Just southeast of downtown San Diego, you'll find the edgy, lively neighborhood of North Park (and its also-hip neighbor, South Park). North Park is known for its density of craft breweries—check out this guide to 30th Street's incredible beer scene—as well as its lively nightlife, eclectic boutiques, and more. Check out the perfect way to spend a day in this popular San Diego neighborhood.
GET BUZZY
Holsem Coffee
Start your day off right with the calming marble countertops and cute mini succulents at Holsem Coffee. This free-trade roaster is known for its unique coffee creations like the Banana Bread Cold Brew and Lavender Mocha Latte (served with picture-perfect dried flowers sprinkled on top). Order the avocado toast for a thoroughly SoCal a.m.
SHOP IN STYLE
Pigment
Duck into Pigment for an aesthetically arresting shopping experience. Plants, furniture, and gifts from local artisans are beautifully organized by color with plenty of adorable photo ops for the Instagrammer. Nearby Hunt & Gather carries handmade apparel and vintage items, all “where did you get that?” finds.
TAKE A TACO TOUR
City Tacos, Lucha Libre
North Park is home to two of the best taco shops in San Diego. Local preference is split between City Tacos and Lucha Libre, so grab a few from each shop and stage your own throwdown. Will you prefer the Mahi Al Adobo from City or the Surf & Turf from Lucha? Enjoy them as a picnic in North Park Community Park.
BELLY UP FOR A BREW
Modern Times Flavordome, Mike Hess Brewing Company
San Diego’s microbrew culture is thriving in North Park. Gaze up at the ceiling covered in upside down lampshades at Modern Times Flavordome, which specializes in flavorful session styles. Or head to the industrial space of Mike Hess Brewing Company to play a board game over a flight.
CAMP OUT OVER DINNER
One Door North
This restaurant brings summer camp indoors with forest-printed walls, antler chandeliers, and sheepskin throws over picnic-style benches. The menu stays on-brand with items like wild boar pasta and cocktails spruced with alpine bitters. Request a tent table to eat in a private, canvas-covered escape.
CATCH A SHOW
Observatory North Park Theatre
When this popular theatre opened in 1929, it was one of the most luxurious movie houses in the country. Today, it’s a music venue hosting names from HAIM to Snoop Dogg in an intimate setting. Deep red walls and golden gargoyles are a beautiful reminder of the venue’s storied past.