San Diego Neighborhood Guide: San Marcos

Growing up in Carlsbad, I never quite understood why people vacationed there. What, so you want to check out the field where I have soccer practice? Pay my orthodontist a visit? Carlsbad just felt like a town by the beach, no better or worse than any other in the country. It took going to college out of state for me to actually understand just how rare a place like Carlsbad is.

Thanksgiving break my freshman year, my first time coming home after three months in the Midwest, my shoulders dropped. I rolled down the windows and drove to lifeguard tower 37—the hangout magnet for Carlsbad’s youths (and, in the summer, tourists)—and the smells of the ocean woke me right up like smelling salts do. I finally got it.

Carlsbad isn’t just a stopover town on your way to something better. It is the destination. Travel + Leisure named Carlsbad one of the top 50 places around the world to travel in 2026. From the whole globe, the travel magazine picked my home. Sure, we’ve got the Flower Fields and Legoland—but now it’s the smaller ships and indier dreams that are giving it street-level character.

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It’s not just Carlsbad, either. People have talked about the “North County bubble” for decades—a force field that prevents its residents from traveling south of the 56. It’s often used derogatorily, and it’s a fairly accurate burn.

For decades, living up in North County meant giving up on culture, or at least culture within close proximity. But now, the main expansion of San Diego culture is happening up north. Central San Diego restaurants have started taking notice and are expanding into the area—spurred no doubt by Oceanside’s food boom and the Jeune et Jolie–Campfire–Wildland–Lilo constellation in Carlsbad. City Heights burger joint Key & Cleaver opened a new spot in Oceanside; the owners of Parc Bistro-Brasserie in Bankers Hill opened Parc Lounge in Rancho Santa Fe. Possibly the strongest market indicator is that Sam Fox—one of the most successful restaurateurs west of the Rockies—has started focusing on North County for his concepts. In 2025, he opened both The Henry in Carlsbad and Culinary Dropout in Del Mar.

For the ultimate insider guide, we found a handful of inspiring people who live and create and truly know six North County neighborhoods—San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, Leucadia, Rancho Santa Fe, and Vista—and asked them how they’d spend a dream day out and about in their town.

San Marcos

San Marcos is in full renaissance mode. The biggest story is that the grand North City vision is starting to peek through the scaffolding. It’s essentially the North County Downtown that’s been written in the tea leaves and discussed whenever someone gets stuck in traffic at the 5/805 merge: a 200-acre, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use face-changer that’s slated for 2,600 homes, 350,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, 250 hotel rooms, and about a million square feet of offices and labs. Its most recent manifestation is 222 North City—a 12-story residential tower with over 450 residences, rooftop garden, pool cabanas, art installations, and almost 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail (Necessity Coffee, Buona Forchetta, Draft Republic, Milonga Empanadas, and a grocery store anchor on its way).

Which means Restaurant Row is no longer burdened with being the primary caregiver for the hungry or the socially inclined. Patricia Prado-Olmos has watched the city morph during her nearly three-decade tenure at CSUSM, having spent the past six years as the school’s chief community engagement officer. She also just announced her forthcoming retirement at the end of the 2026–2027 school year, so she’ll have even more time to haunt local haunts.

Meet the Local: Patricia Prado-Olmos

Those in the know call the university “Cal State StairMaster” from the Sisyphean amount of stairs on the hillside campus. So, any day at or around CSUSM should start with a homestyle carbo-load (biscuits and gravy) from Mama Kat’s.

“There’s something about this breakfast spot that immediately puts me in a good mood,” she says. Mama Kat’s is also known for its pie (strawberry-rhubarb), which is breakfast if you change your perspective.

After a few hours on campus—with a break to pet the university’s official therapy goldendoodle, Frank, who helps ease finals tremors or apprehension of on-campus stairs—Prado-Olmos will wander into North City, just steps away. She says the almond croissant and coffee at Christophe Rull Patisserie rival Parisian cafés: “It feels like the kind of place you’d stumble across in a much bigger city.”

Rull, a Michelin-trained pastry chef who’s done stints on Netflix (Bake Squad) and Food Network (Super Mega Cakes, Halloween Wars), opened his patisserie last fall. The hype hasn’t cooled off yet: Get there early because the crowds do.

Listen to our Ultimate California Mixtape below featuring each artist

Some of the most famous musicians on the planet got their start in California—the Eagles, the Grateful Dead, Cher, Snoop Dogg, and Fergie, to name a modest handful. But before they were topping charts and selling out stadiums, these heavy-hitters were just kids with a dream.

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California’s still full of dreamers, talented artists playing garages and filming TikToks in the hope of making their voices heard. Among them are the next Metallica, Dr. Dre, or Billie Eilish (three more Golden State stars). So, we asked 15 music experts from venues, record shops, and radio stations throughout the state to cut through the noise and tell us who they think is poised to go platinum. Here’s your chance to beat the inevitable Ticketmaster battle royale and see ’em while they’re still up-and-coming.

The Schizophonics

Recommended by: Tim Mays | Founder of The Casbah | San Diego

“I’ve long thought that The Schizophonics (@theschizophonics) are on the verge of going big. They just played a high-profile opening slot for Jack White at the Hollywood Palladium. They’ve got an established national booking agency working for them and a couple big tours over the next few months. They’ve consistently drawn large local crowds and their show is one of the best live shows out there—it must be seen to fully understand.”

Must-Listen Track: “Desert Girl”

Rexx Life Raj

Recommended by: Pendarvis Harshaw | Arts & Culture Writer KQED-FM | San Francisco

“Rexx Life Raj (@rexxliferaj) can rap. He can sing. He’s a clever jokester who talks about the powers of psilocybin, as well as a poet who readily discusses the -isms that plague our society. He is from Berkeley, played college football in Idaho, and [has] done shows around the world. There are a lot of entry points to his catalog for someone who has never heard of him—the California Poppy and Father Figure series are dope. And he’s done a number of remarkable features on other people’s projects.

But The Blue Hour album is a must-listen. In the wake of losing both his parents, he took that pain and made beautiful music for those who are in pain. (Isn’t that what music is for?) He’s dropping another project; it’s titled In Rhythm. I expect more of all of it.”

Must-Listen Track: “New Normal”

Anna Thoresen

Recommended by: Jake Perry | Talent Buyer Whisky a Go Go | West Hollywood

“I’ve been the talent buyer at The Whisky for 15 years, and an artist named Anna Thoresen (@anna__thoresen) recently sent over her music and I’m very impressed. She’s in her early 20s and lives in Los Angeles. Her music is a blend of soulful rock and pop—a Gen-Z Stevie Nicks who produces her own music. I think she’s the next big thing!”

Must-Listen Track: “Dirty Laundry”

Shua

Recommended by: Julia Dixon Evans, KPBS Arts Reporter & Host of The Finest KPBS-FM, San Diego

“On my radar is Shua (@shuatheshua), a San Diego–based artist who, in his words, creates music ‘for lonely people.’ Throughout his career so far, he’s seen highs and lows—[he’s been] on the brink of making it, with record deals inked and songs with millions of streams, and he’s also been on the brink of homelessness, unsure where his next meal might come from. Throughout it all, he’s committed to raw, compelling, and honest storytelling—all with a stunning voice and sonic energy that’s both urgent and delicate.”

Must-Listen Track: “How To Let Go”

Mareux

Recommended by: Brad Schelden | Head Buyer Amoeba Music | Los Angeles

“Mareux (@__mareux__) is a totally unique, new LA darkwave genius that also sounds completely familiar—a new kind of goth making music to help us cope with our brave new world.”

Must-Listen Track: “The Perfect Girl”

Sitting On Saturn

Recommended by: Candace Mandracia | Talent Buyer Humphreys Concerts By The Bay | San Diego

“Sitting on Saturn (@sittingonsaturnband) [is a] really upbeat trio playing a blend of ska, punk, and indie. Best of all, they are from San Diego and graduated from [San Diego State University]. They’ve made appearances at festivals like Riot Fest and toured with 311, Sublime with Rome, Dirty Heads, and even the Jonas Brothers and have collaborated with artists like G. Love, NOFX, and Simple Plan.”

Must-Listen Track: “Tokyo”

The Neighborhood Kids

Recommended by: Lou Niles | Co-host of Loudspeaker, San Diego Music Foundation Executive Board Member, 91X FM | San Diego

“The Neighborhood Kids (@theneighborhoodkidsmusic) are poised to break out. They are a young, emerging hip-hop group produced by Jon the Funky Monk. They have a great, old-school hip-hop base to their sound while speaking to important political and social issues happening today. The Neighborhood Kids recently won best new artist at the San Diego Music Awards.”

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For some, September signals the bittersweet end of summer. For others, it’s a new beginning: the height of harvest season in California wine country. Vineyard grapes reach optimal ripeness for picking, stomping, and fermenting, while the warm, dry, and temperate weather invites wine lovers across the country outdoors to see the vineyards for themselves. Craving a vino vacation of your own? Here’s what to do, eat, and drink, plus where to stay.

Temecula

Families, in particular, should start in the Riverside County city of Temecula, where anyone age 6 or above can sightsee from the skies with family-run company Cielo Balloons. Those who prefer to keep their feet firmly on the ground might go for a sunset horseback ride with California Ranch Company before turning in for the night at the ultra-luxurious South Coast Winery Resort & Spa—the first and only five-time winner of the “Golden State Winery of the Year” award, as granted by the California State Fair Commercial Wine Competition—or a room at the Spanish-style Ponte Vineyard Inn, which has its own vineyard and is within walking distance of two more.

From there, stroll to Bottaia Winery, where creative types looking to play winemaker for a day can blend their own vinos and bring them home as a souvenir to age. Hop in the car for your five-minute drive to lunch at the upper veranda of Flower Hill Bistro at Miramonte Winery. Wrap up your day with a tasting at the nearby Peltzer Family Cellars before heading into town for a last hurrah dinner at the 98-year-old, storied Swing Inn Cafe & BBQ.

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Temecula Wines to Try

• 2019 Wild Horse Peak Il Temporale at South Coast Winery: Firm-bodied with notes of black cherry. Bright acidity and velvety tannins.
• 2023 Blush at Bottaia Winery: Simple and clean with notes of raspberry, melogold grapefruit, and lime.
• 2024 Sauvignon Blanc at Peltzer Family Cellars: Light and crisp, with apple blossom and honeydew melon notes.

Central Coast

Head north and stop for a meal at the Hotel Californian’s Blackbird restaurant in Santa Barbara, where executive chef Travis Watson and his staff host a once-monthly series featuring a different winery or spirits company. Patrons who don’t want to build their schedule around that event can still savor offerings from local wineries like Lincourt and Firestone before checking in at The Inn at Mattei’s Tavern in Los Olivos.

After spending some time in the property’s airy restaurant and renowned spa, continue onwards to Paso Robles, where you should plan ahead to book a table at the Michelin-starred Six Test Kitchen. There, the seating counter—which can only accommodate 12—wraps around the kitchen for a real-time, behind-the-scenes view of the staff whipping up 12 delicate courses using the bounty of the area’s farms. (Traveling next month? You’re in luck— October is the region’s Harvest Wine Month, when many wineries host special events.)

If you’re looking instead to prioritize the “coast” part of the region’s namesake, follow Carmel-by-the-Sea’s free, self-guided wine walk (get the app for discounts on included wineries’ tastings) before holing up at the romantic, 19th-century Seven Gables Inn, which overlooks Lovers Point Beach in Monterey. Admire the stained glass windows and Victorian architecture; plus, every single one of its 25 rooms offers views of the water.

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Central Coast Wines to Try

• 2022 Estate Collection Soul of a Lion at Daou Vineyards: Fragrances of violet and strawberry jam; flavors of red fruit and chocolate-covered blueberry.
• 2024 Rosé at Peachy Canyon: Notes of strawberry, guava, and elderberry liqueur with a spicy Tajín aftertaste.

Livermore

Take the 101 straight to Livermore’s iconic Wine Trolley, which shuttles riders to three local vineyards for tastings. Or sit down for a casual picnic at Del Valle Regional Park with a sandwich from Ofelia’s Kitchen and a bottle from First Street Wine Company. Make a stop at McGrail Vineyards before unpacking your suitcase for a stay in one of The Purple Orchid Resort & Spa’s 10 fireplace-equipped rooms and suites. Nibble on a complimentary, made-to-order breakfast while looking out at the garden or olive orchard from every room. Guests can also enjoy a community event each evening, featuring an olive oil tasting, wine, and cheeses.

Slip into the moment: You’re strolling through Surf Sports Park in the fall outfit you’ve been dying to wear, maybe even snagging some handmade jewelry with rare natural gemstones from Timka Jewelry while sipping locally made hard kombucha and snacking on Michelin-starred must-try meals from San Diego restaurants. In the background, celebrity chefs mingle by small parties with DJs spinning and professional athletes passing by floral photo ops that are basically made to be framed. You pause for a wine pour that looks almost too good to drink and catch acclaimed talents like Jackson Kalb collaborating with Quixote. 

This is the Del Mar Wine + Food Festival—one of SoCal’s premiere food and drink events showcasing the unique culinary experiences infused with San Diego’s fitness and wellness culture. If you’re heading to the fest this year, we put together an insider’s guide to all the standout activations at the Grand Tasting taking place from September 13 & 14. Here’s what not to miss:

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Sips, Tastings & Photo-Ops

Across Saturday and Sunday, festival-goers can wander the grounds to enjoy activations from sponsors like LaCroix, Landmark Vineyards, Justin Wines, and Clink. These pop-ups will be offering food and drink tastings, goodie-bags, and little surprises that make wandering the festival half the fun.

Clink will be pouring a mix of wines in the picnic area just outside the VIP tent, while Justin, Landmark, and Lewis wines will host tastings nearby. Heaven Hill Tequila Ocho and Mezcal Vago, will be outside the beach area near Feeding San Diego, and LaCroix will be available throughout the grounds with sparkling water and an Instagram-worthy floral photo-op near the Locals zone. 

You can also catch San Simeon wines outside the VIP tent, Spritz in the beach area, Peroni and Blue Moon outside VIP, The Grill Dads throwing tailgate-style parties with Grillin’ Time canned cocktails flowing from branded coolers, and The Los Angeles Golf Club Dryvebox giving everyone the chance to test their swing on a golf simulator. Follow your taste buds, your camera, or your curiosity and you’re guaranteed to run into something worthy of a pause at every turn.

Exclusive Chef Collabs

Chef collabs at the Del Mar Wine + Food fest mix flavor, personalities, and a little bit of culinary chaos in the best way. After all, how often do you catch two acclaimed talents sharing the same space? On Saturday, Jackson Kalb teams up with Quixote, while Jet Tila links with Serea and Lionfish for a full-on takeover of the Culinary Comp Zone. Both days feature Fox Point partnering with Haven’s Mawa McQueen in the VIP area, while Plant Paradise joins forces with Nichols Farms and chef Zuliya Khawaja. 

And this is just some of many prime celebrity-spotting opportunities. Your favorite chefs will be sprinkled all across the weekend’s lineup. Get the full lowdown on where to find them here. 

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Local Bites & Cooking Demonstrations 

Beyond the zones, the weekend features some of the best SoCal names in the food and drink industry including A+M Catering, Amalfi Cucina Italiana, Quixote, Glass Box, Rosemarie’s Buns & Brews, Bianchi Winery, Rootdown Wine Cellars, and more. Saturday brings the star power of STK Steakhouse, Jake’s Del Mar, ARLO San Diego, and Provisional Kitchen, while Sunday turns the spotlight to Lana Restaurant, Waverly, Flame & Flavor, and Seasons 52. Click here to see the full list of participating restaurants.

Kyoku Knives will also make its mark as a headline sponsor throughout the festival, with chef Jeff Roberto breaking down sushi, sashimi, and Wagyu beef during the Sushi on a Roll activation in the VIP Reception Area. He’ll be joined by Brian Malarkey (Top Chef, Herb & Wood, Animae) and Tommy “The Fishmonger” Gomes (Outdoor Channel) so be sure to get your cameras ready. 

Games, DJs & Tailgates

Field games and foodie finds galore, throughout the weekend, attendees can catch some wiffle ball and classic ballpark eats at Ballpark in the Park, dive into a soccer experience with San Diego Wave FC or join tailgate enthusiasts with SDFC and DirecTV. Or, keep the celebration going with DJs spinning at the Mountain experience.

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At Street Fleet Alley, find local food trucks and street food pop-ups serving their best fare. Plus, this year, Baja and Paso Robles head to San Diego to showcase their local breweries, restaurants, and lifestyle brands—keep an eye out for their activations. 

Everywhere you turn, you’ll find art installations, local food, celebrity chefs, TV personalities, and unique pop-ups. It’s what the Grand Tasting is all about: living your best life, one sip, bite, and beat at a time.

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Many people view San Diego as the ultimate vacation destination. But as residents, we need our own getaways, too. Thankfully, living in San Diego means that we’re never too far from our next adventure. With costs across the country on the rise, however, we put together a list of nearby destinations that are less than four hours from San Diego and attractions that won’t break the bank once there. In fact, all activities are $30 or less, so now you really have no reason to escape the city this year. Here’s our list of budget-friendly travel destinations near San Diego: 

Los Angeles 

Less than two hours north of San Diego (traffic permitting, of course) sits the entertainment capital of the world: Los Angeles. In a city that’s bustling with unique and memorable experiences, it’s actually a great getaway that doesn’t have to drain your bank account. 

A must-do on the budget-friendly LA itinerary is Griffith Park. With over 4,000 expansive acres, Griffith Park is chock-full of hiking trails and picnic spots. One of the park’s hotspots is Griffith Observatory, an iconic landmark that is free to visit. Close by is Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking destination that is frequented by celebrities and known for its views of the Hollywood sign. LA is also home to a range of museums that offer free admission, including The Broad, the Institute of Contemporary Art, and the California African American Museum.

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If you’re looking for a more one-of-a-kind experience, consider checking out the swan pedal boats in Echo Park that cost $13 per hour. Then, just outside of LA is the well-known Huntington Library and Botanic Garden that features a vast library, art museum, and 16 themed gardens. Adult tickets cost $29, while children four and under can visit for free.

Santa Monica

Just west of LA is Santa Monica, another easily accessible city that evokes images of sunshine, beach days, and a laid-back attitude. This makes it a great place to spend time if you’re looking for money-saving activities.

One of the city’s most visited landmarks is Santa Monica State Beach. With over three miles of sandy space, beachgoers can enjoy an inexpensive day lounging in the sun or playing in the water. The iconic Santa Monica Pier also offers plenty of affordable fun, from amusement park rides and arcade games to good old-fashioned people watching. Want to take in more picturesque views? Make the short drive over to the Venice Canals and enjoy a serene walk along the historic waterways.

Catalina Island

If you’re looking for an island getaway, then Catalina Island might be the answer you’re looking for. It is one of California’s Channel Islands and offers a welcome blend of adventure and relaxation.

While a one-way ferry ticket does cost more than $30, once you’re on the island, there are plenty of free and reasonably-priced activities. Whether you bring your own gear or rent it, Catalina Island offers great opportunities to snorkel and spend time in the water, or simply just sunbathe on one of the many beaches. For ticketed options, visit Wrigley Memorial & Botanic Garden that features plants that naturally grow on one or more of the Channel Islands and nowhere else in the world. Adult admission costs $14, with discounts available for seniors, children, students, and veterans. Then, take the family to Mini Golf Gardens where adult tickets are priced at $15 and a child’s ticket costs $12. If museum culture is more your vibe, check out the Catalina Museum for Art & History. Tickets are priced at $12 for adults, while admission for children 15 years and younger is free with a paid adult ticket.

Julian

Nestled in the Cuyamaca Mountains is Julian, a charming town that’s overflowing with personality. Located just over an hour east of San Diego, it’s an accessible and peaceful destination away from the hustle-and-bustle of the city.     

One of the things Julian is known for most is pie. A slice from Mom’s Pie House costs less than $8, while a majority of the full pies from Julian Pie Company are under $30. For some good family fun, head to Julian Farm and Orchard where, no matter the time of year, you can enjoy budget-friendly activities. Seasonal offerings include daffodils in early spring, berries in the summer, apples in late summer, and pumpkins in the fall, with farm pricing at $5 for general admission and add-ons available. For a truly distinctive experience, look into Eagle Mining Co., with tours priced at $15 for adults and $8 for children aged 5 to 11. If you’re still looking for more plans to fill your day, wander down Julian’s idyllic main street or drive out to nearby Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. 

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