking was done. Who could say no to a custom menu from the chefs of Cucina Urbana?
Here are a few of my favorite images that didn’t make it into the mag:
America’s Independence Day arrives with a bang at these 15 festive community events
Get ready to paint the town red, white, and blue this Fourth of July at these patriotic celebrations around San Diego County. While fireworks displays are, of course, the main attraction on this summer holiday, several events offer family-friendly fun before the pyrotechnics start. From early morning races and neighborhood parades to theme park activities and live outdoor concerts, spend the day and night celebrating the land of the free and home of the brave.
Start the festivities a little early in Oceanside with the annual Independence Day Parade on Coast Highway. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 29, cheer on the floats, bands (including the 1st Marine Division Band), walking groups, and decked-out cars. Then, on July 3, witness a spectacular fireworks show, hosted by the Oceanside Parks and Recreation Department. The pyrotechnics start at 9 p.m. at the SoCal Soccer Complex, but the gates open at 4 p.m. with family-friendly activities and food trucks.
3300 Dr Hugh La Bounty Dr, Oceanside
Oh, say, you can see some glimmering pyrotechnics after a day of sea-themed fun. The week of June 30 through July 4, view nightly SeaWorld fireworks at 9:30 p.m. from around the park. The festive explosives show is synced to music to ring in another year of America’s independence.
500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay
BYO blankets and chairs to the Chula Vista Elite Athlete Training Center for a free fireworks display set to a bilingual soundtrack on Amor 102.9. Get to South Bay early—the gates open at 7 p.m., and free parking is limited to 600 spots. There will be food trucks onsite to enjoy while you wait for the show to start. If you miss out on the training center parking, you can still get a great view of the fireworks from nearby Mountain Hawk Park.
2800 Olympic Parkway, Chula Vista
Burn off some pre-barbecue calories with a patriotic 12K or 5K run on Coronado Island. (Why 12K? A nod to America’s birthday—it equates to 7.4 miles.) The out-and-back race, now in its 51st year, starts in Tidelands Park, wraps around the golf course and Glorietta Bay, and heads out onto the Silver Strand with scenic views of the Coronado Bridge. You can bring the whole family—there’s a Crown City Half Mile race for kids. Then stick around after your run for more star-spangled Coronado festivities (see below).
2000 Mullinex Drive, Coronado
From sunup to sundown, celebrate our nation’s independence with a packed schedule of patriotic events for the whole family. The 75th annual parade on Coronado’s Orange Avenue doesn’t set out till 10 a.m., but spectators start saving their spots at 5 a.m., and the pre-parade entertainment begins at 7:30. Afterward, catch a demonstration by the US Navy parachute team, live musical performances in Spreckels Park, and a colorful fireworks show you can watch from the Coronado Golf Course at 9 p.m.
Various locations, Coronado
East County’s Kennedy Park hosts this patriotic fireworks display starting at 9 p.m., but the family-friendly activities start at 2 p.m. Arrive early to the park to enjoy free train rides, arts and crafts, and games and watch live music from two bands. Then sit back to ooh and ahh as the fireworks light up the sky.
1675 East Madison Avenue, El Cajon
The Big Bay Boom is the largest fireworks display in California. Bring lawn chairs to watch from Shelter Island, Harbor Island, the North Embarcadero, the Marina District, or the Coronado Ferry Landing at 9 p.m., or get a closer view from your own vessel on the bay. To avoid parking downtown, consider taking advantage of the expanded trolley service that night.
Various locations
The San Diego Maritime Museum opens up the McKinney Deck of the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley and the waterfront barge behind it for visitors to enjoy a barbecue dinner along the water starting at 7 p.m., then a front-row seat to the 9 p.m. fireworks show over the bay. Purchase your tickets online in advance, and bring a blanket for the first-come, first-serve seating on the boat.
1492 North Harbor Drive, Waterfront
Join Old Town San Diego State Historic Park’s staff and volunteers to experience an 1800s-style Independence Day celebration. Running from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., the free event offers games, crafts, and live music from Big Mountain Blue Grass Band. Previous years’ activities have included potato sack races, tug-of-war, and folk dances.
San Diego Avenue & Twiggs Street, Old Town
Flash back to the turn of the 20th century at Old Poway Park’s Independence Day celebration. Between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., visitors can enjoy train displays, children’s crafts, old-fashioned games, patriotic entertainment, train rides, and tasty food. Follow that up with two glimmering fireworks displays illuminating the sky over the Poway High School Stadium and the Poway Sportsplex. The high school gates open at 6 p.m., and for $6 per adult (kids 11 and under are free), you can enjoy games, activities, and music leading up to the big show.
14134 Midland Road | 15500 Espola Road | 12349 McIvers Court, Poway
The Del Mar Fairgrounds has hosted the San Diego County Fair—the unofficial summer kick-off in SD—since 1936. Spend the day riding the Ferris wheel, cheering on piglets in the Swifty Swine Pig Races, or housing fried chicken sandwiched between two hot honey–drizzled funnel cakes. Then, head to the Corona Grandstand Stage to watch the dazzling fireworks show at 9 p.m. General admission (standing room only) is free, or you can pay to reserve a seat.
2260 Jimmy Durante Boulevard, Del Mar
Let freedom ring in the heart of Escondido at this annual Independence Day Festival. Starting at 4 p.m. in Grape Day Park, you can explore the artisan market; order eats from local food trucks; drink local craft beers and spirits; and listen to live performances, including one from the Navy 32nd Street Brass Band, hosted by the adjacent California Center for the Arts. Then settle down on a blanket or lawn chair for the spectacular fireworks finale at 9:05 p.m. For the first time this year, the Center for the Arts is extending the celebration to a four-day free concert series, so come back on July 5, 6, or 7 for more live shows.
321 North Broadway, Escondido
Spend Fourth of July at Legoland with a full schedule of USA-themed activities—DJ dance parties, limited-edition treats, lawn games, and meet-and-greets—in addition to the normal brick-building fun and rides. Then put on magic glasses to see a spectacular show: fireworks exploding into 3D Lego bricks. The special event is included with regular park admission.
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad
Enjoy an all-American afternoon in East County at Santee’s Town Center Park. The gates open at 2 p.m., inviting guests to partake in amusement rides and food trucks in between performances by the US Marine Corps Band Popular Music Group and country band Whiskey Ridge. The fireworks start at 9 p.m. and will be synced to the fireworks soundtrack on SanteeTV.
550 Park Center Drive, Santee
Experience small-town charm in the Cuayamaca Mountains with this annual patriotic parade. For more than 20 years, Julian residents and their friends have lined up on Main Street to wave their flags and cheer on local school marching bands. Pre-parade activities include musical performances, an Old West reenactment, pie-eating contests, and a vintage airplane fly-over before the main event starts at noon.
Main Street, Julian
Bethany Mavis is a writer, editor and aficionado of hiking, crafting and thrifting. She is an adjunct professor in journalism at Point Loma Nazarene University, and she lives in Escondido with her husband and three daughters.
20 of San Diego’s restaurants offering turkey day menus, gourmet buffets, and take-out meals
With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it’s time to finalize your plans with some of San Diego’s best restaurants and chefs crafting prix fixe menus for the holiday. From modern twists on Thanksgiving classics to lavish seafood buffets and ready-to-cook feasts, we’ve got your guide to ensuring your turkey day is worthy of your friends and family’s thanks. Here are 21 places to get Thanksgiving dinner in San Diego this year:
On Thanksgiving day, the Vineyard Rose restaurant in Temecula will host their Bountiful Thanksgiving Brunch Buffet, offering guests a variety of seasonal favorites. The spread includes meat and charcuterie boards; a seafood display with shrimps, mussels, and poke; a salad bar; carved turkey; and an omelet station. The Vineyard also offers a takeout special from 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations are required via OpenTable or by calling (951) 719-8356.
Time: 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Price: $79 for adults; $39 for guests five to 11
Address: 34843 Rancho California Rd, Temecula
Celebrate Thanksgiving at the Del Mar Racetrack with a Thanksgiving brunch at the Turf Club followed a day of racing and festivities. Brunch consists of a three-course meal serving traditional Thanksgiving favorites and bottomless Mimosas. Dress code is enforced, so be sure to don your finest turkey day attire. Reserved tables seat up to four and larger groups will be seated adjacently.
Time: 11 a.m
Price: $125 per person
Address: 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd, Del Mar
Celebrate Thanksgiving at this stylish rooftop venue in the heart of the Gaslamp offering a modern take on Thanksgiving classics. Rustic Root’s Thanksgiving meal includes roasted garlic mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, cream corn, butter biscuits, and herb roasted turkey breast. These seasonal favorites are available in addition to their full dinner menu options.
Time: 2:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Price: $32 for in-venue dining; $100 for a to-go family pack that feeds four
Address: 535 Fifth Ave, Gaslamp Quarter
After a round of Thanksgiving Day golf at the Crossings, savor a Thanksgiving dinner at 20|Twenty, offering a three-course feast of locally sourced ingredients. The prix fixe menu begins with your choice of chicory greens or ginger miso carrots, followed by entree options like Diestel turkey, Campbell River salmon, stuffed acorn squash, or prime rib. The service concludes with a butter cake or pumpkin pie sure to hit the spot. Enjoy this feast on the outpost’s spacious outdoor patio, offering a panoramic view of the North County coastline.
Time: 1 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Price: Prix fixe menu – $95; reservations recommended
Address: 5480 Grand Pacific Dr, Carlsbad
Steak isn’t the only thing on the menu at this downtown locale; those looking for a Turkey dinner can dine-in between November 23 to 26 this year. STK is offering free-range turkey dinners featuring cornbread and sage stuffing, shallot and thyme thighs, sautéed green beans, baked sweet potatoes, cranberry orange chutney, and spiced pumpkin pie which can also be ordered to-go. Pre-order this feast to go starting November 13.
Time: November 23-26
Price: Dining in costs $64 for adults and $29 for children (12 & under); take-home dinners are $64 per serving plus signature sides at $16 each plus whole pumpkin pies available for $64
Address: 600 F St, Gaslamp Quarter
Indulge in a Thanksgiving dinner at the charming Ambrogio by Acquerello. Experience an exceptional eight-course tasting menu curated by esteemed chef Silvio Salmoiraghi, featuring signature dishes like Trancio di Tacchino in Stile Ringraziamento (an Italian spin on a turkey dinner), Raviolo d’Autunno (a pasta dish featuring harvest flavors like pumpkin and chestnut), and Torta Morbida alle Noci (a crumbly cake offering hints of pecan and vanilla). Reservations for this Italian feast are filling up fast; visit Tock to secure your spot.
Time: 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
Price: Chef’s signature menu is $159 per person; vegetarian menu is $139 per person
Address: 7556 Fay Ave, La Jolla
For a Thanksgiving meal in true Country Club fashion, visit Rancho Bernardo Inn for a feast by the links. Enjoy a four-course meal at their French American bistro, Avant, curated by chef Sergio Jimenez offering seasonal specials like pumpkin veloute, crispy duck leg, butternut squash gratin, and sweet potato pie. For guests interested in traditional a la carte options, there will be a Thanksgiving buffet in their Bernardo Ballroom from 1-4 p.m. and freshly baked 9” pies from Cafe Granada, including pumpkin, Dutch apple, bourbon pecan, and a unique orange and cranberry pie with rosemary compote.
Time: 4 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Cole Novak is an award-winning writer with a passion for highlighting local figures, small businesses, and nonprofits. Born and raised in San Diego, Cole is passionate about photography, surfing, art, the local food scene, and the great outdoors.
How to make your home feel like you without straining your square footage or bank account, according to local interior designers
Courtesy of Boho on a Budget
I recently cried in an Ikea.
It wasn’t my finest moment, fighting tears while a kindergartener bounced on a display mattress two feet away. My girlfriend and I are moving in together for the first time, and I found myself feeling unexpectedly overwhelmed—obviously, love conquers all, but combining two peoples’ lives into a 680-square-foot one-bedroom (and making it look as cool as we are) is tough.
And as much as I’d like to call up whoever put a ball pit in Cara Delevigne’s house and ask them to turn our place into a miniature version of the revamped Lafayette Hotel, that’s not exactly in our budget. (Also, we’re renting.) So I did the next best thing: I tapped four local interior designers for their best storage solutions, favorite renter-friendly décor hacks, and top tips for giving tight spaces personality on a dime.
Here’s their advice for small-space decorating on a budget in San Diego.
Courtesy of Oscar Bravo
“When someone first starts designing their place and they don’t really know what their style is, they jump into what the trends are,” says interior designer Nicola Hopwood. “They go on social media and do what everybody else is doing. But if they just follow trends, it’s not going to feel like home.”
She notes that clues to what you genuinely love can be found close at hand: Peek into your closet to learn what colors you’re drawn to. Consider your hobbies and lifestyle to figure out what functions your furniture and décor need to serve. (If you entertain often, for example, you’ll need more seating than someone who usually meets their friends for lunch.)
Ultimately, you’ll save money by choosing not to keep up with the trend cycle and instead filling your space with items you truly love—which requires patience and time. “[It’s] not going to happen in a two-day shopping spree,” Hopwood says. “Everything you buy, no matter how big or small, is like a puzzle piece that contributes to your unique home.
”And if you (like me) are worried that simply going with your gut will result in a houseful of items that don’t play well together, Hopwood has an easy tip for ensuring your collection doesn’t get too eclectic: “Go in with a color palette. Use that as a guide when you’re picking things, and it will all end up coming together.”
Remember that items don’t have to be an exact color match—in fact, a green-and-orange rug, for example, looks best set against throw pillows in slightly lighter or darker shades.
Courtesy of Nicola Hopwood
The designers I spoke to all said the same thing: Invest in your sleep. “The right mattress is something you’re going to have for years,” says local interior designer Elizabeth Aaron. Once you find your ideal one (Firm or soft? Cozy or cooling?), “you better buy a mattress protector,” Aaron continues. While it may seem like an unnecessary purchase, it can dramatically expand the life of your mattress.
Spend a little more outfitting your bed, too. “You can’t really find nice linen bedding for cheap,” cautions Jordan Miranda, founder of affordable design firm Boho on a Budget.
Follow similar guidelines for anything that you’re going to be spending a lot of time curled up on, like couches and chairs (including desk chairs). “You want to avoid buying cheaply made furniture for these times, because you’ll need to replace them multiple times in the lifespan of better-quality furniture,” Hopwood says. “Over time, you’ll end up spending more money.”
You can save on less-functional décor pieces. “You don’t have to spend a bazillion dollars on an area rug you’ll love,” Aaron says. She recommends the brand Surya for a range of budget-friendly rug options. When searching for art, wall hangings, coffee table books, and other fun details, explore local boutiques like Pigment, Botanica Home and Garden, and Solo for relatively affordable pieces that add personality and depth.
Courtesy of Boho on a Budget
Even when it comes to budget furniture, not all couches are created equal. “Any upholstery, you want to make sure you’re getting performance fabric,” Aaron says. “It’s a hundred percent polyester, and it’s bulletproof”—unlike linen textiles that show stains and pet scratches.
Try to determine what’s going on under the surface of potential buys. More durable couches and chairs are constructed with high-density foam. “As much as you think you want a squishy sofa, the sheet foam that’s not high-density is going to break down and you’re going to be left with a lumpy sofa,” Aaron continues.
Similarly, when it comes to items like dining tables and nightstands, “look for plywood frames as opposed to particle board,” Aaron suggests. “Particle board is flimsy, and it’s going to disintegrate on you.
”When shopping on resale sites like Craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, and OfferUp, hunt for deals on solid-wood furniture. Since low-cost “wooden” furniture tends to be veneered, it doesn’t stand up well to spills or condensation-covered glasses, which will cause the veneer to peel or warp.
Real wood, on the other hand, will stand the test of time—budget-friendly interior decorator Oscar Bravo purchased a friend’s solid-wood dining table for $40 more than 20 years ago and “it’s still in perfect condition,” he says. If you find a sturdy piece but don’t love the look, remember that you can sand and stain it and replace elements like drawer pulls to help it match your style.
Courtesy of Nicola Hopwood
There are plenty of simple tricks to make teacup-sized spaces feel grander: A large mirror (though not too big, Hopwood cautions, since a glut of oversized mirrors sometimes make small rooms “feel like a gym”) can create the illusion of more space. And floor-to-ceiling curtains, Hopwood adds, help ceilings appear taller.
If you’re up for a bigger project, Bravo says that you can transform a cookie-cutter apartment with elements like peel-and-stick molding—especially if your lease allows you to paint. You can purchase relatively inexpensive kits designed for DIY wainscoting, paneling, tiling, or molding. When put up and painted over, they look like a built-in detail.
Scones can serve as a softer source of light than overhead bulbs while making your space appear customized (and expensive!). To avoid any tricky hard-wiring, look for battery-operated wall sconces, or make your own by attaching remote-control puck lights to a bulb base adapter.
Courtesy of Elizabeth Aaron
Apartment living requires a certain minimalist sensibility—in a 600- or 700-square-foot space, there’s simply not much room for stuff. But according to the designers, you can Marie Kondo everything you own and still feel like you’re surrounded by clutter if your furniture is too large or attention-grabbing.“The goal is to show more of the floor, which creates [the impression of] more space,” Hopwood says. Floating bookshelves and coffee tables with slim legs, for example, will make rooms feel more open.
Miranda says that you can also reduce clutter by sourcing furniture that plays double-duty. A storage bench at the foot of your bed, for example, can hold games and blankets while bringing in additional seating.
Finally, ensure surfaces don’t look too busy. You can keep everyday essentials off of tables and counters by “[bringing] in worker baskets and visually appealing storage pieces,” Hopwood says, adding that lesser-used items can lurk in underbed bins, cloaked by a floaty bedskirt. (“A skirt that is very structured and [made from] a thick material still brings that element of bulk,” she explains.)
Courtesy of Boho on a Budget
You’ve probably seen photos online of eclectic gallery walls packed with playful art of different shapes and sizes. They’re super cute—but not ideal for small spaces. “They tend to look a bit cluttered, especially in smaller floor plans,” Bravo explains. While it may seem counterintuitive, large-scale, poster-sized art can make your space feel more expansive.
Websites like Drool, PSTR Studio, and The Poster Club offer affordable, funky prints with more of a point-of-view than your old Pulp Fiction poster from college. Or get even more creative: In his own home, Bravo wallpapered the inside of three mega-sized frames. “It’s really a statement, and it looks expensive because of the size,” he adds.
Amelia Rodriguez is a writer and journalist and winner of the San Diego Press Club's 2023 Rising Star Award and 2024 Best of Show Award, she’s also covered music, food, arts and culture, fashion, and design for Rolling Stone, Palm Springs Life, and other national and regional publications. After work, you can find her hunting down San Diego’s best pastries and maintaining her five-year Duolingo streak.
This month, the 2026 San Diego Business Impact Awards recognized local businesses making an impact in clean energy, biotech, hospitality, and beyond
Renewable energy companies building hundreds of power plants. Biotech startups using artificial intelligence to create personalized medicine for children with rare diseases. Hospitality companies quietly powering thousands of local events. Consumer brands growing from beach-town startups into national businesses. These are the kinds of companies driving San Diego’s economy today, and the businesses recognized at this year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards offer a snapshot of where the region is headed.
Hosted July 23 by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards event honored four local companies for innovation, growth, and economic impact. More than 100 nominations from San Diego’s middle-market businesses were reviewed by a 10-person judging committee, with winners selected across four categories: startup, early-stage innovator, rising star, and established heavyweight.
Two-time honoree Jimbo Someck, founder of Jimbo’s organic grocery stores, also joined the event for a fireside chat on buying local, supporting emerging brands, and giving back to the community.
“San Diego’s strength comes from its makers and builders—the resilient people who endure great risks and overcome obstacles to build and scale a company,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager and Middle Market Banking at JPMorganChase & Co. “These awards aren’t just recognition; they spotlight the talent, grit, and innovation shaping our region’s future. By celebrating those who create and build, we foster connections and fuel the growth that keeps San Diego thriving.”
Heavyweight honoree SOLV Energy has grown alongside the country’s rapid investment in renewable power. “It’s an exciting time for SOLV Energy as we are experiencing significant growth,” says CEO George Hershman. “The business has doubled over the last year and has almost double-digit growth since its inception.”
The Rancho Bernardo-based company designs, builds, operates, and maintains utility-scale solar and energy storage facilities. Since its founding in 2008, SOLV Energy has built more than 500 power plants.
Growth has translated directly into hiring. About 200 employees work from the company’s local headquarters, including roughly 20 interns. “Our intern program is a big part of the way that we grow our workforce,” Hershman says. “Last year, 43 percent of our interns became full-time employees. We believe San Diego is a great community to build and grow a high-tech infrastructure and technology company because of the incredible workforce—the ability to attract top talent and draw from world-class universities.”
Startup honoree La Jolla Labs is tackling one of medicine’s biggest challenges by developing personalized RNA therapeutics for patients with rare diseases—many of them children with neurological disorders like ALS. Using proprietary artificial intelligence and machine learning tools, the biotech company develops treatments tailored to each patient’s specific genetic mutation.
CEO Tamar Grossman says the recognition reflects how far the company has come despite limited resources. “We’re honored to be recognized for our ability to change and save patients’ lives and turn our lean startup into a clinical company with very minimal resources,” she says.
Grossman credits San Diego’s concentration of research institutions—including UC San Diego, the Salk Institute, and Scripps Research—with creating a pipeline of talent and collaboration. “San Diego is one of the world-leading centers for technology, genomics, and RNA therapeutics,” she says. “We have over 30 RNA therapeutics companies here, and we support each other and help with anything related to drug discovery.”
She says that collaborative spirit extends beyond formal partnerships. “You can walk around Torrey Pines, go into a café, and find colleagues from the industry and have an ad hoc conversation,” Grossman says. “That’s something very unique to San Diego.”
While Snake Oil Venue Company may not be a household name, chances are many San Diegans have attended one of its events. The early-stage innovator honoree has expanded from beverage catering and mixology consulting into venue management, operating Julep Venue in Mission Hills, Bramble Bay Venue in Imperial Beach, Vesper Venue, the Chapel at Liberty Station, and five outdoor venues throughout Liberty Station—more than 500,000 square feet of event space altogether.
“We do a lot of launch parties for corporations and new products,” says CEO Mike Esposito. “I really like working on the entrepreneur side of things, where new businesses are entering the San Diego market and looking to make a splash.”
Snake Oil has executed more than 16,000 events, employed more than 1,000 people, and partnered with more than 900 local vendors, including caterers, florists, photographers, entertainers, and other hospitality businesses. The company also works with many of San Diego’s nonprofits, museums, and cultural institutions. “We get to celebrate people’s most important moments,” Esposito says. “Whether that’s a wedding, celebration of life, or quinceañera, we’re fortunate to be involved in the community in so many different ways.”
Rising star honoree ALOHA Collection is proof that a simple idea can grow into a thriving company. Founded by two roommates who wanted a better way to carry wet swimsuits after a day at the beach, the lifestyle brand has grown into a business while maintaining strong year-over-year growth.
Now headquartered in Carlsbad, ALOHA Collection employs more than 100 people and operates its California flagship store in Encinitas, which is slated for a remodel. With roots in Hawaii, the company is known for its lightweight, splash-proof travel bags that have become a familiar sight on beaches in San Diego and beyond.
“‘Aloha’ is part of our name, but it’s also how we move through the world,” says CEO Lynna Barnard. “It’s how we show up for people, the way we travel, the way we give back.” Since day one, the company has maintained a 5 percent giveback to Hawaii conservation efforts, contributing millions of dollars over the years.
“I think what’s so inspiring about ALOHA Collection, and the founders in particular, is when you dream big, those dreams can come true when you work hard and trust in the universe,” Barnard says. “It’s inspiring to be a role model for other people wanting to start businesses from humble beginnings. Start small and watch it grow.”
Together, businesses like these form a cornerstone of San Diego’s economy—not only through the jobs and revenue they generate—but through the local workers they hire, vendors they support, and investments they make in the region. Their growth doesn’t happen in isolation; it ripples outward, strengthening the broader business community and the people who call San Diego home.
Whether you're celebrating the end of a decade or the beginning of a new one, these are fine choices of venue.
This year, ring in the 20s as you like—with delectable dishes, yacht cruises, unforgettable parties, even family fun. There’s something here for just about any vibe, from quiet night to baller status.
Send the entire family down the rabbit hole! This kid-friendly celebration will feature a delicious buffet, dancing to DJ-supplied tunes, costume contest, games, 21+ area, and complimentary midnight toast. Tickets available here or by calling (760) 827-2800.
Where: The Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa
When: Dec. 31 from 6:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.
Price: $150 per adult, $85 per child ages 13-17, $65 per child ages 4-12, free for children under 3
5480 Grand Pacific Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
Dine on the A.R. Valentien patio or its elegant dining room while enjoying a five-course prix fixe meal, courtesy of Executive Chef Jeff Jackson. Call (858) 777-6635 for tickets.
Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
When: Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $135 per person or $185 with wine pairings, $70 for children under 12
11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Animae
Photo by Dustin Bailey
San Diego’s newest hotspot will be offering a four-course prix fixe menu to start your year off right. Reservations for the first seating take place between 5:30 p.m. and 6:45 p.m. while the second seating kicks off at 8 p.m. and continues until close. The second seating includes a midnight toast. Reservations—highly recommended!—can be made here.
Where: Animae
When: Dec. 31, times above
Price: $95 to $115
969 Pacific Highway. San Diego CA, 92101
Toast to the new year at The Grill at Torrey Pines. Pick between a savory three-course prix fixe meal or their à la carte menu. Optional beer or wine pairings. Call (858) 777-6641 for details.
Where: The Lodge at Torrey Pines
When: Dec. 31 at 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Price: $60 per person, $75 with beer pairings and $85 with wine pairings, $35 for children under 12
11480 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037
Forget midnight madness! Head to Corner Drafthouse for bites, brews, and a pup-friendly patio. At 9 p.m. Corner Drafthouse will have an East Coast Toast, for all you Eastern Standard Time transplants out there. Doors close at 11 p.m.
Where: Corner Drafthouse
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: Varies
495 Laurel St, San Diego, CA 92101
Head to Pacific Beach to chow down on a prix fixe menu at JRDN. Then dance the night away at Tower23.
Where: Tower23 and JRDN
When: Dec. 31 with seating at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Doors to Tower 23 open at 10 p.m.
Price: $85 per person
723 Felspar Street, San Diego, CA 92109
Raise a toast to the new year with a delicious prix fixe dinner. Options include roasted salmon, filet mignon, pan-seared scallops, and whipped sweet potatoes. Make a reservation here or by calling (619) 231-0222.
Where: Bankers Hill Bar + Restaurant
When: Dec. 31 from 4:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Price: $65 per person, beverage pairings for $32
2202 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
Start the new year early at Bier Garden. From the comfort of Encinitas, at 9 p.m., the restaurant will watch the ball drop in New York City’s Times Square. Doors close at 11:30 p.m.
Where: Bier Garden
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m.
Price: Varies
641 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas, CA 92024
With a complimentary champagne toast at midnight, Madison will serve an upscale Mediterranean and Southern California inspired three-course prix fixe dinner. The menu will highlight dishes like tuna tartare, Madison’s famous double-cut sesame crusted pork chop, filet mignon, and gluten-free vegan ravioli. Reservations can be made on their website or at OpenTable.
Where: Madison on Park
When: Dec. 31 with seating from 5 to 7 p.m. and from 8 to 11 p.m.
Price: $65 per person, $19 for wine and cocktail pairings
4622 Park Boulevard, University Heights
Vistal
AUDA
Enjoy panoramic views and live music by Taryn Donath while feasting on a three or five-course prix fixe menu. Chef Amy DiBiase will craft yellowtail crudo, juniper-brined duck breast, seared scallops with caviar butter, and wagyu rib eye cap, to name a few highlights.
Where: Vistal Bar + Restaurant
When: Dec. 31, early seating from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m., late seating from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Price: $70 for three-course plus $35 for optional wine pairing, $120 for five-course dinner plus $60 for optional wine pairing
901 Bayfront Court Suite 1, San Diego, CA 92101
Feast, drink, and dance from beach to rooftop at San Diego’s hottest beachfront party on the Mission Beach boardwalk. With multiple venues and DJs, live music, and a champagne toast, it’s the perfect way to ring in the new year. Er, decade.
Where: South Draft Mission
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1 at 1:30 a.m.
Price: Range from $49 to $195
3105 Ocean Front Walk, San Diego, CA 92109
Fluxx
Join other partygoers in the Gaslamp this year! A masquerade-themed celebration with live music by veteran Las Vegas DJ Wellman, masquerade-themed drinks, décor, and—for those who dare—lace masks. Buy tickets here or make a reservation by calling (619) 328-0138.
Where: FLUXX Nightclub
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: $40 to $80 per person
500 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
What better way to ring in the new year than with a Latin buffet and dancing? Salsa into the Westgate’s Versailles Ballroom for food, live music by Julio De La Huerta, a champagne toast, and a balloon drop. Cocktail attire required. Tickets available here.
Where: The Westgate Hotel
When: Dec. 31 at 7:30 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.
Price: $165 per person
1055 Second Avenue, San Diego, CA 92101
This New Year’s Eve, step inside the intoxicating Realm of the 52 Remedies. This speakeasy-style bar attached to Kearny Mesa’s Common Theory Public House will feature a night of live music, punch bowls, tray-passed hors d’oeuvres, raffles, and a midnight champagne toast. Cocktail attire required.
Where: Realm of the 52 Remedies
When: Dec. 31 at 8 p.m. to January 1 at 1 a.m.
Price: General admission at $95 per person
4805 Convoy Street, San Diego, California 92111
Sleepy already? Midnight comes early for families at Legoland, where the theme park will recreate the Time Square ball drop with—what else?—a giant Lego brick. Party hats and special glasses will be available while viewing fireworks.
Where: Legoland California Theme Park
When: Dec. 31, countdown at 6 p.m.
Price: Admission included with purchase of park ticket
One Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
No need to bring your wallet: this event is all-inclusive! Drinks, food, and access to 10 different party zones are included. (Don’t forget your ID, though!)
Where: Hilton San Diego Bayfront
When: Dec. 31 at 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Price: Varies
1 Park Boulevard, San Diego, CA 92101
619 Spirits
Photo by Chris Brake
Say hello to 2020 at North Park’s award-winning distillery and tasting room. Enjoy 619’s regular food menu, line-up of premium handcrafted vodka, midnight champagne toast, and a silent disco beginning at 7 p.m. Reservations can be made here.
Where: 619 Spirits Distillery & Tasting Room
When: Dec. 31
Price: Varies
3015 Lincoln Avenue, San Diego, CA 92104
Bahia Belle
Cruise through Mission Bay on the Bahia Belle as you enjoy an appetizer buffet, live DJ, party favors, and a midnight champagne toast.
Where: Mission Bay and Bahia Resort Hotel
When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Price: Cruise at $30 per person, overnight at hotel varies
998 West Mission Bay Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
This New Year’s Eve, the historic steam ferryboat Berkeley will be transformed into a glamorous lounge with dessert, dancing, party favors, and, at the stroke of midnight, a toast with some bubbly.
Where: Maritime Museum of San Diego
When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.
Price: $60 per person
1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
This year celebrate by stepping onto the Spirit of San Diego: a 146-foot long, three-level luxury yacht with outdoor decks, lounges, and dueling dance floors. This event has sold out 16 years in a row—just sayin’—so get your tickets here.
Where: Spirit of San Diego Yacht
When: Dec. 31 from 9 p.m. to January 1 at 12:45 a.m.
Price: $149 per person
990 North Harbor Drive, Dock #3, San Diego, CA, 92101
Don your best 1920s attire for a night of dinner, dancing, live music and glamour, with bottomless champagne and a four course dinner. Tickets available here.
Where: Hornblower Cruises
When: Dec. 31 from 8 p.m. to January 1 at 12:30 a.m.
Price: $225 per person
1800 N. Harbor Drive, Pier 1, San Diego, CA 92101
Where to Celebrate New Year’s Eve in San Diego 2020
Photo: Shutterstock.com
We're on the hunt for the best summer outdoor photographs shot by our readers
Calling all local photographers! We’re on the lookout for summer outdoor shots of San Diego to feature in the magazine’s “Picture Perfect” section. Have an epic shot of the Del Mar Fair? A landscape scene from Crystal Pier? A dramatic view from your Iron Mountain hike? We want to see them all! Email your stunners to [email protected].
And take a look at Picture Perfect favorites for inspiration:
January 2014. Shot by Phillip Colla.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Phillip Colla
February 2014. Shot by Diana Alsindy.
Suspension bridge
March 2014. Shot by John Trice
Sailing off the coast of Coronado
John Trice
December 2013. Shot by Michael Jaffe
Under the Coronado Bridge
November 2013. Shot by Brett Shoaf.
Mt. Palomar Observatory
October 2013. Shot by Justin Lee.
Gaslamp at dusk
It’s a Self-Care Summer. Because your best self is our favorite self.
If you’re anything like us, it can be easy to get so caught up in taking care of everyone else, that your own needs get lost in the ether. But while this may be a cliché, that doesn’t make it any less true: You can’t give your best self to other people unless you’re taking care of yourself.
Sometimes, that looks like stopping in for your regular acupuncture or chiropractic appointment. Other days, it means giving your body the fresh, organic fuel it needs to truly feel and function at its best. And some other times still, it involves leaving your responsibilities behind for a weekend to pamper yourself at an incredible resort and spa.
Only you can decide what your truly need. We’re just here to help you find the best ways to get it.
Island living meets desert luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. When you step onto the 11-acre property, you’ll be surrounded by sweeping view of the Santa Rosa Mountains with olive trees and fragrant citrus groves decorating the grounds. In other words, everything about this relaxed but refined resort is primed to help you let go of the stress from home and enjoy easy sun-soaked days and gorgeous starry nights.
The rooms blend calming, woven textures with Tommy Bahama’s signature tropical prints and feature private lanais, making it easy unwind the moment you walk in the door. If you book one of the four Villa Suites, you’ll be treated to exclusive Tommy Bahama furniture and unique personal touches to further that feeling of instant ease.
At the award-winning Spa Rosa, the expert team will help reset and recharge your body and mind using methods and rituals inspired by the desert. The 12,000-square-foot retreat includes outdoor soaking pools, eucalyptus steam rooms, and outdoor cabanas, as well as massages, facials, and body masks—all aimed at creating a day dedicated to you. We’re particularly partial to the Day Long Escape, an indulgent all-day affair of CDBs soaks, renewing scrubs, life changing massages, and transformative facials.
Following your treatment, continue the experience with a meal on the patio at Grapefruit Basil. We love the Hamachi Crudo, a light, citrus-forward dish featuring premium yellowtail, house-made ponzu, creamy avocado, and fresh seasonal garnishes.
Whether you’re strolling the gardens, relaxing beside its saltwater pools, or indulging in a restorative treatment, you’ll be able to escape in style and relax in luxury at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa.
There’s no shortage of ways to stay active in San Diego—but if you really want to enjoy everything the city has to offer, you’ve got to make sure you’re giving your body its tune-ups. Enter: Healcove Chiropractic. The board-certified chiropractors and wellness professionals at Healcove are experts at addressing that stage where you’re not injured, exactly, but you’re not at 100%, either. Maybe you’re feeling a bit tense or stressed out. Or it could be that you’re not quite moving the way you want to. Sometimes, it’s just that the accumulation of days, weeks, or even years of daily strain is starting to take a toll. No matter what stage you find yourself at, the Healcove Chiropractic team can provide integrated, preventative care centered on long-term, science-backed approaches that ensure you can always stay active and live the life you want to live pain-free.
This starts by providing truly individualized care. Every patient can expect a thorough 60-minute consultation session that includes a posture and movement screening. This allows the team to develop a completely personalized plan. That plan might include chiropractic care, acupuncture, or massage therapy, as well as functional fitness training, vibration and sound therapy, and Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization, a clinical rehabilitation method that retrains the body’s stabilization systems. Whatever the team recommends, you can be sure that it’s tailored to meeting your body’s needs today and the future.
There’s a reason that San Diego Magazine named Healcove the “Best Chiropractor in San Diego”—don’t wait until you’re struggling with an injury to find out why. Book an appointment today for holistic, integrated care that helps ground and heal your body before it reaches a crisis point.
West Coast wellness culture meets the community feel of Southern Appalachia at Juice Holler. Juice Holler’s menu consists of made-to-order smoothies and smoothie bowls, as well as grab-and-go cold-pressed juices, wellness shots, salads, and more. It operates from the blissfully simple premise that fueling up with food and drink that’s guilt-free and good your body should be simple, accessible, and, above all else, delicious. And if you haven’t yet made it out to the Encinitas café, which opened just this year, let us be the first to tell you: Juice Holler delivers on each and every of these fronts.
We love the Supercharger smoothie, a mood-lifting and body-fueling option made with banana, almond butter, blue spirulina, maca, grass-fed whey protein, raw cacao nibs, medjool dates, and coconut milk. We’re also partial to the Thrive Alive smoothie bowl, where avocado, mango, sea moss, spirulina, mint, coconut milk, and agave are mixed and topped with coconut, chia seeds, strawberry, mango, and chocolate drizzle. The wellness shots include the Detoxifier, a cleansing blend of kale, cucumber, lemon and spirulina, plus a shot specially designed to fight inflammation (named, fittingly, Anti-Inflammation). Probiotic overnight oats, lemon turmeric bars, and strawberry shortcake chia pudding are other standouts on the grab-and-go menu.
Much of the vibe feels beachy North County chic—think green tile with orange and pink accents, grounded with greenery and natural wood—but Juice Holler founder Kelly Sergott, a longtime Encinitas local, has also enfused the space with her Kentucky roots. In Appalachia, a holler is small valley between hills and mountains, where nature reigns, community is king, and nourishment comes right from the land. At Juice Holler, Sergott has created a holler for the busy modern times, using local ingredients to create a spot for people to come together and enjoy fresh, fast, feel-good fuel for their day.
We’ve all had that experience with a medical professional where we’ve felt rushed, ignored, or misunderstood—and ultimately, like we didn’t get the answers that we needed. But at Everwell, the holistic acupuncture practice located in Solana Beach, the care team wants to transform your understanding of what healthcare can look like.
Patients at Everwell experience care rooted in intentional listening and radical empathy—and trust us, those aren’t just corporate buzzwords. This place actually puts those ideas into practice. You will always be given the time you need to tell your story— initial in-take appointments are two hours long—and you can rest assured that your story will be believed. Every single question and concern will be addressed by a dedicated practitioner who wants to find the specific solutions that work best for you, and you’ll receive care that’s aimed at healing the body, mind, and spirit.
Everwell’s highly trained, doctorate-level practitioners blend evidence-based acupuncture with the practice of classical Chinese medicine. (If you’ve never tried acupuncture before or aren’t sure if the team will be a fit, we’d highly recommended Everwell’s complimentary 20-minute consultations.) Research shows that by stimulating specific points on the body, acupuncture activates a natural healing response in the body, helping to restore balance, regulate the nervous system, and improve overall wellbeing. This allows the practice to address an incredibly wide range of conditions from chronic pain and autoimmune disorders to digestive issues, from stress and burnout to headaches migraines, fertility and postpartum struggles, hormonal imbalances, sleep concerns and more.
At Everwell, you can expect to feel heard, trusted, respected, and cared for. This is a space that doesn’t want to be just another healthcare provider you visit; it wants to provide patients with dedicated partner who will be there for their entire health journey.
