San Diego

The 3rd largest city in California, San Diego's mild Mediterranean climate makes it an attractive tourist destination. Explore the city’s beaches and boardwalks, or visit the famous San Diego Zoo, often ranked one of the best in the US. If you're looking to explore further, don't miss the chance to see popular tourist sites like Balboa Park and Coronado Island, or enjoy fish tacos and local Mexican-inspired cuisine.
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1San Diego Zoo

4.7
(55402)
4.5
(29541)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Zoo
Zoos & Aquariums
The Zoo in San Diego, California is home to animals representing more than 400 species from around the world. The zoo was founded in 1852 and features a conservation society that works to protect endangered animals.
We loved visiting the San Diego zoo. It's world famous for a reason. We also learned that it's not only a zoo but also a botanical garden. It is stunning to walk around. There is so much nature and beauty aside from the animals. They grow so many different plants and trees there. The bus tours are well worth it to check out the outside of the entire zoo and see animals along the way. Plan to be here for at least 3 hours if not more. Also the zoo allows you to bring food and snacks so you don't have to worry. They're so baby friendly which was great. There's a whole baby station where you can wash your baby bottles if you plan to be there long and need to feed the baby with a clean bottle. I loved it.
Rabeea Jabbar — Google review
This is the best zoo I’ve ever been to. All the animals are very active and fun to watch. They have a large variety of animals so there’s something for everyone. The transportation included in the ticket is amazing. The 30 minute free bus tour gave us a great overview of the zoo and let us see a lot of animals. The guide was very sweet and very knowledgeable. The kangaroo buses made it very convenient to get from exhibit to exhibit. The zoo is very large and it took us a whole day to see everything.
Kathryn Q — Google review
There was so much to see here. We spent about 6 hours and didn't see all the animals. All the exhibits were entertaining. The free gondola ride across the zoo was great. Free parking. Reasonably priced food, drink, stroller rentals and souvenirs. Would definitely go back to see what we didn't get to see this time.
Kristin Weatherby — Google review
We had a great day at the zoo! Parking is close and free, which is amazing! We took the zoo bus tour first thing, which gave us a good overview of the park and helped us figure out what we wanted to see. We loved all the methods of transportation through the park because it is so big. There is a kangaroo bus to 4 different areas. We didn't use this because we decided to just walk it so we wouldn't miss exhibits. But we did the aerial tram from one side to the other and back. We also used the elevator by the bridge two times to help with the hills. We happened upon an animal encounter by zoo workers with an aardvark. So fun! The animal enclosures are so beautiful, as is the park foliage. We ended up staying until 7:30 pm, much longer than we expected. There is so much to see!
Khristine Pettingill — Google review
This one is a most do!!! Great zoo!!! It's huge so I definitely recommend to get there early, wear comfy clothes and shoes so you can see the whole park because is definitely worth it, but to see it all u have to be early. It's very clean and beautiful also u can bring your own snacks and Beverages. Small coolers are allowed and if not they have so many restaurants and places to buy whatever u need. One more thing bring sunscreen and enjoy!!!
KIRA G — Google review
I recently visited the San Diego Zoo and I must say it was an incredible experience. From the moment I walked in, I was amazed by the vast array of animals and the beautiful environment they were in. One thing that stood out to me was the care and attention given to the animals. It was evident that the zookeepers genuinely cared for each animal and provided them with a comfortable and stimulating environment. The animals seemed happy and well taken care of, which is a testament to the zoo's dedication to conservation and animal welfare. The variety of animals at the San Diego Zoo is truly impressive. From elephants to meerkats to polar bears, there was something for everyone. I particularly enjoyed the different exhibits and habitats that allowed me to see the animals up close and learn about their natural behaviors. The zoo also offers numerous educational opportunities. From interactive exhibits to informative signs, I was able to learn so much about each animal's habitat, diet, and conservation status. It was both fun and educational, making it a perfect destination for families and animal enthusiasts alike. The San Diego Zoo is also beautifully designed and well maintained. The pathways were easy to navigate, and the landscaping was lush and vibrant. It's clear that a lot of thought and effort goes into creating a welcoming and visually appealing space for visitors. Overall, my experience at the San Diego Zoo was nothing short of exceptional. The combination of stunning animals, high-quality care, educational experiences, and beautiful surroundings make it a must-visit destination. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and enjoyable day out.
Gary Mitchell — Google review
The San Diego Zoo is hands down a five-star adventure waiting to happen. I mean, where else can you go from hanging out with pandas to checking out flamingos and then chilling with koalas, all in one place? It's like a global safari without the jet lag! But here's the thing that makes it truly special: not only is it a blast, but it's also a powerhouse for conservation and research. These folks are like the superheroes of the animal world, working behind the scenes to save endangered species and educate the world on the importance of wildlife preservation. And the setup? It's like Mother Nature herself decided to design a zoo. The exhibits are beautifully crafted to mimic natural habitats, which means you get up close and personal with animals in environments that feel just right. So, whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a family with kiddos who adore animals, or just someone looking for a wildly fun day out, the San Diego Zoo has got you covered. It's not just a zoo; it's a wild journey that leaves you with a smile and a heart full of love for our furry, feathered, and scaly friends. Five stars for this fantastic place where adventure meets education!
Kenneth Ross — Google review
One of the best zoos ever. I went on a Sunday at around 12:00 noon. Great parking, not too crowded, and great weather, what else can you ask for. Hop on the 30 minute tour bus, the guy gives you a lot of input about the zoo and its animals and it helped me plan for my day. They have what they call Kangaroo buses with four stops. You can get on and off at whatever stop, very convenient to get to the areas you want to get to. On this day, the animals were very active, it made my day even more eventful. I paid for the Polar Express experience, found in the same area as a polar bears, it was worth it. I also saw a lot of children walking around with their face painted, but I didn't see any adults doing it. My thought, why not. I got my face painted, it took all but maybe 5 minutes, and I loved it! I drove from the San Fernando Valley to San Diego, two and a half to three hour drive. If you're in California, and within driving distance, the San Diego Zoo is worth the drive.
Desiree Mier — Google review
Best zoo in the Country, hands down! It's super clean and the animal exhibits are so well kept. It's huge, it's easy to spend all day there. The employees are very helpful and happy to answer questions about any of the animals. The skyfari was so much fun also. We loved how many things were included with your entry ticket! So many amazing animals to see.
Kalin Cowan — Google review
Visited the San Diego Zoo and it was quite the adventure! The first pic reveals a hornbill perched behind foliage, almost playing hide and seek – a real treat for bird enthusiasts. The second shows a vulture casually sunning atop a high perch. Third, we've got a snoozing lion, masterfully blending into the golden hour light. And the map? Well, it highlights the zoo's impressive layout, ensuring you don't miss a beat. Navigating the zoo is a breeze with clear signposts and a handy map – super helpful for planning your day. Each habitat is well-maintained, and the animals seem content, giving you a sense of ease as you wander through. There’s a good variety of species to see, and even on a busy day, you can catch a glimpse of the animal kingdom's finest without feeling crowded. Definitely a place to come back to, with or without the kids. The San Diego Zoo does a fine job balancing conservation efforts with visitor experience. Whether you're here for the majestic lions, quirky birds, or just a walk among the diverse exhibits, it’s a day well spent. Two thumbs up for this iconic spot!
Terrell Marshall — Google review
The Zoo exceeded our expectations. We stayed all day and have never watched so much activity by the animals at a zoo before . The trails and facilities were clean and well kept which makes for a nice experience as well. We took the free bus tour to start our day which gave us a good overview of the park. After walking to every exhibit throughout the day we ended with a trip up and back on the Sky tram. Overall, a great experience!
April Mangum — Google review
It's been a few years since we've been here but it has changed in such an amazing way!!! The new children's area is great!!! They have beautiful new exhibits, new buildings and structures. They have a wet play zone for the kids with waterfalls, arcing waters and splash zones. They also have a dryer you can pay to use to dry off too! They have amazing new merchandise for the kids as well. If you haven't been here in a while, I'd highly recommend it! We had so much fun!
Cassey Hawkins — Google review
Let’s be real- this zoo is just unbeatable. It is a magical experience just to walk through it , let alone to witness the stunning variety of animals and plants. Hands down it is a must-see of San Diego. Definitely download the app and try to do the bus tour early morning or in the evening as I think the animals are more lively. There is always a chance that you won’t get to see some of the animals but you won’t be disappointed with the monkeys, koalas, and the many stunning aviaries. The history of the zoo and its many many animals is also captivating and a gift that keeps giving after you leave. It is definitely doable in one day but another day may have alleviated some of the angst of seeing or not-seeing some of the animals.
Nicole Todd — Google review
We had a wonderful time! The staff was very friendly and helpful. Everybody was wonderful. Even the crowd was relatively nice and respectful for California. we had a great time. We saw lots of animals rode the gondola and had funnel cake. The park was very clean. We couldn't have asked for a better visit, and we will definitely be back! Thank you so much for a wonderful experience!! **UPDATE** We ended up staying for the last show, and it was amazing! Lots of energy, and you could tell the performers really enjoyed what they were doing, It was very enjoyable! I would highly recommend staying for it!
David Hughes — Google review
My daughter and I did the roar and snor. Our experience was amazing. The tents were well maintained. The bathrooms were well kept. The food provided was decent, typical camp food. Plenty to go around. The late night snacks were a welcome plus. The staff was professional and friendly. The tour guides were amazing and very informative. The grounds are beautiful even in the midst of construction.
Jasmine Warren — Google review
Great clean and beautiful zoo, I definitely recommend to get there early so you can see most of it, and it’s definitely worth the time and the money. Loved the bus/ shuttle system and the gondola sky lift. Also you can bring your own snacks and Beverages. Small coolers are allowed and if not they have so many restaurants and places to buy whatever u need. The staff was super friendly and knowledgeable about the animals! Gift ships were awesome.
Alaa Oussi — Google review
Great experience. Had a free pass but if I had to pay I would definitely not come frequently. The place is amazing, great vegetation and amazing and exotic animals. There is great bus-tours that get you around and would definitely recommend the Kangaroo Bus. Animals seem to be somewhat free and there is very helpful info next to each one of them
Nicolás Perales — Google review
I herd that this zoo is world wild famous. But I was not impressed at all. It is a big place to spend a day. There is many animals to see. Cable cars that takes you to other side of zoo. And two bus lines. One is with four stops around the zoo. And other one is like a tour bus that talk in detail about zoo. Part I didn’t like is they just returned Pandas to China. And I really wanted to see panda in person. Other one is that I could not see most of animals in park. Cause their sports are so big and majority of animals been hiding in their homes. I will try Safari park next time.
Alex Luthor — Google review
We did a full day with all tickets purchased online in advance. Early admission through the baby boom package, zoo pass and then dinner and aurora. The entire experience was first class. Having attractions like the kids park, gondola and bus tour as part of the ticket are very nice. Lines always moved very quickly and we're well organized. The zoo is as much a meticulous garden. The grounds are amazing. Staff were extremely engaged and attentive. Early morning pass was exceptional opportunity to be in the zoo before it got busy. Only issue was the amount of times we had to double back. The app and map are not always clear and it is easy to miss a turn and head in the wrong direction. Dinner at Albert's was very good. Plan for the whole day and enjoy.
Adam Thompson — Google review
I enjoyed my trip to the San Diego Zoo. I would recommend getting the tickets online to save a few extra dollars. It is $70-$72 to get in to the zoo, which may seem like a lot but at least they offer free parking. The zoo itself is massive. The bus tour and tram ride is included with the price of the ticket was nice and was a great way to explore the park. I would recommend renting a scooter for $60 dollars to fully get the most out of the park if you aren’t able to walk. I walked 6 miles and still did not see the entire zoo. I would also like to recommend the zoo creating an app for the public to guide us better.
Jack Furlong — Google review
Easily the best zoo I’ve ever been to. There are so many animals and you need a whole day to see everything. Lots of walking, but there are plenty of buses and other forms of transportation to bring you around the zoo. I loved the tiger and the polar bear, they also have a really cool elephant exhibit.
Christopher Ciminelli — Google review
This place is great! Plenty of benches and shady spots along the trails. I spoonful advise you bring a water bottle which they will refill with water or buying a free refill soda. Plenty of animals to see. Plenty of things s for kids to interact with. There's a reason this is considered one of the best zoos in the world. Definitely a must visit if visiting San Diego. If local buy the champion membership. Skipping lines, separate entrance, and includes wild animal park as well. Good for 2 people and you get two free passes. So if 4 purple going. It basically pays for itself on first visit. Click"helpful" if you found this helpful please
SanDiego Food Czar — Google review
We loved our trip to the zoo and would heartily recommend it to anyone. In fact, we have to put it as the number 1 attraction in San Diego. It really is something not to miss when you are in the city. We took the guided bus tour first and it was a good way to see the whole area before the walk around the zoo. There are restaurants in the zoo and the food was great. Would recommend wearing comfortable shoes since it's a big area you'll be walking. Take a stroller if you go with children or you can rent one in the park which costs you $16.
Lakshitha Dissanayake — Google review
The zoo was such fun! It was clean and well-maintained. The restrooms were clean and the staff were friendly and nice. There were plenty of places to sit and get out of the sun. The animals' cages were well kept, and there was a good variety. We rode the tour bus and took the sky tram with ease, and had a blast. On a Friday morning/afternoon, it wasn't too crowded, although we had to wait about 45 minutes to pickup our tickets, so it may help to add some kiosks to aide with this in the future.
Rosalie ONeal — Google review
Being the most pricey zoo I’ve ever seen before, it’s totally worth it. This place doesn’t just take great care of their animals but they really care about the cause of protecting them. The tours you can go on at the zoo are fantastic, the place is so big you could spend all day there being entertained and you would still have more to see! While the price of a bottle water is $6.50, at least it’s going to a good cause. The Zoo is incredible and really lives up to the hype it has.
Cole Myer — Google review
Great place for groups, families, and/or couples to stroll the paths and view the animals. Feeding time is the best time to go. Mid-day is probably the least favorable time to see the animals out and about in their areas. Parking is free. If you go mid-day or later might as well start looking for a spot in the closest isles and work your way farther away. Their are food choices but not as many as the wild animal park. Hard to believe there is a zoo in the center of a city but when your in there you forget.
Michelle Blair — Google review
The San Diego Zoo is definitely one of if not the best zoos in the country. There are so many animals and so much to see and do. The exhibits are nice and the whole zoo is really well put together and maintained. It’s slightly expensive but worth the price. We had a variety of ages in our group and everyone had a great time. We got there just before it opened and had no problem with parking.
Derek J — Google review
We had a great time at the zoo. The first thing we did was the bus tour and I'm glad we did it right away because it got very busy later in the day. It was also great to give us an idea of the zoo layout and see the animals from a different side in some cases.
Jamie Lawson — Google review
You have to love the zoo! The koalas, the big cats, the aardvark, the elephants, the baby bears, penquins, rare birds, plant life and so much more! It was a beautiful day in San Diego and the zoo is a must see. We took advantage of items included with your admission such as the mini bus tour, the kangaroo bus transportation and the sky tram, but mostly it's great to walk around and observe the amazing wildlife. I was impressed by the efforts of the zoo to provide what appears to be suitable habitats and the proper environment for these wonderful creatures. Take in all you can as there is so much to see and much to learn. There were a few areas under construction, but hardly noticeable as you take in the vast area of the park. We have heard the safari is a great option and plan to check it out on a future visit. For our initial visit we wanted to walk throughout the zoo at our own pace. The walking is up and down hill, while our biggest challenge, to be honest. was dodging the hundreds of strollers. While also fun to watch the excitement of kids seeing some of these animals for the first time. The shops, restrooms and food/drink stands with tables and seating placed throughout the park, provide opportunities to take breaks during your stay. Pace yourself and allow most of the day to experience as much as you can. Have fun and support the San Diego zoo!
Cindy D — Google review
The Zoo is one of our favorite places to explore as a family. We have a membership and visit often. There are always new things to see, and the grounds are beautifully maintained. I feel that they do a wonderful job of caring for the animals here, and their conservation efforts globally are impressive. We feel good about supporting them. 💚 The children's Basecamp area is so much fun, even as a stand-alone activity. My girls love the water area, climbing structures, tree house, and monkey bridge. They could easily spend hours in this area. This area of the zoo also hosts the cleanest restrooms, in our experience. I usually pack swimsuits & towels for my girls to change into, as I know we will undoubtedly end up in this area and get soaked. Not a problem when it's hot though, the water is a welcome cool down. The new exhibits in this area are very cool as well. We always have a great time at the zoo.
Lisa Bylund — Google review
What a fantastic zoo! I can see why it's rated the highest in the country! We knew when we booked this trip that a visit to the famous San Diego Zoo was going to be a necessity. The value day pass is a fantastic deal if you're going to visit on a value day. The zoo at times can feel a little bit like a maze, but it's worth going down every path and seeing every exhibit and animal. The zoo is very well maintained and there are volunteers all over to help guide you and provide insight and/or answers to any questions you may have. And the scenery is gorgeous! There are also extras included, even with the value passes, like the guided bus tour and the kangaroo bus (hop-on hop-off). Make sure even if you see the whole zoo on foot that you take the guided tour, you get some great perspective and different views!
Mike W — Google review
It’s been quite some time since we’ve visited the San Diego Zoo but I was truly happy we did. It’s just as big and beautiful as I remember. I LOVE all the animals, especially the koalas, elephants, giraffes, and the aviary that has not only birds, but working ants. That truly was awesome. A must see for everyone. And please know that the bus ride throughout the zoo is free which we were thrilled about!
Arlene Aninion — Google review
This was amazing space. The exhibits are so well designed that even though it was busy, it was still possible to have special animal encounters around each bend. We have a medical service animal, named Penny, who loved it. The animals were pretty curious about her, too. The Harpy Eagles were especially intrigued by our furry companion. There were just so many great spaces to experience nature together with people.
Jeff Swigert — Google review
It's literally the best zoo we have ever visited. If you have a toddler, make sure you take your stroller. There are a few hills inside that will tire them out. There are plenty of restrooms and quick food spots. Seems the staff takes care of the animals sanctuaries quite well. The only con is parking. Make sure you arrive earlier than planned to get a good spot. You can also park on the street by the school next to the dirt road. No fee. You can then walk for about 5 min until you reach the zoo entrance. There is no VIP parking. Purchase your tickets in advance to avoid wait time. If you are going during January, you may need a jacket in case it gets cold at night. One more thing, download the app. It was extremely helpful for inside the zoo navigation and for other information regarding zoo time shows and attractions.
F B — Google review
My feet are screaming as I write this. lol. I would consider this zoo an all day affair. There’s a lot of walking to do and some hills you’ll be going up and down. It seems like they fill up reuse able bottles with water for you and they have one you can buy for 14.99 for the day and get any fountain drink with free refills. Water is very important while walking around. Your favourite animal is probably here so bring your back up batteries for videos and photos! The zoo is super clean and the staff loves talking about the animals. The sky ride was a crazy view but if you don’t like heights then avoid. I was white knuckled holding the bar. If you have kids a 2-day pass isn’t a bad option as they might not be able to handle all the activities they have for kids AND walk an entire zoo.
Joe “JoeColor” — Google review
2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, USAhttps://zoo.sandiegozoo.org/(619) 231-1515

2Balboa Park

4.8
(71750)
4.5
(13099)
Mentioned on 
Park
Fun & Games
Balboa Park is a sprawling outdoor destination in San Diego that is home to the city's renowned zoo, 17 museums, gardens & more. The park also features numerous theaters and trails.
Such a lively place with plenty of foods and music. Great architectural buildings all over. Walking alongside fountains, sculptures, beautiful trees with so many people was a great experience. Nearby places are also amazingly beautiful. Cactus park across the road was superb as well. A very nice walk in well paved sidewalks.
Ashutosh Shandilya — Google review
True gem. This place has everything - gardens, museums, restaurants… if you are little lost, stop first in visitor center. They will give you a map, explain and inform what events are happening right now around. Very useful. I was amazed by architecture which was really close to the Andalusian one.
Aur?lia Blankenship — Google review
Best place to visit with kids, family and friends. Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre (490 ha) historic urban cultural park in San Diego, California, United States. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. most its regular 4 to 5 hours if you want to cover all area.
Pawan Rajput — Google review
Balboa Park is a captivating blend of art, culture, and nature. The architectural charm and vibrant gardens create a visually enchanting atmosphere. The diverse array of museums ensures there's something for every interest, making it a must-visit destination in San Diego.
Sara celis — Google review
This is such a beautiful area with so much to explore! Even if you don't go into any of the museums, gardens or any other venue inside it is a great place to just walk around! Has a great cluster of buildings from all different nations, interesting!
K S — Google review
I really loved Balboa Park while I was here last time. It’s even better with the perfect San Diego weather. It has everything that you would want. It has museums, San Diego Zoo, gardens, theaters, food, etc. it’s also a National historic landmark. I would have to return since I didn’t check out too many of the museums, only a couple. There is no shortage of parking spaces, very easy to find one then walk around. Just a note, we came on a week day and it wasn’t very busy at all. The architecture was mesmerizing and intriguing.
Nicholas P — Google review
When in San Diego even just strolling around Balboa Park is a must. Definitely a much cheaper option to the zoo. The museums are reasonable and absolutely lovely. Great little restaurant with beautiful sculpture garden where you can take your wine and have a drink. Nice and spacious, lots going on and something for everybody.
Jennifer Kelly — Google review
Great park with a lot of attractions. The museums are great and worth getting a season pass or finding a deal online to go to multiple. The gardens are beautiful any time of year and great for a stroll. The architecture was the incredible. Walking through the court yards and walkways will yield a visual gem around every corner. Parking at the zoo and walking over is the way to go. Its free, plentiful, and easy to get in and out even at peak hours.
Amjad Kinhnarath — Google review
If you are visiting San Diego this place is a must see. Bring your walking shoes and get ready to walk through the many Museums, theaters, shops, and wonderful views this place has to offer. It was nothing of what I expected, the Balboa park connects several Cathedral style venues on this wonderful walkways that include the San Diego Zoo, the Natural History Museum and several other museums. We didn't even have time to see everything. There is a tram that takes you to all the parking lots. I went there on a Tuesday and it was very crowded, so weekends must get really packed. I highly recommend this place if you have a day to kill and spend some quality time with the family or significant other. Although I saw many snack vendors, I didn't see many good restaurants so I would recommend bringing some sandwiches or whatever you can bring to eat. There are many areas to sit under the shade and relax on the grass or a bench. We went inside the natural history Museum and paid the admission but was a little disappointed with it. It probably took us around 20 minutes to see the entire Museum, compared to the natural Museum in L.A., this place was very small and was in need of more exhibits. Other than that, I gave Balboa Park an A+ because it really impressed me.
Isrrael Espin — Google review
I've lived in San Diego for a decade now. I'm not a huge beach guy... Too crowded... Too many sharks... Too much sand. But Balboa Park is damn impressive! They have acres upon acres of green space with winding paths, gardens, bridges, and water features. They have world class museums with amazing architecture. They have a world class zoo and probably one of the only outdoor urban archery ranges?! Unfortunately they have a non-migratory transient population, but that's pretty much all of San Diego. And the place is big enough to share anyway. I feel like Balboa Park is always the perfect temperature too; Close enough to the ocean to have a cool breeze with tall eucalyptus trees providing relief from the sun. If you're coming to San Diego for the weekend, don't miss out on Balboa Park.
Samson Leonard — Google review
Certainly one of the nicest spots in San Diego! Hosting the historical buildings of the universal exhibit, it can be easily visited on foot. Different museums can be found on the way. The park is huge, and it needs a full day at least for a proper visit.
Margot — Google review
Visited the museums and the Japanese tea garden. The Japanese tea garden and museum were like a breath of fresh air for my soul. The zen vibes of the garden made sipping tea feel like a peaceful ritual. Exploring the museum was utter aww, discovering the beauty of creative artists. It was a day well spent, soaking in nature and history, and I left with a heart full of good vibes.
Niti — Google review
The greatest location in all San Diego, adorable and really friendly location. Majestic choices of multiple museums. I wish I had the opportunity to visit all of them. But just walking by the all parc is an impressive experience where is great to go around and enjoy the street art. The grass is so beautiful. There is a lot to do around there, like enjoying the street art artist or enjoying a seating in the parcels with a lot of friends. Strongly recommend anyone who’s travelling around San Diego. I’d like to mention and Thanks a lot the nice ladies from the visitor information center, they were really nice, welcoming and helpful. I’m grateful for their information. I’ll wait for you in Vancouver ;) thanks
SG SG — Google review
Beautiful place to visit with the family. Very serene. We stopped by after a visit to the museum. Parking took about 20 mins to find however it was well worth it. Great place to visit when you’re in the San Diego area.
Lovelle Monty — Google review
Wonderful place for wandering around enjoying time with family and gorgeous scenery. Parking was tough the day we went, but once parked and out of the car our visit was amazing. Can't wait to go back!
Theresa St. John — Google review
Gorgeous architecture and gardens! Well worth the visit, even if you don't go inside the museums. There's such beauty everywhere, food and gift/trinket vendors, a couple restaurants, and talented music performers placed thoughtfully throughout (electric violin, acoustic guitar, flute etc). Start at the information desk to get a map. If you do want to go inside the museums, they have a rotating daily schedule that lists what buildings are open that day, which is usually a handful. Wear good walking shoes and get there early as the afternoon is very busy.
sotagirl1 — Google review
Balboa Park is a cultural oasis in the heart of San Diego, where you can explore, play, learn and discover. Whether you are looking for art, history, nature, or entertainment, Balboa Park has something for everyone. You can visit one of the 17 major museums, ranging from fine arts to natural history, from science to photography. You can enjoy a show at one of the several theaters, including the historic Old Globe. You can marvel at the beauty of the 18 free public gardens, featuring roses, cacti, orchids and more. You can also meet the animals at the world-famous San Diego Zoo, home to over 3,700 rare and endangered species. Balboa Park is not only a place to see, but also a place to do. You can join a guided tour, take a class, watch a demonstration, or participate in a festival. You can also rent a bike, play golf, have a picnic, or ride the carousel. There is always something new and exciting happening at Balboa Park. Balboa Park is a national treasure that has been delighting visitors for over a century. It is one of the largest urban parks in the country, covering 1,200 acres of landAd1. It is also one of the most diverse and inclusive parks in the world, celebrating the cultures and communities of San Diego2. If you are looking for a fun, educational and inspiring experience in San Diego, look no further than Balboa Park. It is truly a place where you can find your park3.
Ashley Barnette — Google review
Nice park with 2 expos that held here. As a results, the historical building and museum along with impressive garden are spread around. Music performance, park, restaurants, it’s a place to chill and spend lovely time with friends. It’s larger than I expected. Love this place.
The Foodie Architect — Google review
Beautiful building structures and a bunch of Museums to visit. If you do a simple search, you can see some have free days. It’s a beautiful walk at night as some of the building have a light shining at them. I did attempt to go to the haunted trail, so it isn’t there quite yet, maybe in October. This park is one of the must visit spots, doesn’t cost a dime. I highly recommend it for tourist or family visiting in a weekend.
Marcos R — Google review
Probably in spring or summer a better time for a visit. January rather not. However, nice buildings and villages (Spanish village). Having a complete day the forest paths would be interesting.
Michael Vees — Google review
Cool place with gorgeous views. There are many things you could do or see. Definitely recommending to visit it. They have really cool zoo there that I definitely recommend to visit with friends or family 🔥👍
Dima Yakovets — Google review
New York has Central Park and San Diego has Balboa Park which is hands down much larger. But, stats include a few museums and the famed San Diego Zoo; which more than likely have additional fees. Either way... If you are in the area spend a day or two exploring the park and all it offers. It was very nice and peaceful.
Walter Day — Google review
This is a great place for so many things to do and see. I went for one museum and ended up walking the entire complex and checking out the sites. Found places to eat and many places to visit. Absolutely beautiful place but if you want to see it all bring your wallet because most require some $$ to get it. I did not want to spend a lot so I ended up just walking the grounds and seeing all the beautiful architecture and landscaping. Would recommend even if it is to just walk around and view the sights
Robert Jantz — Google review
Enormous park packed with play areas, picnic areas, gardens, dog walking facilities and an array of museums. There really is something for everyone here; you can either choose to spend a fortune on entrance tickets or nothing at all and still enjoy the park.
Michael Lees — Google review
I cannot believe I haven’t been to this place. I lived in San Diego for a few years and I visit here every year. This was my first time to Balboa Park. The architecture was stunning. The grounds were gorgeous. We didn’t have to pay to park, and we walked around and saw all the amazing buildings and artwork. The small museum was free to enter. There even was a St. Patrick’s Day parade going on. my daughter wanted to go into the cannibal exhibit. There were so many different museums that you could’ve entered. They all charged though. There was public bathrooms. The tall clock tower at noon was the best part. Hearing the chimes was great, but the music that it played at noon was so fun.
Kristen Kupinsky — Google review

3Gaslamp Quarter

4.8
(20)
Mentioned on 
Historical landmark
Vibrant night life! Lots of traffic for sure. I suggest to give time to find parking.
Yin Chew — Google review
This place is unsafe. Aggressive on drugs homeless everywhere. Twice emergency came since they overdosed next to restaurants. It did It feel safe ti park on the street and had ti pay 30$ for guarded parking. I won’t go there anymore. DO NOT GO!!!
RER AMU — Google review
Its full of everything one might want to do day or night. Get dressed up or don't. It's got something for you to do anyway you come. Restaurants, bars, art gallery, candy shops, ice cream shops, shopping, music, random events. Great for wizardry and Pokemon training.
Valerie Wintland — Google review
Peaceful and dynamic place. If you like nice urban settings with nice bars and restaurants and have a liking for strolling around, this is the place to be. Not many shops though so don't expect to buy anything home
Kelvin O — Google review
Plenty to see and do here. Had a great time.
DonnieFromOhio — Google review
Excellent area to wander around with very good choice of restaurants must visit.
Jason Braby — Google review
It’s where the nightlife happens in San Diego. Many options of PUBs, bars, clubs and restaurants available.
Marcio Risso — Google review
Great area for food and drink and not to mention the San Diego weather!
Ricardo Ottawa — Google review
Always a good time in downtown San Diego:)
Bradley Mayberry — Google review
711 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101, USAhttps://wkpd.one/VMT6Ue

4Petco Park

4.7
(19187)
4.5
(4554)
Mentioned on 
Stadium
Sights & Landmarks
The Petco Park stadium is in San Diego and is home to the San Diego Padres. It's a beautiful modern stadium that's popular for sports and concerts throughout the year.
Great ballpark, one of our favorites now. We sat in section 108, row 13. Great seats behind the visitors dugout. Food was nearby just up the stairs, could see everything and had multiple chances of getting balls every inning as the visiting team came into the dugout. Highly recommend this ballpark if you are thinking of visiting like we did from Texas. Temperatures were amazing too!
Matt Reeves — Google review
Nice ballpark enjoyed the beautiful scenery and sight lines! Found the staff to be somewhat rude though. Good game to watch from multiple angles of the ballpark. Food and Beer is way overpriced even for Southern California. All in all a pretty good time!
liam o'connor (Meatball prod) — Google review
Came for a Saturday game with friends, and sat in section 311. We had good people all around, making it more fun. The view is good, and having the big screen on the opposite side helped. The bathrooms were clean. There are multiple concessions for food and drinks. Food was good for stadium food. I would definitely come back for more games.
Gil Copuz — Google review
I love this ballpark! It has changed over the past 2 decades, but they still use it every year for all their baseball events. This site works quite well for home games. Unfortunately, they have to rely on the other teams when they play on the road. This can be a real hassle if the other team is negligent and lets homeless people camp out in the visiting team's locker room. It can also be a problem if you hate dragging all your equipment to another city and have to stay in a motel on the wrong side of town. Danger lurks, you can be sure of that.
Banger Lo Truglio — Google review
The remodel is amazing! Make sure to have an empty stomach because there is So much good food at the arena. Highly recommend their bacon wrapped hot dogs at their ball park stand, chicken al pastor tacos and the nachos at puestos! Make sure to bring some Sunscreen in case you forget you can always ask their employees. If it’s your first time Going to the ball park make sure to stop by the service desk for a possible freebie! Plenty of parking nearby but not so much free in price. One of a kind stadium for sure!! Animal friendly. Wheelchair accessible. Plenty of restrooms. Very loud atmosphere but fun.
Hannah Bringas — Google review
Let me just say this is a great ballpark! Rudy was our ambassador for the tour, and he did an outstanding job and was very knowledgeable about the park and baseball in general. He is a true baseball fan! There were a few places that were of limits that previously weren't, but that didn't bother me as we got to see plenty. There was a ton of constructing and preparations going on for opening day, but we were able to see everything. I would highly recommend doing a tour of this beautiful park, and if you're lucky, you'll get Rudy!
Robert Jantz — Google review
Seats are great for viewing the game even in the upper deck. Skyline on the water is breathtaking. Checked this ballpark off the list of ballparks to visit. Four of us had bacon wrapped hotdogs and a soda for about one hundred dollars. Seems pricey, but they were good and satisfying. Don’t think I would come back to this ballpark, but mostly because of our experience with the other people attending the venue standing in food lines “Bertha better than you”
M Godlewski — Google review
What a beautiful ballpark. First of al it’s San Diego, so great weather. Lots of restaurants and drinks. Super clean facilities and the park on whole was well kept. This place is awesome. When you done , walk outside to catch the rail or visit the famous “Gaslight district “. We went for an early afternoon game and had a fantastic time.
Rob Stephenson — Google review
The most beautiful baseball park I have ever been to! The feeling was electric and the fans were kind. They have so many fun restaurants and vendors with lots of good food. (I highly recommend the smoked brisket sandwich at Grand Ole Barbecue) It is a magnificent place and it doesn’t matter where you sit the game is almost guaranteed to be exciting and fun! If you are ever in town and want to see San Diego’s (in my opinion) best attraction stop by for a game if you come during the season or even just to see the field and the view of downtown and the water!
Chloe Keller — Google review
Petco Park is a fantastic stadium in beautiful San Diego! I've had the pleasure of attending a few games here, and it's always a great experience. The atmosphere is electric, the staff is friendly, and the stadium itself is well-maintained. One thing that stands out is the variety of food and drink options. You can find everything from classic ballpark hot dogs to more gourmet choices. The only minor downside might be the parking situation, but that's common for many city stadiums. Overall, a great place to catch a game and enjoy the San Diego vibes. 🌞🌴🌭⚾
Ace Baker — Google review
One of the best baseball stadiums in the USA. World-class food at all the different vendors. Great sight lines. Gaslamp quarter is fun after games. Ride the San Diego Trolley. Traffic can be tricky.
Kevin Anderson — Google review
Had a fantastic time catching a game while on vacation. Loved the ballpark and how it fits so well into the city. Got to see the Trevor Hoffman and Tony Gwynn statues. Anyone that’s even remotely a baseball fan should catch a game there if given the chance.
Anthony B — Google review
I was surprised how wonderful this ballpark is! We went to see Holiday Bowl (college hockey) Oregon vs North Carolina and the weather was perfect! Our seats were in the end zone section 128 and we had a fantastic view of the game. The food choices were good too. Great atmosphere.
Aleksandra Morel — Google review
Got to dine on the rooftop of the Western Metal building with a private group, had the usual baseball fare of hot dogs, sloppy joes, nachos, peanuts and popcorn. But there are so many great food options throughout the park that you've gotta try. It's a very nice stadium near Little Italy, and numerous restaurants. With going early or staying late to explore around the stadium.
Colleen S — Google review
Great park, truly. But you need to regulate people better. Allowing visitors to walk in front of other spectators while active play is happening is AWFUL. I've been to college games where this is better. Parks where maybe 1000 people show, and it's more respectful. Hire some folks! Also, the lines for food are outrageous, you cannot bring in anything due to bag restrictions, and finding a clean place to pee is impossible. Do better!
Amber Robbins — Google review
First time being here 9.19.24 Went with coworkers to a game and we had a blast. Loved the vibes from everyone, the craft beer was delicious, it was a great experience. A place I definitely will be coming back to.
micaela chagolla — Google review
Only four stars just based on the price of stuff here. Yeah tickets are affordable but for a hot dog and a 16oz beer you're gonna pay $30. Guess that's the price of the west coast though. Sucks having to make a decision between merchandise or food, still fun nonetheless.
Stacey Sykes — Google review
Petco Park was a wonderful place to experience as a visiting fan! Beautifully designed with wonderful premium seating if you want to splurge. Top notch food and drink options galore and very friendly staff no matter what team merchandise you are wearing! The one big negative was signage - it was an incredibly confusing ballpark if you aren’t a regular and it seemed like there were too many opportunities to go the wrong way while trying to find something. If you are going to an afternoon game, make sure you look at maps of what seats are in the shade that you can find online. Can’t wait to return someday!
Reed B — Google review
Awesome experience. We visited San Diego, CA last weekend and had to catch a game at Petco Park and it was worth it. We sat in section 300 row 19 and the seats had an amazing centered view. The backdrop of the city skyline is great. We circled around the area for almost an hour trying to find cheap parking and eventually got a street spot for $1.25/hour which was great considering all the garages charge $55..
Christopher Cunniffe — Google review
Attended a couple games in August and the place is amazing. Such a fun atmosphere. The team wasn’t great, and they were out of the playoff race, but they still sold the place out. So many things to do there in addition to watching the game. We also did a stadium tour one of the days. I would also recommend that if you have the time.
Eli Slesk — Google review
Great ballpark experience. Love the food, Hodads is the best. I went for the Holiday Bowl, even though it is a baseball field it was still a good experience seeing a football game there.
Brett Langdon — Google review
100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USAhttps://www.mlb.com/padres(619) 795-5025

5Belmont Park

4.5
(16099)
4.0
(869)
Mentioned on 
Amusement park
Water & Amusement Parks
Theme park
Belmont Park is a family-friendly amusement park located on the beach of Mission Beach in San Diego. With classic and contemporary rides, an arcade, laser tag, golf course, and more, Belmont Park is a great place to spend a day out with friends. The park's standout attraction is the Giant Dipper roller coaster which is now a National Historic Landmark.
Free to just walk around. Great prices here on everything! Lines are not long. Lots of things to do for everyone. Even a few free attractions! Toddler, kids, teens, and adults. The beach and ocean, a park, boats walking distance if you like that. Vendors along the sidewalk for food, unique clothes, souvenirs, hats for everyone, jewelry, things for the kids, toys, and so much more! I loved it here! Can't wait to come back!
Helena Chavez — Google review
We spent the afternoon here during the winter wonderland event. Lots of fun holiday decor throughout the park and lots of activities for the kids. Insider tip: all December long, wristbands are $10 off. The ropes course is amazing! I can’t believe I’ve never seen anything like it before. The boys had a great time doing lazer tag too. This iconic San Diego spot is located right on the beach with plenty of free parking in the attached lots.
Maria Healey — Google review
Small amusement park with the oldest roller coaster. Built in 1925, it's not for the faint of heart, very bumpy, extremely fun. Nice variety of snacks and entertainment for families. Unlimited rides with Go City Pass-all inclusive pass only.
Erlinda Salcido — Google review
An amazing park by the beach and iconic landmark of San Diego! Thank you for providing a canvas for our Greetings from Belmont Park mural and shout out to Kayla for being the best host through the process. We hope the mural will create memories for generations to come!
Greetings Tour — Google review
What can I say ? A piece of San Diego History and a very beautiful park.You can spend your whole day there and still not have time to do and see it all. My trip here was very pleasant and I have to give credit to where it is due and that is the Belmont Park staff.Keep up the great work.
lorenzo rodriguez — Google review
Came here for a Vendor Event at Belmont in Bloom. Greatly enjoyed the scenery here. The beach itself is beautiful and the breeze is great. The employees here are all so happy and nice :) greatly enjoyed watching them sing and smile as they went about their work! The food from the venue to the various vendors are delicious. Kudos to the churro man who sells in the parking lot! He fries em on the spot ( SO GOOD) and his tamales are to die for! The zipline is always so fun and entertaining 😄 love the music choices as well. Overall a great place! Can't wait to be back for the rides!
Angel Nguyen — Google review
My kids loved coming here. There’s so many attractions for them to do and so many things for them to play with. Even though some of the attractions are fairly old, my kids seem to find many things to entertain them for hours. If you’re an adult and you want to get away from it all, you can go to one of the many bars or eateries that are very close by. Just avoid this place on the weekends as it’s crazy busy.
Andrew McCauley — Google review
Who doesn't love a day or night well spent at Bellmont? One of my kiddos fav spots in S.D.. lots of fun stuff to do and yummy food/treats to eat, shops to browse, an arcade, zip line and the famous wooden Big Dipper wooden roller coaster. Perfect to spend the afternoon then watch the sunset on mission beach ⛱️
KERI RODRIGUEZ — Google review
Awesome place to watch the sunset and catch some fireworks from sea world. If you’re visiting this is a great spot to see a bunch of people from all walks of life. Haven’t had a bad experience here always good vibes, people always looking to talk if you’re not looking for that head in to the beach. Don’t forget sunscreen!
Oscar Sanchez (OZ) — Google review
Looks a bit dated, but my kids thought this place was amazing. They loved the vendors, the arcades, the food, and of course the rides. I feel like the prices were about on par with what I expected to pay. Place was clean and seemed to me maintained well. This venue uses only digital tickets you will need to purchase and show with your phone. Neat idea, but kinda bogged things down a few times. Only constructive criticism I have is in regards to staffing. Any staff memeber who wasn't a lead or manager, looked like they were miserable. But the kids couldn't care less. They had a blast and in the end, that's what means to most to me.
Steven Mellage — Google review
What a fun park 😊 This park reminds me of small amusement park from the past. Amazingly this place was clean and tidy. The wooden roller coaster was a blast. Notes: 1. Parking is free. 2. No admission ticket but you have to pay for the ride. It’s around $ 5-8 / per ride or you can buy a day pass ( unlimited rides) for $60. Since there’re some broken rides , they give us $15 discount. Very worth it.
Beatrice Soe — Google review
Fun for the kids. It was a rainy off and on day and the staff was great. The kids enjoyed the arcade, tilt a whirl, bumper cars. Then the funnel cake didn’t disappoint or the waffle cone either.
Scott Waite — Google review
Great family fun amusement park. The giant dipper coaster has been around since like 1925. There is an arcade, food. Ice cream, beer and wine. There is a mini putt putt golf place, a rock wall and zip line. It is right on the beach and there is street shopping and free parking. Get there early for a day of fun in the sun. Don't forget Sunscreen. Awesome way to spend the day.
Kristin Olsen — Google review
So it's free to get in and walk around. It's kind of like a carnival boardwalk. They have the oldest roller coaster called the little dipper. It's a wooden coaster. Built in 1925. The oldest one on the West Coast. I came here because of this iconic coaster during holidays it is really hard to get close. Do not come in a big vehicle you'll have to pay a lot for parking up to $80. I parked about 6 miles away and had an Uber in.. cost about $50 to ride all day or you can buy tickets for individual rides there are other things to do on the boardwalk too like arcades and carnival games. My baby Mikey should have been in Cali for this one!
Leah Kapurch — Google review
Me and my famliy went down this park and we had a blast. We had some nice food,and were able to watch the waves come in shopping. But we had a bad experience with the server at our restaurant they took a very long time to take our order and it took quite a while to get our food and it was not really worth the wait.
N4 — Google review
Went there with the gocity pass. It was so good... Simple rides and games but unlimited. Went there around mid afternoon and stayed till 11pm even though we did not plan for it. Mini golf and adventure climb were also included which is a big plus. And who can forget the legendary bumper cars in two forms. Just nice that octotron only has 2-3 working legs and hence rakes long to queue. Watch out for the roller coaster though. Not good for people with back or neck problems. And don't forget the sunset by the beach, perfect.
Jason Foo — Google review
Enjoyed our time here. Definitely a low key place to hang out with arcades, outside rides, other games and more. Plenty of food options but not the best food in San Diego. Free parking and on the water is pretty cool.
Anthony Reyes — Google review
“Belmont Park in December is like stepping into a winter wonderland, but with a unique Southern California twist. The iconic amusement park, nestled on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, transforms into a festive paradise that perfectly captures the holiday spirit. The park’s historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, a beloved landmark, is adorned with twinkling lights, creating a magical sight against the night sky. The entire park is decked out in holiday decor, with sparkling lights, festive ornaments, and beautifully decorated Christmas trees at every corner. The sight of Belmont Park lit up in all its holiday glory is an experience that is sure to fill you with joy and wonder. But the festive atmosphere is not just about the decorations. Belmont Park offers a variety of holiday-themed activities that are sure to delight both the young and the young at heart. You can take a ride on the holiday train, enjoy a spin on the carousel, or try your hand at the various holiday-themed games. One of the highlights of Belmont Park in December is the outdoor ice skating rink. There’s something truly magical about ice skating outdoors, with the Pacific Ocean as your backdrop, and the cool sea breeze on your face. It’s an experience that is quintessentially Californian and perfectly festive. The park also offers a variety of dining options, from sweet holiday treats to hearty meals, all served with a generous side of holiday cheer. In conclusion, Belmont Park in December is a festive wonderland that offers a unique blend of holiday cheer and Southern California charm. It’s a place where you can create beautiful holiday memories, whether you’re on a family outing, a romantic date, or a fun day out with friends. So bundle up, grab a cup of hot cocoa, and come experience the magic of Belmont Park during the festive season.”
Jay Pittman — Google review
I'm from San Diego, and yesterday was my first time here. I loved it. The environment was friendly. The rides were cool. Obviously, the gift shops are overpriced, but what do you expect? It's a tourist spot 🙃
Jessica Corona — Google review
After the Zoo we stopped here for lunch and a drink. It was off season. But still a great boardwalk. Still a lot of people and things to do. We always hit rooftop bars for a drink. Wish I had more footage. But they had little vendors everywhere. People selling art. Selling food out food carts. Bike riders and skate boarders. Similar to Venice Beach in Los Angeles. There's also a indoor public pool. And a small amusement park. Great place to spend the day.
Antonio — Google review
We had a fun time here. I would not recommend getting the day pass. We only spent a little over an hour here and did everything and the kids were ready to go. If I went back I would just pay for individual attractions so I don’t feel obligated to stay. the mini golf and rock wall were the kids’ favorites.
Eli Slesk — Google review
A good place to relax along the seashore with various shops, restaurant, food stalls, arcades, amusement rides, street performers and other attractions around the park. We had a great time here and surprisingly we did not spend that much to get this experience.
Edgar Ignacio — Google review
Mission beach is one of the major San Diego popular areas where you can visit SD. The Belmont Park is old small amusement park at Mission beach. It’s free to enter but you can buy the tickets for either one day pass or some of the rides. There’s an arcade indoor gameplay area or food court and all the families can enjoy all day. Public parking available around the beach area and mostly free.
T M — Google review
Belmont Park has been reinvigorated and remodeled quite a bit since the last time we visited San Diego, CA, in 2017. It looks absolutely amazing now and has a lot of new shops and restaurants, along with all the rides for kids and adults. It's so nice walking around and looking at all the shops with souvenirs and also having a great view of Mission Beach and access to it as well. It is such a cool vibe and laid back!!! We loved it, and I'm sure anybody would really enjoy themselves while visiting Belmont Park at Mission Beach. We love it here!!! My Hubby gives it 👍👍and I also give it👍👍. Definitely recommend it for sure!!!
Marie Dominguez — Google review

Top places to eat

4.6
(2248)
4.5
(912)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Lounge
Juniper and Ivy is a contemporary restaurant known for its spacious and modern ambiance. It offers an imaginative menu of New American cuisine and drinks, set in a woody and artistic setting. The restaurant takes pride in using carefully selected seasonal ingredients, prepared with precision, passion, and creativity by a team of talented chefs. The daily offerings vary based on the freshest ingredients sourced from local farmers and fishermen.
We went here for our anniversary and everything was lovely. They were incredibly accommodating and our server was very communicative about everything on the menu and listened to what restrictions we had and our expectations for the evening. From the greeters to the porters, everyone had a smile on their face and made our experience fantastic. The food was beautiful and delicious, the drinks were expertly balanced and unique... Would definitely come here again for another special occasion!
Brie Roper — Google review
Fantastic Dining Experience. You’ll easily spend $100-200 (or more!), but you’ll have some amazing food and beverage for all that. Our server was lovely. We set a reservation well in advance of coming here, even on a weeknight, and I’m glad we did because it was quite busy. The is one of the first meals in a while that I couldn’t decide which bite was my favorite. I ended up sharing two small plates with my partner and ordering two additional small plates for as my “entree.” It was definitely enough food, maybe a bit more than I needed, but I’m glad I was able to try all those bites. Try this place, you won’t be disappointed. Great for date night!
Tori — Google review
Well… while I have seen all the excellent reviews for this restaurant, I think you need to have a specific taste for this type of food. This restaurant seems to take great effort in making dishes with a mix of different textures, and flavors, with an overall taste of what I can only describe as “spicy lime”. Those that like this flavor would love this restaurant. I was not really a fan… I had another issue with this place, in that some of the seating was basically an outside parking lot - which is where they sat us, despite obviously having available seats inside. Sitting in an outside parking lot, obviously affects your enjoyment of the food experience. The staff were friendly, although the whole place comes across as a bit pretentious, with its overly complicated “taste profiles” - I put “taste profiles” in quotes, because that seemed to be a pet term used by the staff. It was interesting to experience this restaurant- one time - but I don’t desire to come back.
John W — Google review
Great food, the service was a bit slow however it was more like a fine dining establishment in that sense. Our waiter, Kurt, was awesome, he was very helpful in food selection and drink selection, even recommended some off menu items for us to enjoy based on our palettes he began to understand by the end of the meal. Most of the food is more meant to be shareable by the portion size so this is a great place to eat with friends and family if you’re up for trying a bunch of new things! The flavors were very well balanced. Ambience is good, hostesses we’re nice, bathrooms clean and easy to find.
Levi Renninger — Google review
An amazing experience. We took our in laws for their anniversary and everyone at the restaurant came and wished them. We were welcome with glasses of wine and dessert at the end. My in laws loved their experience . The food was also incredible. We ordered multiple starters and entrees and everything was incredible. We loved the lamb kebabs and the cauliflower starters. I also got a hot toddy and it was awesome!! overall great restaurant, great food and incredible service. A must visit when visiting San Diego. Needless to say we will be going back
vineet daniels — Google review
Upscale fine dine experience. Locally sourced thoughtfully curated food. Flavors are very fulfilling. They make your celebration more special by printing personalized messages on the menu. I wish they had more vegetarian options with little bit bigger portion sizes. Overall lovely experience, will definitely go again.
Priyangi Vashistha — Google review
Not only was the food absolutely perfect in every way, but the service we received from every single person we had contact with last night at juniper and ivy was the best we've had, our service did an excellent job explaining each menu items in details. Our meal was absolutely phenomenal, Strong and unique flavors are present in each and every dish. Complementary textures and flavors are utilized. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone who has an appreciation a high quality dining experience. I hope to return soon!
Moustafa Elakel — Google review
Very nice meal. Server was exceptional. She really knew the menu and wines and made excellent suggestions. We enjoyed a prix fixe menu and although it only had 4 courses(Did I just say that) it was very filling. I love the fact that you get 4 choices for each course. Very cool. Kind of a creative your own idea!
James Davis — Google review
I recently dined at Juniper & Ivy in San Diego, and I must say, it was an exceptional culinary experience! The commitment to sourcing ingredients locally truly shines through in every dish, showcasing the freshest flavors of the region. Each bite was a masterpiece, carefully crafted with attention to detail and a creative flair that left me in awe. The ambiance was modern and inviting, perfectly complementing the innovative cuisine. From farm to table, every aspect of the meal was impeccable. A true gem in San Diego's dining scene, I highly recommend Juniper & Ivy to anyone seeking a remarkable dining experience. Bravo to the entire team for elevating local ingredients to new heights!
Catherine S — Google review
This place was amazing. We enjoyed everything we ordered. As a group of four we decided to order different items and share. The service was perfect. We were also celebrating couple of birthdays and they served us some delicious deserts free of charge.
Tareq Barakzoy — Google review
My favorite restaurant in San Diego! The menu changes daily. Food is always fresh, creative, plated well and tastes divine. The wine is also excellent. The staff are always fun and informative. Super fun environment. Higher price point but we’ll worth it. My only complaint is to bring back the classic yodel!!
Marie Nilson — Google review
I hate when fine dining restaurants do this - offer terrible outdoor seating. We came on a Saturday night and only seating available was outside - ok no problem. But once we got there, immediately we decided let’s just order an appetizer and leave bc this is so not worth it. I don’t want to pay $150 to essentially sit on the curb, that’s how it feels. Half the experience is the ambiance. There’s no lighting or ambiance outside at all. In my opinion, just don’t offer it. We ordered the bread, halibut hand roll and ricotta gnocchi. Both were good.
Rose Peterson — Google review
Great restaurant! I particularly liked the “hand rolls”. I asked for one of each and they were nice to accommodate. The heirloom tomatoes were a tad too sweet (if you’re sharing it should be fine), and the sea bass was a bit dry.
Timothy Chau — Google review
Loved eating here! The design of the dining room is really fun and feels upscale but still inviting, had a lot of fun watching the open parts of the kitchen. All of the food was delicious and beautifully plated, and there were vegetarian (but not vegan) options with every course. The flavors were understated, balanced, and all of it was excellently cooked (especially the proteins)! Our favorites were the crudo, the cod with clam sauce and shisitos, and the dry aged duck breast. Wine pairings were great as well. Our server was super personable, coursed everything out very well, even though she was super busy when we first arrived for our later reservation. Made excellent suggestions and accommodations, and talked very highly about the chef and kitchen which is always a good sign. Would absolutely come back next time I'm visiting. Oh and the cocktails were thoughtful and fantastic as well.
Sara Shivani — Google review
Loved this restaurant so much for making my partner's Birthday special and surprising him. From every single dish was prepared with the utmost care and delicate flavors were paired nicely together. If you go the hanger and pesto linguine were delicious. Service was top notch from our server to the host both were fun and helpful with making us feel welcomed. Also the chocolate yodel a must get!
Mariel — Google review
I never write reviews bc I work in restaurants but I felt compelled to share. I went for my birthday dinner last night and was served by Jenny. This was one of the best dinners I’ve ever had, hands down. From entering the doors, we were warmly greeted and the host wished me a happy birthday and asked how my day had been. Jenny was very knowledgeable of the menu, friendly, and had great recommendations. I’m a server myself and always notice the staff and the flow of the restaurant (I can’t help but pay attention to these things) and it’s clear the whole staff works together to ensure smooth service for guests. The support staff was excellent, kept our tables clear, and offered additional waters/beverages. We got to sit right in front of the expo counter and got to see all the beautiful dishes the kitchen had thoughtfully put together. Compliments to the kitchen for everything they made, it was seriously delicious! Thank you all for making my birthday night one to remember!
Emily Harris — Google review
I came here 6 years ago and fell in love with the chocolate yodel. Though I was disappointed that the dessert changed to more like a apple pie, it was good, just not what I expected. My server told me that they rotate or change up the yodel. Hopefully next time I'm in San Diego I can get a chocolate one. As far as my meal service and staff was great. The deviled eggs were extremely small but I felt better after eating them because they tasted good. The hanger steak was cooked perfectly in both. My drinks were really good as well as strong. Look forward to coming back next time I'm in San Diego
Christopher “czar” Smith — Google review
We had absolutely excellent service- our server was warm and entertaining and extremely prompt. The food was delicious but short of excellent- we over ordered intentionally to taste many dishes and found about 70% hit rate. The atmosphere was a little strange- the music didn’t have much of a vibe and despite very cool decorating it was sort of missing a tie through connection.
Samantha Good — Google review
I brought a group here for a business dinner and it was interesting. The design and ambience of the space was very swanky and cool. The service was good, the servers were attentive and focused on us. They took great direction regarding our reservation and pivoted well. Regarding the food, some dishes are better than others. I wasn’t into all of it, but I was so distracted talking that it honestly wasn’t that big of a deal to me. I don’t know if I’d recommend this as one of the best restaurants in San Diego but it’s certainly a cool place to meet a friend for drinks on a Saturday night. It was affordable though when we all split the bill, I was surprised.
Stephanie Kroll Aspen Real Estate Broker — Google review
We visited Juniper and Ivy on New Year’s Eve for a special Prix Fixe menu. We were greeted promptly by the hostesses who, despite our reservation, said that our table was not ready yet and that we should be seated in the lounge to wait. Sigh…not the most welcoming start but it’s NYE so we aren’t going to let this beginning ruin our experience. We ordered a couple of drinks and waited to be called. About ten minutes later we were approached and asked our name before being walked to our table through the spacious and modern dining room. They had chill dance/electronic music playing throughout our visit which was quite pleasant. We were given a choice between still or sparkling water immediately and quickly approached by our server, Alexandra. Let me say that they definitely have a team approach to serving so you won’t only be seeing one person during your visit. The service once we were seated was impeccable and timely. We ordered our four courses with a wine pairing. Each course was perfectly timed in delivery. I couldn’t possibly describe them all but I will say our favorites were the Scallops which were delectable and the Poached Pair dessert. Everything was good - and should have been at the price point. But those were our two favorites. Probably the biggest disappointment was the steak. It was fatty and the potatoes were boring. Our experience came to an end with the special Bon Bons delivered at the end of our meal. My partner really enjoyed those. I’m not a big fan of coconut so I only took one bite of mine. Parking at Juniper and Ivy is via valet or you can see if you can find one of the few street parking spots in Little Italy. You could also choose to take a rideshare which is what we did.
Steven Heath — Google review
Great ambiance! Very lovely experience with amazing staff that is there to help. They have a diverse menu with plenty of high quality options. It is on the speedier side but if you don’t mind spending a bit of dough it’s a fun place to go to. Would also recommend taking a walk in little Italy afterwards. We ordered the duck and the entire duck neck and head came with it!
luilc — Google review
2228 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USAhttp://juniperandivy.com/(619) 269-9036Juniper & Ivy reservations
4.5
(2066)
4.5
(329)
Mentioned on 
expensive
Mediterranean restaurant
Herb & Wood is an expansive and elegant establishment that offers a variety of spaces for relaxation and dining. With its rustic yet muted pastel ambiance, the restaurant serves tapas-style dishes cooked in a wood-fired oven, using seasonal ingredients. Their menu also includes old-school cocktails infused with fruits and herbs, emphasizing botanical flavors. Located in Little Italy, visitors can enjoy the charming neighborhood before indulging in decadent desserts at Extraordinary Desserts.
This place was so good, and to think i almost canceled my reservations! Everything we had was delicious! Their take on shrimp and grits was one of the top 5 we have ever had. (& we have had plenty all over the states) Highly recommend! There is something for everyone and all the food that came out looked amazing!
Y — Google review
I really wanted to love this restaurant as a Mediterranean but it gets 4/10 from me. Here is Why; - First I didn’t enjoy dining in with my family with rap music on the background. Don’t get me wrong! I love rap music especially 90’s rap but not while I’m dining in. - We gathered with family for a birthday celebration but I didn’t see the server cared about it much. - I chose here because of the well known chef. But look like the quality of food has extremely dropped over the years. - Hate to say it but Food was average. None of the dishes I ordered was savory, except potatoes and the dessert at the end (but I didn’t come here for potatoes and dessert:(. - I won’t come back until they make some real changes. Otherwise it won’t worth the money. 🤷🏻‍♀️
Eda Smurthwaite — Google review
We loved this restaurant! Everything was delicious; we ordered a bunch of stuff and shared; the perfect way to do it! The Branzino is good! Order the carrots, and for dessert, the date cake is to die for! I would go back!!!
Yenderson Jss — Google review
This is a really nice upscale restaurant in San Diego. The menu is simple and easy to pick from. There are a few good vegetarian options and the appetizers were excellent. I would highly recommend the wonderful atmosphere, food and cool art (including the unicorn that welcomes you in, and a golden gorilla in the kitchen).
Mayur Patel — Google review
Truly 5-star experience! Impressive cocktail menu and wine list served by professional bar staff working wildly mixing and pouring to a full restaurant. Delicious food with various fresh Mediterranean flavors. We particularly enjoyed the venison tartare, 1/2 chicken, and flatbreads. Indoor and ‘outdoor’ seating with added heat when needed. We’ll absolutely remember the experience and hope to be back someday!
Patrick — Google review
Came here for my birthday. Atmosphere was chic and eclectic, though our table seemed particularly dark. Food was very tasty for the most part. Oxtail gnocchi was my favorite, though serving was way too small in my opinion (could keep eating it for days)! Venison had good flavor but was a little dry in some pieces.
Tina Liu — Google review
This place has such a great atmosphere. I love how the restaurant was decorated and they’re like outdoor indoor patio area was really nice. Drinks were great and so was the food. Definitely did not disappoint. Service was fantastic. Overall very happy.
Kristina Bolt — Google review
If you like a cocktail that has a more complex flavor and is also aesthetically pleasing this is the place for you. The food was also incredible it was difficult to put my fork down. The flavors were imaginative and bold. Wait service was top tier. Atmosphere was dark and moody, perfect for a date night.
Summer Gonzales — Google review
Great place to go with a big group. Booked a last minute reservation while in town and was very happy. Service was great- recommended great wine selection and constant kept kept glasses filled. Food was very good. recommend gnocchi and date cake.
Amanda Libero — Google review
The place has a good vibe. We had an early dinner reservation but could see the place filling up pretty quick. This could get a little noisy along with the loud music it was a little difficult hearing each other at the table. But the food and wine selections were incredible, we'd definitely return!
Anna Belani — Google review
I love this place. It’s eclectic, the menu is creative and the staff are attentive. The indoor/outdoor mini courtyard has an appealing vibe with the plants and greenery, open air top, and cozy lights. The heat lamps keep it just at the right temperature once the sun goes down. It has an energetic noise level, but not so that you can’t easily hear your own table, which I really value. Creative cocktails include the Tropical AF that I tried tonight - couldn’t turn down the passion fruit mixed with bourbon! The pork belly and goat cheese were the starters (the sauce with the mushrooms and cheese perhaps a bit salty), and the summer squash and potatoes along side the rabbit tortellini. If I had any room in my stomach I would have tried the blueberry soufflé - the table next over ordered it and it looked very fluffy and large - so I’ll have to save room for that next time.
Cherie — Google review
I really like this restaurant. Had a nice vibe and quite lively for a Tuesday night. We had our own room reserved upstairs and when you walk through you can't help but be impressed with the overall size of the restaurant. We had a large party so opted to have everything shared and it was good. Special mention goes to the pork belly appetizer as well as the oxtail gnocchi, but everything else was very good. Go with confidence
Rodney Ibrahim — Google review
Been here twice for dinners and every time it was crowded so make sure to reserve your spot. The hostess is welcoming and warm. The servers are knowledgeable about the menu and make good recommendations. Restrooms were okay not super clean as I expected. Drinks were okay I didn’t really enjoy my cocktail. Overall I will go back for the food
Siddhi Jadhav — Google review
Close friends of my husband and I visited us in San Diego last weekend, and we had dinner at Herb & Wood to catch up and enjoy a nice meal. I was happy that they chose this restaurant. Located in Little Italy but tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, Herb & Wood offers an airy, beautiful, and modern ambiance. Housed in a rustic warehouse, it provides the perfect setting for a Mediterranean and Californian cuisine experience. For appetizers, we indulged in the delicious Roasted Oysters & Bone Marrow while also trying the Focaccia Bread, which, unfortunately, was a bit too thick and sweet for our taste. Moving on to the main course, I ordered the Roasted Branzino with a side of mushrooms, which was absolutely tasty. The rest of the table ordered the Oxtail Gnocchi, a creamy, soft, and flavorful choice. For dessert, I savored the delectable Chocolate Tarte, complemented by the delightful smoked tahini ice cream. Aside from the culinary delights, what impressed me the most was the ambiance of the space. It had a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, with a noise level that was just right. Herb & Wood provided the ideal backdrop for a beautiful dinner with friends. All in all, Herb & Wood is a solid choice for dinner, and I'd love to return and try the other items on their menu.
Viennelyn Maier — Google review
I was truly blown away by a few of the dishes I had at Herb & Wood: the caulilini salad, oxtail gnocchi, and raspberry soufflé were all truly epic! They were perfectly cooked, beautiful dishes that I could find no fault with. I enjoyed the other items my party ordered, including the mezcal and peach cocktail and the hanger steak, but I was really blown away by those three aforementioned dishes. The atmosphere and aesthetic are pretty cool—I liked the high, vaulted ceiling and the metal and marble work. The horse statue near the entrance was a little silly, but the lounge area where you can hangout while waiting for a table is pretty cozy. The bar is nice as well. The vibe is super chic and feels modern but also…slightly museum-esque in a way, due to the use of metal and marble. Service was really great. Our waitress was knowledgeable, ultra-friendly, and frequented our table without becoming overly intrusive. This is a great place for a birthday meal or a special romantic dinner. I recommend it absolutely.
Christopher Gorrie — Google review
We appreciated there were plenty of vegan options, nice service and an upscale atmosphere. 5 minute walk to the Casbah music venue. The mushrooms tasted rubbery to me, not sure if it’s supposed to be like that but the sauce it was in was yummy. The hummus appetizer was very tasty. Our favorites were the cauliflower and the stuffed pasilla pepper. We were celebrating a birthday and they brought us strawberry sorbet for dessert. I don’t normally care for sorbet too much but WOWZA this one was next level. Overall a great experience.
Avia F — Google review
I had high expectations going into my visit here, and my experience exceeded those lofty expectations. Atmosphere was fun, modern, and comfortable. Menu isn’t huge, but extremely well executed. Came here for my spouse’s birthday and the staff did an amazing job to help make her day extraordinary. Chef Carlos and his staff went out of their way to make her feel welcome and special. Beyond the service, food was excellent. Gnocchi for an entree and the goat cheese appetizer were particularly good. Would 100% come here again. Should you visit too? Absolutely! Be sure to save room for the divine desserts!
Mark Darwin — Google review
One of the worst experiences I’ve had in awhile dining out. Where do I even begin, the ambiance was fine, but the music selection was like an older parents idea of “hip music”..a mix of terrible edm and dance. The food was basic American fare with nothing of note in terms of flavor or preparation. The capers sauce on the chicken was a terrible pairing and would have been more suitable for fish. And finally, our server. My god..what a weird human being. He spoke only when taking our order and not a single word the rest of the night. Just brought out our food, made a little gesture with his hands like “here you go” and nothing else. All with an air of nonchalance and indifference. Of all the disappointing places we tried to San Diego, herb & wood stands out as the biggest waste of our $ and time.
Daniel Lee — Google review
Decent food. Price does not reflect value paid. Excellent presentation, but disappointed in taste. Waiter was absent for most of the meal but the water server was ever present. They have a HEAVY "surcharge". So, sadly tip reflected it. If the proprietor just expects guests to pay this, the tip will reflect it.
Edward — Google review
Finally was able to come to this cool restaurant! Jessica was such an attentive and welcoming server. Suggesting things to try and letting us know about the dishes and cocktails that she likes herself. The hummus was definitely a winner along with the swordfish and delicious king mushrooms!!!
FanC — Google review
We were a group of 8 for dinner. The place is very loud, you could not even hear the person sitting across you. The food portions (excluding the pizza) were small and tasted okay. Nothing extraordinary. Our server was great though, she kept giving us recommendations and was checking in every now and then. A couple of items we ordered were the hummus (was good), lamb shawarma pizza (came as a recommendation but I did not enjoy it), oxtail gnocchi and the chili.
Arushi Bhargava — Google review
Everything was amazing! Exceeded my expectations. The food was so colourful and flavourful. Our server was really great and quick. We sat at the chefs table to watch the kitchen. I will definitely return and highly recommend it. Prices are also reasonable for the quality and service. Thank you!
Ashley Czinege — Google review
2210 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USAhttps://www.herbandwood.com/(619) 955-8495Herb & Wood reservations

3Trust

4.6
(1176)
Mentioned on 
affordable
New American restaurant
Trust is a popular restaurant located in San Diego's gayborhood, offering a well-appointed space and seasonally driven New American fare. The restaurant is known for its sophisticated cocktails and wood-fired seasonal dishes, such as blistered shishito peppers and wood-grilled pork sausage with yam gnocchi. It is especially popular for brunch, featuring shareable plates like Rolled Tacos con Huevos and the Trust Way burger.
Great restaurant for small plates with plenty of vegetarian options! Plenty of heating lamps for outside. We ordered the beets, carrots, grilled octopus, and glazed duck. All were incredible, though the grilled octopus dish had some really salty sauce/sides.
Jessica Zhou — Google review
Had Sunday brunch here. So many delicious options. Smoked pork shoulder hash was a real standout, but I might skip the avocado toast next time. Very mustardy tasting. The cinnamon roll was good, but more like a dessert than a breakfast pastry. Save it for the end of the meal.
Toni J — Google review
We went for weekend brunch and since we had reservations, we were seated immediately. Pros: We had the wood fired cauliflower and chicken sandwich. The wood fired cauliflower was simply delicious with a burst of flavors (tangy, sweet with a little bit of spice). The portion size is particularly small for this dish but we were warned by the waitress beforehand so we knew what to expect. The chicken sandwich was nice and juicy. Cons: For a brunch place, the only coffee option they had was the drip coffee. So if you're looking for a nice cup of latte or espresso or cappuccino, you won't find it here.
Suishmitaa Srianand — Google review
I went here cz I heard so much about their brunch and honestly, they did not disappoint. I loveddddd their french toast. The bread was soft on the inside and crispy outside the maple syrup was so flavorful and the smoky taste of the bread was everything. I think I will go back for their french toast. The other dishes were okay but they did not blow my mind as their french toast
rashmi menon — Google review
Every dish we tried was good! Not sure I can name a favorite. The chilaquiles was crispy. The pork shoulder hash has a unique flavor that makes me savor it more. Loved the pork cutlet too.
Landy Lin — Google review
Overall I do really like trust, always great service, food, etc. The drinks are good as well as the food, and I’ve tried almost everything on the menu (dinner wise). Definitely a bit pricey but it’s nice when you want to treat yourself to some good flavorful foods! The restaurant is mostly tapas style which is cool because you can share a lot of plates without spending too much money, so it gives you a chance to try a lot of the menu! Caesar was my waiter and he was so great, he has plenty of good suggestions and attentive but let’s you have your privacy to eat and enjoy the meal. Trust is definitely a spot I will keep coming back too. Feels like a nice atmosphere with great foods without being super pretentious.
Katie Willis — Google review
Our server Kendall was fantastic. All the employees were great. The food was fantastic! Make sure to get a sticky. I highly recommend brunch
Lynne Krause — Google review
Good food! The menu is mostly made of small plates but also made to share. Recommend getting 4-6 plates for a party of 4. Definitely try the Angnoletti, lamb shoulder and swordfish belly!!;
Garrett Vergili — Google review
Brunch at the bar (the wait for table was a while) was absolutely delicious. We had the fried ride and burger - the trust way. Both were spectacular and the burger was next level. Staff was very friendly and had great recommendations. The ultimate sticky bun looked tasty but we didn't have room. Highly recommend!
James Christman — Google review
Very tasty brunch food. Cocktails were good but not exceptional. No avocado toast for brunch which is surprising but at least the server suggested we could get a side of avocado and add to the smoked salmon toast!
Kendall Whitbeck — Google review
Went for a date night. This is a tapas, shared plated style restaurant. About 3-4 dishes are good for two people. The food is really good! We got the plum and feta salad, Barramundi salad, chicken liver toast and Take Five dessert. Everything was delicious and we left stuffed. It is a pretty expensive restaurant though; for us two everything plus a bottle of wine cost $200 + tip. But nonetheless I recommend!
Shawn Zamperini — Google review
Tapas more please! Bring friends share and comment as the food melts in your mouth. Ask for Patrick he is the best! The paper plane might be your new drink this year. Get it here they make a good one. Wife loved the fish dishes and doesn't care for fish.
Sean Donovan — Google review
OMG!! I wish San Jose had a decent food scene. This place had my favorite breakfast! Every single thing we ordered was absolutely fabulous. I got the fried pork cutlet and really enjoyed it! The french toast was not only beautiful eye candy, it tasted amazing as well. The coffee was hot and fresh, and the staff was really attentive. Highly recommend this wonderful restaurant!
Dave Chun — Google review
Very good brunch. Very cool they serve recognizable dishes with their own twist. We sat at the barroom on a Saturday since there was limited seating due to rain (they have many tables outside). I got the fried pork cutlet (Play on country fried steak). The gravy is a sausage gravy but not a white gravy. Very good! My wife got the fried chicken and pancakes. I'm not usually one for the sweets but their pancakes with honey butter were awesome. Cocktails were pretty good, ~1 $16 a peice. Overall, very good, I'd come back for lunch/dinner for sure.
Dylan Chung — Google review
Went here for a date night and had a really lovely time. Ceasar and the sommelier were helpful and really kind. Our favorite dish was the RICOTTA AGNOLOTTI. Oh my goodness this dish just melts in your mouth and packed with flavor. We will definitely come back.
Nadiya Hope — Google review
Sunday Brunch was amazing. Had steak and eggs and eggs and hash. Started with the sticky bun. Don't skip the bun. Compound butter on the steak was wonderful. Round it all out with a bloody mary.
Christian Dahlström — Google review
3752 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103, USAhttp://www.trustrestaurantsd.com/(619) 795-6901

4Fort Oak

4.5
(480)
4.0
(30)
Mentioned on 
Restaurant
Fort Oak is a modern and spacious restaurant known for its wood-fired seafood dishes and U-shaped cocktail bar. The restaurant is located in a former Ford dealership, where the space has been transformed into an inviting dining area with a horseshoe-shaped bar and a chef's table.
The food was amazing! Everything was really good. Loved the salad, ribeye, chicken pate, goat milk pasta, etc. The shrimp was overcooked. Come here with a group so you can try a bunch of stuff. The drinks were good but a little slow to get them. Definitely worth coming back again!
Landy Lin — Google review
Came early. Got seated no questions. Server was great. Patient. Kind. Attentive. Scallops fresh. Oysters excellent. Ham light and perfect. Pasta, I liked it? Needed more texture. Half duck- okay the breast was probably one of the most well cooked duck breast I’ve had in a while. But the quarter was really over cooked. I don’t know if baked or roasted, but when a duck is over cooked it’s got that fibrous texture in your mouth. Over all a really great experience. Was still hungry. Just didn’t want anymore.
P. Tran — Google review
Decent food and good service. I recommend making a reservation ahead of time, as it can get really busy here. The only parking available is street parking, so you may need to drive a couple blocks around to find a spot. In terms of food, their salad is definitely the best salad I've ever tried. The dessert was also incredible. The other dishes were not good. Even the drink was way too salty. One thing I don't appreciate is them adding a 4% fee to "cover employee costs". Do not pass on employee benefit costs to customers. You need to pay them better, not us. They print it with super small font at the bottom of the menu. I will decrease my tip if you add this. I don't think the restaurant is worth going back to.
Eric Yang — Google review
The restaurant is very nice and the food is good. The concepts is sharing. We were 4 people and waitress suggested to take around 10 dishes. It is become very expensive as ten entrees pricing is very very high. The service wasn’t good - we didn’t know who is our waitress, the food came in high delay so you found yourself sit and waiting after taking one or two bites. We order bread but from some reason it was treated as any other dish and did nit come along the appetiser where it was needed. We paid more then 400$ including tip but it did nit justify it.
Maya kast — Google review
Really enjoyed our dinner experience at the bar the other night! The bartender and manager were super nice, and the food was worth returning for. Menu had fun and interesting cocktails, decent wine and beer selection, and upscale dinner options. The chicken liver mousse with the chicken fat hush puppies were DI-vine!!! Looking forward to another night where we can try other items.
Victoria Rodriguez — Google review
First time here. Came with friend and ordered lamb and quail appetizers: Luke warm, salty and just not that good. Entree: pork chops: unfortunately, it came sliced, luke warm, bland seasoning and just overall poorly plated. The veggies weren’t bad. Service severely lacking. Sat at bar for about 5+ minutes before being approached and another 10+ to order after getting drinks. The staff are low energy and a bit pretentious. Our waiter, tall, bearded fellow was too cool to ask how our meal was, never came by to check on us…the other gal, only asked if we wanted another drink or dessert that we immediately shot down. The vibe and atmosphere not bad bar side. There are similar establishments that offer similar menu options with superior service. $200+ for mediocre food and experience.
J D — Google review
Nice grilled new American food. Unique looking building and great ambiance. Enjoyed the oysters and the sourdough bread. Bread pudding dessert was delicious. Recommend the carrots.
Jessica Zhou — Google review
My date and I had an amazing experience here. Our waiter, Jeff N, was phenomenal. He is very knowledgeable, and provided excellent recommendations for wine pairings with our appetizers and entrees. Every dish, wine, and cocktail we had was well curated and delicious. The pork chop was very juicy and tender. The unique, modern decor provides the perfect ambiance for date night.
Joanne — Google review
Order the scallops. This place is awesome. It's definitely nice and pricey though, so be prepared for a hefty check. The scallops, poke, caulini, pork chop are highlights. Great service. Order the scallops.
Juju Dessert — Google review
Such a nice place with great service (Jessica, Julio and Christina went above and beyond!), tasty bites, delicious cocktails and beautiful design and ambience from day to night. I was here with a crew and shared oysters for happy hour, a mouth watering burger (and I don’t even eat red meat lol), Charred Caulilini and a Kanpachi fish dish — ALL of which were incredibly seasoned. Oh! the French fries are capable of shattering the discipline of a monk. Lol Yum!!! Bar dining and both outdoor and indoor dining all in separate sections but open with beautiful expansive windows connecting one area to another. Overall great experience! I will definitely come back!
Mary Carol Fitzgerald — Google review
Came here yesterday with a party of 4 for dinner and had a fantastic time and the food and service were top-notch. Everything the whole party ate was delicious and the wait staff was amazing and literally watching each table like hawks and would come by to remove plates and replenish our wine glasses 🍷. The cocktails we tried were perfectly balanced and delicious, nothing was too sweet. I will definitely be back to try more of the entrees and appetizers. The restaurant itself is beautifully designed and the furniture is great and comfortable inside the restaurant. Our party had a nice wooden table with rounded edges. You can see the Ford logos adorning the outside walls of the restaurant because it used to be a dealership.
Josh F — Google review
Went for their Monday happy hour since this place been trending in San Diego for a while now. Got there right after opening and there was a line already but it moved pretty quickly. The hostesses were very friendly and explained that they are waiting to make sure whoever get seated get their drinks first and then they precede to the next party. It was helpful to know that information while waiting. And we were seated fairly quickly too. We got two dozens of oysters and yellowtail kama and well drinks. The second batch of oyster didn’t definitely taste as fresh as the first one and they were smaller in size too. The yellowtail Kama was very charred like they wanted to give me cancer or something lol. The drinks were not that special either. Everything else looked pretty expensive still even during happy hour. I probably only come back for the oysters.
lina najeeb — Google review
We had a round of drinks here before our table was ready at the izakaya nearby. The space is truly beautiful, it caught our eye from across the street. We got in no problem, took awhile for four drinks but it’s not a club bar. The cocktails were pretty good and the sexy energy in the space made it feel dreamy.
Heather A Adams — Google review
Fantastic experience! Be prepared to drop some coin but it's well worth it. From the cocktails (hello Chevelle Martini!) to the food and service, everything was excellent. There's a separate bar area, outdoor patio then an open-air indoor space. You really can't go wrong no matter where you sit. The chicken liver mousse was the star of the night. Served with smoked shallot marmalade and chicken fat hush puppies (wow!) the dish was superb. I would go back simply for this dish. The carrots were another standout along with the Kanpachi ceviche. Both were recommended by our server. The Ahi tartare was also tasty but I wasn't a fan of the over-buttered brioche. The scallop aguachile had a beautiful presentation and while good paled in comparison to the other, more flavorful dishes. The only misstep to us (though some probably enjoy the overly sweet dessert) was the almond joy. We had envisioned a deconstructed bar style dish not a layered bowl. This was the only dish the server recommended that we didn't like. It was also on us for not asking for more detail about the dish. I wish we had opted for the apple dessert or the shaved ice with pistachio. Next time! Overall a fantastic dining experience and I can't wait to return to sample more, especially the larger plates. Those are hard to tackle with only two people as we opted for more small plates.
Perry Harrell — Google review
4.55 stars from me. Fort & Oak is modern, tastefully contained with an open and indoor blended space which makes it very COVID safe, even now, and not overly loud although it can be quite crowded. Service is plentiful if not always convivial- in that the staff are abundant and skillful. They’re there to get the job done and they do it well. The menu has some stars and you can zip in and out for <$50 a person, but not if you want the more elaborate dishes which can easily tip the scales at $100+ per plate. I was going to dock a star for the very high price tags and forgettably plain decor, metal chairs outdoors, and simplicity to the overall service — but then I tasted the food. And the food absent its price is certainly 5/5 stars. The flavors among the raw fish appetizers were strange in a good way, and combined tastes you wouldn’t think work well together - but they do. The cavatelli, the fried quail, and the bread are all super stars of taste and serious power houses of savory/salty profiles that deserve to be eaten. Really surprisingly excellent. The cheesecake was likewise texturally perfect and petite but delicious. You’re in the $60-120 per person range to stuff yourself here, but I would say you wouldn’t be disappointed. Patio features many heaters to keep warm if it’s chilly. The Tap Water is filtered too. Great choice since it’s otherwise quite bad. Worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Noah — Google review
1011 Fort Stockton Dr, San Diego, CA 92103, USAhttps://fortoaksd.com/(619) 722-3398

5ADDISON

4.5
(345)
4.5
(299)
Mentioned on 
very expensive
Fine dining restaurant
Addison Restaurant in Grand Del Mar is a 4-time James Beard award nominee and is considered one of the best restaurants in San Diego. They serve contemporary French cuisine with local ingredients, and their wine list has something for everyone.
I love the food. The courses are diverse and international with high qualities. We had a great time there to celebrate the joy and happiness with finest dishes. Although it’s pricey, the food and service deserves it. Hopefully next time, black truffle ;-)
66ping — Google review
Truly a fine dining experience. The service is perfection. Everyone serving on you is able to talk about each dish laid in front of you. Sommeliers know of the countless options available to help pair with any plate. Each dish is unique with fabulous aromas and flavors. I highly recommend Addison and their staff. An memorable experience.
Rowell Dionicio — Google review
Addison was the best Michelin dining experience I’ve had yet and is definitely deserving of their three stars. I was there a few weeks ago when I traveled to San Diego with my family for spring break. The service was the best I’ve ever had and the food was immaculate. The restaurant itself is worth planning a trip around. I will be returning the next time I’m in San Diego!
Zachary — Google review
When you go to a Michelin starred restaurant, you can expect the best of the best. With two under their belt, Addison holds up to its name offering impeccable service and cuisine inspired throughout the world. The fresh ingredients and their take on some classic Asian flavors should serve as an inspiration for others to live up to. It is towards the top of my list of fine restaurants but had some minor misses along the way. Please note, I find it hard to offer any criticism with this group that tirelessly works behind the scenes but it is my hope that they continue to push to achieve the coveted third star. Wine selection- Very good but disappointed that the bottle I requested was not available. I’d expect them to remove it from the list ahead of time so it isn’t a concern. First courses- well done selection of small plates. The modification cucumber salad wasn’t impressive but all other items stood well on their own. Eggs and rice- Slightly salty even when the caviar was mixed in. The rice was slightly overdone and didn’t serve as a contrast to the creamy egg. I like this concept and hope it remains. The bowl is nice to look at but after eating the spoon has no where to go but back onto the table leaving the service unnecessarily table side cleaning up the placemat. Chip and dip- an uninspiring casual break from the more formal meal. I felt this was the weakest part of the menu and a huge opportunity to do something more creative. Coconut soup- very good. Classic flavors and the tomato confit was a perfect adaption. However, the breading on the shrimp was too thick on their own. Dipping them quickly in the soup lightened it up but very quickly lost the crunch. Penna cotta- modified to be nondairy but gelled too much and resembled day old jello instead of being creamy.
Vasanth Ramaprakash — Google review
Epic on all fronts. Incredible ambiance, service, and of course food. The incredible flavors, presentation and attention to detail sets Addison a world apart. I was privileged enough to have a 9 course chefs tasting inclusive of caviar, wagyu, truffle and a variety of delicacies from above and below the sea. The A5 Wagyu was absolutely out of this world. Truly a once in a lifetime meal.
Morgan Kelps — Google review
If I had to summarize Addison in a single word, it would be “disappointing.” If adding another, it would be “confusing.” We have been to several Michelin restaurants (both 1 star and gourmand in the United States and France), but never a 3-star, so we were really looking forward to it. Unfortunately, Addison was a complete disappointment. It started with the confusing parking, which was dark and unlit, without valet service of any kind. Upon walking in, there was a lady seated behind a counter, but the welcome wasn’t really that warm, and despite not seeming that busy, our table was delayed for around 25 minutes. We shook it off in hopes that this would be an amazing experience once we got settled. True to Michelin fashion, the service was impeccable. The sommelier and staff were delightful and engaging. This is where the positive notes end unfortunately. Similar to some of the other reviews that I have since read, we found the flavors didn’t blend well together. It seems the tartness in many of the dishes was overbearing, the temperatures between ingredients was not aligned, the meat textures were not as expected, and the dishes were not well balanced on the palate. As a positive, the presentation did at least look nice. This was the first Michelin experience for our dinner companions, so I found myself continually reassuring them things would get better, but unfortunately they never did. I found 3 of the 10 courses to be pretty good, but found nothing excellent, and most dishes to be marginal. In fairness, I understand each chef to have his or her own style and artistic flair, so it’s entirely possible that perhaps my palate just doesn’t agree with this particular culinary style. I would feel better, had the 3 others with me have seen things differently, but unfortunately all of us shared the same feeling and most of the dishes were returned without having been fully consumed. We expected the price to be what it was, just shy of $3000 for 4, but found the menu disappointing if even it had been for a much lower price offering. We also felt the menu to be confusing in presentation. In my experience with Michelin restaurants, they all seem to lead you on a journey and tell a story, but in this instance the journey wasn’t linear and the story had no plot or route to follow. Honestly, we all discussed on the ride home how disappointing the experience was and our friends commented that it would be unlikely they would return, even if the meal had been without cost. I think this speaks for itself. Objectively, I am unsure how this one snuck in “under the Michelin radar” and would never expect a Michelin 3-star rating for Addison. There are many 1-star Michelin and gourmand restaurants, whom are far outperforming Addison, and for whom this rating would be more deserved. At best, maybe they just had a bad day in the kitchen. At worst, maybe Michelin needs to take another look at this one. We found the experience worthwhile, only in the respect that we tried it. It certainly adds to our comparison of the others we have enjoyed, but we would not recommend Addison and would not return. Again, we understand how hard the chef and staff work to attain such a rating, so the purpose of this review is more in hopes that it will be taken to heart, with some corrections made, in order to make it a worthwhile experience (as 1 of only 143 Michelin 3-star restaurants in the world) in the future.
Michael Coyer — Google review
I dined at Addison and the French Laundry in March 2022 and I can honestly say I'm confused about the rating system for Michelin-star restaurants. Addison was, BY FAR, superior to French Laundry in every way - food, service, ambience, and washrooms. Having cruised the Burgundy, France region last August dining at 5 Michelin-star restaurants equaling a total of 12 stars, I'd like to think I have some knowledge and expectation of what the guest experience should be for each star rating. I think if the Michelin organization is going to restore its credit with me (I'm just a customer I know, but still...), Addison should easily be 3 stars. I'd like to see the Michelin organization revisit its assessments in California and give the appropriate credit where it's deserved. In the meantime, go to Addison for a superb overall experience that will not disappoint! We booked 2 more times in the next year immediately after dinner. Thank you to the Chef and staff at Addison for a wonderful (and worthwhile) experience!
Chris Rock — Google review
Addison is San Diego's only 3 Star Michelin Restaurant, located at the Fairmont Grand Hotel in Del Mar. Showcasing "California Gastronomy", Chef William Bradley highlights local ingredients which are masterfully cooked. Staff is efficient and professional (although the atmosphere can be a bit intimidating). Definitely a special place worth a visit. Would budget approximately $1,000 per couple for an evening meal and an additional $350 per person if opting for any enhancements (wagyu/caviar/truffle). Given the demand for this restaurant, would recommend writing directly for a table and booking a month in advance.
Andrew Lim — Google review
This was one of the best dining experiences that i've ever had. We got the luxury menu which was expensive but worth it to go all out! The dishes are masterpieces, you can tell that they were worked on for a long time and perfected. It was cool how a lot of the courses had table-side pours. "Chips and Dip" was such a fun and unique concept for a fine dining restaurant. One of the things that made this experience even more unique was the kitchen tour, Chef Bradley was so kind and it was very cool to see the kitchen creating these incredible dishes. The service here was insane, it's unlike anywhere else, it was like everyone knew exactly what we needed without us even asking. Every person that we interacted with was extremely friendly and knowledgeable, they knew we were going to some other Michelin started restaurants in California on our trip so they told us more cool things about them and they even told the other restaurants to take good care of us, which was so kind of Addison. This was a dining experience that I will treasure forever, it was so luxurious and I can’t recommend it enough. My favorite courses had to be- "Eggs on rice": The most perfect textures and flavors White asparagus with caviar: This was one of the best white asparagus courses i've ever had and the caviar was incredible. It was so cool how chef Bradley came plated part of it tableside. Tom Kha Goong: i've never had a course like this before, so so yummy A5 Wagyu: The best and most tender wagyu i've ever had, the marbleization was insane, loved the tempura fried broccoli
Katelyn — Google review
What an unbelievable experience at Southern California's most acclaimed fine dining restaurant. Only 3 MICHELIN-Starred restaurant in Southern Cali. California Gastronomy at its best. Our server Olivier was absolutely amazing. Every dish that came out was absolutely unbelievable. Table side Louie XIII just puts the icing on the cake. It’s been a couple months and I still can’t stop thinking about it and talking about it. If you are looking to have a dining experience that will change your life, then you have to go to Addison! Best birthday dinner ever.
Chris Brake Photo Video — Google review
Have been to Addison’s on 3 seperate occasions in the course of 2 years. Added the wine pairing on each occasion. I must say that the first time we were blown away! The food, the wine, the presentation, and the atmosphere were all amazing! We enjoyed it so much, that we decided to take our 17 yr old at the time with us. For a menu that allegedly changes every 6 months, we were surprised to see that each dish that came out was exactly the same as our first visit. Thinking that maybe we didn’t space the two visits far apart enough, we visited a third time. The same exact meal except for maybe a dish. Disappointing is an understatement. Addison is a lovely ONE TIME experience in my opinion. It would be nice to see the chef switch out the menu and give us something new. Will not be returning until I see new dishes being posted.
Vanessa De Leon — Google review
Shaun stands out as the most extraordinary restaurant manager I've ever had the pleasure of encountering. His service wasn't just outstanding—it was genuinely awe-inspiring. As a solo diner, Shaun made an extra effort to ensure I felt incredibly welcomed. His dedication to going above and beyond was evident in his eagerness to share fascinating insights about the kitchen, catering perfectly to my enthusiasm as a food aficionado. While the cuisine at Addison was nothing short of superb, it was Shaun's unparalleled service that elevated the entire experience to divine heights. His warm, understanding, and inviting personality made every interaction memorable. The thoughtful gesture of a sweet little treat upon departure was the cherry on top of a flawlessly coordinated dining experience. Having visited other Michelin-starred establishments, I can confidently place Addison in my top three worldwide dining experiences, largely thanks to Shaun's exceptional touch. Truly, a delightful experience in every sense.
Nadia Brown — Google review
Well, the place is really wow, indeed Michelin 3 stars! A crazy experience of premium service, the dishes were excellent in appearance and taste and the cocktails were excellent! The place is charming, luxurious and inviting
טל פרי — Google review
My party and I enjoyed a meal at Addison shortly after they received their third Michelin star. The Staff - We were warmly greeted by the hostess upon arriving and led to the fireplace/bar area while our table was being prepared. After being seated at our table, we were taken care of by Patrick and the wait staff. Patrick was a constant professional and ensured we had nothing but the best experience while we progressed through the meal. We were also able to meet Chef Bradley and observe the team in action in the kitchen. Great job by the entire Addison team! Food & Drink - Started off the night by being presented with four champagnes to choose from. Instead of a wine pairing, my party requested a progression of cocktails since we weren't wine connoisseurs. The mixologist made some amazing signature drinks that we enjoyed throughout the meal. The food was delicious, and there was plenty of it! At times, it felt like the food train was never going to end. Overall, we had a great experience! The food was amazing, and the service was at the highest level.
Jay M. — Google review
⭐️⭐️⭐️Michelin This was an outstanding experience with top notch service, incredible surroundings, and delicious food. Tepache Prelude Sake Cured Kanpachi « Nigiri » Sage Hill Ranch Garden Greens Spanish Anchovies, Potato, Wild Arugula, Meyer Lemon Jam Chicken Liver Churro, Bitter Chocolate Kanpachi Sashimi, Preserved Pear, Kiwi, Pichuberry-Ponzu Shellfish Chawanmushi, Broccoli, Bok Choy, Celtuce Regiis Ova Reserve Caviar, Koshihikari Rice, Smoked Sabayon, Sesame ***This was definitely my favorite dish of the night! Malt Vinegar Crisps, Burnt Onion Dip, Dill Relish Splendid Alfonsino, Flavors of Spring, Clam Butter Sourdough Bread, Goat’s Milk, Browned Honey Butter Tom Kha Goong, Sweet and Sour Fowl, King Crab, Swarnadwipa Lamb Broth, Lamb Sweetbreads, Ramps, Red Cabbage Lamb Ribeye, Potato-Thyme Tart, Morel, Whipped Parmesan Seasonal Selections Wild Grape Ice, Champagne, Lemongrass Sweet Treats Cocoa Crunch, Mezcal, Passion Fruit, Toasted Fluff Berry-Beet Tartelette, Verjus, Vanilla Bitter Chocolate Wafer, Pistachio, Sour Cherry Jam Yuzu Custard, Candied Ginger, Ceremonial Matcha Tres Leches
C J — Google review
Went here to celebrate my best friends 30th birthday and the experience exceeded expectations! We did not opt for the wine pairing (it was mostly whites and we very much lean towards reds) but got a bottle of wine and some cocktails and it was amazing. From when we sat down the level of service was unparalleled. The sommelier was very helpful in picking out a bottle that we would enjoy. After about 3.5 hours and 10 courses later we couldn’t eat more even if we wanted to. Each dish was very well thought out and fun to experience! My friend was gluten free (celiac) and the seamless transition between dishes and accommodations exceeded expectations! Overall a very fun and elegant experience!
Megan Gluck — Google review
5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego, CA 92130, USAhttps://www.addisondelmar.com/?smid=instgr_GDM_Google&utm_source(858) 314-1900

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