America’s Finest City has it all for summer travelers: beaches, theme parks, restaurants, cultural attractions and hotels.
San Diego
Escape the relentless desert heat and bask in the cool coastal breezes of San Diego this summer. Brimming with luxury hotels, picturesque beaches, cultural experiences and exquisite dining options, there’s something for everyone in America’s Finest City.
OLD TOWN SAN DIEGO
Old Town San Diego is a vibrant and historical neighborhood that offers visitors a unique experience. Located in the heart of San Diego, Old Town is filled with charming streets, colorful adobe buildings and a rich history dating back to the early 1800s. Here are five reasons why you should visit Old Town San Diego.
1. Experience the history
Old Town San Diego is home to some of the oldest buildings in San Diego, many of which have been preserved and now serve as museums, shops and restaurants. It is also home to the Old Town State Historic Park, which offers visitors a chance to learn about the history of San Diego and see some of the original buildings from the 1800s.
2. Enjoy the culture
Old Town is known for its rich Hispanic heritage and is home to a number of authentic Mexican restaurants and shops. Sample delicious Mexican food and browse handmade crafts, clothing and artwork. Stroll through the historic Whaley House Museum or visit the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, which tells the story of the soldiers in the Mexican-American War.
3. Shop till you drop
Old Town is a shopper’s paradise, with a wide variety of boutiques, specialty craft stores and novelty shops. You can find everything from handmade jewelry and fine art to vintage clothing and unique gifts.
4. Indulge in some delicious food
Old Town is home to a number of tasty restaurants, from authentic Mexican cantinas to artisanal pizza joints. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you’ll find something to satisfy your craving.
5. Have some fun
Take in annual events including Cinco de Mayo, Fiestas Patrias, Día de Los Muertos, Taste of Old Town and Las Posadas.
Old Town San Diego is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the history, culture and charm of San Diego. For more information, please visit oldtownsandiego.org
UPCOMING EVENTS
Taste of Old Town
Thursday, Sept 12, 2024
Taste of Old Town brings together the best restaurants in Old Town for an epic tasting. Bites from participating eateries are paired with tequilas to showcase the flavors in each.
Fiestas Patrias
Saturday, Sept 14, 2024
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park promises a day of cultural immersion, artistic exploration and shared history. Enjoy live music, activities for kids and engaging history talks.
Día de Los Muertos
Saturday, Nov 2 & Sunday, Nov 3, 2024
Celebrate this Mexican holiday with a procession led by Aztec dancers from the Church of the Immaculate Conception to El Campo Santo Cemetery. See elaborate costumes and faces painted in the La Calavera Catrina-style. Visit more than 40 altars across the community.
MUST-VISIT ATTRACTIONS
Bazaar del Mundo Shops
Nestled between the charming streets of Old Town rests Bazaar del Mundo, a collection of shops that will transport you to a colorful world filled with unique and beautifully designed products from around the world. Locally owned and operated by entrepreneur and interior designer Diane Powers, the Latin American-inspired shops have enriched San Diego for more than 50 years and are a favorite destination for unique gifts, fashion and home décor.
Comprised of colorful boutiques, the shops offer kitchen and design objects made by artisans from Mexico, Indonesia, India and the American Southwest; collectibles such as Mata Ortiz and Talavera pottery; art and crafts from the Zuni, Navajo, Santo Domingo and Hopi tribes; and artisan-made jewelry and fashions. Everything has been carefully curated to maintain the authenticity and the quality of the creations. The atmosphere at Bazaar del Mundo is vibrant and inviting, making it easy for guests to relax and take a stroll through the colorful courtyard, browsing and soaking in the vibrant colors. 4133 Taylor St., San Diego, 619-296-3161, bazaardelmundo.com
Casa Guadalajara
If there is mariachi music playing, you know you have arrived. Located next door to Bazaar del Mundo Shops, Casa Guadalajara serves award-winning Mexican cuisine, with dishes inspired by the many different regions in Mexico. Watch delicious flour tortillas being made by hand and served hot off the grill, sip the popular Birdbath Margarita, and enjoy guacamole made to order and signature dishes like Ensenada fish tacos and carne asada Tampiqueña. The art-filled dining rooms and lush patios are reminiscent of an old Mexican hacienda. 4105 Taylor St., San Diego, 619-295-5111, casaguadalajara.com
Casa de Pico
The fun doesn’t stop at Casa de Pico. Recently awarded “2024 Best Restaurant in East County” by San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce, Casa de Pico offers guests an authentic experience with its hacienda-like design, folk art and heated outdoor patio lush with tropical plants. Guests come for a romantic evening getaway, a lively lunch or gathering with family and friends. Choose from regional entrées made from scratch, including award-winning seafood recipes that have been in the restaurant family for decades. Originally opened in San Diego’s Old Town State Park by entrepreneur and interior designer Diane Powers in 1971, Casa de Pico was relocated to La Mesa in 2005 and has been a Grossmont Center landmark ever since. The vibrant atmosphere, extraordinary staff and authentic Mexican cuisine has earned the eatery awards for Best Mexican Restaurant, Best Patio Dining, Best Margarita, Best Guacamole, Top 50 Best Mexican Restaurants and Hot 150 Restaurants. 5500 Grossmont Center Dr., La Mesa, 619-463-3267, casadepico.com
UPCOMING EVENTS
Cinco de Mayo
Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, May 5, 2024
Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a “Cincorita” as you take in mariachi bands and folkloric dance performances at Bazaar del Mundo restaurants.
Latin American Festival
Friday, Saturday and Sunday Aug 2-4, 2024
Discover an extraordinary collection of Latin American folk art at Bazaar del Mundo’s annual Latin American Festival, where more than a dozen artisans come together.
Casa de Bandini
With authentic Mexican cuisine, mariachi entertainment, hot-off-the-grill flour tortillas and giant margaritas, every day is a fiesta at Casa de Bandini, which has been repeatedly named Best Family-Friendly Restaurant by Ranch and Coast Magazine. Casa de Bandini also offers an extensive collection of premium and specialty tequilas, with more than 95 varieties to choose from. It also boasts 15 specialty margaritas, including the famous Birdbath Margarita. Add even more festive flair with a serenade from Casa de Bandini’s highly acclaimed Mexican mariachi band Tinku Duo.
Must-try dishes include the first-place award winner at International Ensenada Seafood Competition, the San German – a plate of Pacific wild shrimp sautéed with creamy wine sauce and served over a bed of arroz stuffed in a pineapple half – and the chile verde, with pork carnitas sautéed in a tangy tomatillo sauce with onions and green peppers. 1901 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, CA 92009, 760-634-3443, casadebandini.com
Balboa Park
The Balboa Park Cultural District encompasses around 400 acres within Balboa Park, a sprawling, 1,200-acre city and regional park located on unceded Kumeyaay land in San Diego. Renowned as one of Southern California’s premier destinations teeming with diverse attractions, Balboa Park draws millions of visitors each year. You’ll find an array of world-class museums, lush gardens, cultural institutions, live performances, more than 40 active artist studios, delicious dining and drink options, and the highly acclaimed San Diego Zoo.
For an optimal Balboa Park Cultural District experience, get a Balboa Park Explorer Pass. If time is limited, try the Balboa Park Explorer Limited Pass, offering one-day access to up to four museums. For more flexibility, the Balboa Park Explorer Parkwide Pass grants entry to all 16 museums over seven consecutive days. For frequent visitors or those taking an extended stay in San Diego, the Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass provides year-round, unlimited access to 16 participating museums, saving on regular admission while unlocking exclusive perks.
The Balboa Park Explorer Pass includes entry to popular attractions like the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum and the San Diego Natural History Museum. Whether you’re passionate about nature, fascinated by science or intrigued by aerospace exploration, there’s something for everyone in the Cultural District: the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Centro Cultural de la Raza, WorldBeat Cultural Center and the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum. With or without a pass, the Balboa Park Cultural District offers a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the beauty and wisdom of diverse subjects and cultures at the numerous museums and attractions nestled within its 400 acres. San Diego, 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer, buymyexplorer.com
WHERE TO STAY
Pendry San Diego
Start your SoCal journey at Pendry San Diego in the historical Gaslamp Quarter, a few blocks from Petco Park and the San Diego Convention Center. With 317 guestrooms spread across 12 stories, plus multiple dining and entertainment venues, the hotel offers a dynamic hub where guests and locals are invited to socialize and relax. From the rooftop pool with breathtaking views to the indulgent Spa Pendry, every amenity is crafted to
elevate your stay.
Discover a world of culinary delights at Pendry San Diego’s many dining and drink options. With modern coastal cuisine at Lionfish, Southern California-driven seasonal fare at Provisional, light bites at The Pool House, the perfect cocktail at Fifth & Rose, local craft beer at Nason’s Beer Hall and an elevated nightlife experience at Oxford Social Club, it has everything under one roof.
Make memories with exclusive offerings, from complimentary stroller, skateboard and guitar rentals to its Ride & Drive program featuring luxurious Cadillac vehicles. Don’t miss upcoming promotions including Wine Down Wednesdays at Provisional Kitchen and the Pendry Perfect special offer featuring a daily hotel credit starting at $75 when you reserve two nights or more. Baseball season is also upon us, and Nason’s Beer Hall is the perfect home base. Just a few blocks from the home of the San Diego Padres, it’s the perfect stop for beers and bites. Catch a pre-game snack when the Arizona Diamondbacks are in town June 6-9 and July 5-7. 550 J St., San Diego, 619-738-7000, pendry.com/san-diego
WHERE TO PLAY
Birch Aquarium
Fifteen minutes north of downtown San Diego you’ll find Birch Aquarium, a hidden gem nestled among the cliffs of La Jolla. As the public outreach center for Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego, Birch Aquarium’s hands-on exhibits explore the latest in oceanographic discovery and introduce guests to a variety of amazing creatures.
In the Hall of Fishes, guests come face to face with a giant Pacific octopus, a rescued loggerhead sea turtle, sea nettles and leopard sharks, to name a few. In Tide Pool Plaza, visitors can take in stunning ocean views while getting hands-on time with local tide pool animals including juvenile sharks. Don’t miss Seadragons & Seahorses, one of the largest seadragon habitats in the world.
The aquarium’s colony of Little Blue Penguins are native to the coastal dunes and rocky shores of southern Australia, Tasmania and New Zealand, so they’re right at home in the warmer San Diego climate. They are adept swimmers and are often seen diving into their pool, where you can get a penguin’s-eye view of their underwater skills. Head to Beyster Family Little Blue Penguins to get up close and personal with these small but charismatic little birds.
Birch Aquarium’s newest installation, Hold Fast, is an interactive art experience that beckons you into an artistic rendering of local kelp forests to explore climate impact through the lens of local artists and scientists.
Birch Aquarium is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with extended hours on select dates through Labor Day weekend. Tickets are $29.95 for adults and $24.95 for children ages 3-17 (ages 2 and younger are free). The aquarium often sells out, so advance reservations are required (except for members). 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858-534-3474, aquarium.ucsd.edu
Oceanside
Trek about an hour north of San Diego to the beautiful coastal town of Oceanside, teeming with amazing dining options, excursions, cultural attractions, special events and more.
Experience the ultimate in culinary indulgence in Oceanside, where every bite is a tasty adventure waiting to be savored. Enjoy delicious pizza at The Privateer Coal Fire Pizza, locally sourced farm fare at Don’s Country Kitchen and sustainable seafood at Brine Box on Oceanside Pier. Sip craft cocktails at rooftop bars like Cococabana, Hello Betty and The Rooftop Bar, or explore the vibrant craft brewery scene with newcomers like Green Cheek Beer Co. and Artifex Brewing through the O’side Sips Program.
The fun doesn’t stop there. Dive into thrilling whale and dolphin watching excursions, embark on family-friendly adventures at The Pier and Oceanside Harbor, or satisfy your adrenaline cravings with indoor and outdoor skydiving. There are also plenty of beaches where you can soak up the sun and take advantage of the city’s laid-back vibes.
Discover must-visit attractions such as the California Surf Museum and Guajome County Park, then immerse yourself in Oceanside’s rich cultural scene at the Oceanside Museum of Art and Sunset Market. Mark your calendar for upcoming events like Race Across America (June 11-15) and Oceanside Longboard Surf Contest (August 9-11). With endless culinary delights, exhilarating adventures and cultural experiences, Oceanside invites you to indulge, explore and enjoy every moment. 760-721-1101, visitoceanside.org
San Diego Air & Space Museum
Let your curiosity take flight at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. The museum has many brilliant displays and opportunities for families and people of all ages to learn about not only the history of aviation, but also its future.
Embark on an extraordinary journey into the future of flight with the museum’s special exhibit, ABOVE AND BEYOND. This interactive journey celebrates the power of scientific innovation, showcasing immersive simulations, design challenges, historical milestones and visionary concepts. From igniting dreams of aerospace careers to fostering STEM education, this exhibit inspires all ages to reach for the stars and beyond.
When you’re ready to take a break from all the educational fun, stop by The Flight Path Grill for hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, salad and more. You can also find the perfect souvenir at the gift shop located near the exit.
If you’re looking for a more immersive experience for your kids, San Diego Air & Space Museum offers summer camps for kids from preschool to 12th grade, organized by grade level and interest. They start in June, with some running through August.
Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast, space nerd or just looking for a unique San Diego experience, the San Diego Air & Space Museum is the perfect destination for a day of family fun. 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, 619-234-8291, sandiegoairandspace.org
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