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Body washes are one personal care item that can help us achieve a great scent as well as clean up after a hard day’s work
Best Body Washes
We all want to smell good. No, scratch that – we all want to smell amazing! No one wants to get out of the shower still reeking of sweat and dirt. The entire point of taking a shower is to cleanse the body, so we might as well smell fantastic afterward, right?
Body washes are one personal care item that can help us achieve a great scent as well as clean up after a hard day’s work. While some may think that body washes are all the same, they vary in different ways. Some body washes are gentle and target sensitive skin, while others lather up well. Still others provide an extra dose of fragrance that invigorates the senses and can keep us smelling great all day long.
A body wash comes in liquid form and is usually administered by a pump or a squeeze bottle. Body washes do the main job of any soap in cleansing the skin, but many body washes include extra ingredients to help target specific skin conditions. While body wash can be used straight from the bottle and applied with the hand, it is better to use a physical exfoliator, like a washcloth, brush or loofah, to help lather and break up dead skin.
We’ve all been at the store and reached for a bottle labeled either body wash or shower gel. They’re the same thing, right? Wrong! There is a significant difference between the two products. While shower gel is usually administered the same way as body wash, through a pump or squeeze bottle, shower gel has a thicker consistency with high concentrations of fragrance. Typically, shower gels are less moisturizing than body washes.
As educated consumers, all of us have become more aware of labels and the ingredient lists on products that we use every day. While some products have long lists of ingredients that we can’t even begin to pronounce, other brands stick to natural ingredients that provide benefits to the skin.
As with any product, there are ingredients to look for when checking out the ingredient list on the back of the label.
Water is usually part of the equation when it comes to the best smelling body washes for men. The addition or lack of water directly affects the overall consistency of the product.
Creating foam is the prime responsibility of emulsifiers. Foam is the primary way that the body wash is spread over the skin so that we aren’t using half a bottle every time we wash. Common emulsifiers include beeswax, borax, carbomer, cetearyl alcohol and lecithin.
Some body washes include an added exfoliant, which provides a gritty texture to the product. Exfoliants are used to help break up the dead surface of the skin and to clean off stubborn dirt and grime. Microbeads, or small plastic pieces, have been pulled from products because of fish and wildlife concerns. However, many body washes include natural exfoliants like oats, sugar crystals or milk salt to provide a gritty texture.
Cleansing is good, but it can dry out the skin. Adding hydration back into the skin is one of the reasons why we choose a body wash over shower gel. Using a body wash with added moisturizers helps hydrate the skin. Shea butter, jojoba oil, coconut oil and lanolin are natural moisturizers used in many body washes.
Some body washes may include humectants. A humectant works as a moisturizer that draws water onto the surface of the skin. Synthetic humectants include butylene glycol, glycerin, urea, tremella extract, dicyanamide, sorbitol, sodium lactate and sodium PCA. Natural humectants are seaweed, honey, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid and alpha hydroxy acid.
Many of us choose a body wash for its fragrance. This is why we often pop the top off of bottles in the store to check the scent of the product. Fragrance can positively or negatively affect the shower based on our personal preferences. Some men may choose a body wash that only includes natural scents, like lavender or mint, while others prefer a fragrance that is created chemically.
As with any product, there are bad ingredients to know and steer clear of when choosing any kind of skin-care product.
While preservatives, also known as parabens, are used in the food industry to keep food from spoiling, the same is true for some body washes. Preservatives keep the product shelf-stable and free of growing bacteria, but they aren’t the best thing to add to our skin. The most common parabens used include methylparaben, ethylparaben, propylparaben and butylparaben.
Some fragrances in body washes stem from a group of chemicals called phthalates. The most commonly used phthalate is diethyl phthalate (DEP). While the FDA states that it doesn’t pose any known risks to human health, it is something to be aware of.
Triclosan is a powerful antibacterial agent that can cause issues in the endocrine system. The FDA banned the use of triclosan in 2016, but some body washes made internationally may still include this ingredient.
Sulfates, also known as surfactants, are those ingredients that help get rid of the dirt and oil on the skin. A sulfate is a sulfuric acid that creates a salt when mixed with another chemical. While many body washes include sulfates, there is some concern about the origin of sulfates because they are a petroleum-based product. The most common sulfates include sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES).
Now that we understand the ingredients of body washes, it is up to each of us to decide what kind of products we want to use. While some of these best smelling body washes for men use all-natural ingredients and fragrances, others are manufactured using chemicals.
No matter what kind of body wash we choose, a great smelling body wash can help in many ways. An invigorating scent can help wake us up in the morning, while a soothing scent can help calm us down before bed. Either way, a lasting scent from a body wash can keep us smelling great all day (or night) and kick odor and dirt to the curb. Check out our top picks for the best smelling body washes for men this year.
Enjoy the combination of green tea, aloe vera and coconut with the refreshing Blu Atlas Body Wash. This all-natural product features sugarcane to help exfoliate the skin. Green tea adds antioxidants, which help reduce puffiness and calm redness. Aloe leaf is a natural moisturizer that includes vitamins A, C and E as natural antioxidants. A gel created from coconut alcohol and caprylic acid softens and soothes skin.
Use the Blu Atlas Body Wash for an invigorating cleanse any day of the week. We love that this product uses all-natural ingredients and has a fresh, natural scent. There is no need to worry that any of the ingredients will be harmful to the body, making each shower session a breeze.
Wake up with the refreshing citrus scent of geranium leaf, bergamot and mandarin when you use the Aesop Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser. This item is well-loved for its unique blend of citrus that leaves us feeling fresh as well as clean. Glycerin, coco-betaine and citric acid work together to create a body wash that rids skin of dirt and sweat. This is an excellent option for men who want a low-foaming product that smells great.
All Aesop products are vegan and use ingredients with proven records of safety and sustainability, making this a great choice for those of us who are environmentally conscious. The old-school glass bottle will make you feel like this is a prescription from a century ago that has stood the test of time.
Enjoy the refreshing scent of rosemary and eucalyptus with the Jack Black Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser. Get deep into every pore with this body wash that has natural antibacterial agents. The scent of this product is incredible, making it a top choice for many men. Juniper berry, eucalyptus and rosemary extract combine to create a fresh and calming fragrance.
The Turbo Wash Energizing Cleanser from Jack Black is alcohol-free, paraben-free and sulfate-free, so we have no qualms about using it regularly. We also love that it is dermatologist tested.
Enjoy the fresh scent of Brickell Men’s Invigorating Mint Body Wash every morning. This body wash features a purifying minty smell that isn’t overwhelming. Glycerin, aloe and jojoba oil clean and moisturize the body, while vitamin E and tea tree oil provide hydration and antimicrobial properties.
We like that this product is a natural blend of ingredients that won’t strip essential oils from the skin’s surface. Brickell Men’s Invigorating Mint Body Wash is ideal for men with sensitive skin who find other body washes too strong or irritating.
Old Spice is a brand commonly found on department-store shelves. While they offer many scent options, the Swagger scent profile is highly rated and easy to find. A potent mixture of cedarwood and lime creates an irresistible scent in the shower and on the skin all day long.
Old Spice Swagger Body Wash also includes orange oil, citric acid and other surfactants to clean the body and ensure you step out the door with confidence. The mesmerizing scent will put extra swagger in your step.
Clean ingredients are the norm for this Eucalyptus and Mint Body Wash from Native. An herbal, earthy scent washes over the body when you use this product. Your skin will feel soft, and the body wash lathers well, so you know it is working. A mix of coconut oil, citric acid and high-grade cleansing salt work as natural ingredients to hydrate, balance and exfoliate the skin.
Native is known for adding nothing extra to its blends, and this product is no exception. We didn’t find any phthalates, dyes or sulfates in this body wash, making it an excellent choice for those of us wanting a naturally clean product.
Hitting the gym doesn’t mean that you have to smell like it! The Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Victory Body Wash is one product we always keep in our gym bag. Not only does it smell fantastic, but it includes activated charcoal to sop up excess oil and sweat. Aloe vera leaves a soothing finish, and cooling eucalyptus notes help return the body to a natural temperature after a grueling workout.
The Art of Sport Activated Charcoal Victory Body Wash is paraben-free, sulfate-free and phthalate-free, making it an easy choice. It’s perfect for guys who are always at the gym or have extra-stinky jobs that need a refreshing scent, pronto.
Men looking for a body wash that also exfoliates well should reach for the Bevel Dark Cassis Body Wash. Clogged pores are no match for this body wash, which targets stubborn oil and grease. The scent profile stands out from the rest with its mixture of botanical blooms and dark berries. We like that this scent feels manly without getting too floral. Notes of grapefruit, vanilla and white musk top off the fragrance.
The Bevel Dark Cassis Body Wash includes hydrated silica to help exfoliate the skin and clear out pores. Jojoba esters work at removing flaky skin while charcoal soaks up toxins and bacteria. Argan oil adds vitamin E and omega fatty acids to help moisturize the skin for an all-day clean feeling.
Start the day off right with this Body Fuel All-in-One Energizing Wash Hair & Body Cleanser from Kiehl’s. The unique blend of caffeine and menthol will wake us up no matter what kind of night we had.
Vitamin C, vitamin E and zinc work together to make this product a versatile cleanser that removes sweat and excess oil from the skin. You can use this on hair as well, making it a great option for the shower.
Don’t be surprised if this bottle causes a double-take in the shower. The 18.21 Original Sweet Tobacco Man Made Wash looks just like a bottle of our favorite whiskey. While this brand is new to the men’s skin-care market, it has made waves with its unique packaging and branding. This Man Made Wash includes powerful moisturizing ingredients in the nostalgic bottle design.
As expected, whiskey is the prominent scent of this body wash, along with sweet tobacco, for the ultimate in a manly shower experience. This three-in-one product is also great for use as a shampoo and conditioner if desired. We like that 18.21 is a paraben-free and sulfate-free brand that offers a body wash great for all skin types.
Wake up the senses with this aromatherapy body wash from Rugged & Dapper. A mix of orange peel, rosehip and tea tree oil create a masculine scent that will give a jump-start to the day. This body wash also doubles as a shampoo, making it an easy choice to toss in a gym bag or pack for vacation.
We like that this is an all-natural product and is free of artificial fragrances. Rugged & Dapper Body Wash + Shampoo is paraben-free and vegan for those who want to choose a body wash that fits a natural lifestyle.
Popular barbershop brand American Crew offers a lineup of products that may smell familiar. The American Crew 3-in-1 Body Wash anoints the body with a unique clean scent that includes tea tree leaf oil and hops flower extract. Sage leaf extract softens skin, and citric acid helps wake up the skin with a good cleanse.
American Crew 3-in-1 Body Wash can also be used as a shampoo and conditioner if desired. This product is available for purchase online and in stores.
While this newcomer to the men’s skin-care industry has many body wash scents to choose from, we liked the eucalyptus mint option for those morning wake-up calls. A mixture of plant-based ingredients like glycerin and citric acid helps cleanse the skin. Eucalyptus and spearmint blend for a fresh scent.
We like that Every Man Jack Eucalyptus Mint Body Wash is made with 97% naturally derived ingredients and that the bottle is made of 50% post-consumer recycled plastic. It is also gluten-free and cruelty-free, making it a great choice for men who want to purchase an environmentally friendly product.
Get fancy with this great-smelling body wash from Pré de Provence. The No. 63 Hair and Body Wash provides a deep scent profile, with citrus notes that combine with a middle note of plum. Base notes of tobacco and leather ground the scent. Pré de Provence No. 63 also uses aloe vera, shea oil and glycerin to moisturize and soften skin.
Pré de Provence No. 63 Hair and Body Wash is known for producing a long-lasting scent that carries men through the day. The liquor-style bottle helps secure this product’s place as one of the best smelling body washes for men this year.
For a different scent profile, reach for this Invigorating Bergamot and Pear Essence Body Wash from Baxter of California. We like the pear notes, which provide a crisp and clean scent in the shower as well as on the skin. The combination of pear and bergamot creates an alluring masculine scent.
Baxter of California Invigorating Bergamot and Pear Essence Body Wash uses vitamin E and jojoba oil to clean and hydrate the skin. This is a vegan option that uses high-quality ingredients and energizes the skin.
A unique blend of charcoal, Japanese yuzu and bergamot go into the Stone Body Wash from Harry’s. We love that this scent is different from other options on this list of the best smelling body washes for men. Everyone needs a change now and then! Use this body wash to thoroughly cleanse the skin and ensure it feels conditioned and smooth long after showering.
Harry’s Stone Body Wash is free of dyes, sulfates and parabens, so you can use it on a daily basis without worry. This product is not tested on animals.
Look no further than the Alpine Wood Invigorating Rush Hair + Body Wash from Anthony if you’re on the hunt for unusual ingredients. This body wash features ingredients that we didn’t find in competitors, like birch leaf, Canadian balsam and alba extract. Other additions include eucalyptus and sage leaf extract to round out the woodsy scent.
Use this product before a big day at work or on date night to provide an intoxicating smell that is hard to miss. Stand out from the crowd with this unique blend of ingredients.
Enjoy the sweet and spicy scent of liquor with this Rum Hand + Body Wash from Malin + Goetz. This brand’s best-selling cleaner is known for its luxuriant lather and rich aroma that helps to refresh the skin. Amino acids and glycerin hydrate the skin to keep moisture levels up. Gentle surfactants wash away dirt, while the rum-based scent adds a touch of warmth to any shower.
Malin + Goetz Rum Hand + Body Wash is great to use at the sink for handwashing that is sure to create a smile. We like that this product is vegan and cruelty-free, and uses PCR recycled plastic during manufacturing.
Surf’s up any time you use this Golden State-inspired body wash from Oars & Alps. Their California Coast scent option includes a light and clean citrus profile mixed with grounding scents of patchouli, sandy amber and ylang-ylang. Jojoba oil helps moisturize the skin, while vitamin E and antioxidants strengthen the skin.
Lather up with this sulfate-free body wash option that has us dreaming of sunny skies, blue waves and easygoing beach life. Who doesn’t want to escape reality from time to time?
This American-made men’s skin-care brand uses what they know best. The Nashville, Tennessee, brand uses bourbon to create this manliest-of-men scent that includes bourbon and cedarwood. We love this signature scent, which is equal parts rich and deep. The woody and smokiness to the smell and the hint of vanilla lighten up the scent perfectly.
Olivina Men All-in-One Bourbon Cedar Body Wash goes a long way, making it an excellent choice for those of us who want to use it in our hair. While the price point is higher than other competitors, you can’t go wrong with this naturally scented body wash from Olivina Men.
When choosing one of these best smelling body washes for men, consider trying a new scent profile to mix things up a bit. Not only do these body washes clean away dirt and grime, but many of them also hydrate and moisturize to keep skin healthy and feeling great. Add in a luxurious scent, and nothing can stop you from taking on the day.
Ingredient-conscious guys have plenty of natural and organic options to choose from when selecting a great-smelling body wash. For those who don’t care as much, there are plenty of deliciously scented body washes that use synthetic ingredients. Try out a few different scent options to see what works best and enjoy the incredible fragrances these body washes for men provide.
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
