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We’ve picked out the most timeless scents, so whichever one you choose, you can be confident that it will always smell good.
Sponsored Content Provided by Machines Agency
A man’s cologne can say a lot about who he is. It can let people know that he is sexy or playful, powerful or sophisticated. A fine cologne can give you an instant confidence boost and allow you to feel your best. However, the wrong one can ruin your whole image.
With so many options on the market, how do you choose the best smelling cologne for you?
Look no further than this list of the 37 best smelling colognes of 2023. We’ve picked out the most timeless scents, so whichever one you choose, you can be confident that it will always smell good.
Whether you’re looking for a new signature scent or just want to try something different, we’ve got you covered. And once you find the cologne that smells great on you, it can make you feel invincible.
Keep reading to find your newest signature scent on our list of the 37 best smelling colognes of 2023. Once you’re done, pick up a bottle of your favorite cologne from this list and embrace your newfound confidence.
Blu Atlas
For those who prefer to smell like a million bucks, Atlantis Eau de Parfum by Blu Atlas is the top choice on our list. It is masterfully crafted with fresh, citrusy top notes, a fruity and floral body, and sweet, musky base notes.
This unique fragrance speaks of both adventure and sophistication. It will accentuate your bright perspective and quiet confidence. Whether in an important meeting or on an exciting date, Atlantis is the cologne that will do most of the talking for you.
It creates an attractive allure, emphasizes your inner peace, and will tap into your success. Formulated without parabens or phthalates, this cologne will help you look and feel your absolute best.
Tobacco Vanille by Tom Ford is a rich and captivating fragrance that is formulated to make you feel confident and powerful.
This classic cologne features notes of tobacco leaf, vanilla, ginger, and other warm and spicy scents to create a seductive and masculine scent. Tobacco Vanille is the perfect scent whether you’re dressing up or dressing down, and is sure to be a crowd favorite.
Savage Eau de Parfum by Dior is for the man who wants to unleash his wild side. This cologne is composed of key notes of bergamot, vanilla and nutmeg to create a uniquely alluring fragrance that is ideal for any man who wants to smell irresistible. In addition to the amazing scent, the bottle is simple yet luxurious, with each detail carefully considered. This would be the perfect gift for the man who wants to make a statement.
Fulton & Roark’s Blue Ridge Solid Cologne is a long-lasting, subtly masculine fragrance that might just be your new signature scent.
This solid cologne has a blend of sandalwood, sage and amber, which creates a warm and woody scent that is familiar while still being intriguing. To use the solid cologne bar, warm it up between your fingers and then rub the bar onto your neck. The Blue Ridge Solid Cologne is more subtle than a liquid cologne, and provides a lingering, steady scent. This cologne ensures you will smell good all day long without being overpowering.
Step into the luxurious, captivating world of Maison Margiela with Replica By the Fireplace. This fragrance is warm and sweet, with notes of clove oil, chestnut accord and vanilla combining to create a signature warmth and coziness remnant of a crackling hearth during the holiday season. The orange flower adds a touch of brightness, while the alluring aroma of vanilla keeps you coming back for more. Try Replica By the Fireplace to bring the comfort of home anywhere you go.
Silver Birch & Lavender Cologne is the latest addition to the Jo Malone London collection. Woody and aromatic, this cologne is perfect for men who want a fresh, stimulating scent that’s perfect for any occasion. The top note of grapefruit provides an invigorating opener, while the middle note of English lavender offers a soothing effect. The base note of silver birch provides the fragrance with a lasting woody aroma that is sure to please any man, as well as those around him. Wear alone or layer with another cologne for a truly individual scent.
Luna Rossa Carbon by Prada is a seductive, masculine fragrance that is inspired by the marriage of nature and technology. The fragrance family is earthy and woody, with key notes of lavender, Italian bergamot and ambroxan. These ingredients are combined in a steel-distilled botanical mix that creates a modern, distinctive blend you will fall in love with. This is the perfect scent for a man looking for a classical warm scent.
The Manscaped Refined Cologne will make you feel irresistible. This fresh-smelling fragrance was designed specifically for the refined gentleman. Formulated with top notes of light citrus and sambac jasmine, heart notes of vetiver and light woods, and deep and woodsy base notes, this cologne embodies masculinity and refinement. Whether you’re heading to the office or out on a date, this captivating cologne is sure to make a lasting impression.
Discipline Sport Pour Homme Discovery by Ron Dorff is a scent for the modern man who wants to feel fresh and woodsy. It’s based on a blend of crisp citrus to awaken your senses, combined with Nordic pine for a signature smell.
Base notes of violet leaves and lentiscus absolute, heart notes of sandalwood, vetiver and cedarwood, and top notes of bergamot, lemon zest, watermint and cardamom come together to create magic. Whether you’re at the gym or are just going about your day, this scent will keep you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Peter Millar Men’s Crown Sport Eau de Parfum is the perfect daytime cologne for the modern man. This memorable scent is perfect for the man who wants to make a statement without going over the top. This cologne is formulated with a combination of cold-pressed bergamot, warm amber and resinous cedar. This scent is a classic that any man will love.
Stetson Original Cologne will give you an untamed and earthy experience. This cologne begins with top notes of sage and citrus; moves into heart notes of vetiver, cedar and patchouli; and finishes with base notes of musk, honey, vanilla and amber.
In time, its warmth and depth emerge, making it perfect for men who enjoy western culture and all the good things in life. With rugged individualism at its core, this scent embodies American culture and the western spirit. Wear it with pride and let its bold masculinity stir your senses.
Powerful Blue by Lacoste is a bold and fresh fragrance that will keep you feeling cool all day long. This masculine scent features top notes of watery fruits, pink grapefruit and crushed leaves; heart notes of clary sage, orange flower and pure air accord; and base notes of amber woods, patchouli and oakmoss. Wear it whenever you need an aquatic coolness that will make you feel powerful and unstoppable.
Fog by Henry Rose is the perfect fragrance for anyone who wants to feel refreshed and invigorated. This light, woodsy scent is suitable for both men and women and is great for daytime wear. This cologne begins with top notes of muguet and fresh citrus, moves on to heart notes of white woods and magnolia, and finishes with vetiver, sandalwood, musk and amber woods, leaving a perfectly balanced soft musk scent. Whether you’re at work or out on the town, Fog will keep you feeling cool and collected all day long.
Gentlemen Only by Givenchy is an intense woody fragrance that is perfect for the modern man. This woody blend is infused with top notes of green mandarin, pink pepper, nutmeg and birch leaf; heart notes of cedarwood, vetiver and heart of patchouli; and base notes of skin accord that capture the essence of today’s man. Wear it with confidence – it’s perfect for any occasion.
Gentlemen Only by Givenchy was designed to embody the modern and classic attitude of the house of Givenchy, so this cologne is sure to stand the test of time.
Hypnotizing Fire by The Harmonist is a seductive fragrance that anyone will find irresistible. Top notes of pepper tree, pimento, berries and cloves; heart notes of Bulgarian rose, patchouli and pimento berries; and base notes of vanilla come together to create a mysterious scent. Warm and alluring, this cologne is enhanced by an enchanting yin scent that will invigorate the wearer.
H24 by Hermes is an invigorating and sensual cologne that is perfect for the contemporary man who wants to feel fresh and energetic all day long. This alluring scent features top notes of lively sage, electrifying narcissus and invigorating rosewood, combined with a warm, metallic note of sclarene for a truly unique aroma.
H24 by Hermes is a timeless scent that is perfect for any man who wants to express both his natural side and his modern sensibilities. Whether you’re heading to work in the morning or out for a night on the town, this sensual scent is suitable for any occasion.
Versace Eros for Men is a fragrance that will never go out of style. This masculine scent is tailored for the powerful man who wants to feel his best. It provides bold intensity, making it ideal for the passionate man. The cool spices and alluring aromas will envelop you in a cloud of sensuality, while mint leaves and orange blossom give it a crisp edge. With allusions to Eros, the god of love, this cologne is perfect for date night or any time you want to feel confident.
Black Tie Eau de Parfum by Celine is an elegant and classic scent that will make anyone feel confident and attractive. Its seductive blend of vanilla, cedar and tree moss is both masculine and feminine, making it a perfect androgynous composition. Whether you’re dressing up for a special event or just want to feel confident and in control, this fragrance will work for you.
Bleu de Chanel is a woody, aromatic fragrance that is ideal for the man who defies convention. This blend of citrus and woods awakens the senses with its fresh, clean, sensual scent. Apply generously and enjoy a classic scent with the power of an aromatic accord and the warm woody whisper of dry cedarwood and New Caledonian sandalwood, resulting in a sensation of strength and elegance.
Gucci Guilty is a blend of old and new, making it a cologne that will stand the test of time. This woody, aromatic and spicy scent features top notes of fresh rose accord and hot chili pepper, heart notes of orange blossom and french lavender, and base notes of patchouli. If you’re looking for a scent that’s unique and unforgettable, Gucci Guilty Pour Homme is worth trying.
Mr. Burberry Eau de Toilette captures the essence of London sophistication. This cologne is perfect for the modern man who wants to feel classic and contemporary at the same time. Featuring fresh top notes of crisp, zesty grapefruit cut with a seductive base of earthy vetiver and smokey guaiac wood, Mr. Burberry is for the modern gentleman who wants to feel confident and stylish all day long. Let Mr. Burberry take your style up a notch. Confidence never smelled so good!
Explorer Eau de Parfum by Montblanc is an unconventional woody leather scent. This fragrance is ideal for men who want to portray a sense of power and masculinity. The key notes of bergamot, vetiver and patchouli create a fresh and powerful sensation. The distinctive scent of Explorer Eau de Parfum by Montblanc is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Dylan Perfume by Rosie Jane is the perfect unisex fragrance for anyone who wants to feel brave and carefree. The key notes of cedar, frankincense and musk are perfectly combined in an earthy and warm woody scent. The harmonious blend of masculine and feminine notes makes this perfume suitable for everyone.
Man by Jimmy Choo is a powerfully fresh and modern fragrance for the confident and refined man. This scent features notes of lavender, honeydew melon, pineapple leaf, pink pepper, patchouli and suede, which blend to create a sophisticated scent. This cologne is aimed at the confident man who wants to feel his best.
Pi by Givenchy is a sensual, masculine scent with a touch of adventure that is perfect for the modern man. Givenchy describes this scent as celebrating what makes a man seductive – his intelligence, courage and contributions.
Top notes of mandarin orange and tarragon are fused with middle notes of neroli and geranium to create an unforgettable aroma. Base notes of vanilla, almond and tonka bean provide a seductive finish that will linger and ensure this cologne is unforgettable. Pi by Givenchy is perfect for the modern man out on the town.
Defy by Calvin Klein is a daring masculine scent for the modern man who wants to break boundaries and explore truths. This cologne is a contrast of invigorating freshness and powerful woods, making it perfect for anyone who wants to make an impression. The top notes are bergamot and lavender, the middle note is vetiver, and the base note is amber. These combine to create a powerful fragrance that is fresh and addictive and has become a beloved and timeless scent.
The One for Men by Dolce & Gabbana is a charismatic, seductive, sophisticated fragrance that will make any man feel powerful. This spicy fragrance has top notes of grapefruit, coriander and basil; heart notes of cardamom and ginger; and base notes of tobacco, amber and cedarwood. Whether you’re looking to make an impression at your next business meeting or woo someone special on a date night, The One for Men is sure to leave them spellbound.
X Masculine Edition by Clive Christian is a spicy, woody scent for both men and women. This distinctive perfume is created by base notes of vetiver, heart notes of orris and top notes of cardamom. Unusually, the top and base notes are reversed to create a complex scent that is like no other. This long-lasting scent is something you will enjoy wearing all day long.
Histoires de Parfums 1828 is a woodsy and citrusy fragrance that will invigorate your senses. The top notes of grapefruit, citrus and tangerine are refreshingly bright, while the heart notes of nutmeg and pepper give this cologne a touch of spiciness. The base notes of cedar, incense, vetiver and pinecone create an earthy scent that will suit any man. Whether you’re dressing up for a party or are just enjoying a relaxing day at home, this captivating fragrance is perfect for any occasion.
Cowboy Grass by D.S. & Durga is a woody aromatic fragrance for men that features notes of Haiti vetiver, white sage and clary sage. It’s perfect for the man who wants to smell like he just rode in from the wild western territories. The top notes of rosewood, wild thyme and bergamot are sure to please, while the heart notes of sagebrush, basil and rose otto add a touch of elegance. The rugged scent is completed by base notes of vetiver, grass and ambergris.
Illusione for Him by Bottega Veneta is a masculine fragrance that is both fresh and aromatic. With top notes of lemon essence, middle notes of cedarwood, and base notes of tonka bean, this scent is perfect for any man who wants to feel confident and sexy.
The top notes are refreshing and invigorating, while the base notes provide a sensual and seductive finish. Whether you’re heading to a business meeting or out on a date night, this cologne is sure to make you feel confident and masculine. Spray it on and let the compliments roll in.
Creed Aventus is a fragrance inspired by the dramatic life of a historic emperor. Celebrating strength, power and success, this scent is aimed at anyone who wants to feel like a king or queen.
With top notes of pineapple, bergamot, blackcurrant leaves and apple; middle notes of birch, pink berries, patchouli and jasmine; and base notes of ambergris, sandalwood, oakmoss and vanilla, Aventus is sure to make you feel powerful and unforgettable. Thanks to Creed’s unique infusion process, which uses only the highest-quality ingredients, each fragrance is truly one of a kind.
Invictus Victory by Paco Rabanne is a unique fragrance that will keep you feeling fresh and sensual all day long. This scent is intense, with cool spices and fresh lemon notes that provide a boost of energy. The lavender and tonka bean notes add depth and richness, making this scent perfect for all-day wear.
Uomo Born in Roma is an alluring masculine fragrance that will have you feeling confident and in control. This fragrance is made of top notes of violet leaf, ginger essence and cedar essence; middle notes of lavender and peppermint; and base notes of vetiver, agalwood and guaiac wood. Uomo Born in Roma by Valentino is ideal for the modern man who wants to feel powerful and sophisticated.
Create an electric vibe with Brit Rhythm by Burberry. This iconic fragrance evokes the exhilaration and adrenalin of live music and the electric energy of the crowd. The scent mixes high-voltage notes of fresh basil verbena, spicy cardamom and a shot of juniper berries with black leather, patchouli and cedarwood for a sexy scent that will suit any man who enjoys life in the fast lane.
Ralph’s Club Eau de Parfum by Ralph Lauren is an earthy and woody cologne for men. It opens with fresh notes of patchouli and clary sage, which are balanced by cedarwood and vetiver to achieve a long-lasting, sensual woody fragrance. Exclusively crafted ingredients are distilled to their optimal quality, with an exceptionally high level of naturality. This authentic men’s fragrance captures the greatest night of your life in a scent that pushes the boundaries of sensuality.
Rounding out our list of the 37 best smelling colognes of 2023 is Bad Boy Eau de Toilette by Carolina Herrera.
Bad Boy is seductive and captivating, with the intensity and power of a lightning bolt. This bold fragrance combines notes of black pepper and white pepper with the citric vibrancy of Italian green bergamot. Whether you’re going out on the town or staying in for a romantic night, Bad Boy is sure to please.
Now that you recognize the power of cologne, it’s time to pick one up and start smelling good.
Cologne can give you confidence and make you feel more powerful. With all of these benefits, it’s no wonder that finding the right cologne is so important. That’s why we’ve put together this list of the best smelling colognes of all time – 37 in total. We’ve picked the most timeless scents out there, so whichever one you choose, you can be confident that it will always smell good.
Whether you are looking for a new scent or just want to know what others think is the best, we’ve got you covered. So go ahead and pick one (or several) of these scents to boost your confidence.
Best Colognes of 2022.jpg
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The San Diego home remodeling company works on full homes, kitchens, bathrooms, home additions, ADUs, garages, landscapes, and hardscapes.
Most homeowners want two things before they commit to a remodel: a realistic sense of cost and a clear picture of what the finished space will look like. Milan Design + Build helps deliver both through its online remodeling estimator and personalized design consultations, supported by a showroom experience and 3D renderings.
“The online estimate gives homeowners a starting number in about a minute, and the showroom and 3D renderings let them see materials and layouts before anything is built,” says David Noriani, CEO of Milan Design + Build. “Keeping design, permits, and construction with one team helps us manage expectations and keep everyone working toward the same vision.”

Modern design is a particular focus for Milan, with an emphasis on clean lines, natural light, functional layouts, and carefully selected materials. The team adapts each design to the homeowner’s lifestyle and the character of the property. Milan Design + Build combines thoughtful design with construction expertise, creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful.
The online estimator covers kitchen remodels, bathroom renovations, full-home remodels, and ADU construction. At Milan’s showroom on Carroll Road, visitors can review real materials, finishes, and design options, meet the design-build team, and discuss project scope, budget, and timing. Consultations can also be held virtually for homeowners who prefer to start remotely.
At Milan Design + Build, one integrated team works on the entire project. Design and construction aren’t divided between separate firms. The process begins with a consultation and feasibility review, followed by design, space planning, and 3D renderings developed from detailed measurements and digital scans. The team also coordinates architectural plans, structural engineering, city approvals, and material selection, with construction overseen by a dedicated project manager.
Homeowners can explore their remodeling options, get an initial estimate, or request a design consultation at MilanBuild.com.

The Campaign for La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) will fuel scientific innovation and medical advances
La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) is going public with a bold bet: a $55 million campaign to propel medical research into a new era. The Campaign for LJI will fuel discovery, empower scientific innovation, and expand the impact of immunology on human health.
The Institute quietly kicked things off in 2023, guided by its Board, campaign volunteers, and early believers. Nearly 80% of the $55 million goal is already in hand. Now LJI is opening the doors and inviting the whole community to carry their visions across the finish line and back discoveries that change how LJI researchers understand, treat, and prevent disease.
And there’s a bonus. To mark the public launch, LJI Board member and Campaign Honorary Chair Anthony R. Carr is offering a special matching gift so new donors can double their impact. Full details are here.
Immunology has already rewritten human history. Advances in immune science helped wipe out smallpox, pushed polio to the brink of elimination, and revolutionized how we prevent and treat infectious disease. Today, immune-based therapies are opening doors for patients with cancer, autoimmune disorders, and other serious illnesses once considered untreatable.
For nearly four decades, LJI scientists have stood on the front lines, driven by one insight: the immune system shapes disease in virtually every organ in the body. By decoding how the immune system works and how to harness it to prevent and treat disease, LJI researchers are chasing the Institute’s ultimate mission: Life Without Disease®.
To make that mission real, the Institute pairs world-class scientists with cutting-edge technology, speeding up breakthroughs and turning discoveries into transformative new therapies that ease suffering worldwide.
The Campaign for LJI supercharges that momentum, uniting the vision of the Institute’s scientists with a community that believes in research. Focused on advancing LJI’s most promising areas of study, the campaign aims to help build a future free from the burden of disease, a goal that demands bold ideas, lasting partnerships, and generous philanthropic support.
The Campaign for LJI will advance research across three critical pillars:
1. President’s Priority Fund. Flexible, unrestricted dollars let big ideas move now, not later. Scientists can launch high-risk, high-reward projects, bring experts together across disciplines, build transformative technologies, and train tomorrow’s scientific leaders.
2. Center for Sex-Based Differences in the Immune System. Male and female immune systems don’t respond the same way, and LJI researchers are tracing the fundamental differences down to individual cells and molecular pathways. The Campaign will speed up this pioneering work, revealing hidden drivers of disease and paving the way for more precise, biologically informed therapies for autoimmune disorders, infectious diseases, cancer, and beyond.
3. Center for Vaccine Innovation. Immunologists, bioengineers, and vaccine experts are teaming up to design the next generation of vaccines and immune-based therapies. With donor support, LJI scientists can engineer longer-lasting and more personalized vaccines, pinpoint the cellular mechanisms driving protective immunity, and refine delivery methods to prevent autoimmune disease and treat cancer.
As the campaign enters its public phase, LJI welcomes new partners and supporters to join this landmark initiative. Community support is essential to accelerating scientific discovery, and there are many meaningful ways to help shape the future of immunology. Donors may direct their gifts to any campaign priority or other area of interest. As a comprehensive campaign, all gifts to LJI count toward the campaign goal, regardless of designation. Join the campaign, and multiply your impact with our limited-time matching opportunity.
To explore the campaign, visit imagine.lji.org.
Scripps orthopedic surgeons are investigating stem cells as an alternative to joint replacement
Shiley Center for Orthopaedic Research and Education at Scripps Clinic recently received a $12.7 million grant from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine to investigate whether they can transform stem cells into tissue that can repair some types of knee injuries. Currently, if a patient has lost most, if not all, of the cartilage in their knee, then their doctor will recommend a total joint replacement. Joint replacement is safe and effective, but patients who’ve only lost part of their cartilage often don’t qualify. A stem cell-based treatment would provide these patients an option that doesn’t involve donor tissue. Click here for more on the preclinical trial process.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
Artwork throughout the Lusardi Tower at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas promotes hope and healing
The recently opened Lusardi Tower at Scripps Memorial Hospital Encinitas is a state-of-the-art addition to the hospital staffed by dedicated team members who’ve helped make Scripps one of the nation’s leading healthcare systems. Complementary to that medical excellence, the Lusardi Tower also represents the latest expansion of the Scripps Arts for Healing Program. The philanthropic initiative strategically places nature- and community-based artwork throughout the hospital to support health and well-being. Both Scripps Encinitas and Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla have healing arts programs as part of new building projects and growth on the campuses. Click here to read more about the Healing Arts Program and how residents from a nearby retirement community showed their support.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
From century-old Craftsman homes to vegan fantasy bars, dive bars, and a tiki room built for exactly two people, this is one of San Diego’s great little neighborhoods
You may not realize it, but Balboa Park is bigger than Central Park (in fact, 1.5 times larger). Pressed right up against its southeastern edge is a little architecture farm built on old trolley bones, where houses look like someone was collecting architectural styles and local businesses are still run by people who seem personally invested in keeping this place interesting.
This is South Park.
To understand why it feels the way it does today—less like one commercial strip and more like a handful of tiny villages—you have to go back to the trolley.
The land that became the original South Park Addition (the subdivision’s original name) was surveyed in 1870 and officially filed in 1890, but the neighborhood really started becoming a neighborhood in the early 1900s. The Bartlett Estate Company began developing and marketing the tract in earnest around 1906, pairing lots and new homes with something extremely useful if you lived outside Downtown in the horse-and-buggy era: an electric streetcar.
On May 1, 1906, the South Park and East Side Railway made its first trip. Developers didn’t just build near transportation; they helped pay for the transportation, then used it to sell the dream. Downtown had industry, noise, and congestion. Out here were palms, sidewalks, utilities, room to breathe and a four-cent ride back to the city.
It worked. Homes began filling in around the streetcar route, and little commercial clusters grew around the places where people got on and off. That transportation pattern is still written into South Park’s geography. Some of the neighborhood’s odd street geometry is also due in part to the trolley—the old line cut across parcels instead of politely obeying the grid, leaving behind pieces of land that later businesses learned to build around. Places like Station Tavern sit on the former easement and station site of San Diego’s No. 2 trolley line.
Then San Diego went big for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition in neighboring Balboa Park. The exposition transformed much of the park and helped push the city through another burst of building and growth. South Park was right there to absorb some of that momentum.
And the people building houses here had taste.
Walk the residential streets now and it can feel like somebody planted an architectural sample garden: Craftsman, Prairie, Mission Revival, Tudor Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival. Creedence Clearwater Revival. All the revivals. The neighborhood includes work by Irving Gill, one of the defining architects of early modern California; Gill-designed Prairie homes still stand along Granada Avenue.
The city formally designated the South Park Historic District in 2017, recognizing roughly 400 properties and a period of significance stretching from 1906 through 1949. In other words, a lot of what makes the place feel old is actually old.
While the trolley eventually disappeared, the basic idea behind it didn’t. South Park is still a neighborhood organized around little pockets of human activity: a couple blocks where you can buy a record, drink a beer, find a 60-year-old lamp, eat a vegan burger beneath gothic beasts, browse a bookstore, and walk home past a century-old Craftsman.
The 30th-and-Fern area may be the clearest example. Several surviving buildings there date to South Park’s early development, including the old Fire Station No. 9, Rose Grocery building, and Burlingame Garage. What began as infrastructure for a young streetcar suburb became the neighborhood’s commercial heart.
That history is also partly why buying a house here can be competitive. There isn’t some endless supply of vacant land waiting around the corner for another subdivision. Much of the neighborhood filled in generations ago, and the architecture itself is part of the appeal.
San Diego Mag’s been documenting the city for 78 years. And we’ve been looking for a partner who loved the city enough to help us tell its stories. Redfin is that partner. They’re helping us tell the story of some of the city’s most unique neighborhoods. They launched Redfin Early Access this year to get their people in first and to see certain coming-soon and exclusive listings on Redfin before they appear on other major real-estate sites.
First up: South Park.
Here are some of the people and places worth knowing here:

Start with Judy “the Beauty” Forman, because it’s difficult to explain South Park without her. The former social worker bought Big Kitchen in 1980 and turned a neighborhood breakfast joint into a gathering place for artists, musicians, activists, politicians, eccentrics, and pretty much anyone who needed somewhere to belong. As Judy puts it, “I built this for people who others passed over.”
One of those people was a young single mom named Whoopi Goldberg, who worked as a dishwasher here before the Whoopi Goldberg part of her career happened. Today Big Kitchen still serves breakfast and lunch Thursday through Monday.
3003 Grape Street
Whistle Stop reopened in 2001, right as South Park’s little independent-business ecosystem was finding a new generation. Owner Sam Chammas—also connected to Live Wire and, later, Station Tavern—helped turn it into the kind of neighborhood bar where the calendar can jump from a DJ night to live bands to some strange communal event nobody at a normal sports bar would propose.
The room still has that laid-back, slightly sweaty house-party quality. Check what’s happening before you go, because Whistle Stop changes personality depending on the night: sometimes neighborhood beer, sometimes everyone dancing beneath the disco ball like work tomorrow was canceled.
2236 Fern Street
Station Tavern may be the most literal example of old South Park becoming new South Park. It opened in 2009 on land once crossed diagonally by the No. 2 trolley line, and architect Lloyd Russell incorporated that history into the design rather than pretending the weirdly shaped lot wasn’t weirdly shaped. The project won the San Diego Architectural Foundation’s Grand Orchid Award the same year it opened.
Sam Chammas built the place as an open-air burger-and-beer spot with big communal tables, a backyard, room for kids, and room for dogs. It still works exactly that way: get a burger, get the tots, let everybody spread out, stay awhile.
2204 Fern Street
Kindred arrived in late 2015 looking nothing like the beige-and-leafy vegan restaurant stereotype. The place went full gothic fever dream—heavy music, wild cocktails, decadent plant-based food—and eventually collected national vegan accolades plus local Restaurant of the Year and design honors.
And in 2026, it got even weirder. Hidden behind a chain-mail passage inside Kindred is Throne Room, a medieval-fantasy cocktail chamber whose mythology grew out of a Dungeons & Dragons-inspired map the Kindred team created for a 2017 Coachella pop-up. The 90-minute experience has scroll menus, plant-based mezze, cocktails and zero interest in pretending restaurants need to behave normally.
1503 30th Street

Vinyl Junkies has good music-scene DNA. Founder Eric Howarth previously ran indie label Hi-Speed Soul, whose roster included acts like Nada Surf and Swervedriver, then teamed with Casbah owner Tim Mays after the pair had spent years putting on Vinyl Junkies record swaps.
They opened the South Park brick-and-mortar shop in 2017, and it remains a buy-sell-trade temple for people who understand that owning music on a physical object is irrational in exactly the right way. Go flip through the new arrivals. Leave holding something you had absolutely no intention of buying.
2235 Fern Street
Bad Madge is what happens when “vintage store” doesn’t quite explain the situation. Owner Tanya McAnear and her team fill the shop with furniture, clothing, barware, records, art, jewelry, collectibles, and various objects that seem like they may know things about their previous owners. The shop opened in 2011 and has made reuse and upcycling part of its identity ever since. Go in without looking for anything specific—specificity will only slow you down.
2205 Fern Street
Across the neighborhood’s vintage-and-vinyl universe sits Thread + Seed, a local boutique built around clothing, denim, gifts, and personal styling. Its South Park shop has an especially deep denim program—petite, tall, wide-leg, straight, flare—and the store also offers one-on-one styling built around color and body type. In other words, this is where you go after deciding the jeans currently on your body have betrayed you. South Park understands that sometimes personal renewal begins with pants.
2220 Fern Street
Seth Marko started The Book Catapult as a book blog in 2006. In 2017, he and his wife, Jennifer Powell, turned it into an actual bookstore in South Park, specializing loosely in fiction, local interest, and children’s books while maintaining the more important bookseller skill: putting something into your hands that you didn’t know you needed.
There are staff picks, author events, signed books, and the dangerous possibility of walking in for one title and emerging with four. Because no one ever died thinking, “I shoulda read less.”
3010-B Juniper Street
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Chef Roberto Alcocer showcases all that Mexican cuisine and culture has to offer at Oceanside’s Valle. The Michelin-guide recommended restaurant takes inspiration and techniques from all over Mexico—with a heavy Baja influence—and blends them with local San Diego ingredients to create original and delectable contemporary Mexican cuisine. The seasonal tasting menu allows Chef Alcocer to experiment with the freshest available ingredients, creating dishes that defy guests’ expectations, while the wine list features more than 100 labels from Mexican artisans. Even the restaurant’s walls are a celebration of Mexican culture, all decorated with work from artists of Baja.
“My favorite part of being a chef of Valle is being able to showcase the Mexico that I know to everyone who visits,” Chef Alococer says. “Not only through the food, but with the design, culture, and welcoming service.”
Lobster Taco: Flour sourdough tortilla with lobster shell bisque and local red spiny lobster

222 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, California 92054
866-723-8906 | valleoceanside.com