Nick’s guidebook

Nick
Nick’s guidebook

Nick's Favorite places to go!

In downtown San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District, an area of restored late-19th- and early 20th-century Victorian buildings. Today, the Gaslamp Quarter is a trendy area with shops, restaurants, and galleries, attracting locals and tourists. The area covers less than 20 blocks and runs approximately from Broadway to San Diego Bay. There are also a large number of high-end hotels that are popular with both tourists and business travelers due to the great location in the city. This area underwent restorations in the 1970s, which eventually led to it being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
1208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Gaslamp Quarter
1208 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In downtown San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter National Historic District, an area of restored late-19th- and early 20th-century Victorian buildings. Today, the Gaslamp Quarter is a trendy area with shops, restaurants, and galleries, attracting locals and tourists. The area covers less than 20 blocks and runs approximately from Broadway to San Diego Bay. There are also a large number of high-end hotels that are popular with both tourists and business travelers due to the great location in the city. This area underwent restorations in the 1970s, which eventually led to it being listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
San Diego's Seaport Village is a delightful place to stroll around and spend an afternoon. Located right on the waterfront, this area of unique shops and restaurants is one of the city's must-sees. Picnic tables, benches, and waterfront patios are sprinkled throughout the area, and weekends can be very busy. Outdoor performers take to the stage regularly in the afternoons, some of which can be quite eclectic. The area is easily accessible on foot from many of the nearby attractions including the USS Midway. Since there is limited and expensive parking at Seaport Village, it may be best to park a little distance away and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront to the site. Address: West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Seaport Village station
125 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
San Diego's Seaport Village is a delightful place to stroll around and spend an afternoon. Located right on the waterfront, this area of unique shops and restaurants is one of the city's must-sees. Picnic tables, benches, and waterfront patios are sprinkled throughout the area, and weekends can be very busy. Outdoor performers take to the stage regularly in the afternoons, some of which can be quite eclectic. The area is easily accessible on foot from many of the nearby attractions including the USS Midway. Since there is limited and expensive parking at Seaport Village, it may be best to park a little distance away and enjoy the stroll along the waterfront to the site. Address: West Harbor Drive and Pacific Highway, San Diego, California
The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park gives visitors a look at the town's Mexican and early American history, and offers opportunities for shopping and dining. It was probably founded in 1820 by demobilized Mexican soldiers who had done their military service at the Presidio or in the fort on Presidio Hill, both of which are located here. Many of the historic buildings, including numerous adobe houses, have been repaired. Also located here are interesting shops and restaurants with outdoor patios. The Old Town State Historic park is the most visited state park in California. There is no admission fee. Address: 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, California
170 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Barrio Antiguo de San Diego
4002 Wallace St
170 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park gives visitors a look at the town's Mexican and early American history, and offers opportunities for shopping and dining. It was probably founded in 1820 by demobilized Mexican soldiers who had done their military service at the Presidio or in the fort on Presidio Hill, both of which are located here. Many of the historic buildings, including numerous adobe houses, have been repaired. Also located here are interesting shops and restaurants with outdoor patios. The Old Town State Historic park is the most visited state park in California. There is no admission fee. Address: 4002 Wallace Street, San Diego, California
Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the United States. The zoo has all kinds of exotic animals, including pandas, which have been successfully bred here. It is spread out along a canyon, with many hills that can sometimes be challenging for visitors wandering through the site. The park prides itself on the animal enclosures, which are designed to recreate natural settings. Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, California
2510 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Zoológico de San Diego
2920 Zoo Dr
2510 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the United States. The zoo has all kinds of exotic animals, including pandas, which have been successfully bred here. It is spread out along a canyon, with many hills that can sometimes be challenging for visitors wandering through the site. The park prides itself on the animal enclosures, which are designed to recreate natural settings. Address: 2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, San Diego, California
Point Loma provides an incredible view out over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. This is the place where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed on the west coast of the United States in 1542. The history of his incredible "Voyage of Discovery" is told through a variety of displays and exhibits at the Cabrillo National Monument. A large statue dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo gazes out over the land he discovered. Also located on Point Loma is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1858. Visitors can tour the refurbished lighthouse building. Access to Point Loma is along a very scenic roadway.
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Point Loma
115 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Point Loma provides an incredible view out over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean. This is the place where Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed on the west coast of the United States in 1542. The history of his incredible "Voyage of Discovery" is told through a variety of displays and exhibits at the Cabrillo National Monument. A large statue dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo gazes out over the land he discovered. Also located on Point Loma is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1858. Visitors can tour the refurbished lighthouse building. Access to Point Loma is along a very scenic roadway.
The San Diego Museum of Art is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called Platero style, with finely-chiseled terracotta and silversmith work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the façade, and their works hang in the museum's collection. The museum's collection covers a broad spectrum of works from around the world and pieces that date back to 7,000 years ago. Spanish old master paintings, along with Asian art, European art, and art from the Americas are highlighted. Address: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, California
126 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado
126 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The San Diego Museum of Art is a copy of the 17th-century University of Salamanca, in the so-called Platero style, with finely-chiseled terracotta and silversmith work. Busts of Spanish painters adorn the façade, and their works hang in the museum's collection. The museum's collection covers a broad spectrum of works from around the world and pieces that date back to 7,000 years ago. Spanish old master paintings, along with Asian art, European art, and art from the Americas are highlighted. Address: 1450 El Prado, San Diego, California
The Mission Beach Boardwalk epitomizes San Diego's dreamy Southern California lifestyle. This scenic three-mile stretch is the place to go for a leisurely walk, sunbathing, and people-watching. The boardwalk is also a popular spot for rollerblading, skateboarding, and cycling. A highlight of Mission Beach is Belmont Park, an East-Coast-style seaside amusement park complete with a historic roller coaster, excellent restaurants, fairground eateries, and street performances. The carnival ambiance encourages visitors to relish a day of fun in the sun.
554 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Playa de Mission
3000 Mission Boulevard
554 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Mission Beach Boardwalk epitomizes San Diego's dreamy Southern California lifestyle. This scenic three-mile stretch is the place to go for a leisurely walk, sunbathing, and people-watching. The boardwalk is also a popular spot for rollerblading, skateboarding, and cycling. A highlight of Mission Beach is Belmont Park, an East-Coast-style seaside amusement park complete with a historic roller coaster, excellent restaurants, fairground eateries, and street performances. The carnival ambiance encourages visitors to relish a day of fun in the sun.
Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to go is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues. During the gray whale migration season, the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers a chance to spot the whales as they migrate to Baja California in Mexico.
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Parque Natural de Sunset Cliffs en San Diego
Ladera Street
268 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to go is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues. During the gray whale migration season, the Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offers a chance to spot the whales as they migrate to Baja California in Mexico.
This was California's first mission. In 1769, the Spanish Franciscan Father from Majorca, Junipero Serra, founded the mission stations, the first of which was built in San Diego. A few years after it was founded, however, it was moved six miles inland because disputes had arisen between the Spanish troops and the Indians. In 1775, the Indians set fire to the new mission; the Fathers sought refuge with the army and it was 1777 before they built a new mission station with the help of the Indians. However, it quickly became dilapidated following secularization. Today, visitors can see the old church with a bell-tower, declared a basilica in the 1970s; a beautiful garden; and a small museum. It is a National Historic Landmark. Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, California
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Mission San Diego de Alcala
10818 San Diego Mission Road
61 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
This was California's first mission. In 1769, the Spanish Franciscan Father from Majorca, Junipero Serra, founded the mission stations, the first of which was built in San Diego. A few years after it was founded, however, it was moved six miles inland because disputes had arisen between the Spanish troops and the Indians. In 1775, the Indians set fire to the new mission; the Fathers sought refuge with the army and it was 1777 before they built a new mission station with the help of the Indians. However, it quickly became dilapidated following secularization. Today, visitors can see the old church with a bell-tower, declared a basilica in the 1970s; a beautiful garden; and a small museum. It is a National Historic Landmark. Address: 10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, California
SeaWorld San Diego is one of the city's main attractions, particularly for families. It is located along the waterfront in Mission Bay. For many Americans, SeaWorld has been a longtime family tradition, having been around since the 1960s. Among the highlights are shows featuring killer whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other sea life. There are all kinds of rides, from roller coasters plowing into water to more sedate carnival type rides for tots. SeaWorld is an aquarium that allows close-up looks at sharks and other sea creatures that can be seen through an acrylic tunnel, along with touch tanks and close encounters with dolphins and inhabitants of tidal pools. Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California
1754 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.
1754 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
SeaWorld San Diego is one of the city's main attractions, particularly for families. It is located along the waterfront in Mission Bay. For many Americans, SeaWorld has been a longtime family tradition, having been around since the 1960s. Among the highlights are shows featuring killer whales, sea lions, dolphins, and other sea life. There are all kinds of rides, from roller coasters plowing into water to more sedate carnival type rides for tots. SeaWorld is an aquarium that allows close-up looks at sharks and other sea creatures that can be seen through an acrylic tunnel, along with touch tanks and close encounters with dolphins and inhabitants of tidal pools. Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, San Diego, California
Balboa Park encompasses a 1,400-acre site with historical buildings, numerous museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, and most of the buildings remain from that event. The predominant architecture is Spanish-style low-rise buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings. Among the highlights of the park are the botanical gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Even if you never go into a building, the park is simply a beautiful place. Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Parque Balboa
3290 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Balboa Park encompasses a 1,400-acre site with historical buildings, numerous museums, gardens, and green space. The park was created for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916, and most of the buildings remain from that event. The predominant architecture is Spanish-style low-rise buildings that blend in with the natural surroundings. Among the highlights of the park are the botanical gardens and lily pond, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Even if you never go into a building, the park is simply a beautiful place. Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California
Petco Park is a baseball park located in the downtown area of San Diego, California, United States, that is home to the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. The park opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium, which the Padres shared with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.
709 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Petco Park
100 Park Blvd
709 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Petco Park is a baseball park located in the downtown area of San Diego, California, United States, that is home to the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball. The park opened in 2004, replacing Qualcomm Stadium, which the Padres shared with the San Diego Chargers of the National Football League.
One of the best Italian restaurants in the city—period—is Biga, which specializes in artisanal pizzas and dishes made with housemade pasta. Owner Tae Dicky is known for scouring local farms and markets to find the best, most sustainable and freshest local produce, so expect quality no matter what is ordered.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Biga
950 Sixth Ave
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
One of the best Italian restaurants in the city—period—is Biga, which specializes in artisanal pizzas and dishes made with housemade pasta. Owner Tae Dicky is known for scouring local farms and markets to find the best, most sustainable and freshest local produce, so expect quality no matter what is ordered.
One of the newest arrivals to the Gaslamp is STK, which arrives to San Diego by way of Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Ibiza, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Orlando, Miami, Toronto and its flagship of New York. High quality chops and seafood are on the menu and a party vibe is a given.
STK San Diego
600 F St
One of the newest arrivals to the Gaslamp is STK, which arrives to San Diego by way of Atlanta, Chicago, Denver, Ibiza, Las Vegas, London, Los Angeles, Milan, Orlando, Miami, Toronto and its flagship of New York. High quality chops and seafood are on the menu and a party vibe is a given.
Opened in January 2019 is The Morning After. The 4,132-square-foot bistro and bar serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and bar selections including Fruity Pebbles pancakes topped with mascarpone buttercream; Cinnamon Toast Crunch brioche toast with Grand Marnier icing; red velvet waffle topped with cream cheese icing and toasted pecans; bacon-wrapped asparagus with an over easy egg and balsamic drizzle; and shrimp and grits with pancetta herb gravy. Food and cocktail flights will be offered during brunch and will include French toast, waffles and pancakes; as well as mimosa, margarita and bloody mary flights. The Morning After transitions to a sports bar in the evening, becoming part of the energetic and vibrant downtown nightlife scene. The evening menu will feature an array of bar bites including: several flavors of buffalo wings, sliders, mac ‘n cheese, loaded french fries and a buttermilk chicken and waffle plate, among other selections.
The Morning After
531 F Street
Opened in January 2019 is The Morning After. The 4,132-square-foot bistro and bar serves breakfast, brunch, lunch and bar selections including Fruity Pebbles pancakes topped with mascarpone buttercream; Cinnamon Toast Crunch brioche toast with Grand Marnier icing; red velvet waffle topped with cream cheese icing and toasted pecans; bacon-wrapped asparagus with an over easy egg and balsamic drizzle; and shrimp and grits with pancetta herb gravy. Food and cocktail flights will be offered during brunch and will include French toast, waffles and pancakes; as well as mimosa, margarita and bloody mary flights. The Morning After transitions to a sports bar in the evening, becoming part of the energetic and vibrant downtown nightlife scene. The evening menu will feature an array of bar bites including: several flavors of buffalo wings, sliders, mac ‘n cheese, loaded french fries and a buttermilk chicken and waffle plate, among other selections.
The Los Angeles-based Mexican chain has finally hit downtown San Diego—regulars love their variety of bowls, which are ideal for a grab-on-the-go lunch.
Tocaya Organica
755 Fifth Ave
The Los Angeles-based Mexican chain has finally hit downtown San Diego—regulars love their variety of bowls, which are ideal for a grab-on-the-go lunch.
Dedicated to presenting the finest range of pick and mix sweets from around the world. Chocolate or jelly, soft or hard, fizzy or fruity; our buyers select a truly international range from many countries.
Sweet Factory
673 Parkway Plaza
Dedicated to presenting the finest range of pick and mix sweets from around the world. Chocolate or jelly, soft or hard, fizzy or fruity; our buyers select a truly international range from many countries.
Dinner and a movie? Theatre Box opened in late 2018 and features a top-of-the-line viewing experience complete with a full dinner and snack menu alongside craft cocktails and other sweet treats. For a full sit-down experience, hit the on-site Sugar American Brasserie.
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Theatre Box
701 Fifth Ave
6 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Dinner and a movie? Theatre Box opened in late 2018 and features a top-of-the-line viewing experience complete with a full dinner and snack menu alongside craft cocktails and other sweet treats. For a full sit-down experience, hit the on-site Sugar American Brasserie.
In house charcuterie, one of the best cocktail lists in San Diego and less common meat options, like wild boar, are what The Lion’s Share is known for. Think of it as a quirky (in the best way) gastropub—and one that offers one of the best dining and drinking experiences in the city.
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
The Lion's Share
629 Kettner Blvd
41 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
In house charcuterie, one of the best cocktail lists in San Diego and less common meat options, like wild boar, are what The Lion’s Share is known for. Think of it as a quirky (in the best way) gastropub—and one that offers one of the best dining and drinking experiences in the city.
The Smoking Gun has a stacked bar menu but is particularly worth a visit for its craft cocktails, which are easily some of the best in the area. The stacked menu has a selection of boilermakers (cocktails with beer) and to-share options, which come served in disco balls.
The Smoking Gun SD
555 Market St
The Smoking Gun has a stacked bar menu but is particularly worth a visit for its craft cocktails, which are easily some of the best in the area. The stacked menu has a selection of boilermakers (cocktails with beer) and to-share options, which come served in disco balls.
Nestled in the Pendry Hotel is Lionfish, an upscale seafood-centric restaurant with a focus on fresh-catch and sustainable fish.
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Lionfish Modern Coastal Cuisine
435 Fifth Ave
11 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Nestled in the Pendry Hotel is Lionfish, an upscale seafood-centric restaurant with a focus on fresh-catch and sustainable fish.
Also at the Pendry, which prides itself on being a food-centric hotel, is Provisional Kitchen, its more casual, all-day eatery that’s high on fresh produce and chic design.
Provisional Kitchen
425 Fifth Ave
Also at the Pendry, which prides itself on being a food-centric hotel, is Provisional Kitchen, its more casual, all-day eatery that’s high on fresh produce and chic design.
Part of the King’s Seafood family of restaurants, a family-owned and operated restaurant company that’s been around for over 70 years, Water Grill specializes in plates of the freshest catch. A stacked raw bar and creative mains complement an ever-changing specials menu.
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Water Grill San Diego
615 J Street
30 Recomendado por los habitantes de la zona
Part of the King’s Seafood family of restaurants, a family-owned and operated restaurant company that’s been around for over 70 years, Water Grill specializes in plates of the freshest catch. A stacked raw bar and creative mains complement an ever-changing specials menu.