Local (non-touristy) things to do in San Diego.?

Question

Hi All! I am visiting San Diego for the holidays. Do you have any suggestions on things to do that aren't that touristy. I am thinking of cool places to see local music, art, or theater. Or neat coffee shops, resturants (no TGI Friday's type places please), or bars? Anything that could give me a taste of what local San Diego people do!

Thanks for your help!

Answer 1

On the north end of San Diego area is the French Market Grille, in Poway.
French Market Grille - been there - it's GREAT
15717 Bernardo Heights Pkwy
San Diego, CA 92128 [phone]
- http://www.frenchmarketgrille.com

Fish Market Restaurants: Downtown-On the Water
750 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA
[phone] - Rated 3.9 out of 5.0

Anthony's Fish Grotto - a regular for locals (near the Star of India)
1360 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA
[phone] - Rated 3.5 out of 5.0
AND VISIT: The Star of India & 2 other ships - tourists & locals all visit - next to Anthony's

VISIT: San Diego Zoo -
... ESPECIALLY the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater, Museum of Flight, etc. There are multiple interesting museums in this complex.

Humphreys By the Bay Rstrnt - popular with locals
2241 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA
[phone] -

Bali Ha'i Restaurant - very popular with locals/can come by boat
2230 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA - been there !
[phone] - Rated 3.9 out of 5.0

Boll Weevil Inc - neat for lunch (more locations in S.D.)
2743 Shelter Island Dr, San Diego, CA
[phone]

VISIT: Seaport Village, where Pacific Hwy turns into W. Harbor Dr.
It's a unique shopping center as well as scenic, great for walking and sightseeing.

VISIT: Mission Bay - several areas, especially on the south side and the east side of the bay.

Answer 2

There are plenty of passions to follow in San Diego and that hotelbye is the area to start finds what San Diego needs to offer. In the San Diego vacation you'll step outside of your comfort zone and you'll discover new activities while you are here and you may only see that exploring a fresh pursuit is definitely an adventure in itself. One of many places should see from San Diego is Balboa Park. This park has around a 1400 acre and here you will find famous houses, numerous museums, gardens, and natural space. The park was made for the Panama California Exhibition of 1915-1916. The main structure is Spanish-Mexican fashion, reduced stage houses that blend in with the organic surroundings. Among the shows of the park would be the Botanical Gardens and lily pool, the Museum of Man, the Museum of Natural History, the San Diego Museum of Art, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Even although you never enter a building the park is just an attractive place.

Answer 3

Definitely go downtown to see the Gaslamp it's a lot of fun there's bars and clubs and restaurants (some things are a little pricey but not too bad) also the other fun place to go to for bars is Pacific Beach, know as PB to us locals. You can also visit Old Town there are a lot of Mexican restaurants there (Old Town Mexican Cafe is my favorite they make tortillas right in front of you, so good).
Depending what other types of things you are into you can find almost everything that is going on by getting a copy of the Reader you can find those in front of liquor stores or CVS places like that. One more thing if you Italian Ice Cream you can go to Gellatos on India Street right off the 5 freeway there is also a little theater where they do smaller shows.
Have fun and enjoy your stay in our beautiful city.

Answer 4

If you're into underground/independent type music, don't pass on going to the Casbah. Us locals consider it to be our own personal little CBGB of San Diego. If you're into this subculture rock and roll scene, check out bars like the Livewire, The Pink Elephant Bar (they have bands and burlesque shows, plus an amazing jukebox), and the Kensington Club. There is also a really cool restaurant/bar called the Red Fox Club which features a live jazz band on weekend evenings that play all night.

As for art shows, those are more random but you may want to check out The La Jolla Museum of Contemporary Art in La Jolla. I'm sure they can point you to other shows that may be touring.

Good luck. Maybe I'll see you out there. :)

Answer 5

Horse back ride in Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Answer 6

Ocean Beach is a great place to hang out. Just park anywhere on Newport Ave. Lots of cool shops and bars. Check out the Sunshine Company and Winstons bars. Every Wednesday from 5pm-9pm there is a Farmers Market. Fun stuff. Good luck and enjoy our beautiful city.

Answer 7

We are a touristy town.... everything we do is toursity LOL. But they are some places that are very San Diego. Ocean Beach is a great place to go, also there are great places to go hiking, Mission Trails is one of them. Feel free to email me and ask me because there is alot to list.

Answer 8

Try to get a hold of a copy of the Reader. It's a free local publication that comes out every Thursday. You might have to ask around for the locations. They will be in convenience stores, liquor stores, etc.
It is loaded with stuff to do and see, everything from lectures to nature hikes. Go to the Local Events section (I think).
Have fun!

Answer 9

I've lived here all my life (56 years) and I still find the museums in Balboa Park very nice. The outlet mall in Carlsbad. A drive all the way to Oceanside up Pacific Coast Highway is always nice. Stop in Cardiff, Leucadia, Del Mar. Get yourself a copy of The Reader at any grocery store or 7/11, or view it on-line. Just about everything to do around Here will be in there. Enjoy your visit

Answer 10

Hi,
Well off the top of my head. Point Loma lighthouse, Living Room coffee house in Point loma. Old Town has a Living room coffee house too. kinda cool place to see, in daytime. Hillcrest has allot of cool places to eat, and shop, just be for warned gotta be gay friendly in Hillcrest. What else? La Jolla Birch Aquarium, .