The world may have changed, but our pocket of paradise remains. San Diego still boasts 70 miles of coastline, treating sunbathers, surfers and kayakers to beautiful beaches and bays. Our cultural crown jewel, Balboa Park, is still a stunning scenic locale, with a dazzling array of museums, peaceful gardens and a magnificent zoo. Our coastal cities still offer picturesque seaside views, thrilling attractions and destination shopping, while our inland communities welcome visitors to enjoy charming wineries, antique shopping, camping, hiking, and other pursuits. As we turn the page and hope for a healthy 2021, rest assured that the businesses and venues that follow have made every effort to make your experience safe, happy and memorable. Of course, please check each institution’s website for COVID-19 updates and company adjustments based on state and county guidelines, and CDC recommendations.
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. Across the bay, explore the quaint seaside city of Coronado, with gorgeous white sand, San Diego skyline vistas, a lively downtown and fine dining and shopping. Browse the beautiful boutiques at Coronado Ferry Landing and on the main thoroughfare Orange Avenue, where Birkenstock of San Diego sells its stylish footwear. Visit Coronado via car or ferry with Flagship Cruises & Events.
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. On OB’s Newport Avenue, 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 north, Mission Bay is home to lagoons, parks and the worldfamous SeaWorld. Have fun parasailing over the Bay or blasting full speed across its flat surface on a Jet ski, the wind and ocean spray in your face. Or opt for a more leisurely outing and glide next to isles, inlets and sea lions on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak or Duffy boat from Aqua Adventures. The outfitter has a dockside location right on Mission Bay.
Teeming with fun is Mission Beach, home to the family attraction Belmont Park, with the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, arcade games, rockclimbing, a zip line, bumper cars, mini-golf and more. The seaside park’s historic Plunge pool, now the state-of-the-art Plunge San Diego, is open to the public year-round. Swim in a sunlit paradise with floor-to-ceiling glass walls that maximize ocean views plus a retractable roof that allows for a climatecontrolled environment. 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 xx.
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. 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 Flagship Cruises & Events. The harbor and dinner cruise, and yacht charter company has ticket booths on Harbor Drive. Looking to catch a bite? 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 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. While in the area, 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. Get lost in aviation and space exploration at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. Take a leisurely stroll through the peaceful Japanese Friendship Garden and 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. See and save on many of these attractions and buy a Balboa Park Explorer 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, a great resource for corporate- and vacation-furnished rentals and home-buying. For a map of downtown San Diego, see page xx.
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. Pick up a handmade gift at Bazaar del Mundo Shops, or stroll into Fiesta de Reyes plaza, containing locally owned specialty shops and festive restaurants.
Just to the east off Interstate 8 and brand new in Mission Valley is the Legacy International Center, the faith-based, 18-acre resort featuring a luxury hotel and spa, restaurants, and immersive attractions and exhibits. Central San Diego is also home to the Morena District, a mix of wholesalers, home suppliers, trendy coffee shops, craft breweries and diverse eateries. The area’s biggest star is Jerome’s Furniture, known across Southern Califonia for high-quality furniture and mattresses at “Jerry’s Price,” the guaranteed lowest price every day. Jerome’s has multiple showrooms across the region.
Northeast to Miramar and Mira Mesa, find Scripps Ranch, known for its lush parks and upscale homes, with scenic Lake Miramar as a backdrop. After a walk around the lake, order lunch or dinner from nearby Leucadia Pizzeria, open for takeout and delivery. To the west in Sorrento Valley, find Torrey Holistics, offering recreational cannabis and medicinal products to help elevate health and wellness. South of the MCAS-Miramar base lies Kearny Mesa, a major industrial and commercial center offering activities like puzzleroom 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 Restaurant in San Diego. Master chefs use their samurailike swordsmanship as they skillfully prepare entrées on a sizzling Teppanyaki grill.
For a map of Central San Diego, see pages 53 & 54.
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. 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. For a map of East County, see page 54.
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 palate-pleasers is The Cork & Craft, a restaurant-winery-brewery serving refined plates and some of the best beer and wine from around the world. Also setting the area apart is Building Block, an outstanding dance and fitness center offering inperson and online training by renowned choreographers. In Ramona, visit the Ramona Chamber of Commerce to inquire about 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 while the San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum inspires kids to explore, imagine and experiment. A few blocks away, The Grand Tea Room provides an elegant tea service three times a day in a Victorian-themed salon. In nearby San Marcos, visit Furniture Row, anchored by Jerome’s, Southern California’s premier furniture store, serving the region since 1954. Also pick up special-occasion gifts at The Antique Village, filled with vintage decor and collectibles.
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. The winery’s hilltop restaurant, Meritage, serves an array of fresh, farm-to-table meals, made from scratch. 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. Linger awhile at these lovely venues, and savor artisan fare from restaurants such as Baba Joon’s Kitchen at Fazeli Cellars, and Sangio’s Deli — known for its daily specials — at Cougar Vineyard & Winery. For a map of North County Inland, see pages 52 & 54.
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 non-profit zoo and aquarium offering an intimate, hands-on nature experience for animal-lovers of all ages. In Chula Vista, enjoy stunning views of San Diego Bay from the waterfront parks.
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. For a South County map, see pages 53 & 54.
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. Or try on tailored apparel at Carolyn’s Designer Resale, carrying high-end and vintage labels for less.
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 secondfloor patio. A stroll away, savor homemade fare at Prontos Gourmet Market, a popular family-owned deli and neighborhood market in Carlsbad Village. 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. The Museum is currently offering online concerts and is scheduled to reopen in early 2021 after a renovation.
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. Ready to go sportfishing? Book an excursion with Oceanside SEA Center at Oceanside Harbor. The outing is so fun you’ll get hooked and want to go again. Whale-watching trips run mid- December to mid-April. Be sure to visit Oceanside’s downtown, filled with new restaurants and breweries, and (now a no-touch) year-round Farmers Market. In South Oceanside, check out Sea Hive Marketplace, filled with modern and vintage home decor, chic bohemian apparel, estate jewelry and many more eclectic finds. 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. For a map of North County Coastal, see page 52.
REAL ESTATE
Catrina Russell/Coldwell Banker West DRE: 01229742 • (619) 226-BUYS (2897) 5 map on page 53
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.
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