Popular Gardens in Dog Beach

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Passport, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions for one fee. The Zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 15 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"Not only does Timken Museum house American, French and Russian works of art, but it’s one of the most important Mid-Century buildings in San Diego. Find it in the Plaza de Panama. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"Balboa Park is one of the most Instagrammable parks in San Diego!. While you’re there, don’t miss the lily pond!. This reflection pool is not your average little lily pond."

"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."

"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 elegant Japanese Friendship Garden is also worth a visit. Grab lunch at The Prado, located within Balboa Park., and try to get a table on the outdoor terrace."

"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."

"Located in Balboa Park, this place deserves its own spot on my list of Instagrammable places in San Diego!. Cacti are super photo-worthy, and that San Diego sunshine will give you the perfect lighting for an epic photo. (PS. Check out this post on how to pose for Instagram photos!)"

"Located in Mission Beach, Soulshine Vegan Cafe is a fully vegan, organic, and gluten-free cafe that serves a tempting plant-based menu, including kombucha and homemade desserts. 3864 Mission Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109 (2.2 miles away)https://soulshinemb.com/. View this post on Instagram"

"Located on Mission Beach, Soulshine is a good spot for a vegan, organic brunch. Their menu features blue corn tortilla tacos and enchiladas packed with vegetables and cashew cheese. There are refreshing salads to choose from, as well as falafels and sushi."

"The Purple Mint Bistro is one of the best vegetarian restaurants San Diego has to offer to fans of Vietnamese dishes. Offering comfortable furniture and shabby chic décor, the bistro is a great option for anyone who wants to take a few moments to relax and enjoy a delicious meal. You can find the Bistro on Mission Gorge Road."

"The Purple Mint Vegan Bistro prepares vegetarian Asian meals, smoothies, and iced teas. Authentic Asian dishes with modern twits dominate the menu. There are colorful entrees to choose from."

"Celebrity Chef Brian Malarkey of TLC's Mega Bites and Bravo's Top Chef opened Searsucker in the heart of San Diego's trendy Gaslamp Quarter. Sunday brunch is an excellent time to try this popular venue. The creative and witty New American menu features local favorites such as the Buttermilk Fried Chicken sandwich with mustard slaw and pickled jalapenos, and Sunday Bloody Sunday with golden egg, spicy shrimp and white cheddar grits."

"A warm, comfortable San Diego breakfast restaurant with a stylish atmosphere, serving share plates. Breakfast and brunch items are served on weekends only, but it’s worth the wait. You’ll savor pork belly hash, house-made banana bread, bottomless mimosas, and even a short rib breakfast poutine!"

"You thought wrong — the duck fat fries at Searsuckers, one of the restaurants of Top Chef alum Brian Malarkey, are fried in rendered duck fat, giving them a rich flavor."

"The Blind Burro specializes in fresh, coastal Baja Mexican cuisine. Our emphasis is on quality, from the customer service, to the ingredients we use in all of our hand crafted food and drinks. We want our guests to enjoy Baja Mexican fare right here in East Village, San Diego."

"Azucar, a bakery that also offers coffee, tea and more in Ocean Beach, is another much-loved go-to, with 4.5 stars out of 870 Yelp reviews. Head over to 4820 Newport Ave. (between Sunset Cliffs Boulevard and Cable Street) to see for yourself."

"What you should order depends on your personal taste and what you’re in the mood for. Consider trying these if you need some inspiration: Cheeseburgers, Curly Fries, and Onion Rings."

"While Kung Fu Tea is a growing national chain, don’t let that take away from the fact that they craft up some seriously excellent boba. Despite its widely acclaimed popularity and international reach, Kung Fu Tea keeps with providing traditional boba flavors for its customers. With flavors ranging from Pina Colada to Taro Root, you can rest easy that each order will be to the highest degree of quality and freshness."

"Freshly brewed tea every three hours and bubbles cooked in brown sugar every two hours, Kung-Fu tea will leave you feeling bobb-ly inside. Note that not all locations are listed. Visit their site for more information on COVID updates and which of the four locations is closest for your convenience."

"Specializes in made-to-order tea, milk & fruit-based beverages. Offers a wide selection of drink toppings including bubbles, beans, jellies & pudding."

"If you haven't tried Taiwanese shaved snow, put Iceskimo on your list. They have six core snows (original, strawberry, green tea, lychee, black sesame and salted caramel) in addition to special, seasonal flavors. After choosing a flavor and watching the machine shave it into melt-in-your-mouth, thinner-than-paper slices, customers can head to the DIY toppings bar with items ranging from fresh fruit to mochi to boba."

"Starting out as a pop-up shop back in the summer of 2014, ICESKIMO has since grown to become one of the best boba providers in San Diego. Here, you’ll find Asian-inspired desserts like Taiwanese shaved snow, a delectable dessert that is perfect for hot summer days. Their bubble tea is made fresh to order, with traditional flavors like black, green, Thai or Early Grey, as well as matcha and coffee."

"Taiwanese “snow” is shaved off large cylinders in ribbons so pretty they resemble peonies. Flavor choices include lychee, Stumptown coffee and matcha and toppings include everything from cheesecake and panna cotta to popping boba. The folks at Iceskimo offer this pro ordering tip: "request condensed milk layered in the middle for extra sweetness and creaminess."