Features JULY 21, 2023

Best of San Diego 2023

From a Michelin-starred chef’s game of “Guess Who” to zero-gravity camping and one legendary goose, here are 70 of our current local favorites

Best of San Diego 2023
Best of San Diego Magazine 2023 Ocean Beach

Best of San Diego Magazine 2023 Ocean Beach

Food + Drink | Arts + Culture

Health + Wellness | For The Kids | Retail | Reader’s Picks

Think we’ve run out of stuff to wax poetic about after seven-and-a-half decades of celebrating San Diego? Think again. Ever-evolving and always awesome, the city’s got a nonstop supply of cool places to eat, shop, and play. From a Michelin-starred chef’s game of “Guess Who” to zero-gravity camping, bioluminescent boozing, and one legendary goose, here are 70 of our current local favorites. (Plus more than 100 of your picks, too!)

Click on the links above to see our full list in each category.


Food + Drink

Best Way to Sabbath

Juniper & Ivy

Juniper & Ivy was one of the restaurants that put Little Italy on the serious-food map. It opened with Richard Blais holding the reins. Now, for nearly 10 years, it’s been Anthony Wells (protégé of Thomas Keller and Jonathan Benno) who keeps it flying high. While they’re usually a nice-shirt kinda place, they’ve introduced a Sunday Supper, a more casual, family-style, three-course meal using the best of hyper-local farms, fish, and ferments. It’s set to return in September. Wipe great food on your jeans. –TJ


Arts + Culture

Best New North County Noise

The Sound

Nearly 50 years after local institution Belly Up Tavern opened in Solana Beach, it finally got a sibling—one three times as large. The Sound, a new 1,900-person-capacity concert hall operated by the Belly Up and housed on the San Diego County Fairgrounds, brings a much-needed mid-size venue to North County. With a state-of-the-art sound system and the space to accommodate headliners such as M83 and The Flaming Lips, it’s a thrilling addition to the live music landscape. –JT

Health + Wellness

Best Place to Sleep in a Tree

Alter Experiences at Mt. Laguna

Husband-wife hosts Rami Abdel and Shantel Seoane created Alter Experiences as a haven away from city hustle. They thought of everything to make tent camping accessible and hassle-free (including luxurious linens and outdoor kitchens), but what makes this place extra special are the tree hammocks. Equipped with super cozy, warm sleeping bags and lights that make them glow like fireflies or aliens (depending on your imagination), they offer a unique, weightless outdoor sleeping experience.

For The Kids

Best Childcare with Chaturangas

If I Was A Bird Yoga

Sure, there are plenty of so-called “Mommy & Me” yoga classes, where you’re trying to manage your kindergartener and somehow downward dog at the same time. Then there’s If I Was A Bird Yoga studio, which has locations throughout the county (Liberty Station, Mission Hills, Del Mar) and offers drop-off kids’ yoga classes. You can send in your little to learn cat-cow with a very patient instructor, and then head to your own workout class. They even offer an art and yoga class for children as young as two, where you have the option of bidding your baby adieu or staying for the class.

Retail

Best Spot For, Well, A Meet-Cute

Meet Cute Bookshop

Not a single Dan Brown thriller in sight. Queer-owned North Park bookshop Meet Cute exclusively stocks romance novels, with particular focus on LGBTQ and BIPOC authors (and an allowance for the occasional queer memoir or nonfiction writing guide). And if you happen to reach for a book at the same time as a fellow hopeless romantic… Well, we know how this story goes.

Reader’s Picks

You voted! And here’s what you had to say. All the city’s best things to do, places to eat, and hidden gems to explore as voted on by our readers. 

Subscribe to our newsletters

Select Options

By subscribing you confirm that you agree with our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Everything SD JULY 30, 2025

The Best of San Diego 2025: Retail

The top local shops and boutiques where you can buy gifts, gear, clothes, décor, and more

The Best of San Diego 2025: Retail
Courtesy of Thread Spun

Best Place to Shop for a Cause

Thread Spun

Much as you’ll want to, you can’t move into Thread Spun, a sustainably minded Encinitas boutique on North Coast Highway. But you can stock up on beautifully made, thoughtfully curated homewares, apparel, accessories, personal care items, and goodies for kids to turn your own abode into the closest approximation, knowing you’re doing good in the process—Thread Spun donates two percent of its sales to charitable causes. Excellent excuse to pick up a seabuckthorn facial serum for yourself when you grab beaded coasters for your bestie’s birthday.

Best Retail Relocation

REI

Every climber’s favorite store just got fresh digs: North County’s REI moved from Encinitas to Carlsbad in the La Costa Town Square in February. The grand-opening ceremony included free camping mugs, activities, and a ribbon-chopping ceremony (starring an axe instead of scissors)—a fitting debut for an adventure-focused outpost in one of America’s outdoorsiest cities. Stop by for anything you might need to live your best life al fresco, whether that means an off-the-grid camping trip or a day at the beach with a reusable water bottle and a nice, new umbrella.

Courtesy of Architectural Salvage

Best Spot to Source Century-Old Doorknobs

Architectural Salvage

Egyptian doors from the Napoleonic era, North Park street lamps from the early 1900s, and 100-year-old Hungarian workbenches are just a few of the eclectic treasures you’ll find at Architectural Salvage. Walking into the home and building materials shop feels like stepping into a real life I Spy book—a world of whimsy packed with storied relics. Formerly located in Little Italy, the beloved store reopened this past November in a new Barrio Logan location. Whether you’re giving an antique a second life or hunting for a hidden gem, this spot delivers surprises you didn’t know your home needed.

Quartyward Wotown San Diego thrift store vendor

Best Source of Rare Star Wars Action Figures

Replay Toys

In February, heaven on earth for toy lovers and collectors—Replay Toys—moved from Ray Street into a newer and larger location on University Avenue in North Park. Mom of two Kim Nabours started selling her kids’ old playthings at the swap meet 14 years ago. Her side hustle turned to a permanent brick-and-mortar where kids can pick out new and used toys and grown-ups can chase down rare collectibles and nostalgic mementos.

Best Store For Spell Ingredients

Datura

Get out your grimoire—North Park’s Datura (named after a lovely but hallucinogenic and potentially deadly f lower) carries everything you need for witchy business: candles and crystals, incense and oils, plus more than 200 different dried herbs and plants. Seeking shatavari for boosting libido? Gentian root for better intuition? Frankincense for warding off the haters? It’s all here.

Interior of San Diego miniatures shop Ms. Peggie's Place

Best Replacements For Your Decade-Old Work Shirts

Uniqlo

People call Uniqlo the “Japanese Gap” for a reason: It’s an affordable, reliable, wildly popular source of wardrobe staples. So, last year, when the first San Diego location opened at Westfield UTC in La Jolla, the 1,000-person crowd that gathered at its grand opening celebration came as no surprise. The store had a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a taiko drum performance, and even Japanese pastries and tea. Now, the beloved store will unveil an outpost at Fashion Valley Mall later this year. Get in line early.

Courtesy of Maxwell’s House of Books

Best Bookshop That’s Old Enough To Drink

Maxwell’s House of Books

Maxwell’s House of Books’ 22-year tenure in La Mesa makes perfect sense once you learn that owner Craig Maxwell’s grandpa Vernon Wahrenbrock ran the iconic Wahrenbrock’s Book House in downtown for more than seven decades. Maxwell’s packed used book emporium stocks rare editions and budget-friendly finds alike across genres. While you’re digging for your next read, don’t forget to say hi to the shop’s most esteemed bibliophile: its chubby resident cat.

Best Rose-Scented Ode

David’s Daughter

A surefire way to brighten a loved one’s day? Flowers—especially ones as thoughtful and artfully arranged as the bouquets at David’s Daughter in North Park. Owner Chandler Rossi named the chic, welcoming shop in memory of her father, a fellow florist and lifelong inspiration. Offering custom or premade arrangements, floral subscriptions, cute knick-knacks, and collaborative workshops like Pilates & Petals, David’s Daughter purveys everything you need to express sympathy, say thank you to a devoted family member, or help a new romance bloom.

Best New Obsession For Budding Designers

Fringe Fabrics

Everything SD OCTOBER 4, 2024

7 Underrated Sunset Spots in San Diego

Ditch the usual, tourist-heavy locales for these picturesque destinations across the city

7 Underrated Sunset Spots in San Diego
Photo Credit: Cole Novak

Everyone knows the classic sunset spots in San Diego like La Jolla Cove and Sunset Cliffs, the tourist traps we both love and hate. But what about the hidden gems, the quiet corners where you can actually enjoy the view without a camera crew? Here are seven underrated spots that are not necessarily undiscovered, but where it feels like the sun sets just for you. 

Best sunset spots in San Diego featuring Torrey Pines Gliderport in La Jolla
Photo Credit: Cole Novak

Torrey Pines Glider Point 

La Jolla

I’ll be honest, this spot isn’t exactly a secret—but it’s absolutely worth the semi-crowded parking. With Scripps Pier and La Jolla Cove as your stunning backdrop and gliders literally swooping right over you, it makes for a thrilling sunset. Everyone picks their favorite spot to take in the view, but if you’re looking for a little more solitude, just wander further out right. If you’re feeling unusually social, stick closer to the glider launch area where, if you’re lucky, you might catch a small DJ set as the sun dips. 

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla

La Jolla Hermosa Park

La Jolla

Are locals gatekeeping this park? Maybe, but you can see why. Hermosa Park is a small spot with just a picnic table and a few benches, but that’s what makes the sunsets here feel personal. It’s a great alternative to Windansea Beach since it’s so close (if you do go to Windansea, hit up the far left corner at Neptune and Palomar). Plus, you might actually get to hear the waves and birds instead of just the crowd. 

5780 Chelsea Ave, La Jolla

Palisades Park

Pacific Beach

Right off Law Street in Pacific Beach, you’ll find a grass area dedicated to sunset yoga and picnic enthusiasts. Bring a blanket, relax, and take in the popular view of the Pacific Beach pier and surfers without it being shoulder to shoulder. Whether you’re practicing yoga poses, finally diving into that book on your nightstand, or sipping a glass of rosé, this spot welcomes your most laid-back self.

4960 Ocean Blvd, San Diego

Mt. Helix 

La Mesa

With a 360-degree view of San Diego, it’s a guaranteed sunset lover’s dream. Drive to the top, blast your favorite sunset playlist, and take in the sparkling city lights. Mt. Helix exudes reflection and renewal, and there are even candlelight symphony concerts with a string quartet. It’s peaceful, and isn’t that what a sunset is all about?

4901 Mt Helix Dr, La Mesa

Best sunset spots in San Diego featuring Garbage Beach at Sunset Cliffs

Garbage Beach 

Sunset Cliffs

I know, just hear me out. I won’t deny that Sunset Cliffs has some of the most stunning sunsets in San Diego, but those cliffs can get jam-packed. Did you know Sunset Cliffs has its own beach? Right beneath those towering cliffs lies Garbage Beach. Despite the name, this beach offers the same breathtaking views as the cliffs, but with less than half the crowd. While the trek down can be steep, the best time to visit is at low tide when the tide pools are out. This spot is for all you mountain climbers, surfers, and swimmers.

705 Cornish Dr, San Diego (small parking lot near the corner of Ladera Street and Cornish Drive, with a stairwell going down to the shore)

Calumet Park 

La Jolla

Fuzzy dogs and small families with bubbles might just be the best part of a Calumet Park sunset. This cozy neighborhood gem in Bird Rock features a dirt trail at the north end that leads down for some low-tide exploring. And, just when you think it can’t get any better, you realize how close you are to the charming downtown area of Bird Rock, where you can pick up pizza and stroll along the mini stretch of La Jolla Boulevard that feels like a town straight out of a book.

 5424 Calumet Rd, La Jolla

Best sunset spots in San Diego featuring Harborview Park in Coronado
Courtesy of City of Coronado

Harborview Park

Coronado

Need a break from the busyness at Hotel Del Coronado or Bayview Park? Harborview Park in Coronado is the spot to unwind. It’s a pocket with great views of the bay, the towering downtown skyline, and the waterfront. What more could you ask for? And, if you’re into photography (or just need a new profile picture), this is the perfect backdrop, complete with boats sailing under the Coronado Bridge against a pink and orange sky.

1st Street and East Avenue, Coronado

Isabella Dallas is a freelance writer for San Diego Magazine and the Arts and Culture Editor at The Daily Aztec in her final year at San Diego State University. She previously worked as an editorial intern for SDM, but when she’s not writing, you can find her trying the best coffee spots in SD, devouring the latest rom-coms, and indulging in anything and everything pop culture.

Hiking SEPTEMBER 10, 2024

3 of the Most Challenging Hikes in San Diego

Check out these butt-busting treks that will leave you sweating and make your wearable fitness device happy

3 of the Most Challenging Hikes in San Diego
Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons/Devindad

Sure, San Diego has its picturesque hikes. Its beautiful scenic hikes where you can contemplate the exquisiteness of our surroundings and remind yourself that this is why your rent or mortgage is so high. It also has fun hikes, social hikes, hikes where you can bring your parents, your kids, and your friends who don’t usually exercise.

But sometimes you just really want a challenge. A butt-busting workout that will leave you panting and make your wearable device very happy with your step count and heart rate.

Luckily, the San Diego region has plenty of these hikes, too. But there are some cautions. Before attempting any of them, make sure you are ready—that you’ve done some easier hikes in the region and have a good base of fitness. Also bring plenty of water, food, sun protection, and go early in the morning on days that will not be as hot.

Hardest hikes in San Diego featuring El Cajon Mountain Trail
Courtesy of AllTrails

El Cajon Mountain Trail – 11.6 Miles

For most hikers, the El Cajon Mountain Trail is really the epitome of challenging hikes in the region. Some like to call it El Capitain, or El Cap, not to be confused with the far taller mountain in Yosemite. But this hike still has lots of steep climbs, and it’s not just a steady uphill, but times where you climb down and then up again to make it to the summit. The trail is rocky at times as well, with big boulders to cover. But if you make it to the top, you’ll feel like you really accomplished something significant. And on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.

Even if you don’t make it all the way, you can stop at any of the saddles on the trail and take in the panoramic views. But be prepared, you will definitely feel sore the next day.

  • Directions: Start at the parking lot on Wildcat Canyon Road.
  • Distance: 11.6 miles roundtrip
  • Dogs: Allowed
  • Details: The parking lot is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. The trail is closed in August due to the heat.
Hardest hikes in San Diego featuring Mt Gower Open Space Preserve
Courtesy of San Diego Parks & Recreation

Mt Gower Open Space Preserve – 9.8 Miles

Mount Gower Open Space Preserve is a massive space in Ramona, and has a few trails that are very challenging but with seriously stunning views. The open space covers 1,574 acres, and has the trail to Mount Gower summit. The summit itself does not actually fall in the preserve—that’s in Cleveland National Forest. But you can reach it on the trail that goes through the preserve. And the viewpoints along the way make the long journey worth it.

There are multiple routes to take to the top. If you follow the southern trail, you get the best views of the San Vicente Valley below.

  • Directions: Start at the parking lot at the end of Gunn Stage Road. 
  • Distance: 9.8 miles roundtrip
  • Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
  • Details: The parking lot doesn’t open until 9 a.m., but if you want to start earlier, you can park outside the gate. That adds an extra 0.25 miles to your hike. Also, be on the lookout for poison oak, which is sometimes found along the trail.
Hardest hikes in San Diego featuring Black Mountain in Ramona
Courtesy of AllTrails

Black Mountain in Ramona – 14.5 Miles

Another very challenging but rewarding hike in Ramona is Black Mountain. This is not to be confused with the smaller Black Mountain near Rancho Peñasquitos, which is a far easier hike. Sometimes it’s called Big Black Mountain to make the distinction. The trail takes you past a variety of trees and plant life, including oak groves and chaparral, as well one of the biggest growths of Engelmann Oak, a threatened species.

You can start the climb from the Santa Ysabel Truck Trail, which is also open to off-road vehicles, but is always open for hiking. In the rainy months, this road can get very muddy, so be warned.

  • Directions: From downtown Ramona, follow Pamo Road to the gated Forest Service Road entrance. Park along Pamo Road.
  • Distance: 14.5 miles roundtrip
  • Dogs: Leashed dogs allowed
  • Details: Be prepared for mud in the winter and spring. There are no bathrooms at the parking lot or on the trail.

Claire Trageser has been writing for San Diego Magazine for 10 years. She also is a reporter at KPBS and writes for The New York Times, National Geographic, Marie Claire, Elle and Runner's World.

Studio S JUNE 12, 2026

Nominations Open for the San Diego Business Impact Awards

The annual event honors middle market companies creating jobs, scaling up, and investing in the region

Nominations Open for the San Diego Business Impact Awards
Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

San Diego is known for its startup culture and innovation economy, but what happens when the company moves beyond its early-stage years? The San Diego Business Impact Awards aim to answer that question, spotlighting the middle market businesses helping drive the region’s economy.

Hosted by San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC) and JPMorganChase, the second annual awards celebration takes place on Thursday, July 23, from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. at Scripps Research Auditorium. More than 200 executives, entrepreneurs, and business leaders are expected to attend the networking and cocktail event honoring some of San Diego County’s fastest-growing companies.

Businesses headquartered in San Diego County that have operated for at least two years are encouraged to submit their nomination by Thursday, June 18 at 4 p.m. Companies across industries—from technology and life sciences to tourism and consumer products, as well as pre-revenue startups—are eligible for recognition.

For EDC President and CEO Mark Cafferty, the event is as much about building connections as celebrating success. “We’ve had a longtime partnership with JPMorganChase; their work aligns with our efforts to support underserved communities and drive talent development,” says Cafferty. “And the networking was invaluable last year. I’m still in touch with people I met at last year’s awards.”

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

EDC is an independently-funded nonprofit that works directly with San Diego companies to help them grow the local economy, make the region as a whole more competitive, and attract and retain top-tier talent with quality jobs. Through EDC, companies can get help starting or expanding their business with support for things like site selection, permit navigation, and regulatory guidance, plus connections to local resources and potential business collaborators.

The San Diego Business Impact Awards began as an idea with one of EDC’s longtime strategic partners, JPMorganChase. The two organizations share a commitment to San Diego and are dedicated to bolstering middle market businesses.

“We’re blessed with a robust innovation economy and startup community,” says Aaron Ryan, San Diego Region Manager for JPMorgan’s Commercial and Investment Bank and vice chair of the firm’s’ San Diego Market Leadership Team. “But one of the segments of the business community we felt was overlooked was emerging middle market companies—the businesses that are no longer small but not yet large.”

Ryan says supporting those companies is critical as they scale and decide where to invest, hire, and grow.

San Diego’s high cost of living remains one of the region’s biggest business challenges, making talent recruitment and retention increasingly competitive. But local leaders point to the region’s quality of life, climate, and collaborative business community as advantages that continue to attract employers and workers.

Photo Credit: Kimberly Motos

“In order to support thriving households, there has to be enough high-quality jobs for people to be able to afford to live here,” Cafferty says. “Once a company grows and excels past that middle market point in their growth cycle, they become much more likely to pay higher wages and compete globally.”

Both Cafferty and Ryan proudly tout the unique collaboration that exists among San Diego County businesses. Bringing together top universities producing high-quality talent, cutting-edge research institutions, a robust military and defense presence, leading ocean science and environmental organizations, and a binational, cross-border identity creates a distinct business ecosystem that defines and strengthens the San Diego region. 

Last year’s San Diego Business Impact Awards celebrated nearly 60 honorees from 49 industries, representing a total of 8,232 jobs across eight sectors, including: software and technology, healthcare and life sciences, consumer goods, professional services, finance, construction and manufacturing, defense, and hospitality and tourism. On average, honoree companies doubled their revenues over the previous year, employed more than 145 San Diegans each, and offered an average annual compensation of $192,415.

Top honorees included defense contractor Innoflight, environmental consulting firm Bancroft Construction Services, life sciences startup Element Biosciences, defense technology contractor GALT Aerospace, organic grocery store chain Jimbo’s, and biopharmaceutical company LENZ Therapeutics. During the event, Innoflight Founder and CEO Jeff Janicik held a fireside chat offering his insights on investing in the community and embracing San Diego culture.

This year, organizers hope to continue highlighting the middle market players driving economic impact across the region. Nominations are now open through June 18 at 4 p.m. Get your tickets to the San Diego Business Impact Awards celebration to enjoy drinks by Snake Oil Cocktail Co., light bites, live music, and networking.

Everything SD SEPTEMBER 5, 2024 (Updated Aug 21, 2023)

The Best Independent Local Bookstores in San Diego

From new and used books to classics, modern romances, memoirs, and sci-fi, discover your next favorite read at these local gems

The Best Independent Local Bookstores in San Diego
Courtesy of Verbatim Books

San Diego is a haven for book lovers. How do we know? It’s full of charming, local bookstores whose shelves sag under the weight of literary treasures new and used. Stephen King nailed it when he said that “books are a uniquely portable magic.” So, whether you’re heading to the airport, your couch, or the beach, stop by one of these bookshops and pick up a bit of magic. Just make sure to pack extra sunscreen if you’re beach bound—there’s no telling how long you might be under the spell of a good read.

Interior of San Diego Independent bookstore Bluestocking Books in Hillcrest
Courtesy of Bluestocking Books

Bluestocking Books

Hillcrest

This quirky Hillcrest establishment is a go-to for used books, from Shakespeare and Atwood to contemporary titles. Bluestocking also offers a trade-in program, letting you swap old reads for store credit to fuel your next literary adventure. Time to start rummaging!

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Wednesday, closed; Friday-Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.

Address: 3817 Fifth Avenue, Hillcrest

La Playa Books

Point Loma

Tucked away in Point Loma, La Playa Books has been a bookworm’s paradise since 2016, offering a trove of new, used, and antique books. The store also hosts a variety of community events, including the Cookbook Club; Shhh, We’re Reading quiet book club; and a virtual book club where caffeinated discussions unfold via Zoom every first Monday of the month.

Hours: Tuesday, Thursday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.; Sunday–Monday, 11 a.m.–4p.m.; Wednesday, closed

Address: 1026 Rosecrans Street, Point Loma

Interior of San Diego independent used bookstore Verbatim Books in North Park
Courtesy of Verbatim Books

Verbatim Books

North Park

Located in the heart of North Park, Verbatim Books is the local epicenter for book lovers. Marked by an eye-catching mural of the shop’s name spelled in worn volumes, the shop is home to a diverse mix of used titles, including a handful of local authors looking to build a readership. Stop by for its monthly poetry open mics and its Books in the Park til Dark meetup every third Thursday of the month from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Bird Park. Verbatim also buys used books and hosts book fairs, so consider trading in those tattered, secondhand Kurt Vonnegut copies… for some more Kurt Vonnegut?

Hours: Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Tuesday, 12 p.m.–6 p.m.

Address: 3793 30th Street, North Park

Warwick’s

La Jolla

As one of San Diego’s oldest family-owned bookshops, Warwick’s deserves its own history volume: It debuted in Minnesota in 1896; reopened in Waterloo, Iowa in 1916; and finally made its way to La Jolla in 1939. Today, this iconic shop frequently hosts author events, book signings, and readings with renowned authors, including Pulitzer-Prize winners and former presidents. Local book clubs can also score discounts by purchasing their reading lists in-store! 

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Address: 7812 Girard Avenue, La Jolla

Interior of San Diego Bookstore The Book Catapult in South Park
Courtesy of The Book Catapult

The Book Catapult

South Park

Few bookstores can say they started off as a book lover’s blog, as this South Park shop did. Owner Seth Marko went from chronicling 117 days of reading James Patterson on his site, now titled The Old School Book Catapult, to launching a bookstore seven years later. The Book Catapult slings a variety of new titles, like Taffy Brodesser-Akner’s Long Island Compromise and, soon, Sally Rooney’s highly anticipated Intermezzo. The shop also partners with businesses like Communal Coffee to host informal, java-fueled book discussions each month.

Hours: Monday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–6 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Address: 3010-B Juniper Street, South Park

Meet Cute Romance Bookshop

La Mesa

Meet Cute is a queer-owned bookstore specializing in romance novels from writers like Gabrielle Zevin, Rebecca Yarros, and Bonnie Garmus. After outgrowing its original North Park location, the shop relocated to a more spacious spot in La Mesa earlier this year. Outside of books, the shop offers an array of chic stationary including notebooks, totes, mugs, and greeting cards, in a variety of pastel colors. For a literary surprise, try out their mystery book specials or their surprise care package tailored to your reading interests. And that’s not all—the shop boasts its own podcast, the Meet Cute BookPod, featuring in-store interviews and panels with like-minded authors and editors.

Hours: Sunday-Monday, 11 a.m.–5 p.m.; Tuesday–Thursday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.; Friday, 11 a.m.–7 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Address: 8235 La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa

Owners of San Diego bookstore Libélula Books & Co located in Barrio Logan
Photo Credit: Ariana Drehsler

Libélula Books & Co

Barrio Logan

Located in the vibrant Barrio Logan neighborhood, Libélula Books & Co stands as an independent bastion, dedicated to fostering representation, accessibility, and community empowerment through literature. Owners Jesi and Celi have curated a collection of new and used books in both English and Spanish, echoing the diversity of their local community. Peruse an array of books, graphic novels, and social justice literature that reaches to the ceiling, accompanied by the charming presence of the store’s friendly resident cats. In an era where giants like Barnes & Noble and Borders have faded, Libélula shines as a refreshing beacon, giving voice and power to local communities, indigenous stories, LGBTQ voices, and independent writers.

Hours: Monday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.

Address: 950 South 26th Street, Barrio Logan

Camino Books 

Del Mar

Founded in 1989, Camino Books (formerly DIESEL) originated in Northern California and has brought its love of reading to Brentwood and Del Mar. A sanctuary for readers of all ages, the store features an expansive children’s section, inviting young minds to immerse themselves in the world of literature. Camino also offers a captivating selection of signed books and frequently hosts author meet-and-greets and book fairs and even orchestrates virtual events for its wider audience.

Hours: Monday–Tuesday, 10a.m.–7 p.m.; Wednesday–Saturday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m–6 p.m.

Address: 12843 El Camino Real, Del Mar

Exterior of San Diego independent bookstore Bay Books in Coronado
Courtesy of Bay Books Coronado

Bay Books

Coronado

Bay Books, a staple in Coronado, ought to be on your San Diego book crawl itinerary. With a wide selection of books, journals, greeting cards, and magazines, you’ll find plenty more than beach reads to stuff into your bag. If your hands aren’t completely occupied with reading material on the way out, grab an iced coffee or a tea latte from the hole-in-the-wall cafe next door. Island residents, you’re in luck: Bay Books shop provides free shipping to your door.

Hours: Monday–Saturday, 9 a.m.–7 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.–6 p.m.

Address: 1007 Orange Avenue, Coronado 

Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore

Midway District

Lose yourself in a galaxy far, far away… as far as the Midway District, anyway. Mysterious Galaxy Bookstore transports you to worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and mystery at this habitat for bookworms. Delve into fictional worlds with the shop’s monthly Young Adult book club (every fourth Friday), General Book Discussion (every third Wednesday), or Romance book club (every second Sunday) to get your literary discussion fix.  

Hours: Saturday–Thursday, 10 a.m.–7 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m.–8 p.m. 

Address: 3555 Rosecrans Street, Suite 107, Midway District

Guides JULY 10, 2024

A Guide to SUP and Snorkeling in La Jolla

The area between the Shores and the Cove is a protected marine area perfect for spotting wildlife

A Guide to SUP and Snorkeling in La Jolla
Courtesy of the San Diego Tourism Authority

From the Marine Room, I paddle through the surf break, trying not to get knocked into the water. Once through, I stand on my stand-up paddleboard (SUP), navigating the next set of challenges: avoiding the groups of snorkelers directly in front of me, and then the flotilla of kayakers working their way from La Jolla Shores in the direction of the sea caves—each of us connecting with the ocean in our own way.

At a little over one square mile in size and reaching offshore depths of some 330 feet, the area between the shores and La Jolla Cove is technically a marine protected area called the Matlahuayl State Marine Reserve. Under the surface of the water, you might spot sea lions and seals, leopard sharks, garibaldi and other fishes, various kinds of rays, lobsters, and possibly even moray eels. Above water, winged creatures like brown pelicans and egrets dart through the skies. One of the joys of snorkeling here is when you spot a Brandt’s cormorant “flying” underwater, fishing for a meal.

Snorkeling in La Jolla, San Diego featuring a stingray on the sea floor
Photo Credit: James Murren

Past most of the snorkelers and in front of the flotilla, I turn south and head over to where the water is more open and less hectic. After 10 minutes or so, with the leash wrapped around my ankle, I squat down and straddle my SUP. Then, I secure my paddle through the accompanying loops on the side of the board. Strapped under the SUP’s bungee webbing are my snorkel, mask, and fins. I put them on and drop into the water.

The visibility is okay, about 15 feet or so. Immediately, I see the territorial garibaldis protecting their watery turf. Juvenile ones, identifiable by the iridescent blue-purple spots on their backs, swim by. Snorkeling in the direction of the undulating grasses, I pass over a patch of sand. Down there, round stingrays hover. No bigger than a small dinner plate, they are in their element, fluttering with ease.

Snorkeling in La Jolla, San Diego featuring seagrass on reef
Photo Credit: James Murren

Above the grasses, I hover, emulating the rays. It is one of my favorite things to do while snorkeling: I simply float, using my fins only to maintain my position and avoid being pushed into the rocky underwater cliffs. As the waves roll in and back out, the green grasses shimmer in the sunlight, dancing to and fro.

Amidst it all, my body sways with the grasses, recalibrating my being for the days ahead.

Snorkeling in La Jolla, San Diego featuring two women on stand-up paddleboards
Courtesy of Visit California

Tips for Stand-Up Paddleboarding in La Jolla

  • La Jolla Shores and La Jolla Cove are very busy and crowded areas. Be mindful of those around you while SUPing. Your board can cause injury to others in the blink of an eye. Be very aware that open ocean swimmers and sometimes scuba divers are out there as well. 
  • You cannot SUP in the La Jolla Cove zone. Lifeguards will get on the intercom and ask you to leave the cove. As a rule, I suggest staying around the sea caves—if you’re going to pass them, go north, not toward the beach-goers in the shore break zone.
  • You can rent SUPs in the village area at La Jolla Shores. Be sure to have a waterproof bag—also called a dry bag—for your phone and other valuables. 
  • Do not forget to wear sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and perhaps a long-sleeved sun shirt with a hood. You get burned more quickly out on the water.
James Murren

About James Murren

James Murren is an award-winning adventure/travel writer, with nearly three decades of independent journalism experience. He's often having a good time in our local mountains, deserts and waters, when he's not teaching classes at SDSU.

Partner Content JUNE 10, 2026

New Options for GLP-1 Users

Scripps study shows that some patients may be able to taper their dose and maintain results

New Options for GLP-1 Users
Courtesy of Scripps Health

While glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agents have been used to treat Type 2 diabetes for more than 20 years, their recent emergence as weight-loss wonder drugs marked a new frontier in medicine. But their effectiveness has left some patients wondering what to do once they’ve reached their goal. Stopping the medication could mean regaining some, if not all, of the weight. A Scripps Clinic internal medicine physician recently conducted a small study of whether GLP-1 patients who had reached their goal weight could maintain that weight by taking their regularly prescribed injection every other week instead of weekly. Spoiler alert: 30 of 34 patients did. Read more about the study here and what that may mean as pharmaceutical companies roll out oral GLP-1s.

For more nutrition, wellness, and healthy living tips, sign up for the San Diego Health newsletter here.

Partner Content

Eat Like a Local (Who Knows a Guy).

Restaurant news, culinary storytelling, and Troy Johnson’s sharp takes delivered straight to your inbox twice a month.

Close the CTA

Contact Us

1230 Columbia Street, Suite 800,

San Diego, CA