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COME CURIOUS, INSPIRED. LEAVE
Advanced Reservations
Recommended
Arts
OCEANSIDE MUSEUM OF ART
Regional and international artists showcased in exhibits ranging from landscape painting to furniture, neon sculpture, art quilts, architectural glass, modern works and more. It’s a North County gem. 704 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.435.3720 Map S22
SAN DIEGO AIR & SPACE
MUSEUM The family-friendly venue is a wonderland for kids of all ages—showcasing spacecraft, jets, historical aircraft, science exhibits and more inside the domed, cylinder-shaped former Ford Building. 2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, 619.234.8291 Map P17
S.D. ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER Learn the story of how people have lived in San Diego County for the past 10,000 years at this dynamic curation facility and museum. The fun includes educational programming about local archaeology, rock art, “zoo-archaeology,” and even the prehistoric Otay Mesa landscape. 16666 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.291.0370 Map C4
SAN DIEGO HISTORY
CENTER Peruse a range of exhibitions and memorabilia that chronicle San Diego’s storied and diverse history. The museum also features an extensive research library—home to several million documents and photographs from the city’s past, including portraits of famed San Diegans such as Dr Seuss. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.6203 Map O17
SAN DIEGO MODEL RAILROAD MUSEUM Discover a treasure trove of all things locomotive. Learn about the heritage and history of American railroading by way of educational displays and exhibits, scale models of railroads across California, toy trains and more. 1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.696.0199 Map O17
SAN DIEGO MUSEUM OF ART Home to 20,000 works dating back to 3000 B.C. The collection includes Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque-era works, 19th–20th-century American and European paintings and sculptures, and a vast Asian collection. Plus, dozens of new, rotating exhibits throughout the year. 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.7931 Map O17
Shopping
SAN DIEGO NATURAL
HISTORY MUSEUM Founded in 1874, it’s the oldest scientific institution in Southern California. Inside you’ll find dinosaur displays, giant-screen films, photography exhibitions and more. 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.232.3821 Map O17
STUART COLLECTION
Scattered across the UC San Diego campus, the outdoor art collection—created in 1981 and comprising more than 20 sculptures— includes talking and singing trees, a “Sun God” and more. Free. Gilman and La Jolla Village drives, La Jolla, 858.534.2230. Map T20
USS MIDWAY Now a retired aircraft carrier, the world’s largest floating naval-aviation museum is home to more than 30 restored airplanes and interactive exhibits inside; a massive flight deck overlooking San Diego Bay (a perfect spot for family photos); plus military veterans giving personal tours. 910 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.544.9600, Map Q14
Destination Shopping
BAZAAR DEL MUNDO
This colorful collection of shops has been an Old Town treasure for 50-plus years—featuring a dazzling array of Mexican decor, authentic folk art, clothing, jewelry, accessories, unique artwork, housewares, gifts and much more—all next to the festive Casa Guadalajara Mexican restaurant. 4133 Taylor St., Old Town, 619.296.3161 Map M14
CARLSBAD PREMIUM OUTLETS Shop among 90 outlet stores (including Barneys New York, Polo Ralph Lauren, Tory Burch, Kate Spade New York, Coach, Theory and Michael Kors) in a pleasant outdoor setting. 5620 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.804.9000 Map U22
DEL MAR HIGHLANDS
TOWN CENTER Exclusive pocket of dining, upscale shopping and entertainment comprises 75 stylish shops, services, cafes, restaurants and alfresco patios; plus a Cinépolis movie theater; as well as the new Sky Deck, home to craft beer outposts, a cocktail bar and nine curated culinary destinations. 12925 El Camino Real, Del Mar, 858.793.5757 Map X22
Looking For Something To Do While You Are
Whether you need an activity for your company outing —or just a romantic charter for two, our spacious catamaran holds up to 48 passengers and will let you experience the bay like you’ve never seen it before... from the water! Aloha! We look forward to sailing with you!
With more shops, services this gorgeous shopping of town overOcean and main drag. 1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Map X22
Located border, 000-square-foot center shopping: luxury oducts, onfectionary, obacco. 601 E. San Ysidro Blvd., San Ysidro, Popular, eatures the Boutique, Foursuch as True th Italia; dale’s, Neiman-Marcus and an er. 7007 Friars Road, Mission Valley,
FLOWER HILL PROMENADE
Del Mar’s popular lifestyle center is home to refined restaurants, casual cafes and high-end specialty boutiques, such as trendy women’s clothier Van de Vort. 2720 Via de la Valle, Del Mar, 858.481.7131 Map X22
THE FORUM CARLSBAD
Elegant, tree-lined outdoor center with dozens of shops and restaurants, including Anthropologie and Sur La Table. 1905 Calle Barcelona, Carlsbad, 760.479.0166 Map U23
THE HEADQUARTERS AT SEAPORT Open-air center in a historical setting is home to specialty shops, designer boutiques and restaurants. 789 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.235.4014 Map K11
LAS AMERICAS PREMIUM
OUTLETS The Spanish Colonialstyle outlet mall has 125-plus shops, as well as eateries. 4211 Camino de la Plaza, San Ysidro, 619.934.8400 Map F3
ONE PASEO This community hub and lifestyle center with a country-coastal vibe boasts 96,000 square feet of upscale boutiques and stores, services and restaurants. Tenants include Salt & Straw, Whiskey x Leather, jeweler Marrow Fine, Urban Beach House and Shop Good. 3745 Paseo Place, Del Mar, 858.523.2298 Map X22
OTAY RANCH TOWN
CENTER Shops at this airy, stylish South County mall include Apple, Sephora and many fashion boutiques. Enjoy outdoor fire pits, a dog park and a movie theater. 2015 Birch Road, Chula Vista, 619.656.9100 Map F3
SEAPORT VILLAGE This picturesque and charming outdoor plaza on the waterfront features 45 one-of-a-kind shops, galleries and restaurants. 849 W. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.235.4014 Map R15
THE SHOPPES AT CARLSBAD
Indoor shopping center features dozens of retail, dining (including The Cheesecake Factory) and entertainment; plus a kid-friendly, water-inspired play area. 2525 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 760.729.6183 Map U23
WESTFIELD UTC Beautiful outdoor shopping center with 150-plus upmarket chain retailers and shops, including Hermes and Louis Vuitton; plus stores like the flagship Nordstrom; myriad restaurants, including Din Tai Fung, Javier’s and Pacific Catch; a movie theater; and alfresco lounges. 4545 La Jolla Village Drive, Golden Triangle, 858.546.8858 Map T21
Explore
AOLANI Family-owned charter company offers all-inclusive, private San Diego sailing cruises aboard its 58-foot catamaran yacht, accommodating up to 48 passengers. 1380 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.807.8000 Map K10
BALBOA PARK Free tours about the 1,200-acre urban cultural park’s history, architecture, horticulture, botanical gardens and other fun facts. Visitors Center, 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.239.0512 Map P17
BREWERY TOURS OF SAN DIEGO This local tour company provides transportation (aka a festive beer bus) to the area’s top craft breweries, beer festivals and beer-related events; plus public and private San Diego beer tours. Ideal for groups. 619.961.7999, brewerytoursofsd.com
CITY CRUISES SAN DIEGO
Daily narrated tours of San Diego Bay; plus dinner cruises, yacht charters, whale watching (seasonal) and special events. 970 N. Harbor Drive, Broadway Pier, Embarcadero, 619.686.8715 Map Q14
CITYPASS Discount combo packages for the San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, SeaWorld, Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland and Disney California Adventure. 888.330.5008, citypass.com
COASTER Commuter train offers coastal scenery as it runs north and south through San Diego County, serving eight different stations between Oceanside and downtown San Diego. gonctd.com/coaster
CORONADO HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION TOURS
Educational and fun walking tours, including local history, architecture and gardens. Reservations required. 1100 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.7242 Map L11
FLAGSHIP CRUISES AND EVENTS Offering daily tours of San Diego Bay; plus brunch and dinner cruises, water-taxis, weddings, celebrations, private parties, modern amenities and more. 990 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 800.442.7847 Map Q14
GASLAMP QUARTER HISTORICAL FOUNDATION
Two-hour walking tour of the Gaslamp on Saturdays. 410 Island Ave., Gaslamp, 619.233.4692 Map R16
GOCAR TOURS Explore the city in an adorable, GPS-guided, storytelling car (Yes, they’re those tiny convertibles you see tooling around town.) Company also offers scooter tours. Helmets required. 3918 Maison St., Old Town, 800.914.6227 Map M13
HIKE BIKE KAYAK
ADVENTURE TOURS Enjoy daily guided kayak tours and rentals; biking and hiking tours; and team-building experiences in La Jolla, Mission Bay, Coronado and other areas—plus surfboard and snorkel gear rentals. 2222 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla, 858.551.9510 Map V20
LA JOLLA KAYAK Guided snorkeling/kayak tours of the cove and caves; SUP; single/ double kayak and snorkeling gear rentals; whale watching; and e-bike tours. 2199 Avenida de la Playa, La Jolla Shores, 858.459.1114 Map V20
OLD TOWN TROLLEY TOURS OF SAN DIEGO Narrated sightseeing tour explores San Diego and Coronado via trolley or “SEAL” (sea and land vehicle). Call for nearest pickup point and reservations. 619.298.8687
SAN DIEGO CHINESE HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Embark on a unique walking tour of downtown San Diego’s Asian-Pacific Historic District, learning little-known fun facts. Reservations required (visit website for details and tickets). Chinese Historical Museum, 404 Third Ave., downtown, sdchm.org Map R16
SAN DIEGO SAILING
TOURS Book a tour of San Diego Bay aboard a classic luxury sailing yacht. Packages range from a two-hour daytime sail; to a catered sunset cruise for two; to a private charter with full amenities for up to six guests. Cabrillo Isle Marina, 1450 Harbor Island Drive, Harbor Island, 619.786.0173 Map K10
SAN DIEGO SCENIC
TOURS The local outfit specializes in daily scheduled, professionally narrated, sightseeing tours of San Diego County and Tijuana, Mexico (including the famous Agua Caliente Racetrack); along with bus transportation for private group charters. 858. 273.8687
SAN DIEGO SEAL TOURS
This unique, 90-minute tour aboard the company’s unmistakable, bright-blue Hydra-Terra— an amphibious vehicle that drives passengers from land right into the water—explores San Diego Bay and its environs. 500 Kettner Blvd., Marina District, 619.298.8687 Map Q15
SAN DIEGO SPEED BOAT
ADVENTURES Be the captain of your own speed boat! Trained guides help you navigate the seas via two-way radio and provide a narrated tour during this 13-mile trek along beautiful San Diego Bay. 1450 Harbor Island Drive, #205, Harbor Island, 619.294.5852 Map K10
SUNSET CLIFFS TRAIL
WALK This 3.7-mile hike is a twisting, turning jaunt that takes you directly along the coast down to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park near Point Loma Nazarene University. Depending on the tides, there can be lots of fun caves to explore. Start at Ocean Beach Pier at 1950 Abbott St. and walk south. Map J8
SUP CORONADO Enjoy both group and private lessons on the bay in the popular sport of stand-up paddleboarding; plus ocean and bay tours; and canoe and kayak rentals.619.888.7686
TORREY PINES GLIDERPORT
Glide like a bird above the majestic bluffs overlooking Torrey Pines State Beach aboard a hang glider or parasail glider With 100 years of flying history, the outfit offers 20- to 25-minute tandem rides with seasoned instructors. Open daily 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, 858.452.9858 Map T19
TORREY PINES STATE NATURAL RESERVE Hike along 2,000 acres of coastal scenery across eight different trails, including two that make the steep descent to the beach—varying in length from 100 yards to more than a mile. Rewards include a dip in the ocean and views of 300-foothigh sandstone cliffs. 12600 N. Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, 858.755.2063 Map T19
TRITON CHARTERS Accommodating 100-plus passengers, the 75-foot, luxurious catamaran is outfitted with a 13-seat bar, a large dance floor, built-in waterslide, advanced sound system, trampoline and more. 2700 Shelter Island Drive, Shelter Island, 844.587.4866 Map K9
WHERE YOU WANT TO BE TOURS
The company offers team-building scavenger hunts that explore downtown San Diego. Walking and biking tours also available; plus culinary food tours and custom hotel property games. 611 K St., East Village, 619.917.6037 Map Q16
XPLORE OFFSHORE
Personalized ocean-rafting on a Navy SEAL-style boat; highspeed sightseeing; snorkeling; and evening cocktails on the waterfront. Plus, whale watching (seasonal) and custom water adventures. 858.361.9494
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30 Things
WE LOVE IN S.D.
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8 Padres baseball games and cheat meals at Petco Park in East Village.
9 Art exhibits and ocean views at the renovated MCASD La Jolla. p. 42
10 “Bettin’ on the ponies” (aka thoroughbred racing) at Del Mar Racetrack. p. 8
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11 Strolling through Little Italy and exploring its art galleries, boutiques, quaint cafes and outdoor spots like the Piazza della Famiglia
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12 Exploring bamboo groves, desert gardens and a rainforest at San Diego Botanic Garden. p. 36
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13 The Notorious B & P burger and a milkshake garnished with a Belgian waffle at Bun & Patti. p. 6
16 Produce, flowers and food vendors at the Cardiff Farmers Market (Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
17 Perusing new exhibits at the San Diego Museum of Art in Balboa Park. p. 43
18 San Diego Symphony summer concerts under the stars at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park. p. 8
19 Playtime in Mission Beach, complete with a stroll along the boardwalk and through Belmont Park
20 Perusing art galleries and boutiques at Cedros Design District. p. 24
21 Mai Tais and appetizers at Hudson & Nash, followed by a scenic stroll along the bayside embarcadero and downtown marina. p. 29
24 Weekend brunch at Serea at the Hotel del Coronado, including caviar Benedict, mimosas and idyllic beach views. p. 12
25 Free weekly concerts in Balboa Park showcasing the Spreckels Organ—the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ (with 5,017 pipes!).
26 Hiking the twisting, 3.7-mile Sunset Cliffs Trail Walk and exploring the tide pools below. p. 47
27 Bubbly and oysters at the revolving bar at Wolfie’s Carousel Bar. p. 40
28 Walking across the Cabrillo Bridge, while pausing to watch incoming airplanes prepare to land at Lindbergh Field.
7 Superheroes, celebrities, parties and people-watching at Comic-Con International downtown. p. 9
14 Spending the day at SeaWorld San Diego and exploring its attractions, rides and marine life. p. 36
15 Brunch by the beach at Poseidon Restaurant. p. 15
22 Rides, games and deep-fried delights at the San Diego County Fair. p. 9
23 Shopping at Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town. p. 44
29 Sipping the signature bloody mary and enjoying the views at JRDN by the Pacific Beach Boardwalk. p. 12
30 Picking your perfect beach and relaxing, because it’s summer in San Diego!