Things to Do Little Italy in San Diego
San Diego County has no shortage of things to do and places to see. San Diego’s Little Italy has been around since the 1920s. At the time, it provided residential living space as well as business space to Italian immigrants and families. This lively neighborhood with a rich history of Italian culture has evolved into a bustling area, preserving its cultural heritage while embracing the diverse nature of San Diego.
Now Little Italy San Diego creates a community of both Italian and non-Italian businesses and business owners. Saturday mornings are particularly busy thanks to the Little Italy Mercato and weekend festivities.
Things to Do in Little Italy San Diego
- Check out the Little Italy landmark sign. The Little Italy sign address is 1731 India St, San Diego, CA 92101.
- Explore the Neighborhood by walking around.
- Walk along India Street.
- Relax by the fountain at Piazza Della Famiglia.
- Attend Events in Little Italy San Diego. There are plenty of events throughout the year.
- Go to mass at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church.
- You can also browse the Little Italy Association of San Diego website to learn more about the neighborhood.
Grab a Bite to Eat in San Diego Little Italy
The streets are lined with traditional trattorias, cozy cafes, gelato shops, and other small businesses, enticing visitors with tantalizing aromas and authentic flavors.
The Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego is a fantastic hub filled with Italian cuisine, cultural events, and plenty of things to do. There are several restaurants where you can find farm fresh produce, delicious food and Italian food, pizza, sandwiches, and more.
- Check Out happy hours at Little Italy San Diego's Italian restaurants.
- Book Little Italy Walking Tour with Wine Tasting.
- ALLEGRO 1536 India Street
- AMBROGIO15 550 West Date Street
- BALLAST POINT TASTING ROOM & KITCHEN RESTAURANT 2215 India St
- BAR ONE 1532 India St
- BARBUSA 1917 India St
- BAYSIDE BAR & GRILL 555 West Ash St
- BENCOTTO ITALIAN KITCHEN 750 West Fir Street
- BOLT BREWERY 1971 India St
- BORN & RAISED 1909 India St
- BREAKFAST AT STEPHANIE'S 1501 India St
- BUN & PATTI 2171 Kettner Boulevard
- BUON APPETITO 1609 India St
- BURGER LOUNGE 1608 India St
- CAFΓ GRATITUDE 1980 Kettner Boulevard
- CIVICO 1845 1845 India Street
- CLOAK AND PETAL 1953 India St
- COCO MAYA BY MISS B'S 1660 India St
- COOCOO'S NEST 550 West Date Street
- THE CRACK SHACK 2266 Kettner Boulevard
- CRAFT & COMMERCE 625 West Beech Street
- CRUDO CEVICHE & OYSTER BAR 1608 India St
- DAVANTI ENOTECA 1655 India St
- EL CAMINO 2400 India St
- FABRISON'S 1425 India St
- FARMER'S TABLE 550 West Date Street
- FILIPPI'S PIZZA GROTTO 1747 India St
- THE GLASS DOOR 1835 Columbia Street
- GRAZE BY SAM 555 West Date Street
- HARBOR BREAKFAST 1502 India St
- HERB & EATERY 2210 Kettner Boulevard
- HERB & WOOD 2210 Kettner Boulevard
- IRONSIDE FISH & OYSTER BAR 1654 India St
- ISOLA PIZZA BAR 1526 India St
- JUNIPER AND IVY 2228 Kettner Boulevard
- THE KEBAB SHOP 303 West Beech Street
- KETTNER EXCHANGE 2001 Kettner Boulevard
- KING AND QUEEN CANTINA 1490 Kettner Boulevard
- LANDINI'S PIZZERIA 1827 India St
- LITTLE ITALY FOOD HALL 550 West Date Street
- LITTLE ITALY'S LOADING DOCK 2400 Kettner Boulevard
- MEIN ST. ASIAN KITCHEN 550 West Date Street
- MIMMO'S 1743 India St
- MONA LISA ITALIAN FOODS 2061 India St
- MONELLO 750 West Fir Street
- MR. MOTO PIZZA 1702 India St
- MUSIC BOX 1337 India Street
- NOLITA HALL 2305 India St
- NOT NOT TACOS 550 West Date Street
- PETRINI'S 610 West Ash Street
- PRINCESS PUB & GRILLE 1665 India St
- PUERTO LA BOCA ARGENTINIAN RESTAURANT 2060 India St
- QUEENSTOWN PUBLIC HOUSE 1557 Columbia Street RISTORANTE ILLANDO 1825 India St
- ROVINO ROTISSERIE + WINE 2034 Kettner Boulevard
- SAMSBURGERS 555 West Date Street
- SEMOLLA 550 West Date Street
- SHINO SUSHI & KAPPO 838 West Ash Street
- SOGNO DI VINO 1607 India St
- SOLUNTO 1643 India St
- SORRENTO 1646 India St
- UNDERBELLY 750 West Fir Street
- VINARIUS WINE BAR & RESTAURANT 1445 India St
- WATERCOLORS 401 West Ash Street
- WATERFRONT BAR & GRILL 2044 Kettner Boulevard
- THE YASAI 2254 India St
- ZINQUΓ 2101 Kettner Boulevard
Stop by the San Diego Little Italy Food Hall
Get gelato or take a gander at the different options. Little Italy Food Hall has different stations so you can find a little something for each person in your party.
- Ambrigio15
- Bobboi Natural Gelato
- Coocoo's Nest
- Graze by Sam
- Little Italy Food Hall Bar
- Mein St. Asian Kitchen
- Not Not Tacos
- Olala Crepes
- Samburgers
- The Mini Donut Company
Shop the Little Italy Mercato
You can find the Little Italy Mercato Farmer's Market every Saturday from 8 AM to 2 PM as well as every Wednesday from 9:30 AM to 1:30 PM, year-round, rain or shine. There are loads of vendors selling produce, flowers, eggs, meat, fish, baked goods, groceries, crafts, products, and local food that you can support. The Mercato farmers market is 3 blocks, located from Kettner Blvd to State Street.
Explore Little Italy's Waterfront Park
Located at 1600 Pacific Hwy, San Diego, CA 92101 Waterfront Park is a public park that has spray fountains, grassy areas, and lots of space. This large space is often home to different events and festivals.
- Take your pup to Little Italy Dog Park.
- Head to Amici Park at 1660 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
- Art Galleries in Little Italy San Diego
- Visit San Diego Firehouse Museum
- Hop-on Hop-off Trolley Tours
Is Little Italy Considered Downtown San Diego?
Yes, Little Italy is in the downtown San Diego area, close to the Embarcadero. India Street runs through the heart of Little Italy. Downtown is a thriving area with a few neighborhoods. According to the San Diego tourism website, downtown SD consists of the Gaslamp Quarter, Embarcadero, Little Italy, East Village, and Barrio Logan. Little Italy is bordered by West Laurel Street, West Ash Street, the I-5, Front Street, San Diego Bay, and the Pacific Highway.
Is Little Italy San Diego Safe at Night?
Just like most places, keep your wits about you.
What are the best hotels to stay in Little Italy San Diego?
Hotels
- Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Downtown
- Hotel Republic San Diego Autograph Collection
- Best Western Plus Inn Bayside
- La Pensione Hotel
San Diego Art Walk
If you're in the area you can also visit Seaport Village, Downtown San Diego, the historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, and other fun spots nearby.
- Stroll through the neighborhood to admire colorful murals, public art installations, and unique boutique shops.
San Diego Little Italy
From the Little Italy landmark sign to lobster rolls, Little Italy is the perfect place to explore during your trip to San Diego County. For generations, Italian families and businesses have made this area their home.
HIGH-pie at the Top Gun House in Oceanside, CA
You're walking to the Top Gun house in Oceanside, Southern California as you take in the view of the Pacific Ocean. The iconic house has a Victorian cottage exterior in a soothing hue of powder blue. There's a motorcycle by the entrance and someone hops on to take advantage of a pretty cool photo op.
When you walk inside HIGH-pie, you notice the decorated interior. The Oceanside pie shop has nautical-themed wallpaper with whales, ships, and shells. Photos of the original Top Gun movie hang on the wall: Tom Cruise as Maverick giving a thumbs up, a signed Top Gun poster, photos from the film. There's one cupboard filled with teacups, plates, and knick-knacks and one cupboard filled with ceramics like spice containers, a chicken teapot, and a rolling pin. You take everything in as you make your way in line to order.
Read my other articles about Oceanside
Oceanside Pier: Restaurants, Fishing, Parking
Located in North County San Diego at 250 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA 92054 at the Mission Pacific Hotel, HIGH-pie serves tasty hand pies at the historic Top Gun house. The pie shop is open seven days a week from 12 pm to 8 pm.
Oceanside, California is in North County San Diego County, about 45 minutes from downtown San Diego. Grab a bite to eat and then check out the other local businesses nearby.
HIGH-pie Menu
You stand in line and look at the menu. There's the apple hand pie or the cherry hand pie. Each hand pie is filled with a fruit compote made from locally picked fruits. The pies are gluten-free, made with Thomas Keller’s Cup4Cup flour.
They also have the mini pie a-la-mode. The mini pies are filled with the house-made mascarpone ice cream, then fried, and baked to order. Choose from dipping sauces such as Charlie’s Chocolate, Government Cheese, Lemon Curd, and Sea Salt Caramel.
As for bevvys, HIGH-pie serves hot coffee as well as their take on New Orleans-style iced coffee made with sweet milk. They also have seasonal kombucha.
Visitors who love history will enjoy the long story behind this house! While you're in North County San Diego the area, walk over to the Oceanside Pier and enjoy the magnificence of the Pacific Ocean. Click here to read my article about the Oceanside Pier, nearby restaurants, parking, and more.
The Graves House and the Top Gun Movie
The historic Graves House was built in 1888, owned by Dr. Henry Graves. In 1905, the house was sold to Charles Burlock. After that, Angeline Morgan owned the home for more than 40 years. Paramount Pictures used the home in the 1986 Top Gun movie.
For several scenes in Top Gun, you can see Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis in the home. Cruise plays Maverick while McGillis plays Charlotte ‘Charlie’ Blackwood, who owns the home. The characters chat and hang out in the house.
You can learn more about the Top Gun house on the Oceanside Historical Society website. The opening of HIGH-pie aligned nicely with the release of Top Gun: Maverick in 2022.
HIGH-pie Information
HIGH-pie / Top Gun House Address: The house was moved from its original location about a block away to the Mission Pacific Hotel: 250 North Pacific Street, Oceanside, CA 92054
Website: The Famous HIGH-pie
HIGH-pie was developed by Tara Lazar, chef, restaurateur, and hotelier behind the F10 Creative-hospitality group of restaurants: Cheeky’s, Birba, Mr. Lyons, Seymour’s, and High/Low.
You'll want to stop by the long awaited HIGH-pie if you loved the original Top Gun movie, Tom Cruise, Kelly McGillis, if you're a foodie, or if you're a fan of sweets. The pies are small enough that you won't leave with a sugar-induced stomachache. Guests can sit and eat their delicious hand pies with a view of the beach.
There's a lot to do in the city of Oceanside! You can head to Oceanside Harbor Village and check the restaurants and eateries over there as well.
LAVO San Diego Italian Restaurant
LAVO San Diego has a large space with windows to let in the sunlight. Stay through nightfall and you'll witness the restaurant transform. Much like the sun setting, the dining room lights dim every once in a while until you're left with a lowlight. You can hear the restaurant buzzing with life; the chatter hums through the 15-foot high ceilings. LAVO San Diego guests include couples on dates, groups of friends, some trios. At the large bar area, a barstool sits between one man in a black suit, black socks, and black loafers and one man blue t-shirt, blue jeans, and flip flops. LAVO San Diego doors open at 5 pm every evening. Come for LAVO's playful cocktails and dinner. Enjoy the evening and stay until 11 pm, or 12 am on Fridays and Saturdays. Cheers!
LAVO San Diego serves up cocktails and food until 12 am on Friday and Saturday. |
LAVO Italian Restaurant in Downtown San Diego
The restaurant is located in Downtown San Diego at 611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, LAVO Italian restaurant serves appetizers, salads, brick oven pizzas, housemade pastas, specialty cocktails, and more.
The dining room area has 235 seats. Tao Group Hospitality Chief Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella created a menu of dishes to delight your tastebuds. Popular items include the delicious pasta truffle dish, Truffle Ricotta Cavatelli, truffle fries, 20-layer chocolate cake with peanut butter mascarpone. Learn more on their website!
There are many fantastic restaurants, eateries, and bars in the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter. The Gaslamp is a lively neighborhood with artisan markets, live music, skate Sundays during the summer, and so much more.
Pictured here are the chopped antipasto salad, the garlic bread, and The Meatball from LAVO Italian restaurant. |
Appetizers
On the LAVO restaurant San Diego menu, you can find popular appetizers such as the Baked Clams Oreganata made with Littleneck Clams, toasted breadcrumbs, and garlic butter or the garlic bread that comes with three types of dipping sauces: Basil Pesto, Marinara, and Gorgonzola Dolce. As a garlic lover, I loved the garlic bread as well as the variety of sauces to dip it in. If you enjoy the acquired taste that is Gorgonzola, you will love that sauce. I also tried the tuna tartare made with diced yellowfin tuna, avocado, crispy garlic, black olive dressing, and little crispy crackers.
The Meatball
The Meatball is the noticeable one pound Wagyu meatball served with marinara and a creamy fresh whipped ricotta. The Meatball is photo-worthy and video-worthy, perfect for foodies and anyone who loves head-turning food. The meat is tender, moist, flavorful, and almost melts into your mouth.
Salad
The chopped antipasto salad has gem lettuce, a variety of Italian cured meats, provolone, artichokes, roasted peppers, pepperoncini, marinated mushrooms, green beans, cherry tomatoes as well as the Creamy Italian Dressing.
House Specialties
Then there are the house specialties like the Chicken Marsala or the grilled branzino with heirloom tomato, Panzanella, and salsa verde.
Pasta
Savor the flavor of housemade pasta. If you like truffle, mushroom, and pasta then you really can't go wrong with the Truffle Ricotta Cavatelli. This truffle pasta dish is decadent and scrumptious. Made with crema, mushroom ragu, and shaved truffle.
Brick Oven Pizzas
Brick oven pizzas are known for the char flecks, the texture, the taste. They make a statement, especially if you love pizza crust. LAVO Italian restaurant San Diego serves pizzas such as the Angry Maria with Calabrian chili, tomato, vodka sauce, basil pesto, and fresh mozzarella cheese.
Desserts
Notable desserts include the tiramisu or the 20 Layer Chocolate Cake made of chocolate devil’s food cake and peanut butter mascarpone.
Cocktails
Reviewers talk about the Sicilian Cartel with Dos Hombres Mezcal, fresh lime, egg white, and grapefruit cordial. I tried the Amalfi G N'T with Malfy Gin, Fever Tree Tonic, Italicus Bergamont, juniper, laurel bay, and lemon, delightfully botanical!
Information
- LAVO San Diego Address: 611 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101
- Phone number: (619) 762-5286
- Chief Culinary Officer Ralph Scamardella
- Find it located in the city's historic Gaslamp Quarter in San Diego
- Popular items at LAVO San Diego include the truffle cavatelli, the truffle fries, and garlic bread.
- LAVO Website
Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad, California
Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad, California is tucked in beautiful North County San Diego. This is the quintessential place to hang out if you're with a group of friends or family members and y'all can't decide where to eat. Each person can find amazing food options, craft beer selections, creative craft cocktails, and more to suit their taste under one roof.
There are pastries, pizza, meat, BBQ, and other options. Food halls are all the rage thanks to their diversity of food and convenience.
Windmill Food Hall is located in the iconic windmill building in Carlsbad, CA. The address is 890 Palomar Airport Road Carlsbad, California 92011. There is food, drink, happy hour, some outdoor seating and patio seating. If you are in the mood for coffee, check out my post on all the Carlsbad Coffee Shops. Carlsbad is near Oceanside, San Marcos, Vista.
Windmill Food Hall Hours
Windmill Food Hall is open daily.
Food Vendor Hours
Sunday-Thursday 11 am - 8 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am - 9 pm
* Corner Coffee and El Puerto open daily at 8 am *
Bar Hours
Sunday-Thursday 11 am - 9 pm
Friday-Saturday 11 am - 11 pm
Windmill Food Hall - Food Vendors
Pick a place to eat at or mix and match with friends. Find something for each person's different tastes. There are benches and space to sit. You'll find food and drink options in this bustling food hall. The convenient ordering system allows you to order without having to wait for table service. Windmill Food Hall is a great environment for families with little kids. It also has open seating areas and benches.
Bomb Burgerz
New at Windmill Food Hall.
Cacio
Build your own pasta and eat some classic Italian delights at Cacio. They have appetizers, soup, salad, subs, and chefs specials like their carbonara or the chicken tequila penne. The build your own pasta allows you to pick your noodles, sauce, and veggies. You can add protein or other sides for an additional fee.
Corner Coffee
Come to Windmill Food Hall for your daily caffeine buzz. Corner Coffee opens daily at 8 am and it's the first thing you see when you enter the hall.
Craft Pizza
Pizza lovers rejoice. Craft Pizza serves red and white pizza (without marinara sauce), breakfast pizza, calzones, desserts, and some canned and bottled beverages. Gluten-free and vegan options are available.
Cross Street Chicken and Beer
Chicken combos, sandwiches, sides, and yes, Cross Street Chicken and Beer even has some plant-based chik'n items on the menu too. They have wing and tender flavors like The O.G., garlic parmesan, soy garlic, and more. Cluck cluck!
District 1 Pho
Menu items include the Build Your Own Bowl, Pho Dac Biet, Pho Tai, Banh Mi as well as starters such as egg rolls, bbq spring rolls, Nem Nuong spring rolls. You can also ask them about their street food of the week.
Taco Ensenada from El Cacho in Windmill Food Hall. |
El Cacho
Fish Taco Stand is one of the newer stands at Windmill Food Hall. They have fish tacos and seafood like a shrimp and octopus cocktail.
El Puerto Street Tacos
El Puerto Street Tacos is open every day at 8 am. Food includes burritos, tacos, quesdillas, asada fries, side orders like corn tortillas, guacamole, salsa fresca. Vegan choices include The Vegan burrito and their potato fajita taco.
Mediterranean House
Gyros, ground beef kebab wraps, hummus, oh my. Mediterranean House has plenty of delectable appetizers, plates, sandwiches, wraps, salads, drinks, and sauces! Vegan options such as falafel, dolmades, and more.
Notorious BBQ
Baby got babyback ribs. Meats by the piece, sandwiches, sides (coleslaw, baked beans, collard greens, etc.) Notorious BBQ also has vegan options with their vegan bbq, vegan sausage sandwich, or vegan combo.
Rolled Up Sushi
Sushi burritos, bowls, and rolls. Rolled Up Sushi has bowls and burritos such as chicken teriyaki or spicy tuna. Sushi rolls include veggie, Philly roll, poke roll, and more. They also have some drinks and offerings like Spam musubi and seaweed salad.
Secret Sauce Wok & Grill
Secret Sauce Wok & Grill has appetizers (such as crab rangoons or mini lumpia), soups, a lunch menu, dinner menu (Mongolian Beef, Szechuan Beef, etc.), drinks, and other goodies. Vegan options are available as well.
Thai Style
The Mill Bar
Parking at Windmill Food Hall
Parking is easy to navigate when you drive in. Just find a spot and park.
Support local restaurants and local business and grab a bite to eat at Windmill Food Hall, where you can find a wide variety of cuisines to choose from. There are a lot of things to do in North County San Diego, California. Come visit and bring the family, kids or a couple of friends and savor the moment. Discover new food local vendors or pick something up for takeout. It's a casual and buzzing place to dine. Head to Windmill Food Hall in Carlsbad, CA! Satisfy your cravings any time of the day. Carlsbad has a lot of restaurants and eateries to try based on your needs, from gluten-free to vegan.
Related reading:
Things to Do in Oceanside, California: Restaurants, Coffee Shops, What to See
Things to Do in Encinitas, California: Don't Miss This North County San Diego Gem
Vista Breweries: Craft Beer in North County San Diego
Things to Do at Mission Bay San Diego
Discover the fine dining, incredible views, catamaran rides, beer brewing classes, outdoor activities, and bay side hotels of Mission Bay! I saw everyone from families with children to bachelorette parties to tech conferences enjoying the many splendors of Mission Bay. There are so many fun things to do in Mission Bay San Diego!
Greetings from Bahia Resort Hotel in San Diego Mission Bay. |
Located in Southern California, Mission Bay's magic lies in its recreational splendor and central location. Appreciate the warm sandy beaches, marine life, restaurants that'll wow your taste buds, and poolside relaxations of sunny San Diego Mission Bay.
Downtown San Diego, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, and Ocean Beach are just a hop skip and a jump away.
There are loads of activities, attractions, eats, and things to do in Mission Bay San Diego. Mission Bay can act as your beacon point, the place you come to each night to sleep as you venture out. You can stay close by at Belmont Park or SeaWorld San Diego and spend the day there, or explore the vibrant city of San Diego further at Balboa Park, La Jolla, Seaport Village.
Mission Bay Aquatic Center
Head out on the water of San Diego's Mission Bay for your choice of water sports such as jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, and more. The Mission Bay Aquatic Center is a huge waterfront facility located in beautiful San Diego, California. Want to get out on the water? You can rent equipment, jet skis, whatever you need from Action Sport Rentals. The Mission Bay waters await your arrival.
Rent a Luxury Catamaran
You could rent a luxury yacht or catamaran from Malarky Charters to sit back and wind down to the view of the bay. You might see some sea creatures like sea lions, pelicans, dolphins, California gray whales, blue whales, and other wildlife while you're out there!
Bahia Belle Cruises
Take a 45-minute Mission Bay night cruise on the Bahia Belle, a turn-of-the-century, Mississippi-style boat. Watch the calm waters surrounding the 4,200-acre park from inside Bahia Belle Cruises or get the scenic view from the observation deck.
Mission Bay Golf Course
Mission Bay Golf Course and Practice Center is an 18-hole public golf course and driving range designed by Ted Robinson. It's the only stadium lit course in San Diego and it also offers DiscGolf and FootGolf. Tiger Woods won a Junior World title here. As he says in his book The 1997 Masters: My Story, "I knew something about efficiency, having learned a good lesson when I was 11-years-old and playing the Optimist Junior World Championship at Mission Bay Golf Course in San Diego."
Belmont Park
Spend the day at Belmont Park, a beachfront theme park with amusement rides such as the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, historic Plunge swimming pool, laser tag, and more. Find Belmont Park at 3146 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA 92109.
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld has rides, rollercoasters, dining, and of course animals, which makes Sea World a popular spot for tourists and locals alike to bring their families for the day.
Holding champagne on a catamaran on Mission Bay thanks to Malarky Charters. |
Fiesta Island
Explore Fiesta Island and bring the dogs! Fiesta Island is a large peninsular park located within San Diego's Mission Bay. It's dog-friendly and horse-friendly as well. There are no bathrooms on the island. Picnics are permitted, but glass containers or alcohol are not allowed. Bonfires are allowed only in the city-provided fire rings located around the island's shoreline.
Mission Bay Park
The list of things to do in Mission Bay San Diego doesn't end! Mission Bay Park is located within walking distance of Belmont Park, the Pacific Ocean, and restaurants. Mission Bay Park also has a walking and biking trail. I rode along the Mission Bay Park trail with Fit City Adventures. You can see the ocean as you ride past tourists, food vendors, and locals walking around.
De Anza Cove Park
Get some California sunshine in a park. De Anza Cove Park is located at 3000 N Mission Bay Dr, San Diego, CA 92109. The park has a volleyball area, a tot lot to bring the kids, benches, picnic tables, as well as a path for jogging or riding bikes.
Crown Point Park
Located at Crown Point Dr, San Diego, CA 92109, Crown Point Park has a picnic shelter, picnic tables, barbecue grills, fire rings, large sandy beach with a small grass area.
Hotels
There are a few hotels conveniently located in San Diego Mission Bay. Spa treatments, good eats, Each one has its own vibe so you can factor that in when choosing. Here are a few things that you can do at each hotel in the Mission Bay area!
- Bahia Resort Hotel
- Catamaran Resort Hotel
- The Dana On Mission Bay
- Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina
- Paradise Point Resort & Spa
- San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Butterscotch Banana French Toast π π Banana-Stuffed Brioche, Cream Cheese, Vanilla Butterscotch Glaze with Granola Crumble from Dockside 1953. |
— Eat with your eyes and mouth at Firefly Eatery & Bar. The Firefly at The Dana On Mission Bay Resort features seasonal, local ingredients that will charm all your senses. Learn more about Firefly here.
— Relax with luxurious spa treatments at Spa Brezza at San Diego Mission Bay Resort.
— Order a tasty iced coffee from Mission Bay Beach Club. The San Diego Mission Bay Beach Club is a waterfront destination for coffee, bike rentals, ice cream, and more.
— Dine in at Oceana Coastal Kitchen at Catamaran Resort Hotel. Ocean Coastal Kitchen serves California cuisine with a modern ocean-inspired design.
— Try the katsu chicken at Covewood Restaurant at San Diego Mission Bay Resort.
— When you stay at The Dana On Mission Bay Resort, you get access to the seasonal Tropical Pool Bar. It's the perfect spot to just savor the moment.
— If you want to head more toward Downtown San Diego, try a meal at LAVO San Diego.
Beautiful creation from Firefly’s New Executive Chef, Omar Armas! Almost too pretty to eat, but I ate it anyway. π |
So Many Fun Things to Do in Mission Bay with Family and Friends
Mission Bay is a short drive from Downtown San Diego, so you can easily get here from the San Diego International Airport. You can visit Pacific Beach, Mission Beach San Diego, Ocean Beach, La Jolla, and all the San Diego spots. Enjoy waterfront dining, beach bonfires, poolside relaxation, and everything your heart desires. It's a beautiful area with incredible dining options, great hotels, and tons of fun things to do! Take a look at some of the Mission Bay beach cams to see the area for yourself. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your trip now!
Nearby Attractions
If you want to surf, the Pacific Ocean is a quick drive away. The San Diego Zoo, Mission Beach Boardwalk, Crown Point Beach, Bonita Cove, shopping in Mission Valley are very popular options as well.
There are loads of options on things to do at Mission Bay San Diego, no matter if you are sporty or just want to chill. Play beach volleyball, relax in the hot tub of your hotel, view the sea life, head to the theme parks, play bumper cards, visit the surf shops, go water skiiing, eat fish tacos,
About me: I'm Carmen Varner, I'm a San Diego-based food and travel writer. You can learn more about me here.
North City San Marcos, CA: Restaurants, Block C Apartments, Parking, Farmers Market
Located in San Marcos, California, North City has restaurants, a farmers market, live music, apartment living, and retail shopping opportunities. Whether you're looking for urban apartment townhomes or a coffee shop to get some work done, North City is your North County San Diego downtown public community hub.
North City San Marcos is near the Cal State University San Marcos main campus as well as Pima Medical Institute and CSUSM Extended Learning. You'll find a mix of retail and residential leasing opportunities. Learn more on the North City website.
In this post, I share details about North City San Marcos CA, the restaurants, Block C apartments, parking, and businesses in the downtown area.
Farmers Market
Stop by North City's open-air market every Tuesday. It features local fresh fruits, vegetables, fresh-baked bread, seafood, dairy, nuts, fresh flowers, handcrafted gifts, prepared hot foods, and more. The market is open year-round Tuesdays 3 pm – 7 pm.
North City Restaurants
Buona Forchetta
The Buona Forchetta restaurant chain is known for its award-winning Neapolitan-style pizzas and Northern Italian upscale entrees. The San Marcos location is family-friendly with indoor seating as well as large patio options.
Address: 250 North City Drive Suite 3, San Marcos, CA
Copa Vida
Copa Vida has multiple locations throughout San Diego County. Drinks are tasty and ingredient-forward. The shop is pretty big, with bright open windows, plenty of chargers for your laptop. Over the years, this spot in North City used to be Halcyon, then GRIT, now it's Copa Vida.
Address: 250 North City Dr. Suite 1, San Marcos, CA 92078
Draft Republic - Not Open Yet
Draft Republic boasts 36 craft beers on tap, an on-site brewery, comfort food, full cocktail bar, 8 lane bowling alley, video wall, retro arcade, live music, private party rooms, outdoor patios, and more.
Fresh Healthy Cafe
Get your health-forward smoothies, fresh-squeezed juice, wraps, salads, or crunchy, warm, and melty paninis at Fresh Healthy Cafe. They also offer catering for your next event.
Address: 250 N City Dr Suite 5, San Marcos, CA 92078
Mason Ale Works - Temporarily Closed
Address: 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
Tapioca Express
Parched? Searching for teas, boba, and maybe a snack? Tapioca Express offers milk tea, mangonada, juice, hot teas, and loads of beverage options to whet your appetite. Snacks include chicken wings, fried tofu, French fries, fried dumpling, among other items.
Address: 200 E Barham Dr Suite 104, San Marcos, CA 92078
Urge Gastropub & Common House - Permanently Closed
Address: 255 Redel Rd, San Marcos, CA 92078
Umami Japanese
Umami Japanese serves rich, delicious cuisine in North City. They have a pet-friendly patio, perfect for bringing the whole family. The extensive menu boasts draft beer, Japanese beer, hot sake, wine, appetizers, salads, lunch specials, dinner bento, and so much more.
Address: 251 N City Dr Suite 122, San Marcos, CA 92078
Wynston's Ice Cream Co.
The flavors at Wynston's Ice Cream (formerly called Wynn's Ice Cream) will leave your mouth watering for more options. They have classic, nostalgic favorites always on the menu such as cookies in cream, mint chocolate chunk, peanut butter chocolate as well as rotating fun seasonal flavors. They also have vegan/dairy-free options.
Address: 251 N City Dr Suite 128E, San Marcos, CA 92078
Block C Apartments
Live in North City at the Block C Apartments - now leasing built-to-suit or spec units. You'll find modern, pet-friendly lofts and townhome apartments with state-of-the-art neighborhood amenities. It's walkable and you're right next to a bunch of restaurants, dining options, the university, and more. Perfect for campus-affiliated housing.
Other Businesses
North City has offices and commercial spaces to boot. If you're a local business, perhaps you're seeking retail, commercial office, or medical office spaces. These are available at North City as well. Join the party. Make sure to check online or call ahead to learn each business's current hours.
Mesa Rim
There's climbing, yoga, and fitness right in the heart of North City. Mesa Rim is an indoor rock climbing gym and fitness center. Bring friends, kids, family, and have fun.
Address: 285 Industrial Street San Marcos
Union Cowork
Get your cowork on at Union Cowork. They have flexible desks, dedicated desks, private offices, virtual offices, conference rooms, podcast rooms, and more.
Address: Address: 251 N City Dr #128F, San Marcos
Related reading: Things to Do in North County San Diego, California
CSUSM Extended Learning
Address: 288 Campus Way, San Marcos
Pima Medical Institute
Address: 111 Campus Way, San Marcos
Parking
Structure 1 – 201 Campus Way
7 days a week – Retail Parking Rules
Level 1. 90 min from 5 am - 2 am.
Level 2-5. No limit, just don’t park in Reserved Residential.
Structure 2 – 295 June Way
Mon – Fri – Retail Parking Rules
Level 1-2. 90 min from 5 am to 6 pm, then no time limit until 2 am.
Level 2-6. No Parking (CSUSM only) from 5am to 6pm, then no time limit until 2 am.
Sat & Sun – Retail Parking Rules
Level 1-2. 90 min from 5 am to 6 pm, then no time limit until 2 am.
Level 2-6. No time limit from 5 am to 2 am.
Located in San Marcos, North City's restaurant, retail, and residential options make it a thriving community development and neighborhood in North County San Diego. San Marcos is close to Escondido, Rancho Santa Fe, Solana Beach, Carlsbad, Vista, and Oceanside.
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