San Diego Go Guide 2018

• TOURIST S M E G N E D ID H • S T O LOCAL SP

HIGHLIGHTS

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 5 Adams Avenue 6 Barrio Logan 8 Downtown/Gaslamp 10 Hillcrest/Balboa 12 Kearny Mesa 14 La Jolla 16 Little Italy 18 North Park 22 Ocean Beach 24 Old Town 26 Pacific Beach 28 Point Loma 30 South Park/Golden Hill 32 North County 34 East County 36 South Bay 38 Annual Events ART DIRECTOR Tristan Whitehouse CONTRIBUTORS Torrey Bailey ADVERTISING SALES Jason Noble, Paulina Porter-Tapia, Richard Diaz Jr., Casey Roel PUBLISHER Kevin Hellman EDITOR Seth Combs EDITORIAL & ADVERTISING OFFICE 3047 University Ave., Suite. 202, San Diego, CA 92104 www.sdcitybeat.com For information or additional copies, please call (619) 281-7526.

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adams ave

T

his avenue stretches horizontally through University Heights, Normal Heights and Kensington. While diverse in their own rights, a favoring of funky shops, vintage thrifts and plant-based restaurants unifies these three neighborhoods. Residents park themselves at token dive bars and coffee shops to craft, practice magic tricks and swap bits of gossip. ◆

To Do Diversionary Theater (4545 Park Blvd. #101, University Heights): This quaint theater puts on new and classic productions with an LGBTQ focus Botanica Mama Roots (3512 Adams Ave., Normal Heights): Pick out one-of-a-kind souvenirs at this supernatural store Landmark Ken Cinema (4061 Adams Ave., Kensington): This is one of the few remaining single-screen cinemas in the county, and shows films both old and new

Botanica Mama Roots

To Eat Madison (4622 Park Blvd., University Heights): Modern Mediterranean is plated within this chic, cedar-walled restaurant and cocktail bar Blind Lady Alehouse (3416 Adams Ave., Normal Heights): Aside from its impressive tap list, this brew house cooks up delectable woodfired pizzas in an unpretentious space Bleu Bohème (4090 Adams Ave., Kensington.): An intimate setting of exposed stone walls and wooden tables complement the French cuisine

Bleu Bohéme

To Drink Polite Provisions (4696 30th St., Normal Heights): This polished, apothecary-inspired bar continues as a pioneering destination in the local craft cocktail movement Small Bar (4628 Park Blvd., University Heights): Despite its staunch black and red exterior, this bar is a welcoming sight for locals and Bloody Mary seekers Rabbit Hole (3377 Adams Ave., Normal Heights): An extensive pub with circular bar, rabbit-themed decor and sports playing on plenty of TV screens

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barrio logan

B

arrio Logan is a grassroots, arts-heavy neighborhood with strong Chicano roots.

Just south of downtown, the burg has long faced economic discrimination from the city and is now fighting gentrification to guard its origins. The progressive art galleries, craft coffee shops and tried-and-true eateries owned by Barrio Logan residents are some of the city’s finest. ◆

To Do Chicano Art Gallery (2117 Logan Ave.): This locally-owned gallery is a mainstay, showcasing Chicanx-themed art and merchandise Chicano Park (Cesar E. Chavez Parkway and Logan Avenue.): This national historic landmark depicts Chicanx history via a large collection of murals painted on the pillars of the Coronado Bridge Barrio Logan Art Crawl: Each second Saturday, this lively neighborhood event opens gallery doors and offers live music

Chicano Park

To Eat ¡Salud! (2196 Logan Ave.): Notorious for its street tacos and micheladas, this space is heavily decorated with art signifying lowrider culture Las Cuatro Milpas (1857 Logan Ave.): This Mexican restaurant is as classic as it gets with house made tortillas, tacos and more in a no-frills setting Mish Mash (1805 Newton Ave.): This industrial-inspired kitchen puts a twist on classics, making craft burgers, tacos and sandwiches

¡Salud!

To Drink Border X Brewing (2181 Logan Ave.): Upbeat taproom serving its own craft beers, which feature Mexican-American flavors and names Iron Fist Brewing (1985 National Ave.): This family-owned, centrallylocated tasting room shows off views of the Coronado Bridge Alta Brewing (1983 Julian Ave.): While this brew house is technically in Logan Heights, it’s a short and worthwhile walk to get to its core beers

Alta Brewing

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downtown/gaslamp D

owntown is marked by the (in)famous Gaslamp Quarter, a historical, 16-block radius brimming with entertainment and dining options. Once a prickly red light district, the neighborhood has evolved into the city’s tourism centerpiece. Now, dozens of bars, nightclubs and premium eateries are tucked between skyscrapers and inside Victorianera architecture. For both nightlife newbies and veteran drinkers, this is the district for a night out. ◆

To Do See a live performance at Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.), Copley Symphony Hall (750 B St.) or Civic Theatre (1100 Third Ave.) Park at the Park (840 K St.): Grab discounted tickets to watch a Padres game from the lawn inside the stadium gates, plus there’s a baseball diamond and picnics spots See internationally-renown talent in Vegas-style Omnia clubs such as Omnia (454 Sixth Ave.), Bang Bang (526 Market St.) and Parq (615 Broadway) See a mixture of local and international, emerging and established artist’s works at Museum of Contemporary Art (1100 Kettner Blvd.), Sparks Gallery (530 Sixth Ave.) and SDSU Downtown Gallery (725 W Broadway)

To Eat Pokez (947 E St.): Casual Mexican eatery serving all-day breakfast and vegan options favored by both vegetarians and meat-eaters La Puerta (560 Fourth Ave.): An energetic Mexican cantina with late-night happy hour for appetizers and alcohol Puesto (789 W Harbor Drive): This colorful restaurant gives the common street taco and sangria an Puesto upgrade Bud & Rob’s New Orleans Bistro (815 F St.): A taste of Creole and Cajun-rooted classics, such as po’ boys and jambalaya

To Drink Vin de Syrah (901 Fifth Ave.): An upscale wine lounge with an aesthetic roughly based on Alice in Wonderland with hidden doors and throne-like chairs Prohibition (548 Fifth Ave.): A dark and intimate scene featuring live jazz bands and cocktails from the 20s Star Bar (423 E St.): This dive is one of the oldest in the neighborhood, harnessing Downtown’s former roughness Lion’s Share Lion’s Share (629 Kettner Blvd.): Off the main drag, this moody watering hole specializes in handmade cocktails and funky wall-hangings

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hillcrest/balboa park

S

ince 1993, Hillcrest has hosted San Diego Pride week every summer, but the historically LGBTQ neighborhood is a hub of acceptance year-round. The come-as-you-are attitude attracts people of all shapes, colors and preferences to the community. The retro red and white landmark sign hanging over University and Fifth Avenues marks the neighborhood’s core. Beneath it, couples stroll hand in hand, shirtless men jog and pride stands strong. ◆

To Do Hillcrest Cinema (3965 Fifth Ave.): In addition to new releases, this movie house’s repertoire includes independent, foreign and avant-garde films Shop upcycled clothing at Flashbacks (3849 Fifth Ave.), Lost and Found (3840 Fifth Ave.) and Luigi Vera (3823 Fifth Ave.) Balboa Park: A short stroll leads to San Diego’s largest urban park, brimming with museums and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture

Flashbacks

To Eat TRUST (3752 Park Blvd.): A New American restaurant with floor-toceiling windows and seasonal menu selections Hash House a Go Go (3628 Fifth Ave.): Anticipate a line at this everpopular spot renowned for hefty breakfast plates and Bloody Marys Tajima Ramen (3739 Sixth Ave.): In a city saturated with Japanese ramen options, this izakaya-style restaurant stands out for its especially savory broth

Hash House a Go Go

To Drink Gossip Grill (1220 University Ave.): This high-energy watering hole is the only lesbian bar in town and serves female-inspired cocktails to match Alibi (1403 University Ave.): A cornerstone dive iconized by an exterior art installation that invites passersby to write their bucket list dreams Urban MO’s (308 University Ave.): A sprawling, gay-friendly bar and patio with themed nights and a dance floor

Gossip Grill

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kearny mesa

K

earny Mesa might not be much of a looker, but its uncontested reputation among foodies warrants a place on the map. Japanese ramen restaurants, Thai dessert shops and Korean karaoke bars are condensed into strip malls on Convoy from Dagget Street to Engineer Road, all of which bustle daily with college students until nearmidnight. Because of Kearny Mesa’s Pan-Asian population, it’s become a cultural hub more unifying than Los Angeles’ Chinatown or Orange County’s Little Saigon. ◆

To Do Belt out classics sans shame in the private karaoke rooms at Min Sok Chon (4620 Convoy St.) and Karaoke 101 (7578 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.)

Aqua Day Spa (4637 Convoy St.): Relax in red clay rooms and jacuzzis or try a traditional Korean exfoliating treatment Stop by Boba Bar & Desserts (4619 Convoy St.), Iceskimo (4609 Convoy St.) and Bing Haus (4425 Convoy St.) for Hong Kong, Taiwan and Thailand’s unconventional takes on ice cream

Karaoke 101

To Eat Manna BBQ (4428 Convoy St. #210): In typical Korean barbeque fashion, this restaurant provides grills for customers to cook their own orders Dumpling Inn (4625 Convoy St.): This spacious eatery surpasses strip mall expectations with its signature dumplings and Chinese cuisine Village North (4428 Convoy St., Suite 330): A rare taste of northern Chinese recipes, including hearty dumplings and stews

Dumpling Inn

To Drink Common Theory Public House (4805 Convoy St.): This casual brew house taps more than 30 kegs and serves Asian-influenced pub food Kilowatt Brewing (7576 Clairemont Mesa Blvd.): The microbrewery features exotically flavored small batch beers and psychedelicleaning decor HIVE (4428 Convoy St. #100): This warehouse-like venue, with its deejayed dance floor, full bar and karaoke rooms, is the closest thing to a neighborhood club 12 | San Diego Go Guide 2018

Kilowatt Brewing

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la jolla

L

a Jolla’s esteem skyrocketed during the ‘20s until the ‘40s when celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Mel Ferrer escaped Hollywood to vacation on its shores. Now, a walk in La Jolla Village involves regaling at Ferrari dealerships and high price point boutiques. But the neighborhood is also iconic for its natural scenery, where some top notch kayaking, scuba diving and other watersports take place. ◆

To Do Torrey Pines Gliderport (2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive): Paraglide over the ocean or watch others take flight from this vista point Murals of La Jolla: Join an Athenaeum-hosted tour, or take a self-guided walk using the map found online at ljathenaeum.org/ murals-of-la-jolla View local works at smaller arts venues such as Athenaeum Music & Arts Library (1008 Wall St.) and Thumbprint Gallery (920 Kline St. Suite 104)

Torrey Pines Gliderport

To Eat Galaxy Taco (2259 Avenida De La Playa): A laid-back choice for crafted Mexican cuisine, tequila and vibrant decor Jose’s Courtroom (1037 Prospect St.): This 1972 sports bar and eatery serves up classic recipes in large portions Marine Room (2000 Spindrift Drive): Waves lap at the windows of this swanky seafood restaurant

Marine Room

To Drink The Spot La Jolla (1005 Prospect St.): Skip the surrounding high-end options for this casual tavern Karl Strauss Brewing Company (1044 Wall St.): One of San Diego’s most-well known brewery chains offers house-made drafts George’s at the Cove (1250 Prospect St.): This multi-level, oceanfront venue caters to a ritzy crowd with seafood and cocktails

Karl Strauss Brewing Company

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little italy

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ittle Italy was once home to the world’s leading tuna industry. In the ‘20s, the promise of sun and steady income convinced thousands of Italian families to relocate here for jobs in the industry. Over time, the cultures inevitably blended. The result is an Americanized slice of Sicily that attracts the best chefs in Italian and other cuisines. ◆

To Do The Mercato: This scenic farmers market occurs every Saturday on W. Cedar Street between Kettner Boulevard and Front Street Amici Park (1660 Union St): Practice or watch seasoned veterans play a game of bocce ball on these courts Waterfront Park (1600 Pacific Hwy): Picnic, splash in the fountains or attend food, beer and music festivals on these bay-adjacent lawns

The Mercato

To Eat Mona Lisa (2061 India St.): A gourmet Italian deli market with delectable sandwiches, authentic treats and an attached restaurant The Crack Shack (2266 Kettner Blvd.): This trendy fried chicken restaurant features al fresco seating, a full bar and games Bencotto (750 Fir St.): This two-story, upscale Italian restaurant is applauded for its artisanal dishes, including handmade pasta

Bencotto

To Drink Waterfront Bar & Grill (2044 Kettner Blvd.): This 1933 institution stands out among its neighbors for affordable prices, pub food and loud crowds Ballast Point Brewing (2215 India St.): A bustling tasting location with the brewery’s latest recipes on tap Craft & Commerce (675 W Beech St.): An open-air bar known for its craft cocktails, taxidermy decor and attached tiki speakeasy, False Idol

Waterfront Bar & Grill

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north park A

t the turn of the century, cheap rent allowed for affordable artist studios and lowly dive bars in this neighborhood. North Park’s popularity skyrocketed over the course of the next decade, swapping galleries for microbreweries and low-income housing for overpriced apartments. The intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street makes for the main drag of eclectic boutiques, craft beer bars and live music venues. ◆

To Do Digital Gym Cinema (2921 El Cajon Blvd.): Watch a hard-to-find indie film in this small nonprofit theater The Observatory (2891 University Ave.): This 1939 theater turned concert hall books big name talent This neighborhood particularly prides itself on supporting San Diego boutiques such as Pigment (3801 30th St.), Simply Local (3013 University Ave.) and Love & Aesthetics (2910 University Ave.) Finest City Improv Catch locally produced comedy at Finest City Improv (4250 Louisiana St.) or an over-the-top drag show at Lips (3036 El Cajon Blvd.)

To Eat Urban Solace (3823 30th St.): This restaurant features gourmet comfort food and a notable portrait of Anchorman’s Ron Burgundy City Tacos (3028 University Ave.): A small taco shop that packs flavor into its elevated Mexican menu Carnitas’ Snack Shack (2632 University Ave.): This counter-service spot prides itself on pork sandwiches, craft beer and hidden back patio Carnitas’ Snack Shack The Mission (2801 University Ave.): An ever-popular brunch location known to fuse Asian and Latin ingredients

To Drink Seven Grand (3054 University Ave.): Features an impressive bourbon collection, pool tables and live music in a dimly-lit lounge Coin Op (3926 30th St.): This bar throws it back to the heyday of arcades, featuring games both new and classic Bar Pink (3829 30th St.): A dingy, cash-only cocktail bar that’s dripping in pink plastic bubbles and lights Seven Grand Belching Beaver (4223 30th St.): A local brewery best known for indulgent creations, such as peanut butter and stouts, which can be ordered as ice cream floats

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ocean beach

O

cean Beach, or OB, embodies the free spirit of San Diego. Its peaceful yet antiestablishment energy generates a neighborhood full of locally owned boutique businesses, selling everything from upcycled art and bohemian clothing to essential oils and herbs. There is a strong sense of hippiedom here, which attracts a crowd both chilled out and transient. ◆

To Do Sunset Cliffs Natural Park (Ladera Street): As the name implies, this coastal overlook is an optimal location to watch the sun sink at day’s end Ocean Beach Pier: This 1,971-foot landmark was constructed in 1966 and is said to be the longest concrete pier on the West Coast OB Farmers’ Market (4900 Newport Ave.): Every Wednesday, vendors line the street to sell local produce and art

Ocean Beach Pier

To Eat OB Noodle House (2218 Cable St.) and (4993 Niagara Ave.): Both locations cook up Asian-inspired cuisine, but while the former is the original, the latter emphasizes design Azucar (4820 Newport Ave.): A Cuban bakery serving pastries, sandwiches and coffees that are true to its roots Wonderland Ocean Pub (5083 Santa Monica Ave.): A local bar popular for its view of the Pacific Ocean

Wonderland Ocean Pub

To Drink Pacific Shores Cocktail Lounge (4927 Newport Ave.): A dimly-lit, underwater-themed bar with neon accents, strong pours and solid jukebox tracks Sunshine Company (5028 Newport Ave.): A sizeable, two-story bar with pool tables, arcade games and deck with partial ocean views Winston’s Beach Club (1921 Bacon St.): A laid-back, live music venue with a dance floor, which is a rarity in these parts

Sunshine Company

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old town

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eginning in 1769 with just a mission and fort, Old Town was California’s first settlement. Over the years, California has preserved the essence of the times by designating much of the area a historic state park. As a result, Old Town caters to a largely tourist population, offering candy stores, Mexican cuisine and other shops in period-correct fashion. ◆

To Do Whaley House (2476 San Diego Ave.): Take a tour of this 1857 Greek Revival style-home and courthouse, which is dubbed the country’s most haunted residence Blackhawk Livery Stable (4002 Wallace St.): Watch a working blacksmith use tools and techniques from the 1800s to create items used throughout the state park Old Town Theatre (4040 Twiggs St.): This playhouse is home to production company Cygnet Theatre, which produces a large range of works from “Cabaret” to Shakespeare

Whaley House

To Eat The culinary experience here isn’t complete without a tortilla made fresh on the street outside Cafe Coyote (2461 San Diego Ave.) and Old Town Mexican Cafe (2489 San Diego Ave.) New Orleans Creole Cafe (2476 San Diego Ave.): This 1890s houseturned-restaurant offers gumbo and a break from the surrounding Mexican cuisine Berta’s Latin American Restaurant (3928 Twiggs St.): A homely setting showcases traditional Pan-Latin dishes from El Salvador to Spain

Old Town Mexican Cafe

To Drink Fred’s Mexican Cafe (2470 San Diego Ave.): This spacious restaurant is abuzz most nights of the week, but especially Taco Tuesday El Agave Tequileria (2304 San Diego Ave.): Bottles of fine tequila line the walls of this spot, which offers a classier drinking experience than its neighbors Old Town Saloon (2495 San Diego Ave.): This brick cantina plays up a western cowboy theme on the outside, but is a full sports bar inside

El Agave Tequileria

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pacific beach

P

acific Beach is a shorefront neighborhood that’s mainly home to local college upperclassmen. These freshly turned 21-year-olds propel a party hard mindset that doesn’t limit itself to the weekend. PB, as the locals call the neighborhood, caters to the youthful demographic with plenty of budget-friendly drinking holes and restaurants with ocean views. ◆

To Do Mission Bay Aquatic Center (1001 Santa Clara Place): Rent stand-up paddle boards, sail boats, kayaks and other water sports equipment to take out on the bay Kate Sessions Park (5115 Soledad Road): This northern PB park overlooks both Mission Bay and San Diego Bay, as well as the downtown skyline Tourmaline Surf Park: Pacific Beach’s northernmost stretch of sand is a surfing hotspot

Mission Bay Aquatic Center

To Eat Kono’s Cafe (704 Garnet Ave.): Just feet from the pier, this is a local favorite for hearty American breakfasts on the cheap Costa Brava (1653 Garnet Ave.): A classic Spanish restaurant serving tapas-style plates, plus weekly live flamenco music Waterbar (4325 Ocean Blvd.): This new addition to the boardwalk offers sea fare and sweeping ocean views

Waterbar

To Drink Silver Fox (1833 Garnet Ave.): Born in the ‘80s, this dive has pinball, pool tables and happy hour at 6 a.m.

PB Shore Club (4343 Ocean Blvd.): This boardwalk spot bustles both day and night and is notorious for its Red Bull Vodka slushies JRDN (723 Felspar St.): An upscale restaurant/bar combo whose pristine views and cocktail menu attract a more refined crowd

PB Shore Club

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point loma

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istorically, Point Loma’s peninsula marks the landing point of the first European settler, Juan Cabrillo, in 1542. As a result, the burg is dotted with parks dedicated to the early settler, including the Cabrillo National Monument. Point Loma was also home to a Naval Training Center until 2000 when its barracks became a food and arts destination called Liberty Station. This center is a main attraction for tourists and locals alike, as is the region’s potential for outdoor activity. ◆

To Do Valley View Casino Center (3500 Sports Arena Blvd.): This iconic 1966 concert venue has hosted big-name artists and is also home to the San Diego Gulls hockey team Browse the Women’s Museum of California (2730 Historic Decatur Road #103) and the New Americans Museum (2825 Dewey Road #10), which historicizes U.S. immigration Milk the climate by tide pooling at Cabrillo National Monument (1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive) or fishing at Shelter Island Pier (1776 Shelter Island Drive)

New Americans Museum

To Eat Liberty Public Market (2820 Historic Decatur Road): San Diego’s take on New York’s Chelsea Market, with booths of local food vendors inside a former Navy barrack Mitch’s Seafood (1403 Scott St.): Adjacent to the water, this is a hotspot for fish tacos and other fresh sea fare Old Venice Restaurant (2910 Cañon St.): This Italian restaurant’s tall, white pillars and garden patio reflect old world charm

Mitch’s Seafood

To Drink Modern Times Lomaland Fermentorium (3725 Greenwood St.): A popular tasting room known for its funky decorum, invested staff and house made brews Bali Hai (2230 Shelter Island Drive): A spacious Polynesian restaurant that serves hard-hitting mai tai’s and other island-inspired cocktails Humphrey’s Restaurant (2241 Shelter Island Drive): Sip a drink bayside while catching a more intimate concert

Bali Hai

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south park/golden hill

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outh Park and Golden Hill are both part of the Greater Golden Hill area, but the two boroughs have stylistically grown apart since the ‘80s. South Park reflects a quaint, family-friendly vibe with dessert parlors and relaxed pubs at the intersection of Juniper, 30th and Fern Streets. Meanwhile, Golden Hill boasts colorful Victorian and Colonial Revival architecture, authentic Mexican food joints and unembellished shops that converge at Twenty-fifth Street and Broadway. ◆

To Do Hike the urban trails carved into Switzer Canyon (2800 Maple St.) and Juniper Canyon (Gregory Street) World-famous street artists have left their mark here. Stroll around to spot murals by the likes of Persue, Shepard Fairey and Kreashun South Park Walkabout: A quarterly neighborhood event where live entertainment takes over the streets and shops offer deals and complimentary treats

South Park Walkabout

To Eat Station Tavern (2204 Fern St.): This open-air restaurant provides a play area for the kids and comfort food for the whole family Pizzeria Luigi (1137 25th St.): With a menu full of New York-style pies and craft beer, this spot consistently vies for the ‘best pizzeria’ title Turf Supper Club (1116 25th St.): Customers grill up their own cuts at this unconventional steakhouse and cocktail lounge Buona Forchetta (3001 Beech St.): This Italian restaurant, lauded as one of the best in the city, keeps it classic with pastas and wood-fired pizza

Pizzeria Luigi

To Drink The Rose Wine Bar and Bottle Shop (2219 30th St.): This neighborhood wine bar, housed within a historic former grocery building, pours organically sourced varietals Whistle Stop (2236 Fern St.): A cash-only dive bar with a loyal crowd, a smoking patio and a multitude of hosted events, ranging from live music to literature readings Kindred (1503 30th St.): Aside from serving acclaimed craft cocktails and vegan fare, this bar’s eccentric design is a mash-up of romance and goth 30 | San Diego Go Guide 2018

Rose Wine Bar

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north county T

he neighborhoods along Highway 101 were often escapist destinations for 1920s Hollywood elite, cruising between Los Angeles and Mexico by road or rail. Now, Del Mar is home to a racetrack and the San Diego County Fair, and Encinitas has internationally renowned surf spots. Both these beachside towns, as well as Oceanside, Cardiff-bythe-Sea and Carlsbad, have a permanent sense of tranquility that’s fueled by nature, wellness centers and more. ◆

To Do Visit a grip of reputable galleries, such as A Ship in the Woods (3007 Felicita Road, Escondido), California Center for the Arts (340 N Escondido Blvd., Escondido) and Oceanside Museum of Art (704 Pier View Way, Oceanside) San Diego Botanic Garden (230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas): A true hidden gem of the region with four miles of trails and acres of landscaped greenery California Center for the Arts Del Mar Racetrack (2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar): Place a few bets during racing season and stay for an evening concert Batiquitos Lagoon (7380 Gabbiano Lane, Carlsbad): Take a break from the beaches to visit these protected wetlands and their native species

To Eat Le Papagayo (1002 N Coast Hwy 101): This sit-down restaurant gracefully blends Mediterranean and Latin recipes Pacific Coast Grill (2526 S Coast Hwy 101, Encinitas): Take in waterfront views and order from a sushi and seafood-forward menu Board and Brew (16480 Paseo Del Sur, Del Mar): The original location of this famous So-Cal sandwich shop Le Papagayo has unwavering local support Las Olas (2655 S Coast Hwy 101, Cardiff): A reliable spot for happy hour deals, fish tacos and house margaritas

To Drink Belly Up Tavern (143 S Cedros Ave., Solana Beach): An intimate live music venue with big-name talent and walls showcasing notable band posters The Compass (300 Carlsbad Village Drive #202, Carlsbad): An eatery and bar with unique cocktails and a long tap list Campfire (2725 State St., Carlsbad): A relatively new, but highly popular, cocktail bar and restaurant that’s Coyote Bar and Grill decorated with a cozy outdoor theme Coyote Bar and Grill (300 Carlsbad Village Drive, Carlsbad): This Carlsbad Village venue features small time bands and a dance floor

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east county E

ast County’s vastness allows for variety. The region is relatively mountainous with access to multiple large parklands for hiking, as well as a close proximity to the desert. The population is diverse as well, with plenty of authentic ethnic restaurants opened by people who have immigrated here. This suburbia results in family-focused vibes and a slower pace of life than in the city. ◆

To Do Mission Trails Regional Park (1 Father Junipero Serra Trail): Explore 5,800 acres of open land, which include a golf course and Lake Murray Mt. Helix Park (4905 Mt Helix Drive, La Mesa): Situated on a purveying vista point, this park has an amphitheater that hosts plays and lectures Sky Art Desert Sculpture Garden (1299 Borrego Springs Road, Borrego Springs): Search for Ricardo Breceda’s metal sculptures that are spread out in Anza-Borrego Desert State Park Day trip to the city of Julian for apple picking, pies and gold mines

Mt. Helix Park

To Eat Ali Baba (421 E. Main St., El Cajon): An elaborately decorated restaurant featuring dishes from Iraq and other Middle Eastern countries Farmer’s Table (8141 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa): Painted tile and exposed wood decorate the walls of this New American restaurant The Hills (8758 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa): Coated in reclaimed wood, this low-brow pub is popular with locals Coop’s West Texas BBQ (2625 Lemon Grove Ave., Lemon Grove): A Texas-style barbeque joint with large portions of meats and cobblers

Farmer’s Table

To Drink Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room (7777 University Ave., La Mesa): A cocktail bar that’s been around for more than 50 years and offers free live music Next Door Craft Beer & Wine Bar (7235 El Cajon Blvd., La Mesa): Decorated in crisp whites and woods, this spot rotates wines from all over the world The Regal Bar (8344 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa): A neighborhood hangout with a patio, trivia and karaoke nights Pete’s Place (8330 La Mesa Blvd., La Mesa): Pool tables and TVs are the centerpiece of this laid-back bar

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Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room

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south bay W

ith an increased closeness to the border, the cultural line between San Diego and Tijuana begins to blur in the South Bay. There is a substantial amount of Mexican cuisine that’s fresh and legitimate, the price point is affordable and there’s plenty of cerveza to go around. Chula Vista’s craft beer scene in particular has taken off in the past few years, while Imperial Beach is a prime family getaway with colorful surroundings and sandy shores. ◆

To Do South Bay Theater and Drive In (2170 Coronado Ave., Imperial Beach): Cozy up in the car and catch a double feature of films currently in theaters Border Field State Park (1500 Monument Road): See where Mexico and America meet along the coastline Living Coast Discovery Center (1000 Gunpowder Point Drive, Chula Vista): This environmental education center has marine animal and bird exhibits Mattress Firm Amphitheater (2050 Entertainment Cir., Chula Vista): Live Nation books international musical talent for this sizeable outdoor amphitheater

Living Coast Discovery Center

To Eat TJ Oyster Bar (4410 Bonita Road, Bonita): The fish tacos here stand out most among both classic and unconventional Mexican sea fare Tacos El Gordo (689 H St., Chula Vista): This counter service taco shop’s adobada has a diehard fan base Napoleone’s Pizza House (619 National City Blvd., National City): This pizzeria is an institution that once employed American singer-songwriter Tom Waits Temp (277 Third Ave., Chula Vista): A New American restaurant serving local ingredients in a rustic, outdoorsy space

Temp

To Drink Chula Vista Brewing (294 Third Ave., Chula Vista): Set in a spacious warehouse, this brewery recently joined the locally burgeoning craft scene Machete Beer House (2325 Highland Ave., National City): This spot is known for tapping hard-to-find pours Bar Sin Nombre (253 Third Ave. #100, Chula Vista): Literally translating to “no name,” this beer bar is confident enough to skip a sign outside Novo Brazil (901 Lane Ave #100, Chula Vista): A brewery that stands out for the Brazilian culture evident in its atmosphere

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Novo Brazil

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Annual Events Gator By The Bay

San Diego County Fair

OB Street Fair

San Diego Comic Con

Spanish Landing Park, 3900 N Harbor Drive, Middletown MAY 10-14, 2018 A weekend dedicated to bayou life with thousands of pounds of crawfish, as well as hundreds of live zydeco and blues artists gatorbythebay.com Newport Avenue, Ocean Beach JUNE 23, 2018 A beachside festival with music, vendors and an amateur chili-cooking competition, oceanbeachsandiego.com

San Diego International Fringe Festival

Various Locations JUNE 21 - JULY 1, 2018 Bizarre theater, film and other arts created in San Diego and Tijuana are lauded during this nonprofit project. sdfringe.org

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Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar JUNE 1 - JULY 4, 2018 The regional celebration of greasy foods, stomach flipping rides and big-name concerts at the Del Mar Fairgrounds. sdfair.com San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, Downtown JULY 19 - JULY 22, 2018 Cosplayers, movie buffs and comic book fanatics gather to get the scoop on upcoming releases and to hear panel discussions by renowned directors, actors and other creatives. comic-con.org

KAABOO

Del Mar Fairgrounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2018 A high-end music festival that draws big names in rock, reggae and other genres. Also includes comedy performances and art displays. kaboodelmar.com