Best Places in San Diego

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 1. Cabrillo National Monument

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 557-5450

Categories: Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Neighbourhood: Point Loma

5.0 star rating
  6/8/2010

This place is such a treasure.  If you are coming to San Diego for a visit then this place should be on your top 10 list of places that you must visit while in the city. Cabrillo National Monument has so much to offer from way up top inside the…More »

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 2. San Diego Paradise Point Resort & Spa

1404 Vacation Rd
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 274-4630
5.0 star rating
  7/7/2011

This place is so much fun!  I brought my wife here as a super secret surprise for a very special occasion and she absolutely loved Paradise Point Resort.  A stay-cation on steroids for us locals here in the greater SD area and a magnificent place to…More »

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 3. Top of the Hyatt

1 Market Pl
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-1234

Category: Lounges

5.0 star rating
  9/2/2010

Here's how romantic this place is, I proposed marriage to my girlfriend here one gorgeous San Diego night while looking down on the city.

Today, she's my wife!

Trust me guy's, if you want to impress your lady with romance and ambiance the atmosphere at…More »

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 4. Seaport Village

849 W Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 235-4014
5.0 star rating
  4/27/2011

This is one of the fun places to go to here in San Diego even if you are a local.  Yes, there are many San Diego souvenir shops but there is also a couple of nice cantinas that are situated right next to the water.

When I come here with friends that…More »

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 5. Hob Nob Hill

2271 1st Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-8176

Categories: American (Traditional), Diners

Neighbourhood: Banker's Hill

5.0 star rating
  9/12/2010

Yesterday, I came here with several family member's after my brother-in-law strongly suggested this place to us all.  

Located on Banker's Hill, it was a treat to watch airplanes making their final approach to San Diego International Airport as we…More »

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 6. PETCO Park

100 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-5000
5.0 star rating
  7/6/2010

I came here over the 4th of July holiday weekend and had a blast!  The Padre's beat the Houston Astros and it was "beach towel" day.  Woo Hoo!  

Coming to Petco Park to watch a game is such a treat because if by chance the game is slowly becoming…More »

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 7. Hodad's

5010 Newport Ave
San Diego, CA 92107
(619) 224-4623

Category: Burgers

Neighbourhoods: Point Loma, Ocean Beach

5.0 star rating
  Update - 4/27/2011

Still lovin' this place!  Come, eat, drink, and be merry, man.

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  • 5.0 star rating
    10/29/2009

    I've been coming for years now and I am finally getting around to giving Hodad's the props it so… Read more »

 8. Mission Bay Park

2688 E Mission Bay Dr
San Diego, CA 92109
(619) 221-8900

Categories: Parks, Beaches

5.0 star rating
  7/1/2010

I have a personal name for this park, "locals park."  I say this because other than major holiday weekends this park is 90% used by us local folk.

It's a very nice place to spend a day.

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 9. Fiesta Island

Fiesta Island Rd
San Diego, CA 92101

Categories: Parks, Beaches

5.0 star rating
  7/1/2010

Sea World fireworks, jet ski's, boating, fishing, bonfires, awesome views of San Diego, dog park, campgrounds, Over-the-Line tournament every July, peacefulness right smack dab in the middle of the city, need I say more?

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 10. Presidio Park

2811 Jackson St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 692-4918

Categories: Parks, Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Neighbourhood: Old Town

5.0 star rating
  8/20/2010

We have all heard the phrase "I'm stiin' on top of the world" and when you come to visit the Presidio Park in San Diego you will be "Sittin' on top of San Diego."

Man oh man, this place is such a great place to come and digest the numerous vistas in…More »

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 11. Liberty Station NTC Park

Farragut Rd
San Diego, CA 92106

Category: Parks

Neighbourhoods: Liberty Station, Point Loma

5.0 star rating
  8/24/2010

I've been coming to this location well before it became a shopping mall, cultural and business center, as well as a regional park.  As a young sailor in the Navy I remember bearing witness to the filming of "TOP GUN" back in 1985 right about where…More »

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 12. Point Loma Seafoods

2805 Emerson St
San Diego, CA 92106
(619) 223-1109

Categories: Seafood Markets, Seafood

Neighbourhoods: Fleetridge, Point Loma

5.0 star rating
  Update - 4/27/2012

They are just as good as ever and they are all done with their remodeling.

This place is a San Diego MUST!

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  • 5.0 star rating
    7/6/2010

    This place has some of the tastiest seafood sandwiches and seafood soups that exists here in San… Read more »

 13. La Jolla Cove

1100 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037

Categories: Parks, Beaches

Neighbourhood: La Jolla

5.0 star rating
  9/10/2010

Coming to the La Jolla Cove is always a pleasure for me.  Recently, my wife and I came here to enjoy the view with a freshly brewed cup of coffee from a nice and quaint coffeehouse up the hill.  

We both experienced a cool and misty morn together that…More »

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 14. Black's Beach

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 452-9858

Category: Beaches

5.0 star rating
  9/30/2010

I have been a swim suit wearing visitor of this beach since the early 80's.  Being the red blooded Irish-American male that I am, I find it too hard for me to expose my manhood to the sun bathing beauties who are enhancing the magnificence of this…More »

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 15. Shakespeare Pub & Grille

3701 India St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 299-0230

Categories: Pubs, British

Neighbourhood: Mission Hills

5.0 star rating
  3/7/2010

I LOVE THIS PLACE!  The rustic interior along with the sunny outdoor balconies overlooking downtown San Diego.  You can watch the airplanes coming and going from the SD airport, cap that off with the incredible views of San Diego Bay and that makes…More »

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 16. Lucha Libre Gourmet Taco Shop

1810 W Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 296-8226

Category: Mexican

Neighbourhood: Mission Hills

2.0 star rating
  Update - 11/10/2010

My first eating experience here was pretty good, but now with all of the overstating and embellishments being made compliments of the "Man V. Food" TV show everything here has going down, down, down...

The food quality, the customer service, and the…More »

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  • 4.0 star rating
    9/4/2010

    Travel Channel host Adam Richmond of "Man Vs. Food" came here a while back while doing a pig-out… Read more »

 17. The Old Globe

1363 Old Globe Way
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-5623

Categories: Performing Arts, Landmarks & Historical Buildings

Neighbourhood: Balboa Park

5.0 star rating
  3/10/2010

I come here every year at Christmas time after dark to enjoy the magnificence of the holiday lights all about.  My wife and I will sit in and outside the globe before, during, and after the Grinch Christmas show and pretend the we are the only people…More »

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 18. Belmont Park

3146 Mission Blvd
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-1549

Category: Amusement Parks

5.0 star rating
  8/24/2010

MY 100th REVIEW!

It's seems very fitting that I chose Belmont Park as my 100th review because I have 100 personal stories of good times that I could share with all of you about this ultra-cool and fun place to spend a day or hot summer night much like…More »

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 19. Sandbar Grill

718 Ventura Pl
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 488-1274
5.0 star rating
  9/2/2010

This place is a totally happenin' beach bar!

I used to come here a lot with a friend of mine that moved here to San Diego a couple of years back.  We used to come here most every Wednesday evening sharing conversation over beers and tacos.  

Check…More »

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 20. Phil's BBQ

3750 Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 226-6333

Categories: Barbeque, Venues & Event Spaces, Caterers

Neighbourhood: Midway

5.0 star rating
  6/23/2010

1,564 Yelper's cannot be wrong and neither am I, Phil's BBQ is the best BBQ in San Diego.  Hands Down!

I do miss the quaint little place they used to be located at in Mission Hills before the big move over to Point Loma but I digress...

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 21. Cowles Mountain

Golfcrest Dr and Navajo Rd
San Diego, CA 92119

Category: Hiking

Neighbourhood: San Carlos

4.0 star rating
  6/8/2010

Let me start this review by stating that this hike is "NOT" for a couch potato because at 1,592 feet, Cowles Mountain is the highest point within the City of San Diego.  From the trailhead to the top of the Mountain it is up, up, and away for 1.5…More »

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 22. US Olympic Training Center

2800 Olympic Pkwy
Chula Vista, CA 91915
(619) 656-1500

Category: Active Life

5.0 star rating
  6/17/2010

This place is one of many San Diego area super-cool hidden patriotic and nationalistic treasures that everybody should take the time to come see.

This is the place where our young American athlete's come to train and compete in their pursuit of…More »

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 23. Valley View Casino Center

3500 Sports Arena Blvd
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 224-4171

Categories: Stadiums & Arenas, Music Venues

Neighbourhood: Midway

4.0 star rating
  Update - 7/15/2011

This place will always will be the Sports Arena to me...  I have been coming here to experience concerts since 1984 and I still have reminiscent feelings whenever I come here to this day.  Recently, I came here to see Eric Clapton (Yes, Clapton yet…More »

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  • 3.0 star rating
    9/14/2010

    I've been coming here to the San Diego Sports Arena since 1984.  I have seen so many concerts here… Read more »

 24. San Diego Padres

100 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-5555

Category: Professional Sports Teams

Neighbourhood: East Village

5.0 star rating
  7/19/2011

Going to see the Padres at Petco Park is always a part of my summertime schedule.  Nothing beats going to a ball game downtown and enjoying the atmosphere that is MLB Baseball.  This team and this stadium are both a San Diego treasure that will…More »

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 25. ALTITUDE Sky Lounge

660 K St
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 450-2437

Category: Lounges

Neighbourhoods: Gaslamp, East Village

5.0 star rating
  8/11/2011

Simply stated; WHAT A VIEW!  

This place is sooo effing cool!  I love to bring my friends here when they come to visit me from out of town.  There is so much to take in here at ALTITUDE Sky Lounge.  

You can enjoy yourself while sitting around a fire…More »

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 26. USS Midway Museum

910 N Harbor Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 544-9600

Category: Museums

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

This is a must see destination in San Diego!  So much cool stuff going on here at the USS Midway.  What else can I say that so many other Yelper's have not said?

Here's something, my local Jeep club (SD Jeepin') holds our annual Christmas Run…More »

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 27. Balboa Park

1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 239-0512

Categories: Parks, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhood: Balboa Park

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

I love this park!  The jewel of San Diego!

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 28. San Diego Zoo

2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 231-1515

Category: Zoos

Neighbourhood: Balboa Park

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

The zoo is one of the best things to check out in San Diego.   I am a local member of the zoo (no, I do not live here in a cage) so I get to come and go as often as I like.  I love to simply come here on a weekday and sit in a nest of trees while…More »

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 29. Del Mar Fairgrounds

2260 Jimmy Durante Blvd
Del Mar, CA 92014
(858) 792-4235

Categories: Stadiums & Arenas, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhood: Del Mar

4.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

This is one of the nicest looking fairgrounds I have ever seen.  I come here 3 or 4 times a year for an event or an expo of some sort.  That said, I feel like I am being robbed every time I enter the parking lot.  The price for parking here is beyond…More »

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 30. Bookstar / Barnes & Noble

3150 Rosecrans Pl
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 225-0465

Category: Bookstores

Neighbourhood: Loma Portal

4.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

I love this book store!  It used to be a movie theater back in the day.  The selection here is very good and I love to hangout for hours perusing the many books on the selves.

These days with buying books on the Internet, it is easy for us all to…More »

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 31. Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

4002 Wallace St
San Diego, CA 92110
(619) 220-5422

Categories: Shopping Centers, Local Flavor

Neighbourhood: Old Town

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

I love old town SD!  I come here many times throughout the year.  My favorite time of year to visit is on November 2nd, The Day of the Dead.  Marching in the streets while heading over to the cemetery is an event and a half.

Looking at all of the…More »

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 32. Hotel del Coronado

1501 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 435-6611

Categories: Hotels, Venues & Event Spaces

Neighbourhood: Coronado

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

I love Hotel Del!  This is a great place to spend the night or even just hangout for the day.  On Sundays, they serve a brunch here that is to die for...  

It's quite the social experiment to come here and breathe the same air as the 1%.  Me being a…More »

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 33. Tidelands Park

2020 Mullinix Dr
Coronado, CA 92118
(619) 686-6225

Category: Parks

Neighbourhood: Coronado

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

This is a great park to visit if you are from out of town and want to get a magnificent view of the Coronado Bridge.  I come here from time-to-time to take photographs of the many vistas that are seen from this park.

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 34. Children's Pool

850 Coast Blvd
La Jolla, CA 92037
(619) 235-1169

Categories: Parks, Beaches

4.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

One of the most picturesque spots in all of La Jolla/San Diego.  There is so much to soak in while you are here.

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 35. Mission Beach

W Mission Bay Drive at Ocean Front Walk
San Diego, CA 92109

5.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

The official beach of San Diego?  It does not get more California than here.  Lots of people, lots of fun, lots of places to eat and drink...

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 36. Yard House

1023 4th Ave
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 233-9273

Category: American (New)

4.0 star rating
  3/6/2012

The Yard House has been a favorite SD spot of mine for many years now, pick your poison because they have a lot of beers to choose from up in this piece.

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 37. Barefoot Bar & Grill

1404 Vacation Rd
San Diego, CA 92109
(858) 274-4630

Categories: Hotels, Restaurants

5.0 star rating
  3/7/2012

I absolutely love the Barefoot Bar & Grill.  I arranged a surprise party here for my wife and in doing so, I worked closely with the Manager and staff.  Everyone did a great job and I am pleased with how the entire party came to be.  Most importantly…More »

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 38. SeaWorld

500 Sea World Dr
San Diego, CA 92109
(800) 257-4268
4.0 star rating
  3/7/2012

SeaWorld is a great place to hangout and watch the mighty whales do their thing!  The fireworks over Mission Bay rock as well.  I had a place in Bay Park for years and would watch the fireworks daily in the summertime.

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"It's Good To Be The King!"

Review votes:
1815 Useful, 848 Funny, and 1394 Cool

Location

San Diego, CA

Yelping Since

January 2009

Things I Love

Jeeps, Photography, Books, Music

Find Me In

All around San Diego!

My Hometown

New York, NY

My Blog Or Website

http://johnmantey.com/

When I'm Not Yelping...

I'm living life, on my terms.

Why You Should Read My Reviews

I'm an easy going, fair minded foodie, traveler, & consumer; minus being a snob.

The Last Great Book I Read

Giude to Safe, Common Sense Off-Road Driving

My First Concert

AC/DC, Highway to Hell Tour 1979 in SF, Bon Scott lead singer days  before death

My Favourite Movie

Sideways

My Last Meal On Earth

My wife's cooking!

Don't Tell Anyone Else But...

I fight crime at night...

Most Recent Discovery

Having balance in my life, ROCKS!!!

Current Crush

I don't do crushes.