The Top 8 San Diego Neighborhoods Everyone Needs to Experience
Looking for a San Diego neighborhood guide to map out your visit to America’s Finest City? We’ve got you covered! In this blog, we’ll share our top 8 San Diego neighborhoods to visit and give you the lowdown on what makes each pocket of town unique.
From the stunning beaches of La Jolla and Coronado, to the bustling nightlife at Gaslamp and North Park, to the foodie destination Little Italy, there’s a part of San Diego county that’s culture, scenery and cuisine speak to every visitor.
1) La Jolla
Nestled along the coast of San Diego lies the swanky neighborhood of La Jolla. Known for the picturesque La Jolla Cove and bright blue beaches, La Jolla is a premiere destination for tourists and locals alike. It’s also home to one of the world’s leading public universities, UC San Diego. Whether you’re looking to explore the boutiques, galleries and restaurants in the La Jolla Village, bask in the sun at La Jolla Shores, or take a stroll along the coastal cliffs at Torrey Pines State Park, there’s no end to the possibilities of how to spend your day in La Jolla!
For those seeking adventure, you can go kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or snorkeling with the local marine life.
If you’re looking to unwind, take a trip to one of La Jolla’s many world-renowned spas, such as The Spa at Torrey Pines or The Spa at La Estancia. For golf lovers, there are many golf courses in the area, including the iconic Torrey Pines Golf Course.
In addition to the beaches and shopping along Prospect and Girard Ave., here are a few other gems to check out:
Art galleries:
La Jolla has a wide variety of art galleries to visit on your trip to San Diego! A few must-sees are the stunning photos taken by the renowned Peter Lik at Lik Fine Art La Jolla, Legends Gallery of La Jolla (which pays homage to Dr. Seuss), and the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego to explore San Diego through the prism of modern art.
Beachside eats:
Enjoy a meal with an unforgettable view at one of La Jolla’s most iconic restaurants, Brockton Villa. This restaurant began its journey in 1894 as one of the first cottages built along the hillside of La Jolla Cove and was converted to the Brockton Villa of today in 1994. They are known for their world-famous Coast Toast (French toast prepared like a souffle!).
This critically acclaimed George’s at the Cove restaurant has a million dollar view on their Ocean Terrace. Dine on some Southern California classics and sip cocktails overlooking the Pacific.
Soak up the ocean view and Mediterranean vibes within La Valencia Hotel at The Mediterranean Room! They have an all-new menu inspired by the Cali coast and seasonally-driven, locally-sourced ingredients, as well as brunch every weekend.
Want to explore more of La Jolla? Our expert tour guides at SoDiego can give you a creatively curated gastronomical experience on the Sip, Savor and Sea La Jolla walking food tour! If you want to explore the coast of San Diego, book our private beach neighborhood tour. We work with you to create the perfect itinerary. In North County, we can explore Encinitas, Solana Beach and Del Mar, and in San Diego, proper, we love La Jolla, the Boardwalk from Pacific Beach to Mission Beach, and the quirky hippie vibe of Ocean Beach and Sunset Cliffs.
2) Little Italy
One of the most vibrant pockets of San Diego, Little Italy is teeming with Italian-inspired restaurants, cafes, and shops that transport you straight to the heart of Italy. Once home to generations of Italian families who made their living through the thriving tuna fishing industry, Little Italy is now the go-to spot to dine al fresco at old-school trattorias, modern Italian restaurants, urban wineries, and the Piazza della Famiglia European-style piazza. If you’re flying into the San Diego International Airport, you are just a 10-minute car ride away from the neighborhood.
Don’t let decision fatigue get you down when figuring out where to dine and explore. With so many culinary hotspots to explore, take advantage of the full Little Italy experience by joining us for our Little Italy Food Tour or our Little Italy Vino! Vino! Walking Tour!
The Taste of Little Italy:
Whether you want the OG tastes of Sicilian cuisine, or a modern take on Italian classics, you don’t need to book a flight across the world to get a taste of Italy — we’ve got it all right in the heart of Downtown San Diego. Little Italy is the best neighborhood for authentic Italian food. Here are a few must-try places!
- Nonna’s Enjoy true Sicillian comfort food that could be made by your own Italian Nonna. The Little Italy staple has a patio view of the bustling streets of Little Italy, live entertainment, and delicious drinks to boot! You can’t go wrong with one of their most famous dishes, the lasagne, made with fresh pasta sheets layered with bolognese and Bechamel!
- Sorrento: Take in views of the cafe-lined Piazza della Famiglia as you enjoy Sorrento’s farm-to-table dining experience. One of the must-try items on the menu is their Portobello Mushroom Ravioli —ravioli stuffed with Portobello mushrooms, ricotta cheese in a sun dried tomato walnut pesto sauce.
- Barbusa: Enjoy Sicilian cuisine with modern flare at Barbusa! This restaurant is known for their delicious Sicilian meatballs, and handmade pizzas. If you’re looking to try more out-of-the-box menu items, you’ll love the Caraccio, made with short ribs, shallots, caciocavallo, lemon and microgreen, and the Piselli Carbonara, made with handmade fettuccini, sweet peas, caramelized onions, pancetta, and farm fresh egg yolk.
- Bencotto: One of our favorite local spots! Bencotta makes over 1,000 lbs of hand rolled pasta each week along with light house-made sauces (the Pink Pancetta Sauce is our favorite). They even serve a not-to-be-missed tableside “Cheesewheel Pasta” where you get to choose your pasta type that is tossed in a giant 60 lb cheesewheel right at your table – mouthwateringly good!
- Solunto: This restaurant is the epitome of everything we love about Italian cuisine. Solunto serves homemade pasta, traditional Neapolitan pizzas made in an Italian pizza oven, house-made gelato and breads, and so much more! A few of their must-try slices of pizza are the Napoeltana (Sam Parzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, fresh basic, anchovies, granna cheese), and then Piccante (San Marzano tomatoes, fior di latte mozzarella, spicy salame, spicy ‘nduja, crushed red pepper). AND, this happens to be one of the amazing stops on our Little Italy Pizza, Pastas, and Piazzas walking tour.
Shop Like a Little Italy Local
Shop like a local at the Little Italy Farmer’s Market. Enjoy local produce and peruse the gourmet creations and handiwork of California artisans every Saturday and Wednesday. There are also a slew of boutiques in Little Italy that are a must to stop by — Stroll, Bobbi Rocco, and Love and Aesthetics are a few of our faves
Urban Wine and Beer Tastings
Enjoy an urban wine and beer tasting experience in the chic Little Italy. Here are a few of our favorites for both!
Wine Tasting:
- Vino Carta: This family-owned wine retailer and tasting room source their wines globally from small, sustainable wineries. If you’re a red (girl/guy/person), sip on the Pettinella 2018 Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, Italy. Or if rose is more your style, try out the Domaine de Fenouillet 2021 Rosé from Ventoux, France!
- Pali Wine: At Pali, you have a wide selection to choose from and you can take your wine tasting to the rooftop with views of Little Italy’s twinkling lights and sip on some of the delicious wines from the Pali Vineyard in California. If you’re in the mood for a nice white, try out their Harvest Moon Vinho Verde Style White Wine Blend. Or if you’re feeling red, sip on their Denner Vineyard Syrah.
Beer Tasting:
- Ballast Point: Whether you like crisp or malty beers, or hops and ciders, Ballast Point has you covered with tastings — or you can stick with a favorite all night and drink a keg. If you like your beer more fruit-forward, you can try out their smooth Aloha Sculpin IPA — complete with Brux Trois yeast, refreshing notes of mango, pineapple and guava.
- Mikkeller San Diego: European and California flavors collide at this tasting room in the heart of Little Italy. Try out up to 18 different drafts from breweries everywhere from Cali to Copenhagen. Speaking of Copenhagen, take your seat upon the beer tasting throne by trying out the Iron Throne Wit.Try up to 18 different drafts at this Euro-Cali fusion tasting room. Claim the throne by sipping on the Iron Throne Wit and enjoy a modern take on a classic wheat beer … all the way from Copenhagen!
If you’re interested in exploring this craft beer capital, check out our San Diego brewery tours!
3) Gaslamp Quarter
Located in downtown San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district once known for its vibrant and scandalous nightlife and Victorian architecture. Now, with over 100 restaurants, bars, and clubs, Gaslamp Quarter is the metropolis for San Diego’s nightlife scene.
During the day, you can peruse the many shops, galleries and museums, and even join in a San Diego scavenger hunt, all within walking distance. The Gaslamp Museum at the Davis-Horton House provides a glimpse into San Diego’s history. Or, you can enjoy a nice boozy brunch at Lazy Hippo, Gaslamp Breakfast or Fig Tree. Last, but certainly not least, during baseball season you can grab tickets to see the San Diego Padres play at Petco Park.
Two of our favorite things Gaslamp offers are bites and booze! SoDiego offers an insightful historic food and drink tasting tour that encompasses the best of Gaslamp. Here are a few of the must-try places that you will happen to get to explore on our Gaslamp food tour.
- Meze Greek Fusion: Get a taste of Greece in the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. Sample tasty Greek wines as well as a variety of menu items featuring flavors from all the Greek islands. “Meze” means small plates, but each of their dishes packs a big punch of flavor — start off with small plates with pita and hummus, eat your own individual plate of modern Greek food, or eat family style.
- Whiskey Girl: This is one of the restaurants in Gaslamp Quarter that has something going on every night of the week! Whether catching a game, getting drinks with friends or coworkers, or hitting the dance floor, Whiskey Girl has you covered. Whiskey Girl does all-American food right — including apps, burgers, sandwiches, tacos, and fries as well as signature cocktails, craft beers, and wine.
- Half Door Brewing Company: : Once a historic 1890s house in the heart of Gaslamp, this space has now been taken over by the family-owned pub, Half Door Brewing Company. Irish traditions run deep in this restaurant as homage to the brother and sister duo’s ancestry. HDBC makes and serves beer fresh to celebrate every hamlet on the Emerald Isle in Ireland that had their own unique craft beer. As you sip on beer, enjoy some of their most popular bites such as: Sausage Flatbread, Red Ale Braised Pork Belly, or Fish N Chips.
- Madam Bonnie’s: Perhaps one of the restaurants with the most direct ties to the Gaslamp of yesteryear, Madam Bonnie’s serves up libations — wines, beers, and rotisserie style dishes in the historical Hotel Lester. The restaurant’s namesake, Bertha “Bonnie” White, ran a “respectable” brothel within Hotel Lester as means to provide for her family.
4) Coronado Island
Coronado is a beautiful, upscale neighborhood that boasts a small-town feel. With pristine beaches, tree-lined streets, and a charming downtown area, there’s plenty to love about this neighborhood.
One of the highlights of Coronado Island is the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, which has been around since 1888. This historic hotel boasts a stunning Victorian architecture, and has hosted a variety of notable guests over the years, including presidents and celebrities. You can walk around the hotel grounds or treat yourself to a meal or spa service.
The Coronado beaches are also must-sees. Coronado Beach has views of the Del, wide-spanning sand to take advantage of, and even a section where off-leashed dogs are allowed. Nearby, Silver Strand State Beach offers a more secluded and natural setting, where visitors can enjoy activities like beachcombing, fishing, and hiking.
For shopping and dining, consider joining a Coronado food tour or head to Orange Avenue, and enjoy a slew of boutiques, restaurants, cafes, as well as several art galleries and theaters.
5) North Park
Historic charm gets a trendy upgrade in North Park, a neighborhood filled with vintage shops, boutiques, and one-of-a-kind dining options. North Park is thebest place to walk around to several restaurants and bars —everything is close together and easy to get to.
North Park is also home to craft beer bars, wine bars, clubs, lounges, and concert venues. North Park’s claim to fame in the live music space is the Observatory North Park venue, which has been in use since 1929.
North Park is the best neighborhood to visit if you want to experience San Diego’s eclectic culture. We’d love to show you around this part of town and all the best kept secret spots only the locals know about — book a private North Park Brewery Tour today!
6) Point Loma
Nestled at the end of the Point Loma peninsula, this charming neighborhood boasts breathtaking ocean views and rich history. Explore the Cabrillo National Monument, which commemorates the arrival of the first European explorer to the west coast of the United States, as well as the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Both offer panoramic ocean views!
Foodies will love Point Loma’s eclectic mix of restaurants, cafes, and bakeries. Don’t miss out on the 30+ restaurants that can be found at Liberty Station Public Market. Grab everything from artisanal cheeses, craft beer, and custom-made desserts, and browse the nearby shops.
7) Ocean Beach
If you’re looking for a laid-back beach community with boho vibes, Ocean Beach is the perfect San Diego neighborhood for you. Located on the west side of the San Diego River, Ocean Beach is closely entwined with surf culture.
Not ready to catch a wave? You can take in the ocean views with a walk on the Ocean Beach Pier, which is the longest concrete pier on the West Coast. Stroll along the pier and stop at the bait and tackle shop to rent fishing gear or grab a snack.
OB is also home to one of San Diego’s best farmers’ markets, Ocean Beach Farmers Market. Every Wednesday, the Ocean Beach Farmers Market features fresh produce, handmade crafts, and street food from local vendors.
If you’re looking to go out at night, head over to Newport Avenue, where you’ll find an eclectic mix of laid-back bars, restaurants, and live music venues. You can even grab a burger from Hodad’s, which was featured on Food Network’s “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives.”
Whether you’re a surfer, foodie, or just looking for a chill beach vibe, Ocean Beach has something for everyone.
8) Old Town
As one of the most historically rich neighborhoods in San Diego, Old Town provides a unique blend of Mexican and American culture.
Learn about Old Town’s rich history while tasting authentic Mexican food. You’ll walk by the Old Adobe Chapel and the Whaley House, which is said to be haunted by ghosts of its former residents.
Explore the Taste of Old Town
When it comes to Mexican food, we bring only the most authentic to our guests on our Old Town San Diego Tour. Here are just a few samplings from our amazing restaurant partners:
Cafe Coyote: Known for their fresh Mexican fare and expansive menu of margaritas, as well as fresh tortillas served with your meal, this is an Old Town staple! This restaurant has been in the area for over 30 years … so it’s a no-brainer to include on our tour!
Tuetano Taqueria: Tuetano has almost a cult following because of their Tijuana classic — the quesabirria. Tijuana-style beef birria and melted cheese collide to make a delicious quesadilla-like dish that has received attention from the likes of the Michelin Guide as one of five “new discoveries” in the San Diego area and they recently had a visit from Guy Fieri of the Food Network’s hit, “Diners, Drive-In’s, and Dives.”
Old Tequila Factory: This quaint Mexican hillside retreat overlooks historic Old Town, serves delicious and GIANT margaritas, has authentic Mexican food you’ll remember for years to come, live music and a panoramic view of Old Town to Mission Bay.
Casa De Fred’s: Fred’s is known for its vibrant decor, live music, fresh margaritas, unbeatable outdoor dining experience, and Baja-inspired dishes. Have a fiesta with us on the tour, and come back again with your furry friend — Casa De Fred’s also has a dog menu!
On our Old Town San Diego tour, expect authentic food, amazingly fresh cocktails and a deep dive into Old Town’s history and haunts. If you have any questions about our Old Town Food tour, we’d love to answer them. Can’t wait to take you around the Birthplace of California!
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You’ll have the time of your life meeting people in San Diego and exploring all the small things that make each San Diego neighborhood unique. Whether it’s a slice of pizza in Little Italy, or walking around La Jolla Cove, there’s a part of town calling your name! Let us do all the planning and book a San Diego food tour today!
Written by: Aleeza
Aleezah Davenport is a native San Diegan, and a second generation PLNU alumna. She enjoys exploring the city, and taking her girls out for dinner on the cliffs at Sunset Cliffs. Writing about San Diego provides her the opportunity to learn more about the local scene, and share her newfound knowledge about her hometown – two of the things she loves most. She enjoys sharing her passions with readers, and is excited to be writing for a platform that provides fun information to a large audience.
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Signature Tours
The historic Gaslamp Quarter is famous for its entertainment, shopping, and nightlife, but most people don’t realize the historic district was once home to one of the most anticipated red light districts in the West. On this guided Gaslamp tour full of cuisine, culture, and curiosities, we’ll take you through the scandalous post-Gold Rush history of the heart of downtown San Diego.
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