Partner Content NOVEMBER 15, 2024

2024 Private Dining Guide

Read on for our guide of where to go and how to get your party started.

2024 Private Dining Guide
SDM-PrivateDG-24_WebHeader


Whether it’s a quaint get-together amongst friends or a large-scale business gathering, private dining takes your special night and decks it out to the nines. Spoil yourself this holiday season by leaving your kitchen unscathed and letting the hospitality professionals do what they do best: take care of you, with expectational service and standards. Read on for our guide of where to go and how to get your party started.


Puesto

Puesto boasts several unique event venues throughout San Diego.

La Jolla
Headquarters
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Mission Valley

With several event venues in San Diego, Puesto offers spacious outdoor patios and stunning indoor spaces. At Puesto La Jolla, enjoy a newly redesigned restaurant interior and a lively outdoor deck. The Plancha Room is perfect for corporate dinners or celebrations of up to 50 guests, while a full indoor buyout, including the bar, can accommodate up to 95 guests for a reception-style fiesta. In Mission Valley, gatherings can range from cozy private dining rooms to family-style fiestas for 70 on the patio, with the restaurant capable of hosting up to 400 for unforgettable events. This location features two patios and two private indoor spaces, one with A/V capabilities, along with views of the iconic bar and award-winning brewery. At The Headquarters, choose between an intimate dinner in the Loft or a family-style fiesta for 45 in the Chor Boogie dining room. At Puesto, we believe every day should be a party!
eatpuesto.com

Features

La Jolla
1026 Wall Street, La Jolla, California 92037 | 858-454-1260 | eatpuesto.com/la-jolla-event-spaces/

  • A short walk to La Jolla Cove and nearby landmarks.
  • Newly redesigned event space featuring award-winning tacos.

Mission Valley
5010 Mission Center Road, San Diego, California 92108 | 619-333-2167 | eatpuesto.com/mission-valley-event-spaces/

  • Two private spaces plus a variety of semi-private options.
  • Near Hotel Circle lodging and easy freeway access.

Headquarters / Seaport
789 W Harbor Drive, Unit 155 San Diego, California 92101 | 619-233-8880 | eatpuesto.com/san-diego-event-spaces/

  • Near major downtown venues like Petco Park and the convention center.
  • Outdoor and perfect for hosting guests in San Diego’s warm weather.

Roy’s Restaurant

Roy’s brings the aloha spirit to San Diego’s waterfront.

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.

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.


333 West Harbor Drive, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-239-7697
roysrestaurant.com


Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina

The best private dining in San Diego with four unique restaurants.

Experience exceptional waterfront dining at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel & Marina, where four distinct restaurants offer extraordinary cuisine and customizable private dining options. Whether hosting an intimate dinner or a large celebration, each venue provides a unique atmosphere and unforgettable culinary experience tailored to your event.

Rumorosa: Dive into the bold and vibrant flavors of Baja cuisine, with an ambiance that captures the essence of San Diego’s laid-back vibe.

Brewery X: Satisfy your cravings with artisanal pizzas, juicy burgers, and fresh seafood dishes, all paired perfectly with our carefully crafted brews.

Sunglow: Nestled poolside with breathtaking views of the marina, Sunglow is the ultimate destination to enjoy refreshing, summer-inspired cocktails and fresh, seasonal dishes.

Bay Tower Lounge: Overlooking the iconic San Diego Bay, the Bay Tower Lounge offers handcrafted signature cocktails and a diverse menu designed to please every type of foodie.

Features

  • Four waterfront restaurants for private, semi-private, and buyout events.
  • Accommodates 10 to 300 guests for various event sizes.
  • Offers cocktail receptions, plated dinners, buffets, and station-style events.
  • Stunning waterfront views to elevate your event experience.
  • Customizable spaces tailored to your event’s unique needs.

1380 Harbor Island Drive, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-692-2774
rumorosasd.com/private-dining


STK Steakhouse

Celebrate in style and experience the ultimate in vibe dining events with STK!

STK Steakhouse offers stunning spaces and private event rooms for any occasion with a vibrant mix of stylish dining, lounge spaces, paired with signature menus and world-class service. Whether you are planning an intimate dinner party or blowout celebration, our dedicated special events team will take care of every detail and make it an event to remember.

Features

  • Open-aired atrium space.
  • Beautiful, outdoor patio.
  • Intimate, private dining room.
  • Semi-private mezzanine.
  • Holiday & celebration menus.

600 F Street, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-354-5988
stksteakhouse.com/private-events/


The Marine Room & Lounge

For over 80 years, The Marine Room has stood as a premier oceanfront dining destination, renowned for its breathtaking views and exceptional cuisine. Here, each occasion transforms into a memorable experience, allowing you to see the ocean in a whole new light. Dine amidst the waves and enjoy stunning panoramic vistas as the sun gracefully sinks into the shimmering waters. Our seasonal high-tide dinners provide a truly unique setting that elevates your dining experience. Whether you’re planning an intimate gathering or a grand celebration, our dedicated team is here to ensure every detail is tailored to perfection, making your event truly unforgettable.

Features

  • Décor elegance and charm, with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean serving as the backdrop.
  • Popular Dishes: Salmon Cornets, Caviar Service, Uni Santa Barbara.
  • Max capacity of 200 seated and 250 reception style for full restaurant buyout.
  • For intimate gatherings, 20–100 guests in semi-private dining rooms.

1950 Spindrift Drive, La Jolla, California 92037 | 858-459-7222
marineroom.com


The Shores Restaurant

Experience private dining seaside, where stunning ocean views meet fresh, sustainable California coastal-inspired cuisine. Enjoy curated cocktails and craft beers just steps from the sand in a range of unique event spaces. Choose between an intimate gathering or a larger celebration, our beachfront lawn, open-air patios, and private ocean-view Acapulco deck can accommodate groups of any size. Bring your loved ones together and create unforgettable memories at this beautiful seaside escape.

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.

8110 Camino Del Oro, La Jolla, California 92037 | 855-923-8058
theshoresrestaurant.com


Ciccia Osteria

Experience an intimate and authentic Italian dining experience at Ciccia Osteria in San Diego. Our private dining space is perfect for special occasions, offering personalized service, rustic decor, and a cozy atmosphere. Indulge in hand-crafted dishes made with the freshest ingredients. Whether it’s a family gathering, celebration, or corporate event, Ciccia Osteria ensures an unforgettable experience.

Features

  • Customizable menus featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
  • Dedicated private dining area with warm, rustic ambiance.
  • Attentive service tailored to your event’s specific needs.

2233 Logan Avenue, San Diego, California 92113 | 619-674-4069
cicciasandiego.com


Seasons Restaurant at Four Seasons Residence Club Aviara

Tucked away in the scenic hills of north county San Diego, Seasons Restaurant proudly celebrates seasonal flavors and locally-sourced ingredients. Choose your vibe: the intimate Chef’s Table, cozy Private Dining room, or breezy Outdoor Veranda. Our culinary creativity and personalized menus wow, but it’s the outstanding service and genuine connections that make every meal unforgettable.

Features

  • Private Dining Room: Ideal for intimate meetings and gatherings for up to 24 guests.
  • Veranda: Elegant patio fit for any celebration of up to 40 guests.
  • Restaurant: Buy-outs available, accommodating up to 97 guests.

7210 Blue Heron Place, Carlsbad, California 92011 | 760-603-3716
seasonsaviara.com


Juniper & Ivy

From intimate gatherings to blowout soirées, each of our private event spaces has been recently updated to create the ideal setting for your next celebration. Our private dining room, semi-private cubes, covered patio, and tented outdoor space are the perfect places to gather. Create a unique event and pair our edgy decor with customized, local menus and award-winning wines. It’s no wonder OpenTable ranked us amongst the Top 100 Restaurants in America for a Big Night Out!

Features

  • Customizable styling and menu planning.
  • Indoor and outdoor options.
  • Spaces for all events from intimate to corporate.

2228 Kettner Boulevard, San Diego, California 92101
General: 619-269-9036 | Events: 619-487-9627 juniperandivy.com


Marisi

From intimate gatherings to blowout soirées, each of our private event spaces has been recently updated to create the ideal setting for your next celebration. Our private dining room, semi-private cubes, covered patio, and tented outdoor space are the perfect places to gather. Create a unique event and pair our edgy decor with customized, local menus and award-winning wines. It’s no wonder OpenTable ranked us amongst the Top 100 Restaurants in America for a Big Night Out!

Features

  • In La Jolla Cove, a short walk to the beach.
  • Event spaces for intimate gatherings or sunny, breezy dinners.
  • Tasting menus highlight classics from La Jolla and the Amalfi Coast.

1044 Wall Street, La Jolla, California 92037 | 858-401-6787
marisilajolla.com


Roma Norte

Roma Norte, the newest venture from the expert beverage team behind Puesto and Marisi, draws inspiration from the vibrant cocktail culture of Mexico City’s Roma Norte neighborhood. It offers a technique-driven cocktail experience paired with light, refreshing Mexico City-style bites. The venue accommodates up to 75 guests for standing receptions, with seating for 40 at cocktail rounds and communal tables. Enjoy a custom events menu with tray-passed bites, cocktails, and lively music that reflects the vibrant atmosphere of Roma Norte.

Features

  • Close to major downtown venues like Petco Park and the convention center.
  • Book independently or add to an event booked at Puesto.
  • Lounge seating, moody lighting, and technique-driven cocktails.

789 West Harbor Drive, Suite 155, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-600-5535
romanorte.bar


Zest Wine Bistro

Zest Wine Bistro is the next-door sister restaurant to the ever-popular Giardino Neighborhood Cucina. It’s one of the most sought-after venues for private events, offering a chance to take over a restaurant for the night at an affordable price. From its beautiful, heated patio, to its cozy wine bar inside, guests will find comfortable spaces to gather with friends and family while enjoying celebrated food and gracious hospitality.

Features

  • Beautiful, affordable private & semi-private spaces for up to 54 guests.
  • Family-style or plated menus starting at just $35 per person.
  • Ideal al fresco setting for brunches, celebrations, showers and receptions.

8129 Broadway, Lemon Grove, California 91945 | [email protected]
zestwinebistro.com


Bencotto Italian Kitchen

Bencotto Italian Kitchen, located in the heart of Little Italy, offers the largest selection of fresh pastas in San Diego, crafting 1,000 pounds each week. With Milanese-inspired cuisine served in a chic ambiance, Bencotto is perfect for private gatherings. Reserve the mezzanine dining area for parties of up to 50 guests, ideal for special celebrations or meetings. Experience authentic Italian flavors in a kitchen that truly belongs to Italians, dedicated to delivering excellence in every dish.

Features

  • Olive Room: A private, intimate space for up to 15 guests, perfect for cozy gatherings, private meetings, or small celebrations.
  • Mezzanine Level: A spacious, private area for up to 50 guests, ideal for larger celebrations or events.

750 W Fir Street, San Diego, California 92101 | 619-450-4786
lovebencotto.com

 
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Studio S JUNE 8, 2026

Seven Restaurants, One Rising Star

Yes, Chef! winner Emily Brubaker leads the robust culinary program at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa

Seven Restaurants, One Rising Star
Courtesy of Omni La Costa

For Executive Chef Emily Brubaker, Omni La Costa Resort & Spa feels like home. She grew up just a mile-and-a-half away from the 400-acre property and fondly recalls walking the golf course perimeter as a kid. Though her ambitions led her away from San Diego for nearly two decades in which she honed her craft in some of the highest of high-profile Las Vegas restaurants—including triple Michelin-starred Joël Robuchon at MGM Grand—they ultimately brought her back to North County.

Courtesy of Omni La Costa

Today, the classically French-trained chef, who’s fresh off a victory on NBC’s Yes, Chef!, judged by Martha Stewart and José Andrés, oversees Omni La Costa Resort & Spa’s seven distinct dining concepts. Her goal is to elevate the resort’s culinary program with her creative, hyperlocal ingredient-driven approach while maintaining the Spanish- inspired flavors and fresh California coastal cuisine that are the bedrock of its culinary identity.

“The San Diego food scene is really growing, and in North County alone, it’s really exploded in the last five years,” Brubaker says. “There are Michelin stars, beautiful tasting menus, craft bakers, and all this food—when I was growing up in La Costa, it was fish tacos. Now there are really cool things popping up, and I’m so happy to be here to see where it’s going to go.”

Brubaker gives chefs de cuisine at each individual restaurant autonomy, however, her influence is evident across the resort.

For example, lobby restaurant Bar Traza serves as Omni La Costa’s culinary centerpiece and features bold Spanish flavors in a lively, social atmosphere. Brubaker overhauled the menu to be more consistent and centered on casual bites with that signature vibe. Think smoky paprika, vibrant citrus, and Spanish meats and cheeses.

At VUE, the focus is on seasonal offerings, California coastal cuisine, and Baja-inspired dishes. She and Chef de Cuisine Cameron Dixon change the menu biannually, which heading into summer, will highlight farm-fresh produce and hyperlocal ingredients—the resort even has its own herb garden and honeybee hives.

Courtesy of Omni La Costa

Poolside dining options are leaning into the country’s 250th this summer with a selection of classic American dishes with an Omni La Costa twist. And Bob’s Steak & Chop House (Brubaker is a trained butcher) offers a classic steakhouse experience with elevated service.

The chef and company also plan menus for special events at the resort where her creativity can really shine. For an upcoming National Ski Association dinner, the banquet hall will be transformed into an Alpine-themed winter wonderland complete with a snow machine, savory sausages, and melty, decadent raclette. A recent dinner was built around the Carlsbad Flower Fields and each course was matched to a color of ranunculus (Did you know pink dragonfruit are grown in North County? You do now.).

“It’s my zen to be in the kitchen playing with food,” Brubaker says.

Omni La Costa’s culinary program is a key part of the resort experience. And with Brubaker’s leadership, it’s becoming a draw for visitors and locals alike.

“These aren’t just hotel restaurants, these are restaurants that you should go to. They’re destinations, and I’m really hoping for the future that’s where we’re going,” Brubaker says.

Courtesy of Omni La Costa

Brubaker is also channeling her experience on Yes, Chef! into the culture at Omni La Costa—more emphasis on teamwork and collaboration, empowering her staff to share constructive critiques, and embracing different perspectives. Alongside her leadership role, Brubaker has become an advocate for mental health in the hospitality industry, serving as chief ambassador for the Burnt Chef Project and serves on the Board of Advisors for the Apex Culinary Program, where she mentors and develops future talent.

For more on Omni La Costa Resort & Spa and its dining program, please visit omnihotels.com/hotels/san-diego-la-costa.

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.

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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

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Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium

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

Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium
20260430SD_Mag_Christian_HappyMedium003

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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