Discover the San Diego Neighborhood of Miramar

Founded by alums of Ballast Point Brewing Company, the brand is known worldwide thanks to its innovations in the canned-cocktail market, with best-sellers such as the Vodka Mule and Tiki Rum Mai Tai alongside award-winning spirits from master distiller Yuseff Cherney, including Cutwater’s Devil’s Share Bourbon and Tequila Reposado. Visitors can sign up for cocktail-making classes and guided tours of the distillery to learn about the distilling process and sample tasting flights of its spirits, continuing the experience at the full-service restaurant and bar that serves brunch, lunch, and dinner paired with Cutwater signature drinks. 

With a 30-year history of brewing in San Diego, AleSmith has become one of the world’s top craft breweries whose beers continue to win awards at local and international competitions. Some of its popular labels include AleSmith Nut Brown, Speedway Stout, and San Diego Pale Ale .394, made in tribute to Padres legend Tony Gwynn. A museum dedicated to Gwynn can also be found inside the brewery’s facility in Miramar. In recent years, AleSmith has expanded its offerings: owner and CEO Peter Zien launched CheeseSmith, whose cheeses are sold in the gift shop and the brewery now makes AleSmith Dry Apple Cider using fresh-pressed West Coast apples.

The largest military air show in the United States has become a marquee event in San Diego, spanning three days every September. Held at MCAS Miramar, it consists of a daily performance schedule that showcases military and civilian aircraft, including flyovers from the legendary U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the U.S. Air Force F-22 Raptor Demo team, alongside air races and civilian aerobatic teams. There are also fireworks and pyrotechnic displays, plus a vendor fair and a variety of aircraft on display.

Tucked among the industrial parks and home improvement stores lining Miramar Road is the only San Diego outpost of a restaurant chain with a 70-year history in Japan. Fried chicken, or karaage, is the delicacy of this fast-casual eatery that has become a favorite lunch spot for local workers and visitors to the area. Ethereally light, the fried options include boneless thigh, chicken tenders, wings and gizzards, which can be ordered a la carte or in bento box combos served with rice, shredded cabbage and mashed potatoes. The homemade dipping sauces are a must, particularly the yuzu aioli.

The recreational portion of the reservoir and dam in the neighboring Scripps Ranch community centers on the lake and the five-mile loop around it — a pleasant, dog-friendly paved path for walking, running and cycling, with plenty of opportunities for bird-watching along the way. The city and ocean views afforded by the lake’s high vantage point are especially scenic at sunset. Boat rentals are available, with canoes, kayaks and even float tubes permitted on the water. And for the amateur angler, the lake is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, trout and more. Find ample picnic tables and barbecues located all along the trail.

Situated within Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, this regulation 18-hole golf course is open to active-duty military, retirees and the public (U.S. citizens and residents only), provided they are approved for a guest pass and assent to a background check. The championship course includes the longest par five in Southern California, measuring 640 yards at the ninth hole. There is a clubhouse and golf shop, with extensive practice areas including putting and chipping greens and a 30-stall driving range. Golf lessons are offered free to active-duty military but the public can also take classes for a fee.

Indoor playgrounds, a haven for busy families, are a booming business, and this Miramar outpost offers 6,000 square feet of space for children ages 1 to 7 to burn off energy and explore their imaginations. There are soft play areas such as a coloring room and make-believe supermarket, along with a mini jungle gym, slides, and a ball pit, with two-hour or full-day admission. The calendar of events also includes frequent meet-and-greets with costumed characters, from Captain America to Elsa from “Frozen.” Snacks and beverages are available for purchase and the playground can be rented out for birthday parties.