Mentioned by Travel on the Reg
Things to Do in La Jolla: A San Diego Guide
"Owned by restaurateur Bertrand Hug, the eponymous Bertrand at Mister A’s is an award-winning fine-dining restaurant featuring modern American cuisine imbued with French and Mediterranean flavours as well as an extensive wine list and signature cocktails. Whether in the casual yet elegant interior or outside on a balcony complete with stunning views of San Diego, diners can feast upon seasonal lunch, dinner and brunch dishes. Between the incredible view, delectable fare and attentive service, it is one culinary experience not to be missed."
"Earlier, we mentioned The Nolen was honored as the second-best urban view in San Diego. It was second to the one and only, Mister A’s. Mister A’s has a famous lineage dating back to 1965, when the renowned entrepreneur and restaurant owner, John Alessio, or Mr. A, decided to open this rooftop restaurant and bar."
"Visit Bertrand at Mister A’s primarily for the panoramic view of Hillcrest, Midtown, and Downtown. Sip your drink and become one with the city of San Diego. They serve lip-smacking American cuisine with French and Mediterranean influence."
"Best for: a crowd pleaserLocation: 2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101Menu. Fried chicken, happy hour, outdoor seating… what’s not to love at this trendy restaurant in San Diego?. The Crack Shack has been making headlines since it debuted in Little Italy in 2015 and multiple locations have already popped up around the state due to the restaurant’s immediate success."
"Crack Shack is the closest humanity has gotten to building an actual temple to fried chicken and eggs. This place in Little Italy is a bit gimmicky, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t delicious. They have a huge patio and serve a bunch of really good chicken sandwiches."
"This steadily-expanding spin-off from Juniper & Ivy’s culinary team has a foundation of fried chicken and fresh fare set in an appealing all-outdoor setting."
"Juniper and Ivy boasts a modern American kitchen and while their dinner and drink menu is on point, it’s their desserts that take the cake!. From their “Yodel” (devil’s cake, white chocolate, hazelnut brittle and hot chocolate) to their “Milk & Honey” (grilled fig, honey ice cream, vanilla panna cotta and poppy seed tuille), they put a swanky, upscale spin on their sweet dishes. Any of their desserts would go very nicely with their “Barreled Cocktail #4” (Scotch, Amaretto, Sweet Vermouth and coffee liqueur)."
"San Diego's culinary scene reached new heights with the opening of Juniper & Ivy. Led by "Top Chef: All-Stars" winner Richard Blais and the team at Juniper Hospitality, the popular modern American restaurant sits in a converted 1920s sawtooth warehouse in the Little Italy neighborhood. Blais' innovative approach to cooking and cuisine is a hit with locals."
"A practitioner of ingredient-driven, “left-coast cookery”, the fine dining restaurant is operating a lovely extended outdoor dining room called Under the Stars as well as offering the Juniper and Ivy “at Home” experience from chef Anthony Wells."
"Soda and Swine is part of a dual-concept by Consortium Holdings that also includes Polite Provisions. The brings a renewed spirit of community to a bustling street corner of one of San Diego's most eclectic, burgeoning neighborhoods, Normal Heights. Soda and Swine features a straightforward menu consisting of two classic staples: meatballs and apple pie, keeping in line with the simplicity of Main Street America."
"Casual dining with an order at the counter approach, this humble and cozy joint offers incredible build-your-own sliders. If you are looking for a casual night with really good food and a craft cocktail after (Polite Provisions), this is your place."
"It’s a known fact that all-white plates make for the best food photos, but lately rustic plates are bucking the trend. Look out for more places like Soda & Swine that are finding new ways to mix up their dish ware."
"If staying in the mix downtown is your vacay of choice, make it an extended weekend by checking in to The Westgate Hotel on a Thursday afternoon to enjoy the Sunset Poolside Jazz Series on the rooftop pool deck. Rise and shine and head to the AquaVie Fitness + Wellness Club, which is adjacent to The Westgate. Incorporating organic skin care and body treatments, its holistic ethos purifies the body and restores balance."
"The Asian Passage is south of Panda Canyon and is a simulation of a tropical Asian rain forest. This scenic passage includes grizzly bears, snow leopards, and sun bears. This spectacular area also features the Sun Bear Forest, which resembles a southeast Asian rain forest, and the Hawaiian Native Plant Garden."
"The Asian Passage area includes the Sun Bear Forest, Grizzly Bear exhibit, and more. It’s a fun area to explore, and isn’t quite as big as Africa Rocks."
"Elephant Odyssey is one of the most well known parts of the park. It’s a huge area that’s dedicated solely to several beautiful African and Asian elephants. The Elephants are free to roam among large areas, and it also includes the Elephant Care Center where you may see a zookeeper caring for one of them."
"The Elephant Odyssey is home to the African and Asian elephant habitat. This area includes the majestic elephants along with the Elephant Care Center and Fossil Portal. Guests can also see lions, jaguars, California condor, camels, and the Malayan tapir."
"This not-for-profit aquarium and zoo connects kids with the animals and plants of the California coast. Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista, the Living Coast Discovery Center offers family-friendly activities and events such as shark, ray, turtle, and eagle feedings; guided trail hikes; Overnight Adventures; and VIP Animal Encounters. Seasonal exhibits promote wildlife conservation and educate young visitors about their impact on the environment."
"This nonprofit discovery center is there to provide environmental education related to coastal resource conservation. You park in a parking lot and bus takes you over to the center. Once there you can see the sharks, visit the sting ray touch tank, and see the bald eagles they have there."
"This is located in the Sweetwater Marsh Unit of the San Diego National Wildlife Refuge in Chula Vista and is a popular choice for school trips. The experience here is pretty unique. You get to feed bat rays and have meet-and-greets with reptiles."
"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"
"There is an extra fee to enter the Japanese Friendship Garden, which is an expression of friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama. There’s an upper and lower strolling path where you can see koi pond, landscaped gardens and a Zen garden viewing deck. It’s a very tranquil space."
"Feel the beauty of the waterfalls and greenery as you stroll the pathways of the Japanese Friendship Garden. Skip right past the entrance fee the third Tuesday of every month. As well, explore the Japanese rock garden and take in the current indoor display."
"The Garden originated as a teahouse during the 1915–16 Panama-California Exposition and now lies on two acres near the Spreckels Organ Pavilion."