Mentioned by 10Best
10 Best Outdoor Dining Options in San Diego
"Owned by Top Chef Richard Blaise, think of The Crack Shack as a modern, hipster, casual eatery that takes the humble Chick-Fil-A and kicks it out of the barn and into the stratosphere. This is not fast food, this is foodie worthy chicken sandwiches and cocktails served in a fun and lively vibe. Great for families, and though not inexpensive you always get your moneys worth due to their excellent ingredients and incredible execution on their menu."
"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!"
"There are a few spots to grab breakfast in Ocean Beach, and Breakfast Republic makes some of the best. They have 10 locations in town and eight of those are in San Diego. The Ocean Beach location is nice and big (come here for breakfast with a group), with large windows and fun decor."
"This is a unique California-inspired restaurant with the chicken and the egg as the center of the menu. Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options are available, I had the chilaquiles and my kids tried a pancake flight."
"Modern diner Hash House A Go Go specializes in BIG "Twisted Farm Food" so bring your appetite. For brunch (served a la carte), indulge in a plate of hash with meatloaf, salmon, or corned beef. Try flapjacks such as the traditional buttermilk variety, or something different like blackberry-granola or butterscotch-almond."
"breakfast spot serves up generously portioned plates big enough to satisfy the largest of appetites. Andy’s World Famous Sage Fried Chicken is a must-have at this eatery, and the pancakes will satisfy any sweet tooth."
"The Great Maple is located in San Diego’s Hillcrest district and offers award-winning, seasonal American fare with European influences, delectable cocktails, and delicious pie. Stop into this unique “European dinette” for one of their fresh-made, maple bacon donuts, vegan hash or fried goat cheese squash blossom. Hash House A Go Go’s Johnny Rivera opened this chic eatery in 2013 with the same passion for entertainment while Chef Carmine Lopez mans the kitchen."
"Where: 1451 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92103 This brasserie-meets-American diner is a favorite within the LGBTQ+ community and is loved for its comfort food with a twist. The neighborhood hotspot, popular for weekend brunch, serves up fresh bacon-spiked donuts and other treats passed around the dining room on large boards. You can also enjoy a wide selection of mimosas and Bloody Marys."
"Located about 1.5 miles away from Qualcomm Stadium, Cafe 21 is a great option for any reason. This extremely popular restaurant is Turkish and if you don't order the baklava... well, let's just say you should."
"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."
"The Lost Forest is a fun little area packed with extensive trails that wind through exhibits and aviaries. These trails are home to animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa, and wind their way up into the canopy as well as along the forest floor, with arboreal animals displayed above and ground dwellers below. You’ll find monkeys, barbirusas, tigers, great apes, okapis, and several various species of exotic birds."
"Guests will feel like there are in the rain forest when they enter the Lost Forest. The Lost Forest is in the northeast corner of the Zoo. Some animals in this area include hippos, tigers, okapi, otters, birds and primates."
"If your children love hands-on experiences and interacting with real live animals, check out this museum/conservation center that’s home to reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. All the animals that call the Ecovivarium home are rescues that have been rehabilitated (and in some cases, trained) by staff."
"The Ecovivarium is a living museum that features reptiles, amphibians, and arthropods. Each visit includes several hands-on experiences with the animal ambassadors. Over 98% of the animals at the Ecovivarium are rescues that have been rehabilitated and trained by the dedicated staff."
"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."
"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."
"San Diego has its own version of Central Park: The Waterfront Park, located along the Embarcadero in Little Italy. Opened in 2014, it's become a family-favorite destination for locals. The 12-acre park is just a stone's throw from the bay and is decked out with tons of innovative ways to entertain kids including a splash pad and slide––but it's the giant fountain, with its many jets, that is the park's main attraction."
"Enjoy a day at this public park that features interactive splash fountains, beautiful gardens with distinct themes, picnic areas and a lot of playing ground and equipment for kids. Unleash the kid in you and play in the splash fountains or unique playing ground. Take a walk along the waterfront while capturing great pictures."
"Waterfront Park consists of 12-acres of lush gardens and fountains that are perfect for cooling down in the intense San Diego heat. Kids will love playing in the shallow splash areas where fountains shoot water high in the air. Bring a picnic and relax on the grassy areas while admiring the views of the bayfront."
"Board and Brew has been a staple in Del Mar since 1979 that serves simple sandwiches with no preservatives, no substitutes and no frozen meats. The secret sauce is another hook that tastes good on any sandwich. But try the Baja Chicken with marinated chicken breast, bacon, and melted jack cheese on a toasted French baguette with mayo, tomato and lettuce."