San Diego Spots

The List O’ Spots

Kate Sessions Park, Pacific Beach: Wonderful views of Mission Bay and a great make-out or picnic spot
Mr. Frosty, Pacific Beach: Dipped cones and other great stuff. Perfect stop after bodysurfing
Giant Dipper, Mission Beach: For my entire childhood, this rollercoaster was a burnt out hulk. Now, you can enjoy a classic wood rollercoaster
The Tidepools near La Jolla Cove
The Black, Ocean Beach: Classic 1960’s style Head Shop
Dog Beach, Ocean Beach: Unique beach where you can, yes, bring your dog
Blue Meanie Records, El Cajon: Great selection of vinyl, a record store with actual character
Chicken Pie Shop, North Park: Cheap, great food. The original was in Hillcrest, but they’ve moved the whole works to this spot on El Cajon Blvd
Paras Newsstand, North Park: Near corner of University and 30th Avenue
Ranchos Mexican Restaurant: Great, healthy Mexican Food on 30th Street in North Park
Parking Lot @ Mary Magdalene Church, Clairemont: Excellent view overlooking Mission Bay
Lou’s Records, Encinitas: Excellent record store, lots of character, and great selection

– Joe (born San Diego, grew up everywhere else)

Cabrillo Monument, Point Loma
Little Chef, Ocean Beach
Ocean Beach Pier, Ocean Beach
Sunset Cliffs at sunset, Ocean Beach/Point Loma
Sports Arena Tower Records: It’s at its most crowded and commercial point, but it’s still is pretty cool
Rudford’s, North Park
Murray Ridge Park, Serra Mesa: a park that has a pretty good view of the city from a different angle
Wahrenbrock’s Bookstore, on Broadway, Downtown: one of the last bookstores in the downtown area where you can browse almost all day.
Music Trader on 4th, Downtown: (across from Horton Plaza)
Ken Theatre, Kensington
Kensington Video, Kensington
Off The Record, Hillcrest: on 5th (between University and Robinson)
The Self Realization Center in Encinitas: (a quiet spot)

– Erin (lifetime San Diegan)

John Cole’s Bookstore, La Jolla: John Cole’s Bookstore: mom and pop bookstore in la jolla. has good selection and was previously someone’s home but now it’s a bookstore! cool!
El Zarape, University Heights: really really good, healthy mexican food on Park Blvd. Great carne asada anything.
Twigg’s, University Heights: yummy coffee. good place to people watch
Java Joes, Ocean Beach: great place to see local groups play.

– Jennifer (transplant, moved here in 1999)