Barrio Logan & Chicano Park

Located south of San Diego's urban core, Barrio Logan is a Mexican-American neighborhood established by refugees back in the early 20th century during the Mexican Revolution and rooted in civic movement. At the heart of the barrio, Chicano Park is home to the largest collection of Chicano murals in the United States and in January 2017, it was designated a National Historic Landmark. Barrio Logan is also the hub of a diverse arts district, with galleries, boutiques, brewpubs and craft coffee shops. The community organizes outdoor markets on selected weekends for businesses to highlight their passion for arts. A vibrant culinary scene is also an important characteristic of the neighborhood. At the iconic Barrio Logan eatery Las Cuatro Milpas, locals line up for authentic homestyle Mexican food and freshly made tortillas.

Cali-Baja Influence in San Diego

San Diego stands in the middle of two very powerful influences: California cuisine distinguished for its devotion to using fresh local ingredients, and Mexico's Baja-Med style, a food revolution that began in Tijuana, Mexico and is gaining worldwide recognition for combining traditional Mexican ingredients with those of the Mediterranean. Thanks to the daring chefs who have created a dining experience that speaks to locals, San Diego's culinary landscape blends these two influences into a delicious Cali-Baja scene.

Latinx and Hispanic Businesses

San Diego’s proximity to Mexico and rich Hispanic heritage have helped shape its vibrant identity. Latinx influences can be discovered through the region’s colorful neighborhoods and savored in its culinary scene. From restaurants to shops and self-care spaces, click here to discover a few of the many Latinx and Hispanic owned businesses you must experience while in San Diego.

Latino Film Festival

More than 25 years ago, the San Diego Latino Film Festival (SDLFF) was born out of a desire to take a stand against the status-quo of cinema, to challenge the reigning and ever-present stereotypes about the Latino experience in movies, and to give Latino filmmakers the power of telling and sharing their stories first-hand about what it means to be Latino. After all these years, the SDLFF is proud to remain linked to these ideals, constantly advocating for inclusive, diverse, and progressive cinematic storytelling about the Latino identity. The festival usually takes place in March, but during 2020 it will go virtual on September 17-27.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Visitors can witness the living legacy of California's first permanent settlement at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, San Diego's first "downtown." Old Town represents San Diego's Hispanic heritage from 1821 to 1872, when Mexico gained independence from Spain and took over the area. The six-block park features 12 acres of Mexican lore and historical sites presented in shops, a theater, restaurants, museums and several carefully preserved or restored buildings. Live mariachi performers can be seen every day in Old Town, in addition to seasonal and special event shows throughout the year.

Centro Cultural de la Raza

This cultural art center is dedicated to creating, promoting, preserving and educating about Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous and Latino art and culture. The non-profit organization is housed in a former Balboa Park water tower decorated with bright murals. The Centro Cultural de la Raza provides classes, arts and crafts, and artistic presentations that support and encourage the creative expression of indigenous cultures. Special outdoor vendor exhibits can be enjoyed on selected weekends.

Holy Paleta

With locations in Bonita and Little Italy, Holy Paleta handcrafts frozen popsicles made with all-natural ingredients and creative toppings. The flavors are inspired by traditional frozen treats found in Michoacan, Mexico. The menu offerings include fresh fruit and dairy-based flavors as well as vegan options and intricate drizzled paletas. Favorites include chamango on a stick, coffee stuffed with condensed milk, and banana Nutella crunch.