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An IRA is the greatest alternative for people seeking to establish a self-directed retirement account that allows both experts and novices to invest in gold and other precious metals.
IRA Blog Post Main Image.
Gold is an enticing asset for many individuals to protect their retirement money. This has long been a popular choice to diversify investment portfolios, due to its reputation as an effective hedge against market fluctuations.
An IRA is the greatest alternative for people seeking to establish a self-directed retirement account that allows both experts and novices to invest in gold and other precious metals.
The value of precious metals does not fluctuate like that of stocks, shares, or cryptocurrencies, making them one of the best investments people can make. It is a risk-free way for novices to begin their retirement savings journey.
In order to better comprehend Gold IRA Fees & Cost, this article examines the top 4 Gold IRAs companies.
Augusta Precious Metals: Editor’s Choice – Great gold ira company fees and rollover options
Goldco: Runner up – Best Prices and Customer Service For Gold IRA company
American Hartford Gold: Great Price
Birch Gold Group: Great Staff overall
Augusta Precious Metals is based in Casper, Wyoming at 5830 East 2nd Street. They sell all kinds of precious metals and offer a wide range of products and services to investors. Since 2012, they have been one of the largest gold and silver dealers in the United States, and the Better Business Bureau has awarded them an A+ rating.
The number of satisfied customers at Augusta Precious Metals is at an all-time high. The company ensures high-quality, customer satisfaction with its extensive selection of services and a commission free sales staff. Moreover, no complaints have been made regarding their products or professionals since inception – making them an ideal choice for your needs.
Investors are flocking to these gold and silver IRA specialists for this reason. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of opening a precious metals IRA at Augusta Precious Metals.
Pros
As stated previously, Augusta Precious Metals has been in business for over a decade, establishing them as trustworthy and renowned precious metals dealers.
Their setup procedure is comprehensive and educational, making it simple for newcomers. In addition, they offer tailored webinars that explain everything and allow investors the opportunity to ask questions.
They will support investors throughout the duration of their account, from education on gold in general through distribution management.
They have worked with Kingdom Trust, which is in charge of assets worth more than $12 billion, for a long time.
Cons:
The one significant downside of Augusta Precious Metals is the $50,000 Gold IRA Fee initial investment. Some retirees may be able to afford it, whilst others may find it unreasonably expensive.
>>> Click Here For Free Gold Kit <<<
Goldco Precious Metals, or Goldco for short, is a well-known and experienced precious metals company that was started in 2006. This gives them well over 15 years of experience. It is the mission of this firm to help American citizens diversify and shield the funds in their 401(k)s and individual retirement accounts (IRAs). The same applies to their retirement savings.
For over 20 years, this company has helped the American public to secure a stable future by preparing for retirement, protecting over $1 billion in retirement resources. Investors do not need to commit significant time to market research while investing in funds, equities, or bonds.
It’s easy to know exactly what you’re getting with a Goldco gold or silver IRA, as investors are given a selection of available coins and bars to choose from.
Before investing in Goldco, investors should be aware of the following pros and cons:
Pros
Goldco has earned a solid reputation among investors thanks to their A+ rating and 4.86/5 star rating from the Better Business Bureau.
Goldco’s business methods are completely open, including the disclosure of all additional costs.
In addition to giving their customers access to exclusive discounts and other perks, they also provide a variety of instructional materials that can help investors of all skill levels make better decisions and increase their returns on investment.
Cons
Minimum of $25,000 investment
>>> Click Here For Free Gold Kit <<<
American Hartford Gold is a Los Angeles-based family business that helps people invest in gold and other precious metals. Since 2015, the company has rapidly grown to provide services for a wide range of satisfied customers. The company either gives the profit to the investor in person or puts it in a retirement account like an IRA or 401k.
Business Consumer Alliance has rated this company at 4.9 out of 5 stars, giving it a “A” grade and establishing it as a frontrunner in the gold IRA and precious metals markets.
Despite being one of the more recent companies to enter the gold IRA market, American Hartford Gold has continued to grow and become one of the top suppliers. In addition, they offer the lowest prices and are gaining a positive reputation.
Here are several benefits and drawbacks of investing in American Hartford Gold.
Pros
Opening an account with American Hartford Gold is quick and easy, whether done independently or with the assistance of a sales representative.
The gold will be stored safely at either the Delaware Depository or Brinks Global Services, both of which are well-known for providing the highest level of security at their several depositories located around the United States.
The minimum amount of fees for a Gold IRA is $10,000, which is the industry standard for having the lowest minimum requirement.
Only American Hartford Gold offers a repurchase program for Gold IRAs; all other Gold IRA providers do not.
Cons
Most of American Hartford Gold’s competitors don’t charge a setup fee, but American Hartford Gold does. This one-time fee can be a con for people who would rather put that money into their Gold IRA.
>>> Click Here For Free Gold Kit <<<
Birch Gold Group was started in 2003 in Burbank, California, and has almost 20 years of experience. It mostly works with the more senior part of the US precious metals sector, but it also deals with direct metal sales to people all around the country. Over the course of their 20 years in business, Birch Gold Group has helped tens of thousands of Americans.
Birch Gold is an American precious metals company that advises its clients to diversify their portfolios with gold and silver in order to hedge against inflation and stock market volatility.
Birch Gold provides its customers with the option to buy gold bullion for delivery or transfer retirement assets into a precious metals individual retirement account.
Birch Gold has been committed to providing excellent customer service for many years. Investors can feel at ease and certain that their investment will meet their needs and preferences due to the individualized options available to them.
Before investing in Birch Gold, every investor should consider the following pros and cons:
Pros
Birch Gold has all the precious metals you could ever want, in a wide range of densities. Due to their scarcity, other metals, such as palladium, may offer greater returns than gold.
They recommend a $10,000 minimum investment to open a retirement account.
They collaborate with two organizations on storage solutions: Delaware Depository and Brink’s Global Services. Both institutions are well renowned and store all precious metals in vaults with the highest level of security.
The company provides a superior customer service experience. This commitment has earned the unwavering trust and loyalty of their clients, making it one of the proudest points in their company history.
Cons
New investors may find the startup fee of $50, the insurance fee of $100, the wire transfer fee of $30, the yearly fee of $180, the management fee of $80, and the insurance fee of $100 to be prohibitive.
>>> Click Here For Free Gold Kit <<<
Similar to a traditional IRA, a gold IRA is based on the acquisition of real-world precious metals and offers several tax advantages and privileges. Due to the precious metals component, this sort of account typically includes fees not found in other forms of retirement plans.
Investors who wish to include a Gold IRA in their portfolios should be aware of a number of additional gold ira fees associated with this type of account. There are no storage fees associated with regular IRA accounts, and fees are typically much lower or nonexistent.
Any individual contemplating the establishment of a self-directed precious metals IRA should be aware of the numerous fees involved with the retirement vehicle. Because these funds are tax-deferred, they can be maintained with the assistance of an IRS-approved IRA administrator.
There may be costs associated with opening a gold IRA, keeping the gold secure, and maintaining the account, depending on the custodian the investor chooses.
These fees normally run from $250 to $350 for the first year and $150 to $250 annually, depending on the firm with which the investor chooses to place his or her investment.
When you switch from a standard IRA to a precious metals IRA, you don’t have to pay any rollover or transfer fees that the government requires. However, this does not imply that there are no account application fees.
Frequently, accredited custodians and administrators of self-directed precious metals IRAs impose a processing fee to initiate the account opening procedure. Investors can start a gold IRA account for $100 to $300, but this only covers the account’s initial setup and does not include the gold’s purchase, storage, or insurance.
This cost consists of an initial account setup fee of $50 to $150 and an annual management fee of $50 to $150.
Multiple commissions are charged when purchasing precious metals with a self-directed IRA. Investors pay transaction fees when they buy or sell coins or bars from their account. Each transaction incurs these usual expenses. The more frequently investors buy and sell, the greater these expenses will be.
There is no way for investors to avoid transaction fees, regardless of the administrator they select. They are merely passing on the costs that have been incurred by the coin dealer with whom they conduct business on the investor’s behalf.
This cost is usually $50 per transaction, but it can vary a lot depending on which dealer an investor chooses to work with. Do not confuse these fees with the markup coin dealers add to the spot price.
In addition to the current price of precious metals and the value of the coins or bars they acquire, investors can pay a premium. How much a dealer will charge the account administrator for his or her premium depends on several factors, including the commodity type, the level of demand, and the dealer’s margin.
An administrator of accounts cannot afford to spend an eternity working on a single investor’s precious metals individual retirement account for the price of a single application and setup. Investors will also have to pay an annual account maintenance fee. This fee covers things like managing the account, processing and sending out periodic statements, and keeping track of the different assets of an investor.
It is important for investors to look for the annual cost disclosure in the paperwork they receive when opening an account. It should be expressed explicitly in any required documentation.
Some administrators will offer a lower first-year yearly cost or possibly a reduction in annual charges based on the size of the investor’s account. A fixed maintenance price of up to $300 per year is typically associated with gold IRAs; however, the establishment fee for the account is frequently discounted to cover the first year’s costs.
This encompasses all responsibilities for managing accounts, such as processing statements and maintaining account records. Investors should be aware of firms that deduct a seemingly little percentage of the value of their metals holdings using a sliding scale fee structure.
These expenses can easily become costly without warning as they increase in direct proportion to an investor’s account balance and the value of their gold.
The precious metals you buy must be kept in a place that is approved by the IRS. It will cost money to keep your precious metals in the vault, since the vaulting depository will keep a physical tally of your collection and perform regular upkeep. Gold, silver, platinum, and palladium stored in such accounts must be kept in approved depositories by the IRS that are located in a secure place away from the account administrator.
The final depository chosen by the investor will decide what the fees will be. Depending on how much the precious metals are worth in money, these companies often charge between 0.5 and 1% per year.
The fees for these depositories range from $175 to $225 per year. They may also charge different fees depending on whether investors store their metals together in the main vault or separately in their own vaults.
Wire transfer fees are another type of cost that investors usually can’t avoid when making any kind of investment or business deal. Fees of this type are typically assessed by IRA custodians when their clients ask them to send funds to a dealer or depository.
Most of the time, they charge about $25 for each outgoing wire transfer they make on behalf of an investor. These costs should also be listed in the established papers in a clear way.
It’s crucial to look at all of the possibilities available to an investor before deciding whether to open a gold IRA account in order to diversify their investment portfolio, hedge against inflation, grow their long-term wealth, or accomplish some other financial goal.
Gold IRA companies are very different, and people need to choose the right one that fits their financial goals if they want to have a happy and stress-free retirement. Consequently, although investing in a Gold IRA is always a terrific option for an investor to maximize their investment, the dealer and firm with whom they choose to invest can have a significant impact on their experience.
Open An Account With Augusta Precious Metals
For all the reasons listed above, including its cheap initial investment fee and absence of any further fees, Augusta Precious Metals is the best IRA to invest in. It also stands out as the most transparent Gold IRA due to its lack of additional fees.
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado
Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.
Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.
“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”
Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.
“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”
Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.
Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.
“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”
Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results
While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.
For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.
San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.
Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.
The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.
Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago.
Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.
Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14.
There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.
If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities.
If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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