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Fathom Bistro Bait & Tackle
This funky, nautically-themed hole-in-the-wall on the pier greets guests with a costumed pirate and panoramic views of the San Diego harbor and skyline. A walk-up window slings a…
Sushi Ota
Let's just cut to the chase with a single-bevel, razor-sharp sushi knife—this is San Diego's best spot for melt-in-your-mouth sushi and sashimi. It's an unassuming little joint tucked…
Balboa Park Miniature Railroad and Carousel
Just east of the zoo entrance, these antiquated enticements never fail to delight the preteen set. The open-air railroad takes a 3-minute journey through a grove of eucalyptus trees,…
The New Children's Museum
This non-profit institution aims to get children to "think, play, create" through engaging with contemporary art—which is another way of saying that there's a lot of really cool stuff…
Marston House
Noted San Diego architects Irving Gill and William Hebbard designed this Craftsman house in 1905 for George Marston, a local businessman and philanthropist. The architecture shows the…
La Jolla Playhouse
The nationally renowned La Jolla Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts complex comprised of three distinct venues on the UCSD campus. Created in 1947 by Hollywood film actors…
The Old Globe
One of the city's preeminent cultural attractions for over 75 years, this Tony Award-winning regional theater complex in Balboa Park (between the Museum of Art and the Museum of Man)…
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
This serene park within the park features ferns, orchids, impatiens, begonias, and other plants -- about 2,100 tropical and flowering varieties, plus rotating exhibits. The graceful,…
House of Pacific Relations International Cottages
This cluster of 17 charming one- and two-room cottages disseminates information about the culture, traditions, and history of more than 30 countries. Open houses are scheduled every…
Japanese Friendship Garden
Of the 12 acres designated for the garden, only 2 acres have been developed. Still to come are herb and tea gardens, a cherry tree grove, a lily pond, and an amphitheater. What is…
Timken Museum of Art
The Timken Museum is a good place to experience fine art without becoming overwhelmed; it’s possible to roam the galleries in less than an hour, and admission is free. And the…
Cabrillo National Monument
Breathtaking views mingle with the history of San Diego, starting with the arrival of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo in 1542. His statue dominates the tip of Point Loma, 422 feet above sea…
Firehouse Museum
If you happen to be roaming around downtown and Little Italy during the few hours this museum is open, stop by the see San Diego's first fire engine—a horse-drawn steamer—and other…
Heritage Park
Downtown's 19th century historic structures were threatened with demolition during San Diego's post World War II boom, but were rescued when public and private funds were raised to…
Whaley House
In 1856, this striking two-story house (the first in these parts to be constructed with brick) was built for Thomas Whaley and his family. It's something of an urban legend that this…
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
This beautiful facility is operated as the interpretive arm of the world-famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography. In the Adam R. Scripps Living Seas Gallery, the aquarium affords…
Hornblower Cruises
These 1- or 2-hour narrated tours lead passengers through San Diego harbor on tours that highlight dozens of San Diego landmarks. You'll see the Star of India, cruise under the San…
Flagship Cruises & Events
This company (formerly known as San Diego Harbor Excursion) offers daily 1- and 2-hour narrated tours of the bay. There are two 1-hour itineraries, each covering about 12 miles. The…
Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course
Everybody has a humble municipal course like this at home, with a bare-bones 1920s clubhouse where old guys hold down lunch-counter stools for hours after the game and players take a…
Coronado Municipal Golf Course
Opened in 1957, this course is mostly for the locals -- and visitors -- who just can't bear to leave the "island" of Coronado. It's an 18-hole, par-72 course with distractingly…
Mt. Woodson Golf Club
One of San Diego County's most dramatic golf courses, Mt. Woodson is a par-70, 6,180-yard course on 150 beautiful acres. The award-winning 18-hole course meanders up and down hills,…
Rancho Bernardo Inn
Rancho Bernardo has a mature 18-hole, 72-par championship course with different terrains, water hazards, sand traps, lakes, and waterfalls. It was recently renovated and now plays to…
Riverwalk Golf Club
These links wander along the Mission Valley floor and are the most convenient courses for anyone staying downtown or near the beaches. Replacing the private Stardust Golf Club, which…
Sycuan Resort & Casino
Offering 54 holes of golf (two championship courses and a 2,500-yd., par-54 executive course), Sycuan takes advantage of the area's natural terrain. Mountains, natural rock…
Torrey Pines Golf Course
These two gorgeous municipal 18-hole championship courses are on the coast between La Jolla and Del Mar, only 20 minutes from downtown San Diego. Home of the Farmers Insurance Open…