Cultural Center in Ski Beach

"Located in Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden is a relaxing spot to spend an afternoon in San Diego. The garden was built to represent the friendship between San Diego and its sister city in Japan, Yokohama, and provides a unique and chilled out experience for visitors. Besides its zen atmosphere and impressive garden and architecture designs, the Japanese Friendship Garden hosts regular events throughout the year, such as yoga classes, meditation sessions, and the San Diego Sake Day."

"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 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)"

"Tucked inside the Kababayan Bakery in Spring Valley, Snoice serves up pandesal ice cream sandwiches filled with flavors like iconic ube (yam), buko pandan (coconut, screwpine leaves), and mais queso (creamy corn, cheese, milk) alongside shaved snow and favorite Filipino dessert halo halo."

"Imperial BeachConveniently located right at the entrance to the Imperial Beach Pier, Cow-A Bunga Ice Cream has been serving its handcrafted ice cream to locals since 2000. Grab a cone, ice cream sandwich, or sundae and go for a stroll on the pier or along the beach. They also serve huge shave ice treats, delicious coffee drinks, and smoothies.How to:Limited seating is available on a first-come basis."

"This Imperial Beach spot has been owned by French Chef Fabrice Gaunin for 17 years. With prime views of the pier, Cow-A-Bunga serves equally impressive ice cream. Along with his wife, Nelly, each flavor is handmade in the shop one bucket at a time, sourcing farmers markets for local ingredients, like raspberries and strawberries for special batches."

"These mini cheesecakes are the perfect size to satisfy your sweet tooth without you feeling stuffed. These cheesecakes can be found be found at farmers markets located around San Diego, such as the Little Italy or Hillcrest Farmers Markets. They can also be found at select stores such as Seaside Market."

"Formerly known as Giulio's of Pacific Beach, Jack & Giulio's Italian Restaurant has been providing guests with authentic, high-quality Italian food since 1961. The specialty here is the shrimp scampi, but the menu also offers a good assortment of delectable appetizers, freshly made salads, meat entrees, and other seafood dishes. There are also a number of specialty pasta dishes that the restaurant makes from scratch; gluten-free substitutions are offered for some of these dishes."

"The buzz:A warm, Italian restaurant known for fresh pasta, stellar service, and a dessert cart.The food: The kitchen at Cesarina’scenterpiece is a pastificio with an enormous mixer and extruder where a dozen or so varieties are made, including ruffled, twisted and stuffed shapes that you mix and match with different sauces and toppings including octopus meatballs, guanciale, and earthy porcini. An array of antipasti, several specialty pasta dishes and chicken, beef, and seafood entrees round out the bill of fare, though there’s a full vegan menu and family-style dinners for two or four as well. Worth mentioning: the service at Cesarina is always as warm and enthusiastic as a nonna’s hug.The cost:  Antipasti are $14.50-21, build your own pasta costs $17.95-21, specialty pasta and entrees are $18.95-35.95 and family dinners run $39.95-79.95.How to book: Make a reservation for indoor or patio dining via OpenTable."

"Cesarina is somewhat new on the San Diego brunch scene (it’s been open a little over a year) and completely lives up to the 5 stars and 500+ reviews they have on Yelp. Located in the Point Loma, this is favorite for those in the area and San Diegans alike. The best way to describe it is as “memories from the Amalfi Coast.” Between the decor, the elevated menu, and the fabulous service, it totally feels like you’re on vacation."

"Cesarina is San Diego’s newest fresh pasta oasis and locals are already in love with it. Located in Point Loma, it features an open-air pastifico - an all-day fresh pasta-making ex..."