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Body wash is probably the most essential part of anyone's shower routine. Forget that old, slippery bar of soap — it doesn’t suit you as well as a body wash.
Blu Atlas
Body wash is probably the most essential part of anyone’s shower routine. Forget that old, slippery bar of soap — it doesn’t suit you as well as a body wash. Frankly, there are a million reasons to switch to body wash, but the best reason is that it cleans your body better. That’s because body washes have a much thicker lather that helps remove oil buildups, dead skin cells, and dirt.
However, a lot of this lather comes from harsh chemicals like sulfates, parabens, and phthalates. While these ingredients can deeply exfoliate the skin, they also can cause irritation, redness, and increased sensitivity. For that reason, we recommend staying away from these ingredients altogether.
To make it easier on anyone looking for natural body washes, we decided to hand-select the 19 best natural body washes in 2023. We’ve included completely organic options at high price points and drugstore products that are easily accessible. So, no matter what you’re looking for, we’ve got you covered.
Our favorite body wash that we tested came from Blu Atlas. Blu Atlas is a men’s skincare brand based out of New York City. The Blu Atlas Body Wash is reasonably priced, environmentally friendly, and incredibly effective. Additionally, they provide a stress-free way to sample it with a like-it-or-your-money-back guarantee.
Green tea extract, aloe vera, sugarcane, and other naturally occurring components make up 99% of the Blu Atlas Body Wash. These ingredients deliver hydrating and purifying antioxidants, minerals, and fatty acids that strengthen the skin’s protective barrier.
You won’t need to worry about your skin when using Blu Atlas’ Body Wash. That’s because their product is free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, and synthetic perfumes. Also, the US-based company’s whole line of products is vegan and cruelty-free. If you enjoy their body wash, you can also subscribe and save 20% on your purchase. Although other companies offered a similar model to pay, Blu Atlas provided the most savings.
At number two on our list of the 19 best body washes in 2023 is Bulldog’s Lemon & Bergamot Body Wash. This product boasts overtones of basil, rosemary, and cedar in addition to citrus and bergamot. If you have trouble getting out of bed in the morning, this body wash will help you feel energized and alert.
The scent of this body wash is its standout quality. But that’s not to say the rest of the product isn’t up to par with the scent. Bulldog made sure that their body wash moisturizes your skin while also cleansing. The result is healthy skin that won’t crack or appear dry — giving you the best-looking skin possible.
Moreover, Bulldog ensures that the ingredients in this body wash are acquired ethically. Additionally, all their products are paraben-free. We think that Bulldog’s Lemon and Bergamot Body Wash could be the right product for you if you’re looking for something to wake you up in the mornings.
This sleek-looking charcoal body wash from Black Wolf is a must-have. And we promise you that the quality of this body wash is just as nice as its packaging. Black Wolf uses some of our favorite natural ingredients to give you the cleanest experience imaginable. When using this product, you’ll detect the enticing aroma of fresh citrus and blue sage.
Cucumber extract, salicylic acid, and black charcoal powder help to naturally and chemically exfoliate the skin — while keeping things moisturized and irritation-free.
The charcoal and salicylic acid in this product aid in preventing more breakouts if you’re prone to acne. The cucumber is also calming and soothes your skin and reduces redness and potential rashes.
Charcoal is a key ingredient in eliminating toxins that build up on your skin. Your skin endures a lot throughout the day — especially if you live somewhere dry. Luckily, the charcoal will keep your pores clean by absorbing toxins and debris.
Every Man Jack is all about refreshing your body. We think it’s a great choice for an after-workout body wash. Every Man Jack’s Body Wash is both deeply cleaning and hydrating — two things that are essential in all body washes!
After a long day at work or the gym, the eucalyptus and spearmint will help you feel refreshed. This body wash comes with a handy pump and is available in a bigger 1000 mL bottle, which is great if you need to use it more than once a day.
Natural glycerin and sodium coco-sulfate are the main ingredients of this body wash. With this straightforward formulation, the coco-sulfate gets to work and deeply cleanses your skin while the glycerin moisturizes for long-lasting results.
You’ll feel amazing all day long if you use this body wash in the morning. We also noticed that the scent of eucalyptus and mint lingers on your skin — making the perfect natural cologne or perfume.
Fifth on our list of the 19 best natural body washes in 2023 is Oars and Alpine Luxury Body with hydrating jojoba spheres. There are three various scents available for this body cleanser, but after smell-testing them, we thought California Coast was the best.
California Coast has a sweet scent of patchouli, ylang-ylang, and sandy amber combined with a zingy and energizing citrus scent. While the smell is great, so are the ingredients. Specifically, the jojoba spheres gently exfoliate and hydrate your skin to promote softness and smoothness. When the jojoba spheres burst, they release nutrients and antioxidants for your skin — including vitamin E — to keep it strong and healthy.
Oars and Alps guarantee to give ingredients that are organically sourced and free of sulfates or parabens. As we mentioned, you can purchase this product in other scents, like Fresh Ocean Splash and Alpine Green Tea if the citrus aroma of California Coast doesn’t seem right for you. Nevertheless, if you find it difficult to choose from this list. You might switch between all three.
We think the jojoba spheres in this body wash from Oars and Alps are a wonderful addition with a wide range of benefits. We highly recommend this product.
This apple cider vinegar body wash from The Grandpa Soap Co. will give you that glowing look you so desperately want. Since The Grandpa Soap Co. was founded in 1878, they have been utilizing natural ingredients in their products to give you results that are free from harsh chemicals.
If you didn’t know, apple cider vinegar provides a number of health advantages — and not just in food! Apple cider vinegar also offers benefits for the hair and skin. We recommend trying this product if your skin appears lifeless and dull. The organic apple cider vinegar and apple juice in this body wash will make your skin glow and feel refreshed.
A lot of people drink apple cider vinegar for its skin benefits. If that’s you, we suggest stopping and using this body wash instead. You will still get all of the advantages of apple cider vinegar without the unpleasant taste. Overall, we believe that this product deserves to be listed among the top natural body washes of 2023.
Ingreendients — as the name implies — uses only organically produced, plant-based substances. So if you’re vegan or just environmentally conscience, we think this is the choice for you!
The Ingreendients Daily Body Wash is safe for anyone with sensitive skin. Gone are the days when your skin feels inflamed and itchy. Seriously, this body wash can heal your skin. If you’ve dealt with harsh products before, we recommend using this gentle option to help soothe and calm your skin while still receiving the benefits of a normal body wash.
In the Ingreendients Daily Body Wash, there are no unpleasant synthetic fragrances, parabens, sulfates, or phthalates that might hurt your skin. Additionally, all skin types can use this daily body wash because it is pH balanced and does not alter the skin’s normal pH level.
What’s even better is that this product is ocean and freshwater safe. That means you can take it on a camping trip and use it in the mountains!
There are plenty of body washes without scents. Often, there are great for people with extreme sensitivity. We recommend Native’s Body Wash as an unscented option. It should be noted, though, that there are also nine distinct smells available for Native. You can also choose if you want a scented or unscented version.
But why pick an unscented body wash over one that is scented? For most people, it’s the fragrance rather than the soap that causes skin reactions. It’s most common for people with allergies to specific things — or if a body wash is using artificial fragrances.
But we think this product is great in both the scented and unscented versions. Lavender, mandarin, orange, and vanilla are some of the options you have. Personally, we thought mandarin was the best scent! However, the floral and sweet ones were both very calming. All in all, you can’t really go wrong no matter what you choose!
According to Native, it foams up and envelops you with thick, soapy bubbles — in our testing, we found this to be completely true! It will moisturize your skin without leaving any residue or a greasy feeling.
We think Native offers a wonderful product that has plenty of benefits, scents, and options. It’s a very customizable product.
Harry’s Body Wash is another classic in the skincare world. This product has the aroma of redwood, with warm undertones and earthy notes. We think this is the perfect option for someone who normally steers clear of fruity or citrus scents in most body washes.
This body wash will help you feel centered and at ease each time you use it. Seriously, we think it smells like a trip to the spa. Additionally, for its reasonable cost, we didn’t find many other choices that had such a great smell.
The benefits of this body wash are long-lasting, which is ideal. We recommend using this product in the morning. That way, your skin will feel silky and smooth all day long. Just like a lot of the natural body cleansers we’ve highlighted, Harry’s stays away from parabens and other harmful substances.
All of Harry’s products are influenced by nature. We think this is perfect if you love to go on an outdoor adventure or on a hike. Additionally, you might find it difficult to pick one product since their entire line of skincare products are high quality. But we believe the best place to start is Harry’s Redwood Body Wash.
At number ten, we have an Australian-made body wash from Sukin. They provide a variety of natural goods, including this botanical body wash that’s free from traditional soap. As they avoid using harsh soaps that frequently irritate the skin, this kind of body wash would also be great for anyone with sensitive skin.
Rosehip, jojoba oil, avocado oil, aloe vera, and chamomile are just a few of the wonderful components in the Sukin Botanical Body Wash. Together, they nourish your skin while providing you with the deep clean you’re looking for.
Sukin, like the other brands on our list, avoids parabens and other skin irritants in favor of high-quality ingredients.
This American-made, sulfate- and paraben-free body wash is packed with ingredients that are good for the skin. Many oils — including tea tree, oregano, eucalyptus, rosemary, peppermint, and camphor wood — are used in Being Natural’s products. The combination of natural oils is helpful in treating a variety of skin conditions, including eczema, athlete’s foot, acne, and dandruff.
Moreover, stem cells and collagen are added to Being Naturals’ body wash, which are clinically proven to prolong the life of skin cells and lessen the appearance of aging. Furthermore, Being Natural’s body wash’s all-natural and organic ingredients are suitable for all skin types.
The smell of tea tree oil in this body wash will make you think you’ve entered a posh spa. In reality, this product brings the spa to your shower. We think that this is a perfect choice if you want to feel pampered and spoiled.
Cremo’s All Season Body Wash has a natural woodsy aroma with overtones of lemon, blue cedar, and cypress. It has a wonderful mix of citrus and woodsy scents — which makes it feel high-end.
Luckily, that comes at a much lower cost that’s perfect for those looking for an effective body wash on a budget. Additionally, this product is packed full of antioxidants and skin-healthy vitamins that both nourish and moisturize the top layer of your skin.
We recommend this product for special occasions. The smell tends to linger and, for that reason, we think it’s ideal for a date night. In contrast, we’re not sure if this scent is too strong for a professional environment, so it might have to be an addition to your already-established skincare routine. All in all, we think Cremo provides a distinctive product with a fantastic aroma.
One of Dove’s newest products is a body wash with mango and almond butter — two ingredients with intense moisturizing properties. We think this choice is ideal for anyone struggling with dry skin.
In contrast to other body washes, this one has a warm, fruity aroma. Every time you use this body wash, a tropical beach will come to mind, making your shower more enjoyable.
Your skin will be well moisturized by the mango and almond butter after each wash. Additionally, as you continue to use this product, your skin will become soft to the touch. You’ll also have a radiant shine thanks to the increased boost in your collagen levels.
Dove says their solution is 98% biodegradable, which is fantastic for a drug store product. That means you can purchase this product with a clear conscience, knowing that you aren’t harming the environment. We recommend this product to anyone on a budget. With the two main moisturizing ingredients, you’ll notice plenty of benefits when using Dove’s product.
Another great body wash with a deep, woodsy aroma is Supreme Oak Body Wash by Bevel. Bevel provides online-only products that are unavailable in physical locations. Don’t worry, though, they have extensive return policies so that you can try their products for free.
During exfoliating, this product both cleanses and hydrates your skin. Bevel’s body wash is the answer you need if you have previously avoided exfoliating body washes since they left your skin feeling dry. The argan oil in this product keeps your skin looking healthy for a longer period of time. To our findings, argan oil is one of the best natural oils for hydrating on the market.
The aroma of this item is another distinctive feature. The natural scent of almonds and bourbon are both present in the supreme oak choice. Compared to the other products we tested, this was one of the most pleasing scents. This product would also be excellent for anyone who wants to avoid alternatives with flowery, fruity, or citrusy scents.
It is impossible to discuss natural body washes without mentioning Dr. Bronner’s product. For many years, Dr. Bronner’s organic soaps have dominated the US market — and for a good reason. Their organic sugar soap, in particular, has been around since 1948.
We recommend Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap if you’re trying to stay away from soaps that include synthetic detergents, preservatives, or foaming ingredients — like sulfates. To make the ideal body wash, Dr. Bronner’s combined coconut oil, organic white grape juice, jojoba oil, hemp oil, and olive oil. In addition to these all-natural ingredients, Dr. Bronner’s is dedicated to lowering plastic waste.
Dr. Bronner’s Organic Sugar Soap bottle is packed ethically and may be refilled rather than thrown away. Overall, this is an ideal choice for anyone who is environmentally conscious.
Yes, Burt’s Bees does make more than lip balm! Burt’s Bees’ Energizing Citrus and Ginger Body Wash is another one of the best natural body washes in 2023. In fact, we think it’s the perfect choice to start your morning with.
Burt’s Bees has a reputation for locating premium natural items. Like in all Burt’s Bees products, they use honey in this body wash as well. However, the scent is a bit different since they’ve mixed the energizing scents of ginger and citrus to stimulate your senses.
This body cleanser contains 97.8% organically sourced ingredients and is free of harmful parabens and unwelcome chemicals. Hence, this body wash can thoroughly clean your body without causing any skin irritation.
Ginger has many wonderful health benefits, such as increasing circulation and protecting your skin from harmful toxins in the air.
This Lavender Body Wash from Botanic Hearth is full of calming and soothing properties. That’s thanks to the strong concentration of lavender in the product.
Because of the strong concentration of lavender, Botanic Hearth has combined it with coconut oil, jojoba, and shea butter to create a product that is not entirely lavender-scented. Instead, this product has a rich smell of herbs, spices, and flowers. Additionally, Botanic Hearth uses 100% lavender oil, which is the highest quality lavender oil you can find. That way, you can receive all the benefits of the plant.
This product will undoubtedly help you relax and unwind after a demanding day. In fact, many people use lavender to aid in restful sleep — either as an essential oil or room fragrance. You’re probably familiar with the use of lavender oil in aromatherapy. With this body wash, you will enjoy the same advantages of aromatherapy without having to purchase essential oils.
Even though this product has a floral scent, it’s gender-neutral. Overall, we love how multi-functional this product is and how soothing it is. We recommend it for anyone who has a hard time relaxing.
We think that everyone may benefit from using The Dead Sea Collection’s body wash. It’s another natural body wash that comes in a gender-neutral fragrance.
Their goods are — as their name implies — influenced by the Dead Sea, a large naturally occurring salt sea that’s located in Jordan. In direct influence, this product uses coconut oil and minerals that are local to the area, such as magnesium and potassium.
Your skin will feel smooth and soft after using this product, thanks to the coconut oil. At the same time, the local minerals will exfoliate and bolster the nutrition in your skin. We really appreciated the aroma of coconut, and despite the fact that it is often modest, it is still pleasant and energizing. There is nothing as pungent as pine or spearmint. This body wash is perfect if you don’t like strong scents.
The 1000 mL bottle of this body wash is ideal if you need to share it with people in your home. We like its large size as it means you don’t have to purchase it as frequently.
Herbs, fruits, and vegetables are frequently thought of while considering natural products. Yet rock salt is one naturally occurring substance that many people overlook.
As a mechanical exfoliator, rock salt is excellent for eliminating dead skin cells and deep-cleaning the skin. It’s also an ingredient in our last choice, Nivea’s Men Deep Clean Body Wash. We think this product is perfect if you have any tough skin that needs to be removed.
Exfoliants are amazing for removing dirt, debris, or anything else that can stay on your skin, which is another fantastic feature. Generally, if you’re getting dirty, you’ll want to exfoliate more often.
The Himalayan salt’s small microbeads softly rub against your skin to scrub away any grime or dirt. Although this product is marketed for men, women who also need an effective exfoliant might benefit from using it. Overall, we recommend this product to anyone who is looking for an exfoliating body wash.
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.

Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer

Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: FleetScience.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 619-238-1233

An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Niwa.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m.
Phone: 619-232-2721

A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: TheOldGlobe.org
Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain
Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623

Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-234-8291

History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoHistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Phone: 619-232-6203

Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: JuniorTheatre.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-239-1311

This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SDNat.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer
Phone: 619-232-3821

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: WorldBeatCenter.org
Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 619-230-1190

Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
San Diego History Center | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way,
San Diego, CA 92101

Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101

A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with guided birding, storytelling, soul food, native planting and an African peace drum circle.
WorldBeat Cultural Center | 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205 | lagranterraza.com | @eatatusd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha

8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.

4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com