San Diego, according to locals
124 places that people in San Diego keep recommending, across 3 maps. Each map links every place to the comments behind it.
Best restaurants in San Diego
For vegetarian and vegan eating in San Diego, people point to Pokez for its Mexican food and to Ranchos Cocina, which some prefer, for its plant-based fries. They also suggest pumpkin curry at Plumeria, Mister A's for views on a special occasion, handmade tortillas and adobada at Tacos El Gordo, and Grand Ole BBQ for the nearest thing to Texas-style barbecue.
Most recommended
- Pokez, Downtown31 people recommend, 2 warn against it
Many commenters recommend the downtown Pokez, especially for its vegetarian and vegan Mexican food, and a few say it has been around for years.
- Plumeria, University Heights29 people recommend
Many commenters recommend Plumeria and praise the food, and two single out the pumpkin curry.
- Ranchos Cocina, North Park24 people recommend
Many commenters recommend Ranchos Cocina in North Park and praise its vegan food.
- Mister A's22 people recommend, 2 warn against it
People recommend Mister A's, and commenters suggest it for date nights, proposals and special occasions.
- Tacos El Gordo, Downtown21 people recommend, 4 warn against it
Most commenters recommend Tacos El Gordo, with one saying its tacos come close to Tijuana's, another crediting the handmade tortillas, and single commenters pointing to the adobada and the nopales.
Best cafés in San Diego
San Diego cafés discussed for coffee, reading and studying, with outlet-specific notes and the caveats behind each recommendation.
Most recommended
- Lestat's Coffee House, University Heights40 people recommend, 9 warn against it
Lestat's is recommended across its San Diego shops, and the Park Boulevard shop is the one most people name.
- Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, Little Italy33 people recommend, 1 warns against it
Most people who weigh in recommend Bird Rock Coffee Roasters, a local roaster with several shops.
- The Living Room Coffeehouse, La Jolla28 people recommend, 2 warn against it
Most people recommend The Living Room Coffeehouse, and it is recommended across its outlets: the La Jolla shop and the College Area shop near SDSU are both named often.
- Cafe Calabria, North Park17 people recommend, 1 warns against it
Many people recommend Cafe Calabria, a North Park roaster and cafe, and several name its beans, roasts or espresso.
- Jaunt Coffee, Mira Mesa17 recommend it
Many people recommend Jaunt Coffee, and several call it a favorite or one of the best coffee shops, with one diner saying its beans are their current favorite.
Places to visit in San Diego
San Diego days, as people plan them: the San Diego Zoo from opening time, a stroll past Balboa Park's gardens and buildings, gentle surf and low-tide pools at La Jolla Shores, coastal trails in the Torrey Pines reserve, then sunset at Sunset Cliffs or hang gliders launching from the Torrey Pines Gliderport. Parking at Balboa Park and Torrey Pines is the usual gripe.
Most recommended
- San Diego Zoo87 recommend it
The San Diego Zoo is widely recommended, and many call it one of the best zoos anywhere.
- Balboa Park68 recommend it
Balboa Park is widely recommended: visitors enjoy walking through it, the gardens and buildings are worth a stroll even without going into a museum, and visitors note the San Diego Zoo sits within its grounds.
- La Jolla Shores46 recommend it
La Jolla Shores is widely recommended, and a top pick for families with children; one visitor calls it the most attractive beach in La Jolla.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve42 recommend it
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is recommended mainly for hiking its coastal trails.
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park36 recommend it
Sunset Cliffs is recommended for watching the sun go down over the Pacific, and several visitors also suggest it for casual walks along the cliffs.