San Diego, My Way: Spaces, Flavors, and Discoveries That Keep Surprising Me
The longer I live in San Diego, the more I enjoy discovering new places around the county. I've been here for over 25 years. At first, I explored the classic tourist spots — museums, beaches, Balboa Park. Later, when we had children, my husband and I started looking for places to take them. That added theme parks, the New Children’s Museum, libraries, the San Diego Zoo, and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park to our list. To this day, we still visit those last two, because they are always evolving and there’s always something new to see.
For many years, I was the editor of a Spanish-language weekly newspaper. That job allowed me to discover places through the stories and interviews I worked on. Now, I write independently about art and culture, work with a public relations agency, and am also an interspiritual minister.
All of this has kept me exploring San Diego — from its most iconic landmarks to its hidden gems. And of course, I can’t leave out the region's rich culinary scene, which blends influences and flavors, from simple tacos to fine dining.
Culture and the Arts: A City That Hums with Creativity
Another major attraction in San Diego is the number of spaces dedicated to the arts and creative expression. In addition to the museums, the city has a vibrant theater scene. You can find everything from commercial productions to experimental works, at theaters such as The Old Globe, La Jolla Playhouse, and the Civic Theatre. There are also smaller theaters scattered throughout the county, such as Cygnet Theatre, Lamb’s Players Theatre in Coronado and OnStage Playhouse in Chula Vista. The offerings are abundant and diverse.
The same goes for music — concerts of all genres and sizes are held throughout the year. A quick online search reveals an impressive variety. And when it comes to movies, San Diego has options for those who like something different. A few theaters show indie films and classics, such as the Angelika Film Center and Digital Gym Cinema. The latter also hosts the annual San Diego Latino Film Festival.
Purposeful Walks: Nature and Connection
I’m also part of groups that help Latina migrants adjust to life in the United States. As part of their activities, they organize hikes and outdoor outings. Every time I go, I enjoy the scenery and the wide variety of natural environments the county has to offer — canyons, coastal trails, and mountains. There are trails for all levels. It’s a chance to get some exercise, yes, but also to recharge by being in direct contact with nature and to make friends along the way.
Farmers Markets: Local Flavor and Cultural Diversity
One of the pleasures I’ve recently discovered is visiting farmers markets and community festivals. Thanks to my work in public relations, I’ve had the opportunity to explore neighborhoods I might not have otherwise visited, simply because they’re not part of my usual routine. It’s easy to think that all farmers markets are the same, but they’re not.
Ocean Beach, for example, has one of the most vibrant markets. The crowd is incredibly diverse, with a laid-back, peace-loving vibe. It’s also a great place to spot youth fashion trends, especially in the summer. It’s common to see people carrying their dogs in backpacks, something you’ll also find at the North Park and Hillcrest markets.
The La Jolla market has a different energy. Its entrance could be mistaken for a fashion runway. It’s a great spot to shop, eat, and soak up the atmosphere. The food at all of these markets is usually excellent. My favorite treat is coconut ice cream topped with slices of young coconut and ripe mango. I’ve found it at the Little Italy and Liberty Station markets, and I’m sure it’s available elsewhere — you just have to keep an eye out.
In addition to food, the markets also offer unique finds: fine jewelry from Peru, Middle Eastern perfumes, artisan breads, cheeses, honey, yogurt, flowers and high-quality frozen meats. Many also offer international cuisine — dishes from Latin America, Asia, and Africa. A visit to San Diego’s farmers markets is like a mini trip abroad.
Parks With a View: My Favorite Spots to Breathe and Reflect
Another type of place I love to visit is San Diego’s abundance of public parks. Some have playgrounds, but my favorites are the ones with open spaces and panoramic views. One of them is Kate Sessions Memorial Park, which has hiking trails, picnic tables, natural areas, a playground, and a dog park. Another is Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial, which sits at 822 feet above sea level, with 360-degree views of the city. I also like Mount Helix Park in La Mesa, which has an outdoor amphitheater that hosts cultural events.
Spiritual Spaces: Travel Without Leaving the City
Recently, I’ve started exploring San Diego from a spiritual perspective. It all started with an interfaith conference held here a few years ago. The organizers took participants to various religious sites, and it sparked my interest in learning about other cultures through their spiritual practices. It’s as enriching as reading literature or visiting a museum.
One of my favorite such places is the Mission San Diego de Alcalá, the first mission founded by Father Junípero Serra, in 1769. It was moved in 1774 to be closer to the Kumeyaay villages, water sources and fertile land. Visiting it is like stepping back in time.
Another place I love — and often take visitors — is the gardens and hermitage of the Self-Realization Fellowship in Encinitas. Founded by Paramahansa Yogananda, this spiritual retreat has beautifully manicured gardens overlooking the Pacific Ocean, as well as lotus ponds, meditation spaces, and a quiet corner dedicated to St. Francis of Assisi. It’s a place that invites silence and helps you reconnect with inner peace.
There’s also the San Diego California Temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, in La Jolla. It’s known for its striking white, modern Gothic architecture and well-kept gardens. Although the public can’t go inside, just seeing it from the adjacent Interstate 5 is enough to make an impression.
These are just a few of the places I treasure in San Diego. And my list keeps growing and changing — just like life.