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San Diego’s Favorite Tacos

Want to start an argument on the streets of San Diego? Just walk up to a group of people and ask them: “Where should I go for San Diego’s best tacos?” Then take a step back and watch the fireworks begin as each individual makes the case for their personal favorite as the city’s essential taco destination.

Or, since you’re a visitor to this fine city and quite probably not in the mood to be stirring things up with locals immediately upon your arrival—though it’s highly likely you do want to know where to go in San Diego for great tacos—you can ignore the above suggestion. Instead, keep reading for more information about San Diego’s favorite tacos.

The Taco Stand

Simple name, uncomplicated situation: No matter who you talk to, The Taco Stand ranks right near the top of any list of best tacos in the San Diego area. The Taco Stand specializes in Tijuana-style street tacos (and they make a pretty mean burrito, too—though that might be a food conversation for another day). The local taco powerhouse got its start in La Jolla and at an Encinitas location not far from Moonlight State Beach, but is expanding throughout the region at an impressive clip.

Puesto

Puesto is legendary locally for its upscale take on tacos, so much so that most people consider its signature menu item to be what they call a filet-mignon taco. Puesto itself has branded their renowned creations “Trophy Tacos,” and it’s hard to argue that they don’t back up the boast. And if you’re as interested as I am in the notion of combining fancy tacos with fabulous shopping, you’ll have a couple locations in the area to choose from: the Puesto in La Jolla is just a block away from the high-end shopping of Prospect Street, while Puesto Mission Valley has a brewpub-style feel set in the midst of the sprawling Westfield Mission Valley shopping complex.

Blue Water Seafood

Blue Water Seafood is an acclaimed restaurant brand with a classic, wide-ranging, seafood-restaurant menu—that just so happens to be legendary for its fish tacos. Whether you’re in the mood for beer-battered cod tacos or wild Pacific shrimp tacos, all Blue Water Seafood’s fish-taco offerings are comprised of local, fresh catches meant to be enjoyed with one of their outstanding marinades. And when you’re done dining at their charming Ocean Beach location, you’ll have an unbeatable choice on your hands: walk one block this way for the scenic shoreline, or walk one block that way for the many indie stores of quirky Newport Avenue.

City Tacos

With over a half-dozen locations throughout the greater San Diego area, City Tacos is one of the bigger names on the taco scene here. City Tacos is an especially smart destination if you’re traveling as part of a group—or have family members with divergent tastes—on account of its sizable, diverse menu that includes traditional fare like the Mexicali (grilled angus steak), fun offerings such as the Ahuevo Breakfast Taco (sunny-side egg and refried chorizo beans), and multiple vegan or vegetarian options. The portobello mushroom-based taco may be unconventional, but I dare you to try and not become an immediate convert.

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is another favorite of local fish taco devotees, though their non-seafood tacos are no slouch either—which is why many customers opt for their popular Surf & Turf Taco, which combines skirt steak and shrimp into one mouthwatering bite. When in doubt, regardless of what taco you go with, make sure and add one of their delicious ceviches to your order. The Hillcrest location of this popular brand is situated on University Avenue in the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant neighborhoods.

Tacos El Gordo

The first Tacos El Gordo opened in Tijuana way back in 1972, before arriving in San Diego in 1998. Today, Tacos El Gordo is a local institution in the region, with restaurants spread throughout the city and beyond. The star of the Tacos El Gordo show traditionally is the Adobada taco—spicy pork with your choice of toppings—but that’s far from the only item worth trying, of course. Tacos El Gordo is also famous for its distinctive ordering system, where you’ll stand in a different line depending on which protein you want to serve as the foundation of your taco. Add it all together and it makes for a unique San Diego dining experience.

Tuetano Taqueria

Few food trends have made as big of a splash the past few years as birra, and there’s arguably nowhere better in San Diego to go see for yourself what all the hype is about than Tuetano Taqueria. This much-lauded establishment is helmed by acclaimed chef Priscilla Curiel, and its bustling location in Old Town San Diego frequently has long lines of hungry patrons eager to sample her homemade birra. The wait—if there is one—will be well worth it.

La Vecindad Neighborhood Tacos

Another standout taco joint in Hillcrest, La Vecindad Neighborhood Tacos does Mexico City-style tacos as well as anyone in all of San Diego. Their made-from-scratch corn tortillas are as tasty as any you’ll come across, and the ambiance here is warm and welcoming. La Vecindad Neighborhood Tacos is another establishment that has a vegetarian-specific section of their menu, ensuring that no one gets left out of the taco fun.

Lola 55

Halfway between The Gaslamp and Balboa Park is where you’ll find the East Village neighborhood’s Lola 55, whose slogan “Tacos & Cocktails” pretty much says it all. This stylish modern restaurant is known first and foremost for its pork belly al pastor taco, but plenty of locals swear by Lola 55’s fish tacos, too. With a long drinks list, this is the kind of place where you can turn the joy of Taco Tuesday into an entire evening’s worth of fun.

Kid-Friendly San Diego Beaches

San Diego has a reputation as one of the best beach towns in the United States. and with its beautiful weather, miles of coastline, and diverse selection of seaside hangout spots, it’s easy to see why. San Diego features so many great beach options, in fact, that deciding which one is perfect for you will depend on what exactly you’re looking for in a beach experience. This will most definitely be the case if you’re visiting San Diego with the kids in tow.

When it comes to determining which beach is right for you and your family, you’ll be spoiled for choices. That’s why I’ve put together this helpful list detailing some of the best kid-friendly beaches found anywhere in or around San Diego.

La Jolla Shores

Not only is La Jolla Shores considered by many to be the foremost family beach in the greater San Diego area, it’s typically ranked near the top of any list of best beaches in the entire country. La Jolla Shores is known for its gentle waves, which makes it a popular place to rent kayaks or go scuba diving. And if the little ones need a break from all that sand, nearby Kellogg Park has a fun playground just feet from the ocean.

Moonlight State Beach

Moonlight State Beach in Encinitas is a great family beach. Famous for its gradually sloping beach—which makes keeping a safe eye on the kids as the play near the shore all that much easier—Moonlight State Beach is anchored by a swimming-only zone, which steers surfers, kayakers, and more clear of the area. You can rent recreational equipment here, and the fine facilities also include a snack bar, volleyball courts, picnic tables, and if you’re feeling really ambitious, tennis courts.

Coronado Central Beach

Another legendary San Diego area beach that’s an outstanding fit for families with small children is Coronado Central Beach. Located mere steps from the iconic Hotel del Coronado, Coronado Central Beach is as breathtaking a stretch of shoreline as you’ll encounter. On a typical day here the water is calm enough for kids to swim in, and during low tide everyone will enjoy searching out the tidepools that appear along the beach. And when everybody’s had their fill of sun, nearby Orange Avenue has plenty of classic Coronado shops and restaurants.

Mission Bay

No matter how old your kids are, if they love the great outdoors they’re going to love Mission Bay, a large, water-based park with a little bit of something for everyone. At the heart of Mission Bay is a human-made saltwater bay where you can take sailing lessons, learn how to paddleboard, go fishing, or simply soak up the good vibes along the area’s some 27 miles of shoreline. Oh, and guess what? Mission Bay is also home to SeaWorld San Diego—so, yes, you’ll be needing to make a whole day of it.

Silver Strand State Beach

Beach-going families who want to treat their kids to a less-hectic shore outing should think long and hard about spending the day at Silver Strand State Beach. This beach is huge—located on the thin strip of the Coronado strand, it has beaches facing both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay—meaning regardless of the circumstances you’ll have plenty of space to spread out and relax away from the hustle and bustle of your standard beach crowds. It’s serviced by four large parking lots, too, which is welcome from a logistics standpoint, and for a reasonable fee you can even rent beach chairs and umbrellas as well.

Torrey Pines State Beach

Located in La Jolla, Torrey Pines State Beach is one of San Diego’s most scenic beaches, and if you’re planning on picnicking somewhere along the shore, it’s a great option. Parking can sometimes prove tricky here, so if the kids have their heart set on Torrey Pines State Beach be sure and arrive early in the day. And for a truly unique San Diego beach experience, consider combining a trip to the beach with a hike through Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. The Reserve has multiple family-friendly hiking trails, and you can even hike some of them all the way down to the beach.

Del Mar City Beach

Ask ten locals for their take on San Diego’s best beach, and you’re likely to get ten different answers—that’s how strong the scene is here. And yet, when you do get repeat answers, more often than not the consensus is Del Mar City Beach. During peak season it can get pretty crowded, but it’s a consistent favorite with families who know San Diego because of the clean restrooms, strong lifeguard presence, and nearby Powerhouse Park, which contains a fabulous playground and picnic area.

Children’s Pool Beach

Another outstanding kid-friendly beach located in lovely La Jolla, Children’s Pool Beach is a wonderful place to visit if your children are interested in seeing sea lions and harbor seals up close and personal. This small beach occasionally gets subjected to strong currents —it’s not a let’s-go-swimming or roll-out-the-beach-towels-on-the-sand type of beach—but it’s a fantastic place for nature lovers. Combine a visit here with a trip to nearby Birch Aquarium and now you’re talking about the makings of a special day.

Ocean Beach Dog Beach

If you’ll be visiting San Diego with both kids and a beloved family pet along for the ride, then when it comes to picking an area beach destination you’ve got an easy decision on your hands: head straight for Ocean Beach Dog Beach. This lovely stretch of shore is situated at the northern edge of Ocean Beach along the Mission Bay Harbor Channel, and it’s an explicitly leash-free zone, meaning it’s the sort of welcoming space where your furry friends can swim and play and have every bit as much fun as the whole family.

Top Ten Things to Do in Balboa Park

There’s a lot to see and do in San Diego, and a great deal of it can be experienced by making a trip to the city’s iconic Balboa Park. In many ways, Balboa Park is the heart and soul of the San Diego community, and no visit here is truly complete without spending some time roaming its beautiful open spaces and exploring its many fabulous attractions. Home to museums, gardens, restaurants, shops, a world-famous zoo, and more, Balboa Park features something for everyone. Read on for a list of ten highlights of this special place.

San Diego Museum of Art

Widely considered San Diego’s premier art institution, the San Diego Museum of Art is one of Balboa Park’s many can’t-miss attractions. The San Diego Museum of Art’s collection is varied and eclectic, but counts among its strengths especially well-regarded holdings in fields like 19^th and 20^th Century American paintings, South Asian art, and 17^th and 18^th Century European paintings. There’s always a special exhibit or two running here, and best of all, the San Diego Museum of Art is free for all guests under the age of 17 years old.

Museum of Photographic Arts

For as much as photography is a huge part of our world today, when you stop and think about it, there aren’t all that many museums you’ll come across that are devoted solely to the subject. In fact, the Museum of Photographic Arts in Balboa Park proudly touts itself as one of only three (3!) such independent museums in the United States! All of which is to say you should visit this special place, which has a permanent collection of roughly 10,000 items and has a remarkable “Pay-What-You-Wish” admission policy.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

This Balboa Park landmark is proudly affiliated with the Smithsonian Institution, and regularly heralded as one of the finest air and space museums found anywhere in the entire United States. Here you’ll find artifacts from throughout the history of flight, which the museum teaches us dates back way longer than we might have originally thought! These include multiple reproductions of the Wright Brothers’ gliders, a replica of Charles Lindbergh’s legendary Spirit of St. Louis, and many different NASA spacecrafts. The San Diego Air & Space Museum also routinely hosts special exhibits and traveling shows.

San Diego Zoo

One of San Diego’s most famous attractions, the San Diego Zoo occupies 100 acres at the heart of Balboa Park. There you can get up close and personal with approximately 12,000 animals numbered from almost 700 distinct species. And though the stars of the show here are perennial crowd pleasers like elephants, polar bears, and lions, the San Diego Zoo also has its very own botanical garden where some 700,000 plants, drawn from over 3,000 species, are grown. If you’ve got the time, consider going on one of the zoo’s “special experiences.” These include guided tours, live feedings, and more.

San Diego Natural History Museum

In essence, the San Diego Natural History Museum is five full floors of fascinating family fun. Known locally as “The Nat,” the San Diego Natural History Museum is home to educational exhibits on dinosaurs, minerals, California’s varied ecosystems, and so many more natural subjects. Whether you’re interested in hands-on learning, or just want to sit back and watch an adventure film on a giant theater screen, this is the Balboa Park attraction for you.

Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego

Aficionados of contemporary art won’t want to miss out on a visit to the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego. Borne out of a recent merger of the San Diego Art Institute and the LUX Art Institute, this modern facility focuses on uplifting the work of local artists, while also hosting a half-dozen or so special exhibitions each year featuring artists from all over the world. Live performances and enlightening workshops are staples of the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego’s rich programming calendar of events. No matter what time of year you find yourself in Balboa Park, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Diego will be running something noteworthy.

Balboa Park Trails

For all there is to see and do in Balboa Park, it is, at its core, a park—a lovely public space where you can get some fresh air, go for a stroll, and bask in the natural beauty of San Diego. To that end, next time you find yourself visiting Balboa Park, consider going for a hike on one of its roughly 20 different trails. Balboa Park contains some 65 miles of trail, suitable for hikers of all backgrounds and experiences, and they’re just waiting for your next adventure!

Balboa Park Gardens

Balboa Park is also home to several distinctive gardens worth exploring. These include the 1935 Cactus Garden, a historic site designed for the 1935 California Pacific International Expositions that is devoted to succulents; the Alcazar Garden, which was modeled after the gardens of a Spanish castle and can be found near the San Diego Art Institute; and the Botanical Building and Lily Pond. And that’s but three of over a dozen unique garden experiences available to you here in Balboa Park!

Balboa Park Miniature Train

This one’s perfect for the younger visitors to Balboa Park. The Balboa Park Miniature Train is an antique G-16 model miniature train, one of only a handful of its kind remaining anywhere in the world. You’ll find this tiny train’s station just outside of the entrance to the San Diego Zoo. There you’ll be able to board the G-16 for a brief, half-mile journey across a scenic expanse of Balboa Park. It’ll make for a delightful excursion that’ll delight the kids.

Balboa Park Dining

Finally, Balboa Park is a terrific spot to grab something to eat. Within Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres you’ll find over a dozen different restaurants and cafés just waiting for you to try them. Two best bests are the Prado and the Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden. Whether you’re searching for something fast and casual, a bite that’ll satisfy even the pickiest eater in your crew, or you just want to unwind with a friend over a glass of wine in a scenic setting, you’ll find it in Balboa Park.

San Diego for First-Time Visitors

If you’re on the way to San Diego for the first time in your life, then you have every reason to be excited and then some. As renowned as San Diego is for its amazing weather—and justifiably so, given the nature of its terrific climate—the city really is so much more than that. Home to picture-perfect beaches, inspiring museums, fine restaurants, acclaimed craft breweries, unique wildlife, and so much more, San Diego really does feature a little bit of something for everyone.

Given how much there is to see and do in San Diego, it’s important for first-time visitors to have a sense of just where exactly to start their adventures. Keep reading for a few suggestions regarding what San Diego attractions truly are can’t-miss destinations.

San Diego Zoo

First up on your list should be a visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Everyone’s sad that the wildly popular giant panda bears no longer call the San Diego Zoo home, but there’s still a fabulous number of animals to see up close and personal here. Perennial favorite exhibits include habitats for cheetahs, lions, elephants, grizzly bears, and hippos, and there are also several special tour experiences available like the 60-minute Discovery Cart tour, live animal feedings, zookeeper talks, and more.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Though San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a sister facility of the San Diego Zoo, it’s a very different attraction, and well worth exploring on its own merits. Located 35 miles outside of downtown San Diego, the Safari Park is home to almost 4,000 animals living on nearly 2,000 acres of beautiful California countryside. Here you can walk around under spacious skies and feel as though you’re experiencing the Safari Park’s approximately 300 distinct species in something more akin to their actual natural habitats than a more conventional zoo.

La Jolla

Just north of San Diego you’ll find La Jolla, a seaside area that many consider one of the loveliest stretches of coastline in the world. La Jolla is the sort of place where you don’t really need to do anything—it’s well worth heading there just to sit on the cliffs in the sun, feel the ocean breeze on your face, and bask in the breathtaking scenery all around you (which frequently incudes seals and sea lions!). However, if you desire a more active experience, you’re in business, too, because there’s a lot to explore around La Jolla. Hiking, biking, kayaking, snorkeling, and scuba diving are popular activities in the area, and there’s plenty of dining and shopping nearby as well. Be sure to make time for La Jolla Cove and Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve! They’re particularly standout attractions in what is a wonderful spot to visit.

Coronado

Coronado is an essential part of the San Diego experience. Situated on a narrow strip of land just southwest of San Diego Bay from the city’s downtown core, it’s here that you’ll find Coronado Beach, which routinely rates as one of the most popular beaches in the entire country, as well as plentiful opportunities for outdoor fun like kayaking, biking, and paddleboarding. An absolute must-see part of a visit to Coronado is the Hotel del Coronado. This legendary establishment first opened its doors way back in 1888, and in the intervening years has hosted countless celebrities and world leaders while being featured in numerous movies. Even if you don’t stay here, it’s worth checking out for its architectural grandeur and historical importance

**USS Midway Museum**

The USS Midway Museum is one of the more unique museums you’re liable to encounter: it’s a museum located entirely on a ship! And not just any ship, mind you, but a massive United States Navy aircraft carrier that was fully operational from 1945 to 1992. Nowadays the USS Midway houses approximately 30 restored aircrafts, and features 60 interactive exhibits. A variety of tours are available, too, and the museum is regularly one of the most popular attractions found anywhere in the greater San Diego area.

SeaWorld San Diego

SeaWorld San Diego is the original SeaWorld location, meaning that it’s a local institution that has become a global brand. There are a bunch of different things to do at SeaWorld San Diego—so many, in fact, that many visitors spend multiple days here. The fascinating marine animals that call SeaWorld San Diego home are the true headliners, of course, and include fan favorites like all types of sharks, whales, dolphins, and penguins, just to name few. That’s just scratching the surface, though. There are more rides here than you can imagine, dining and shopping opportunities galore, and Sesame Street Bay of Play, an entertaining and educational attraction the kids will love.

Balboa Park

Last but most definitely not least, your very first trip to San Diego must budget in a healthy amount time for the one and only Balboa Park. In many ways, Balboa Park is the heart and soul of San Diego. Though this 1,200-acre park contains scenic hiking trails and beautiful flower gardens, it’s ultimately so much more than your conventional city park. That’s because Balboa Park is also home to theaters, stores, restaurants, the San Diego Zoo, and 17 museums and cultural institutions, including standouts like the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum (sometimes called The NAT), San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, and the Institute of Contemporary Art, San Diego.

San Diego on a Rainy Day

It’s difficult to think of all that many places in the United States more beloved for their beautiful weather than San Diego. Year in and year out, no matter the season, people flock to San Diego from all over the world to experience the city’s sun and sand for themselves. When we think of San Diego, in fact, that’s quite often what comes to mind first: sun, sand, and smiles.

Alas, nothing in life is perfect, and even in San Diego a little rain must fall from time to time. And so the question comes to mind: what to do when you find yourself visiting San Diego on a rainy day? Fear not, there’s still much to do in San Diego on a day when the weather is not your friend. Keep reading for a list of some suitable solutions to this rainy-day riddle.

San Diego Natural History Museum

Lovingly referred to by locals as “The Nat,” the San Diego Natural History Museum is every bit as neat of a place as you would expect a museum with a hip nickname to be. There’s so much to experience at The Nat that it’s likely you’ll struggle to decide where to begin your adventure, but when in doubt, follow this simple rule and you’ll be just fine: Dinosaurs. That’s right, the San Diego Natural History Museum is home to some wonderful dinosaur-centric exhibits. These include Fossil Mysteries—which catalogs a staggering 75 million years’ worth of locally discovered remains—and a prominently displayed Allosaurus fragilis skeleton fondly known as “Al.” Al would have been a cousin of the mighty T. rex, so yeah, he’s pretty cool.

Birch Aquarium

The Birch Aquarium at Scripps (helpful shorthand for the “Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego”) will help you shake your rainy-day blues in no time at all. Over 5,000 different sea creatures, spread out across nearly 60 unique exhibits, call this charming facility home. It’s impossible in this short space here to describe everything there is to discover at Birch Aquarium, but some favorite attractions would have to be Tidepool Plaza, Shark Shores, and the Giant Kelp Forest exhibit, a two-story, 70,000-gallon tank that lets you experience these “underwater forests” like never before. Not only does Birch Aquarium make for a great visit, but its remarkable physical setting gifts it with breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and La Jolla.

USS Midway Museum

The USS Midway Museum is housed on the retired aircraft carrier Midway, which means that parts of the museum experience here are located outside. “Wait, what?” you’re asking right about now, operating as you are under the belief that this article is about rainy-day suggestions. Hear me out, though, as there’s a certain method to the madness of suggesting visiting the USS Midway Museum on a rainy day. The USS Midway Museum is one of San Diego’s most popular attractions—it’s more often than not a really busy place. However, since some of the museum is located outside, that’s liable to scare away guests on a day when the weather is a bit crummier. Yet a great deal of the USS Midway Museum’s exhibits—features like the Hangar Deck and Below Deck exhibits—are found indoors. So, if you aren’t afraid of a little bit of rain, you can enjoy this fine attraction and all it has to offer while also beating the crowds—all by visiting on a rainy day!

Fleet Science Center

Just because the weather outside is not cooperating, that doesn’t mean you and the kids will be prevented from “being active” on a rainy day in San Diego. That’s because a terrific place to visit in San Diego is the Fleet Science Center. This popular attraction is full of interactive marvels that’ll cheer up any one feeling blue at the prospect of not being able to run around the beach all day. Take in a movie at the Giant Dome IMAX Theater, prepare to be an astronaut at the Space Gallery’s Off-World Training Base, learn about the power of water in the San Diego’s Water: From Source to Tap exhibit, and inhabit an alternate reality with the Pulseworks Virtual Reality Transporter ride.

San Diego Museum of Art

The heart of the matter is that the San Diego Museum of Art is well worth your time regardless of the weather outside, but if you can slot it into your schedule on a day when outdoor conditions are less-than ideal, then that’s even better. The San Diego Museum of Art’s permanent collection alone is reason even to visit, as it contains works by brilliant artists as diverse as Francisco Goya, Hieronymus Bosch, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, El Greco, and Henri Matisse. Beyond those fine holdings, though, the San Diego Museum of Art regularly hosts live performances, educational events, and special exhibits from all over the world. Whether you’ve got an hour to kill, or desire to spend an entire afternoon losing yourself in the power of art, this San Diego attraction is for you.

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Air & Space Museum makes for a great place to spend the day—and, if we’re being honest, that’s true whether it’s raining outside or not! Here you’ll find all sorts of educational exhibits and cultural artifacts pertaining to the history of flight. The museum’s collection of historic airplanes and space craft is second to none, and includes highlights like a replica of Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis, the Apollo 9 command module Gumdrop, and multiple reproductions of Orville and Wilbur Wright’s early experimental gliders. In addition to these treasures, visitors can enjoy touring an assortment of rotating special exhibits, as well as grab a bite to eat at the tasty Flight Path Grill.

Eight Things to Do in San Diego in Spring

Are you worn out from winter and in need of a refreshing spring getaway? Then perhaps you’re looking for a special place to visit, somewhere you can relax, unwind, and recharge the batteries. Lucky for you, you’ve come to the right spot, because you don’t need to look any further than sunny San Diego, California. Keep reading for eight great things to do in San Diego this spring.

Get Lost in Balboa Park

To be clear, we’re not actually encouraging you to get lost in San Diego’s spectacular Balboa Park, but rather just trying to make a point about how many different remarkable things there are to do here. Considered by many to be the very heart and soul of San Diego, Balboa Park’s 1,200 acres are home to everything from flower gardens and hiking trails to museums, theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Many of San Diego’s most popular attractions are found within Balboa Park, including several highlights that’ll be mentioned in a moment, and yet these headliners only scratch the surface of the fun that can be had here on a beautiful spring day.

Go on a Safari

Located in Balboa Park, it doesn’t get much more quintessentially San Diego than the world-famous San Diego Zoo, and though the universally beloved giant pandas no longer call the zoo home, you’ll still find here all manner of fun and games perfect for the whole family. And if you’re in the mood for something even more adventurous, you’ll want to make the 35-mile trip northeast from the zoo to its sister operation, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. There you’ll observe, spread out across 1,800 glorious acres, over 3,600 animals numbering some 300 or so unique species. The Safari Park features a tremendous collection of botanical specimens, too, so put on your good walking shoes and prepare to spend a spring afternoon getting in touch with nature!

Travel to Outer Space (Sort of . . .)

For roughly 50 years now, San Diego’s Fleet Science Center has been delighting children of all ages while bringing out the curious kid in us adults, too! The Fleet Science Center contains over 100 interactive exhibits spread out across a number of permanent galleries, including perennial favorites like Kid City, So Watt! (“an illuminating look at energy”), and the Pulseworks Virtual Reality Transporter, which lets you experience the sensation of floating in space or venturing forth on a moonwalk without ever even having to leave San Diego. While you’re at the Fleet Science Center, you’ll also want to make time to catch an IMAX movie and a planetarium show.

Luxuriate in LEGOLAND

As long as you’re invested in treating the kids to the time of their lives during this springtime San Diego adventure, indulge them with a visit to LEGOLAND California Resort. This unique destination is located about 30 minutes north of San Diego in Carlsbad, California, and it’s another one of those terrific attractions that helpfully has a little bit of something for the entire crew. The centerpiece of LEGOLAND California Resort would have to be its amusement park, which includes scores of rides, shows, a water park, and a branch of the popular SEA LIFE Aquarium franchise. However, there’s also plenty of dining and shopping options, as well as two LEGO-themed hotels available for you to stay at. The LEGO-centric guest rooms at these places are wildly creative, too, and worth a stay just for the novelty.

Contemplate a Work of Art

Once the children have worn themselves out enjoying LEGOLAND California, you’ll be more than justified in spending a little time on yourself. Even if you aren’t traveling with kids, don’t worry, you’ll still love the San Diego Museum of Art. This fine institution has an outstanding permanent collection of art from all over the world. It’s especially strong in 19^th and 20^th Century American art, 17^th and 18^th Century European paintings, and South Asian art, and routinely hosts special temporary exhibits each spring.

Ramble On

Who doesn’t love a good road trip? If you happen to find yourself in the greater San Diego area come this spring, you will not want to miss the chance to explore Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. You’ll need to budget a healthy amount of time for this adventure—Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is approximately 75 miles northeast of downtown San Diego—but it’ll be well worth the effort. The largest state park in California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a natural treasure, and it’s especially wonderful during the spring months when wildflowers bloom in the midst of the rocky desert, lighting up the arid landscape with dazzling pops of color.

See SeaWorld

No matter the time of year, SeaWorld San Diego is one of the city’s foremost attractions. Here you’ll encounter all types of fascinating creatures, big and small, but year in and year out the stars of the show are the ever-popular whales, sharks, penguins, and dolphins. You’ll for sure want to carve out time to watch in awe as the mighty orcas do their thing. SeaWorld San Diego also offers guests access to a variety of additional attractions like rollercoasters, rides, the Sesame Street Bay of Play, and much more.

Head for La Jolla

No trip to San Diego is complete without spending time exploring La Jolla, and that is even more so the case when spring rolls around again. There’s so much to see and do in and near La Jolla that you’ll practically have to drag yourself away when it’s time to depart. Rent a kayak, go snorkeling, have a swim, sunbathe for a bit, hike some trails, bike some trails. Oh, and don’t forget about Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, too. It’s an incredible stretch of rugged coastline that, seen on a perfect spring day, will have you saying “What winter?” in no time at all!

Hotel del Coronado from Vision to National Historic Landmark

Hotel del Coronado was the brainchild of two retired Midwesterners who’d made San Diego their home and subsequently befriended each other. Elisha Babcock, Jr. and Hampton Story frequented the barren island of Coronado to hunt jack rabbits and quail, and dreamed up the idea of a grand fishing and hunting lodge would lure people to the island to buy land there. After all, San Diego was enjoying a real estate boon at the time.

They joined with San Diego banker Jacob Gruendike and bought the island for $110,000 at the end of 1885. By the time of purchase, their initial idea had already blossomed into building “the talk of the Western world” to promote the sale of island land parcels to wealthy buyers. Much of the island was sold by parcel at auction before the hotel ever broke ground – basically, on lofty descriptions alone.

In preparation for building the hotel, they needed to overcome several obstacles. The island would need water, transportation, a lumber source, and skilled labor to take on the project. They overcame the difficulties by developing the Coronado Beach and Water Company, San Diego/Coronado Ferry Company, and Coronado Railroad Company for starters.

They took on other partners, including one with connections to lumber in San Francisco where they sourced Douglas fir, sugar pine, and redwood, and brought them to the island via log rafts. They built a system on the island to support the hotel’s construction that included an electrical power plant, brick kiln, metal shop, iron works, and planing mill. By March 1887, they were ready, and broke ground.

Eleven months later, the second largest wooden structure and largest resort in the world opened to the public in February, 1888. Unfortunately, real estate went from boon to bust in San Diego at the same time and Babcock and Story didn’t have the money to finish building the hotel. Enter John Spreckels who bailed out the duo – buying out Story first, and later Babcock. By 1894, Spreckels was the sole owner of Hotel del Coronado.

Babcock and Story’s dream had come to fruition. They had successfully built the largest wooden resort in the world – a title it retains today. It was “the talk of the Western world” that they’d envisioned. But it wasn’t theirs. It was now the pride of John Spreckels who could look upon it every day from the terraces of his nearby Coronado mansion, now Glorietta Bay Inn.

Early Glory Days at The Del

As anticipated, Hotel del Coronado drew the wealthy from the East Coast in droves. Already accustomed to traveling resort to resort via railway, they made their way to Coronado Island where their private rail cars could be unhitched from trains that brought them to the West and parked on the property’s spur track.

The luxurious hotel offered every amenity and distraction for America’s wealthiest families, including archery, golf, croquet, swimming, biking, and boating. Indoors, guests could enjoy bowling, billiards, chess, cards, and music. The hotel had electric lights throughout, a truly modern amenity. Even Thomas Edison marveled at the feat of lighting such a massive space as he toured the hotel. The Del also featured public telephones and elevators, and private bathrooms – all luxuries at the time.

A Presidential Getaway

Hotel del Coronado’s history of entertaining sitting Presidents is as long as the hotel’s history itself. President Benjamin Harrison was the first to visit the hotel in 1891, albeit for breakfast only. President William Taft, whose sister lived on the island, stayed at The Del in 1915 during the Panama-California Exposition. President Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the hotel in 1935 during his presidency. He gave a speech in Balboa Park before 50,000 people during the California-Pacific International Exposition. According to hotel historians, President Roosevelt flew the presidential flag from the turret of Hotel Del, making the hotel the official White House during his stay.

In more modern times, President Richard Nixon held a state dinner – the first outside the White House – in The Del’s Crown Room for Mexican President Gustavo Diaz Ordaz in 1970. It was attended by both past President Lyndon Johnson, and future President, Governor Ronald Reagan. Presidents Kennedy, Ford, Carter, Reagan, Bush, Sr., Clinton, and Bush, Jr., have all been frequent visitors at the hotel.

Hotel del Coronado’s presidential past also includes stories of romance. It was here that the then future President Ronald Reagan decided to marry Nancy Davis. The Reagan family vacationed at Hotel Del for years, and following the death of former President Reagan, Nancy Reagan stayed at The Del for the Coronation of the USS Reagan. Another romance, this one of the kingly sort, involved England’s Prince of Wales, who visited the hotel in 1920. After ascending the throne as King Edward VIII, he gave it up in 1936 to marry Coronado divorcee Wallis Spencer Simpson. Talk about romance!

Hollywood and Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado has been a favorite getaway for Hollywood’s elite since its opening. In fact, the silver screen stars’ dedication to Hotel Del as the place to be, helped it thrive when other seaside hotels were boarding up during tough financial times. Charlie Chaplin was a frequent visitor. Rudolph Valentino starred in the movie The Married Virgin, shot at The Del in 1918. Some Like It Hot starring Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis, also filmed here 1958, was probably the most famous movie made at Hotel Del.

In 1980, Peter O’Toole starred in The Stunt Man, shot at Hotel del Coronado. Historian Chris Donovan reports that during the filming of the movie, “They actually built a structure on top of our roof and blew it up, which we could never allow today.” A long and growing list of Hollywood celebrities from Humphrey Bogart to Brad Pitt have stayed at Hotel del Coronado, so don’t be surprised if you run into a celebrity or two during your stay.

It isn’t just Hollywood stars that have been drawn to this seaside resort. L. Frank Baum wrote a good portion of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz while at the hotel. Aviator Charles Lindbergh’s Spirit of St. Louis plane was built in San Diego, then flown to New York from Coronado’s North Island. After Lindbergh completed his trans-Atlantic flight in 1927, he was honored at an extravagant dinner in the hotel’s Crown Room. National Baseball Hall of Famer and “Sultan of Swat,” Babe Ruth also spent time vacationing at Hotel Del.

Intrigue at The Del

In November, 1892, Kate Morgan checked into Hotel del Coronado. She told hotel staff that her brother, a doctor, would be joining her there to treat her stomach cancer. Three days later, she was found on a stairway to the beach with a bullet wound to the head; her brother never arrived. The case was investigated and ruled a suicide. Ghostly happenings at the hotel have been connected to her death ever since.

The room where Kate Morgan stayed (then 304, but now 3327) is one of Hotel del Coronado’s most frequently requested. In 1999, writer Stephen King wrote a short story inspired by the real-life news reports of Christopher Chacon, a parapsychologist investigating and attempting to debunk the hauntings. The short story was turned into the 2007 movie, 1408 starring John Cusack as a world renowned debunker of the supernatural and Samuel L. Jackson as the hotel’s manager.

For a factual recounting, Beautiful Stranger: The Ghost of Kate Morgan and the Hotel del Coronado was published in 2005 by the Hotel del Coronado Heritage Department. In 1990, author Alan May also penned a book on the subject called The Legend of Kate Morgan: The Search for the Ghost of the Hotel del Coronado.

A cursory history of Hotel del Coronado cannot possibly do it justice, but history buffs and fans of the hotel who want to dig deeper have many options at their disposal. Take a guided tour of the National Historic Landmark with Coronado Museum of History and Art docents who are well informed about the hotel’s history.

Or, if you like your history in bite sizes, pick up the book Hotel del Coronado History, written by hotel historian Chris Donovan, from one of the Hotel del Coronado shops. Read about its grand history as you linger over coffee or a Manhattan at the 46-foot handcrafted mahogany bar in Babcock & Story. You may be the only one in the room who knows it was shipped around Cape Horn in 1888 to take its place there.

You’re about to Discover SeaWorld San Diego’s Five Rip-Roaring Roller Coasters!

Take your next vacation to new heights. Discover SeaWorld San Diego’s five outstanding roller coasters. Best known for its marine animal shows, SeaWorld San Diego gives you a chance to get up close to dolphins. Soon you’ll be acrobatic, too when you ride these five rip-roaring roller coasters.

SeaWorld San Diego has thrilling rides, all with marine themes named after your favorite sea creatures. Don’t miss a chance to try out the latest edition, the Emperor Dive Roller Coaster, opening just in time for summer in May, 2020. Electric Eel and the new Emperor Dive get to speeds of 60 mph. Climb 150 feet before racing down hair-raising drops. Go on gravity-defying twists and turns that will have you screaming for more. Younger guests can enjoy the fun, too, at the Tidal Twister with zooming figure eights. Cool off with a splash down the Journey to Atlantis. Why not try them all?

Manta

Sit down and hold on tight. It’s time for the Manta Roller Coaster! You’ll find this ride on the shore of Mission Bay. On the way to the entrance, observe California bat rays and diamond stingrays swimming in the tanks. Then the ride begins with a cruise through a wrap-around high definition tunnel that feels just like it would underwater. Suddenly, Manta takes you on twists and turns with two launches and a surprising 54-foot drop (but no inversions on this one).

Electric Eel

If you want speed then head straight to Electric Eel Roller Coaster in San Diego. Feel EElectrified on San Diego’s tallest, fastest roller coaster. Hold on tight as the ride propels you 60 mph forwards and backwards. Feel the rush on 853 feet of fun! This high-energy coaster debuted in 2018. It has become a park favorite, taking riders on twists and inversions with its famous triple-launch feature and a slow-motion inline twist. Find the Electric Eel right next to the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster.

Journey to Atlantis

Hop off the Electric Eel and head next door to discover the Journey to Atlantis roller coaster. This world-famous ride originally opened back in 1998 and continues to mesmerize. New additions to the ride include ambient, magical music featured in the SeaWorld’s former cirque-style show. Before you hop on, check out the small aquarium exhibit, “Jewels of the Sea”. Then take a “boat ride” through the mythic underwater land. Climb hills overlooking the park then zoom down steep drops as you splash to the pool below. Hold onto your hats!

Tidal Twister

SeaWorld San Diego debuted its Tidal Twister in 2019. Despite some setbacks, the coaster has returned. This time, better than before! The family-friendly Tidal Twister roller coaster accommodates younger children looking for a thrill. It features a 300-foot track that rises to 16 feet above the ground. Sixteen-passenger trains reach 30 mph and speed through figure eights. The unique dueling coaster lets guests face forward and backward. Height requirements are 48”, perfect for younger guests at the park.

Emperor Dive

Some might not realize that SeaWorld San Diego is the only place in North America where you can see the emperor penguin. And to celebrate this awesome animal, SeaWorld will debut its Emperor Dive Coaster. The new ride opens in May, 2020, just in time for summer. The first floorless dive coaster in California ascends 150 feet before dropping 90 degrees. The ride bursts to 60 mph through frosted cliffs and then deep into the “ocean”. You’ll feel like the king of all penguins as you speed through loops with a 143 face down drop.

Who wants to wait in long lines? Jump the line at the main entrance with your Go San Diego Pass. It will get you into almost every attraction in town including SeaWorld San Diego, San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, and USS Midway. Pay nothing at the gate – simply scan your digital pass. Then go on an adventure at the top San Diego theme park with roller coasters, rides, and shows. Experience it all, at a discount.

5 of San Diego’s Coolest Farmers Markets

San Diego is uniquely positioned to take full advantage of the organic and natural foods movement, since Southern California is an agricultural mecca of citrus, avocado, and nut groves, organic farms, dairy farms, sustainable ranches, and of course, the ocean. Local farmers markets provide venues for farmers, ranchers, and fishermen to give San Diegans and visitors an authentic farm to consumer experience. Here are five of the top farmers markets, certified by the County Agricultural Commissioner, and what you can expect from each.

Ocean Beach Certified Farmers Market

Ocean Beach is San Diego’s last classic bohemian beach town. The tight-knit community hosts its Wednesday evening farmers market on Newport Avenue, the neighborhood’s social and commercial hub. “It’s like a neighborhood gathering every week,” says OB Farmers Market Manager, David Klaman. The market’s laid-back vibe reflects the neighborhood’s personality. Each week features two live musical performances ranging from classic rock to country to beat box.

This is the place for baskets of strawberries, bunches of fresh-cut flowers, and stacks of green and red peppers, chilis, cucumbers, zucchini, and squash. You’ll find bins of half shucked white sweet corn, fat round watermelon, deep purple eggplant, and a plethora of other vegetables, fruits, greens and herbs. They sell home-made grocery products like jams, dressings, and pickled raw garlic. There are artisan goods, an array of aromatic eats, a children’s play area, and of course the beach. It’s a great place to spend a cool weekday evening supporting local farmers and artists.

4900 Newport Avenue, San Diego, CA, 619-279-0032
Wednesdays, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

North Park Thursday Market

This certified farmers market is held Thursdays on North Park Way between the popular 30^th Street corridor and Utah Street. You’ll find high-end reputable farms you know and love represented here like Suzie’s Farm, Valdivia Farm, and JR Organics, among others. Artisan grocers like GreenFix Organic Smoothie, Baby Clydesdale, and Bitchin’ Sauce sell their grocery products here. Spring Hill Farms is here with organic cheese and butter, The Bread Barn Artisan Bread Company and Da Le Ranch, purveyors of locally-raised meats, are also on hand. This is a serious celebration of natural foods with 80 booths in total.

Local top chefs from restaurants like Waypoint Public and Urban Solace host cooking demonstrations and tastings utilizing fresh ingredients sourced from the market. Community partners have a healthy snack area set up for kids, and offer fun activities that teach nutrition. Live music permeates the festive atmosphere with local entertainers like Barrie Dempsey and Ace Tropic. Rotating selections of artisan gifts are also available. This is the place to be on Thursdays.

3000 North Park Way, San Diego, CA, 619-233-3901
Thursdays, 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market

Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market sets the bar for all other farmers markets in San Diego. Everything about Little Italy is done with artistry and flair, so why should the Mercato be any different? You’ll find the widest variety of truly artisan offerings from produce to nuts to wine found anywhere in the county with over 175 vendors and farmers. Not only are well-established California certified farmers and ranchers represented here, but smaller local organic producers like African Sisters vegetables and greens, Mountain Meadow mushrooms, and San Diego Hometown Harvest microgreens and sprouts have a place too. There are almonds from Hopkins almond Growers, macadamia nuts from Fancy Treats, and walnuts from Terra Bella Ranch. You’ll find raw honey from Farmer’s Daughter, farm fresh eggs from Hilliker’s Ranch and fresh-cut blooms from Hidalgo Flower Growers. Little Italy Mercato is also the place for fish of every variety.

Little Italy is one of San Diego’s premier art enclaves, so it isn’t surprising the Mercato includes a long list of unique and high quality artistic products. They offer artisan wood crafts, tablecloths, jewelry, candles, lavender products, recycled art, greeting cards, ornaments, and a wide range of other treasures.

519 W Cedar Street, San Diego, CA, 619-233-3901
Saturdays, 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

La Jolla Open Aire Market

The upscale La Jolla Open Aire Market has an artistic street-fair ambiance and features treasures like eco-chic tree furniture and art objects, original fine art paintings, hand woven rugs, hand-blown glass bottle stoppers, locally made boutique quality clothing, and imported Italian glassware and ceramics. In the midst of the market there is a shaded picnic area, and a kids’ play structure. Open Aire is away from the busy tourist area at La Jolla Elementary School with lots of room to browse.

Morning Star Ranch sells organic produce and bottled green drinks, Belen Artisan Bread offers organic breads, and Mangi Con Amore has organic Italian pasta, sauces, and dessert products. Terra Bella Ranch has black mission figs, walnuts, sun-dried apricots and tomatoes, and almonds; they pick their citrus and avocados on Fridays to bring to Sunday market. It doesn’t get much fresher than that. There are organic olive oils and spices, organic toffees, specialty cookies, and red velvet cake pops along with rows of produce, cheeses, and flowers. Stop by Windansea Beach or La Jolla Cove after the market!

7300 Girard Avenue, San Diego, CA, 858-454-1699
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Hillcrest Certified Farmers Market & Open Air Bazaar

Hillcrest Farmers Market is “fresh and fabulous, just like Hillcrest.” It’s the only San Diego farmers market to rival Little Italy’s Mercato in both size and selection, and is reflective of the community’s friendly and inclusive personality. The diverse ethnic restaurant scene is well represented, so don’t bother to eat before you go. Thirsty? How about a watermelon jalapeño lemonade? If you skipped breakfast, grab some coconut pancakes or stuffed cassava breakfast pies. You’ll find boutique clothes, specialty handcrafts, and unique gifts galore. Check out chiropractic, energy work, and massage services. There are skin care products, artisan candles, metal art, African folk art, tee shirts, and more. You can even bring your culinary knives for sharpening.

Hillcrest Farmers Market hosts many of the same farmers you know and trust that you find at the Mercato like Smit Ranch, Valdivia’s Farm, and Suzie’s Farm. Nicolau Farms Goat Cheese, Valley Center Growers, Whole Earth Acre, and Pedro’s Organic Avocado Ranch are also here among many others. On your way out, you can buy an armful of flowers and stop by the craft beer and wine tasting tent. Do Sundays get any better?

3690 Normal Street, San Diego, CA, 619-237-1632
Sundays, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

8 of the Best Breakfast Spots in San Diego

Different strokes for different folks. The restaurant YOU should go the next time you want a delicious breakfast.

There is no shortage of delectable restaurants in San Diego, it’s a city with a thriving restaurant and bar scene featuring a diverse collection of ethnic offerings and culinary styles. The problem with finding a great restaurant in San Diego is that there is no problem. They are everywhere. It’s hard to make a bad decision. That means more often than not you’re choosing the right restaurant based on who you’re dining with, the ambiance that is most fitting to your mood, and the food that will most likely match your taste.

Since breakfast is the most important meal of the day, we thought we’d spread the love around. We start with a few of the best places for breakfast with the kids, followed by some suggestions for the wee hours of the morning after a night out. And finally, we share some breakfast love for vegans and vegetarians. Below are eight San Diego favorites in these three categories.

Best Breakfast Restaurants for Kids

The Waffle Spot

When it comes to a family breakfast with little kids there simply isn’t a better location than The Waffle Spot at the King’s Inn in Mission Valley. This old-school style diner has been a hot spot for over 20 years offering delicious American-style breakfasts of waffles, omelets, and breakfast classics. On the weekends, the energetic character, Sir Wafflelot, the Waffle King, comes by to say hello to the kids as they color and wait to be served. When the meal is finished children can choose to offer their masterpieces to the restaurant to be placed on wall.

Corvette Diner

For an energetic and exciting breakfast with scrumptious American breakfast fare, look no further than Corvette Diner. This is nonstop live entertainment with staff dressed to fit the part and ready to break into dance at a moment’s notice. Balloon artists, Disc Jockeys, and even magicians stop in throughout the week in order to liven up an already lit atmosphere. But that’s not even the most exciting part of the diner, the 5,000 square-foot Gamers Garage featuring over 50 games is the main draw. The adults will love the throw back arcade games while the children will revel in new age, high-tech simulators.

Wow Wow Waffle

Wow Wow Waffle is the ideal breakfast spot for mommies and their little ones. It’s an outdoor, off-the-beaten path, hidden gem located behind a laundromat where an old-school VW Van tent and ballpark seats create a whimsical and playful ambiance. And yes, you can actually dine in the tent, an extra special treat for the kiddos. What’s even better is this is an open-seating establishment where kids can find a place to play around the table of your choice instead of being confined to one spot. The delicious seasonally topped waffles and take-home “local” mason jars are just the cherry on top.

**Best Breakfast Restaurants for Hangovers, the Morning after a Night Out**

Urban Solace

After a night of partying your head and stomach may need some solace, so you might as well take them to Urban Solace, a place that buys local, but serves up truly delicious Southern-style fare. Whether you’re looking for a dimly-lit relaxed atmosphere indoors or a breezy, sunlit patio experience you can find it here. What makes it even better is the large southern-inspired menu with alcohol absorbing powers. Kitchen Sink Biscuits and Gravy is the perfect example. Indulge in cheddar and chive biscuits smothered in sausage gravy and topped with brown sugar slab bacon, sausage, and two fried eggs, served with fresh fruit.

Great Maple

Sometimes nothing says hangover cure better than a little hair of the dog. For those of you who don’t know, that means dulling your hangover with a morning after drink – but avoiding getting drunk again. For those looking to handle the hangover this way, Great Maple is the perfect restaurant, thanks to Johnny’s Hangover Mary. It’s a combination of vodka, Bloody Mary mix, Worchester sauce, atomic horseradish, and Tabasco served in a salt-rimmed glass, topped with Ciabatta snack. Add an order of Maple Bacon Donuts to the mix, and you’ll be good to go in no time.

Best Restaurants for Vegan/Vegetarians

Trilogy Sanctuary & Café

When you want an eco-chic rooftop café dining experience with a menu offering a variety of vegan, organic, and gluten-free dishes look no further than the Trilogy Sanctuary & Café. It’s the ideal place to nourish the mind, body, and soul by enjoying a delectable post-yoga breakfast. You’ll dine on a delicious array of organic oatmeals, crepes, acai & pitaya bowls, and interestingly named super smoothies such as Serenity, Love, Euphoria, and Magic Matcha.

So Cal Café

This hippy, earthy, vegan café features an ambiance of open windows providing tons of light, white walls accented by pops of bold colors and furnishings, and gorgeous live plants. The So Cal Café menu features an array of vegan, gluten and dairy-free dishes, and provides all-day breakfasts, soups, salads, and even ayurvedic elixirs. A collection of small bites such as their assorted toasts topped with choices like avocado or banana and almond butter are among their top selections. They also feature a superb list of specialty coffee and tea drinks.

EVE Encinitas

EVE Encinitas provides a bright and warm atmosphere featuring reclaimed wood furnishings and utilizing beautiful earth tones creating a space that inspires nourishment, respite, and growth for the body and soul. Its relaxed atmosphere is perfect for connecting with friends while indulging in creative vegan dishes, cold-pressed juices, super-food smoothies, and local kombucha. Buddha Bowls such as the Legendary Hero with braised kale, Brussels sprouts, carrots, beets, hemp seed, walnuts, and cranberries over brown rice are some of the menu favorites.

There you have it, our favorites in three breakfast categories. What are your favorite breakfast spots in San Diego?