4 Places to Play Pinball in San Diego

Plenty of places have pinball in San Diego, you can find a lone machine in a restaurant, bowling alley, or laundromat…but these locations have a cluster of well working games with vibes to match whatever you’re looking for – be it a dark hole in the wall or a well decorated city center barcade. If you plan your trip right, you can even leave your quarters at home and have a night of free play!

+Harbor Town Pub

You could visit this beloved local bar, eat, drink, be merry – and never notice the great pinball room hidden away in the back.

That’s great, because keeps this amazing spot a little bit quieter. In fact, it was quite quiet during the day, so these new machines in great working condition were pretty much deserted.

Other perks include a popcorn machine, plenty of board games to choose from, and on certain nights they have live music, karaoke, and trivia.

Located in the Point Loma neighborhood, there is a small parking lot and free street parking available in the vicinity.

+Brewskis Bar Arcade

This is a hidden gem in the truest of sense, literally no sight of it from the main road and well off the beaten path from the heart of San Diego.

Inside this hole in the wall there are over half a dozen pinball machines in mint condition, some of the newest on the market. On top of that, there are many classic arcade games on free play, including Ms Pacman, Rampage, and Mortal Kombat – along with pool tables & air hockey.

Easy parking in a large strip mall and very low key during the daytime.

+Coin-Op Gaslamp

Right in the middle of a bustling downtown neighborhood this popular barcade was actually calm early in the day.

If you happen to be visiting on the first Sunday of the month, you will find that there is free play all day long! Almost a dozen pinballs including newer machines and time honored classics in excellent order, but also over 50 arcade games overall. Enjoy a round of skeeball, see how far you can get in the Simpsons, or have fortune teller print your future.

Parking can be a bit difficult in this busy area, but it comes with the atmosphere.

+Coin-Op Northpark

The first barcade in San Diego is a cozy spot not too far from Balboa Park. If you are in town on the last Sunday of the month there is free play for the entire day. At night it was extremely busy, but that is to be expected for the neighborhood. Find 25 games on site including the most premiere pinball machines. Out back there is a little patio with connect four and giant jenga, where you can catch some fresh air.

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6 Incredible Mountain Hikes Under 1 Hour From San Diego

Hikers heading to San Diego, bring your boots! A mountainous landscape covers Southern California filled with epic and diverse trails, all within an hour’s reach of the city.

  1. Potato Chip Rock/Mt. Woodson – One Hour From San Diego

Not only does this hike lead to the most instagram-able geographical landmark of the San Diego area, but the journey to get there is unforgettably beautiful.

Mt. Woodson can be summited from two starting points: Lake Poway is a longer hike (8 miles round-trip) and requires the purchase of a day parking pass, while the trail from Route SR-67 by the Ramona Forest Fire Station is free and much shorter (3.75 miles round-trip). Either way you are looking at climbing approximately 2,000 feet of elevation. Rock climbers love to practice on the many boulders along the trail.

Upon reaching the fork at the summit plateau, the higher road takes hikers to the true summit of Mt. Woodson, while the lower branch leads to the jaw dropping view and main attraction: a seven foot long Potato Chip shaped rock seemingly defying physics.

Likely you will have to wait in line – which is longer on the weekend, so try to plan your trip early on and during a weekday if possible. When it is your turn, be aware that a slight leap and some nerves of steel are necessary to make it from the boulder that connects to the precariously thin rock ledge.

Pro tip: Make friends with the person on line behind you so that they can snap a shot of you. Additionally, the person in front of you could get a crispier picture once they get down from the ledge.

  1. El Cajon Mountain – 30 Minutes From San Diego

Strangely you’ll find here a mountain that goes by two names. The second name is El Capitan, not to be confused with the infamous mountain in Yosemite National Park – but don’t doubt the glory of this hike in its comparison.

A great and challenging mountain for seasoned hikers to tackle, often touted as the most difficult day hike in San Diego.

The parking lot gate opens at 8AM and can fill up, it closes at 5:30PM sharp so sometimes it is better to park legally on the side of the road. The path is approximately 11 miles roundtrip and 4,000 of elevation – gained in exhaustive rolling hills that will hit you both ways. Caution, this is not a trail for beginners. After a half-mile up there are pit toilets. You will find that the trail is extremely well marked, showing mileage and even an elevation graph to better pace yourself with.

If you are lucky, there may be some distractions in the form of wildlife along the trail.

Almost concealed by camouflage, a horned lizard was an exciting find on this day.

Keep your eyes peeled for the rusted over car wreck which makes for a good place to hydrate before the final stretch to the summit.

The last quarter mile is a push, but the rewards atop are plentiful worth the effort. Find that as the trail narrows herd paths appear, keep a steady line up and follow the markers until reaching the sparkling green plaque reading: 3,675 Elevation.

A panoramic view at the summit is sublime, find a slab of granite to take it in, and enjoy a snack. Head back the way you came, and fully expect to climb 800 feet along the route back to the car.

  1. Iron Mountain – 40 Minutes From San Diego

One of the most popular hikes in proximity to San Diego, so beat both the heat and the crowds by showing up early.

Roundtrip the hike is approximately 5 miles, gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation, on a very well marked trail.

This is the perfect foray into mountain climbing for beginners, just bring enough water and a hat.

After gaining initial bouts of elevation along the trail, the views become quite captivating. Always watch for wildlife – on this day a vibrant hummingbird adorned the path.

The final push to the summit switchbacks up on a dusty and sometimes slippery track, and when you have reached the top there are many different alcoves from which to admire the view.

  1. San Pasqual Clevenger Trails – 40 Minutes From San Diego

On either side of scenic Highway 78 there are two paved parking lots, one labeled South and the other North, both are off the beaten path. Each set of trails climbs up the side of a mountain with truly unique views.

South Clevenger Trail is the shorter and more defined of the two, four miles roundtrip gaining 1,200 feet of elevation when both forks are explored. If you take the path east, or left as you are heading up, this is the longer portion of the trail.

What makes this so fun, other than the impeccable views, are the cemented down chairs to take in the valley on after you’ve summited the mountain.

There couldn’t be a better seat in town. You can continue along the ridge for sometime, meandering through the boulders.

A stunning sight caps the end of the line, make your way back the way you came.

Exploring the west portion of the trail is equally as impressive in the view department.

Find yourself at the signed end of the line, you don’t need to take a step further as it is quite pretty enough from here.

North Clevenger Trail is longer, and can meander on to a twenty miles roundtrip hike. Begin by walking through the rocky arched entrance and away from the noise of the road.

This was not a day to hike the full twenty miles, but it doesn’t take too long to climb up to astounding beauty.

Try to look past the unfortunate graffiti and it won’t be hard to appreciate the tremendous vistas.

When you decide to cap your hike and turn around, watch out for the corroded car that tumbled down the hillside, visible on your return.Combing the two hikes makes for a great full day, or two wonderful separate adventures.

  1. Cuyamaca Peak/Stonewall Peak – 50 Minutes From San Diego

Bag two peaks in a lofty loop of 11.6 miles roundtrip gaining 2,671 feet of elevation, or of course you could split them into shorter treks on different days. The Los Vaqueros Trailhead on Route 79 with the marker denoting Trout Pond has no fee to park in (whereas the official lot right between the peaks does) and it is the perfect place to start the loop. GoogleMaps is very helpful in route finding and the trails are very well marked.

Cuyamaca Peak

Begin by heading up the gravel Milk Ranch Road, perhaps you will be greeted by a deer.

Surprisingly during this winter visit, Azalea Springs Fire Road started to look enchantingly frosty.

Break off on the right towards the Conejos Trail, which was now packed down with snow.

Finally turn on to the paved (when not covered with snow) Lookout Road which will lead right up to the summit.

Remarkable views extend forever, and down below you’d never know that a snow encounter was eminent.

Take Lookout Road all the way down where it ends up face to face with Stonewall Peak.

Cross the road and begin the ascent of your second summit of the day.

Stonewall Peak

Traverse the packed dirt path switchbacks up the mountain gaining 850 feet of elevation, it is two miles to the summit. Informational signs are scattered throughout this popular trail and cue hikers into environmental matters. At the fork near the summit, turn right to keep climbing upward reaching exposed rock, and finally stairs.

A completely different and legendary scene from here, a truly 360° view with maps pointing out all of the peaks in the distance.

To continue on with the loop take the Stonewall Peak Trail down the backside of the mountain, far less frequented.

Find your way back towards Trout Pond, many miles lighter after the fact.

  1. Mother Miguel Mountain/The Rock House Trail – 20 Minutes From San Diego

A lesser known local trail begins right at the end of a neighborhood cul-de-sac. This hike is 4 miles roundtrip gaining over 1,000 feet of elevation, making it very inviting for those who are looking to get into mountain climbing.

One things to note about this trail, is it isn’t marked extremely well. Initially there is wide and obvious trail leading out of the metal gate at the entrance to the hike – that isn’t the trail you want to take. Follow the more narrow path to the left of the gate, which will dip into a ravine before heading up in earnest.

You’ll find many routes, unfortunately, carved to the top – even one steep ascent that scales right up. Try and stick to the more environmentally friendly switchbacks. After a mile at the T intersection make a left and head up hill. At the summit there are sweeping views that reach out upon the hazy San Diego skyline.

They don’t stop until they hit the Pacific, and even out to Mexico on a clear day.

The most iconic sight up here, and where the hike derives its nickname from, is the rock house. This huge cairn holds up the American and POW MIA flags, flapping in the picture perfect wind.

Some say this pile of rocks has been here since 1890, how interesting to think that some things don’t change, like man’s need for nature.

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Guide to Cabrillo National Monument, San Deigo

Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo was the first European to set foot upon the West Coast of America on September 28, 1542, in the San Diego Bay. Today the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates this historical moment, located along the southern most tip of Point Loma.

The park is stunningly beautiful and encompasses many fields of activity for all interests, below are some places to help you start your exploration.

History

Learn about the journey of Cabrillo and his crew through film and exhibits inside the visitor’s center.

Find the dazzling fourteen-foot tall statue of Cabrillo weighing 14,000 pounds, donated by the Portuguese government in 1939.

Moving forward from the sixteenth century to more contemporary times, Point Loma was and continues to be a strategic location for the United States military. Discover gun batteries from World War I and II and enter the old radio station to hear the story behind the remains.

Identify ships in the harbor of the Eleventh Naval District, one of the largest ports in the country.

Lighthouse

On the highest point of the monument stands Old Point Loma Lighthouse, affording a sweeping panoramic vista.

Built in 1855, the lighthouse was only operational for 36 years due to its poor visibility from fog and low clouds. Now the structure serves as a museum where visitors can view its living areas and learn about historical context, while admiring the 19th century architecture.

Whale Watching

If visiting in the winter months, December – March, bring a pair of binoculars and head to the Whale Overlook. Established in 1950, this was the first public viewing station to look for whales in the world. Gray whales migrate along the Baja California bays, mating and nursing their young.

Hiking

Signs will direct you to the entrance of the Bayside Trail near the lighthouse, quiet down a paved road. It is a 2.5 mile roundtrip hike which descends 340 feet on an old dirt military road, which at its terminus must be climbed back up.

This is a less visited section of the park with tremendous ocean views and a wonderful display of native vegetation. Pass by historical searchlight shelter and power plant built for WWI and II, and end overlooking Ballast Point – the very spot Cabrillo is believed to have landed. Note – trail closes at 4:00 PM.

Tide pooling

If you plan your visit right, towards the end of autumn into winter and at a negative one or lower tide, you will be treated to incredible world-class tide pools.

Take the Coastal Trail, a one-mile roundtrip hike that leads to the most ecologically rich community in the monument.

Be prepared and check the tide charts, enter two hours before low tide through two hours after.

Pass by exquisitely shaped sandstone bluffs, while the trail is short it can be steep in areas so wear appropriate shoes.

A world of wonder awaits, colorful anemones, furtive crabs, and bizarre barnacles.

Geological formations can be as unique as the aquatic life, fueling the imagination.

Minimize your impact on this special marine environment by leaving no trace.

Good to know:

+Visitors pay a fee unless they have the America the Beautiful National Parks Pass

+Closing time is taken very seriously, visitors must be out of the by 5:00 PM

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Find Four Pedestrian Bridges Hidden In San Diego

Two hundred canyons and hills separate the mesas of San Diego, its geography making the use of bridges inevitable. Within the architectural menagerie there are a few select bridges just for the special use of pedestrians, connecting neighborhoods once isolated by natural boundaries, and adding a bit of adventure to your day.

+Quince Street Trestle is an expansive whitewashed wooden bridge built in 1905.

It crosses a deep natural canyon to connect the Bankers Hill and Hillcrest neighborhoods.

A stunning bridge to simply walk and snap photos of, but what makes this place even greater is the option to partake in an urban hike that starts right beside it. The Maple Canyon Trail is a linear path, when taken point-to-point is two miles roundtrip.

Start by descending in to the canyon, losing 200 feet of elevation quickly, at some points slippery.

Find a whole new view of the wooden framework from down here, before bottoming out at the canyon floor.

Continue through the towering eucalyptus trees on a comfortable and now flat path.

A sunshine-y second bridge appears, and although not pedestrian, it is picturesque.

Built in 1931, the First Ave. bridge is the only steel-arch structure of its kind in San Diego.

+Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge in the heart of downtown, you’ve probably noticed this snazzy structure while driving to the big sights.

But how do you get to it, if you aren’t staying right in the neighborhood? Parking could be a nightmare down here, if you didn’t know this great tip. The Hilton at One Park Boulevard offers 15 minutes of free parking, just enough time for you to run over to the bridge.

It’s amazing that a city would create something so modern and costly ($26.8 million) simply for walkers to cross the busy road…however, six lanes of traffic, a rail yard, and trolley tracks could deter a few people – but not since 2011. The bridge spans 550 feet making it a record holder, the longest self-anchored pedestrian bridge on the planet, supported by a 130’ tall pylon.

The view from the center of the bridge gives a unique skyline scene and connects the Gaslamp Quarter to the Harborfront.

PS it’s accessible, you can reach the bridge by both stairs and elevators.

+Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a charming secret squirreled away in a residential neighborhood. Built in 1912 seventy feet above the lush Kate Sessions Canyon, named for the horticulturist who planted its flora below.

The bridge spans 375 feet and on a windy day it has a gentle sway, being held up by cables.

It only takes a few minutes to experience this hidden gem, but you can extend your time here by taking a short hike to the bottom of the canyon.

+Crab Carillon Musical Bridge – Disclaimer! This bridge isn’t entirely pedestrian, but there is a barrier in place to protect pedestrians from vehicular traffic. Observant walkers might just notice that the barrier looks like a big xylophone of sorts, and they’d be right…but most people would just keep walking.

A tiny plaque reads the instructions: To play, ring chimes while walking, so come equipped with a stick, or anything you can find in your accommodation, to make some music!


This song, called the Crab Carillon, was composed just for this interactive piece and is a palindrome – playing the same way in either direction.

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Barrio Logan, San Diego: Chicano Park & Las Cuatro Milpas

Barrio Logan is the heart of the Chicano community, San Diego’s oldest Mexican neighborhood, and therein you can find it’s most authentic restaurants and cultural hubs.

+Las Cuatro Milpas is an institution in the city beloved for its delicious home-style cooking since 1933.

Atmosphere is basic and the menu is limited, just a handful of options that won’t run you more than a few dollars.

What you must order: the infamous rolled tacos. Don’t be deterred by the menu, which dictates they come only in orders of five. Really that’s enough to feed a small army, you can order them in whatever denomination you desire.

Crunchy, piping hot, and mounted with lettuce, pico de gallo, sour cream, and cheese, utterly delectable and unlike any other taco. As a second option, the moist and flavorful tamales were undoubtedly the best I’ve ever had, with a heaping portion of rice and beans.

Do get a homemade tortilla to pair with the dish, something that was always just a vessel before truly transforms into a star.

There is almost always a line that moves pretty quickly, and the establishment is cash only.

+Chicano Park is a quick walk down the block under the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, and brimming with Mexican American history.

The draw to this neighborhood stems from its struggle with civil rights and the beautiful murals that surmounted from its turmoil.

Here you will find the largest collection of Chicano murals in the country, over eighty colorful paintings on the concrete canvas of the overpass, along with sculptures and a cactus garden.

Thematically, the murals have much to do with farm workers rights and Mexican American culture.

As within any urban area crime can be an issue,  so always be aware of your surroundings.

Do not visit alone, and only visit during daylight hours.

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Binge on the Best Burritos in San Diego

When it comes to burritos, San Diego is anything but ordinary. Breakfast Burritos are acceptable at anytime of the day, and among the most delicious in class you can find around the country. California Style Burritos have a secret winning ingredient, French fries are packed inside! Whether you’re going for eggs, potatoes, or building your own – don’t leave SD without trying one of these tasty rolled treasures.

El Amigo Mexican Food

A nondescript hole in the wall at a strip mall in Imperial Beach is home to some seriously authentic Mexican cuisine.

Service is friendly, prices are cheap, and the breakfast burritos are massive!

Whether you want a vegetarian burrito, ham, sausage, chorizo, bacon, or their famous carne asada stuffed in – so many breakfast options abound on the menu.

Taco Surf Taco Shop

Somewhat of an institution in the Pacific Beach neighborhood, in a dive-y way this joint is actually atmospheric.

Surfboards line the walls and ceiling, but the décor is not reason alone to visit.

Breakfast burritos are build your own style, with three meats, the option for a whole wheat tortilla, and an extensive colorful list of veggie add-ons.

They are huge! And hugely delectable.

Lucha Libre Taco Shop

Maybe it’s not the most authentic place, but if you’re looking for fun this is a top notch spot.

Mexican wrestlers are plastered all over the vibrant walls of this trendy establishment.

Most of the tables are arranged closely together, aside from one coveted golden ‘champs booth’.

You can reserve this table for free online if you are a true in the know champion.

It comes complete with a complimentary trophy trove of salsas, and your very own belt for the meal.

Oh, and of course the California style burritos are a knock out.

La Perla Cocina Mexicana

Just steps away from the beach there is a tiny spot that serves up some mean burritos.

Whether you prefer California or Breakfast style, you’ll find them both on the menu, and more!

Come with an appetite because one of these could last you all day.

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Take a Taco Tour in San Diego

With its proximity to the country of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean, San Diego was destined for brilliant tacos, especially fish tacos. You could spend a lifetime frequenting the taquerias of the city, here are three phenomenal spots to get you started on your taco tour.

+The Ultimate Fish Taco: Mariscos German Beyer

Three miles from the border of Mexico is a food truck in a liquor store parking lot that you’d absolutely drive by if you weren’t searching for it.

Know the atmosphere – there is a table with standing room only, some shoddy benches, and very minimal English spoken.

In fact, there is no English on the menu, so if you don’t have Spanish check it out before you visit or simply order the excellent fish tacos.

After placing the order we were handed a cup of deeply rich and savory consommé to sip on, with pieces of fish floating about.

Service is fast and the two fish tacos I ordered came out quickly, hot, fresh, and festively colorful.

Golden brown flakey fish is hidden beneath beautiful veggies atop a pillowy soft tortilla, be sure to spice it up to your taste with the available homemade salsa, onions, and lime. Two of these tacos will set you back a grand total of $3, quite the bargain. Not Spanish literate, I pointed to something else on the menu – the tostadas pescado.

I didn’t realize it would be a raw ceviche style dish, but it was bright, beautiful, and of course delicious.

+Trendy and Tasty: Tacos Mimi

So rare to find a gem that is both trendy and legitimate, which you have right here. Located in the popular Pacific Beach neighborhood, this clean and vibrant family owned establishment makes killer tacos.

You know you’re in for the real deal when you spy the tortilla press behind the counter.

Order up and sit at the inside counter, or take your tacos to sit outside where there is additional seating.

The meat was extremely tender and the toppings were traditionally crisp and delicious.

Unexpectedly, the papa taco stole the show! A warm crispy shell contrasted wonderfully with a soft potato innards almost like a croquette, sprinkled with light lettuce and cheese.

+The Hole in the Wall: Oscars Mexican Seafood

There are only three or four stools to sit on inside with a thin platform to hold the trays, your face to the wall. In front of you is a retake on the infamous last supper featuring a modern day cast of Latin icons Frida, Cesar Chavez, and Santana.

Put your order in at the counter and sip on the complimentary and comforting cup of fish stew.

Try the smoked fish taco, marlin on this particular day, spicy with a hunk of ripe avocado on top.

With four locations in San Diego you have your choice of locale, this is for the N. Pacific Beach shop.

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Tour the Kombucha Breweries of San Diego

With year round sunshine and beach weather, San Diego residents have reason to stay fit. It’s not hard enjoying being healthy with great mountains, fresh fish, and plenty of places to grab Kombucha. SD is a mecca for SCOBY lovers, with more breweries than I have seen in any other city. If you’re not familiar with the drink, Kombucha a probiotic believed to have health benefits that stimulate the immune system. While these claims may be unsubstantiated, if you enjoy the bubbly effervescence of the drink it doesn’t hurt to imbibe!

+Bootstraps Kombucha

In a quiet corner of the city is a low-key establishment, endorsing a health trend, yet not trying to be trendy.

This is the real deal for true Kombucha lovers, made by impassioned crafters. You won’t find a big seating area or crowds, just a simple bench and a tasting bar. With a smile, the owners offered a sample of each deeply flavorful brew on tap from cherry oak to pomegranate hibiscus, and easy conversation.

What I loved about this crisp brew is that there is no extra sugar added, other than the natural fruit essence, so very unlike the soda sugar levels you’ll find at other establishments and in the grocery store.

You can bring your own bottle or purchase a growler to refill in the future, there is a discounted Growler Hour on weekdays from 6-7:30PM.

+Jinbucha Kombucha Tasting Room

Located in the North Park neighborhood is San Diego’s first Kombucha brewery, a must stop before or after visiting Balboa Park.

The original flavor is on tap, but flavored varieties are made in jugs so they are less carbonated. To me, the original flavor was perfection, made with green tea as opposed to many others who brew with black tea, and no added sugar.

Pair you drink with a light meal, offerings include Asian cuisine such as baos and bone broth.

Certain nights you might stumble in to a live musical performance.

+Living Tea Kombucha Tap Room

Fan of sour things? This is your spot for a more tangy taste. Walking in it’s great to see a bit of Kombucha education. They even challenge you to see if the drink is really alive by taking the ‘Living Tea Challenge’ – just leave a glass of the drink out for a week or two and see if a cellulose film grows over the top, then you’ll know it’s the real deal.

But for this moment, there are oh so many flavors on tap! What to choose? You don’t have to pick just one, try mixing flavors or getting a flight.

If you’re with others who aren’t on the Kombucha bandwagon, but are on the kava, coffee, or tea train – you’re in luck! All sorts of beverages are offered here.

+Tap Shack

Absolutely insta-worthy, what is cuter than this walk-up al fresco Kombucha bar?

Thai ginger, lavender lemonade, these sweet flavors are what dreams are made of.

Oh, and you can feel smug reading the reasons this tasty beverage is good for you.

Non-believers with you? They can try ginger beer, root beet, and nitrobrew too. This spot is in Ocean Beach, right on the way to Sunset Cliffs.

Are you and bae thoroughly addicted? You can even rent the shack for your wedding.

+Babe Kombucha

I discovered them at the farmers market in La Jolla, and was so excited to hear there was a brick and mortar location in San Diego.

Ambiance is top notch at this dark and intimate little tasting room. A few bar seats, a few tables, some games to play, and about a dozen different flavors of Kombucha.

Sweet beet, coco loco, and Moroccan mint are just a few interesting offerings, these lean towards the sugary side and are great for Kombucha beginners, or those who just prefer the sweeter things in life.

Whether you want a cup, flight, or a whole keg – Babe’s got you covered.

+Bonus: JuneShine Hard Kombucha Bar

While Kombucha is naturally alcoholic (though minimally enough for a child to drink), this new brewery sells a boozy variety so you can get your potential health benefits and your drink on at the same time.

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Tour the San Diego Farmers Markets

Sunny skies, warm air, and fresh fruit, what could be better? Farmers markets were made for a place like San Diego.

More than just a few stands selling California’s succulent produce, tour the markets of the city to add a festive local element to your trip filled with food, crafts, and music.

+Hillcrest Farmers Market – Sundays 9-2

Many consider Hillcrest to be the crown jewel of the SD farmers market scene, and it’s easy to see why.

Every Sunday morning over 175 vendors sprout up in the neighborhood creating the most wonderful smells and sights.

You will find a stunning array of all your favorite fruits and veggies to take home, and also some exotic produce you may never have heard about before visiting.

Gorgeous flowers beckon shoppers to come closer and take a sniff or a snapshot.

Some prepared foods are equal in splendor, using the bountiful rainbow colors nature has to offer.

Visiting early for breakfast, the allure of the Stuffed Hashbrown stand was strong, they also come in a sweet potato and cassava variety.

Though if I were feeling healthier that day, the coconut cream yogurt looked absolutely divine.

Find separate stands for both local almonds and freshly made almond milk. Thirsty? Try a unique fermented drink like kefir soda on tap in a great variety of flavors.

Sample flavors from all around the world from the Philippines, to East Africa, and El Salvador.

Pro tip: A free parking lot is located nearby, visit early to snag a spot.

+Little Italy Mercato – Saturdays 8-2

Explore the largest farmers market in the city with a whopping 200 tents of local goodness.

You never know what, or who, you will discover walking around the streets of this market!

Open up your senses and obtain some Vitamin C while nibbling on some California citrus samples.

Find rustic artisanal breads, the cuisine of Mozambique, and cookies with wild flavors like wine and cheese & strawberry cotton candy.

Stumble upon some of the most wildly beautiful and vibrant bouquets ever seen.

I was so excited to see one of my favorite street foods from Thailand at a stand, kanom krok (coconut pancakes), along with a more popular and equally delicious dessert mango sticky rice.

If you are a seafood lover don’t pass up the vendor who sells the freshest, as in cracked right in front of you, local sea urchin.

Pro tip: Two hour free parking in lot, fills up fast.

+La Jolla Open Aire Market – Sundays 9-1

For those in La Jolla, or people looking a great excuse to head there, experience this lovely local market with 150 vendors.

Walk around with a bright and bubbly cup of kombucha as you peruse the stalls.

Pass by glistening golden local honey and ruby red pomegranate seeds.

Are you tempted by the aroma stemming from a vat of paella or the scent of the empanada stand?

Maybe it’s the sweet smell wafting away from the mini-donuts that grab your attention.

One great element about this market is the large covered seating area where you can relax with a meal.

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San Diego’s 5 Peak Challenge Mission Trails Regional Park

Within the city limits of San Diego there is a 7,200 acre park filled with hiking opportunities. Sixty miles of trails are available in Mission Trails Regional Park, but many people will choose to visit only the most popular hike – Cowles Mountain. Sure, the view from San Diego’s highest peak is phenomenal! It’s a must see, but so are the other various trails and peaks in the area. For this reason, the 5 Peak Challenge was born, including the renowned Cowles, but introducing hikers to other fantastic vistas on Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, South Fortuna, and North Fortuna where you will also find solitude in nature.

Helpful Tips:

+Looking for glory? Win a certificate and logo pin upon completing the hikes by taking a selfie next to the monument on each summit and emailing them to peakchallenge@mtrp.org with your name. Your dog can win a certificate too!

+Want a map to help plan your route? Check out the park website.

+There are multiple ways to hike up each of these peaks, so you can challenge yourself over and over again.

+Parking is free.

+Pack water, a snack, and wear a hat for a safe and fun experience.

Cowles Mountain 3 miles roundtrip / 850-foot elevation gain

Everyone wants to conquer the tallest peak in San Diego, so the summit of this mountain is always crowded. The most popular trailhead is Cowles Mountain Staging Area on Golfcrest Drive equipped with restrooms.

A distinctly well marked and dusty trail beings gradually enough, then starts to switchback gaining elevation quickly. At the summit you will find many people, antennae, and immensely beautiful views.

Make sure you note where you came from, because there are multiple connecting trails in the area – including the hike to Pyles.

There is a board pointing out additional hikes in the area you may want to take.

Return the way you came.

Pyles Peak – 6 miles / 1,800-foot elevation gain

Cowles and Pyles must be done together – I didn’t realize this when I did Cowles originally, I didn’t even know about the challenge at that point. So I had to resummit, and decided to tackle the mountain from a different trailhead to keep it interesting, on Barker Way. I found this less popular route much more peaceful on the way up to Cowles, with a helpful map and welcoming quails on the street.

The trail was easy to follow up to Cowles, and once you summit the first mountain keep your eyes peeled for the small sign that signifies the route to Pyles.

After leaving the busy summit, you will find that the trail here becomes blissfully less populated.

There are some ups and downs enroute, another clear path to follow, and even a spur to a vista along the way. At the splendid summit there was no one to share the view with, what a difference from its nearby neighbor.

Out and back.

Kwaay Paay – 2.4 miles / 875-foot elevation gain

The quickest and easiest of summits to conquer, and likely the least visited, this combination makes for quite the pleasant hike.

Starting down the road from the parking area at the Old Mission Dam, pick up the trail you’ll gain elevation quickly on this short hike.

It can be slippery steep and dusty, so watch your footing as you’re admiring the views. Wildlife was more abundant on this path than the other more frequented mountains.

Many a lizards beneath my feet and hawks above my head made things even more enjoyable.

At the top the views are most exceptional and serene, not another soul around.

Head back on the same path.

South Fortuna – 5.8 miles / 1,500-foot elevation gain

From the Visitors Center Parking head towards San Diego river crossing, there are rocks in place to help you cross during the wet season.

Then take the Suycott Valley trail which will lead you in to the South Fortuna trail.

At the base of the plateau you will see the strenuous nature of what lies ahead.

It is all worth it at the summit, where there are the most stunning views and once again, no one else around.

Hazy silver and blue scenes stretch all the way out past the city and to the bay.

Continuing along past the summit you could connect to North Fortuna or loop back to the parking lot. It’s a steep way down, but the South Fortuna stairs provide lovely views.

Loop back down for a different perspective through a shady oak canyon.

North Fortuna – 5 miles / 1,140-foot elevation gain

Beginning at the Mission Dam pause before you begin the journey to learn some history of the region.

You may be surprised to see a lot of water in the desert if you are visiting in the right season.

The Oak Canyon trail passes by some colorful displays and over a bridge, relaxing for the time being.

Follow signs to the Fortuna Saddle trail pointing towards the summit, where the true grit begins.

Along a gravel fire road things get steep, gaining 500 feet in a half a mile, but the summit scenes are of course worth the effort.

Once again, shockingly, this place of epic beauty in the middle of the city was all mine.

Views here are utterly magnificent in every direction, from the city, to the sea, and the endless rolling hills.

A box filled with notebooks signed by other hikers is an interesting attribute to this summit, read some entries or leave your own mark.

Making a loop out of this trail is possible, by following the Perimeter trail which has some odd sights. Find a lone swivel trail nearly on top of the mountain, a wonderful spot to take a break.

Heading down this way is extremely steep and slippery, only recommended for those who are quick on their feet.

A bridge over a ravine is a good distraction, and signifies the end of the difficult section.

From here loop back to the Oak Canyon trail where it is smooth sailing from then on.

Bonus: Lake Murray – 6 miles / minimal elevation gain

If you’ve completed the challenge, or you’d like to do a hike that is more relaxing, try another fun trail within the park.

Mostly flat and paved, this is a very popular lakeside stroll, bike ride, or jog.

Birding here by the water is great, you’ll find a lot of waterfowl swimming about.

Likely there will be hawks and hummingbirds around this active environment as well.

A bunny nibbled trailside ready to dart, and many lizards scampered in a frenzy.

Strangely, the three mile path does not create a loop back to the parking lot – but ends at a chain link fence.

So to complete the trail, out and back is a decent amount of mileage – but you’ll find a conveniently placed restroom towards the end.

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