SAN DIEGO AND TOURISM ARE SYNONYMOUS DUE
TO BEAUTIFUL WEATHER AND CLOSE PROXIMITY TO
Balboa Park Towers
Credit: SanDiego.org
GORGEOUS WATERSCAPES AT EVERY TURN. OVER THE
PAST DECADE, THE CITY’S DINING AND BEER SCENE
HAS CATAPULTED, WELCOMING RENOWNED CHEFS
AND LAUNCHING HUNDREDS OF BREWERIES INTO THE
NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT. THERE ARE GREAT SPOTS FOR
FAMILIES AND PLENTY MORE FOR JUST THE GROWNUPS.
HERE ARE OUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN THIS STUNNING
SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA CITY.
From cycling classes at Spark Cycle and early morning lattes from
Moniker General coffee shop, Liberty Station has transformed itself
from a military base to a community center that is great for locals and
visitors alike. Liberty Public Market is located within the station and is
a must-see for anyone who loves food, with vendors from around the
world dishing out everything from Mediterranean mezes and savory
crepes to ramen soups and almond milk smoothies. Guests can also
enjoy adult beverages and grab a seat inside or a spot on the turf
outside, where families enjoy each other’s company and kids play.
Balboa Park never disappoints when it comes to family-friendly activities
in San Diego. Not only is it great exercise to walk or bike around
this urban cultural park, but the stunning Spanish Colonial Revival
architecture will take your breath away. The park provides incredible
opportunities to explore things like the Japanese Friendship Gardens,
dine at The Prado and zip over to catch a show at the Old Globe Theater.
The park is also home to the world famous San Diego Zoo. In addition
to these notable destinations that could take more than a few days to
thoroughly explore, Balboa Park also houses some of the best museums
FLYWASHINGTON.COM 38 WINTER 2018/19
in the city including: The Museum of Natural History, the Museum of
Man and the Fleet Science Center and planetarium, which has interactive
exhibits just for kids.
If you are looking to get out and enjoy some great neighborhoods,
Little Italy and East Village are two spots with solid dining
destinations, a ton of local craft beer options and of course, fantastic
people watching. Little Italy has exploded and attracted some of the
city’s top restauranteurs. If you want to dine at a spot that has served
generations of San Diegans, try Filippi’s Pizza Grotto. For something
new and fresh, dine at Juniper & Ivy, led by “Top Chef: All-Stars”
winner Richard Blais, where everything is plated on wood, steel or
stone. East Village, situated right next to Petco Park, has also been
experiencing a revival with its food scene and is attracting tech and
creatives from around the country. Places like Amplified Ale Works
and Punch Bowl Social are great ways to enjoy some locally brewed
beer and have some grown up time.