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Partner Content NOVEMBER 2, 2023

5 Best Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens Of 2023

We've compiled a list of the top 5 best delta 8 disposable vape pens available online so you can choose the right brands and lessen your stress.

5 Best Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens Of 2023

 

 

Vaping is a trend that took the market by storm around ten years ago. Hon Lik, a Chinese pharmacist, came up with the concept in 2003 to be able to quit smoking. Fast forward to 2023, and we are talking about the best delta 8 disposable vape pens available in the market.

In this article, we will deep dive into one specific delta-8 product, i.e premium delta 8 THC disposable vape pens–and discuss them at length. The goods, the bad, and most importantly, their finest options that are up for grabs. Since the vaping scene blew up in the 2000s, cannabinoid enthusiasts have experimented with the concept at length. What was supposed to be just a way to quit smoking has become a quick and convenient way of consuming delta 8.

Below, we talk about the five best delta 8 disposable brands out there and discuss everything you need to know about them.

Best Delta 8 Disposable: 5 New Brands For Flavorful Smoking 

  1. Exhale Wellness: Overall Best Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens, Editor’s Pick
  2. Budpop: Recommended Brand To Buy THC Disposable & Vape Cartridges
  3. Hollyweed: Most Popular D8 Disposables With Various Flavors
  4. Delta Extrax: Wide Variety Of Delta 8 Disposable Vaping Pens
  5. Diamond CBD: High Quality Disposables Pre Filled With Delta 8

#1. Exhale Wellness – Overall Best Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens, Editor’s Pick

Exhale Wellness is a brand not unknown to the experienced CBD product consumer. has carved a name for itself in the CBD industry with its vape pens, tinctures, gummies, pre-rolls and various other products. 

Establishing a trustworthy brand name in the CBD industry is not easy. Exhale Wellness has been able to do this by always making sure to use premium quality ingredients. They have partnered with non-GMO farms in Colorado to procure the best hemp possible. Grown under the federal regulations of the United States of America, this hemp extract is top quality. 

It’s no surprise then that Exhale Wellness made it on the list for the best delta 8 disposable vape pens. With multiple flavor options, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum hemp oil choices. For anyone looking to avoid THC altogether, the broad spectrum option is better. 

Flavor options available are:

  • Blackberry – This flavor is the sweet taste of blackberries, with the beautifully mellow effect of Delta 8. This flavor is a bit more upbeat and helps in focus as well as creativity
  • Cactus cooler – Anyone who is a fan of the cactus cooler soda knows what this flavor is about. The tangy orange taste of the soda is what you can expect in this delta 8 vape pen
  • Mango – Who doesn’t love mangoes, right? This flavor will take you to a tropical paradise with its authentic mango hit
  • Pineapple express – Most experienced CBD product users have heard of pineapple express. It is a unique blend of different flavors carefully balanced together to give you an energetic buzz. With a mix of apple, mango, pine, cedar and pineapple, you will experience delta 8 like never before
  • Jack Herer – This is an international flavor, hailing from the Netherlands. Exhale Wellness has managed to recreate the flavor for their delta 8 vape pens. The flavor and aroma are said to be a mixture of citrus, pine, wood and spice
  • Gorilla glue – Gorilla glue is another well-known strain, usually enjoyed in its flower form. Exhale Wellness has successfully replicated the gorilla glue into its delta 8 vape pens. Gorilla glue’s citrus, lemon, chocolate and coffee flavors can now be enjoyed just about anywhere
  • Blackberry kush – another blackberry variant, with the sweet taste of blackberries. The blackberry kush is more for your bedtime delta 8 THC hit or when you simply want to release some mental and physical tensions
  • Sour diesel – Exhale Wellness has done it again, bringing the flavor of sour diesel from flower to vape. Its earthy, citrusy flavor is now available to be enjoyed anywhere, anytime
  • Fruity cereal – This flavor is exactly how it sounds- fruity and sweet for a relaxing experience
  • OG kush – OG kush fans can now enjoy the same iconic earthy, sour flavor in vape form

This extensive range of flavors isn’t the only thing to attract a consumer to buy an Exhale Wellness Delta 8 disposable vape pen. these vape cartridges using premium ingredients. All their flavors use premium hemp oil with no MCT, PG, VG or PEG oils mixed. They use CO2 extraction to get the purest and cleanest hemp oi

Highlights

  • 100% organic ingredients 
  • Hemp procured from non-GMO farms in Colorado
  • Wide range of flavors available
  • 900mg Delta 8 THC

Pros

  • Free shipping
  • 30 days money-back guarantee
  • Clean CO2 extraction
  • No MCT, PG, VG or PEG oils used
  • Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum options are available
  • Third-party lab testing
  • Subscription option available 
  • Naturally Flavored

Cons

  • No international shipping
  • Shipping to some states is unavailable

 ⇒ Visit the Official Website of Exhale Wellness

#2. Budpop – Recommended Brand To Buy THC Disposable & Vape Cartridges

Budpop is a brand that was created because the founders were unhappy with the CBD products that were available in the market. To figure out a way to create the best CBD products, they went to the source–visiting hemp farms in the USA. Finally, after choosing farms that were producing premium hemp, they partnered with them and created the exquisite budpop CBD products.

They make some of the finest CBD products like gummies, vapes and flowers. Budpop has some of the best delta 8 THC disposable vape pens available; with their two flavors, they have been available to satisfy customers around the world.

Budpop’s Delta 8 vape flavors are:

  • Grape Runtz – Budpop’s grape runtz is a sweet grape terpene infused with delta 8 THC oil to create a sweet but divine flavor
  • Strawberry gelato – Another sweet flavor to remind you of the good times. The strawberry flavor is smooth and doesn’t feel harsh on your throat

Budpop’s two flavors are available in 800mg. They don’t use diluting or cutting agents, nor do they add additives like; MCT, PG, VG, or PEG oils. Their cartridges use food-grade silicone with a ceramic heater which is developed specifically for hemp.

Highlights

  • Two flavor options are available
  • Hemp is procured from non-GMO farms
  • 800mg Delta 8 THC

Pros

  • Made with only natural terpenes
  • No additives
  • 30 days refund policy 
  • Free shipping
  • 20% discount on first order
  • Third-party lab testing
  • Subscription option available

Cons

  • 30 days refund policy only for unopened products
  • No international shipping
  • Limited flavors 

⇒ Visit the Official Website of BudPop

#4. Hollyweed – Most Popular Disposables & THC Vape Pens With Various Flaors

Hollyweed – a brand that everyone in America is aware of. Be it CBD product users or regular users, it is a word made famous by Zachary Cole Fernandez, the 2017 Hollywood sign prankster. 

These Delta 8 Vape pens from Hollyweed come in different flavors like Blackberry, Mango, Pineapple, Blackberry kush and so more. 

Apart from flavors, these vapes come at a very affordable price of $39.95 and if you subscribe you can save up to 25%  discount on every order.  And for the safety part, Hollyweed ensures that each vapes comes through a third party lab testing, before reaching your doorstep.  

Their delta 8 cartridges come in a variety of flavors. Their flavors include:

  • Blackberry – Hollyweed’s blackberry is made using raspberry cough and a black domina. It is known to be a strain for some daytime fun. It is great for lowering anxiety and nervousness
  • Sunset sherbert – The Sunset sherbert is like summer in your mouth, with its orange-pineapple flavor. It is known to have a tangy sweetness and goes great while listening to our favorite tunes
  • Mango – This mango OG strain is created by crossing Afghani with KC 33; you get the feeling of juicy sweet-smelling mangoes with this flavor. It is a great strain for insomnia
  • Pineapple express – This earthy and fruity taste came to be by mixing popular strains; Hawaiian and trainwreck. With this strain, you can expect a mood-boosting experience
  • Jack Herer – This award-winning strain from the Netherlands, was created in the ’90s, 

has a peppery and fruity taste. It is a great strain to clear tensions and anxieties

  • Gorilla glue – The expert at Hollyweed has successfully brought the famous gorilla glue strain in vape form. It has hints of coffee and chocolate and mixed with the right terpenes; you will experience undertones of pine, lemon and gasoline. This is great for energizing your mind
  • Blackberry kush – This indica dominant strain was created by crossing Afghani and blackberry. It has a hashy flavor with a strong sweet berry hit
  • Sour diesel – Sour diesel has a spicy and earthy flavor, with the sourness of the citrus being easily detectable on the first puff. It is a Sativa dominant strain that helps its users stay calm
  • Fruity cereal: You will experience the flavor of cereal milk and fruity grains with this strain. This strain is popular for its calming and relaxing effect
  • OG Kush – The earthiness of the original OG kush strain can be experienced with a sour aftertaste. This strain was said to be developed by crossing the northern Californian strain with lemon Thai, chemdawg and a Hindu kush plant from the Netherlands. This strain is known to uplift and calm and individuals

The delta 8 cartridges available on Hollyweed all have 900mg of delta 8 THC. Hollyweed provides free shipping and expedited shipping as well. Free shipping is delivered in 5-7 business days, whereas expedited shipping will get to you in 3 business days.

Highlights

  • Hemp procured from non-GMO farms
  • The large variety of flavors
  • Clean CO2 extraction method

Pros

  • 30 days money-back guarantee with 15 days grace period
  • Free shipping and expedited shipping are available
  • Subscription option available 
  • Third-party lab testing

Cons

  • No international shipping is available

⇒ Visit the Official Website of Hollyweed

#3. Delta Extrax – Wide Variety Of Delta 8 Disposable Vaping Pens

When finalizing the list for the best delta 8 disposable vape pens, the Delta Extrax brand was one that couldn’t be removed from the list. Its popularity, brand authenticity, and product range make it a strong contender to be on the list. 

Delta Extrax is a sub-brand of Savage Enterprises, a company that specializes in e-liquids. Being pioneers in the vaping industry, they truly understand vaping and everything that comes with it. Delta Extrax provides a wide range of flavors, with different strain options as well. 

Delta Extrax’s flavor options include:

  • Blue dream – The Blue Dream really is a fantastic flavor. With a mix of blueberry and haze, the user gets a very balanced high. They use a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain for a feeling of euphoria unmatched by any other
  • Raspberry kush – A flavor that is both sweet and creamy. Derived by mixing raspberry cough and cheese, Kush gives its users a smooth yet enjoyable high. It has an indica strain that helps its users relax
  • Banana candy kush – As the name suggests, the banana-like flavor is the first thing that draws people to this flavor. This is a hybrid blend that will have you relaxing and focusing on your thoughts simultaneously
  • Strawberry cough – This Sativa strain, with its fresh strawberry flavor, is the best remedy for those days when stress levels run high
     
  • Cali orange kush – This hybrid blend with Sativa-heavy orange-scented strain aids in getting the creative juices flowing
  • Grand daddy purp – This indica strain is a cross between Urkle and Big Bud. The flavor you will be able to experience is; grape and berry

Delta Extrax uses the purest delta 8 distillate and terpenes as additives. Delta Extrax’s delta 8 vape cartridges have less than 0.3% THC, which is important as that ensures lesser side effects, if any. Keeping Transparency in mind, third-party lab tests are easily available on their website so that anyone can view them.

Highlights

  • Variety of flavors available
  • Purest delta 8 distillate
  • Shipping protection available

Pros

  • Sativa, Indica and Hybrid options are available
  • Purest terpenes used for flavoring
  • Less than 0.3% THC
  • Third-party lab testing
  • Lab testing of the raw and finished product
  • Subscription option available

Cons

  • No refund policy 
  • No free shipping
  • No international shipping is available

#5. Diamond CBD – High Quality Disposables Pre Filled With Delta 8

Diamond CBD disposable vapes are made with 100%  pure delta 8 vaping oil. The pens contain a set amount of vape juice, usually anywhere between 450 mg to 1600mg, and once your device is all out of juice, all you need to do is dispose. 

Made in the USA with American-grown hemp, these vapes are carefully designed to give you mild psychoactive effects with each and every puff. Their range of Delta 8 disposable vape pens offers a variety of packaging options, including the enticing selections of Pancakes Vape Pen, Girl Scout Cookies Vape, and Grand Daddy Purp.

For orders exceeding $100, no delivery or service charges will be incurred, and you have the option to return the product within 30 days from the date of purchase in the event of any damage.

Highlights

  • 100% natural ingredients
  • Organically grown non-GMO hemp from the best farms in America
  • One flavor option is available only
  • 900mg of Delta 8 THC

Pros

  • Up to 70% discount on registration
  • Free two days shipping on orders above $100
  • Third-party lab testing

Cons

  • No international shipping
  • No refund policy for opened or used products

How We Made The List Of Top Delta 8 Disposables & THC Vape Pens?

Research and Analysis

Our process began with extensive research into the Delta 8 disposable vape pens market. We scoured customer reviews, industry publications, and expert opinions to identify the most promising brands and products.

Safety and Compliance

Ensuring the safety of our readers is our utmost priority. We carefully examined each brand’s compliance with legal and safety regulations. Products that did not meet these standards were immediately excluded from consideration.

Product Quality

We assessed the quality of the Delta 8 distillate used in each vape pen, examining factors such as purity and potency. Only brands that consistently delivered high-quality Delta 8 distillate made it onto our list.

Customer Feedback

Customer satisfaction plays a crucial role in our selection process. We considered real-world experiences and feedback from Delta 8 vape pen users to gauge the overall satisfaction and effectiveness of each product.

Transparency

Brands that are transparent about their sourcing, manufacturing processes, and third-party lab testing earned extra points. We believe that transparency builds trust, so we favored brands that shared these important details with their customers.

How To Use Your Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pen?

  • First, locate the button on the pen and turn the device on
  • Once the device is turned on, hold the button, place the mouthpiece in your mouth and inhale
  • Remove the mouthpiece and hold the vapor in for a few seconds before exhaling
  • If you are vaping for the first time, it is recommended to start with short drags and then move to longer ones
  • When the cartridge is over, you will know when you get strong throat hits and less smoke than before
  • Once the cartridge is over, you can dispose of the vape

Using disposable vape pens is quite easy and not cumbersome at all. The reason delta 8 is now available in vape form is because of its recent popularity. And the reason for this popularity is the numerous benefits of using delta 8. Apart from giving a mellow high and smooth buzz, delta 8 has a few health benefits. Infact you can explore the selection of best THC cartridges as well for different flavors. 

Benefits of Delta 8 THC:

  • Helps in alleviating pain – Due to its relaxing effects, the delta 8 THC has been reported to provide pain relief. This benefit does not have any conclusive scientific evidence to back it up but is based on the reports of several consumers. Another theory is that Delta 8 THC stimulates serotonin production, which aids in pain relief as well
  • Helps control nausea and vomiting – Delta 9 or more commonly known as THC, has antiemetic properties. Delta 8, being the less potent variant of delta 9, has the same properties. Any compound that is antiemetic just means it helps in controlling nausea and vomiting. Delta 9 wasn’t used for this purpose due to its high potency and side effect; however, delta 8 is less potent so that it can be used easily
  • Sleep – Delta 8 is great at causing full body and mind relaxation. This means that as the body and mind relax, an individual feels euphoric and mellow, falling into a deep slumber. Delta 8 is great for insomniacs
  • Increase in appetite – An NCBI study done in 2004 reported a 16% increase in appetite of mice. Delta 8 is known to increase the production of the Ghrelin hormone, which is responsible for the feeling of hunger. This can be a great alternative treatment for patients with Anorexia Nervosa, an eating disorder in which individuals don’t feel hungry 
  • Reducing anxiety – Delta 8 THC is considered to have anxiolytic effects, which basically means that it helps reduce anxiety and promote a calm and relaxed mind

Delta 8 THC definitely has its good qualities, but let’s not forget the known side effects associated with it. These side effects, like the benefits, don’t have scientific backing but have been reported by consumers. Because this is such a new variant of THC, research will take time. For now, we can rely on consumer feedback and reports. These cartridges are available in a new form, i.e, THCA. Exhale Wellness and some other brands are pushing some of the best thca vape cartridges in the market.

Side effects of Delta 8 THC:

  • Red eyes
  • Dryness of mouth
  • Increased heart rate
  • Difficulty in coordination
  • Slowed reaction time
  • Anxiety
  • Memory loss
  • Low heart rate

Apart from the known side effects of Delta 8 THC, there are certain precautions that need to be addressed before you start using delta 8 Thc disposable vape pens or any other delta 8 product. 

Precautions for Delta 8 THC:

  • Pregnancy – Pregnant women need to avoid using delta 8 THC, as this may harm the fetus. Animal testing had shown reproductive development issues in male fetuses when the mother was introduced to delta 8 THC.
  • Breastfeeding – It is understood by medical knowledge that CBD or any such compound present in the mother’s bloodstream will transmit to the baby through breast milk. It is therefore recommended to avoid using CBD products altogether while you’re breastfeeding.
  • Liver functionality – it is a known fact that CBD products alter liver enzymes. So it can be safely assumed that Delta 8 THC will have similar effects. Individuals on medication that is broken down through the liver should avoid using delta 8 products. It is recommended to consult your doctor to find out if your medicine is broken down by your liver. 

FAQs On Delta 8 Disposable Vape Pens 

Q1. What is a disposable Delta 8 vape pen?

A. These are basically electronic devices that are prefilled with vape juice. These devices are usually precharged, so you just need to turn them on and start using them. The device heats the juice, and you inhale the vapor. 

Q2. Can vaping be harmful to the lungs?

A. The long-term effects of vaping are still unknown. The use of additives like PG, VG and PEG oils is known to cause some lung complications. Try finding brands that do not include these oils in their products.

Q3. How can I know if the delta 8 juice has impurities?

A. It is very common for brands to mix additives to either mask the low-quality hemp extract used or increase potency. Make sure you read the ingredients before buying your disposable vape. A good indicator is checking the color of the juice; it should be either an amber-like color or a rosy pink color. Anything darker indicates impurities. 

Q4. Is it safe to ingest delta 8 vape juice?

A. It is not recommended to ingest your delta 8 vape juice. This is because these e-liquids have been designed to be vaped. It may be safe to ingest e-liquids using all-natural ingredients like terpenes to add flavor. But even then, it should be avoided.

Q5. Is vaping delta 8 better than other delta 8 products?

A. Vaping definitely gives a much quicker high compared to tinctures or gummies. Because when you inhale the vapor, it immediately gets absorbed into your bloodstream and starts to give you the expected effects. 

Q6. How long before I feel the effects of the delta 8 when vaping?

A. Effects are almost immediate as vapor in the lungs gets absorbed much quicker. Using products like tinctures or gummies takes time as they have to cross a physical barrier to reach the bloodstream.

Q7. What are the possible long-term effects of using delta 8 THC?

A. Research is still ongoing on the long-term effects of delta 8. Some medical professionals believe that one of the long-term effects could be behavioral addiction. Like any CBD product, delta 8 should also be used in moderation.

Concluding On The Best Delta 8 THC Disposable Vapes

Delta-8 disposable vape pens are the perfect choice for those looking for a tranquil and enjoyable experience, minus the complexity of charging batteries and refilling cartridges. 

Do your research and read reviews before selecting a brand, as this choice will ultimately determine your experience. After all, you wouldn’t want to waste your money on dubious brands that don’t deliver. 

To save you the time, we have discussed the leading brands offering Delta-8 disposable vape pens.

Looking for a recommendation? Exhale Wellness and Budpop are making a mark in the market with their lab-tested disposable vapes, variety of strains and top-grade distillate. 

 

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Studio S JUNE 15, 2026

A Modern Take on Steak

Stake Chophouse & Bar brings contemporary classics and old-school service to the heart of Coronado

A Modern Take on Steak
Courtesy of Stake Chophouse

Stake Chophouse & Bar isn’t your average steakhouse. Blue Bridge Hospitality’s Coronado outpost is a modern interpretation of a big-city steakhouse nestled in the heart of the small coastal community. The team at Stake has reimagined the whole steakhouse experience. By prioritizing a seasonal farm-to-table sourcing philosophy, a personalized guest experience, and unique service touches, like a formal steak presentation and a bespoke knife selection process, Stake distinguishes itself in a sea of steakhouses.

Exceptional steaks, including Wagyu from Japan, Australia, and the U.S., and fresh seafood flown in daily form the core of Stake’s culinary identity. The menu features a five-course omakase-style steak experience highlighting house favorites, plus an array of cuts, and classic steakhouse staples—think a wedge salad, baked potato, or pasta carbonara—refined for a contemporary palate without losing their traditional appeal. Stake focuses on seasonal sourcing from the region’s best family farms and specialty purveyors, and incorporates intentionally unexpected touches to create something truly unique.

“I challenge our chefs and myself to take it a step further in sourcing,” says Chef Ronnie Schwandt. “It’s important to us to highlight different farms, unique one-off farms—whether it’s cattle, strawberries, a local fisherman or from anywhere in the United States, we’re always trying to find that niche.”

Beyond the menu, Stake emphasizes outstanding service, says Vinny Spatafore, Director of Hospitality Operations. Staff maintains detailed notes, allowing them to remember guests by name, recall previous orders such as a favorite martini (also memorable for the customer since it’s served in an extra tall, distinctly-shaped glass), and celebrate special occasions like birthdays and anniversaries.

“When you have those points of topic that you remember about a guest, they appreciate that,” he says. “Our servers are really good with that—we have a couple servers who have been here since the beginning and they’ll remember somebody from years ago, their name, their kids’ names, where they live. I’m really thankful to have a great front of house staff.”

Award-winning wines, rare whiskeys, special events, and a complementary black car service that provides transportation for guests throughout Coronado add to Stake’s appeal.

Schwandt stresses that Stake offers more than a meal; they aim to give patrons something unforgettable.

“It starts when you walk up the stairs and are greeted by the hostess—that sets the tone for the night. Then you’re greeted by a server, who may know you by name, and can guide you through the menu and curate as they get to know you,” says Schwandt. “Most people leave kind of blown away; they leave feeling like they just had an experience. That’s the goal, right? Whether you’re serving smash burgers or high-end steak, you want somebody to leave thinking, Wow, that was awesome.”

Partner Content
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
Partner Content JUNE 5, 2026

Beautiful Balboa Park: Nine Ways to See the City’s Crown Jewel in a New Light

San Diego Magazine's 2026 Guide to Balboa Park.

Beautiful Balboa Park: Nine Ways to See the City’s Crown Jewel in a New Light
Magical San Diego’s Balboa Park at twilight in San Diego California USA

Balboa Park is San Diego’s cultural heart.

The iconic 1,200-acre preserve’s history dates back more than 150 years, evolving from a scrub-filled plot atop a mesa overlooking what’s now Downtown to an urban oasis—the largest of its kind in the country—filled with an array of museums, attractions, gardens, trails, restaurants, and more. Balboa Park is an epic playground where San Diegans and visitors alike can experience the great outdoors just as easily as they can enjoy a world-class performance or explore groundbreaking discoveries.

Tucked away in the Spanish Colonial Revival-style architecture are 18 diverse museums that allow visitors to spend the day learning about, well, anything. A great place to start is the San Diego History Center. Located in the Casa del Balboa building, the museum tells the story of the city’s past, present, and future through photographs and art, clothing and textiles, and interviews with people who witnessed history-making events firsthand. The San Diego Natural History Museum takes visitors even farther back with interactive exhibitions that show what the region was like up to 75 million years ago. 

Blast off on a simulated trip to space at the San Diego Air & Space Museum, then check out artifacts from aviation legends, including the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and Buzz Aldrin. Discover new perspectives revolutionizing the science world, learn about an often overlooked but overutilized utility, and exercise your creativity at the Fleet Science Center.  

Calling all theater-lovers, Balboa Park has something for you, too. The San Diego Junior Theatre will present their musical take on beloved children’s book A Bad Case of the Stripes from June 26 through July 12. And laugh, cry, and marvel in awe as the pros of The Old Globe perform Kim’s Convenience, the award-winning comedy that inspired the popular series, from May 15 to June 14. 

There’s nowhere else in Balboa Park quite like WorldBeat Cultural Center. The institution celebrates African diaspora and indigenous cultures around the world using art, music, dance, and education. The building, a renovated water tower covered in colorful murals, houses a performing arts center, museum, gift shop, cafe, and outdoor classroom.

If you’d like a side of nature with your culture, Balboa Park has you covered there, too. Stroll through the gardens of the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum, a monument to the relationship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. Inspired by traditional Japanese design dating back centuries, the 10-acre respite features a living exhibition that showcases plants native to both cities. 

If there seems like a lot going on in Balboa Park, it’s because there is. Let the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership be your guide. The organization is the umbrella for 24 of the park’s institutions and offers an Explorer Pass that allows visitors to access multiple museums for one affordable price. The hardest part is picking where to start.

16 Museums, One Pass

Save on admission to San Diego’s top museums with the Balboa Park Explorer Pass. Explore 16 museums of art, science, history and culture across Balboa Park — all with one affordable pass. Choose the option that fits your pace: the Limited Pass (one day for up to four museums), the Parkwide Pass (seven consecutive days of access to all 16 museums) or the Annual Pass (365 days of unlimited exploring).

Looking for an experience-driven gift? Let the museum lover in your life enjoy their favorite museums all year with a Balboa Park Explorer Annual Pass gift voucher.

BuyMyExplorer.com | Phone: 619-232-7502, Press 2 for Explorer 

Fleet Science Center

Bigger experiments, brighter ideas, and boundless curiosity await at the newly reimagined Fleet Science Center. This summer, the Fleet debuts Element 8 Cafe, an expanded theater queuing and concessions space, two new gallery spaces, and, for the first time, a free entrance gallery exploring science in and around San Diego. The transformation marks a new chapter for the Fleet, keeping it a vital, innovative, and accessible science hub for the region. Visitors are invited to explore the experience this summer and connect with the power of science like never before.

Address: 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: FleetScience.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily
Phone: 619-238-1233

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum

An accredited cultural gem, the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum brings traditional Japanese garden design to life with koi ponds, curving walkways and layers of greenery. Guests explore bonsai trees, streams and peaceful nooks while taking part in exhibits, educational programs and festivals that illuminate Japanese culture. Situated in the heart of Balboa Park, the garden doubles as a meditative retreat and a dynamic gathering place, welcoming visitors to slow their pace and connect more deeply.

Address: 2215 Pan American Road E, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: Niwa.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily; last admission at 6 p.m.
Phone: 619-232-2721

The Old Globe

A San Diego summer favorite, The Old Globe invites audiences to experience a beloved local tradition in its outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. 

This summer, the 2026 Shakespeare Festival presents two thrilling tales of power, passion and romance. Measure for Measure, running June 14 through July 12, 2026, is a riveting story of justice and hypocrisy that asks who holds power, who is punished and what it truly means to be virtuous. Much Ado About Nothing, playing Aug. 2–30, 2026, is a classic rom-com packed with schemes, sparks and laughter as opposites attract. Audiences can enjoy both shows for $44.

Address: 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: TheOldGlobe.org
Hours: Box office open Tuesday–Sunday, 1 p.m. to final curtain
Phone: Box office, 619-234-5623

San Diego Air & Space Museum

Aviation and space exploration come to life at the San Diego Air & Space Museum. See an airworthy replica of the Spirit of St. Louis, a Gee Bee racer and historic aircraft from World War I, World War II and the Korean and Vietnam eras. Get up close to the Apollo 9 command module — one of only 11 of its kind in the world — along with Mercury and Gemini capsules, Mission Control and space shuttle simulators, and a selfie spot beside a lunar lander on the moon. Running through 2026, Ripley’s Believe It or Not! brings oddities from around the world to Balboa Park.

Address: 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoAirAndSpace.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-234-8291

San Diego History Center

History belongs to everyone. At the San Diego History Center, two experiences bring that history to life this summer: America at 250 and the Center for Women’s History. America at 250 traces San Diego’s place in 250 years of U.S. history, while summer programs invite children to learn and explore. The Center for Women’s History amplifies the voices of women whose leadership and creativity have shaped our region.

By understanding our past, we build a more vibrant and inclusive community together. These vital educational experiences are only possible through generous community support. Discover your roots, spark meaningful dialogue, and help keep San Diego’s stories alive for future generations.

Address: 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SanDiegoHistory.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday–Sunday
Phone: 619-232-6203

San Diego Junior Theatre

Junior Theatre is San Diego’s longest-running youth theatre program, empowering students ages 4 to 18 to explore storytelling, performance, and collaboration in a supportive environment. Through classes, camps, and productions, young artists build confidence, creativity, and lifelong skills onstage and off. Each season features a wide range of opportunities, from introductory experiences to advanced training in acting and musical theatre. 

Looking for a summer adventure? Junior Theatre’s Summer Camps deliver dynamic programs for grades K–12, including musical theater intensives, acting academies and immersive JT Studio experiences. It’s a place where imagination truly takes center stage.

Address: 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: JuniorTheatre.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Phone: 619-239-1311

San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)

This summer, The Nat is talking trash—literally. Their newest exhibition, Washed Ashore: Art to Save the Sea, features larger‑than‑life marine sculptures made of ocean debris collected from beaches. It invites visitors to explore the impact of plastic pollution and discover ways to take action.

But the experience doesn’t stop at the gallery doors. Friday nights, the exhibition transforms into an ocean-themed “dive bar” during Nat at Night. Select Sundays bring something brand new: a rooftop brunch with sweeping Balboa Park views. Add two new giant-screen films and five floors of nature to explore, and The Nat is shaping up to be one of the season’s must-visit destinations.

Address: 1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
Website: SDNat.org
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily; 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Fridays in summer
Phone: 619-232-3821

WorldBeat Cultural Center

The WorldBeat Cultural Center is a nonprofit multidisciplinary cultural organization dedicated to promoting, presenting and preserving Indigenous cultures worldwide through music, art, dance, education, sustainability and community programs. WorldBeat elevates multicultural artists, expands opportunities for cultural enrichment and fosters deeper understanding across traditions. WorldBeat offers a holistic cultural experience that inspires pride, unity, connection and belonging for all ages.

Address: 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
Website: WorldBeatCenter.org
Hours: Classes: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, 6–9 p.m. Exhibits and café: Friday–Sunday, 11 a.m.–6 p.m.
Phone: 619-230-1190


Event Calendar

Throughout 2026: Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!

Step into a world of the weird and wonderful at Ripley’s Believe It or Not! at the San Diego Air & Space Museum in Balboa Park. Explore hundreds of bizarre artifacts, interactive displays and unbelievable stories that celebrate the curious and the extraordinary.

San Diego Air & Space Museum | 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101

Throughout 2026: San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods

Presented in partnership with the San Diego Museum of African American Fine Arts, San Diego’s Lost Neighborhoods uses augmented reality, oral histories, and archival materials to explore communities and residents displaced by redlining, freeway construction, and other discriminatory policies.

San Diego History Center | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101

June –Aug: The 2026 Shakespeare Festival

Spend a summer night at The Old Globe. The Lowell Davies Festival Theatre stages Measure for Measure (June 14–July 12) and Much Ado About Nothing (Aug. 2–30), offering two unforgettable Shakespeare productions for just $44.

The Old Globe | 1363 Old Globe Way,
San Diego, CA 92101

June 8–Aug. 7: Theatre Summer Camps

Summer camps at Junior Theatre spark creativity for grades K–12 with hands-on training, musical theatre intensives, acting academies, and JT Studio experiences.

San Diego Junior Theatre | 1650 El Prado, Suite 208, San Diego, CA 92101  

June 14, July 12, Aug 9: Brunch at The Nat


A museum visit turns into a Sunday Funday with the addition of rooftop brunch, featuring mimosas, bloody Marys, and brunch bites from Wolfish by Wolf in the Woods (June 14, August 9) and Hash House a Go Go (July 12). 

San Diego Natural History Museum (The Nat)
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

June 21: Harriet Tubman Freedom Bird Walk

Celebrate Juneteenth weekend with guided birding, storytelling, soul food, native planting and an African peace drum circle.

WorldBeat Cultural Center | 2100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101

Aug 7-8: Toro Nagashi Festival

Nagashi at the Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum by floating a lantern to honor loved ones who have passed. Stroll merchant booths, enjoy cultural performances in the Inamori Pavilion, and sample food vendors plus a beer and sake garden in the lower garden.

Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum | 1649 El Prado, Suite 3, San Diego, CA 92101


Explore arts, science, history, and culture in the Balboa Park Cultural District with one convenient, affordable Pass. The Balboa Park Explorer Pass is your ticket to up to 16 museums and endless fun! Purchase your pass at BuyMyExplorer.com.

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Partner Content JUNE 4, 2026

Tastemakers 2026: La Gran Terraza

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: La Gran Terraza
SDM Tastemakers 2025 (All)

Marbi Becerra, Chef de Cuisine

La Gran Terraza, the University of San Diego’s signature restaurant, has been a campus favorite for over 16 years, offering California cuisine with a Mediterranean twist. This summer, its gastropub, O’Toole’s, is open for evening service —perfect for sunset bites and drinks.

At the helm is chef Marbi Becerra, a Culinary Institute of America alum with roots in the US and Mexico. She now leads culinary operations for La Gran Terraza and USD Catering, bringing bold Mediterranean flavors and a fresh perspective.

Try This!

Seared Scallops: With charred broccolini oyster mushrooms corn puree herb cherry tomatoes and chimichurri

La Gran Terraza

5998 Alcala Park, San Diego, California 92110
619-849-8205  |  lagranterraza.com  |  @eatatusd

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Partner Content JUNE 4, 2026

Tastemakers 2026: Labora Cafe

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: Labora Cafe
SDM: Tastemakers 2026

Lauren Thiemthath & Bao Doan, Owners

Labora Café offers so much more than premium ceremonial-grade matcha; it’s a lifestyle café where people come to feel more energized, inspired, and connected to their community. Labora partners with retailers and lifestyle brands, from local Pilates instructors to Neiman Marcus, so there’s always something new to learn about or browse when you’re here. As for the drinks, whether you’re thinking matcha or Vietnamese coffee with a specialty house-made foam on top, expect a natural pick-me-up, without extra sugars or syrups.

Try This!

Pistachio 54: Pistachio foam layered with a slow drip Viet coffee or Matcha

Labora Café

8055 Clairemont Mesa Boulevard, Suite 101, San Diego, California 92111
858-471-6970 | laboracafe.com | @laborasd

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Partner Content JUNE 4, 2026

Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium

Chefs, restaurateurs, sommeliers, and craft mixers - meet our 2026 Tastemakers, the minds behind the magic.

Tastemakers 2026: Happy Medium
20260430SD_Mag_Christian_HappyMedium003

Christian Siglin, Bartender & Owner

Happy Medium lives in the sweet spot: not too fancy, not too gritty. Think dive bar soul with cocktail bar standards. It’s the kind of place where you can grab a beer and a shot, a fancy cocktail, plus a killer spirits list. The menu includes all the best bar classics along with elevated plates. Some would call it a “happy medium.” With your favorite B-side tracks always playing in the background, Happy Medium is the ultimate neighborhood hangout spot.

Try This!

Lava Flowgroni: Pineapple gin layered with strawberry Campari, banana vermouth and coconut, served over crushed party ice.

Happy Medium

4002 30th Street, San Diego, California 92104
619-310-5642 | happymediumsd.com

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