Planning an Itinerary for Satisfying Summercan be daunting, but we’ve got your back. Not sure what kind of trip to take? Look no further than our go-to guide for travel of all types. Planes, trains, and automobiles—it’s all the perfect transport to take on your way to the summer of a lifetime. Is there a vintage classic that’s ready for its top-down promenade across Route 66? Or maybe your ride is an SUV with three kids buckled up in the back asking the age-old question: “Are we there yet? Either way, we have your roadmap for summer success. Perhaps you’re ready for the jet-set life with a pop down to Mexico for some much needed, solar-drenched R&R. We can help you reserve that summer reality. And for the thrill seekers, hop all aboard a train trek through the Southwest down to Mexico’s stunning landscapes. We even have local must-sees for the summer sojourns when you can’t travel too far from home. Start the day in your own bed and say goodnight surrounded by designer sheets with astronomical thread counts. (We hope you scored a mint on your pillow!)
It’s a Choose Your Own Adventure, Transportation Edition. We’d say “choose wisely,” but every spot is a winner.
Road Trips:
Big Bear
Known for natural beauty, Big Bear is the perfect spot for your California road trip.
MORNING: Start your day with a mountain-sized breakfast at one of our many cafes before hitting the hiking, biking, or off-road trails. Take a break and enjoy the views!
AFTERNOON: Get ready for some play time on the lake. Whatever floats your boat, be it paddle sports, boating, or one of our many tour boats, Big Bear Lake has it all.
EVENING: Conclude your journey in the heart of town. Our charming village has an abundance of shops, casual dining featuring outdoor seating, and local nightlife.
Answer the call of the asphalt wild and hit the open road this summer on our stretch of western roadways. From coastal cruising to mountain roads and desert sprawls, we’ve got your day trip or long-haul plans at the ready. Load up the trunk, rev the engine, and turn on your Maps app because adventure awaits…
Santa Barbara
Sublime beaches, Michelin-rated restaurants, acclaimed wineries, Spanish-style architecture—Santa Barbara is your one-stop destination for an unforgettable vacation.
MORNING: Salute the sun from the beach with a rejuvenating Santa Barbara Beach Yoga class. Post-savasana, enjoy an oceanside brunch at Reunion Kitchen + Drink.
AFTERNOON: Sip award-winning wines at local tasting rooms like Santa Barbara Winery and Grassini Family Vineyards along Santa Barbara’s iconic Urban Wine Trail, comprised of 20+ tasting rooms.
EVENING: Set sail on a sunset cruise for views of the city and Santa Ynez Mountains. Then, head to Brophy Bros. for fresh seafood, Flor de Maíz for elevated Mexican fare or Caruso’s for Michelin- starred cuisine.
Welcome to Flagstaff, as elevated AZ it gets! Discover amazing experiences in this beautiful mountain town.
MORNING: Start at Toasted Owl, Forêt Flg, or Mart Annes followed by the Flagstaff Visitor Center on Route 66. At 7,000 feet, enjoy endless trails because the path to adventure isn’t always paved— download the Flagstaff Trails Passport as your guide.
AFTERNOON: Discover Flagstaff’s natural wonders at Walnut Canyon, Sunset Crater Volcano, and Wupatki National Monuments. Before you go, have lunch at Flagstaff ’s award-winning restaurants or breweries. Did you know Proper Meats + Provisions was a James Beard Outstanding Restaurant 2023 semifinalist?
EVENING: An evening of star gazing in the world’s first international dark sky city. First stop, Dark Sky Brewery (DSB) for original craft brews, Pizzicletta’s wood-fired pizzas, and stellar skies on the patio. Next visit Lowell Observatory where Pluto was first discovered.
Talking Stick Resort is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Sonoran Desert, offering a combination of gaming, dining, and hospitality.
MORNING: StartatBlueCoyoteCafé,followed by some fun in the sun at one of the resort’s three pools. Or, spend some time on its state-of-the-art gaming floor.
EVENING: HeadtoOrangeSky,an award-winning modern steakhouse located on the 15th floor and featuring 360-degree views of the Valley.
Soak up every minute this summer in Yuma, Arizona— the sunniest place on earth!
MORNING: Start your day with a sunrise hike at Kofa National Wildlife Refuge. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, head to Cafecito for cold brew coffee and Saturday Morning Oats.
AFTERNOON: Stay cool with a dip in the water at one of Yuma’s many access points. Grab your friends and float down the Rio Colorado or paddleboard around Mittry Lake.
EVENING: Enjoy tasty Japanese-Mexican fusion cuisine and refreshing cocktails at Rolls and Bowls. Check its Facebook event listings for live music, happy hour times, and free Bachata and Salsa lessons.
Take a short drive to the city of San Luis Obispo. Live the SLO Life.
MORNING: Wakeup at your downtown SLO hotel. Walk to Scout Coffee for a latte. Hit the hiking trail up Cerro San Luis for stunning views.
EVENING: Do a wine tasting tour through local vineyards just minutes from downtown. Make a dinner reservation at Novo and dine creek-side under twinkling lights.
Whether you’ve got a week or just a long weekend, LA’s waterfront playground offers plenty of summertime thrills, including seaside movie nights, sunset sailing regattas, and some of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere.
MORNING: Paddle board to breakfast, kayak around the harbor, or spot dolphins from the deck of a chartered sailboat.
AFTERNOON: Grab a beach cruiser and bike the 22-mile paved path around the marina, stopping for a dockside lunch or a picnic on Marina—aka Mother’s—Beach.
EVENING: Set sail on a sunset dinner cruise or score a table on the patio at one of the marina’s dozens of waterfront restaurants, then unwind at one of seven waterfront hotels, each one with harbor views and resort vacation vibes.
Ventura Harbor Village is a vibrant waterfront attraction that combines scenic beauty, delicious dining, coastal shopping, and recreational opportunities.
MORNING: Check out the seaside patio dining with the stunning views at over 15 restaurants, then enjoy boutique browsing for fashion, home décor, and artisan pieces.
AFTERNOON: On tap weekly you’ll find live music, boat rentals with colorful dragon, duck and swan peddle boats, boardwalk-style sweets, eats, wine tasting, dive trips, and Channel Islands National Park Visitor Center.
“Staycation” isn’t a glamorous enough word to describe the bounty of luxury we have in our own backyard. Next time you want to play tourist in your hometown, upgrade from a simple Airbnb to these nearby resorts that run the gamut from urban destination to secluded and all-encompassing.
Manchester Grand Hyatt
Explore Southern California’s vibrant culture and natural beauty from our waterfront hotel in downtown San Diego.
MORNING: Rent a bike on the boardwalk and explore the city on the miles of paved waterfront pathways, or set sail on a boat or kayak rental to take in the sights from the water.
AFTERNOON: Relax and soak up the sun at our rooftop pool. The pool offers panoramic views of San Diego Bay, as well as private poolside cabanas.
EVENING: Enjoy an outdoor cinema experience on our fourth floorrooftopwithRooftopCinema Club. Take in city skylines, sunsets, specialty cocktails, delicious food, and handpicked movies on the big screen.
Experience this luxurious coastal resort situated on 400 acres of lush landscape minutes from Carlsbad’s beautiful beaches.
MORNING: First, coffee. Stroll the gorgeous floral pathways on your way to Marketplace. Enjoy your favorite brew in the sunny open-air plaza before heading the fitness center. Then have a leisurely breakfast at Vue.
AFTERNOON: Spa time. Order a healthy lunch from Spa Café, and lounge in tranquility while you wait for a treatment. Not spa person? Book a tee time or a cabana at Edge Pool.
EVENING: Dinner at Bob’s Steak and Chophouse is a must. Then catch a concert under the stars at Live from La Costa or cocktails at Bar Traza before returning to your spacious suite.
2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad, California 92009 760-438-9111 | omnilacosta.com
Sycuan Resort
San Diego’s first casino offers a thrilling stay with dining, gaming, and entertainment for all.
MORNING: Perk up with a breakfast at Viewpoint Neighborhood Kitchen. Then, take a coffee to-go and stroll around the grounds or opt for room service if your stay has already begun!
AFTERNOON: Lounge and laze in the SoCal sun in our stunning pool. Splash the day away with a drink in hand, or splurge on a cabana for ultimate relaxation.
EVENING: Our vast casino floor has something for every player—from slots to tables. Win big, then take your chips to dine in celebration at our Bull and Bourbon steakhouse.
5469 Casino Way,
El Cajon, Califonia 92019 619-445-6002 | sycuan.com
Harrah’s Resort
Find your Funner at Harrah’s Resort SoCal, voted “Best resort in Funner, California.”
MORNING: Get in a Funner state of mind with a refreshing massage or facial at The Spa at Harrah’s. Enjoy a dip in the salt bath or a custom mani-pedi.
AFTERNOON: Dance with lady luck on the casino floor at one of over 50 table games or 1,500 slot machines, or soak up the rays as you race laps around Dive’s lazy river.
EVENING: Hungry for fun? Dine at one of nine restaurants including California’s first Hell’s Kitchen, say cheers with a Funner cocktail, or cheer to a live show in the events center.
777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Funner, California 92082 760-751-3100
Sometimes car travel just won’t cut it for the kind of retreat you deserve. Take a quick trip to Mexico for a summer to remember. From decadent resorts to thrill-seeking, progressive stays, we have an option that’s perfectly suited to your idea of traveling in style.
Costa Palmas
Enchanting landscapes are yours to discover on the east cape of Baja.
MORNING: Your morning can be as idyllic as you desire— pamper yourself at the spa, enjoy a round of golf, soak up the sun by the pool, or enjoy a stroll down miles of unspoiled shoreline.
AFTERNOON: Few can resist the siren song of the Sea of Cortez. From kayaking and paddleboarding off the resort coast to scuba and freediving experiences at Cabo Pulmo and even fishing trips and sailing expeditions, this has it all.
EVENING: The Marina Village is the perfect place to enjoy an evening stroll and watch the lights on boats and yachts twinkle off the water, or you can catch up with friends over dinner at Mozza and dance the night away at Chiki.
A vibrant beachfront oasis offering unique getaway experiences for adventure-seeking travelers.
MORNING: Your day in paradise begins with a rejuvenating morning of sunrise yoga, oceanfront breakfast, and an array of invigorating beach activities, setting the tone for an unforgettable day at Corazon Cabo.
AFTERNOON: Embrace the afternoon with beach front lounging at Corazon Beach Club, refreshing cocktails, exhilarating water sports, infinity poolside relaxation, and delicious dining options for a perfect coastal escape.
EVENING: Experience a captivating evening at Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa: Indulge in a gourmet dinner with panoramic views at Rooftop 360, savor craft cocktails, and immerse yourself in the vibrant nightlife of Cabo.
Corazon Cabo Resort & Spa
Pelicanos 225, El Medano Ejidal
Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, 23453 +52-624-980-0604 | corazoncabo.com
Uncommon Journeys
Take a journey to Mexico’s stunning Copper Canyon by deluxe train. The trip is all-inclusive with many extras.
Travel 12 days from El Paso to Tucson with superb hotels and all meals provided, plus sightseeing, a US tour manager, and much more.
Enjoy excellent hotel stays in Chihuahua, Creel, Divisadero, Cerocahui, El Fuerte, and San Carlos on the Sea of Cortez in addition to El Paso and Tucson.
2744 East 11th Street, J-01, Oakland, California 94601 800-323-5893 uncommonjourneys.com
Studio S
JUNE 15, 2026
A Modern Take on Steak
Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of
Coronado
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.”
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.
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 theBalboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.
16 Museums, One Pass
Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).
Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.
Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.
Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:FleetScience.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily Phone: 619-238-1233
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.
Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:Niwa.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m. Phone: 619-232-2721
The Old Globe
A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre.
This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.
Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:TheOldGlobe.org Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.
Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-234-8291
San Diego History Center
History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.
By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.
Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SanDiegoHistory.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday Phone: 619-232-6203
San Diego Junior Theatre
Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre.
Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.
Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101 Website:JuniorTheatre.com Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: 619-239-1311
San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.
But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.
Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101 Website: SDNat.org Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer Phone: 619-232-3821
WorldBeat Cultural Center
The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.
Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Website:WorldBeatCenter.org Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m. Phone: 619-230-1190
Event Calendar
Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.
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.
Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.
The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps
Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.
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).
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.
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.
La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.
At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.
Try This!
Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri
Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.
Try This!
Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha
Labora Café
8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111 858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd
Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.
Try This!
Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.
Happy Medium
4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104 619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com
