Mentioned by Girl Who Travels the World
Best Brunch Spots in San Diego
"Located on the 12th floor in a penthouse setting, the iconic, award-winning Bertrand at Mr. A’s is a special occasion dining venue. For over 50 years, the historic dining establishment has been serving American cuisine at its finest. Despite its sweeping skyline with bay and Pacific views, there’s an absolute thrill of excitement when huge descending jetliners roar past diners, practically at eye level."
"Best for: the viewLocation: 2550 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103Menu. Mister A’s boasts one of the best views in San Diego from their 12th floor restaurant. The restaurant welcomes foodies but photography buffs will also enjoy the expansive vista of the San Diego skyline and the Pacific Ocean."
"Known for its interesting twist on Southern California fried chicken and eggs, this restaurant uses meat that is antibiotic-free. The open-air dining combined with lawn games makes for a fun ambiance. The kids’ section, their menu aptly titled, “Little Cluckers” offers a choice of grilled chicken or grilled cheese, nuggets, a side of carrots or petite fries, juice, and a cookie."
"Not only does The Crack Shack serve incredible chicken but both of the locations also provides a fun setting for the whole family to enjoy. Try a game of bocce ball on the lawn or pose for a silly photo with the giant chicken that stands guard over the patio. Trust us, it’s a great, unique photo op!"
"The Crack Shack is my most favorite place to go with the kids. They have a sandbox with toys, a chalk board easel, giant connect four and plenty of outdoor space for kids to run around. Not to mention, the food is excellent and their craft cocktails are a real treat."
"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)."
"Described as a ‘left coast cookery’ and serving creative New American cuisine, this Little Italy venue has Executive Chef and partner Richard Blais at the helm and features a frequently changing menu. Within a modern and inviting space complete with exposed beams and colourful art guests can feast upon a host of delectable treats from snacks and raw dishes to plates both small and large."
"What is it: This lively upscale restaurant is the centerpiece of San Diego’s food and drink-obsessed Little Italy. Why go: The airy dining room here continues to be packed out by locals, thanks to chef Anthony Wells' continually shifting, inventive menu. We're talking delicious small plates and culinary-inspired cocktails."
"What’s unique about Ballast Point Brewing is that they’re always creating a twist on classic brews. Founded by two college roommates in 1992, what initially started out as a keg dream for better beer turned into an award winning brewery. Try their California Amber Ale or the Sculpin IPA. These are a few of the brews that have received medals for their incredible flavors."
"If you’re looking for a causal beer spot in Little Italy, look no further than Ballast Point Brewery. Their outdoor patio is the perfect place to watch the airplanes overhead come in for landing."
"This beautiful museum began in what was once the 1916 Mission-style home of Ellen Browning Scripps, noted San Diego philanthropist. (The Institute of Oceanography and the breathtaking oceanside park are named for Mrs. Scripps.) Expansion to the original building was completed in the mid-1990s. The museum houses an impressive collection of post-1950s contemporary art from famed California artists as well as works by Warhol, Cornell and Stella."
"It’s a rare phenomenon for such a sunny place, but it does happen, and it doesn’t have to be a vacation ruiner. Just visit somewhere like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD). MCASD houses many different types of art, including paintings, sculptures, scrolls and 3D art installations that jut out from the walls and dangle from invisible strings."
"A post shared by Patti Boo✈️Travel🌿Nature (@resistthemundane). When it comes to any art lover’s itinerary, the San Diego Museum of Art is generally somewhere near the top of the list. Located in Balboa Park (along with 16 other museums), the San Diego Museum of Art is best known for its large collection of paintings."
"Art is a powerful voice for people and helps us connect and express ourselves beyond language barriers. The Mingei International Museum showcases the “art of the people” across time and cultures. The exhibits are constantly changing to highlight new historical, contemporary folk art, crafts, and design and discover the finest examples of creative expression from underappreciated artists."
"Art speaks powerfully of the similarities and distinctions of individuals and cultures at this international museum for the "art of the people" (mingei). The museum has an 18,000-piece collection representing 140 countries around the world. Constantly changing exhibits enhanced by lectures, films, demonstrations, and other events make this a dynamic place for artistic enlightenment."
"San Diego Art Institute is a not-for-profit institution in San Diego, California, that is an experimental bi-national modern art center. It is situated in the historic building House of Charm in Balboa Park, El Prado. SDAI is the only contemporary culture association in Balboa Park that supports the creation of innovative art by providing exclusive space for artistic competencies of Southern California and Northern Baja to fraternize, exhibit, and bloom."
"A new exhibition of works by San Diego artists opens every four to six weeks in this 10,000-square-foot gallery, dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts through outreach, education, and exhibition."
"First established in 1912, Bay City can count itself among the city’s oldest continuously operating beer centers. With a mix of always-on-tap beers and “brand-new today” creations, there’s always something new to try here. And if you like what you’re drinking, Bay City also offers six-packs and growlers to go."
"Hillcrest Brewing is more than just a great place to sample a wide variety of specialty beers, some far-above-average tavern food specialties, and a convivial atmosphere. Hillcrest can also lay claim to being the world’s first LGBTQ-owned-and-operated brewery in the world. So be sure to stop in to try a pint from among their deep range of tasty tappers and say hello to their “hunky brewsters."
"San Diego is known for two main things: great weather and amazing beaches. Generally, the latter is what attracts the most number of people to this beautiful paradise. What people generally do not consider one of their main attractors is probably San Diego’s best attribute—the food!"
"The San Diego Bay has never looked better than atop the Altitude Sky Lounge. With incredible views from 22 stories up, this rooftop bar, located at 660 K Street, will have you wondering if you’ve reached the pinnacle. Not only are the external views outstanding, but the interior décor will have you speechless."
"22 stories up, and located in the slamming Gaslamp Quarter, the Altitude is attached to the Marriott, but you need not be a guest to enjoy its splendor. It gets packed during Padres games, so we recommend going during the week when it’s business locals and a shot of the skyline worthy of a selfie."
"The San Diego House is one of San Diego’s leading provider of importing coffee and tea that is of the highest quality. Their selection of coffee and tea include more than 400 loose leaf teas and 75 gourmet coffees that can be served in house or taken home to be brewed later. Take a step back into the 1850s when you enter The San Diego House where they pay tribute to the history of the area."
"The Shout House(655 4th Avenue) – I was a bit reluctant about going to this place which is famous for its rock’n’roll duelling pianists, who sit opposite each other and battle it out on grand pianos while taking requests from the crowds. I expected it to be a bit kitsch but it was actually a whole heap of fun."