To see our favorite places in Google Maps and discover how accessible, kid or pet-friendly each place is, click here.

To listen to our favorite tunes when you vist our favorite places in San Diego, click here.

1. Encinitas Meditation Garden
Who: Maria Strongin
Why: A beautiful, peaceful and serene place. This is the perfect setting to relax, meditate, or simply walk around and enjoy the sights. A lovely gem in Encinitas!
Mobility/Accessibility: Kids are welcomed. No dogs. On street parking.
Song: Memory Reboot by VØJ x Harvent

2. North Seascape Surf Park
Who: Lauren Comstock
Why: Mellow beach that surfers and sea critters frequent. Usually much less busy than neighboring beaches since it’s not the easiest to get to.
Mobility/Accessibility: There is accessible parking and a point to lookout onto the beach that is accessible, but the main reason this beach is less crowded is there’s 6 flights of stairs to get down to the sand.
Song: Feels Like Summer by Childish Gambino

3. Torrey Pines City Beach and Blacks Beach Trail
Who: Jeremy Granfors
Why: Beach tucked away by the cliffs adjacent La Jolla Farms, magical surf and sunsets.
Mobility/Accessibility: This is a pretty steep hill. There are a few trails that go down to the beach, though, and the address provided is to the one paved road.
Song: You Get What You Give by New Radicals

4. Driving Down the I-5 South
Who: Arlen Hizon
Why: Cruising down that stretch of Interstate 5 South with the beautiful San Diego skyline in the background and the chance to spot a plane flying overhead, it’s a drive that really makes me smile.
Mobility/Accessibility: N/A
Song: Dreaming by Blondie

5. Riviera Beach
Who: Matt Hummel
Why: Quiet and expansive stretch of beach along Mission Bay that provides a wonderful view over the bay and overlook of Mission Beach. Great place to go observe kite surfers and sailing classes.
Mobility/Accessibility: Limited parking on Riviera Dr. that has access to a fire access ramp straight onto the beach.
Song: Forever by The Little Dippers

6. Mission Bay at The Catamaran
Who: Charity Dunphy
Why: Relaxing spot on the bay.  Bring something to sit on, snacks /drinks and toys (if needed).  It is best at high tide but anytime is great.  The water is calm, plenty of sand and a nice view of the bay. We enjoy sitting to the east of the pier. It is a bit of a walk but you can access the Catamaran for clean bathrooms, order drinks, coffee or food to go. I recommend the Drugstore Burger.  Inside there are birds, ducks and fish for kiddo viewing. 
Mobility/Accessibility: Park around the neighborhood and bring a wagon to carry our supplies.  If you don’t have a wagon we suggest dropping off and having one person hunt for parking. Ideal parking is on Braemar Lane, Briarfield or PB Drive. There is paid parking at the Catamaran.
Song: Could You Be Loved by Bob Marley

7. Dog Beach at Ocean Beach
Who: Jose Brunner & Takara Tada
Why: A great place to bond with human’s best friend. Relaxing sunsets, fun runs along ocean waters, a relaxing stroll down the San Diego River. Inlet provides optimum conditions for furry swimmers.
Mobility/Accessibility: You can bike down the San Diego River trail or park at the OB Dog Beach parking lot. Available surface parking lot.
Song: Feel It All Around by Washed Out

8. Ocean Beach Tide Pools
Who: Eric Naslund
Why: Sited right at the location of the old Wonderland Park now long gone, these tide pools are a delight to explore. A wonderful spot to take kids and search for the occasional piece of sea glass.
Mobility/Accessibility: From the foot of Newport or Santa Monica Avenues, walk down the beach under the pier. Not wheelchair accessible.
Song: Under the Boardwalk by The Drifters

9. Walter Anderson Nursery
Who: Emi Nevara
Why: Plant nursery that offers a large selection of trees, plants, pots, and anything you can think of. Very peaceful.
Mobility/Accessibility: Has plenty of parking including ADA spots. Not too far from public transportation (15-min walk from Old Town station and 1-min walk from the closest bus top), but this area isn’t the most pedestrian/bike-friendly.
Song: Aguas De Marco by Elis Regina, Antonio Carlos Jobim

10. Mitch’s Seafood
Who: John Sheehan
Why: Fantastic seafood served near the source. Unbeatable dining experience, reasonably priced, family friendly. Limited seating…but worth the wait!
Mobility/Accessibility: Easy nearby (paid) parking. Fun spot to chat with fellow patrons (local and visitors) waiting in line. Wonderful views. Brink a jacket or sweater to enjoy dining on the wrap-around deck!
Song: Beyond the Sea by Bobby Darin

11. Kellogg Beach
Who: Marta Schalnat
Why: Picture a hidden gem tucked away from the bustle of the world—a serene, secluded locals beach where time slows down. It’s a great spot to watch sailboats and yachts pass and where family memories are made.
Mobility/Accessibility: On street parking and bus stops for line 84 right by the entrance on Rosecrans St & McCall St.
Song: Come and Get Your Love by Redbone

12. Bread & Cie
Who: Mathilda Bialk
Why: An authentic-feeling, European-style cafe and perfect spot for a cup of coffee and thick slice of bread with butter or quiche. Bring a book and leave your phone at home.
Mobility/Accessibility: Street side outdoor seating, low glazed pastry displays that encourage sticky kid fingerprints, flexible seating, printed menu and menu boards, accessible parking at rear with an accessible restroom. Great spot for all ages and LGBTQ+.
Song: Non, Je ne regrette rien by Edith Piaf

13. Spruce Street Suspension Bridge
Who: Jennifer Hatton
Why: A suspension pedestrian bridge crossing Bankers Hill’s Arroyo Canyon, built in 1912 to connect neighborhoods to the west to the new streetcar lines on Fourth and Fifth Avenues to the east. Today, wander across the bridge to experience a bird’s eye view of  lush nature in the heart of San Diego.
Mobility/Accessibility: No stairs to access from the east side, stairs on the west. Fair warning, the bridge sways.
Song: 59th Street Bridge Song by Simon & Garfunkel

14. Africa Rocks Aviary
Who: Alina Prassas
Why: The SD Zoo is full of amazing plants and animals.  Bustling and serene, this particular aviary will make anyone enjoy looking at birds.
Mobility/Accessibility: No stairs are required to access either top or bottom viewing platforms. However, this is a paid entry place, so that affects accessibility.
Song: Three Little Birds by Bob Marley

15. Panama 66
Who: Kirsten Blakeman
Why: Everything that’s iconic about San Diego.  Dining al fresco with a craft beer in the heart of Balboa Park.  Enjoying views of the California Tower and listening to live blues and jazz. 
Mobility/Accessibility: Bike racks right out front and nearby tram stop.  Accessible by car and MTS bus as well but plan to do some walking. Stroller, kid and dog friendly.
Song: Work Song by Nat Adderley

16. Old Trolley Barn Park
Who: Marcela Gracia Acosta
Why: Serene and small, all benches provide beautiful views to the park’s lawn, tree grove, playground, and streetscape. Best in the mornings.
Mobility/Accessibility: A paved loop goes all around the park, a couple of high thresholds occur. Accessible parking is located right in front of the park. Bus stop directly in front of the park. Bike racks on site. Playground for children on site. Dog friendly. Quiet in the mornings, can get noisy in the afternoons during the summer.
Song: Morning Sun by Melody Gardot

17. Midnight Animal Coffee
Who: Marcelle Rico
Why: A local, dog-friendly coffee shop that is a block away from the North Park dog park, perfect for a weekend cup of coffee. If you enjoy seasonal specialty drinks, they make their own syrups which are delicious. They have great merch and a welcoming environment.
Mobility/Accessibility: ADA parking stall right in front of the entrance. Bike racks are in the street corner and bus stop is along El Cajon Blvd.
Song: Rebel Rebel by David Bowie

18. Pure Project North Park
Who: Maxine Ward
Why: Best transformation of a former driveway between two non-descript buildings into an inviting space - swinging on a porch swing beneath a canopy of trees, sipping a craft beer in the San Diego sunshine. I want my backyard to have these vibes!
Accessibility/Mobility: Bus 1 & 6 stop less than a block away. Easily accessible by bike via bike lanes on Meade and 30th. Very family & dog-friendly.
Song: Favourite by Fontaines D.C.

19. Bird Park
Who: Courtney Sawyer
Why: Neighborhood park at the northeast corner of Balboa Park with views toward downtown, a grassy area for sunbathing and reading, and a playground.
Mobility/Accessibility: Parking along 28th Street at the east side of the park, walkable from surrounding neighborhood,  near several bus stops, child and family-friendly, playground and walking path are accessible, recent ADA ramp improvements.
Song: Friday I’m In Love by Yo La Tengo

20. Grape St. Dog Park (Officer Tonahill and Officer Ruopp Memorial Park)
Who: Francisco Garcia
Why: Leash-free dog park.  It’s the one place where I can feel that my Doberman is experiencing pure joy, sprinting like a greyhound to his heart’s content and socializing positively with other dogs and humans.  There are also some short hiking trails for more reclusive one-on-one walks with your pup. Also known as Officer Tonahill and Officer Ruopp Memorial Park.
Mobility/Accessibility: Has two accessible parking stalls at the main entry.
Song: Born to Run by Bruce Springsteen

21. Verbatim Books
Who: Heather Davis
Why: Second-hand bookstore with an eclectic stock, including self-published zines and comic books. Very friendly staff, supportive of local artists and writers, and organizes some really fun local events, including the North Park book fair. Features a fun, vibrant mural painted by a local artist who sets up outside the store once or twice a month to sell art prints and bookmarks. It’s a North Park icon. 
Mobility/Accessibility: There is a bus stop directly out front, wide bike lanes down the street, a handicap parking spot around the corner from the entrance, a bike stand a short distance down the sidewalk, a reserved kids’ corner featuring modern and vintage books.
Song: Phenomenal Cat by The Kinks

22. Vinyl Junkies Record Shack
Who: Nate Vandermeulen
Why: With offerings from ‘Meet The Beatles’ to ‘Moon Shaped Pool’ and everything between, this is THE go-to for vinyl therapy. If you want it, they got it (or will get if for you). Bonus points for the in-house DJ spinning selections you’ve probably never heard of.
Mobility/Accessibility: Parking in South Park? Best of luck. Line 2 passes a block away on its route between Downtown to North Park. Otherwise, SP is always good for a nice stroll.
Song: House of The Rising Sun by The Animals

23. Majorette
Who: Vince Rosato
Why: Local watering hole with a great food and beverage lineup, outdoor patio and free pool.
Mobility/Accessibility: Street parking available.
Song: Didn’t I by Darondo

24. Edwards Vineyard & Cellars
Who: Michelle Kessler
Why: A Boutique winery in the foothills of Ramona.  Small family run winery with a casual atmosphere.  Enjoy a delicious glass of red wine while overlooking the vineyard and surrounding hillsides. 
Mobility/Accessibility: There is an accessible parking space with accessible path to the tasting patio, and if needed they will bring the wine tastings right to your table!
Song: Above the Storm by Stick Figure

25. Scary House MTB Trail
Who: Carlos Gonzalez
Why: A challenging mountain bike trail with amazing views at McGinty Mountain. Great to enjoy with a group of mountain bikers.
Mobility/Accessibility: Parking available at Jamacha Elementary School, then you ride yourself 10-mins to the trailhead.
Song: Everybody Dreams by Romain Garcia

26. Rock House Trail
Who: Daniel Jimenez
Why: A four-mile round-trip hike with 1,000-foot elevation gain at Mother Miguel Mountain. It’s a great place in Chula Vista to take in the beauty of the greater San Diego region, as seen from above.
Mobility/Accessibility: Parking available in Mount San Miguel Park or surrounding neighborhood.
Song: N/A