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We have reviewed the best Delta 8 THC carts on the market. These Delta 8 cartridges are potent, discreet and easy to use. Find the 5 best D8 brands.
Are you tired of rolling a joint whenever you seek a buzz? Delta 8 carts offer a simpler solution. They offer a faster way to enjoy a mellow high without the fuss of rolling each time.
Delta 8 carts are great because they’re easy to carry around, simple to use, and offer consistent dosing. They’re so handy and efficient that over 60% of Delta 8 THC users are switching to them.
However, finding reliable places to buy safe and high-quality Delta 8 carts can be tough with many options. To help you find the best Delta 8 carts, we’ve personally tested more than 15 brands to curate the list of the top 5 brands that offer the best Delta 8 carts.
Exhale Wellness – Overall Best Delta 8 Carts; Top Selling
BudPop – Most Potent Delta 8 Vape With Variety Of Flavours
Hollyweed CBD – High-Quality Delta 8 Vape Pens
Diamond CBD – Trusted Delta 8 Cartridges; Non-GMO
3Chi – Best Delta 8 Vape Cartridges With All Natural Ingredients
Exhale’s limited edition Delta 8 vape cart combo is available for $124.95, meaning you can save almost $35.8. If you pay $14.95 more, you can also get Exhale’s premium Vape Battery for your Carts.
10 Irresistible Flavored Carts: If you are among the ones who like to explore different tastes and flavors, Exhale Wellness’s Delta 8 carts are just perfect for you. The brand offers 10 different strains, including Sour Diesel, Pineapple Express, Fruity Cereal, Blackberry Kush, OG Kush, Mango, Gorilla Glue, Jack Herer, Cactus Cooler, and BlackBerry.
Pick any flavor just for $39.95: Exhale Wellness lets you choose any flavor you like for only $39.95. Whether you want something fruity or something calming? They have it all. Great flavors at a great price, making it easy on your pocket.
Built quality, convenience, and design: Designed for convenience, Exhale Wellness’s Delta 8 vape carts feature a slim and sleek black body, highlighted with the brand name in yellow for a classic look that’s sure to catch the eyes of many.
These rechargeable carts are compatible with standard 510-threaded vape batteries. With a long lifespan offering 900mg to 940mg of total delta-8 THC, Exhale Wellness vape carts are made for durability and style.
“Exhale Wellness’s Delta 8 carts really took away my pain and let me sleep! I am definitely going to make it a permanent go-to! I am struggling with arthritis coupled with constant pain from fibromyalgia. I managed well enough through the day, but my nights were nightmares, with no sleep. Now I can sleep peacefully. My days are productive again now that I can sleep! Thank you!” – Jymme Sue Anderson
=> Click here to visit the official website “Exhale Wellness”
You can get these Delta 8 carts for just $40 to $50 and enjoy around 500-600 puffs, which can last 1-2 years, depending on how much you use them and how you store them. There’s a special discount only for differently-abled people, military veterans, or serving military men and women.
Explore all 5 Flavors: Budpop offers 5 Delta 8 cart flavors, offering a variety of tastes for your different cravings. For example, while the Strawberry Gelato vape cart is sweet, providing users with a candy-like experience, Blackberry Kush has a robust, earthy flavor coupled with sweet blackberries. The other favors include Grape Runtz Fruity Cereal and Pineapple Express.
Choose among any 3 pack sizes: Budpop’s Delta 8 carts offer 3 pack sizes, including Single, for $39.95. Their 3-pack combo comes at $107.95, and a 5-pack for $179.95, saving you $45.95.
Save up to 25% on repeat purchases: For those interested in a single one-time purchase, the price is $49.95. However, if you opt for a bi-weekly or monthly subscription, it’s only $37.46, letting you save 25%.
If you’re going for the 3-pack, a one-time purchase will cost $134.95, but with a bi-weekly or monthly plan, you pay just $101.21, saving 25% again. For the 5-pack, the one-time purchase price is $224.95, but subscribing for a bi-weekly or monthly delivery drops the price to $168.71, which is also a 25% saving.
“I had originally tried the D8 gummies, hoping they would help me sleep. They worked ok, but as I continued to take them, I noticed less and less effect from them. Decided to try the vape. HUGE difference! I really only need 1-2 hits, and I’m golden. Relaxed, smooth buzz that lets me easily drift off. The only drawback is it wears off quicker than I would like. But I can always just take another draw if I need to. Will definitely continue purchasing these, and excited to try new flavors!” – Kelly
=> Click here to visit the official website “BudPop”
They comply with the Federal Farm Bill, use non-GMO hemp, and avoid artificial additives. Each product batch comes with a Certificate of Analysis (COA) from third-party testing, assuring label accuracy and ensuring safety and effectiveness.
10 most purchased strains: Hollyweed CBD offers 10 tempting flavors. You can choose from a wide variety of Delta 8 carts like Blackberry, Blackberry Kush, Fruity Cereal, Gorilla Glue, Jack Herer, Mango, OG Kush, Pineapple Express, Sour Diesel, and Sunset Sherbert.
Potency: Hollyweed CBD’s Delta 8 cartridges boast a high potency level, each packed with 900mg of Delta-8 THC. This significant concentration ensures a powerful and effective experience for users seeking strong effects.
“It’s impressive how Hollyweed CBD balances strength with smoothness in every puff. What struck me most was the consistency in potency across their range – they don’t hold back. And the flavors, oh, the flavors! Each cart is a journey of taste that adds to the overall experience.” – Roja
=> Click here to visit the official website “Hollyweed CBD”
Their products are third-party lab tested, ensuring quality and safety. Diamond CBD’s Delta-8 Vape Cartridges, particularly from their 10X line, are among the most potent Delta 8 carts. With 900mg of Delta-8 THC, they provide a substantial kick, but the experience can vary for each person.
More than 5 brands: Diamond CBD has over 5 popular brands, including 10X, Buzz, Chill Plus, Fresh, Miami High, and Satla.
20+ flavors to choose from: There are over 20 flavors to try out! You can enjoy exciting ones like Pineapple Express and Wedding Cake or stick with favorites like Strawberry and Tropical Punch. There are even more options like Blue Dream, Sour Diesel, and Mango Kush.
Potency: The strength of these carts is impressive. They range from 751mg to 1000mg. This means you get a really powerful hit with each use.
Number of puffs: You get about 240 puffs from each cartridge. That’s a whole lot of puffs so each cartridge will last you for quite some time.
“I got this and was skeptical, but it blew me out of the park!!! Its taste is phenomenal, and the relaxing buzz was great after a hard day at work. I will be buying again and trying more strains.” – Shawn
=> Click here to visit the official website “Diamond CBD”
3Chi is a highly regarded brand known for its wide range of flavorful and high-quality delta-8 cartridges. They offer over 25 flavors of Delta 8 carts, containing around 95% hemp-derived Delta 8 THC and 5% strain-specific terpenes. Each cart contains 2ml of pure Broad-spectrum hemp oil.
Their most popular flavors include Hammer of God, Phoenix, Pineapple Express, and Strawberry, which you can get for just $34.99. You can also get free standard delivery on orders over $99.
More than 25 flavors: 3Chi offers a wide variety of flavors to explore, including dark flavors like Hammer of God, Interstellar, Cruise Control, God Mode, Mind Trip, Nirvana, and Phoenix. You can also go for their fruity flavors like Pineapple Express, Ice Cream Cake, Pancakes, and Strawberries.
Potency: 3Chi offers a flexible potency range from 50mg to 5000mg, making it a suitable choice for new and regular users.
“I have enjoyed using 3CHI products in the past. I recommend the “Grand Daddy purple” Or “Gelato 41” D8 carts. The company has always offered a good quality luxury inside of my community at an affordable price.” – Adam
As a well-invested user of cannabis products, it could be a problematic adventure when you set out to try something new.
After researching the number of manufacturing brands for Delta 8 carts, we outlined some criteria that helped us throughout our selection process. This way, we can post an unbiased review of the best Delta 8 brands.
In 2018, a farm bill was passed to guide the production of cannabis byproducts; any brand that did not align its products to this regulation was thrashed. We checked brands to ensure they abided by such federal law and followed the less than 0.3% THC concentration in all their products.
The only brands of Delta 8 carts that we could see results of their third-party lab testing are those transparent enough to post on their websites. These results will show if the claims made by the company on ingredients, safety, potency, and effectiveness were true.
A brand’s reputation is essential when buying new delta-8 carts.
We checked this to ensure the brand was legit, and there were no complaints of severe side effects after use. Customer reviews helped us, and we also checked if any brand was covered in a magazine or a reputable blog.
It is essential that a brand is willing to sell to many users – this means they are willing to deliver to an array of locations.
Some of these Delta 8 cart brands try to cater to customers’ needs as comfortably as possible; some provide free shipping of orders to the customer’s doorstep.
The value you are getting for the price you are being asked to pay is essential; you have to remain within budget, which we recognize and approve of.
The size of the cartridge, the flavors being offered, and the level of the product’s potency are essential to creating value. These 3 factors helped us slim down the list.
The effectiveness of the cartridge is essential in ensuring customer satisfaction.
Customer reviews are the best place to learn about this, so we read many of them online and through review sites to know the brand that most customers complained about their ineffective products.
This is one of the factors that can build a brand from scratch to the top at a fast rate.
The first step to being transparent is to post your third-party lab results on your website so customers can check if the product suits them.
We can not specify how research can be helpful to brands who want to create a new product.
When brands research the ingredients required to make a top-quality product, they can channel that knowledge into creating one.
What makes up a product is the ingredients used in making it; it is of great value for a brand to use active, natural, and organic ingredients to produce their delta-8 cartridges.
All of the brands we recommended above were scrutinized to ensure they served users a product made from the best quality and safest ingredients.
Several businesses have an opportunity to make money from the delta-8 industry; this has caused the birth of several brands.
However, only some of these brands offer quality products for practical use. We have listed some factors below to help you decide on the product you would love to use.
There is a façade passed around that the expensive products are of the best cartsquality; however, this is false.
However, you should first have a budget before searching for a product to buy; this will help you check on products you might enjoy less than you think.
Some brands are known for the quality of products they produce consistently.
If you want to patronize a new brand, you should scrutinize its website for valuable information about the quality of its products. The brand you patronize must-have product details on their website so you can use this information to decide if the product is quality enough for you.
The final product’s quality is almost determined by the quality of the hemp used in creating it. You should check where the brand sourced its hemp from as you want to purchase the product.
Some brands are open about information of this kind; they state the source of their hemp on their website or the body of the packaging.
If you are a vegan, also check for their ingredients to ensure they are vegan-friendly.
You need to know how the product was manufactured. There is no stand-alone delta-8 THC vape cartridge; it must be extracted from the hemp plant, so it is imperative to know the extraction method to get the Delta 8 out.
Certain extraction methods will get the good nutrients out of the hemp plants, thereby resulting in a quality product beneficial to you.
This aspect of your check is most important and requires maximum attention; this is necessary, especially for a product that mixes with your blood. You can check for the ingredients list regardless of buying the product online or offline.
When purchasing a product online, ensure the brand has the product’s ingredients list posted along with it.
The potency of the product you want to buy should match what you need; this is essential for maximum satisfaction. As a beginner, you should start with a low potency level before walking up the ladder. As for those doing delta-8 cartridges for a while, you can choose a potency level that works for your system.
Product availability is essential to check. Some products are of top quality, but they are mostly sold out due to their high demand.
So, avoid getting excited when you find a product you think will suit your needs; try to find out if it is available before getting your hopes high.
Selecting a brand focused on satisfying its customers will help you get the highest quality product. Also, check for a brand with responsive customer service and how well they serve customers.
Delta 8 and Delta 9 are both forms of THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. However, they have very unique chemical structures and effects on the body.
Delta 9 THC is the primary and stronger psychoactive component in marijuana, responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. While Delta 8 THC is chemically similar but has a slightly different molecular structure, which results in milder psychoactive effects.
Another important difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC is their legal status. While Delta 9 THC is legal in 20 states in the USA, and Delta 8 THC is legal in 30 states. Some states have explicitly legalized Delta 8 THC, while others have banned it or have no specific regulations regarding its legality.
In terms of effects, Delta 8 THC is often described as providing a more clear-headed and less intense high compared to Delta 9 THC. Users report feeling relaxed and euphoric without the increased heart rate and major changes in perception sometimes associated with Delta 9 THC, especially when overdosed.
Additionally, Delta 8 THC may offer potential health benefits, including pain relief, reduced nausea, and improved appetite, similar to Delta 9 THC but with fewer side effects.
Delta-8 carts are a popular way to enjoy the benefits of Delta-8 THC, a compound found in hemp plants. So, how do they work? It’s quite simple and interesting.
Each cartridge contains a liquid form of Delta-8 THC. When you use a vape pen with a Delta-8 cart, it heats this liquid. This heating turns the liquid into vapor, which you then inhale.
Inside the cart, there’s a small heating element called a coil. When you activate the vape pen, usually by pressing a button or just by inhaling, the battery powers the coil. The coil gets hot and warms the Delta-8 liquid. This process is fast, turning the liquid into vapor in seconds.
Delta 8 THC, a cannabinoid derived from the hemp plant, offers a range of benefits:
While Delta 8 THC has gained popularity for its purported health benefits and milder psychoactive effects compared to Delta 9 THC, it’s crucial to understand the potential side effects associated with its use.
While evidence suggests various positive effects, there is limited scientific research to confirm these claims. Moreover, Delta 8 THC may carry potential risks and side reactions, particularly with overdose.
It’s important for individuals considering Delta 8 THC products to weigh the potential benefits against the possible risks and to consult with a healthcare professional before use, especially if they have underlying health conditions or are taking medications.
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According to federal law, it is legal to use delta-8 products with a concentration of no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC. However, some states have rejected that legalization and maintained that using delta-8 products is illegal.
This is possible, considering users tend to feel euphoric after using it. CBD products are the ones that do not get a user high. However, the high feeling will not be as intense as when consuming delta 9.
There is a prescription for how you should consume delta-8 carts. The dosage you apply to consume delta-8 depends on your body’s metabolism. Your level of tolerance will guide your dosage level. However, for beginners, you should start your dosage level low, then you can increase it if you feel your tolerance level can handle it.
You have to keep your cartridge in a cool place away from sunshine. The heat of the sun can burn out the potency of the product. We advise you to ensure your cartridge is properly sealed after use and ensure your cartridge is kept away from air and moisture.
This is quite unlikely. Whether you are consuming delta-8 or delta-9, the testing machine can not differentiate if one is legal or illegal because they contain THC. However, you can test negative for a THC test if your body processes the nutrients faster.
The ideal number of puffs for a Delta 8 experience varies from person to person. Start with 1-2 puffs, wait 10-15 minutes, and assess the effects. Adjust as needed, but avoid excessive consumption to prevent potential side effects.
The best battery for Delta 8 carts is a variable voltage 510-thread battery with adjustable settings. This allows you to customize the temperature and airflow for a more tailored vaping experience.
The longevity of a Delta 8 cartridge depends on usage frequency and puff size. On average, a 1ml cartridge can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks of regular use.
Delta 8 cartridge usage may have side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes, dizziness, or increased heart rate. Always start with a low dose and monitor your body’s response to minimize any adverse effects. Consult a healthcare professional if needed.
Delta 8 carts are the best way to experience the mild high of Delta 8 THC with a quick onset. These carts are easy to use, provide users with discreetness, and help you get all the potential health benefits easily.
Of all our recommendations, we suggest you choose Exhale Wellness and BudPop’s Delta 8 carts first. These D8 carts are filled with pure Delta 8 THC oil that provides fast onset with no reported side effects. Their products are affordable so anyone can try these premium carts.
However, to be sure and avoid any kind of adverse health effects, people should always follow the proper dosing as advised by the manufacturer.
The annual event honors middle market companies creating jobs, scaling up, and investing in the region
San Diego is known for its startup culture and innovation economy, but what happens when the company moves beyond its early-stage years? The San Diego Business Impact Awards aim to answer that question, spotlighting the middle market businesses helping drive the region’s economy.
Hosted by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards celebration takes place on Thursday, July 23, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Scripps Research Auditorium. More than 200 executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are expected to attend the networking and cocktail event honoring some of San Diego County’s fastest-growing companies.
Businesses headquartered in San Diego County that have operated for at least two years are encouraged to submit their nomination by Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. Companies across industries—from technology and life sciences to tourism and consumer products, as well as pre-revenue startups—are eligible for recognition.
For EDC President and CEO Mark Cafferty, the event is as much about building connections as celebrating success. “We’ve had a longtime partnership with JPMorganChase; their work aligns with our efforts to support underserved communities and drive talent development,” says Cafferty. “And the networking was invaluable last year. I’m still in touch with people I met at last year’s awards.”
EDC is an independently-funded nonprofit that works directly with San Diego companies to help them grow the local economy, make the region as a whole more competitive, and attract and retain top-tier talent with quality jobs. Through EDC, companies can get help starting or expanding their business with support for things like site selection, permit navigation, and regulatory guidance, plus connections to local resources and potential business collaborators.
The San Diego Business Impact Awards began as an idea with one of EDC’s longtime strategic partners, JPMorganChase. The two organizations share a commitment to San Diego and are dedicated to bolstering middle market businesses.
“We’re blessed with a robust innovation economy and startup community,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager for JPMorgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank and vice chair of the firm’s’ San Diego Market Leadership Team. “But one of the segments of the business community we felt was overlooked was emerging middle market companies—the businesses that are no longer small but not yet large.”
Ryan says supporting those companies is critical as they scale and decide where to invest, hire, and grow.
San Diego’s high cost of living remains one of the region’s biggest business challenges, making talent recruitment and retention increasingly competitive. But local leaders point to the region’s quality of life, climate, and collaborative business community as advantages that continue to attract employers and workers.
“In order to support thriving households, there has to be enough high-quality jobs for people to be able to afford to live here,” Cafferty says. “Once a company grows and excels past that middle market point in their growth cycle, they become much more likely to pay higher wages and compete globally.”
Both Cafferty and Ryan proudly tout the unique collaboration that exists among San Diego County businesses. Bringing together top universities producing high-quality talent, cutting-edge research institutions, a robust military and defense presence, leading ocean science and environmental organizations, and a binational, cross-border identity creates a distinct business ecosystem that defines and strengthens the San Diego region.
Last year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards celebrated nearly 60 honorees from 49 industries, representing a total of 8,232 jobs across eight sectors, including: software and technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer goods, professional services, finance, construction and manufacturing, defense, and hospitality and tourism. On average, honoree companies doubled their revenues over the previous year, employed more than 145 San Diegans each, and offered an average annual compensation of $192,415.
Top honorees included defense contractor Innoflight, environmental consulting firm Bancroft Construction Services, life sciences startup Element Biosciences, defense technology contractor GALT Aerospace, organic grocery store chain Jimbo’s, and biopharmaceutical company LENZ Therapeutics. During the event, Innoflight Founder and CEO Jeff Janicik held a fireside chat offering his insights on investing in the community and embracing San Diego culture.
This year, organizers hope to continue highlighting the middle market players driving economic impact across the region. Nominations are now open through June 18 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets to the San Diego Business Impact Awards celebration to enjoy drinks by Snake Oil Cocktail Co., light bites, live music, and networking.
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: FleetScience.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 619-238-1233
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Niwa.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m.
Phone: 619-232-2721
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: TheOldGlobe.org
Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain
Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-234-8291
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoHistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Phone: 619-232-6203
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: JuniorTheatre.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-239-1311
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SDNat.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer
Phone: 619-232-3821
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: WorldBeatCenter.org
Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 619-230-1190
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.
San Diego History Center | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way,
San Diego, CA 92101
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12).
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with guided birding, storytelling, soul food, native planting and an African peace drum circle.
WorldBeat Cultural Center | 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri
5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205 | lagranterraza.com | @eatatusd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha
8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.
4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com
