Best Diners in El Capitan Reservoir

"Harry Rudolph moved from Brooklyn to Southern California not long after his dearest Dodgers, for whom he was once a batboy, headed west intent on establishing a new legacy in the golden state. Although his favorite baseball team called Los Angeles home, Harry preferred life in the jewel of California and opened up his very own diner-style coffee shop off Girard Avenue in 1960. He and his wife, Catherine, fostered a classic American atmosphere that conveyed the same nostalgia, neighborhood comfort, and friendliness that was found on so many street corners throughout the New York City boroughs they came from."

"Harry's Coffee Shop is popular with locals and tourists alike for an old-school, casual ambiance as well as enormous portions. Coffee is refilled quickly while the menu is varied featuring delicious omelettes and items with a Mexican flair. There's counter and booth seating as well as dog-friendly, al fresco dining in front."

"Harry’s Coffee shop has been around since 1960 and boasts the title of La Jolla’s oldest diner. Patrons enjoy revered yet straightforward all-day breakfast favorites like eggs Benedict, scrambles, pancakes, and French toast."

"Hob Nob Hill is located in the Bankers Hill Neighborhood of San Diego. The restaurant sits adjacent to popular Balboa Park and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo and has been a staple of America’s Finest City since the 1940s, garnering the attention of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives. It has regularly received accolades from the Southern California Restaurant Writers Association."

"A pure dose of dining nostalgia, this San Diego landmark has been serving up generous portions of classic American comfort food since the mid-1940s. With an expansive menu, dishes like the homemade roast beef hash and traditional eggs Benedict have kept customers coming back for more."

"It’s a diner that pays homage to every era time has gone by since diners were a thing. From a brightly colored 50s retro diner with a milk bar and vintage care behind the hostess, to the train room with a black and white film showing above each booth, to a modern red room dedicated to corvette car lovers. A radio DJ booth pumps out Frank Sinatra, New York, New York and other classic tunes like Wild Thing, which matches the 70s groove room we dined in."

"Corvette Diner is a San Diego institution now located in the Point Loma area of Liberty Station. It's a 50s diner the serves up shakes, burgers, fries and other comfort food by sassy wait staff dressed in poodle skirts. Kids love it not only for the retro decor, casual vibe and food, but there's a killer arcade called Gamer's Garage in the back with 50 games and opportunities to win prizes."

"Have a blast from the past by taking your family to Corvette Diner in Liberty Station. This restaurant is more than a place to eat, it’s a true experience!. Retro decorations, car-themed booths, music, and wait staff full of character and decked out in full costume make this a place treat to remember."

"If Rudford's had chrome instead of stucco, it would be a genuine diner, because it has the bay windows and mid-century signage. In any case, it's a landmark (and just down the street from the Chicken Pie Shop). Basic comfort fare here, which gets mixed reviews."

"Equally popular with the early bird special crowd and after-bar party goers; both sets agree that the biscuits and gravy and chicken fried steak at this 24-hour diner are first rate."

"A five-minute drive from North Ponto Beach will get you to Ruby’s Diner, a perfect go-to place to after a day’s fun at the beach. This retro-style dining chain along Paseo Del Norte street has an exciting interior and serves a variety of kids’ menu items. Interesting dishes include “pigs in a blanket”, chicken fingers and Baro’s root beer float!"

"Next to Burger Lounge, near the heart of the downtown La Jolla, sits Coffee Cup, an assuming storefront with an incredible menu. Many of their dishes are a magical fusion of Asian and Mexican cuisine, utilizing unique ingredients for both their breakfast and lunch entrees. Top breakfast recommendations include: the Pesto Scramble, Soy Chorizo Scramble, Breakfast Enchiladas, and Coffee Cup French Toast."

"The Mexican Mocha is amazing as were all other entrees we tried. Highly recommend this place for breakfast in La Jolla."

"3725 Paseo Place San Diego, CA 92130 858-523-2298 Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Sunday:  11:00 AM-7:00 PM 21 Stores and more to come Major Retailers:  Urban Beach House, Sephora, Pigment, Lululemon, Specs, Whiskey x Leather, Color Counter, West of Camden, Van De Vort, Shop/Good"

"Source: Photo by Flickr user Joe Wolf used under CC BY-ND 2.0. Photo is only for illustrative purposes. Escondido Promenade is a local shopping mall that covers all of your basic commercial needs."

"Just a step inside the Old Town Market and you’ll get a sense of what life was like several centuries ago when the city of San Diego was brand new. The market offers visitors a chance to see and hear tales of Old Town, the original inhabitants and how they lived, worked and survived in the early 1800’s. Visit the free museum, watch working artisans, pick up a souvenir or two at one of the shops or enjoy a meal—Old Town Market of San Diego is a charming, nostalgic landmark and attraction that is brimming with history and entertainment."

"The Harney Street Market offers a variety of artisan goods, including jewelry, paintings, photography, hand-blown glass, woodwork, clothing, and accessories. It takes place in Old Town San Diego on Harney Street every Saturday and Sunday from 10:30 a.m."

"Join us for free, historic storytelling, shows and entertainment every day of the week. Shop in our 40 unique gift stores, watch working artisans, or enjoy a bite to eat. Learn about the rich history of Old Town San Diego in our free museum."

"Free Breakfast, Evening Receptions And Internet, Plus Fully Equipped Kitchens, Are On Offer At The Non-Smoking Residence Inn La Jolla, A Pet-Friendly Hotel Our Guests Rate One Of The Best In Town. The Two-Story, 228-Room Property Provides Accommodations With Fully Equipped Kitchens That Feature Microwaves And Refrigerators As Well As Dining And Seating Areas. Many Rooms Have Fireplaces, And All Have Access To Free Wired Internet Access And Flat-Panel Tvs."

"Technically it’s in the neighboring city of Encinitas, but it’s litterally just a 1/2 mile outside Carlsbad. We have been going here for years, it was actually the first place our son Shea ever saw the ocean. Families flock to this area because it has a little bit of everything: a cute playground for the little ones, plenty of sand for football games or Frisbee throwing, a volleyball court for the sport enthusiast out there, fire pits for chilly weather, and a snack bar that serves up all your favorite foods to keep you energized for more play."

"Moonlight Beach is a treasure trove of one-stop-shop beachiness with fairly easy parking, picnic areas, fire pits, a play area, volleyball courts, a snack shop, and showers for after swimming. This is one seriously family-friendly beach. Get there early enough and you’ll almost certainly see dolphins frolicking in the surf."

"If you go further north, you will find Moonlight Beach which is the state beach. It is very popular among the hotels around here and that’s because there are a ton of amenities for families here. You will find everything from picnic tables to fire rights to volleyball courts to equipment rentals."

"Hosp Grove was founded by a group of investors called The Hosp Eucalyptus Corp in 1908. They planted 219 acres of trees in this Carlsbad grove hoping they could be harvested & sold to the Santa Fe Railroad as railroad ties. Much of the grove has been sold off, but what remains are fun, forested trails with plenty of inclines and twists & turns."

"This hike will take you through unique rock structures, and at the end, you can enjoy the sunset from the beach (a sometimes nude one). Don’t forget to check out the Mushroom House too while you’re there. More: Photo Guide to Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail"