Having grown up in San Diego, I’m often asked where to go, what to see, and which restaurants are worth checking out when friends and family come to visit. Like most San Diegans, I have a hard time answering. Not because there isn’t much to do, but because, when you live in a vacation city, you can forget that your everyday sky blues are someone’s else’s something news.
So, after 27 years of life in this beautiful city, I’m finally putting pen to paper and mapping out all the best things to do in San Diego, according to me, a local. Some things you may find in guide books (they’re popular for a reason!) and others are hidden gems and secret haunts that only those who live here will know about.
Next time you come, maybe we’ll bump into each other at James Coffee, or on our mats during a sculpt class at Yoga Box. Or perhaps we’ll pass each other while enjoying the sunset at the beach in La Jolla. No matter when you come or what you’re into, here are the best 20 things to do in San Diego:
Courtesy of Humphreys Half Moon Inn
Things to Do in San Diego
Go for a Bike Ride
San Diego’s public transit may not be the best, but in recent years the city has really pushed to make neighborhoods more bikeable. My inner sporty self rejoices! One of my favorite activities includes renting bikes from Stay Classy Bikes and pedaling from Golden Hill to the ferry landing and over to Coronado. It’s not the easiest ride, but you’ll see the cityscape while tightening up those quads.
If you’re looking to spot more water on your trek, head to Mission Bay Beach Club. You can rent bikes by the hour to cruise around the bay, and the Instagram-worthy Superbloom Coffee & Juice next door makes for the perfect pre- or post-ride refresher and healthy meal. Grab an oat milk latte and take in the view for that quintessential SoCal experience.
When you think of San Diego museums, Balboa Park’s array of cultural institutions are usually the first to come to mind. While you can hit multiple museums in one area there, it gives off more of a field trip feeling, and sometimes that’s not what I’m in the mood for. My favorite museum is actually closer to the water down at the Embarcadero. The USS Midway Museum offers a fascinating look at San Diego’s naval history.
Take yourself on a self-guided audio tour if you’re into that, and after, it’s only a quick walk to Portside Pier. Once you’re there, try some fish tacos at The Brigantine or kick up your feet at the firepits with a glass of wine at Topsail upstairs. It’s the perfect balance of education and entertainment.
The truth is, pretty much any San Diego hike is going to offer breathtaking views and fun trails. Potato Chip Rock is popular for trekkers looking to snap a silly shot of themselves seemingly dangling from a rock, but I like to ditch the crowds and hit Eagle Rock instead. It’s a bit further out of town, but you can still grab a photo with the—you guessed it—eagle-shaped rock and avoid the ridiculously long lines.
Additionally, while some may think they’re only a touristy thing, Torrey Pines’ trails are a true favorite among SD residents. We like panoramic ocean views, too. Try setting out while all us townies are in the office, since parking can be tough on weekends.
Explore a Farmer’s Market
With 50 weekly farmer’s markets around town, it’s difficult to narrow down the best place to pick up ultra-fresh produce, snacks, sauces, and treats—but if I had to choose my No. 1, I’m going with Little Italy’s biweekly market on Date Street. The event features more than 200 vendors, and in this case, bigger is definitely better.
My favorite thing to do on Saturday mornings is put my name in at rose-hued brunch spot Morning Glory (it takes at least an hour to get seated), then roam the market to check out all the delicious local offerings. You’ll have plenty of time to wander. Once you’ve stocked up on regionally grown veggies and settled into your pink velvet booth, get the souffle pancakes and breakfast carbonara and thank me later.
Can you even say you went to San Diego if you don’t visit the beach? While most tourist websites rave about The Cove in La Jolla, I say skip the smelly seals and head south towards Windansea. The rock formations provide the same stunning views without the crowds and animal odors.
If you find yourself in North County, take a stroll to Swami’s. The long stairwell leads you to what feels like a private beach filled with locals, surfers, and tide-pool explorers. If you’re lucky, you might spot a spindly brittle star—or even an octopus.
When it comes to relaxing in the sand, I prefer the beach to the bay. But I’ll say this for Point Loma’s harbor: It’s the ideal spot to spend the day boating. When I want to get a workout in, I love booking a pedal boat with Eco Boat Rentals.
But, if I’m being honest, I’m more apt to sit back and crack a seltzer on a relaxing cruise. Check out a sunset sailing excursion that takes off from Harbor Island. The two-hour sail offers views of Point Loma and our picturesque cityscape and you’ll get a selection of cheeses, meats and crackers to munch on while catching those stunning pinks and oranges.
Benvenuto a San Diego! It’s not uncommon for jet-setters in Europe to sign up for a cooking class, but this activity doesn’t get the hype it deserves in San Diego. You might assume I head to Little Italy for this one, but my favorite spot is actually across the 5 freeway in Golden Hill at Cucina Migrante, where you can sip wine in a cute little craftsman house while learning to roll out fresh pasta or cook plant-based Italiano.
Courtesy of Surf Diva
Learn to Surf
From North County to the border, you can find great surf year-round in San Diego, but if you’re attempting the sport for the first time, it’s key to check out the right places and learn from the pros—no one wants to get taken out by a lost foam boarder.
My recommendation is to head to La Jolla Shores and check out Surf Diva for a lesson. The area’s calm waters offer great starter waves, and the company’s lifeguard-certified instructors will get you paddling, balancing, and unleashing your inner Kelly Slater in no time.
Courtesy of Communal Coffee
Where to Eat & Drink in San Diego
Grab Coffee from a Local Haunt
San Diego’s coffee game is as strong as the espresso in my favorite lattes. On seemingly every corner perches a cute independent coffee shop, sometimes with a stack of board games or a musician strumming live acoustic tunes. Try my favorites: Lofty Coffee, James Coffee, and Communal Coffee. These aesthetically pleasing cafés set the mood for a cozy coffee date with tasty lattes, matcha, and cold brew.
It would be sacrilegious not to try a fish taco when visiting San Diego. While there’s no shortage of options in the city, I have two cherished spots that rise above the rest. Mitch’s Seafood in Point Loma exclusively serves fish caught by local fishermen. Their tacos are best enjoyed on the patio with a San Diego brew in hand.
My other favorite, The Fish Shop, lets you mix and match to create your version of the perfect taco: You pick the fish type and marinade from their long list of choices. I’m partial to the mahi mahi with Fish Shop seasoning, a sweet and spicy Cajun dry rub with a hint of brown sugar.
Courtesy of The Mad Beet
Eat a Refreshing Acai Bowl
San Diego might just serve up the best acai bowl outside of Hawaii. While bustling coffee shop Better Buzz is all over rec lists for a caffeine fix, its smoothie bowls are an unexpected gem—I like to hit a drive-through location when I need a sweet, healthy snack on-the-go.
When I’ve got time to linger, though, I drop by Rum Jungle in PB. Served inside a pineapple, their massive acai bowls put other beach snacks to shame. I’ll take mine with extra granola and honey, please.
Imagine this: It’s a sunny morning in San Diego, and all you want is some fresh bread to make avocado toast. Or maybe you’re jonesing for a dozen or so assorted pastries to share with your friends (or not).
Prager Brothers has me finishing sourdough loaves faster than I want to admit. I may have actually licked my fingers after devouring a cinnamon roll from Charlie’s Best Bread’s. And The Gluten Free Baking Co offers GF pastries so good I might voluntarily start eating gluten-free. No matter your vice, these three bakeries serve up some of the best of SD’s breads.
Visit a Hole in the Wall Burger Joint
Want to start a good-natured debate in San Diego? Ask a handful of locals about the best burger in town. While many will wait in the long lines at Hodad’s, I think Rocky’s grills up San Diego’s tastiest patty. The hole-in-the-wall pub in Crown Point gives off the same feel as your favorite college bar. You won’t find ostrich meat, black bean patties, or even bacon and avocado here—you need only choose between a third- or half-pound beef patty and decide whether or not you want cheese. No frills, certainly, but that’s what makes it great.
It’s called crack for a reason: This meat is addicting. Seaside Market in Cardiff takes tri-tip to the next level, infusing the beef with burgundy pepper (that’s onion, garlic, and spices dialed up with red wine). If you’re visiting on a holiday weekend, grab some early, as the true Cardiff Crack lovers stock up for barbecues and family functions. For me, it’s game day food—I like to buy a Cardiff Crack sandwich from the Seaside Market Stand at Petco Park and dive in after first pitch.
In a city of more than 5,000 restaurants, it can be tough to know where to begin. I like hitting up the local food halls and markets, which pack heaps of delicious eateries under a single roof. My favorite scene is the Liberty Station Public Market, a dizzying food court modeled after Pike Place in Seattle.
Bring friends (or come really hungry) to sample lobster mac and cheese from Wicked Maine Lobster, a bao bun from Bao Bar, and a roll from The Sushi Stand in one fell swoop. Carry your victuals to the picnic tables outside to catch a glimpse of the planes flying overhead.
Indulge in San Diego’s Best Sandwiches
Didn’t expect a sandwich to be a must-eat in San Diego, did you? Well, no visit to SD is indeed complete without grabbing a mouthwatering sub from Board and Brew. The local chain began in Del Mar and has since expanded across the city, so your odds of staying near a location are relatively high.
It’s my favorite place to pick up a club and bag of chips to bring to the beach or park. What sets B&B apart from other sandwich joints is the unbelievable secret sauce. I’m not recommending that you drink it, but I wouldn’t blame you if you were tempted.
Courtesy of Monarch Ocean Pub
Get Drinks with a View
Living in San Diego, I’m spoiled with breathtaking sea views, but despite the city’s beauty, finding a good bar overlooking the water can be tougher than you think. Prospect St. in La Jolla, however, offers a row of restaurants that all serve sessionable drinks and stellar ocean eye candy. I’m partial to the Prospect Margarita at Duke’s—the spicy watermelon cocktail is made even sweeter by the gorgeous surrounds.
In Del Mar, Monarch Ocean Pub offers a dragon fruit marg in an open-air, second-story pub. If you happen to find yourself there as the sun sinks beneath the waterline, raise your glass and join the restaurant-wide chant: “Cheers to me, cheers to you, and here’s a toast to a hell of a view.”
Sip on San Diego Favorites
San Diego is called America’s capital of craft beer for a reason. My favorite of the city’s 150-plus breweries is the Ballast Point in Little Italy. I love settling onto the patio or into a cabana and enjoying a flight while watching planes in flight.
Prohibition may be long over, but the speakeasies in San Diego are here to stay. Either tucked away in larger establishments or hiding in plain sight behind unmarked entrances, these bars might be tough to find, but they’re my favorite place to enjoy a cocktail on a night out.
A favorite among locals, Realm of the 52 Remedies is tucked away in Kearny Mesa—a neighborhood that isn’t always listed in SD guides, since it’s known for being more suburbia than tourist destination. However, the whimsical speakeasy-style bar attached to Common Theory Public House is definitely worth a trek with its stunning design, delicious cocktails, and small-bites.
Over in North Park, Part Time Lover is a hybrid between a record shop and a swanky cocktail lounge. My go-to happy-hour sip is one of their Japanese Highballs with sparkling water.
While us locals spend plenty of time chowing down at hole-in-the-wall, strip-mall spots, we’re not immune to eateries where the design matters as much as the food.
Down in Point Loma, Cesarina is the perfect place to relive any study-abroad memories of Italy. The dining room is stunning, with a coastal Italian feel. But the feature that made me stop and stare is the fresh pasta-making station in the kitchen. Visible to the entire restaurant, it allows you to watch as chefs transform flour and eggs into pappardelle and tonnarelli.
My other favorite photogenic dining experience takes me downtown to Seneca. The bayfront spot gives luxury yacht meets Italian trattoria. The sleek design and views from the 19th floor are almost as pretty as the plates of truffle arancini and cacio e pepe.
Molly Delmore is a freelance writer and content creator from San Diego. When she’s not checking out San Diego’s newest restaurants, bars, and shops, she’s planning her next trip to the mountains to snowboard or a new country to explore. Her work has been featured in San Diego Magazine, Mashed, and Tasting Table.
If you’ve ever wondered what it would feel like to perform on one of San Diego’s most iconic stages, here’s your shot. The Old Globe is looking for local singers, songwriters, and musicians to take the spotlight before performances of its upcoming musical Begin Again—and the gig comes with a chance to perform on the theater’s main stage and at a new community music event, Begin Again: San Diego Sessions.
Inspired by the opening scene of Begin Again, which makes its pre-Broadway premiere at The Old Globe this fall, the open mic–style performances celebrate local talent while giving audiences a taste of San Diego’s music scene before the curtain rises.
Solo artists and duets ages 18 and older can submit video entries here through Friday, July 10. Selected performers will be notified by July 14.
The public is also invited to Begin Again: San Diego Sessions, a free event on Monday, July 20, at 7 p.m. in the Globe’s Copley Plaza. Attendees can catch performances from top contest participants while enjoying discounted drinks from the theater’s pub.
“Begin Again is a story about hope and someone finding their light,” says Adena Varner, Director of Arts Engagement at The Old Globe. “The opening moment, which is what we’re excited about with this contest, is about an artist who’s unknown taking a chance at an open mic night—and then their life changes.”
“What I love about San Diego is it’s a space where hopes and dreams seem to actually be able to come true, and people get to find themselves, find their light and their voice, so I think the spirit of the show really resonates with who we are as San Diegans,” she says.
For director Lorin Latarro, the pre-show performances are a chance to weave San Diego into the production. While the musical has been developed in New York with New York–based musicians and actors, these performances create a direct connection between the show and the city’s local music community.
“One of the things Lorin is passionate about is wanting these performances to feel like San Diego, so we want them to be diverse,” Varner says. “We want these moments to look like us and all that that means… We have submissions from artists based in Tijuana, North County, and East County, so it’s geographically diverse, ethnically diverse, and we’re looking at age diversity as well.”
The Old Globe has hosted community engagement opportunities tied to past productions—including an art contest and walk-on performances—but nothing quite like this.
“We’ve also never had an open mic night on the plaza, so we’re excited, and we really want the music community to know that they’ve got a place at The Old Globe, too,” Varner says. “We’re getting in the practice of making sure our community feels connected to our shows and have an opportunity to contribute in a way that’s meaningful and impactful for them.”
Begin Again is based on the 2013 film starring Keira Knightley and Mark Ruffalo, with a book by Jenna Clark Embrey and Molly Beach Murphy and music and lyrics by Pat Monahan of Train. Performances run September 6 through October 11, with opening night on September 17.
At the time of publication, The Old Globe had received nearly 100 video submissions.
Kai Oliver-Kurtin is a San Diego-based writer who covers travel, dining, events, and culture. Her writing has been published in USA Today, Condé Nast Traveler, Fodor's Travel, Marie Claire, and HuffPost, among others.
Growing up in Carlsbad, I never quite understood why people vacationed there. What, so you want to check out the field where I have soccer practice? Pay my orthodontist a visit? Carlsbad just felt like a town by the beach, no better or worse than any other in the country. It took going to college out of state for me to actually understand just how rare a place like Carlsbad is.
Thanksgiving break my freshman year, my first time coming home after three months in the Midwest, my shoulders dropped. I rolled down the windows and drove to lifeguard tower 37—the hangout magnet for Carlsbad’s youths (and, in the summer, tourists)—and the smells of the ocean woke me right up like smelling salts do. I finally got it.
Carlsbad isn’t just a stopover town on your way to something better. It is the destination. Travel + Leisure named Carlsbad one of the top 50 places around the world to travel in 2026. From the whole globe, the travel magazine picked my home. Sure, we’ve got the Flower Fields and Legoland—but now it’s the smaller ships and indier dreams that are giving it street-level character.
It’s not just Carlsbad, either. People have talked about the “North County bubble” for decades—a force field that prevents its residents from traveling south of the 56. It’s often used derogatorily, and it’s a fairly accurate burn.
For decades, living up in North County meant giving up on culture, or at least culture within close proximity. But now, the main expansion of San Diego culture is happening up north. Central San Diego restaurants have started taking notice and are expanding into the area—spurred no doubt by Oceanside’s food boom and the Jeune et Jolie–Campfire–Wildland–Lilo constellation in Carlsbad. City Heights burger joint Key & Cleaver opened a new spot in Oceanside; the owners of Parc Bistro-Brasserie in Bankers Hill opened Parc Lounge in Rancho Santa Fe. Possibly the strongest market indicator is that Sam Fox—one of the most successful restaurateurs west of the Rockies—has started focusing on North County for his concepts. In 2025, he opened both The Henry in Carlsbad and Culinary Dropout in Del Mar.
For the ultimate insider guide, we found a handful of inspiring people who live and create and truly know six North County neighborhoods—San Marcos, Escondido, Oceanside, Leucadia, Rancho Santa Fe, and Vista—and asked them how they’d spend a dream day out and about in their town.
Courtesy of North City Farmers Market
San Marcos
San Marcos is in full renaissance mode. The biggest story is that the grand North City vision is starting to peek through the scaffolding. It’s essentially the North County Downtown that’s been written in the tea leaves and discussed whenever someone gets stuck in traffic at the 5/805 merge: a 200-acre, pedestrian-friendly, mixed-use face-changer that’s slated for 2,600 homes, 350,000 square feet of retail and restaurants, 250 hotel rooms, and about a million square feet of offices and labs. Its most recent manifestation is 222 North City—a 12-story residential tower with over 450 residences, rooftop garden, pool cabanas, art installations, and almost 20,000 square feet of ground-floor retail (Necessity Coffee, Buona Forchetta, Draft Republic, Milonga Empanadas, and a grocery store anchor on its way).
Which means Restaurant Row is no longer burdened with being the primary caregiver for the hungry or the socially inclined. Patricia Prado-Olmos has watched the city morph during her nearly three-decade tenure at CSUSM, having spent the past six years as the school’s chief community engagement officer. She also just announced her forthcoming retirement at the end of the 2026–2027 school year, so she’ll have even more time to haunt local haunts.
Meet the Local: Patricia Prado-Olmos
Those in the know call the university “Cal State StairMaster” from the Sisyphean amount of stairs on the hillside campus. So, any day at or around CSUSM should start with a homestyle carbo-load (biscuits and gravy) from Mama Kat’s.
“There’s something about this breakfast spot that immediately puts me in a good mood,” she says. Mama Kat’s is also known for its pie (strawberry-rhubarb), which is breakfast if you change your perspective.
After a few hours on campus—with a break to pet the university’s official therapy goldendoodle, Frank, who helps ease finals tremors or apprehension of on-campus stairs—Prado-Olmos will wander into North City, just steps away. She says the almond croissant and coffee at Christophe Rull Patisserie rival Parisian cafés: “It feels like the kind of place you’d stumble across in a much bigger city.”
Rull, a Michelin-trained pastry chef who’s done stints on Netflix (Bake Squad) and Food Network (Super Mega Cakes, Halloween Wars), opened his patisserie last fall. The hype hasn’t cooled off yet: Get there early because the crowds do.
Emma Veidt is an editor at San Diego Magazine. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees from the Missouri School of Journalism. She loves running, hiking, and rock climbing, but really, she mostly loves encounters with the street cats around North Park.
It’s happening, San Diego. The pre–Comic-Con excitement jitters begin to creep in as soon as July hits the calendar. But for those who forgot to set an alarm on registration day, whose batteries died or whose luck ran out in the virtual waiting room, or who simply prefer to soak up the fandom frenzy from the outside, we’ve got the best ways to experience Comic-Con weekend—no badge required.
Ready Party One: The Final Level 2026 SDCC Kickoff Party
Ain’t no party like an after-hours party, and XLE Productions’ Ready Party One is definitely one for comic book fans. Kick-start your convention weekend at Parq Nightclub and enjoy music by fan-favorite ’80s tribute band The Flux Capacitors, along with enough fandom fun, cosplay, retro gaming and pop-culture nostalgia to satisfy your inner geek. At least for the night.
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 8 p.m. Location: Parq Nightclub, 615 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Tickets start at $34
Interactive Zone at Petco Park and Gallagher Square Events
With more than a dozen activities and brand activations, Petco Park’s Interactive Zone is a badgeless fan’s playground, bringing together brands, games, celebrity appearances and immersive experiences all in one place. On Friday, July 24, Funko’s beloved annual party, hosted by Funko founder Mike Becker, returns to Gallagher Square. This year’s “Quest for the Grail” event will take guests on a journey to the sunken city of Atlantis. Expect themed décor, food, drinks, games and special guest appearances.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Sunday, July 26 (times TBD) Location: Lexus Premier Lot across from Petco Park Price: Free; Funko Funday event is ticketed
Cartoon and art lovers can celebrate the work of Chuck Jones, creator of some of animation’s most iconic characters, including Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck, Road Runner, Wile E. Coyote and Pepé Le Pew, at Seaport Village’s Chuck Jones Gallery. During Comic-Con weekend, the showroom will also host meet-and-greets with talented artists including Disney artist and seascape painter Steve Barton, The Simpsons animator Stephen Reis, and licensed Warner Bros., Hanna-Barbera and Disney fine artist Ben Olson.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25, 2026 (times TBD) Location: Chuck Jones Gallery, 809 W. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA Price: Free
PAWmicon Pet Cosplay
Get your pup’s—and your own—cosplay game ready because Helen Woodward Animal Center’s PAWmicon is back. Enjoy a Comic-Con-themed outing with the whole family while raising awareness for orphaned pets in San Diego. Divided into three categories—Flying Solo, Dynamic Duos & Trios & More, and Fantastic Floats—the event is a paw-fect way to jump-start the festivities.
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2026, 4:30–7 p.m. Location: Presidents Way Lawn at Balboa Park Price: Free
Comic-Con-Themed Bar Crawl
Why leave all the fun, mischief and mayhem to badge holders when you can join more than 300 partygoers and crawl through some of downtown San Diego’s top bars and nightclubs? Whether you’re called to save the universe or have an allegiance to the dark side, the annual Comic-Con Bar Crawl gives attendees exclusive access to more than 20 venues throughout the Gaslamp Quarter, with free welcome shots, exclusive drink discounts and complimentary entry along the way. This event for ages 21 and older is a fun way to celebrate your fandom outside the convention center.
Date & Time: Friday, July 24–Sunday, July 26, 2026, 8 p.m.–2 a.m. Location: Check-in at Toro, 672 Fifth Ave., San Diego, CA 92101, from 8–9 p.m. Price: $13–$30
Her Universe Fashion Show
Geek out over couture at the annual Her Universe Fashion Show at the Manchester Grand Hyatt. Hosted by founder and Star Wars: The Clone Wars actress Ashley Eckstein and presented by Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products, this year’s show will feature a selection of designers showcasing one-of-a-kind DC-inspired creations as they compete for a $2,000 cash prize.
Note: Wristbands are traditionally distributed the morning of the event on a first-come, first-served basis, but official details have not yet been announced.
Date & Time: Thursday, July 23, 6 p.m. Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Seaport Ballroom, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Comic-Con Museum
A destination for all things fandom, Balboa Park’s Comic-Con Museum brings world-premiere and exclusive exhibits and events to the heart of San Diego, giving fans a place to geek out all year long. The museum is currently featuring the U.S. debut of Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder, showcasing 17 of the Doctor’s most iconic costumes, a full-size TARDIS and a collection of original sonic screwdrivers used on-screen. Visitors can also explore Sangre, Sudor y Mito: The Art and Tradition of Mexican Lucha Libre, featuring rare collectibles and authentic masks and costumes worn by legendary luchadores.
Date & Time: Open Thursday through Tuesday (closed Wednesdays), 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Location: 2131 Pan American Plaza, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: $15–$30; free for children younger than 6
Comic-Con Art Show
Browse an extensive collection of original drawings, paintings, jewelry and other whimsical creations from more than 100 professional and amateur artists at the Comic-Con Art Show. Many pieces will be available for purchase through the silent auction or Quick Sale, giving fans the chance to take home a one-of-a-kind Comic-Con souvenir while supporting talented artists.
Dates & Times:
Thursday, July 23: 11 a.m.–8 p.m.
Friday, July 24: 9 a.m.–8 p.m.
Saturday, July 25: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 9 a.m.–6 p.m.
Location: Manchester Grand Hyatt, Grand Hall CD, 1 Market Place, San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Free
Looking for a supercute way to fuel your Comic-Con adventures? Swing by the Hello Kitty Café Truck. This traveling pink café on wheels will be parked at Petco Park’s Interactive Zone, serving up tasty treats and exclusive merchandise. From limited-edition tote bags and hats to mugs and T-shirts, it’s the perfect stop to grab a snack and a little extra kawaii cuteness.
Date & Time:
Thursday, July 23–Saturday, July 25: 10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Sunday, July 26: 10 a.m. (closing time TBD)
Location: Petco Park Interactive Zone, 100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101 Price: Menu items vary
PopUp Bagels, Spider-Man and Donut Bar Activations at Pendry San Diego
Get ready to fuel up and hype up. Whether you’re a plain-bagel purist or an everything-bagel fan, don’t miss your chance to grab breakfast or recharge at PopUp Bagels’ Volkswagen bus parked outside Pendry San Diego. Then satisfy your sweet tooth at Provisional with a rotating selection of character-themed doughnuts from Donut Bar. Both are available throughout the weekend beginning at 7 a.m. until sold out.
On July 24 and 25 from noon to 4 p.m., head to Nason’s Beer Hall for photo ops to celebrate Sony Pictures’ upcoming Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Guests can sample Tom Holland’s nonalcoholic beer brand, BERO, served in limited-edition themed cans available exclusively during the event.
Camila Ibarra Gallego is a CaliBaja native pursuing a master's degree in culinary journalism at the Basque Culinary Center. Shaped by the culturally rich, bicultural megaregion, she's passionate about sniffing out stories that connect people, territory and culture through food. When she's not tumbling down internet rabbit holes, you can find her pretending to be a wine connoisseur at a local wine bar or nose-deep in a good book.
Finding a gift that feels truly personal can be surprisingly difficult. In a sea of generic options — flowers, gift cards, candles, and the like — Xplosion Box offers something more lasting: a customized keepsake built around the photos, messages, and memories that matter most.
Founded by Southern California entrepreneur Jay Vijay, Xplosion Box LLC creates fully customized explosion gift boxes that arrive professionally designed, printed, assembled, and ready to gift. Each box opens layer by layer to reveal personal photos, heartfelt messages, pull-out albums, origami-style photo pockets, and hidden notes, turning a simple gift into an emotional reveal.
The brand was built for people who want to give something meaningful without spending hours printing photos, cutting paper, folding cardstock, or assembling a DIY project. Customers simply choose a box, upload their favorite photos, add personal messages, and the Xplosion Box team transforms those details into a polished keepsake that feels thoughtful, personal, and beautifully made.
Xplosion Box offers personalized gift boxes for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, proposals, bridesmaid gifts, long-distance relationships, and thoughtful “just because” moments.
Customers can choose from flexible customization options starting at $27. The Mini Surprise Box includes 10 photos, three message cards, and one hidden secret note, while the Mega Surprise Box offers a fuller keepsake experience with 40 photos, three message cards, and one hidden secret note.
What sets Xplosion Box apart is its high level of customization combined with convenience. Filled with personal photos, custom text, decorative details, and layered surprises, each box gives customers the freedom to create a gift that feels one-of-a-kind — without having to make it themselves.
At its core, Xplosion Box helps people turn favorite photos, stories, and words into something tangible: a keepsake that can be opened, revisited, and remembered long after the occasion has passed. asion has passed.
Before, during, and after the Fourth of July, San Diegans can commemorate America’s 250th anniversary with an abundance of stars, stripes and local celebrations. America The Beautiful: 250 at The Rady Shell and Lamb’s Players Theatre’s revival of American Rhythm will look back at the many songs which define our country. Liberty Station’s Anchored in Freedom celebration and the Independence Day Carnival offer community-centered fun and loads of family-friendly activities. And who can possibly forget the Big Bay Boom, which will resume its reign over San Diego Bay as the state’s biggest fireworks show. Outside of the holiday festivities, this week brings the yearly return of Little Italy’s Summer Sera and the Athenaeum Summer Festival, as well as a slate of championship matches for All Elite Wrestling.
Sip on refreshing beverages and savor a panoramic rooftop view this Friday from 6-8 p.m. during the 21-plus Sunset & Spritz at Margaritaville Hotel San Diego Gaslamp Quarter’s 5 O’Clock Somewhere Bar. There will be a live DJ (until 9 p.m.), appetizers, pool and cabana access, a photo booth, and a cash bar (until 11 p.m.). To accentuate the summer theme, guests are invited to dress in white, pink, and orange attire. Tickets are $29 and come with a welcome aperol spritz.
616 J Street, Gaslamp
The 250 Grand Tasting Menu at Amaya
July 3 & 4
Bring a patriotic palette to the Fairmont Grand Del Mar for The 250 Grand Tasting Menu at Amaya this Friday and Saturday from 5-8:30 p.m. Patrons will be treated to a five-course tasting menu, curated to exhibit a selection of standout regional flavors and culinary concepts that have shaped our country’s distinct food heritage. The meal will also include beverage pairings with each course, such as wine, cocktails, and artisanal drinks. Reservations are $330 per person (with tax and 20% gratuity) on OpenTable.
Don Toliver thrives at being the life of the party (and the “After Party”). His fifth album Octane, released in February, is indicative of his thrill-seeking nature. As with his earlier releases, Octane sees Toliver operating in the space between hip-hop and R&B, with warbling vocals and blaring beats that are best heard at a high volume. This Tuesday at 7:30 p.m., Toliver will play at Pechanga Arena, with rappers SoFaygo, Chase B and SahBabii—who had a guest verse on Octane standout “K9”—as special guests. Tickets start at $156 for this concert.
What makes musicals like Wicked, Cats, Chicago, and Jersey Boys so timeless is the legion of excellent songs that makes fans out of those who’ve never even watched the show. This Friday at 7:30 p.m. during Blockbuster Broadway! at The Rady Shell, conductor Evan Roider, the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, and veteran vocalists Alex Getlin, Jessica Hendy, Scott Coulter, and John Boswell (also on piano) will perform an all-star theater soundtrack. In addition to the shows named above, audiences can expect songs from A Chorus Line, The Phantom of the Opera, Annie,and more. Tickets range from $57 to $129 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
America The Beautiful: 250 at The Rady Shell
July 4
One night after recognizing the brilliance of Broadway, The Rady Shell will ring in the United States’ landmark anniversary with America The Beautiful: 250 this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Conductor Byron Stripling, joined by a five-performer ensemble and the San Diego Symphony Orchestra, will lead a night of ballads that best resemble the red, white, and blue, including songs sourced from the Great American Songbook. After the show, concertgoers are invited to watch the nearby Big Bay Boom from their seats. Tickets range from $71 to $139 for this concert.
222 Marina Park Way, Embarcadero
Athenaeum Summer Festival at Athenaeum Music & Arts Library
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
Summer has officially kicked off, and San Diego is celebrating the sunny season with a myriad of fun events. From San Diego Pride week and a fairytale performance at Civic Theatre to a Santigold concert and Comic-Con, there are dozens of opportunities to make memories worth adding to your scrapbook. Here are all the best things to do in San Diego this July:
Divine inspirations, operatic ballads, and symphonic pop production elevate Rosalía’s Lux to heavenly levels. Hear angelic vocals ascend—in up to 13 languages—during her performance at Pechanga Arena.
Enjoy a night of feel-good indie rock and sing-along anthems at the Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre courtesy of Young the Giant and special guest Cold War Kids.
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Santigold collects genres like gold stars: musical accouterments that brighten her uniquely alternative sound. See her live in concert with dancehall producer Troy Baker Sound at Humphreys Concerts by the Bay.
Two male government workers pursue a secret romance amid the Lavender Scare in the San Diego Opera’s production of “Fellow Travelers” at the Balboa Theatre.
Audrey Hepburn. Marlon Brando. Salvador Dalí. What do these icons have in common? Each was the enigmatic focus of a Cecil Beaton portrait. Step inside Cecil Beaton’s Fashionable World, an alluring showcase of 20th-century style at San Diego Museum of Art.
Courtesy of San Diego Pride
More Fun Things to Do in San Diego This Month
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The Little Italy Mercato will trade morning rays for golden-hour glow through its free Summer Sera, an expansion of the neighborhood’s farmers market with live music, artisanal finds, and a fetching amount of pet activities.
11–19
San Diego Pride week starts with a Dyke March and ends with the two-day “Pride Shines On” festival. The days in between? Run a 5K, march in the parade, visit the rainbow-lit St. Paul’s Episcopal Cathedral, and more.
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Dress up for a Mediterranean-themed tea time at the Estancia La Jolla, a laid-back yet refined afternoon planned for the resort’s monthly Tea in the Garden series.
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Nerd culture’s biggest gathering returns to the Convention Center. San Diego Comic-Con welcomes fans of everything from comic book cinema to ultra-rare collectibles for panels, exhibits, sneak peeks, and much more.
Ryan Hardison is a freelance arts and entertainment writer and recent graduate of San Diego State. When he's not staring at his laptop, he's likely eating an adobada burrito or getting sunburnt at the beach.
SeaWorld dazzles with a drone show, big-name entertainers, new animal adventures and more
By Partner Content
Nights are heating up at SeaWorld San Diego. The quintessential summertime staple on Mission Bay is transforming into a destination for unforgettable day-to-night adventures, bringing back some of its most popular Summer Nights programming and introducing exciting new experiences sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
The 2026 Summer Day to Night at SeaWorld San Diego is the park’s most ambitious season yet. SeaWorld has planned a highly anticipated entertainment lineup that features nine weeks of throwback concerts featuring R&B and hip‑hop favorites from the ‘90s and early 2000s, including Jordin Sparks, Too $hort and Warren G, Ashanti, and an array of boy band heartthrobs performing together as part of the Pop 2000 Tour.
New this season is perhaps the park’s most visible update: a nightly drone show, Ocean of Dreams, which illuminates the sky with hundreds of synchronized sparklers. Drones form sea otters, sharks, dolphins, and a majestic orca that tell a breathtaking 12-minute story of marine life and underwater ecosystems. The show culminates with a spectacular electric neon finale celebrating hope, wonder, and ocean stewardship.
Nighttime visitors are also in store for animal adventures that fuse education with high-energy fun and the dreamy ambiance of nighttime. The park has launched two all-new animal presentations: Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night and Dolphins: Touch the Sky. Shamu’s Celebration:Light Up the Night features vibrant lighting, music, and dynamic choreography that celebrates the power and beauty of killer whales. Dolphins: Touch the Sky showcases playful bottlenose dolphins and the special connection between humans and the natural world. And back by popular demand is fan-favorite Sea Lions Tonite. See the charming pinnipeds splash, play, and parody pop culture in this refreshed crowd-pleaser.
More must-sees: a newly reimagined Shark Encounter, one of the country’s more immersive exhibits highlighting 11 different species up close, SeaWorld’s beloved BMX Blast! stunt show, and high-seas escapade, Pirates Ahoy! The Battle for Mermaid Cove. And don’t miss the park’s all-new Deep Sea Disco, which encourages guests to dance the night away under the glow of the SkyTower, and vibrant closing time laser light display Laser Reef Summer Spectacular.
Amp up the nighttime vibe with local craft beers, curated cocktails, and nostalgic theme park treats with $1 beer all summer long. SeaWorld is the place for day to night summer fun. When the sun goes down, SeaWorld lights up, and inspires guests of all ages to embrace their inner whimsy and see why generations of San Diegans head to SeaWorld to make memories they’ll never forget.
