Jennifer’s guidebook
Neighborhoods
Nighttime destination for bars, clubs, music, cocktails, and beer.
Very close to the cottage, just make your way down Market.
Everything is walkable or you can grab a scooter to get around.
Driving/parking is not recommended as it is close and parking spots are hard to come by.
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Gaslamp Quarter
Nighttime destination for bars, clubs, music, cocktails, and beer.
Very close to the cottage, just make your way down Market.
Everything is walkable or you can grab a scooter to get around.
Driving/parking is not recommended as it is close and parking spots are hard to come by.
San Diego's oldest Mexican-American neighborhood offers vibrant food, shops, art, bars, restaurants in and around Logan Avenue. Check out Chicano Park while you are here. One of my favorite places in San Diego.
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Barrio Logan
San Diego's oldest Mexican-American neighborhood offers vibrant food, shops, art, bars, restaurants in and around Logan Avenue. Check out Chicano Park while you are here. One of my favorite places in San Diego.
The spot to be in for all food, bars, restaurants, night spots.
Great farmers market on the weekends to wander about.
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Little Italy
The spot to be in for all food, bars, restaurants, night spots.
Great farmers market on the weekends to wander about.
Chill vibe with lots of small bars, restaurants, and other small businesses. Cool place to walk around and hop from spot to spot.
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Adams Avenue
Adams AvenueChill vibe with lots of small bars, restaurants, and other small businesses. Cool place to walk around and hop from spot to spot.
Hillcrest
3960 Normal StUniversity Heights
Cool little island to visit. Great beach. Lots of shops and restaurants.
Don't forget to check out The Hotel Del Coronado.
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Coronado
Cool little island to visit. Great beach. Lots of shops and restaurants.
Don't forget to check out The Hotel Del Coronado.
Sherman Heights
This is the neighborhood where the cottage is located.
Old residential neighborhood with local businesses and restaurants. Slightly hipster feel.
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Golden Hill
Old residential neighborhood with local businesses and restaurants. Slightly hipster feel.
Art
Local gallery featuring various events including spoken poetry, live music and dancing, themed art exhibitions, and community celebrations just to name a few.
One of my favorite places!
Check the gallery and their events out here:
https://www.labodegagallery.com/
Opened a couple new locations so check their website for addresses and hours.
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La Bodega Gallery
2292 National AveLocal gallery featuring various events including spoken poetry, live music and dancing, themed art exhibitions, and community celebrations just to name a few.
One of my favorite places!
Check the gallery and their events out here:
https://www.labodegagallery.com/
Opened a couple new locations so check their website for addresses and hours.
Bread & Salt
1955 Julian AvenueEngaging, local art co-op.
Thumbprint Gallery
920 Kline StInteresting, local exhibitions.
Food scene
These are restaurants I enjoy in various locations throughout San Diego. From local spots to eat with your hands to upscale, fine dining and everything in between.
Heavenly plates which are artfully prepared to engage all of the senses. Craft cocktails to compliment the experience and ambiance. Menu rotates frequently based on seasonal fresh foods available.
Best to dress up a bit and make an event of it. Reservations recommended. $$$
Best for those dining alone (beautifully decorated and classy bar to sit), couples, or groups of adults.
https://www.juniperandivy.com/
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Juniper & Ivy
2228 Kettner BlvdHeavenly plates which are artfully prepared to engage all of the senses. Craft cocktails to compliment the experience and ambiance. Menu rotates frequently based on seasonal fresh foods available.
Best to dress up a bit and make an event of it. Reservations recommended. $$$
Best for those dining alone (beautifully decorated and classy bar to sit), couples, or groups of adults.
https://www.juniperandivy.com/
Skillfully crafted sushi and perfectly fresh fish.
Casual but classy atmosphere.
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Azuki Sushi
2321 Fifth AveSkillfully crafted sushi and perfectly fresh fish.
Casual but classy atmosphere.
Exciting and inventive cocktail menu with great food to match.
Check out the speakeasy attached. Ask the hostess if you can't find it. :-)
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Craft & Commerce
675 W Beech StExciting and inventive cocktail menu with great food to match.
Check out the speakeasy attached. Ask the hostess if you can't find it. :-)
Great dumplings!
Fun to see them prepared while you are waiting in the lobby.
So many things to try so bring your appetite.
Nice bar if you are eating solo.
Recommend reservations.
Adjacent to great shopping center as well.
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Din Tai Fung
4301 La Jolla Village DrGreat dumplings!
Fun to see them prepared while you are waiting in the lobby.
So many things to try so bring your appetite.
Nice bar if you are eating solo.
Recommend reservations.
Adjacent to great shopping center as well.
An old pharmacy vibe, a great place to get craft cocktails and hang out.
Try the off-menu poison ivy if you like absinthe and basil.
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Polite Provisions
4696 30th StAn old pharmacy vibe, a great place to get craft cocktails and hang out.
Try the off-menu poison ivy if you like absinthe and basil.
Incredible steakhouse with Gatsby vibe.
Wear your best and enjoy an evening out at this special spot.
Reservations recommended.
$$$$
https://bornandraisedsteak.com/
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Born and Raised
1909 India StIncredible steakhouse with Gatsby vibe.
Wear your best and enjoy an evening out at this special spot.
Reservations recommended.
$$$$
https://bornandraisedsteak.com/
Must see speakeasy in UTC Mall.
Reservations recommended.
Craft cocktails and extensive collection of spirits.
Be aware they do not serve food.
On my must visit list because this is so much to enter and the atmosphere is a stunner the first time you walk in.
Fun to sit in the corner with a partner and chat or plenty of room to hang around the bar with a group.
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Raised by Wolves
4301 La Jolla Village DrMust see speakeasy in UTC Mall.
Reservations recommended.
Craft cocktails and extensive collection of spirits.
Be aware they do not serve food.
On my must visit list because this is so much to enter and the atmosphere is a stunner the first time you walk in.
Fun to sit in the corner with a partner and chat or plenty of room to hang around the bar with a group.
I love the spicy sesame ramen.
Casual atmosphere and great ramen.
Tajima has several locations in San Diego so check out their website.
https://tajimasandiego.com/
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Tajima Ramen North Park
3015 Adams AveI love the spicy sesame ramen.
Casual atmosphere and great ramen.
Tajima has several locations in San Diego so check out their website.
https://tajimasandiego.com/
Tacos El Gordo
556 BroadwaySan Diego classic.
Tacos. What more can one say?
About six blocks down Market, so a quick walk or scooter ride from the Cottage. Yummy ramen, rice bowls, and sushi rolls. Casual atmosphere. Full bar.
Prices: Ramen about $12 a bowl without additions. Two pork buns $8. $7 mochi
Recommend reservations on weekends.
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BESHOCK Ramen East Village
1288 Market StreetAbout six blocks down Market, so a quick walk or scooter ride from the Cottage. Yummy ramen, rice bowls, and sushi rolls. Casual atmosphere. Full bar.
Prices: Ramen about $12 a bowl without additions. Two pork buns $8. $7 mochi
Recommend reservations on weekends.
Artfully prepared tapas. Amazing cocktails and a great wine selection.
Perfect for a special night out.
Most were dressed up a little when I was there so I would say business casual.
A bit pricey but the food is superb.
Most small plates, good for two to share, between $12 and $20 each. Dinner entrees are limited and are about $30 and up. $72 if you want 22 ounces of ribeye.
Reservation recommended.
https://www.trustrestaurantsd.com/
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Trust
3752 Park BlvdArtfully prepared tapas. Amazing cocktails and a great wine selection.
Perfect for a special night out.
Most were dressed up a little when I was there so I would say business casual.
A bit pricey but the food is superb.
Most small plates, good for two to share, between $12 and $20 each. Dinner entrees are limited and are about $30 and up. $72 if you want 22 ounces of ribeye.
Reservation recommended.
https://www.trustrestaurantsd.com/
I think this place is the coolest ice cream spot in San Diego.
Inventive flavors and an engaging tasting and ordering process.
It is also along a street within lots of other cool bars and restaurants. Perfect for grabbing a scooter and exploring.
$6-9 or so depending on how many scoops you get.
https://adcgelato.com/
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Ans Dry Cleaning
3017 Adams AveI think this place is the coolest ice cream spot in San Diego.
Inventive flavors and an engaging tasting and ordering process.
It is also along a street within lots of other cool bars and restaurants. Perfect for grabbing a scooter and exploring.
$6-9 or so depending on how many scoops you get.
https://adcgelato.com/
San Diego Brewery Staple.
Their larger production siteand restaurant in Miramar is also a great place to hangout.
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Ballast Point Brewing Little Italy
2215 India StSan Diego Brewery Staple.
Their larger production siteand restaurant in Miramar is also a great place to hangout.
More amazing tacos at great prices. Salsas and margaritas are delicious, too. Lines can be long but worth the wait.
Logan Avenue is a fun place to walk about as well after are done eating.
Right by Border X Brewing, LaBodega Gallery, and Chicano park.
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¡SALUD! Barrio Logan
2196 Logan AveMore amazing tacos at great prices. Salsas and margaritas are delicious, too. Lines can be long but worth the wait.
Logan Avenue is a fun place to walk about as well after are done eating.
Right by Border X Brewing, LaBodega Gallery, and Chicano park.
Great place to hang out. Taste all the beer, enjoy music, dancing, food, and a great neighborhood vibe.
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BORDER X BREWING
2181 Logan AveGreat place to hang out. Taste all the beer, enjoy music, dancing, food, and a great neighborhood vibe.
City Tacos
3028 University AveGreat tacos in the North Park neighborhood right on the strip.
Quaint little spot for wine and fresh pasta. The tiramisu was amazing. Although everything was good, I will go back the tiramisu.
Monzu Fresh Pasta
455 Tenth AveQuaint little spot for wine and fresh pasta. The tiramisu was amazing. Although everything was good, I will go back the tiramisu.
Homemade ice cream super close to the cottage.
I had the peanut butter whiskey with chocolate flecks and it was decadent!
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Mutual Friend Ice Cream
3004 25th StHomemade ice cream super close to the cottage.
I had the peanut butter whiskey with chocolate flecks and it was decadent!
Family-owned ice cream shop on Adam's Avenue. Get a scoop and wander up and down Adam's Ave.
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Mariposa Ice Cream
3450 Adams AveFamily-owned ice cream shop on Adam's Avenue. Get a scoop and wander up and down Adam's Ave.
Pizza shop (NYC style) with the best flat top grill burgers. $5 cheeseburger, made only one way. You will wanna stuff your face full of them after one taste.
A San Diego staple.
*There is another location on University Ave that has a full menu.
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The Friendly
4592 30th StPizza shop (NYC style) with the best flat top grill burgers. $5 cheeseburger, made only one way. You will wanna stuff your face full of them after one taste.
A San Diego staple.
*There is another location on University Ave that has a full menu.
Very close (1.2 miles) from the cottage.
Philly cheesesteaks, beer, bar appetizers.
Outdoor tables. Cheez whiz or American?
Popular with locals and not very touristy.
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Giorgino's
1237 28th StVery close (1.2 miles) from the cottage.
Philly cheesesteaks, beer, bar appetizers.
Outdoor tables. Cheez whiz or American?
Popular with locals and not very touristy.
Creative, New-York style crispy crust pizzas. Butternut squash and walnut was a delicious surprise! The Cheesy is good, too.
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Zia Gourmet Pizza
3311 Adams AveCreative, New-York style crispy crust pizzas. Butternut squash and walnut was a delicious surprise! The Cheesy is good, too.
Fun Stuff to Do
Karaoke! Karaoke! Karaoke!
Did I mention Karaoke?
Korean BBQ joint with a bar and private karaoke rooms for rent. Food and beverages served to the room make this a great spot to hang out with friends and display those amazing singing and dancing skills.
Parking can be a bit of a challenge in this area so be prepared to uber or to drive around for a spot.
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Min Sok Chon
4620 Convoy StKaraoke! Karaoke! Karaoke!
Did I mention Karaoke?
Korean BBQ joint with a bar and private karaoke rooms for rent. Food and beverages served to the room make this a great spot to hang out with friends and display those amazing singing and dancing skills.
Parking can be a bit of a challenge in this area so be prepared to uber or to drive around for a spot.
Petco Park
100 Park BlvdBaseball
San Diegon eläintarha
2920 Zoo DrLots of different things to see and do here.
Museums, gardens, food trucks, places to wander and sit, theater, music.
Worth checking out.
Check the event calendar on the website for an up to date list of things to do.
https://www.balboapark.org/events
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Balboa Park
Lots of different things to see and do here.
Museums, gardens, food trucks, places to wander and sit, theater, music.
Worth checking out.
Check the event calendar on the website for an up to date list of things to do.
https://www.balboapark.org/events
Wander about the restaurants and small shops or walk along the boardwalk by the water.
Relaxing way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. Every now and then there are bands that play music in the food court area in the evening.
Seaport Village
849 West Harbor DriveWander about the restaurants and small shops or walk along the boardwalk by the water.
Relaxing way to spend a few hours in the afternoon. Every now and then there are bands that play music in the food court area in the evening.
Hands down one of my favorite places in San Diego for walking, running, and picnics. There is a lovely groomed walking path that spans about five miles around the bay. It is also connected to Fiesta Island. Family friendly and dog friendly. Walk, run, bike, rollerblade. Perfect for picnics.
Plenty of parking.
The Hilton hotel situated along the walking path has rental equipment to enjoy the water such as paddleboarding and those little boats two people sit in and pedal. Check their equipment list for full details.
This is about ten or fifteen minute drive without traffic from the cottage. The orange line trolley stops at a small shopping center near the bay. Take Orange line from Courthouse (downtown) to Park&Market stop. About a fifteen minute walk from there. Uber from the cottage is about $15 one way.
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Mission Bay Park
500 E Mission Bay DrHands down one of my favorite places in San Diego for walking, running, and picnics. There is a lovely groomed walking path that spans about five miles around the bay. It is also connected to Fiesta Island. Family friendly and dog friendly. Walk, run, bike, rollerblade. Perfect for picnics.
Plenty of parking.
The Hilton hotel situated along the walking path has rental equipment to enjoy the water such as paddleboarding and those little boats two people sit in and pedal. Check their equipment list for full details.
This is about ten or fifteen minute drive without traffic from the cottage. The orange line trolley stops at a small shopping center near the bay. Take Orange line from Courthouse (downtown) to Park&Market stop. About a fifteen minute walk from there. Uber from the cottage is about $15 one way.
Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdCoffee shops
Great locally owned coffee spot close to the cottage. Plenty of room to hang out and relax.
Genteel Coffee Co.
2603 University AvenueGreat locally owned coffee spot close to the cottage. Plenty of room to hang out and relax.
Quaint place with local art. Perfect for people watching if you can grab one of the few outdoor tables.
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Coffee & Art
777 Sixth AveQuaint place with local art. Perfect for people watching if you can grab one of the few outdoor tables.
Not too far from the cottage, perfect neighborhood coffee spot.
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Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams AveNot too far from the cottage, perfect neighborhood coffee spot.
Great place to hang out, grab coffee, or walk around the neighborhood and look at the local art installations and graffiti.
Check out the parking lot for great food trucks!
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Cafe Moto
2619 National AveGreat place to hang out, grab coffee, or walk around the neighborhood and look at the local art installations and graffiti.
Check out the parking lot for great food trucks!
Dog friendly spots
If you are traveling with your dog, this is the best place ever. Dogs are off-leash and running free to enjoy the ocean. Great places for humans to hang out too.
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Del Mar North Beach
If you are traveling with your dog, this is the best place ever. Dogs are off-leash and running free to enjoy the ocean. Great places for humans to hang out too.
Beaches
Pacific Beach
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StTorrey Pines State Beach
Great boardwalk and small amusement park. Lots of shops and restaurants. Perfect spot for families but fun for anyone. Of course the beach is amazing as well. :-)
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Mission Beach
3000 Mission BoulevardGreat boardwalk and small amusement park. Lots of shops and restaurants. Perfect spot for families but fun for anyone. Of course the beach is amazing as well. :-)
La Jolla Shores Hotel
8110 Camino Del OroSolana Beach
Imperial Beach
Sunset Cliffs
Del Mar North Beach
Clothing optional.
Sun your buns.
Find the gliderport and hike down. It's a steep hike up and back, so not good for taking lots of stuff.
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Black's Beach
Clothing optional.
Sun your buns.
Find the gliderport and hike down. It's a steep hike up and back, so not good for taking lots of stuff.