Restaurant Recommendation

• Lunch
  • If you’re looking for an informal, delicious and fair valued seafood restaurant, then don’t leave San Diego without visiting Point Loma Seafoods. Try the crab sandwich. Park in the parking lot at no charge. CASH ONLY.
  • The Brigantine Seafood Restaurant is a good old fashioned seafood restaurant. If you’re in town on a Tuesday, go for their “Taco Tuesday” specials, you’ll find fish, carnitas, chicken. They also have a delicious dinner menu, but try their lunch specials – they are equal in quality and at a much lower price.
  • The Harbor Town Pub is a great hang out while enjoying a beer on tap, and having one of their delicious gourmet burgers. They also have a mouth-watering Ahi Club sandwich, a personal favorite. Go for Taco Tuesdays or Karaoke Wednesdays!



• Dinner
  • Find Polynesian food and A-M-A-Z-I-N-G views of the San Diego skyline at Bali Hai. It is also the first Tiki temple erected in the area (area is actually called Shelter Island).
  • An absolute avorite is Pomodoro Ristorante Italiano, they make their own pasta and offer many traditional Italian dishes. It may get a little loud around dinner time, but it is so worth it. Leave room for their chocolate bread pudding with gelato, it’s the closest you’ll come to a chocolate soufflé.
  • Craving pizza? At Pummaró Pizzeria you can get traditional thin crust Napoletana pizza, baked in a wood fired oven. This style of pizza is soft and foldable. Quality ingredients, great service!

Something Different

• If you like wine and plan to drink lots of it during your vacation, we suggest you head over to Grape Connections. Bob, the owner of this quaint little wine shop, really knows his stuff. He is all about quality, value and service and if you ask, he is always ready for some wine tasting . Take your own bottle to dinners around town and pay only the corkage fee (usually $10-15).
• Now that you’re filled with a wine glow, cross the street and visit The Elegant Truffle for delicious handmade chocolates! The owner will usually greet you with samples to get a feel for your palate before making recommendations! She is passionate about chocolates.
• Haven’t had time to travel to Greece but you’re dying to see a Greek amphitheater? Now you can! Sitting on the Point Loma Nazarene University campus, this theater was built in 1901. It is the first open air Greek Theater in the United States. To see it, go to the entrance booth at the University and tell them you’re there to see the theater.

This 10th annual event takes place in San Diego’s flagship arts and culture district, NTC @ Liberty Station, once San Diego’s Naval Training Center, and now a mecca for artist studios, galleries, museums and performing arts groups. Attendees will be able to experience art “alfresco.” ArtWalk NTC brings fine art outside under San Diego’s sunny skies to create the perfect viewing art under natural light and purchase artwork directly from the finest artists in the region. Attendees get to meet with artists and hear what inspires them about their work.

Centennial Family Day, August 22, 11-3

The San Diego Model Railroad Museum along with Balboa Park celebrates 100 years of innovation, culture and natural beauty with the Centennial Family Day on Saturday, August 22, 2015 from 11 am to 3 pm. Celebrate the arts, architecture and new technology that the Panama-California exposition brought to San Diego. Join them as they transport your family back in time to Balboa Park as it appeared in the early 1900’s.

Summer Pops – A Night of Classic Rock, August 28 & 29, 7:30

Are you ready to rock? John Elefante, formerly of Kansas, leads an outstanding lineup of session veterans through a stellar evening of rock anthems and guitar-driven classics, from Aerosmith to Led Zeppelin to Journey and more. To complete this electrifying evening are the Kansas classics “Dust in the Wind” and “Carry on Wayward Son,” powered by the brass, strings and percussion of the San Diego Symphony Orchestra!

But the Sports Arena area is much more than just mega stores, you will also find many delicious eclectic and traditional restaurants. Below are a few of our recommendations.

Restaurant Recommendations

• Lunch
  • For a healthy smoothie and light lunch, visit Casa de Juice on Midway Dr. It is a small little juice shop making fresh and delicious juices to order. Try their shrimp ceviche rolled “jicatacos” small tacos made with jicama instead of tortillas. Try them! Their vegi torta is also delicious!
  • The Gourmet Bagger is our go-to sandwich shop! Every sandwich comes in its own brown bag, with a freshly made buttery chocolate chip cookie and a mint. Grab your sandwich and head over to a nearby park or the beach and enjoy the beautiful weather!
  • Tandoori House is a quaint Indian restaurant with a delicious, reasonably priced and generous lunch menu. The staff is very nice. If you want REALLY spicy, let them know you can handle it ☺ Drive slowly, or you’ll miss it (by the Taco Bell).
  • If you have never tried Middle Eastern food, Fairouz Café is a great place for an introduction. They have an incredible buffet filled with items that taste homemade. “You don’t eat no meat? That’s OK, they make lamb.” ;D. If you’re a vegetarian, you will be very happy here! We can’t recommend this restaurant highly enough. Please keep in mind, this is not Hometown Buffet. As an added bonus, the restaurant also doubles as an art studio.

• Lunch or Dinner
  • In the mood for Greek? Then Georgia’s Greek Cuisine is where you need to be. Located in a shopping center on Rosecrans St. this place has it all…delicious food, friendly service, great prices and lots of parking! The Baklava is scrumptious.
  • Are you the type whose vacation is not complete until you have a Flintstones-like slab of meat in front of you, then go to Phil’s BBQ on Sports Arena Blvd. Arguably, the best ribs in San Diego! Don’t turn away if there is a line, with ten cash registers ready, their service is super fast! Try the ribs & chicken combo.
  • Another favorite Indian restaurant in the area is Taste of the Himalayas. A favorite rice dish is the Vegetable Biryani and the chicken tikka is unbelievable. The restaurant décor is perfect for a romantic dinner.

Del Mar Racing Season Open July 16

San Diego horse racing takes place where the “turf meets the surf” at the Del Mar Racetrack. Fans flock to the track each summer to wager on their favorite horses during the popular, annual Del Mar Thoroughbred Club racing season, mid-July – early-September. Be part of the magic and nostalgia of this long-time horse race tradition dating back to 1937 when Bing Crosby greeted the first guests, and Seabiscuit won by a nose in the infamous race in 1938. This season features the nation’s top race horses, trainers and jockeys, and plenty of fun in the sun.

The races run five days weekly, except Monday and Tuesday.
Horse racing at Del Mar happens Wednesday through Sunday, with post time for the first race on most days at 2:00 PM. On Fridays first post is at 4:00 PM. Opening day July 16

2015 Festival of the Bells – July 18

This weekend event celebrates the anniversary of Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the Mother of California’s 21 Missions, which was founded by Blessed Father Junipero Serra on July 16, 1769.
Each year in mid July, parishioners, volunteers and visitors all gather for one weekend to celebrate the beginning of Christianity in the western United States with food, entertainment, dancing and traditional activities like the Blessing of the Bells and the Blessing of the Animals. All five Mission bells are rung during the weekend festivities, including an original bell dating back to 1802. The Festival of the Bells is a great family event and is a great opportunity for everyone to visit and learn more about this historical landmark.

Superhero’s Night Out – July 25

July is full of superheroes in San Diego and The New Children’s Museum downtown is no exception! Tickets start at just $15 and include dinner, dessert, superhero-themed activities, costume parades and much more! We also have an opportunity drawing to win superhero-themed prizes. All proceeds benefit Museum programs and activities.

Members – $15 child | $25 adult
General Admission – $25 child | $35 adult
Children under 2 are free! Adult admission includes two drink tickets.

Film in the Garden: Annie Hall – July 27

Winner of the 1977 Oscar for Best Picture, Woody Allen’s classic romance Annie Hall (1977, PG) opens with Alvy Singer’s flashback to his childhood home, built under Coney Island’s Thunderbolt roller coaster.

Take a trip to the rollicking shores of Coney Island this summer, not only in the galleries with the exhibition Coney Island: Visions of an American Dreamland, 1861–2008 (July 11–October 11, 2015) but also under the stars in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Garden as the Museum presents films inspired by this theme. Grab a blanket, bring a few friends, and be sure to arrive early for a good seat on the lawn. Panama 66 will be open to serve you from their menu, including a full bar. Please note no outside alcoholic beverages will be allowed.

Breakfast

• Café 222 on Island Ave. is famous for their Peanut Butter & Banana stuffed French toast, but they have many other delicious items on their menu. Get there early for patio seating; they start serving at 7am. The portions are large, so this is a good place if you’re the type that wakes up hungry.

Lunch

• Another recommendation for Mexican food is La Puerta on 4th Ave. They have delicious food, quality drinks and their prices are great! Visit them from 3-7pm for Happy Hours to get even better deals.

Dinner

• For an entertaining dinner, check out Café Sevilla, they have a live Flamenco dinner show every Friday and Saturday.

• Candelas is a delicious, expressive Mexican restaurant. It is on the expensive side but the food is great and the décor is warm and lively.

• The Gaslamp Strip Club is a do it yourself steak place… the food is great and the environment is fun! It can be a little bit expensive. Go there and leave happy!

• Reí do Gado a Brazilian steakhouse for hard-core meat lovers. No exaggeration. The food is served buffet style for about $40 per person, and with 40 types of meat on the menu the meat will keep coming and coming and coming! They seriously won’t stop until you tell them to. They have a good lunch special for about $17 per person with much smaller options, but still great.

Start your summer at the 2015 San Diego County Fair – Friday, June 5 through Sunday, July 5 (closed Mondays and the first two Tuesdays). For centuries, people across the world have traveled to World’s Fairs to celebrate innovations, art and agriculture. In 1915, people flocked to San Diego for the Panama-California Exposition, held in Balboa Park. To celebrate the 100th anniversary of this milestone event, and the history and influence World’s Fairs have had on the modern-day, the 2015 San Diego County Fair theme is A Fair To Remember: A Celebration of World’s Fairs and Balboa Park. Tickets $8-$15

Free Public Tour of Scripps Oceanography June 13, 10-11am

Interested in exploring Scripps Institution of Oceanography? Founded in 1903, Scripps is one of the oldest and most prestigious marine and earth sciences research institutions in the world. The Scripps mission is to seek, teach, and communicate scientific understanding of the oceans, atmosphere, Earth, and other planets for the benefit of society and the environment. Come learn more about this jewel of the University of California system. Tours are free but registration is required.

Fairy Festival June 20, 10-4

Fairies! Come celebrate summer at the Hamilton Children’s Garden. Wear your fairy costume or come just as you are. Create a fairy house, make fairy treasures, leave messages on the wishing bush, or shop in the Fairyland market. Be sure to bring your camera for a picture with the Fairy Princess. Free with paid admission to the Botanic Gardens.

Twisted Manzanita’s 5th Anniversary Celebration june 27 4-7

Get your tickets for this always epic event, featuring all your favorite Twisted Manzanita Ales along with some new ones and our Craft Spirits! The event will feature the official release of their first sour, local restaurant favorites, local bands, and bus service from both tasting rooms to the event site. Tickets for this all-inclusive festival include unlimited samples of our craft beer and limited samples of our spirits! 100% of Ticket sales benefit the EOD Warrior Foundation. Tickets $10-$40

Outdoor Activities

Kayak to and explore the La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve, it is great for beginners to the more advanced, also a perfect place for young kids. Marine life can be seen from on top of the kayaks. There are several kayak rental places nearby. A popular one is the San Diego Bike & Kayak Tours.

For true nature lovers, you must visit the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, among the large variety of animals (birds, mammals, reptiles) and the magnificent ocean views, you’ll also find the Torrey Pine, the most restricted and rarest pine in North America. This is a great place to hike and explore. Be sure to visit the museum and Visitor Center before starting your exploration.

For wonderful views of the coast and to watch an amazing sunset, visit the La Jolla Coves, located between Agenda De La Ribera & Calle De La Plata. It is best to go in the summertime, just be prepared for the crowds as it is very popular. Take comfortable walking shoes and your bathing suit if you plan to soak in the rays.

The tide pools are great to visit, especially with kids. Bring in some frozen corn and sprinkle it around the submerged rocks to bring the fish out and set the stage for some great pictures. Sometimes it smells, especially when large quantities of seals are sunbathing.

Flavors in Harmony: beer and food pairing
Try specially paired craft beer and food tastings at Flavors in Harmony: Pairing Beer and Food! Discover how certain food and beer flavors complement each otherl, and enjoy the after-hours festivities inside one of San Diego Museum of Man. Tickets: $20-$30

May 16-17

Pirate Days
A two day celebration for kids of all ages, will include kids costume contests, carnival games, cannon firings, weapon demonstrations, sword fights, scary stories, and a scavenger hunt for Pirate Treasure which ends at the Parrot Paradise. Call 619-2349153 ext 106 with questions.

May 20-23

SD Surf Film Festival
The 2015 SDSFF will highlight over 20 international films, include dozens of filmmakers and producers in attendance, Q&As, filmmaker panel and workshops, an amazing surf art gallery, surf legends and shaping demos, beach clean-ups and expression sessions, incredible live music, serendipitous live art, rad people and raging after-parties. We welcome surf enthusiasts and filmmakers from around the world to come celebrate the art of surf cinema in our beautiful hometown. Tickets: $5-$20

Memorial day weekend 22-24

SD Jazz Fest
Building on the long history of having smooth jazz in the San Diego area, the San Diego Jazz Festival is a “must attend” event for R&B and smooth jazz starved fans in “America’s Finest City”. The festival takes place Memorial Day weekend – a perfect time to enjoy great weather and award winning music. Alums of the festival include Maxwell, Charlie Wilson, Kem, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Brian Culbertson, Boney James, Ledisi, Warren Hill, Eric Darius and many more!

May 30

Paella and Wine Fest
With San Diego’s breathtaking waterfront as a backdrop, this first-of-its-kind festival will feature live music, food and drink, and plenty of culture. Paella chefs and their teams will compete for the title of “Best Paella in the Cali-Baja Region.” California wineries and local breweries will showcase their regional varietals and expansive craft beer selections. The festival will begin at noon. Bring your chairs and picnic blankets, find a seat, and enjoy the afternoon. Tickets: $20-$50. VIP TIckets $175

Coffee

Take your pick, there are several coffee houses lining India St. All great for a wonderful “cup o’ Joe”.

Lunch or Dinner

• You’ll find a quaint little Italian bistro with delicious food when you visit Buon Appetito on India St. Have dinner outside on a warm night. One of our favorite dishes is the pork Osso Bucco! They also have a great list of wines.

• For a traditional Italian pizzeria experience visit Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, you’ll enter through their deli storefront where you will find many Italian food items, including a variety of cheeses. This place is popular because their menu is filled with traditional and delicious Italian fare and the service is fast and friendly.

• Indigo Grill where the food doesn’t just taste good, it looks good! Each plate is a work of art and a delightful pleasure to your taste buds. It’s a great place to try during Happy Hour or on a special night out.

• If you want to go to Italy, without actually crossing the Atlantic, visit Mona Lisa Italian Foods. Pick up some freshly made sandwiches from their deli, some Italian sodas, and head over to Balboa Park (on the 6th Ave. side) for a lovely picnic.

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Walk behind India St (east side) and check-out the many historical homes that line Columbus and State St. If you’re a history, art & restoration buff, head over to Architectural Salvage of San Diego on Kettner Blvd. This is a wonderful shop full of antiques and salvage pieces for your home.

Coffee House

• Coffee/Tea fanatic or connoisseur? If you’re either, YOU MUST visit Café Bassam. This is not just some hip little coffee/tea house, the owner knows his stuff and loves to share his knowledge. And the store itself is wonderful! Full of antiques and beautiful things to look at. The business is actually located in an area called Banker’s Hill.

Breakfast

• If old school charm (like from the ‘40s) with good old fashioned American fare is what you seek, then Hob Nob Hill in Banker’s Hill is where you should eat. Fresh squeezed orange juice, house-made roast beef hash and good old fashioned buttermilk pancakes are waiting for you.

Lunch

• A must to visit, Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Café in Banker’s Hill. All their dishes are delicious. Dulce, the cook, is a master with sauces. They have daily entrée specials and daily fresh fruit drinks, aka “agua frescas”, like sandia (watermelon), tamarindo (tamarind) or melon (cantaloupe). If you have room for dessert, ask if they have the Tortuga Pie. It’s not on the menu, and they don’t always have it – some call it “a little slice of Heaven.” The main ingredients are pie crust, chocolate and nuts, served with vanilla ice cream.

Dinner

• The Prado at Balboa Park, an excellent place for special occasions. Patio seating is the best and worth the wait, even on cold evenings (they have great patio heaters). They are on the pricey side but they have a Happy Hour, Tuesday-Friday / 4-6pm & 8-10pm – a great time to enjoy their delicious appetizers and drinks. They usually have local musicians playing in their cozy bar area. Best Mojitos around!

SOMETHING DIFFERENT

Head over to Balboa Park and pick up a free garden tour map at the Visitor Center located in the National Historic Landmark House of Hospitality building. Enjoy the day by exploring the dozens of gardens covering the park’s 1,200 acres. Once you’re ready for lunch, pick up “to-go” sandwiches at Gro Cafe (located in the lobby of the Casa de Balboa between the Museum of Photographic Arts and the Museum of San Diego History) and enjoy a picnic at the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden (located across from the Natural History Museum, it is accessible by the Park Blvd. pedestrian bridge). The roses are in bloom from March to December.

If you enjoy a nice cup of tea, visit the Tea Pavilion Café at the Japanese Friendship Garden. You can enjoy your tea and snack while looking over the beautiful and peaceful scenery of the garden. If you visit on a Sunday morning you’ll also be able to enjoy the sounds from the Organ Pavilion right next door. The Veterans Memorial Center is across Park Blvd from Balboa Park, and is also a great place to visit.