— S A N
D I E G O —
Go Guide
WHERE TO GO AND WHAT TO DO IN SAN DIEGO
2017
San Diego
GO GUIDE is brought to you by:
TABLE OF CONTENTS 6 Dowtown / Gaslamp 8 Little Italy 10 La Jolla 12 Pacific Beach 14 Ocean Beach 16 Point Loma 18 Hillcrest 20 Normal Heights 22 Mission Hills 24 North Park 26 South Park / Golden Hill 28 Barrio Logan 30 Annual Events
ART DIRECTOR Tristan Whitehouse CONTRIBUTORS Torrey Bailey ADVERTISING SALES Jason Noble, Paulina Porter-Tapia, Jenny Tormey 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. 4 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
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downtown/gaslamp
D
owntown is marked by the (in)famous Gaslamp Quarter, a historical, 16-block neighborhood brimming with entertainment and dining options. Once a prickly red light district, it has evolved into the city’s tourism centerpiece. When the Padres threw their first pitch at Petco Park in 2004, downtown’s rise to popularity solidified. Now, dozens of bars, nightclubs and premium eateries are tucked between skyscrapers and inside Victorian-era architecture. For both fresh 21-year-olds and mature audiences, this is the neighborhood for a night out. ◆
Eats
With classic Mexican dishes and all-day breakfast, Pokez (947 E St, San Diego) is a quick eat that won’t break the bank.
Eats
Brunch, lunch or dine at Café 21 (802 Fifth Ave.), a bright and vibey restaurant serving Californiainspired fare.
Drink Up
Drink Up
Take advantage of revolving drink prices thanks to The Tipsy Crow’s (770 Fifth Ave.) stock exchange-style menu.
Star Bar (423 E St.) was established in 1972 and lives on today as a dark and dank watering hole.
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Stop & Shop
Blends (719 Eighth Ave.) is a small boutique with a tasteful selection of top-brand shoes and flooring completely made out of loose pebbles. There’s also Horton Plaza (324 Horton Plaza), a vast, if not bizarrely designed, open-air mall.
Drink Up Hidden behind a law office door, Prohibition (548 Fifth Ave.) is a low-lit speakeasy with craft cocktails and live music.
Main Stage • Omnia (454 Sixth Ave.) is the latest addition to the nightlife scene, mimicking Vegas’ over-the-top clubs. • Catch underground DJ sets and snap photos of the notorious Ryan Gosling-decorated bathroom stall at nightclub and sushi bar Bang Bang (526 Market St.).
When Nature Calls • Grab a discounted ticket to watch the Padres game from Park at the Park (840 K St.), a lawn inside the stadium gates with large screens, a baseball diamond and picnic spots.
Culture Watch • See classical music, film and more arts at the refurbished Balboa Theatre (868 Fourth Ave.), which was built in 1924.
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little italy
L
ittle Italy was once the world’s leading tuna industry. In the ‘20s, the promise of sun and steady income convinced thousands of Italian families to relocate here. The neighborhood’s revival came with the new millennium and it progressed into a slice of Sicily. Despite its undeniably American influence, the neighborhood gives a nod to two cultural standards: an overwhelming selection of Italian carb loads and a historically significant art scene. The latter declined in popularity, leaving a vacuum that has since been filled by artisanal furniture shops. It’s a go-to for pricey date nights on the outer rim of downtown. ◆ Culture Watch • Mona Lisa Foods (2061 India St.) is a tried and true stop for Italian deli meats, foreign candies and delicious sandwiches.
When Nature Calls
Eats
Instead of a pizza and pasta joint, wander into Bracero Cocina de Raiz (1490 Kettner Blvd.) for plates of fancified street tacos and tostadas.
Drink Up
This location of Ballast Point Spirits and Brewery (2215 India St.) is complete with metal brewing tanks, tasting rooms and a large patio.
Stop & Shop
• Newcomers and traditionalists flock to the bocce ball court at Amici Park, on the corner of State and Date streets.
Do • This neighborhood is home to the county’s largest farmer’s market, Little Italy Mercato, which spans five blocks.
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Architectural Salvage (2401 Kettner Blvd.) is a treasure trove of vintage hardware, windows and lighting.
la jolla
L
a Jolla is stereotypically known for golden sands, tanned skins and stuffed wallets. From the waters to the mansions, La Jolla lives up to its Spanish translation meaning “The Jewel.” A stroll in the Village includes regaling at Ferrari dealerships, snickering at couture price tags and dodging camera-toting tourists. The town’s esteem skyrocketed from the ‘20s until the ‘40s when celebrities like Charlie Chaplin and Mel Ferrer escaped Hollywood for stays at the historic La Valencia Hotel. Elitist notoriety aside, La Jolla clings to an alter ego rooted in surf, kayak and stand-up paddleboard activity, especially in La Jolla Shores. ◆ When Nature Calls • Hit Black’s Beach for a stretch of clear water, tall cliffs and nudity-permitting shoreline.
Culture Watch
Eats
Contrary to its name, Cheese Shop (2165 Avenida de la Playa) makes classic deli sandwiches and sells nostalgia-inducing candy.
Drink Up
The Spot (1005 Prospect St.) offers a break from the frou frou with a casual, tavern style.
Stop & Shop
• Skip big name galleries, and opt for Joseph Bellows Gallery (7661 Girard Ave.) to see well- curated photography exhibitions.
Walk it Off • Wander through University of California, San Diego’s campus (9500 Gilman Dr.) to find artistic installations from The Stuart Collection scattered throughout. 10 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
Standing out from all the touristcentric stores, Mitch’s Surf Shop (631 Pearl St.) has been selling boards, gear and locally- designed clothing since ‘67.
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pacific beach
P
acific Beach is the shore-side home for an overwhelmingly young, attractive and hard-partying population. It has even found itself in local and national headlines. San Diego was the last SoCal city that allowed alcohol on its beaches and Pacific Beach took full advantage—that is, until 2007. Pacific Beach still thrives on a party mentality that isn’t limited to the weekends. Garnet Avenue has tons of bars that are alive every night of the week, especially Taco Tuesday, which feels like a Saturday. Just watch out for all the bros. ◆
Walk it off Skip some of the crowds at the beach by strolling the boardwalk around Mission Bay, which is popular for paddleboarding and small-time sailing.
Eats
Costa Brava’s (1653 Garnet Ave.) menu has a selection of shareable Spanish tapas that should be accompanied by a pitcher of Sangria.
Drink Up
JRDN is a indoor/outdoor craft cocktail spot at Tower23 Hotel (723 Felspar St.), which sports some of the best ocean views around.
Stop & Shop
When Nature Calls Kate Sessions Park (5115 Soledad Rd.) is one of the few remaining public grass patches that allows alcohol and has an ocean-heavy view.
Do Grab a dipped ice cream cone or banana split at the family-owned shack Mr. Frostie (1470 Garnet Ave.) which has been around since 1949. 12 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
Pangaea Outpost (909 Garnet Ave.) is one big store with a bunch of small booths inside, selling everything from jewelry and candles to funky doodads.
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ocean beach
O
cean Beach is considered the HaightAshbury of San Diego. It harbors an anti-establishment energy that drowns out any mega-corporations that try to set up camp. Other than Starbucks, which snaked its way onto the main boulevard amid an onslaught of protests in 2001, the shops are independent and the bars are dingy. At 1,971 feet, Ocean Beach Pier is the longest concrete pier this side of the Rockies and is a landmark for passing vagabonds. On any given day, wild parrots flit between telephone wires, squawking obnoxiously above rows of bead stores, head shops and surf stands. ◆
For the Record Cow Records (5040 Newport Ave.) is a small but organized shop with new and old CDs, cassettes and vinyl for sale.
When Nature Calls
Eats
OB Noodle House is an Asian fusion spot so popular it has two locations. Choose the newer one (4993 Niagara Ave.) for the trendy decor, or the original (2218 Cable St.) for its simplicity.
Drink Up
Pacific Shores Cocktail Lounge (4927 Newport Ave.) is a low-lit underwater-themed bar pouring strong drinks on the cheap.
Stop & Shop
Sunset Cliffs is famous for its sundown views but also its dangerously brittle slopes. Follow the rules and be careful.
Do Browse and experiment with aphrodisiac powders and teas at Bountiful Herbs (4958 Newport Ave.), which was previously called Happy Healthy High Horny Herbs. 14 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
The Black (5017 Newport Ave.) is a neighborhood institution that’s been selling “water pipes” and other ganja culture goods for more than 40 years.
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point loma
P
oint Loma used to be recognized merely for its coastal topography and Naval grounds. Then in 2000, Liberty Station came along, transforming a former Naval center into acres and acres of food, craft beer, art and museums. Further north in the neighborhood, adult superstores and strip clubs neighbor a laser tag zone. A multitude of fast food joints are the only separation. But aside from these commercial patches, the area is largely residential. Point Loma is also revered for its coastline, which is lined with parks dedicated to Juan Cabrillo, the first European settler to arrive in California in 1542. ◆
When Nature Calls Visit the Cabrillo National Monument at the tip of the peninsula, where there are critter-filled tide pools and the landmark Old Point Loma Lighthouse.
Main Stage The Valley View Casino Center (3500 Sports Arena Blvd.), aka the San Diego Sports Arena, has been a mainstay since 1966, hosting San Diego Gulls hockey games, concerts and more.
Eats
Liberty Public Market (2820 Historic Decatur Road) is the obvious choice, with San Diego entrepreneurs selling various cuisines in a warehouse setting.
Drink Up
Down some of the best local beers at Modern Times Lomaland Fermentorium (3725 Greenwood St.), where there’s funky decor and 32 taps.
Stop & Shop
Walk it Off Take a lap around Shelter Island, a mile-long circuit of panoramic views of the San Diego Bay and downtown. 16 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
Hit up Kobey’s Swap Meet (3500 Sports Arena Blvd.) for some unconventional, upcycled treasures of all shapes and sizes.
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hillcrest
H
illcrest is ruled by San Diego’s party-hard LGBTQ crowd. Since 1993, Hillcrest has held San Diego Pride week in the summer, but it’s a source of acceptance year-round. This neighborhood is known for its personalities and pours, both of which are strong. Here, boozy brunches take place every day of the week. An inviting atmosphere attracts people of all shapes, colors and preferences to this community. The red-and-white landmark neighborhood sign hanging above University and Fifth avenues marks the neighborhood’s core. Beneath it, couples stroll hand in hand, men jog shirtless and pride stands strong. ◆ Main Stage • Rich’s (1051 University Ave.) is a gay nightclub notorious for its energetic crowd and go-go dancers.
Culture Watch • Read and contribute bucket list ambitions to the “Before I Die I Want to...” chalkboard art installation on the side of Alibi (1403 University Ave.), one of the oldest dives in the city.
For the Record • Dive into the “Just In” bins at Record City (3757 Sixth Ave.) for sought-after rare jazz, funk, punk and other gems.
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Eats
Trust (3752 Park Blvd.) plates urban rustic dishes that have fueled a buzz among foodies since its 2016 debut.
Drink Up
Order cocktails with cleverly racy names at Gossip Grill (1220 University Ave.), the neighborhood’s token lesbian bar.
Stop & Shop
Forget spending money on new threads and check recycled tags at Flashbacks (3849 5th Ave.) and Lost and Found (3840 5th Ave.) instead.
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normal heights
N
ormal Heights and University Heights may be small, mid-city boroughs, but they have a lot to offer. Because of Normal Heights’ offbeat vibe, the area has earned the nickname Abnormal Heights. The Adams Avenue Business District is the main drag here, housing new age bookstores, fabric shops and plant-based restaurants. The heart of University Heights, at Park Boulevard and Madison Avenue, is a steadfast spot for locals who bask in a lingering small town feel. They park themselves at the token dive bars, chatting away while crafting, practicing magic tricks or swapping neighborhood gossip. Both areas have an appreciation for all things authentic. ◆ Main Stage • Diversionary Theatre (4545 Park Blvd.) is a famously LGBTQ-friendly playhouse showing new and classic plays and musicals.
Do • Get a psychic reading at Botanica Mama Roots (3512 Adams Ave.), a place for all things witchcraft like pentagrams, tinctures, voodoo dolls, tarot cards and spell books.
Eats
Inside a cedar-lined, barrel- shaped dining room, Madison (4622 Park Blvd.) creates seasonally-adjusted AmericanMediterranean classics.
Drink Up
Sycamore Den (3391 Adams Ave.) serves a wide variety of craft cocktails in a warm, retro atmosphere equipped with a fireplace.
Stop & Shop
Culture Watch • If visiting during the summer, swing by the Adams Avenue Street Fair, a festival showcasing regional bands, or Art Around Adams, a creatively-inclined art walk. 20 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
Pick out new and recycled ‘60s and ‘70s-inspired pieces at either location of La Loupe Vintage (3337 Adams Ave. and 4646 Park Blvd.)
mission hills
M
ission Hills has a reputation for valuing locally-sourced organics over greaseridden convenience, as well as American-made products over Chinese manufacturing. Here, young, affluent couples roam the squeaky clean streets with kids in tow. Some of the sidewalks sport a shade of pink, as requested by pioneering horticulturist Kate Sessions, who nearly single-handedly planted Balboa Park. A grab bag of architectural styles from Craftsman and Spanish colonial line the canyons. ◆
When Nature Calls • Check out a hillside of animal-shaped hedges at Harper’s Topiary Garden (3549 Union St.)
Do • See a classic film played on a projector at the open-air theater Cinema Under the Stars (4040 Goldfinch St.).
Eats
Brooklyn Girl (4033 Goldfinch St.) is known to mix east and west coast vibes with a mature farm-to-table menu, an oyster bar and a wall of Barbies.
Drink Up
Enter Starlite (3175 India St.) through an award-winning hexagonal hallway for a swanky, intimate cocktail setting and late-night kitchen.
Stop & Shop
Culture Watch • Get spooked at Pioneer Park where aboveground tombstones mark graves leftover from a 19th century Catholic cemetery.
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Hit Shakespeare’s Corner Shoppe and Afternoon Tea (3719 India St.) for a surplus of British goods like Violet Crumble chocolate bars and Jaffa Cakes.
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north park
A
t the turn of the century, this neighborhood was dotted with cheap artist studios and lowly dive bars. Its popularity skyrocketed through the next decade, swapping galleries for micro-breweries and affordable rent for overpriced apartments. The intersection of University Avenue and 30th Street makes for the borough’s main drag. The beer-heavy bar scene, locally-owned restaurants and funky boutiques attract a youthful, hip crowd. ◆
Eats
Urban Solace (3823 30th St.) serves up locally-sourced, innovative new American comfort food like cheese biscuits and roasted quail.
Eats
With a menu full of unexpected ingredients, City Tacos (3028 University Ave.) is a no-brainer for modernized Mexican food.
Stop & Shop
Stop & Shop
Pigment (3801 30th St.): Home decor, accessories, cooking supplies and succulents fill this store’s Instagram-worthy layout.
Simply Local (3013 University Ave.) sells jewelry, clothing, essential oils and more items that are all made by small-time, nearby craftsmen.
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Drink Up
If in search of whiskey drinks, craft cocktails and taxidermied deers, look no further than Seven Grand (3054 University Ave.).
Drink Up
Play old-school arcade games like Pacman, Galaga or large-scale Connect Four while sipping on beer and munching on fried foods at Coin-Op Game Room (3926 30th St.).
Hoppy Hour • The mid century modern and industrial mix of decor at North Park Beer Company (3038 University Ave.) contrasts North Park’s typically casual brew houses. • Mike Hess Brewing’s (3812 Grim Ave.) family-friendly atmosphere serves up craft batches and catering by local restaurants.
Main Stage • Plan ahead to catch nationally-recognized musical talents at the 1940s revived theater, The Observatory (2891 University Ave.) or just eavesdrop on the bands from the neighboring West Coast Tavern (2895 University Ave.).
For the Record • Red Brontosaurus Records (3044 North Park Way) is a local, crate-digging favorite for punk and hardcore albums.
When Nature Calls • Head to the north-east corner of Balboa Park for both regular and frisbee golf courses, as well as a velodrome for bicyclists.
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south park golden hill
S
outh Park and Golden Hill are both technically part of the Greater Golden Hill area, but the two boroughs have increasingly diversified in style since the ‘80s. Trek to South Park for a quaint, family-friendly vibe with small-time dessert parlors, street art and relaxed pubs. Find all this at the intersection of Juniper, 30th and Fern Streets. Or, head to Golden Hill for iconic Victorian and Colonial Revival architecture, Mexican food joints and unembellished shops. Twenty-fifth Street and Broadway makes for a great starting point. ◆
Eats
Eats
Eats
Big Kitchen Cafe (3003 Grape St.) is a neighborhood staple where the staff is like family and the dishes are traditional.
Veganism, death metal and craft cocktails blend together surprisingly well at Kindred (1503 30th St.)
Forget the fancy steakhouses downtown and opt for selfgrilling some cuts at the kitschy Turf Supper Club (1116 25th St.).
Stop & Shop
Find earthy and eclectic home decor, clothing and accessories at Junc.Life (2209 Fern St.).
Drink Up
Cash-only bar Whistle Stop (2236 Fern St.) features local musicians, literary showcases and stiff drinks.
Culture Watch
When Nature Calls
Spot murals by graffiti gurus like Persue, Shepard Fairey, and Kreashun on the exteriors of South Park businesses.
Switzer Canyon (2800 Maple St.) cuts through South Park, creating optimal hiking trails for families, couples and four-legged friends.
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barrio logan
B
arrio Logan is an arts-filled, mostly Latino community located right under the entrance to the Coronado Bridge. The neighborhood has long faced economic discrimination from the city, which reached a pinnacle in ‘70s after parking lot construction began on designated parkland. Citizens protested until officials agreed to fulfill their promise, leading to birth of Chicano Park, now a national landmark. The artistic spirit continues and Barrio Logan is now dotted with small art galleries with ever-changing exhibits. Coffee shops, food joints and colorful houses expand outward from the popular intersection of Cesar E. Chavez Parkway and Main Street. ◆ Culture Watch Bread & Salt (1955 Julian Ave.) was a former bread factory that’s now an experimental center for the arts, hosting regular concert series and exhibits.
When Nature Calls
Eats
People line up out the door for a diverse selection of tacos and cocktails with Tajín-coated straws at Salud! (2196 Logan Ave.).
Drink Up
Sip Latin-inspired beers in Border X Brewing’s (2181 Logan Ave.) upbeat taproom, which also serves as a rotating exhibit of local art.
Stop & Shop
Chicano Park is a historically-designated site where dozens of painted murals on the Coronado Bridge’s supporting columns display struggles within Mexican and Chicano cultures.
Do Browse the eclectic selection of handmade pinatas at Rainbow Supplies (2076 Logan Ave.) or the south-of-the-border style gift shop Dulce Diego (2146 Logan Ave. Ste. H). 28 | San Diego Go Guide 2017
Golondrina (2148 Logan Ave.) is the permanent storefront of a traveling urban market that sells San Diego-made t-shirts, art and more.
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other places to go and things to do Gator By The Bay
San Diego County Fair
Spanish Landing Park, 3900 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego MAY 11-14, 2017 A weekend dedicated to bayou life with thousands of pounds of crawfish, as well as hundreds of live zydeco and blues artists. gatorbythebay.com
Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar JUNE 2-JULY 4, 2017 The regional celebration of greasy foods, stomach-flipping rides and big-name concerts at the Del Mar Fair Grounds. sdfair.com
OB Street Fair and Chili Cook-Off San Diego Comic Con Newport Ave., Ocean Beach JUNE 24, 2017 Beachside festival with music, vendors and an amateur chili-cooking competition. oceanbeachsandiego.com/attractions/ annual-events/ob-street-fair-chili-cook
San Diego International Fringe Festival Various locations around San Diego JUNE 22-JULY 2, 2017 Bizarre theater, film and other arts created in San Diego and Tijuana are lauded during this non-profit project. sdfringe.org
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San Diego Convention Center, 111 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego JULY 20-23, 2017 Cosplayers, movie buffs and comic book fanatics gather to get the scoop on upcoming releases for their favorite series and to hear panel discussions by reknowned directors, actors and other creatives. comic-con.org
KAABOO Del Mar Fair Grounds, 2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd., Del Mar SEPTEMBER 15-17, 2017 A high-end music festival that draws big names in rock, reggae and other genres. Also includes comedy performances and art displays. kaaboodelmar.com
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