Exploring La Mesa & San Diego
Sightseeing Attractions and more
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo Drbest zoo in country by far
so much to do eat and see. clubs nightlife historic gaslamp comi-con fireworks and more
253 locals recommend
Downtown San Diego
1409 Fourth Avenueso much to do eat and see. clubs nightlife historic gaslamp comi-con fireworks and more
Viejas Arena SDSU
5500 Canyon Crest Drloads of music and events 5 minutes from us by cae
Mission Beach
3000 Mission Boulevardactivities amusements music beach
and la jolla in general. come see wildlife native to this area. near la jolla shops and restaurants
108 locals recommend
Childrens Pool Beach
and la jolla in general. come see wildlife native to this area. near la jolla shops and restaurants
Balboa Park
huge park with loads of activities, museums, events and more
experience the real old west San Diego with the first downtown. historic locations, shops, restaurants and events and tours. off old town trolley stop with parking.
1070 locals recommend
Old Town
experience the real old west San Diego with the first downtown. historic locations, shops, restaurants and events and tours. off old town trolley stop with parking.
la mesa village specifically. food events shopping near trolley and parking. antique car show in summer. Oktoberfest and christmas festival. also near railroad museum that offer themed rides on vintage locomotive through san Diego mountains.
39 locals recommend
La Mesa
la mesa village specifically. food events shopping near trolley and parking. antique car show in summer. Oktoberfest and christmas festival. also near railroad museum that offer themed rides on vintage locomotive through san Diego mountains.
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.marine life on display with amusements
Whaley House Museum
2476 San Diego AveWhale Watching at H&M Landing
2803 Emerson StMaritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N Harbor DrCoronado Beach
Comic-Con Museum
2131 Pan American PlazaLEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrSan Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdBelmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdBoardwalk
1280 Fletcher PkwyBoomers El Cajon
1155 Graves AveDave & Buster's
2931 Camino Del Rio NorthSesame Place San Diego
2052 Entertainment CirBirch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition WayParkway Bowl
1280 Fletcher PkwyLittle shopping village in the San Diego Bay where the Martime Museum and Downtown is.
762 locals recommend
Seaport Village
849 W Harbor DrLittle shopping village in the San Diego Bay where the Martime Museum and Downtown is.
La Mesa is known as the Jewel of the Hills and the secret stairs are a great way to experience some of the best 360 degree views of the county (and even Mexico). The stairs are great exercise as well and will take you from the base of La Mesa Village and Downtown LM to the top of grandfather hill where the founder of La Mesa's historic Craftman mansion sits with an amazing view. Highly recommended.
13 locals recommend
Secret Stairs La Mesa
8021 Windsor DrLa Mesa is known as the Jewel of the Hills and the secret stairs are a great way to experience some of the best 360 degree views of the county (and even Mexico). The stairs are great exercise as well and will take you from the base of La Mesa Village and Downtown LM to the top of grandfather hill where the founder of La Mesa's historic Craftman mansion sits with an amazing view. Highly recommended.
Also a great day trip, if planning to do one of their rides on their vintage trains into the local mountains for a down home wild west experience. They do rides for specific occasions with reservations ahead of time. Great for kids and family.
7 locals recommend
Pacific Southwest Railway Museum
750 Depot StAlso a great day trip, if planning to do one of their rides on their vintage trains into the local mountains for a down home wild west experience. They do rides for specific occasions with reservations ahead of time. Great for kids and family.
Palomar Observatory
35899 Canfield RdSDCCU Stadium
9449 Friars RdPetco Park
100 Park BlvdJapanese Friendship Garden
2215 Pan American Rd EBarona Resort & Casino
1932 Wildcat Canyon RdThe Water Conservation Garden
12122 Cuyamaca College Dr WWaterfront Park
1600 Pacific HwyCabrillo National Monument
Fisherman's Landing
2838 Garrison StGreat place to go for a day. Historic property that was owned and cultivated by Leo Carillo himself (known as Pancho from the The Cisco Kid television series). Wild peacocks roam this property. The property features many park and walking features as well as being his private ranch where he worked and lived and offered up a place where visitors could come to the cantina and shop and get their supplies. It is also home to his private adobe house with pool and the house he built for other family members. The property preserves California Wild West environment unique to the area.
38 locals recommend
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park
6200 Flying Leo Carrillo LnGreat place to go for a day. Historic property that was owned and cultivated by Leo Carillo himself (known as Pancho from the The Cisco Kid television series). Wild peacocks roam this property. The property features many park and walking features as well as being his private ranch where he worked and lived and offered up a place where visitors could come to the cantina and shop and get their supplies. It is also home to his private adobe house with pool and the house he built for other family members. The property preserves California Wild West environment unique to the area.
San Diego Culinary Institute
8024 La Mesa BlvdCoin Haus
8361 Allison AveThe World Famous Lips Rock
7689 High StNightlife and Live music
The Observatory North Park
2891 University Avelive music
The Tower Bar
4757 University Avepunk rock haven
Til-Two Club
4746 El Cajon Blvdmusic bar
Brick By Brick
1130 Buenos Avelike hard rock? great music. run by band members from as I lay dying.
Soda Bar
3615 El Cajon Blvdlive music
live music in a historic venue. notably the whiskey a go go or cbgb of San Diego.
87 locals recommend
The Casbah
2501 Kettner Blvdlive music in a historic venue. notably the whiskey a go go or cbgb of San Diego.
The Irenic
3090 Polk Avea church that provides events and live music to an all age crowd.
Soma
3350 Sports Arena Blvdconcerts
Cal Coast Credit Union Amphitheater
5500 Campanile Drconcerts
live music. great for a dat trip to north county. near solana beach/del mar
271 locals recommend
Belly Up
143 S Cedros Avelive music. great for a dat trip to north county. near solana beach/del mar
Santee Drive In Theatre
10990 N Woodside AveCinema Under The Stars
4040 Goldfinch StSan Diego Symphony
750 B StHumphreys Concerts By The Bay
2241 Shelter Island DrHouse of Blues San Diego
1055 Fifth AveGo Lounge
7123 El Cajon BlvdThe Comedy Store - La Jolla
916 Pearl StReading Cinemas Grossmont with TITAN XC
5500 Grossmont Center DrThe Regal Bar
8344 La Mesa BlvdPete's Place
8330 La Mesa BlvdChico Club
7366 El Cajon BlvdThe BLVD Bar
6949 El Cajon BlvdWhere to eat near home
Lots of great places to grab a bite.
La Mesita Mexican Food
7012 University Avegreat Mexican fare. the best in the neighborhood.
Wei Wei Asian Express
6465 University Aveexcellent Asian fusion. they also deliver.
best authentic Italian with great service in the heart of downtown La Mesa Village
16 locals recommend
Tiramisu Trattoria
8273 La Mesa Blvdbest authentic Italian with great service in the heart of downtown La Mesa Village
Next Door Craft Beer & Wine Bar
7235 El Cajon Blvdneighborhood wine bar
Pancake House
7303 El Cajon Blvdamazing american breakfast fare
Riviera Supper Club and Turquoise Room
7777 University Avesteaks steaks steaks
amazing Greek comfort food. great for to go orders. get the whole chicken souvlaki fetashes spanakopita or pastitsio. amazing!
J-K's Greek Cafe
7749 University Aveamazing Greek comfort food. great for to go orders. get the whole chicken souvlaki fetashes spanakopita or pastitsio. amazing!
Woodstock's Pizza SDSU
6145 El Cajon BlvdCity Tacos
3028 University AveCali Comfort BBQ
8910 Troy StTerra American Bistro
7091 El Cajon BlvdTokyo Sushi Loha
6502 El Cajon BlvdBMH Italian
7670 El Cajon BlvdDelicious European/Jewish breakfast and deli food, but make a reservation, they get busy. They also have a shop and bakery inside the restaurant.
24 locals recommend
DZ Akins
6930 Alvarado RdDelicious European/Jewish breakfast and deli food, but make a reservation, they get busy. They also have a shop and bakery inside the restaurant.
Amazing Nepalese/Indian cuisine. There is also a grocery market of foods there as well. In the same shopping center as a 99 cents store, Starbucks and Burlington Store
15 locals recommend
Himalayan Cuisine
7918 El Cajon BlvdAmazing Nepalese/Indian cuisine. There is also a grocery market of foods there as well. In the same shopping center as a 99 cents store, Starbucks and Burlington Store
Great inexpensive thai food with a quaint upscale dining experience in a small shopping center with a nail salon and boudoir photography studio near La Mesa Springs Shopping Center with the local grocery store and a Starbucks and other shops.
10 locals recommend
Bamboo Fresh Thai Cuisine
7953 University AveGreat inexpensive thai food with a quaint upscale dining experience in a small shopping center with a nail salon and boudoir photography studio near La Mesa Springs Shopping Center with the local grocery store and a Starbucks and other shops.
Starbucks
1206 28th StUniversity Ave, La Mesa location
Spacebar
7454 University AveA little divey but really good inexpensive Jamaican food! Worth it. Highly suggest calling orders ahead for pick up and picnicking or taking home.
11 locals recommend
Island Spice Restaurant
6109 University AveA little divey but really good inexpensive Jamaican food! Worth it. Highly suggest calling orders ahead for pick up and picnicking or taking home.
Close decent place for Hawaiian BBQ. Its a chain so not a totally great place to eat at. This location does not serve bento boxes but all the other Hawaiian fare is here: spam, katsu, manapua (meat filled pockets of yummy-ness) and grilled proteins. All yum!
L&L Hawaiian BBQ
6353 El Cajon BlvdClose decent place for Hawaiian BBQ. Its a chain so not a totally great place to eat at. This location does not serve bento boxes but all the other Hawaiian fare is here: spam, katsu, manapua (meat filled pockets of yummy-ness) and grilled proteins. All yum!
Another great chain with healthier and gourmet burger (chicken, beef, veggie), salad and french fry options. They do cater to dietary needs with loads of options. Their claim to fame is they smash the protein on the grill as it cooks to retain juicyness and it works! Another place I would order for take out.
17 locals recommend
Smashburger
6061 El Cajon BlvdAnother great chain with healthier and gourmet burger (chicken, beef, veggie), salad and french fry options. They do cater to dietary needs with loads of options. Their claim to fame is they smash the protein on the grill as it cooks to retain juicyness and it works! Another place I would order for take out.
Great traditional Thai dining experience with amazing food and friendly staff. A little hole in the wall in an old shopping center with plenty of parking. Another one of SD's great hidden gems.
15 locals recommend
Sala Thai Restaurant
6161 El Cajon BlvdGreat traditional Thai dining experience with amazing food and friendly staff. A little hole in the wall in an old shopping center with plenty of parking. Another one of SD's great hidden gems.
The Living Room
5900 El Cajon BlvdGreat cafe and coffee place with private patio to dine at.
Marleez Koffee
Our local coffee place up the street :) Very mom and pop
Swami's Cafe
8284 La Mesa BoulevardBreakfast/lunch with healthy sandwich/wrap options.
Amazing burgers and bar food. Check first to see if they allow folks under 21, they may during specific times. Normally this is a sports bar with great food so its a 21+ place.
13 locals recommend
Johnny B's Burgers, Brew & Spirits
8393 La Mesa BlvdAmazing burgers and bar food. Check first to see if they allow folks under 21, they may during specific times. Normally this is a sports bar with great food so its a 21+ place.
Upscale farm to table with French-American influence. Gorgeous outdoor patio.
71 locals recommend
BO-beau kitchen + garden
8384 La Mesa BlvdUpscale farm to table with French-American influence. Gorgeous outdoor patio.
Want to high noon tea experience, they have amazing service and food and teas here set in the quaint store - hats, tea related china everywhere...Amazing staff.
6 locals recommend
The AubreyRose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa BlvdWant to high noon tea experience, they have amazing service and food and teas here set in the quaint store - hats, tea related china everywhere...Amazing staff.
Public Square Coffee House
8278 La Mesa BlvdCoffee house in La Mesa Village
Farmer's Table La Mesa
8141 La Mesa BlvdUpscale farm to table restaurant that serves American fare
Truly authentic Italian food. Casual and Romantic setting with patio in the heart of La Mesa Village
16 locals recommend
Tiramisu Trattoria
8273 La Mesa BlvdTruly authentic Italian food. Casual and Romantic setting with patio in the heart of La Mesa Village
Cali Comfort BBQ
8910 Troy StGreat BBQ in sports bar setting, great for take out as well.
A family owned and operated San Diego institution for decades. Cheap comfort food.
17 locals recommend
San Diego Chicken Pie Shop
2633 El Cajon BlvdA family owned and operated San Diego institution for decades. Cheap comfort food.
Amazing sandwiches and deli and desserts. Call ahead to order, the place is small and very popular!!! Mom and pop.
BMH Italian
7670 El Cajon BlvdAmazing sandwiches and deli and desserts. Call ahead to order, the place is small and very popular!!! Mom and pop.
Thai Taste
7030 El Cajon BlvdJ-K's Greek Cafe
7749 University AveTrolley StopDeli
8150 La Mesa BlvdLa Mesa Bistro & Bakery
8697 La Mesa BlvdLa Torta Cafe
8356 Allison AveLunch Box Cafe & Deli
8751 La Mesa BlvdBaskin-Robbins
8807 1/2 La Mesa BlvdCentifonti's Bar & Restaurant
8365 La Mesa BlvdSurf Rider Pizza Co.
2163 Abbott StThe Yogurt Mill of La Mesa
8158 La Mesa BlvdMenchie's Frozen Yogurt
8046 La Mesa BlvdBamboo Fresh Thai Cuisine
7953 University AveSheldon's Service Station
8401 La Mesa BlvdLight Bulb Coffee
8138 La Mesa BlvdWhere to shop near home
La Mesa Springs Shopping Center
8058 La Mesa BlvdVons
2800 Fletcher PkwyRalphs
6670 Montezuma RdGrossmont Center
5500 Grossmont Center DrWalmart Supercenter
3412 College AveTarget
3030 Grape StreetSantee Trolley Square
9888 Mission Gorge RdFarmers Market
434 W Cedar StFashion Valley
7007 Friars RdMission Valley
La Mesa Village Co
7830 La Mesa BlvdHillcrest
3960 Normal StNorth Park
Sprouts Farmers Market
152 N 2nd StTrader Joe's
5495 Grossmont Center Dr7-Eleven
7602 University AveHoffer's Cigar Bar
8282 La Mesa BlvdTaang! Records
3834 Fifth AveThey sell all sorts of tea service related accouterments here. And they have high tea by reservation as well.
6 locals recommend
The AubreyRose Tea Room
8362 La Mesa BlvdThey sell all sorts of tea service related accouterments here. And they have high tea by reservation as well.
Pret-a-Porter Salon & Spa
8043 La Mesa BlvdJudy does an amazing job with your nail, hair removal and skin services. You get a high end nail salon experience for a low budget price in a friendly atmosphere. Its a small place with two pedicure spa chairs, 4 manicure stations and one room for waxing, etc and a few people working there at any given time in a shopping center near food places, so I highly suggest calling ahead of time to see how busy she is before doing a walk in or making an appointment. But absolutely worth it. She is open most days of the week, even Sundays at certain times.
Judy's Nails
7520 El Cajon BlvdJudy does an amazing job with your nail, hair removal and skin services. You get a high end nail salon experience for a low budget price in a friendly atmosphere. Its a small place with two pedicure spa chairs, 4 manicure stations and one room for waxing, etc and a few people working there at any given time in a shopping center near food places, so I highly suggest calling ahead of time to see how busy she is before doing a walk in or making an appointment. But absolutely worth it. She is open most days of the week, even Sundays at certain times.
Windmill Farms
6386 Del Cerro BoulevardGypsy Treasure
5500 Grossmont Center DriveMexican market for all your traditional Mexican cuisine needs Better quality and price, more selection than Pancho Villa.
49 locals recommend
Northgate Market
1950 Main StMexican market for all your traditional Mexican cuisine needs Better quality and price, more selection than Pancho Villa.
Grossmont Center
5500 Grossmont Center DrBarking Beauties Pet Salon
La Mesa Antique Mall
4710 Palm AveAmethyst Moon
8329 La Mesa BlvdSport Clips Haircuts of La Mesa
8034 La Mesa BlvdVons
2800 Fletcher PkwyRalphs
6670 Montezuma RdThe Barking Lot | Pet Grooming
7991 La Mesa BlvdThrift Korral
8693 La Mesa Blvdtransportation options
you also have Lyft Uber lime bird taxi services car rental agencies and vehicles throughout town
70th St Trolley Station
one of the nearest stations to us
Trolley / Bus-Transit Center
San Diego public transportation
Amtrak Old Town Station
4005 Taylor Stcoaster and surfliner services from here as well
Santa Fe Depot station
1050 Kettner Blvdtrain services historic building
great day trips
cute town for a day trip just 1 hour east of us by car. known for their apple pie and historic mining town
245 locals recommend
Julian
cute town for a day trip just 1 hour east of us by car. known for their apple pie and historic mining town
we are 30 minutes from tj. spend the day in Mexico! the blue line trolley takes you right there!
148 locals recommend
Tijuana
we are 30 minutes from tj. spend the day in Mexico! the blue line trolley takes you right there!
Carlsbad
Encinitas
Del Mar
Pala Casino Spa & Resort
11154 CA-76Sycuan Casino
5469 Casino WayCasino Pauma
777 Pauma Reservation RdJamul Casino
14145 Campo RdRancho Santa Fe
Go see the 350 foot metal serpent dragon sculpture crafted by local artist Ricardo Breceda. Great hiking in an untouched part of Southern California.
28 locals recommend
Anza Borrego State Park;
Go see the 350 foot metal serpent dragon sculpture crafted by local artist Ricardo Breceda. Great hiking in an untouched part of Southern California.
A bit out of the way but absolutely worth it. Hundreds of sculptures are here, including a "mini" version (its maybe 100ft not 350 ft, ha!) of the dragon that is out in Anza Borrego. If you are checking out Temecula or Anza Borrego, worthwhile to pop in and visit Ricardo and see more of his amazing creations made out of scrap metal.
Ricardo Breceda's Art Gallery
44395 White Mountain RdA bit out of the way but absolutely worth it. Hundreds of sculptures are here, including a "mini" version (its maybe 100ft not 350 ft, ha!) of the dragon that is out in Anza Borrego. If you are checking out Temecula or Anza Borrego, worthwhile to pop in and visit Ricardo and see more of his amazing creations made out of scrap metal.
the great outdoors
Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain5 minutes from us
Mission Trails Regional Park
1 Father Junipero Serra TrailLake Hodges
Balboa Park
San Diego Bay
Salton Sea
Santee Lakes Recreation Preserve
9310 Fanita PkwySan Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge
1080 Gunpowder Point DriveBlack Mountain Open Space Park
Cuyamaca Rancho State Park Visitor Center
Cleveland National Forest
10845 Co Hwy S7Hellhole Canyon Preserve
19324 Santee LnPalomar Mountain State Park
19952 State Park DriveTorrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadSan Elijo Lagoon
2710 Manchester AveLa Jolla Cove
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center
5180 Tecolote RoadChollas Lake Park
6350 College Grove DrMt. Helix Park
4901 Mt Helix DrSurfside Ranch
2225 Hollister St