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Partner Content OCTOBER 6, 2023

2023 Private Dining Guide

From impressive company soirees to intimate family gatherings, sometimes you need some professional flair to make your special event truly sing.

2023 Private Dining Guide
people-meeting-family-reunion

From impressive company soirees to intimate family gatherings, sometimes you need some professional flair to make your special event truly sing. Private dining pushes the envelope with exceptional service, and we have your go-to guide for all things dining outside the home. Leave the dishes in the cupboard and spoil yourself with these hospitality pros who will take the reins of your hyped occasion and take it to the level it deserves. Read on for all the styles and spaces that aim to give you the top-drawer treatment, just in time for the holidays.

La Puerta

Mission Hills

4021 Goldfinch Street  San Diego, California 92103

Dine under our beautiful plant walls and disco balls at La Puerta in Mission Hills. For larger events, our private event space can hold up to 200 people. Our back room accommodates up to 50 people, making it a great space for birthdays, bachelorettes, baby showers, rehearsal dinners, meetings, or just a fun night out. A back room buy out can include either a seated meal or a serve-yourself taco and quesadilla bar and tray-passed appetizers. We also offer event coordination and customizable set food and beverage menus to help you plan the perfect event.

See the menu: LaPuertaSD.com

Features 

  • Open daily for lunch and dinner, and serving weekend brunch 
  • Space for seated- or cocktail-style events 
  • Space for private and semiprivate fiestas 
  • Excellent menu offerings and award-winning margaritas 
  • Centrally located, with close proximity to downtown, Old Town, and Mission Valley lodging

Piper

105 Mission Avenue Oceanside, California 92054

Located at The Seabird Resort in Oceanside is Piper’s garden-to-table dining room, steps away from the beach. Helmed by Chef Chris Carriker, Piper’s menu is a garden-to-table selection boasting seasonal ingredients and fresh takes on classic dishes from morning to night. With a bright and open dining room complete with flexible seating options, Piper offers unique private and -semiprivate dining spaces perfect for birthdays, team meals, reunions, bridal showers, corporate team retreats, or large family gatherings! Private parties can take advantage of Piper’s alfresco outdoor patio experience or indoor banquet table for a unique dining experience with their group, as well. 

Menu & Reservations: PiperOceanside.com | 760-512-3816

Features

  • Outdoor patio table that can host up to 20 guests
  • Indoor banquet table that can host up to 12 guests
  • Full dining room that can host up to 130 guests
  • Close access to resort amenities, including a spa
  • Ability to customize culinary and beverage offerings

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

5921 Valencia Circle Rancho Santa Fe, California 92067

Far from ordinary, simply perfect. Rancho Valencia is a renowned and favored destination in north San Diego County, with a variety of stunning indoor and outdoor dining and event venues—from our sumptuous Terrace Room and Wine Cave to our airy and lush outdoor garden locations, our individually designed private spaces provide the perfect backdrop for parties and events of all sizes.

Book your next private party or retreat at Rancho Valencia, and enjoy the exceptional 5-star service and luxury your event deserves. Rancho Valencia’s inspiring, romantic, and unique event and dining space opens through windowed doors to spacious outdoor patios and terraces surrounded by verdant foliage.  Let Rancho Valencia curate your perfect private event.

Reservations: [email protected] | 858-759-6259 | RanchoValencia.com

Features 

  • Forbes 5-Star rated resort and spa providing exceptional service across our 45-acre Spanish Colonial hacienda-inspired enclave
  • Local and sustainably sourced Coastal Ranch cuisine with customized private dining menus
  • Multiple private and semi-private spaces for groups of 10 to 500
  • Dedicated private dining director to help plan your perfect event
  • Provides privacy and exclusivity for parties of any size

Roy’s Restaurant

333 West Harbor Drive San Diego, California 92101

Situated on the grounds of the Marriott Marquis, Roy’s San Diego offers sweeping views of the marina and San Diego Bay. From our intimate wine room to our breezy outdoor lanai to full restaurant buyouts, we have the perfect space for your next event. 

Our seasonally inspired menu is an artful fusion of bold Asian flavors and classic French preparations, brought together to create Roy Yamaguchi’s signature Hawaiian Fusion cuisine. Enjoy one of our signature tropical cocktails or allow us to craft a custom cocktail just for your guests. Complete your dining experience with a selection from our expansive wine list. 

For an event they’ll rave about, we invite you to experience Roy’s San Diego. 

Menu & Reservations: RoysRestaurant.com | 619-239-7697

Features 

  • Open daily for lunch and dinner
  • Multiple private and semiprivate spaces for groups of 10 to 500
  • Dedicated private dining director to help plan your perfect event
  • Custom menus and cocktails available
  • State-of-the-art audio-visual equipment

STK Steakhouse

600 F Street San Diego, California 92101

STK Steakhouse San Diego artfully blends the modern steakhouse and chic lounge into one, offering a dynamic fine dining experience with the superior quality of a traditional steakhouse. Located in the Andaz Hotel in San Diego’s Gaslamp Quarter, the restaurant offers brunch, dinner, and happy hour with an unparalleled selection of steak, salads, and other entrees. The social dining experience is enhanced by an in-house DJ on Fridays and Saturdays creating an infectious, high-energy vibe. The menu features reimagined classic American cuisine with signature dishes and innovative cocktails, like the Cucumber Stiletto featuring Grey Goose citron vodka, St-Germain, muddled cucumber, and mint. As anticipated, steak is the main attraction. STK’s one of a kind, curated experience offers a variety of cuts like filet, New York strip, Tomahawk, Wagyu, and cowgirl rib-eye. Outstanding poultry and fish entrées are also available plus signature items including Parmesan truffle fries, Lil’ BRGs, tuna tartare, and sweet corn pudding.

Menu & Reservations: STKsteakhouse.com/private-events | 619-354-5988

Features 

  • Tempest Storm & Candy Bar: Intimate private dining spaces for up to 36 guests
  • Blaze Starr: Private, open-air atrium for up to 60 guests 
  • Mezzanine: Lively, semiprivate second floor space 
  • Outdoor Patio: Outdoor experience that is perfect for a cocktail reception
  • Main Dining: Ideal for large parties and seated dinners

Cardellino Italian Chophouse

4033 Goldfinch Street,  San Diego, California 92103

Cardellino’s warm and welcoming private dining room boasts one long, communal table that  seats up to 16 of your friends and family, alongside a suite of audio and visual equipment. In the kitchen, Chef Brad Wise blends cuisines and traditions—a Midwest chophouse with an Italian trattoria—to serve wood-grilled steaks, handmade pastas, and seasonal antipasti and sides meant to please a crowd. 

Menu & Reservations: CardellinoSD.com/private-events | 858-769-3539

Features

  • Fully private dining room seats up to 16 guests
  • Customized food and beverage menus 
  • Personalized event planner

Rare Society

330 S Cedros Avenue,  Solana Beach, California 92075

Invoking the lore of Rat Pack gatherings and raucous Sinatra dinner parties, Rare Society’s private dining room holds 24 friends across two tables. Opulent yet approachable, the tucked-away space boasts a gold-paneled ceiling, a black marble bar, oversized velvet chairs and state-of-the-art presentation technology. Feast on a custom menu of steakhouse classics grilled over the flame, while a full-service bar and wine cellar keeps the party going well into the night.

Menu & Reservations: RareSociety.com/private-dining | 858-769-3539

Features

  • Fully private dining room that seats up to 24 guests
  • Customized food and beverage menus 
  • Personalized event planner

The Marine Room

2000 Spindrift Drive La Jolla, CA 92037

San Diego’s iconic Marine Room pairs dramatic views with carefully crafted plates. From intimate group gatherings to large receptions, The Marine Room accents events with a masterful Coastal California menu, combining the region’s freshest ingredients with innovative culinary flair. Plan inspired gatherings at a landmark destination where an oceanfront setting and seafood-centric offerings set the tone for an unforgettable event.

Menu & Reservations: MarineRoom.com | 858-459-7222

Features

  • Private and semiprivate spaces that accommodate 12 to 200 people
  • Curated and customized menus by the award-winning culinary team
  • Polished service for lunch or dinner from seasoned staff

The Shores Restaurant

8110 Camino Del Oro La Jolla, CA 92037

Step into a SoCal paradise at La Jolla Shores Hotel and Restaurant where jaw-dropping ocean views are paired with fresh and sustainable Baja-inspired cuisine. Sip curated cocktails and craft beers just steps from the sand at a variety of unique event spaces. Groups of any size can be accommodated on the new beachfront lawn, open-air patios or the private, ocean view Acapulco deck. Bring the whole gang and make memories at this seaside escape.

Menu & Reservations: TheShoresRestaurant.com | 858-456-0600

Features

  • Private indoor and outdoor venues from 40-300 guests
  • Event coordination from our friendly and experienced catering team
  • Customized and creative menus to accommodate all event types

Bali Hai Restaurant

2230 Shelter Island Drive,  San Diego, California 92106

The Bali Hai Restaurant has been a favorite event venue in San Diego for 70 years. The spectacular view of San Diego Bay and the downtown skyline make it the perfect location for all private events. The versatile spaces provide accommodations for festivities of any type or size. Whether you’re planning a wedding, class reunion, birthday, anniversary, rehearsal dinner, celebration of life, fundraiser, business meeting, or corporate event, the Bali Hai provides an incredible canvas for moments that will last a lifetime. Offering extensive food and drink packages, from a luau buffet menu, plated meal service, or a private brunch buffet, we have many options available with friendly, efficient, and experienced staff on-site to assist in making your private dining experience one to remember. 

Menu & Reservations: BaliHaiRestaurant.com | 619-222-1181

Features

  • Three private spaces to accommodate parties from 30 to 300 guests 
  • Free parking for all restaurant and event guests and access to our private dock for boat arrivals and departures
  • A variety of plated and buffet menus available

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse

2150 Harbor Island Drive,  San Diego, California 92101

Tom Ham’s Lighthouse, a San Diego landmark on Harbor Island, has been a destination for memorable events for decades. Featuring breathtaking views of the San Diego Bay, Coronado Bridge, and downtown skyline, Tom Ham’s has the perfect backdrop for any type of private dining experience. Offering guests three different private event spaces, both indoor and outdoor, for groups of 15 to 200 guests. This venue has been the go-to location for corporate luncheons, holiday parties, birthdays, weddings, private Champagne brunches, and so much more. 

Menu & Reservations: TomHamsLighthouse.com | 619-291-9110

Book a venue tour: [email protected]

Features

  • Three private indoor and outdoor spaces accommodating parties from 15 to 240 guests with free parking available 
  • Corporate event amenities including black-out shades, podium, mic and speaker, and more 
  • A variety of plated or buffet menus available

Understory Bar

12841 El Camino Real, Suite 209-210 San Diego, California 92130

Understory is a high-end central cocktail bar that exudes elegance and sophistication. Nestled within a bustling food court, it offers a unique and luxurious experience for the discerning palate. Patrons can enjoy a wide range of handcrafted cocktails expertly prepared by talented mixologists, while indulging in delectable dishes from nine top-class restaurants within the same food court. With its stylish decor, ambient lighting, and an extensive menu spanning various cuisines, Understory is the perfect destination to unwind, socialize, and savor the finest flavors in town.

Menu & Reservations: UnderstoryBar.com | 858-205-9604

Features

  • Complete or partial buyouts for parties of 20 to 150 people
  • Private tastings and mixology classes with a cocktail-paired tasting menu
  • Customizable events with one-on-one event planning
  • Available for off-site parties—We’ll bring Understory to YOU with curated cocktail experiences delivered

Bronze Bird

910 Broadway Circle, San Diego, California 92101

BRONZE BIRD FOOD WINE & SPIRITS channels a contemporary San Diego vibe with urban-coastal décor, seasonal So-Cal cuisine, and craft drinks. The spacious private dining room offers versatile seating options and an adjoining patio. 

Menu & Reservations: BronzeBirdSD.com  

Features

  • Private dining room capacity for 36 people seated or 80 reception style
  • On-site valet parking available  

Barrel and Board Social

1027 University Avenue, San Diego, California 92103

Slip into Hillcrest’s candlelit hot spot for chef-inspired sharable boards, craft cocktails, and sparkling chandeliers. We specialize in offering woman-forward and POC wine and spirits for something intimate or something eventful.

Reservations & Menu: BarrelAndBoardSD.com

Features

  • Parisian Speakeasy with dripping candles, chandeliers, and gorgeous grazing charcuterie boards
  • Restaurant has outdoor patios with fireplace, private bars with speakeasy access

 

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Studio S JUNE 15, 2026

A Modern Take on Steak

Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado

A Modern Take on Steak
Courtesy of Stake Chophouse

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.”

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 10, 2026

New Options for GLP-1 Users

Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results

New Options for GLP-1 Users
Courtesy of Scripps Health

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.

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 5, 2026

Beautiful Balboa Park: Nine Ways to See the City’s Crown Jewel in a New Light

San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.

Beautiful Balboa Park: Nine Ways to See the City’s Crown Jewel in a New Light
Magical San Diego’s Balboa Park at twilight in San Diego California USA

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.

16 Museums, One Pass

Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).

Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.

BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer 

Fleet Science Center

Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.

Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: FleetScience.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 619-238-1233

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum

An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.

Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Niwa.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m.
Phone: 619-232-2721

The Old Globe

A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. 

This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.

Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: TheOldGlobe.org
Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain
Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623

San Diego Air & Space Museum

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

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-234-8291

San Diego History Center

History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.

By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.

Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoHistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Phone: 619-232-6203

San Diego Junior Theatre

Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre. 

Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.

Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: JuniorTheatre.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-239-1311

San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)

This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.

But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.

Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SDNat.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer
Phone: 619-232-3821

WorldBeat Cultural Center

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.

Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: WorldBeatCenter.org
Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 619-230-1190


Event Calendar

Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

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

San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

Throughout 2026: San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods

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

June –Aug: The 2026 Shakespeare Festival

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

The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way,
San Diego, CA 92101

June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps

Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.

San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101  

June 14, July 12, Aug 9: Brunch at The Nat


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

June 21: Harriet Tubman Freedom Bird Walk

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

Aug 7-8: Toro Nagashi Festival

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.

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 4, 2026

Tastemakers 2026: La Gran Terraza

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: La Gran Terraza
SDM Tastemakers 2025 (All)

Marbi Becerra, Chef de Cuisine

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.

Try This!

Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri

La Gran Terraza

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205  |  lagranterraza.com  |  @eatatusd

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 4, 2026

Tastemakers 2026: Labora Cafe

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: Labora Cafe
SDM: Tastemakers 2026

Lauren Thiemthath & Bao Doan, Owners

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.

Try This!

Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha

Labora Café

8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd

Partner Content
Partner Content JUNE 4, 2026

Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium
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Christian Siglin, Bartender & Owner

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.

Try This!

Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.

Happy Medium

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

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1230 Columbia Street, Suite 800,

San Diego, CA