Normal Heights and all it's got to offer!
Food Scene in Normal Heights
This is not just here for the convenience of walking to these places, this is the coolest place to be on any given day, and the locals come to out neighborhood—and you’re in for a non-touristy treat —and I know the neat places
Kinda pricey, but the food is great. Try the mussels, and the cheese platters--So good!
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Bleu Bohème
4090 Adams AveKinda pricey, but the food is great. Try the mussels, and the cheese platters--So good!
The breakfast is great, and they make great coffee. You could walk there from here. There's a wonderful Organic market across the street, where all the produce is locally grown, and you can get fresh-squeezed juice (Stehly Farms Market)
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Kensington Cafe
4141 Adams AveThe breakfast is great, and they make great coffee. You could walk there from here. There's a wonderful Organic market across the street, where all the produce is locally grown, and you can get fresh-squeezed juice (Stehly Farms Market)
Great Irish bar, karaoke, hip scene. People from all over go to the "Sod", as we call it. Always a good time there. Plus there are several other bars lined up next to it, so you can experience the night life in Normal Heights without cabbing it all over town.
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The Ould Sod
3373 Adams AveGreat Irish bar, karaoke, hip scene. People from all over go to the "Sod", as we call it. Always a good time there. Plus there are several other bars lined up next to it, so you can experience the night life in Normal Heights without cabbing it all over town.
The burgers and salads are a bit pricey, but delicious. Plus you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your eating grass-fed beef, and organic food. I love that they use compostable material for their "to-go" boxes. Plus, you can walk there from the Treehouse that you'll be staying in.
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Burger Lounge
4116 Adams AveThe burgers and salads are a bit pricey, but delicious. Plus you'll have the satisfaction of knowing that your eating grass-fed beef, and organic food. I love that they use compostable material for their "to-go" boxes. Plus, you can walk there from the Treehouse that you'll be staying in.
The coffee is amazing! Try their "pour overs". It's a tiny, secret little hot spot, and it's a 10-minute walk from the house!
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Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams AveThe coffee is amazing! Try their "pour overs". It's a tiny, secret little hot spot, and it's a 10-minute walk from the house!
Excellent espresso and coffee. They roast their own coffee here. It's also a fun place to hang out & get a Caprese sandwich.
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Caffè Calabria
3933 30th StExcellent espresso and coffee. They roast their own coffee here. It's also a fun place to hang out & get a Caprese sandwich.
I hear it has excellent seafood. I haven't been there yet, but the locals keep telling me about it.
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Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill
3667 India StI hear it has excellent seafood. I haven't been there yet, but the locals keep telling me about it.
The pizza is excellent. Unfortunately they don't deliver, but it's worth the drive! Mostly thin-crust pizza, loads of variety.
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Bronx Pizza
111 Washington StThe pizza is excellent. Unfortunately they don't deliver, but it's worth the drive! Mostly thin-crust pizza, loads of variety.
Great pizza, walking distance from our Treehouse. Close to the park, library, coffee shops, etc.
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The Haven Pizzeria
4051 Adams AveGreat pizza, walking distance from our Treehouse. Close to the park, library, coffee shops, etc.
Pappalecco
1602 State StGreat espresso, gourmet Italian sandwiches and pizza
I have yet to dine there, but one of my guests recommend it so highly, they actually came to San Diego from Arizona, just to dine there every night of their 3-night stay! Apparently the restaurant imports truffles from Europe (that should say enough)!
Solare
2820 Roosevelt RdI have yet to dine there, but one of my guests recommend it so highly, they actually came to San Diego from Arizona, just to dine there every night of their 3-night stay! Apparently the restaurant imports truffles from Europe (that should say enough)!
Fresh baked bread and cake, great scene to hang out, fabulous sandwiches and espresso, and very close to the Airbnb.
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Blackmarket Bakery North Park
4686 30th StFresh baked bread and cake, great scene to hang out, fabulous sandwiches and espresso, and very close to the Airbnb.
Entertainment & Activities
Huge farmers market every Sunday from the crack of dawn until about 2:30. There are lots of venders selling everything from hand-made soap to earrings made out of type-writer keys. The fresh flowers and produce are the best in town. It's a must-see
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Hillcrest Farmer's Market
3960 Normal StHuge farmers market every Sunday from the crack of dawn until about 2:30. There are lots of venders selling everything from hand-made soap to earrings made out of type-writer keys. The fresh flowers and produce are the best in town. It's a must-see
Disneyland is just over an hour away from here. If you've never been there, or if you have kids with you, I recommend you see it, if you have an extended stay in San Diego--(it's just as far from here as it is from LA).
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Disneyland Park
1313 Disneyland DrDisneyland is just over an hour away from here. If you've never been there, or if you have kids with you, I recommend you see it, if you have an extended stay in San Diego--(it's just as far from here as it is from LA).
I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't tell you about the ease of visiting another country that is only 20 minutes south of San Diego. You'll need a passport, and a sense of adventure for this recommendation, but if you have planned an extended trip with us, you may want to check out Baja California, Mexico. Rosario Beach is about an hour away, and Ensenada is about 2 hours away. Ensenada is a cruise-ship destination, so it's pretty nice. I would be happy to give you tips on where to whale watch, where to buy fresh lobster, where to eat, and most importantly--when the lines are short to re-enter the US. Again, not easy to return from w/o a valid passport.
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Rosarito
I wouldn't be a good host if I didn't tell you about the ease of visiting another country that is only 20 minutes south of San Diego. You'll need a passport, and a sense of adventure for this recommendation, but if you have planned an extended trip with us, you may want to check out Baja California, Mexico. Rosario Beach is about an hour away, and Ensenada is about 2 hours away. Ensenada is a cruise-ship destination, so it's pretty nice. I would be happy to give you tips on where to whale watch, where to buy fresh lobster, where to eat, and most importantly--when the lines are short to re-enter the US. Again, not easy to return from w/o a valid passport.
Essentials
This is a small market, but all their produce is locally grown and organic. The also have a deli, a juice bar, espresso, and outdoor seating.
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Stehly Farms Market
1231 Morena BlvdThis is a small market, but all their produce is locally grown and organic. The also have a deli, a juice bar, espresso, and outdoor seating.
Trader Joes is my favorite market. They have pretty much everything food-wise. Plus its a great place to pick up food for "on-the-go", like packaged salads, sandwiches, fruit, etc. If your headed to the beach, or anywhere west on the 8 freeway from the house, it's right on the way.
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Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveTrader Joes is my favorite market. They have pretty much everything food-wise. Plus its a great place to pick up food for "on-the-go", like packaged salads, sandwiches, fruit, etc. If your headed to the beach, or anywhere west on the 8 freeway from the house, it's right on the way.
Drinks & Nightlife
It's hip, it's fun, and they have floors made out of nickels. Plus, there is Soda & Swine next door for great food. I don't think children are permitted in this place though.
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Polite Provisions
4696 30th StIt's hip, it's fun, and they have floors made out of nickels. Plus, there is Soda & Swine next door for great food. I don't think children are permitted in this place though.
We have so many great bars and eateries, literally walking distance from here. People from all over town come to Normal Heights to enjoy the bar scene. I recommend walking or driving up to "Adams Avenue" & checking out the Ould Sod, Rosie O'Grady's, the Sycamore Den, Blindly Ale House, & the Rabbit Hole. They're all right next door to each other.
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Adams Avenue
Adams AvenueWe have so many great bars and eateries, literally walking distance from here. People from all over town come to Normal Heights to enjoy the bar scene. I recommend walking or driving up to "Adams Avenue" & checking out the Ould Sod, Rosie O'Grady's, the Sycamore Den, Blindly Ale House, & the Rabbit Hole. They're all right next door to each other.
South Park is where the locals go. The bars are great, the food is great, and there are more beautiful "Craftsmen-style" houses there than anywhere else in San Diego. This is where the "IT" people go (if they're not in Normal Heights). There is no main "drag" in South Park, you kinda have to wind your way down 30th, jog over Juniper St., and cruise up 29th or Fern Street. That's why the locals can keep it a secret. But I''ll tell you where you go, no worries :)
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South Park
South Park is where the locals go. The bars are great, the food is great, and there are more beautiful "Craftsmen-style" houses there than anywhere else in San Diego. This is where the "IT" people go (if they're not in Normal Heights). There is no main "drag" in South Park, you kinda have to wind your way down 30th, jog over Juniper St., and cruise up 29th or Fern Street. That's why the locals can keep it a secret. But I''ll tell you where you go, no worries :)
Station Tavern
2204 Fern StGreat burgers, great neighborhood scene, and beer
Parks & Nature
Great place to see beautiful Torrey Pine trees (they only grow in this region). You can hike down a beautiful trail to the beach. State parking fees are only $5, and there is even a little museum at the top of the trail.
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Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadGreat place to see beautiful Torrey Pine trees (they only grow in this region). You can hike down a beautiful trail to the beach. State parking fees are only $5, and there is even a little museum at the top of the trail.
La Jolla is a bit of a drive (30 minutes to get to the cove), but it's definitely worth the time. There are seals that have taken over part of the beach, which is quite a sight to see. The town itself is beautiful, albeit a bit pricey). What I like to do there is visit the caves, watch the kayakers (or kayak myself), see the seals, and eat! It's a very beautiful, cliff-side beach. Vey popular attraction for tourists.
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La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdLa Jolla is a bit of a drive (30 minutes to get to the cove), but it's definitely worth the time. There are seals that have taken over part of the beach, which is quite a sight to see. The town itself is beautiful, albeit a bit pricey). What I like to do there is visit the caves, watch the kayakers (or kayak myself), see the seals, and eat! It's a very beautiful, cliff-side beach. Vey popular attraction for tourists.
Sightseeing
This is where San Diego started--before the pioneers came. This town was founded by the "Californians" (Spaniards). There are great places to eat Mexican food, and shops that sell Mexican items, and there are museums that are located inside original structures (including the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego). Great place to take kids.
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Old Town
This is where San Diego started--before the pioneers came. This town was founded by the "Californians" (Spaniards). There are great places to eat Mexican food, and shops that sell Mexican items, and there are museums that are located inside original structures (including the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego). Great place to take kids.
Balboa Park is over 100 years old, built during the World's Fair of 1912. There are great museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum--to name a few. The architecture is beautiful, reminiscent of Spanish "Edifacios". Plus it has great outdoor spaces, like the arboretum, the pond, the Organ Pavillion, and the Japanese gardens. Its a must-see San Diego attraction, and it's right next door to the zoo.
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Balboa Park
Balboa Park is over 100 years old, built during the World's Fair of 1912. There are great museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, and the Science Museum--to name a few. The architecture is beautiful, reminiscent of Spanish "Edifacios". Plus it has great outdoor spaces, like the arboretum, the pond, the Organ Pavillion, and the Japanese gardens. Its a must-see San Diego attraction, and it's right next door to the zoo.
This is where they filmed the movie, "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe. It's a beautiful-old Victorian hotel, situated on Coronado Island (which is a great, touristy spot too). The best thing to do there is have "high tea", and enjoy the beautiful beach view of Coronado. Plus the drive over the Coronado bridge is fun. At Christmas-time, they install an ice-skating rink, and I recommend you buy a Christmas ornament from there--any time of year.
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Hotel Del Coronado
1500 Orange AveThis is where they filmed the movie, "Some Like it Hot" with Marilyn Monroe. It's a beautiful-old Victorian hotel, situated on Coronado Island (which is a great, touristy spot too). The best thing to do there is have "high tea", and enjoy the beautiful beach view of Coronado. Plus the drive over the Coronado bridge is fun. At Christmas-time, they install an ice-skating rink, and I recommend you buy a Christmas ornament from there--any time of year.
Ocean Beach is my favorite San Diego beach. It kind of has a 1970's vibe. Some people prefer Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, but I find those beaches too crowded & too touristy. Check out Newport Ave. There are tons of great eateries and shops (beach stuff). A fun place to eat lunch is Hodad's. Great burgers, great atmosphere (often there is a line around the block--but they work hard to get you in). They have funny, personalized license plates all over the walls & the front of a VW bus that you can sit and eat in. You can also sit by the front window and people watch--believe me, people watching in OB is a trip! I can smell the patchouli just thinking about it!
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Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StOcean Beach is my favorite San Diego beach. It kind of has a 1970's vibe. Some people prefer Mission Beach or Pacific Beach, but I find those beaches too crowded & too touristy. Check out Newport Ave. There are tons of great eateries and shops (beach stuff). A fun place to eat lunch is Hodad's. Great burgers, great atmosphere (often there is a line around the block--but they work hard to get you in). They have funny, personalized license plates all over the walls & the front of a VW bus that you can sit and eat in. You can also sit by the front window and people watch--believe me, people watching in OB is a trip! I can smell the patchouli just thinking about it!
I personally don't like Belmont Park in Mission Beach, but everyone else seems to. It's in Mission Beach, and its a carnival-type amusement park that's right on the beach. Parking can be rough during peak times, but there are plenty of parking spots for those who wait. If you like bike riding along the trail on the beach, shopping for souvenirs, and eating over-priced burgers--this is the place for you :). I will say, the waves are great at this beach, if you like to boogie board or body surf
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Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdI personally don't like Belmont Park in Mission Beach, but everyone else seems to. It's in Mission Beach, and its a carnival-type amusement park that's right on the beach. Parking can be rough during peak times, but there are plenty of parking spots for those who wait. If you like bike riding along the trail on the beach, shopping for souvenirs, and eating over-priced burgers--this is the place for you :). I will say, the waves are great at this beach, if you like to boogie board or body surf
This is a real battleship used in WWII. There are volunteer docents who actually served in the Navy, on the actual ship, and take people on tours, unlike any other tour. You feel like you were there with them, they show you their bunks, and tell you harrowing stories of what they experienced on that ship in WWII . These men are in their late 80's & early 90's, so this is a one-of-a-kind experience that won't last forever!
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USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrThis is a real battleship used in WWII. There are volunteer docents who actually served in the Navy, on the actual ship, and take people on tours, unlike any other tour. You feel like you were there with them, they show you their bunks, and tell you harrowing stories of what they experienced on that ship in WWII . These men are in their late 80's & early 90's, so this is a one-of-a-kind experience that won't last forever!
Shopping
This is my favorite mall. It has everything, and it's an outdoor mall. There are good places to eat here as well. If you're looking for Macy's, Gap, Old Navy, or Sak's 5th Avenue, this is the place.
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Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdThis is my favorite mall. It has everything, and it's an outdoor mall. There are good places to eat here as well. If you're looking for Macy's, Gap, Old Navy, or Sak's 5th Avenue, this is the place.
This shopping area was converted from a former military base (with Spanish-revival inspired architecture). The city of San Diego decided to preserve this beautiful architecture, and turn it into a fun shopping/dining/entertainment area. The open market is one of a kind. The Solaré restaurant is so popular, I have had guests come to San Diego--just to dine there! They import truffles from Europe (if that's an indication of how good it is!)
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Liberty Station
2640 Historic Decatur RdThis shopping area was converted from a former military base (with Spanish-revival inspired architecture). The city of San Diego decided to preserve this beautiful architecture, and turn it into a fun shopping/dining/entertainment area. The open market is one of a kind. The Solaré restaurant is so popular, I have had guests come to San Diego--just to dine there! They import truffles from Europe (if that's an indication of how good it is!)