Sunny San Diego, the fourth-most desired city to live in the United States. Overflowing with alluring beaches, funky shops, delectable restaurants and more!
Of course every local is somehow aware of the classic, “mainstream” destination spots placed throughout our beautiful county. Mission Beach for instance, or even In N’ Out. Beautiful! Delicious! Who could resist? But have you ever stopped and wondered, what else?
I interviewed a Helix Highlander to obtain some insight on what she believed some of the best spots in San Diego to be. I also did some discovering myself, and uncovered hidden gems in hopes of sharing more of our amazing city with you. San Diego is our city, it’s our home. It has so much to offer; finding a unique San Diego gem just might hold some advantages you have never even dreamed of!
Captivating Cafes
We’ve all heard of Starbu
cks. No shade to the hardcore ride or die Starbucks go-ers –obviously– but have you considered what other cafes and coffee shops our city has to offer? After some discovery, research, interviews and personal experience, I have accumulated some of the yummiest, most hip spots you can give a try.
Starting off strong, in beautiful La Jolla, is the Blue Whale. Blue Whale is located on Kline Street in La Jolla, a few blocks from the beach. Their menu consists of delectable drinks like coffees and matcha, to scrumptious eats, like sandwiches and acai bowls. Overall, this cafe claims they are, “brimming with unique flavor.” The ambiance of this beautiful cafe is soft, with big windows and scattered plants. While the vibe is irresistible, the food and drinks come in at first.
Next up, a little closer to Helix, is Glady Coffee located in Spring Valley. Not only is their food and coffee absolutely delicious, but they have a drive-thru! Their menu also consists of sandwiches, various types of bowls, and of course, a large menu of delectable coffees and drinks.
This fun cafe was also recommended by a Helix High School student, Loretta Carota. She states, “Glady Coffee has the best coffee… they have very interesting flavors… also, their sandwiches are very good and yummy.”
Lastly, out of the Cafe category, located in North Park and South Park, is Cafe Madeleine! With inspiration from Paris and other French cities, this cafe states they have an “art nouveau style,” serving delicious breakfast and lunch delights ranging from paninis, french toasts, benedicts and more! They contain a large menu of different cafe drinks to your liking. This cafe effortlessly captures the french ambience, while serving mouth watering food and drinks. This cafe is a must visit.
Other honorable mentions that have been recommended (and that you should give a try) include:
Lofty Coffee
The Living Room
Java Earth Coffee
Communal Coffee
“I know a spot”
Del Mar to Coronado; Balboa Park to Petco Park. Our beautiful beaches and main attractions allure those of all over the world. Locals are quite aware of the enchantment these special places offer, but why stay surface level? Again, our city is crawling with amazing places in need of exploration (especially if you’re a local). Go find those gems!
Further up the coast, in the middle of Torrey Pines and La Jolla, lies a beautiful spot aching to be discovered. This is the Scripps Coastal Meander! Not only is this spot located on the designated pathway, but if you were to venture “off the beaten path” you would discover the vast cliffs holding together what is considered La Jolla and Torrey Pines. This is a beautiful spot to watch the sunset, have a picnic, hike, or even watch the hang gliders.
Down the coast from La Jolla and Scripps ranch, hides another gem waiting to be discovered. If you’re a San Diego local, you most likely have heard of Sunset Cliffs… but there’s more! Located near the back of Point Loma Nazarene University’s campus, just behind a palm tree, sits Sunset Cliff’s secret swing! This spectacular swing overlooks the mesmerizing coast of San Diego, and perfectly encapsulates the idea of, “knowing a spot.”
Last but not least, a not so hidden gem, is Liberty Station! While this spot is pretty well known, it surprisingly doesn’t get as much attention as you may think. Liberty Station contains an abundance of activities and restaurants within. The public market, filled with a variety of different foods and restaurants, candle light concerts, pottery painting, ice skating in the winter, picnics and events in the grass and a whole bunch of exciting activities and things to discover. While Liberty Station may not be a hidden gem itself, its hidden treasure lies within.
Some other honorable mentions include:
Harpers Topiary Garden
Balboa Park Zoro Garden
Ho Chi Minh Trail
Mount Soledad Viewpoint
All in all, our beautiful city has so many amazing things to offer. There are so many other coffee shops to explore, so many spots waiting to be uncovered, and so much to be discovered! It never hurts to give a different place or spot a chance, because honestly, you truly never know until you try! Uncover those gems, and find your hidden treasure.