Featured articles
Featured articles
Featured articles
What's next
Featured articles
Featured articles
Featured articles
Ready to know more about San Diego?
SubscribeReady to know more about San Diego?
There are plenty of products that are clinically proven and scientifically backed to increase your hair production.
Blu Atlas
There are plenty of products that are clinically proven and scientifically backed to increase your hair production. Hair growth traditionally relies on things such as your diet, exercise, scalp health and general health. However, it also has a lot to do with what you’re putting on your head. It’s no secret that constant coloring and heat treatment will damage your hair, causing hair loss, shedding, thinning and eventually a lack of new hair growth.
Thankfully, since the rise of hair-care products in the 1960s, ’70s and ’80s (yes, we’re talking about those oh-so-big curls), there are plenty of options that can help you save your hair. Whether your hair is damaged from color, heat or environmental factors, there’s something out there for you.
We’ve taken a deep dive into hair-growth products, individually testing, researching and reading reviews about popular shampoos and conditioners. We narrowed down the top choices to curate this list of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair growth.
We had three main considerations in mind when choosing the best products for hair growth: ingredients, consistency and price.
It may be obvious, but the ingredients in a shampoo or conditioner are the most important part of any hair-care product. There are ingredients to look for and ingredients to avoid. We recommend abstaining from any products that include sulfates, parabens, phthalates, formaldehyde, DEA, drying alcohols, mineral oil or artificial fragrances. In short, these ingredients often cause irritation, redness or itchiness on your scalp. After continued use, that irritation can turn into hair loss and hair shedding.
On the other hand, there are plenty of beneficial ingredients that increase hair growth. For shampoos, we advise looking for biotin, saw palmetto, jojoba oil, niacin and caffeine. For conditioners, look for ingredients like shea butter, aloe vera, coconut oil, glycerin and white tea extract.
Of course, there are chemically derived and naturally derived ingredients. Both have advantages, although we typically recommend staying toward the more natural side of things. From our research, it is clear that natural ingredients are better for sensitive, dry or easily irritated skin.
The second thing we looked at when choosing the best shampoos and conditioners for hair growth was the consistency. While many traditional shampoos come in a lotion-like consistency, there are benefits to both thinner and thicker products.
Thicker products, specifically conditioners, have a more nutrient-dense base, meaning they can provide results much more quickly. However, rich hair-care products can be too concentrated for people with sensitive skin.
Hair-care products with a thinner consistency tend to be gentler. They can provide the same benefits as their thick counterparts, but results may take longer. If you’re not used to using specialized shampoos or conditioners, we recommend starting with a thinner product so you don’t harm your scalp.
Price is the final factor we considered. Many hair-growth products are more expensive than traditional products. That’s because creating a shampoo or conditioner for hair growth is a scientific process, often requiring clinical trials and a high-end ingredient list.
However, we didn’t want to only choose products that were out of reach of most budgets, so we’ve tried to diversify our choices. We’ve included some drugstore options that have surprisingly beneficial results. Additionally, you’ll find middle-of-the-line and luxury options that sit at different price points.
Now that you know what we looked for and exactly how we chose our top 10, it’s time to reveal them. Each option was hand-tested, selected and reviewed by our team, so you know you’re receiving a quality choice, no matter what you pick.
Our favorite shampoo for hair growth comes from Blu Atlas, a skincare company headquartered in New York City. Its ingredient list is comparable to some of the highest-quality and most expensive choices, but the product is available at a budget-friendly price. This shampoo will give you thicker hair, more rapid hair growth, a cleaner scalp, moisturized and tangle-free strands, and revitalized hair follicles.
The shampoo from Blu Atlas is more than simply a volumizer or thickening shampoo. With hydrating components like jojoba oil and aloe vera – two of our favorite ingredients – it’s able to achieve a wide range of benefits in one. Jojoba oil works to control your sebum production (the glands that produce oil) to keep your hair looking shiny and healthy. Additionally, jojoba oil contains fatty acids and antioxidants that target the proteins in the hair to strengthen and renew each strand.
Another notable ingredient is saw palmetto, which is a natural DHT blocker. DHT is a testosterone compound that has a direct connection to hair loss and thinning. As your DHT production slows, often your hair growth increases. However, that’s not the only way this shampoo combats hair loss. When saw palmetto is paired with a naturally occurring plant-based biotin, as in the Blu Atlas Shampoo, the result is thicker and fuller strands.
Blu Atlas’ adherence to clean beauty stands impressed us. They don’t use parabens, sulfates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or animal testing in any of their American-made goods. Moreover, 99% of the ingredients used in their shampoo are natural. That makes it a great option for anyone with sensitive skin.
Finally, we loved the hassle-free process of purchasing Blu Atlas products. This is thanks to their no-questions-asked money-back guarantee, meaning you can test their product for free! If you adore their product – and we have no doubt you will – you can get a deal on it by subscribing to a monthly payment plan.
Alongside their shampoo, Blu Atlas has a fantastic conditioner. Thanks to their subscription plan, you can purchase both of these products with an additional 20% off. While other brands have a similar model, Blu Atlas offered the highest discount we found.
The Blu Atlas conditioner has many of the same features as the shampoo. Again, there are no parabens, phthalates, sulfates or synthetic fragrances. A whopping 99% of the ingredients are derived from natural sources, and include some of our favorites, such as white tea extract and argan oil. When this product is combined with their shampoo, you’ll find the benefits, like increased hair growth and thickness, will show up more rapidly.
White tea extract is one of our favorite ingredients because of its anti-inflammatory properties. Alongside its ability to moisturize and nourish the hair, it can calm inflammation. Additionally, white tea extract has antibacterial, antimicrobial and anti-aging features.
Argan oil is all about hydration. It is rich in essential hair-healthy nutrients and antioxidants that help your hair stay shiny.
If you’re going to use any set of products, we recommend the Blu Atlas Shampoo and Conditioner. They are the most affordable products that offer a high-quality slate of ingredients. For their low price point, you’ll be impressed by the wealth of benefits.
Almost two million consumers trust the hair regrowth shampoo and conditioner from Keranique. It includes an FDA-approved mixture of minoxidil, a chemically derived hair-growth formula, but in a milder form than the Rogaine product. This option is ideal for anyone who needs a serious choice for hair growth, and isn’t afraid of chemical treatments.
Saw palmetto is one of the elements supporting Keranique’s Hair Regrowth Therapy, just like our picks from Blu Atlas above. This natural ingredient promotes hair development and fortifies existing hair. When used in conjunction with minoxidil, saw palmetto is able to protect your hair against natural or chemical aggressors. Overall, the result of using Keranique’s product is a head of hair that appears thicker and healthier.
This product comes in a variety of options. They have a classic shampoo and conditioner, as well as a spray-on treatment. We liked the spray-on applicator; however, we only recommend using it if you’re serious about your hair growth. This solution is sprayed directly on troubled spots rather than being worked into your hair like many other hair-growth treatments. We discovered that this application technique was far more efficient and resulted in less waste. Additionally, it wasn’t as harsh as treatments that are applied to your entire head.
Using their full product range (that is, their shampoo, conditioner and treatment) leads to speedier results than just using one product. Thankfully, Keranique sells its products in a bundle, so you’re able to purchase them all together. This product outperforms most of its rivals and is available at an affordable price range.
Shea Moisture’s Shampoo is the choice for anyone with chemically damaged hair. If you love to straighten or curl your hair, this is probably for you as well. This solution is designed to soothe an itchy scalp, restore its natural pH balance, and naturalize your collagen and sebum production. The primary ingredient that enables it to achieve these results is castor oil, which has anti-inflammatory properties and is high in fatty acids.
Shea butter and aloe vera are two other ingredients in the Shea Moisture shampoo that are on our list of all-star ingredients. Both of these moisturizing substances are powerful hydrators and humectants. They also soften and smooth the hair, and shield it from further heat and chemical damage. So, if you’re using chemical or heat treatment daily, we recommend using this shampoo. After using this product for a few weeks, you should notice that your hair is not thinning or shedding as frequently.
You can find Shea Moisture’s product just about anywhere. It is sold at many drugstores, making it easily accessible. Additionally, it comes at a low cost and without harsh chemicals like many other drugstore products.
We don’t recommend this product to anyone who is currently battling baldness or extreme hair thinning. However, Shea Moisture’s shampoo is a fantastic choice if you use a lot of chemical products and are looking for a preventative treatment.
At number five on our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair growth, we have this well-liked hair-thickening shampoo with more than a thousand reviews. It is produced by the Black-owned brand Briogeo, a clean skincare company with the mission of creating affordable and clean hair-care products for all. None of their products include parabens, sulfates, silicones, DEA or synthetic perfumes, making them safe for anyone with sensitive skin.
Briogeo uses biotin in this product, which is one of our top products for hair growth. In our research, we learned that most people who deal with hair loss lack biotin. Although it isn’t always the reason your hair is shedding, it usually aids in strengthening and promoting hair growth. Maltodextrin and witch hazel extract are two other ingredients that promote thicker hair and are used in Briogeo’s product. Ninety-four percent of the remaining ingredients are organically sourced and naturally derived.
This shampoo, which promotes hair development, excels at a variety of other tasks as well. It thoroughly cleans your hair down to the pores, removing any accumulated oil or debris that are slowing your growth. The shampoo also offers long-lasting results thanks to its additional deposit of vitamin B5.
Just like Shea Moisture’s product, this is an excellent preventive measure for hair growth. However, we don’t suggest substituting this for a hair-growth treatment. Moreover, we suggest using caution when using this product if you have dry skin.
The Kérastase Bain Force Architecte Shampoo is a hair-growth shampoo from a company based in Paris. In addition to its primary effect of strengthening and reducing breakage in your hair, the shampoo smoothes and softens. If you have extremely sensitive skin, we recommend this option.
This product uses a pro-keratin complex, ceramides and sap from the so-called resurrection plant to achieve its goals. The amino and fatty acids in the keratin complex help to thicken and strengthen your natural hair. Ceramides make it easier for moisture to stay in your hair follicles and make your hair more elastic. Lastly, no matter how damaged your hair is, the sap from the resurrection plant is proven to smooth and polish it.
We like how little shampoo is required to lather your entire head. You can wash your entire head with just a quarter-sized amount of product, even if you have long hair. Using Kérastase’s shampoo will cost you less in the long term than most drugstore products and other well-known shampoos. For that reason, we think this is a great choice for anyone on a tight budget.
This shampoo is suitable for anyone with sensitive or dry skin because of the hydrator ingredients it contains. It’s a terrific addition to any hair-care routine.
At number seven on our list of the best shampoos and conditioners for hair growth is Carol’s Daughter Goddess Strength Fortifying Conditioner. The ingredients in this conditioner are carefully selected for their effectiveness, and are of the highest quality.
The ingredients include castor oil, black seed oil and ginger. Castor oil remains a popular ingredient in hair care. It’s a well-known hydrator that is able to protect your hair from environmental damage like UV rays, pollution and chlorine. Black seed oil, another hydrator, is rich in antifungal and antimicrobial nutrients, helping to balance the pH of your scalp to keep you producing new hair.
Ginger works to boost circulation on your scalp. That helps promote hair growth and reproduction, which is exactly what you’re looking for. According to a clinical study performed by a third party, each strand of hair is 15 times stronger after just one use of Carol’s Daughter Conditioner. That’s pretty impressive!
We recommend this choice for anyone dealing with hair loss, thinning, or frizzy and tangled hair. Thanks to its rich formula of humectants, this product is able to moisturize your hair and keep it from falling out. It is available at an affordable price.
No list of the best shampoos would be complete without Olaplex’s No. 4 Shampoo. The goal of Olaplex’s No. 4 Shampoo is to repair and revitalize hair, and bring out its original beauty. This product is vegan, color-safe and cruelty-free, and is free of parabens, phthalates, phosphates and sulfates. Although it works for people with all types of skin and hair, we believe it works best on those who have an oily scalp and greasy hair.
To shield your hair from daily pressures and fortify each strand, Olaplex employs its own unique bond-building solution. Your hair will feel softer and more manageable, and will be less prone to damage. Olaplex’s No. 4 Shampoo is a fantastic preventive for you if you often use heat or color on your hair.
We should mention that Olaplex’s shampoo does not use any naturally occurring ingredients. If that is a concern, you may wish to try one of the other products on our list.
We appreciate Olaplex’s dedication to protecting the environment. Each shampoo bottle prevents the emission of .4 pounds of greenhouse gases and .7 gallons of water. In addition, the business’s clean manufacturing process annually saves 44,000 trees and 8,000 acres of land. If you enjoy making guilt-free purchases of carbon-neutral goods, this is a fantastic option.
While this is a highly effective product, it comes at a high cost. That being said, if you want to treat yourself to an outstanding product, we recommend splurging.
As the name suggests, the Andalou Naturals Argan Stem Cell Age Defying Conditioner is all about anti-aging. We recommend this product to anyone who’s worried about aging or slowly getting older. It is proven to increase hair growth, decrease shedding and thinning, and slow early-onset balding. Overall, we think this is a great preventative product and treatment for older people.
We loved that this product is affordable and easy to find. It’s available in most drugstores, and even some grocery stores with large beauty sections. Compared to other inexpensive products, we think the benefits speak for themselves. Seriously, most conditioners under $10 can barely moisturize your hair – and this one stops hair shedding! What’s not to love?
If you’ve ever bought shampoo from the drugstore, we’re sure you’ve seen Aveeno’s products. They have tons of options and are well regarded for producing high-quality and affordable options. We picked Aveeno’s Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo as our 10th choice for the best shampoos and conditioners for hair growth.
Even though it’s a drugstore brand, this product is free from sulfates, parabens and dyes. It’s also completely safe for anyone with colored hair. Although it’s not as powerful as our favorite picks, it’s a great budget-friendly choice.
Apple cider vinegar is the primary ingredient in Aveeno’s product. Although you probably think of apple cider vinegar as a cooking ingredient, it offers many benefits for the hair. One of the main benefits is its ability to regulate the pH of your scalp. It contains acetic acid, which is a natural antibacterial and is beneficial for fighting common scalp problems. Furthermore, it controls the texture of your hair if you’ve previously used other drugstore products with high alkalinity or low acidity.
If you struggle with dandruff, we recommend using this product because of its healthy concentration of apple cider vinegar. However, those who produce a lot of sebum typically experience less dandruff – so we’d recommend another choice for them. We thought the lather on Aveeno’s shampoo was fantastic, and were impressed that it was created without the use of sulfates.
The smell of Aveeno’s Apple Cider Vinegar Shampoo might be its only drawback. While the apple and pear notes are not overpowering, they are certainly not mild.
The only other drawback is that this isn’t a daily-use shampoo. As a result, you will need to get used to a new practice of cleaning your hair less frequently if you currently wash it every day.
Aveeno has multiple other products that you can use in conjunction with this shampoo. We recommend using their conditioners if you purchase this shampoo, so you can experience their full product line.
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