San Diego County’s communities are rich and diverse. Downtown San Diego boasts a busy Embarcadero with floating attractions, while the area’s Gaslamp Quarter sizzles with food, fun and culture. Just to the northeast, Balboa Park invites locals and visitors to its gorgeous gardens and world-class museums. Along the sandy shores, Ocean, Mission and Pacific Beaches teem with both land and water activities. North County’s coastal cities offer picturesque seaside views and destination shopping, while North County’s inland communities are known for charming wineries and vineyards, horseback riding and antique shopping. East County beckons visitors who like to hike, fish and camp in the wilderness. South Bay, a gateway to to Baja California, reflects a colorful Mexican culture. Take time to discover our playgrounds!
Coastal San Diego
Make the most of a visit to sunny, sparkling San Diego with a trip to the beach, a boat ride and an ocean sunset. For sweeping views across the sea and city, drive up to Point Loma and the Cabrillo National Monument. A stately monument honors Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who landed at San Diego Bay in 1542 and became the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States. The park is known not only for its views, but also for hiking, and for its tidepools, containing delicate marine life. Northeast of Point Loma, find lovely locales Shelter Island and Harbor Island, both nautical neighborhoods noted for sailboating, sportfishing excursions and other recreational pursuits. Also enjoy world-class concerts and picnics on pretty urban beaches. Across the bay, (a short ferry ride away), explore the quaint seaside city of Coronado, with gorgeous white sand, San Diego skyline vistas, a lively downtown and fine dining and shopping. Visit restaurants and charming stores such as Birkenstock of San Diego on Orange Avenue. Not to be missed is an exploration of Liberty Station, a 361-acre waterfront urban village in Point Loma. The transformed naval base-to-neighborhood is a center for commerce, history and contains the ARTS DISTRICT, a hub for creativity and hospitality.
Northwest of downtown, visit the hip, seaside community of Ocean Beach, boasting a half-mile-long pier, oceanfront boardwalk, annual street fair and chili cook-off, year-round farmers market, shopping and a dog beach! For an introduction to “OB,” as locals call it, stroll into the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association on Bacon Street. Welcoming staffers can recommend restaurants, shops, events, lodging, real estate companies and much more. Looking for fun in the sun? Check out Dog Beach, where pooches and people play in the sand and surf. Afterward, dog owners venture to the doit-yourself Dog Beach Dog Wash to give their furry friends a scrub in a tub.
Need to attend to business? Visit the Ocean Beach Business Center, a onestop-shop providing printing, mailing and basic marketing services. After a busy day, wind down with a slice of heaven from Leucadia Pizzeria, offering take-out and delivery of piping-hot pizzas, pastas and more in nearby Point Loma. Celebrating a special occasion? Order a wedding or other special event cake from European Cake Gallery, originators of the now famous “Swiss Black Forest” cake. The shop also produces goodies such as cupcakes, lemons bars and butter cookies. Also enjoy a cool cone from Lighthouse Ice Cream, featuring 39 flavors of the sweet treat — both traditional hard scoop and soft serve. Thinking of staying a while? Catch an OB sunset, then start a dream-home search with Catrina Russell, Coldwell Banker’s top-performing real estate agent.
To the east, check out a San Diego institution and a bargain-hunter’s paradise—Kobey’s Swap Meet. Occupying the parking lot at the Pechanga Arena San Diego (formerly Valley View Casino Center), Kobey’s draws close to 25,000 shoppers and nearly 1,000 sellers weekly to its mecca of merchandise..
Nearby, Mission Bay has lagoons, parks and recreation from waterskiing to camping and the world-famous SeaWorld. Enjoy high-flying fun with San Diego Parasailing Adventures, located on Quivira Way. Or glide next to isles and inlets on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or Duffy boat from Aqua Adventures, which has a dockside location right on Mission Bay.
Revitalized at Mission Beach is the family attraction Belmont Park, with the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster remaining a fixture, along with arcade games, rock-climbing, a zip line, bumper cars, mini-golf and more. The seaside park’s historic Plunge pool, now a state-of-the-art facility, reopened in July 2019. Next door in Pacific Beach, Lanna Thai Cuisine serves fresh, light and healthy homemade recipes passed through generations.
For unforgettable gourmet fare and gorgeous coastal views, stroll along Prospect Street in La Jolla, known as the Jewel of San Diego. Just off Prospect on Girard Avenue, find the beloved bakery and restaurant Girard Gourmet, serving inspired farm-to-table cuisine. Girard Avenue is also home to luxury mattress and linens store Everett Stunz, where patrons can shop for the bed of their dreams. Also explore La Jolla Cove, one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. After a scenic drive north, dive into the world of sharks, seahorses and living coral reefs at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. For a map of Coastal San Diego, see page 65
Downtown San Diego
As the county’s cultural, financial and business center, downtown San Diego buzzes with activity. Much of the action takes place at the Embarcadero on shimmering San Diego Bay, which spans 34 miles and five cities: Chula Vista, National City, Imperial Beach, Coronado and San Diego. The bay is managed by the Port of San Diego, a special district that champions business, environment and culture on the waterfront. Thanks to recent redevelopment efforts by the Port, the City of San Diego and Civic San Diego, natives and newcomers to the North Embarcadero now enjoy a widened public esplanade, jacaranda gardens, public art and a new public plaza.
Strolling along the Embarcadero on Harbor Drive, explore historic ships and ride ferry boats. The floating Maritime Museum of San Diego awes visitors with its iconic vessels as does the aircraft carrier U.S.S. Midway to the south. Enjoy views of these attractions, San Diego’s skyline and more on the water with Hornblower Cruises & Events. The dinner cruise and yacht charter company has ticket booths on Harbor Drive. Tour the waterfront on cruiser bikes or surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals, with locations at the Wyndham and Marriott hotels on Harbor Drive, and at the Sheraton Hotel on Harbor Island. For another great way way to see waterfront attractions and learn about the maritime industry, hop aboard free boat tours offered by the Port of San Diego during Maritime Month in May.
Looking to catch a bite? Find plenty of options at Seaport Village, a shopping and dining complex with lovely bayside views. Also, treat friends to Kansas City Barbeque, an easygoing hangout serving hearty helpings of barbecue and beer, and home to the 1986 hit film Top Gun. A few blocks over is the historic Gaslamp Quarter, the city’s hottest dining and entertainment area for visitors and locals alike. Right in the heart of the Gaslamp is Callaway Vineyard and Winery’s sleek tasting room on Fourth Avenue. The famous Temecula winery’s downtown San Diego location boasts a long bar practically inviting guests to saunter up for a sip while its large windows provide for some great people-watching. While strolling around, also be sure to visit Sole Concepts, a new Birkenstock San Diego store.
Steps away, downtown’s revitalized East Village is anchored by Petco Park, home to San Diego Padres baseball. To the northwest, Little Italy welcomes visitors with a friendly street sign, inviting them to explore the district’s shops and savor Italian cuisine. Find timeless treasures at India Street Antiques/Danish Modern San Diego, a large-volume dealer in North Little Italy.
Just northeast of downtown, the city’s cultural jewel, Balboa Park, attracts visitors from around the globe to its world-class museums and the San Diego Zoo. Explore venues, from the immersive Fleet Science Center to the working-artist studios of Spanish Village Art Center. Unearth a world of adventure at the San Diego Museum of Man, the impressive cultural anthropology museum, and climb the historic California Tower, providing stunning views of San Diego. Get lost in aviation and space exploration at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Then race over to the San Diego Automotive Museum and check out vintage cars and motorcycles. Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden or train your sights on the impressive bustling displays at the San Diego Model Railroad Museum. Behold the largest outdoor musical instrument in the world and enjoy free concerts by the Spreckels Organ Society on Sunday afternoons year-round and on Monday nights in summer. Don’t miss The Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, an important look at San Diego military history. One great way to see and save on many of these attractions is to buy a Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Purchase a pass by visiting explorer.balboapark.org. Also enjoy classic American cuisine, just west of the park, at Hob Nob Hill. At day’s end, choose from San Diego’s hotel options or for extended stays, check out Stay San Diego, your resource for corporate- and vacation-furnished rentals and home-buying. For a map of downtown San Diego, see page 65.
Central San Diego
An epicenter of dining, shopping and living history, Central San Diego offers much to entertain and enlighten visitors. Old Town San Diego, established in 1769, was the first European settlement on the West Coast, and is considered to be the birthplace of California. Today, Old Town recreates the setting of California life during the Mexican and early American periods from 1821- 1872. Watch forms come to life at the blacksmith and woodworker shops, and read a newspaper from the 19th century. At the San Diego Mormon Battalion Historic Site, visitors can learn about a journey of Mormon Battalion families who left Iowa in 1846, and completed one of the longest infantry marches in American history to San Diego. Other historic sites include the Whaley Museum and Adobe Chapel Museum, mid-19th century landmarks open for tours. (Visit the Save Our Heritage Organisation for a list of its historic places.)
For food and drink, stroll into Fiesta de Reyes plaza, containing locally owned specialty shops and festive restaurants Casa De Reyes, Barra Barra Saloon and the Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant. Also visit Diane Powers’ Bazaar del Mundo Shops overflowing with select fashions, folk art and more and featuring the award-winning Casa Guadalajara Mexican restaurant. The Old Town Chamber of Commerce organizes many Old Town events, including the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration (May 2-3, 2020); “Taste + Tequila” (a sampling of Old Town’s best Mexican food and spirits) on Oct. 1, 2020; and the well-known Dia de los Muertos event running Nov. 1-2, 2020. Not to be missed is the chamber’s Old Town Harney Street Market, featuring handmade works from local artisans 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat.-Sun.
Northeast of Old Town is Miramar, home to the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, which hosts a major annual air show in September. While at the MCAS-Miramar base, let your imagination soar at the Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum dedicated to the history of U.S. Marine Corps aviation. The venue displays vintage aircraft from World War II to present day, including fighter jets, prop-powered planes and helicopters. For family entertainment, stop in at City Fun Center and play arcade games, Laser Tag and go mini-bowling.
South of the MCAS-Mirama base lies Kearny Mesa, a major industrial and commercial center also offering activities like puzzle-room escapes, brewery tours and shooting centers. The community is also home to many Asian-American restaurants and supermarkets. For an entertaining lunch or dinner, try Shogun Kobe Restaurant in San Diego. Master chefs use their samurai-like swordsmanship as they skillfully prepare entrées on a sizzling Teppanyaki grill. For a map of Central San Diego, see pages 65 & 66.
East County
For mountain hiking, Las-Vegas style gaming, shopping and more, East County’s the place. The foothills and canyons provide a scenic backdrop for outdoor enthusiasts. For a small-town delight, stop in La Mesa and stroll through a farmers market. Or pick up gifts at two area shopping malls, Parkway Plaza and Grossmont Center. The latter is home to Casa de Pico, serving famous enchiladas, warm handmade tortillas and giant birdbath margaritas. Interested in catching a bite? Order it at Anthony’s Fish Grotto, an East County oasis and La Mesa landmark serving famous clam chowders, seasonal fresh catches and crispy fish and chips with secret recipes developed by founder Catherine “Mama” Ghio. Also serving families for generations is Marieta’s, making carne asada, burritos and popular combination platters in La Mesa since 1986. Marieta’s also has locations in El Cajon, Santee and Alpine.
In El Cajon, discover North American artifacts at the Heritage of Americas Museum. Spending time with the kids? Swing over to FUN Believable Play, an award-winning indoor play and party arena for children in Lakeside.
Also enjoy a day trip or weekend in the historic gold-mining town of Julian, offering camping, horseback-riding and famous apple pie. For family-friendly fun in Campo, explore the scenery of San Diego Countyfrom a locomotive, courtesy of the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum Association, famous for its old-time train rides. For a map of East County, see page 66.
North County Inland
Wild animals, wine-tasting, golf and casinos top the attractions in North County’s interior. As do the rolling hills and wide-open spaces to hike and explore diverse beauty. Rancho Bernardo welcomes visitors to play on its golf courses and tour its wineries. One of Rancho Bernardo’s real palatepleasers is The Cork & Craft, a restaurant-winery-brewery serving refined plates and some of the best beer and wine from around the world. At Swedish Royal Bakery in Poway, pick up a handcrafted wedding cake, delectable pastry or savory sandwich. In Carmel Mountan Ranch, Koi Zen Cellars invites patrons to gather for conversation, painting and educational classes, game nights and more while sipping its handcrafted artisan wines.
In Ramona, enjoy live music while sampling estate-grown Bordeaux and Italian varietals at Milagro, a gorgeous winery. Its pastoral setting provides a spectacular backdrop for weddings, private parties and other special events. Also Visit the Ramona Chamber of Commerce for other pleasurable pursuits, like hiking, horseback riding or antique shopping. For relax and relaxation, enjoy the quiet serenity at Riviera Oaks Resort and Racquet Club nestled just outside of town. The resort has 16 tennis courts (pros, lessons, clinics and membership), a day spa, fitness center, pools, jacuzzis and nearby golf and hiking trails.
In Escondido, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park invites guests to see giraffes, lions, tigers and other animals in an expansive setting. Downtown, the EcoVivarium Living Museum offers animal encounters with exotic creatures like snakes, lizards and tarantulas. A few blocks away, The Grand Tea Room provides an elegant tea service three times a day in a Victorian-themed salon. While in town, visit The Super Dentists’ newest location —coming soon—on West Valley Parkway. The practice is a favorite among kids.
Nestled in rolling hills, the city of Temecula sits in a valley with a quaint downtown, beautiful resorts and lovely vineyards. Enjoy award-winning wines and fine dining while gazing upon expansive vineyards at Callaway Vineyard & Winery, established in 1969. The winery’s hilltop restaurant, Meritage, serves a delightful array of fresh, farm-to-table meals, made from scratch, seven days a week. A taste of Temecula is also available by the flight, glass or bottle at Callaway’s elegant tasting room in downtown San Diego’s historic Gaslamp Quarter.
Also not to be missed are estate-grown varietals paired with picturesque valley views on the De Portola Wine Trail, a collection of familyowned boutique wineries known as the “Wine Row” of Temecula. The trail includes Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Frangipani Estate Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Danza del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery and Somerset Vineyard & Winery. For a map of North County Inland, see pages 64 & 66.
South County
Just south of downtown San Diego lies South Bay, home to Chula Vista and National City. Fun visitor experiences abound here, like the Living Coast Discovery Center, a nonprofit zoo and aquarium offering an intimate, hands-on nature experience for animal-lovers of all ages. Meet endangered sea turtles, octopi, sharks, rays, eagles, owls, hawks, snakes, lizards, and more. In Chula Vista and National City, enjoy stunning views of San Diego Bay, fishing, bike paths and boat launches at or next to waterfront parks. Also in the South Bay is Imperial Beach, home to the IB Pier, a place to watch surfing, enjoy sunrise fishing, panoramic sunsets and dining at the end of the pier.
South Bay is also a gateway to Mexico. Travelers catching flights out of Tijuana are invited to use the efficient CBX Cross Border Xpress, an enclosed pedestrian skywalk bridge exclusively for Tijuana International Airport passengers who cross the U.S./Mexico border as part of their trip. Spanning 390 feet, the CBX skywalk is the first ever to connect a facility in the U.S. (Otay Mesa) directly into a foreign airport terminal. The area is also home to the marvelous kid-centered practice The Super Dentists, with two Chula Vista locations. For a South County map, see pages 64 & 66.
North County Coastal
Spend time in North County’s coastal cities viewing exquisite scenery. The pretty city of Del Mar is bordered by two lagoons with a downtown filled with delightful shops and haute cuisine. Its annual horse-racing season — “Where the Surf Meets the Turf at Del Mar” — presented by the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, and the San Diego County Fair are signature events. While downtown, pop into the Dinosaur Gallery, a gem of a shop containing a large inventory of semi-precious minerals and crystals. East across Interstate 5, enjoy freshly made, sky-high sandwiches like the pastrami Reuben at Milton’s Delicatessen, a Del Mar gem which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2019. Milton’s is also a bakery and catering service, providing foods and a large banquet room for such events as weddings, bar mitzvahs and business meetings. In the mood for something spicy? Enjoy a festive and flavorful Mexican dinner at Casa Sol y Mar at Del Mar Highlands Town Center.
Venturing north, visit Solana Beach, a friendly seaside community with the Belly Up, a prominent live music venue; and North Coast Repertory Theatre, a leading arts organization producing seven diverse main stage plays and a special holiday show each year. Also catch the Rep’s Variety Night shows ranging from comedy nights to musical entertainment. For more events or to learn about business networking opportunities, visit the Solana Beach Chamber of Commerce on Plaza Street.
Famous for world-class surfing and a charming historic downtown is Encinitas, northern neighbor of Solana Beach. Situated along the Highway 101 corridor, its sidewalks invite all to linger at its outdoor cafes, restaurants, boutiques and specialty shops. Many of these, like Birkenstock of San Diego Stores, can be found at the charming outdoor Lumberyard Shopping Center. A few blocks up the road, Leucadia Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant serves classic Italian food in a relaxed setting.
Another charming seaside city is Carlsbad, home to Legoland, a popular state beach, oceanfront boardwalk and eclectic downtown. The city also offers numerous walking trails in its rolling hills and along three lagoons. Other fun excursions include shopping and dining at downtown’s Village Faire. Find unique gifts at this outdoor complex — just a block from the beach — and break bread at Gregorio’s Italian Restaurant, which has a pretty second-floor patio. A stroll away, savor homemade fare at Prontos Gourmet Market, a popular family-owned deli and neighborhood market in Carlsbad Village. Or savor the wines of California as well as imports paired with exceptional cuisine at the elegant Paon Restaurant or Paon Wine Bar & Bistro. Also explore the Forum, an upscale outdoor shopping center where patrons of Diane Powers’ Mexican restaurant Casa de Bandini can be found enjoying specialty margaritas and south-of-theborder flavors. On Tamarack Avenue, enjoy a slice of heaven from Leucadia Pizza Kitchen. For regional art and entertainment take in a concert at the Museum of Making Music.
A few miles to the east, explore Vista, home to an outdoor amphitheater specializing in musical productions, a water park, rancho buildings and other attractions. Enjoy high-flying fun at one of Vista’s newest venues, Altitude Trampoline Park, filled with wall-to-wall trampolines.
Just north is Oceanside, a classic California beach city, with one of the longest wooden piers on the West Coast and a Cape-Cod style harbor offering boat rentals and outdoor dining at its marina. Roll along Oceanside’s boardwalk and marina area with bikes and surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals, with locations at Oceanside Pier and Holiday Inn Oceanside Marina. Be sure to visit Oceanside’s downtown, filled with new restaurants and breweries, and a year-round Farmers Market and Sunset Market on Thursdays hosted by MainStreet Oceanside. For historic significance, tour Mission San Luis Rey, a majestic jewel known as the King of the Missions. The city is also the hub of the North County Transit District, whose family of services includes the scenic north-south COASTER commuter train, east-west SPRINTER hybrid rail and BREEZE bus network. Visit goNCTD.com to cruise past traffic and see the sights. Oceanside also boasts a great dental office, The Super Dentists, offering a full array of premier dental care. For a map of North County Coastal, see page 64.
REAL ESTATE
Catrina Russell/Coldwell Banker Residential 1851 Cable St., San Diego • (619) 226-BUYS(2897) 38 map on page 65
Call Catrina Russell, Coldwell Banker’s top real estate agent in San Diego County. A longtime resident of the Ocean Beach/Point Loma area, she has received the Customer Service Business of the Year Award by the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association several years in a row. Dedicated and professional, Catrina consistently exceeds her clients’ expectations. For a free, no-obligation home evaluation, or if you are considering selling or purchasing a home, contact her at [email protected] or visit CatrinaRussell.com
