What’s the best time to visit San Diego?
- Jennifer Kester
- Forbes Travel Guide Editor
With a year-round average daily temperature of 70.5 F, there really is no bad time to visit San Diego — it boasts the best weather in the country, making it a vacationer’s paradise. With day after day of continuous sunshine, locals often joke about San Diego meteorologists having the most boring job in the world, as the weather is either perfect or nearly perfect. Though you may want to avoid what locals call "May gray" and "June gloom," when the skies are more overcast than the city’s other sun-drenched 10 months of the year. If you want a beach vacation, the water is at its warmest from June through early September; the rest of the time, you'll likely need a wetsuit if you want to surf or do stand-up paddleboarding. You’ll notice cool temperatures in late spring and early summer in America's Finest City, but if you’re coming from a humid climate, a trip to San Diego during this time might be just what you were dreaming of.
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3 days agoJennifer Kester answered the question:
Where can you get the best view of San Diego?
You don’t have to search far to find amazing ocean views in San Diego. Get a glimpse of waves crashing into the rugged coastline at Point Loma’s Sunset Cliffs, La Jolla Shores and Encinitas’ Self-Realization Fellowship Hermitage and Meditation Gardens (it sounds random, but if you are respectful to the occasional temple members meditating on the flower-filled grounds, you’ll be rewarded with an amazing bluff-side vista). But my favorite place to take in the nearly picture-perfect scenery is at the Hotel Del Coronado. Whether you sit on the patio at Sheerwater restaurant and dine on wild sea bass, enjoy a glass of crisp white at Eno Wine Bar’s outdoor lounge or huddle near a fire pit on the long sun deck, you’ll overlook Coronado Beach — one of the city’s best sandy spots. The red-turreted iconic hotel, ocean breeze, gold-flecked sand and sun setting over the Pacific help make the quintessential San Diego experience. -
4 days agoJennifer Kester answered the question:
What are the best places for dessert in San Diego?
The best place for dessert in San Diego is Extraordinary Desserts. Paris-trained pastry chef and owner Karen Krasne crafts exquisite confections that look as good as they taste. Each heavenly dessert is plated with artful syrup swirls, edible gold leaf, dark fuchsia orchid petals and sometimes whole flower buds. My go-to on the rotating menu is the light-as-air roasted coconut cream torte — vanilla cake drenched in coconut milk layered with coconut custard, coconut mousse, and covered with whipped cream and toasted coconut shavings. One popular pick is the dulce de leche torte, where sheets of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and choclate crunches are draped in a rich dulce de leche frosting. Pair your indulgence with Kona coffee or my favorite, Birthday tea, a black blend with notes of vanilla and caramel that’s like dessert in a cup.
I prefer the Balboa Park location of Extraordinary Desserts to the Little Italy outpost (though at the latter, you can order some non-dessert food, like panini and grilled cheese sandwiches). It’s more intimate, with its dimly lit covered patio (there are heaters there in the winter). You’ll see dates and groups of sugar addicts queued up outside of the popular spot, especially on the weekends.
While Azúcar doesn’t have the ambience of Extraordinary Desserts, it does deliver lovely-looking sweets. Pastry chef Vivian Hernandez honed her technique in Five-Star Claridge's in London and Four-Star Loews Miami Beach Hotel before opening up shop in San Diego’s Ocean Beach neighborhood. Try her Cuban-style desserts, including mojito cookies and Little Havana, a rum-soaked cake drizzled with dulce de leche. -
4 days agoJennifer Kester answered the question:
What are the best places for dessert in San Diego?
The best place for dessert in San Diego is Extraordinary Desserts. Paris-trained pastry chef and owner Karen Krasne crafts exquisite confections that look as good as they taste. Each heavenly dessert is plated with artful syrup swirls, edible gold leaf, dark fuchsia orchid petals and sometimes whole flower buds. My go-to on the rotating menu is the light-as-air roasted coconut cream torte — vanilla cake drenched in coconut milk layered with coconut custard, coconut mousse, and covered with whipped cream and toasted coconut shavings. One popular pick is the dulce de leche torte, where sheets of chocolate cake, chocolate mousse and choclate crunches are draped in a rich dulce de leche frosting. Pair your indulgence with Kona coffee or my favorite, Birthday tea, a black blend with notes of vanilla and caramel that’s like dessert in a cup.
I prefer the Balboa Park location of Extraordinary Desserts to the Little Italy outpost (though at the latter, you can order some non-dessert food, like panini and grilled cheese sandwiches). It’s more intimate, with its dimly lit covered patio (there are heaters there in the winter). You’ll see dates and groups of sugar addicts queued up outside of the popular spot, especially on the weekends.
While Azúcar doesn’t have the ambience of Extraordinary Desserts, it does deliver lovely-looking sweets. Pastry chef Vivian Hernandez honed her technique in Five-Star Claridge's in London and Four-Star Loews Miami Beach Hotel before opening up shop in San Diego’s Ocean Beach neighborhood. Try her Cuban-style desserts, including mojito cookies and Little Havana, a rum-soaked cake drizzled with dulce de leche. -
On May 8Jennifer Kester answered the question:
What are the best San Diego museums?
For the best museums in San Diego, head to Balboa Park, the city’s culture hub. Amid the beautiful white Spanish-colonial-revival buildings in the country’s largest urban cultural park, you’ll find 15 museums. The small Mingei International Museum highlights folk art, the Museum of Photographic Arts features contemporary photos, and the San Diego Museum of Art has a collection that ranges from European Old Masters’ works to contemporary Latin American pieces (check out Georgia O’Keeffe's The White Flower, Diego Rivera's The Hands of Dr. Moore and local artist Alfred R. Mitchell's La Jolla Cove). There are more specialized museums as well, including the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (mainly for kids), the San Diego Air and Space Museum (planes and aircraft dangle in every nook) and the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum (go, Padres!).
Outside of Balboa Park, there are several other top-notch museum options. Those who like cutting-edge works should visit the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego’s La Jolla branch (don’t miss Pleasure Point by Nancy Rubins, an outdoor installation of canoes and other small boats crashing into the building’s façade). The top spot for kids is The New Children’s Museum. The 50,000-square-foot downtown facility offers interactive exhibits like “Trash” and “Feast: The Art of Playing with Your Food” that encourage kids to dig into fun, messy subjects. The one place that best captures what San Diego’s all about is the California Surf Museum in Oceanside, where you can learn about the history of surfboards and get inspired to head out of the museum and onto the water. -
On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What’s San Diego’s dining scene like?
San Diego is blessed with prime weather for growing fruits, vegetables and herbs. These temperate conditions are also ideal for raising livestock. As a result, the area is home to a vast array of farms, fields and other agricultural enterprises. With this bounty so readily available, San Diegans have come to expect their favorite restaurants to source their ingredients as close to home as possible. Most do so by visiting the myriad of local Farmers Markets or by forming close working relationships with organic suppliers such as Suzie's Farm.
Some Chefs take it a step further, however, and plant their very own garden of eatin’. Executive Chef Eugenio Martignago of Bistro West and West Steak and Seafood in Carlsbad is a prime example. Located just a few miles from the restaurants, The West Produce Farm is Chef Eugenio’s culinary pride and joy. He often begins and ends his day at the farm where he tends and observes the organic crops that inspire his seasonal menu creations. Artichokes, broccoli and bok choy are among his fall plantings while spring sews crops such as snow peas, beets and pumpkin.
Gourmet field greens such as escarole, endive and arugula are other gems of the field along with rows of delectable herbs such as rosemary, tarragon and lemon verbena. Chef Eugenio recently added fruit trees, berries and fruiting vines to his plot. His harvest finds its way from to farm to fork quickly to create the fresh locally sourced menu items San Diegans have come to expect. West’s clever mixologists are getting in on the trend, too. Watch their cocktail menus for new stem-to-stem aperitifs made with just-picked fruit for farmstead freshness with a kick. -
On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What are the best beaches in San Diego?
Oceanside boasts some of the widest and most welcoming beaches in San Diego County. Access to these golden swathes of sand is plentiful and there is seldom any hassle when it comes to finding a place to park your car. There are plenty of pay lots to choose from and all are located conveniently close to the sand. Other facilities such as fire pits, volleyball courts picnic areas, restroom and showers are abundant as well. Dining options, gear rentals and surfing lessons are all in close proximity.
Visit northernmost Harbor Beach and relax on squeaky white sand that stretches for nearly a quarter mile from street to sea. Fire pits and picnic areas are abundant here but the shoreline is rarely crowded. The jetties, which flank the beach, create breaks that are perfect for surfing. Swimmers and body boarders can also enjoy the waves in areas designated just for them. The nearby harbor offers plenty of shopping along with several great dining options. Beach-close parking is only $5 for an all day ticket. RVs are welcome on a first come first serve basis for a mere $15 per night.
Further down the coastline Pier View North and Pier View South form the heart of Oceanside beaches. As the name suggests, the historic Oceanside Pier splits sea and shore right down the middle. Both sides boast excellent surf breaks as well as long golden strands or sand dotted by soaring palm trees. The south side is most popular and offers a wide variety of family-friendly facilities such as playgrounds, parks and recreation areas. Have lunch atop the pier at Ruby's and scout for pods of dolphin or dine beneath the boardwalk at The Tin Fish and enjoy the colorful beach scene. Nearby food carts vend a variety of street treats and Oceanside shops are just a stroll away. Parking is plentiful, accessible and easy on the wallet.
*****
Coronado’s sparkling stretches of mica-enriched sand are consistently classed among America’s top beaches. Mellow waves lap wide glistening shorelines and there are plenty of gorgeous views to enjoy from the seashore. Whether you wish to walk your pooch on North Beach, sea gaze from Glorietta Bay or stroll for sand dollars along the Silver Strand, there’s an idyllic strand of sand for everyone in “The Crown City.”
• Coronado Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard and boasts a backdrop of high-end beach homes and sweeping views of the Pacific. Visitors can relax on two miles of golden sand or explore interesting sea life in the tide pools during low tide. Lifeguards are on duty, which makes this a safe beach for families to play in the surf. Beach accessible wheelchairs are available gratis at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower.
• Fido-friendly North Beach is popular among locals and their surf-seeking canine companions. Dogs must arrive on a leash but there is a designated free zone where pups can splash in the waves untethered. North Beach is located in the northernmost part of Central Beach at the end of Ocean Boulevard near Sunset Park and is the only section equipped with rings for a sunset bonfire.
• Situated near the iconic Hotel Del, Coronado South Beach is particularly picturesque and a popular spot for shutterbugs. It is also the seaside standard when it comes to saying, “I do” to the tune of ocean waves. Whether you’re there to celebrate that special day, take advantage of a photo op or just sink your toes in the sand, South Beach is a lovely and scenic place to play by the sea.
• Glorietta Bay Park offers a unique peek of the city skyline and stunning views of the soaring San Diego-Coronado Bridge. While the beach itself is a tad on the petite side, there is a grand and grassy park area that is perfect for family picnics. Playground equipment, restroom facilities and fabulous water views dotted by passing sailboats makes this a great spot to spend the day.
• Silver Strand State Beach is one of Coronado’s best stretches of shoreline with extensive beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Surfing, boogie boarding and beach volleyball are popular activities on the Pacific side while the warmer waters of the bay side are perfect for sailing and swimming. Those who wish to walk the beach can stroll for miles along the surf and spot sand dollars, moon snail and cockle shells lying in the golden sand.
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On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What are the best beaches in San Diego?
Oceanside boasts some of the widest and most welcoming beaches in San Diego County. Access to these golden swathes of sand is plentiful and there is seldom any hassle when it comes to finding a place to park your car. There are plenty of pay lots to choose from and all are located conveniently close to the sand. Other facilities such as fire pits, volleyball courts picnic areas, restroom and showers are abundant as well. Dining options, gear rentals and surfing lessons are all in close proximity.
Visit northernmost Harbor Beach and relax on squeaky white sand that stretches for nearly a quarter mile from street to sea. Fire pits and picnic areas are abundant here but the shoreline is rarely crowded. The jetties, which flank the beach, create breaks that are perfect for surfing. Swimmers and body boarders can also enjoy the waves in areas designated just for them. The nearby harbor offers plenty of shopping along with several great dining options. Beach-close parking is only $5 for an all day ticket. RVs are welcome on a first come first serve basis for a mere $15 per night.
Further down the coastline Pier View North and Pier View South form the heart of Oceanside beaches. As the name suggests, the historic Oceanside Pier splits sea and shore right down the middle. Both sides boast excellent surf breaks as well as long golden strands or sand dotted by soaring palm trees. The south side is most popular and offers a wide variety of family-friendly facilities such as playgrounds, parks and recreation areas. Have lunch atop the pier at Ruby's and scout for pods of dolphin or dine beneath the boardwalk at The Tin Fish and enjoy the colorful beach scene. Nearby food carts vend a variety of street treats and Oceanside shops are just a stroll away. Parking is plentiful, accessible and easy on the wallet.
*****
Coronado’s sparkling stretches of mica-enriched sand are consistently classed among America’s top beaches. Mellow waves lap wide glistening shorelines and there are plenty of gorgeous views to enjoy from the seashore. Whether you wish to walk your pooch on North Beach, sea gaze from Glorietta Bay or stroll for sand dollars along the Silver Strand, there’s an idyllic strand of sand for everyone in “The Crown City.”
• Coronado Central Beach runs along Ocean Boulevard and boasts a backdrop of high-end beach homes and sweeping views of the Pacific. Visitors can relax on two miles of golden sand or explore interesting sea life in the tide pools during low tide. Lifeguards are on duty, which makes this a safe beach for families to play in the surf. Beach accessible wheelchairs are available gratis at the Central Beach Lifeguard Tower.
• Fido-friendly North Beach is popular among locals and their surf-seeking canine companions. Dogs must arrive on a leash but there is a designated free zone where pups can splash in the waves untethered. North Beach is located in the northernmost part of Central Beach at the end of Ocean Boulevard near Sunset Park and is the only section equipped with rings for a sunset bonfire.
• Situated near the iconic Hotel Del, Coronado South Beach is particularly picturesque and a popular spot for shutterbugs. It is also the seaside standard when it comes to saying, “I do” to the tune of ocean waves. Whether you’re there to celebrate that special day, take advantage of a photo op or just sink your toes in the sand, South Beach is a lovely and scenic place to play by the sea.
• Glorietta Bay Park offers a unique peek of the city skyline and stunning views of the soaring San Diego-Coronado Bridge. While the beach itself is a tad on the petite side, there is a grand and grassy park area that is perfect for family picnics. Playground equipment, restroom facilities and fabulous water views dotted by passing sailboats makes this a great spot to spend the day.
• Silver Strand State Beach is one of Coronado’s best stretches of shoreline with extensive beaches on both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. Surfing, boogie boarding and beach volleyball are popular activities on the Pacific side while the warmer waters of the bay side are perfect for sailing and swimming. Those who wish to walk the beach can stroll for miles along the surf and spot sand dollars, moon snail and cockle shells lying in the golden sand.
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On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What are the best clothing boutiques in San Diego?
If you’re in the market for a haute pair of J Brand skinny jeans or a kicky spring dress from Trina Turk look no further than Mog + Rue in Encinitas. Located at 937 South Coast Highway in a sunny al fresco-shopping plaza, this hip boutique offers laid-back designer duds that are perfectly suited for the California lifestyle. Helmed by notable fashion and beauty writer, Christina Ablahad, this bastion of fashion carries cutting-edge apparel from established and up-and-coming designers alike. The boutique takes its clever name from the British slang word for cat (mog) combined with the French term for street (rue). A fitting moniker indeed as one stop at this upscale clothing shop can clad just about any woman in catwalk-worthy fashion. -
On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What are the best places for breakfast in San Diego?
With so much to do and see in sunny San Diego fueling up with a good breakfast is an important start to the day. One of the top spots to get your morning bacon and eggs fix is at the Broken Yolk Cafe. The popular breakfast joint boasts 9 locations where they serve up amply portioned classics such as biscuits and gravy, Belgian waffles, buttermilk pancakes, and French toast. It wouldn’t be called the Broken Yolk Café if they didn’t have huevos, and huevos they have indeed.
Indulge in mammoth-sized omelets that are big enough to share (they will happily split the plate at no extra charge). There are more than 20 eggs-traordinary varieties to choose from and each is served with your choice of home fries, hash browns, fresh fruit, rice or beans. A selection of biscuit, blueberry muffin, toast or tortillas is also included. Wash it all down with a wide array of beverages such as piping hot coffee, fresh-squeezed juices or a bubbly round of mimosas.
Consistently voted “best breakfast” by the San Diego Union Tribune, the eatery is popular among locals and visitors alike. One well-known guest, Adam Richman, of Man Vs. Food fame made it his personal conquest to take on the Broken Yolk's Iron Man Challenge. While this contest is only recommended for competitive eaters or those with a very stretchy waistband, The Broken Yolk’s extensive menu has something suitable for just about everyone’s taste.
Breakfast and lunch is served daily from 6am until 3pm at all 9 Broken Yolk locations in Pacific Beach, Eastlake, La Costa, Downtown Gaslamp, San Marcos, Oceanside, Point Loma and their brand new venues in Caramel Mountain and Temecula. -
On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What is nightlife like in San Diego?
When it comes to nightlife, Downtown San Diego and the hip Gaslamp Quarter are the hot spots that come to mind. While the scene there is certainly smokin’ nobody parties harder than Pacific Beach. A huge lineup of hip bars, lux lounges and cool clubs heat up PB’s nightlife where merrymakers gather to party like rock stars. If you want to join the hipster festivities here a few spots to jam out at.
Slide into the Typhoon Saloon and check out the private VIP mezzanine for top-notch bottle service and lofty views of the rollicking bash below. If it’s too much of a party for you to handle up there hop in for happy hour instead. Enjoy $3 you-call-its and half of appetizers. Don’t forget to check out Typhoon's upcoming events for live music concerts and prom themed VIP parties.
Boogie down the road to Moondoggies and have a barking good time drinking crisp cold brewskies. More sports-themed than party palace, the venue has consistently been voted one of San Diego’s best sports bars. Dig the Dog’s daily specials like Monday’s Bitter Bingo where you can nosh a burger and brew for only $5 bucks while showing off your bingo prowess. You just might win a prize worth howling about.
When the sun slips behind the sea head to 710 Beach Club for live entertainment. There’s no cover charge on Sundays though Thursdays and the bar serves up $3 drinks all day and night. Be sure to back that booze with snacks from the 710 Grill. Classic finger foods like nachos, tacos and wings provide a nice base before you imbibe. Larger plates such as the ½ pound house burger or the BBQ pulled pork sandwich also fills the bill. -
On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What are the best outdoor activities in San Diego?
For an outdoor activity that is music to the ears tune in for a spring, fall or summertime concert at Humphreys by the Bay. The 1,400-seat al fresco music venue boasts an ideal location between Humphreys Restaurant and Humphreys Half Moon Inn on San Diego Bay. Humphreys concerts generally take place from May through October and span the musical spectrum from established country artists such as Jewel to pop star newcomers like Carly Ray Jepson.
Look for other big names in the smokin’ 2013 schedule and spot old school rock stars like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Steely Dan along with classic crooners such as Air Supply and the Doobie Brothers. Comedian appearances are also on the docket. Catch a laugh-out-load performance by Bill Cosby or see Joan Rivers’ show for monologues that will make you giggle and blush.
The venue offers reserved seating only and tickets are required for patrons of all ages. Regular show tickets and dinner show packages can be purchased online at www.ticketmaster.com, directly at Humphreys Box Office or by phone at 800 745 3000. For the ultimate experience book the Lexus Premium Package, which includes dinner for two, premier concert seating and accommodations at Humphreys Half Moon Inn & Suites. Free parking is available at public lots located on nearby Shelter Island or onsite at Humphreys for $12.
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For an outdoor experience that is classically Californian, prepare to stay up late and get in on the famous phenomenon known as the grunion run. On certain spring nights following high tides, thousands of slender silvery fish called grunion surf the waves and ride the swells to shore where they perform a unique mating routine on the beach.
During this remarkable ritual female grunion will wiggle their way halfway into the sand in order to lay their eggs. Meanwhile their male counterparts wrap them in a protective embrace as they fertilize their future offspring. When the coupling is complete the pairs catch an outgoing wave and return once more to the sea.
Grunion runs take place only in Baja and Southern California and witnessing this spectacle of nature makes for a truly unique beach experience. One of the best ways to get in on the action is to go on a guided tour with Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. The program is $14 per person and reservations can be arranged by calling: 858-534-7336.
If you’d prefer to go it alone, grab a flashlight and camera then head to San Diego beaches on the following dates and times:
2013 Season
• Friday, April 12: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
• Saturday, April 27: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
• Saturday, May 11: 10:30 p.m. - 12:30 a.m.
• Sunday, May 26: 11 p.m. - 1 a.m.
*****
One of the joys of living in San Diego is watching the setting sun slide behind the sparkling sea. The sunset paints the sky in shades of brilliant crimson and gold and there’s always the chance you could catch that elusive green flash. While there are countless places to sit outside and enjoy the spectacle, here are two of the best:
Oceanside City Beach, aka The Strand
For a classic California sunset complete with wide swathes of glittering sand, soaring palm trees, surfers, boardwalks and an impressive wooden pier watch the sun go down from the golden shores of Oceanside City Beach.
Sunset Cliffs, Ocean Beach
This is by far the most romantic spot in San Diego (if not all of Southern California) to watch the sunset kiss the sky goodnight. Find a spot to sit on the sandstone, snuggle up to your sweetie and watch the magic unfold. -
On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What restaurants have the best views in San Diego?
Perched high atop the sea bluffs at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, the Cliffhanger Café boasts breath-taking panoramas of the sparkling Pacific Ocean situated some 320 feet below. Diners are treated to views that stretch from the dramatic sandy coastline all the way to the glittering horizon. They may even spot migrating whales or pods of frolicking dolphins.
While the sea life is intriguing, those who look to the sky will be rewarded with wild life of another kind. Paragliders, hang gliders and other airborne adventurers launch their flights right in front of the The Cliffhanger’s expansive outdoor dining area. Take in the exciting views while noshing on fresh deli-style cuisine and hearty BBQ fare. Visit on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm and enjoy live music from up-and-coming San Diego bands.
The Cliffhanger Café is located at 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 and is open from 9am until 4pm every day of the year except Christmas.
*****
Take in one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in all of San Diego from Bertrand at Mr. A’s, a posh penthouse restaurant situated atop the 5th Avenue Financial Center building just minutes from downtown. Sip kumquat juleps on Bertrand’s al fresco balcony or in the dining room and drink in the scenery of San Diego’s bay and stunning city skyline. The striking view extends as far as Coronado, Point Loma, Balboa Park and even the iconic San Diego Zoo.
In addition to the views, Bertrand’s boasts an enticing menu of modern American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences. Nibble on hearts of baby romaine with crab beignets and crispy roasted moulard duck breast dressed in huckleberry sauce as the attentive staff sees to your every need. Be sure to save room for desserts with wine pairings such as mousse with honey nougat and peanut brittle served with a stem of Taylor’s 10-year-old tawny Port.
Gayot.com recently named Bertrand at Mister A’s as one of the Top 10 Penthouse Restaurants in the United States. The lofty and luxurious venue is located on the 12th floor at 2550 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.
*****
With miles of shoreline lapped by Pacific waves, San Diego boasts a wide array of oceanfront and beachfront dining venues. Whether you wish to soak in serene views of Mission Bay, an iconic sunset seascape or sit so close to the waves you can almost feel them crashing, here are three to savor.
Baleen
Located on the lush tropical grounds of Paradise Point Resort and Spa, Baleen boasts beautiful views of gorgeous Mission Bay. This fine-dining venue is the resort’s signature restaurant and offers both indoor and outdoor seating in a peaceful waterfront setting. The menu, which is reflective of the scenery, focuses on sumptuous seafood such as roasted dayboat scallops with a tangerine glaze, blue crab cakes enhanced by avocado and white sea bass served with preserved lemon raviolis. Elegant cocktails are available as well as local micro brews and an intriguing list of wines.
333 Pacific
Located in Oceanside directly across from the west coast’s longest wooden pier, 333 Pacific features surf and turf-style dining, hip high-end ambiance and beach and sunset views that are quintessentially Californian. Watch the sunlight glisten off the ocean waves as you dine on starters such as Pacific oysters then feast on twin lobster tails and a 25oz ribeye as the sun sets behind the iconic pier. Be sure to stick around for dessert and savor stunning views of the famous pier lighting up the night.
The Marine Room
If the Marine Room in La Jolla were any closer to the pounding waves you’d have to dine there in your bathing suit. Built smack-dab in the midst of sea spray, this famous high-end eatery has been thrilling diners with it’s surf-front location since it opened in 1941. Considering its spectacular and unique frontage one might assume the fare takes a back seat to the setting. Not so. Thanks to the culinary skills of award-winning Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine, Ron Oliver, their French-inspired menu items such as trumpet mushroom torte easily rivals the view.
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On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
What restaurants have the best views in San Diego?
Perched high atop the sea bluffs at the Torrey Pines Gliderport, the Cliffhanger Café boasts breath-taking panoramas of the sparkling Pacific Ocean situated some 320 feet below. Diners are treated to views that stretch from the dramatic sandy coastline all the way to the glittering horizon. They may even spot migrating whales or pods of frolicking dolphins.
While the sea life is intriguing, those who look to the sky will be rewarded with wild life of another kind. Paragliders, hang gliders and other airborne adventurers launch their flights right in front of the The Cliffhanger’s expansive outdoor dining area. Take in the exciting views while noshing on fresh deli-style cuisine and hearty BBQ fare. Visit on Saturdays from 1pm to 4pm and enjoy live music from up-and-coming San Diego bands.
The Cliffhanger Café is located at 2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Drive, La Jolla, CA 92037 and is open from 9am until 4pm every day of the year except Christmas.
*****
Take in one of the most jaw-dropping panoramas in all of San Diego from Bertrand at Mr. A’s, a posh penthouse restaurant situated atop the 5th Avenue Financial Center building just minutes from downtown. Sip kumquat juleps on Bertrand’s al fresco balcony or in the dining room and drink in the scenery of San Diego’s bay and stunning city skyline. The striking view extends as far as Coronado, Point Loma, Balboa Park and even the iconic San Diego Zoo.
In addition to the views, Bertrand’s boasts an enticing menu of modern American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influences. Nibble on hearts of baby romaine with crab beignets and crispy roasted moulard duck breast dressed in huckleberry sauce as the attentive staff sees to your every need. Be sure to save room for desserts with wine pairings such as mousse with honey nougat and peanut brittle served with a stem of Taylor’s 10-year-old tawny Port.
Gayot.com recently named Bertrand at Mister A’s as one of the Top 10 Penthouse Restaurants in the United States. The lofty and luxurious venue is located on the 12th floor at 2550 Fifth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103.
*****
With miles of shoreline lapped by Pacific waves, San Diego boasts a wide array of oceanfront and beachfront dining venues. Whether you wish to soak in serene views of Mission Bay, an iconic sunset seascape or sit so close to the waves you can almost feel them crashing, here are three to savor.
Baleen
Located on the lush tropical grounds of Paradise Point Resort and Spa, Baleen boasts beautiful views of gorgeous Mission Bay. This fine-dining venue is the resort’s signature restaurant and offers both indoor and outdoor seating in a peaceful waterfront setting. The menu, which is reflective of the scenery, focuses on sumptuous seafood such as roasted dayboat scallops with a tangerine glaze, blue crab cakes enhanced by avocado and white sea bass served with preserved lemon raviolis. Elegant cocktails are available as well as local micro brews and an intriguing list of wines.
333 Pacific
Located in Oceanside directly across from the west coast’s longest wooden pier, 333 Pacific features surf and turf-style dining, hip high-end ambiance and beach and sunset views that are quintessentially Californian. Watch the sunlight glisten off the ocean waves as you dine on starters such as Pacific oysters then feast on twin lobster tails and a 25oz ribeye as the sun sets behind the iconic pier. Be sure to stick around for dessert and savor stunning views of the famous pier lighting up the night.
The Marine Room
If the Marine Room in La Jolla were any closer to the pounding waves you’d have to dine there in your bathing suit. Built smack-dab in the midst of sea spray, this famous high-end eatery has been thrilling diners with it’s surf-front location since it opened in 1941. Considering its spectacular and unique frontage one might assume the fare takes a back seat to the setting. Not so. Thanks to the culinary skills of award-winning Executive Chef Bernard Guillas and Chef de Cuisine, Ron Oliver, their French-inspired menu items such as trumpet mushroom torte easily rivals the view.
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On April 30Julia Weiler answered the question:
Where is the best shopping in San Diego?
For a truly unique shopping experience head just a few miles northwest of downtown San Diego to the Ocean Beach Antique District. Located on Newport Avenue, the district spans two pedestrian-friendly blocks and was named “best antique shopping” by San Diego Magazine. The assortment of malls and shops offers an exciting mecca for treasure hunters and collectors alike. It is also a coveted source of vintage décor and unique furnishing for local high-end interior designers.
Visit Vignettes and be transported to Paris of yesteryear. Shop for French sofas and settees clad in faded satin or curvy serpentine dressers awash in peeling pastel paint. Among the shabby chic finds you’ll discover glitzy gilt mirrors and glamorous chandeliers draped with glittering crystals. More than 24 dealers of European antiquities contribute to Vignette’s alluring collection. The inventory is ever changing and is always beautifully staged.
For classic collectables such as old-timey toys, retro estate jewelry and vintage dishes look no further than the Ocean Beach Antique Mall. This is the oldest antique mall in Ocean Beach and is home to an almost overwhelming stock of unique nostalgia. Peruse the assortment and come away with intricate silverware, one-of-a-kind oil paintings, and whimsical hats adorned with rhinestones and feathers. Plan to spend a good chunk of time here, as there is plenty to see.
The district has plenty of parking and is open seven days a week. Plan to spend an entire day exploring this unique bevvy of boutiques, shops and malls. Nearby cafes and coffee shops will keep you fueled for the adventure.
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Shoppers in search of high fashion at low prices will be thrilled to discover San Diego’s treasure trove of outlet malls. Top-end designers and leading brand-name stores can be found conveniently clustered together in San Diego’s South Bay and Coastal North County. Fashionistas who shop these stylish centers are rewarded with haute couture at discounts between 25 - 65%.
An excursion to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets in Coastal North County is well worth the drive. The outlet mall, located in the serene seaside town of Carlsbad, offers a lovely al fresco shopping experience complete with lush landscaping, beautiful storefronts and occasional live music. Enjoy the ocean air as you stroll the breezeways seeking steals from designers such as Salvatore Ferragamo, Michael Kors and Elie Tahari.
Las Americas Premium Outlets in San Diego’s South Bay is another gorgeous outdoor outlet mall. Savor budget-savvy shopping sprees surrounded by elegant architecture, statuesque sculptures and beautiful courtyards dotted by bubbling fountains. Visitors will delight in the vast array of discounted fashion from top-end brands such as Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azria and Nautica.
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The seaside resort town of La Jolla is arguably one of the best and most pleasant places to shop in San Diego. Often compared to Rodeo Drive, the La Jolla Cove neighborhood is an affluent area that is home to several hip shops and high-end boutiques. Stroll the stylish sidewalks and discover cutting-edge jewelry, one of a kind outfits and lavish labels from designers like Armani and Ralph Lauren. When you tire of hunting for haute fashion cool your well-heeled feet at one of La Jolla’s open-air cafés.
