Angela's Guidebook
Walking Distance: Activities
All listed Activities and Restaurants are less than a 10 minute walk from Paradise Penthouse.
Great theme park for kids located on the ocean. Great shops, carnival food, and restaurants nearby!
689 locals recommend
Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdGreat theme park for kids located on the ocean. Great shops, carnival food, and restaurants nearby!
Beautiful beach with miles of coastline for you to walk, skate, bike, or board your way through!
554 locals recommend
Mission Beach
3000 Mission BoulevardBeautiful beach with miles of coastline for you to walk, skate, bike, or board your way through!
More calm and family friendly than the ocean side, Mission Bay sports some of the most beautiful views in San Diego. Highly recommended for kids and families.
My favorite 5 mile walk is a beautiful loop around Mission Bay. To walk this route:
1. Walk east on West Mission Bay Drive
2. IMMEDIATELY after crossing one bridge, take the set of stairs to your left
4. Follow the trail around "Sunset Point" and through the Marina until you hit Ingraham Street
5. Follow North on Ingraham St. and cross two bridges.
6. Turn left on Riviera Drive and IMMEDIATELY take the stairs on your left.
7. Continue following the trail north around Mission Bay until you see street signs for Santa Barbara Place.
109 locals recommend
Mission Bay
More calm and family friendly than the ocean side, Mission Bay sports some of the most beautiful views in San Diego. Highly recommended for kids and families.
My favorite 5 mile walk is a beautiful loop around Mission Bay. To walk this route:
1. Walk east on West Mission Bay Drive
2. IMMEDIATELY after crossing one bridge, take the set of stairs to your left
4. Follow the trail around "Sunset Point" and through the Marina until you hit Ingraham Street
5. Follow North on Ingraham St. and cross two bridges.
6. Turn left on Riviera Drive and IMMEDIATELY take the stairs on your left.
7. Continue following the trail north around Mission Bay until you see street signs for Santa Barbara Place.
Ray's Rentals Pacific Beach
4655 Mission BlvdGreat place for bike, surfboard, and skate rentals!
Forgot your flip flops, bathing suits, or hats? No problem! Grab high quality beachwear at this popular local board shop, and dress like the locals. Bonus points if you splurge for the bright colored roller skates!
6 locals recommend
Sun Diego Boardshops
3126 Mission BlvdForgot your flip flops, bathing suits, or hats? No problem! Grab high quality beachwear at this popular local board shop, and dress like the locals. Bonus points if you splurge for the bright colored roller skates!
Awesome pool for kids right next to Belmont park! Recreational Swim w/Access to the Obstacle Course Noon-6pm Everyday (check for up to date hours).
11 locals recommend
The Plunge San Diego
Ocean Front WalkAwesome pool for kids right next to Belmont park! Recreational Swim w/Access to the Obstacle Course Noon-6pm Everyday (check for up to date hours).
Keep your workout routine with a day pass to the upscale Fit Athletic gym. They offer weight room access, yoga classes, and much more!
27 locals recommend
Fit Athletic Club & Gym
350 Tenth AveKeep your workout routine with a day pass to the upscale Fit Athletic gym. They offer weight room access, yoga classes, and much more!
Walking Distance: Food & Drinks
NoW cafe
844 West Mission Bay DriveAmazing and healthy Acai bowls with lots of fruit and toppings.
Restaurant and bar steps from the sand will leave you breathless at the gorgeous ocean view. Great place to relax with a cocktail or grab some food with the family. Occasional movie nights and other special events are also held here.
100 locals recommend
Beach House Grill
3125 Ocean Front WalkRestaurant and bar steps from the sand will leave you breathless at the gorgeous ocean view. Great place to relax with a cocktail or grab some food with the family. Occasional movie nights and other special events are also held here.
Sushi and asian fusion on a rooftop with beautiful views of Mission Beach! A bit pricy, but makes up for it in ambiance.
119 locals recommend
Cannonball
3105 Ocean Front WalkSushi and asian fusion on a rooftop with beautiful views of Mission Beach! A bit pricy, but makes up for it in ambiance.
Coaster Saloon
744 Ventura PlSurprisingly tasty BBQ joint close to the action of Belmont park
Cor di Gelato
736 Ventura PlaceAwesome spot for Gelato and Affogatos close to the action!
Bobboi Natural Gelato
Some of the best natural ice cream in San Diego!
Activities
Mission Bay Aquatic Center
1001 Santa Clara PlGreat boat, kayak, paddle board rentals and more!
Amazing aquatic-zoo with great activities and rides for kids and adults alike!
1754 locals recommend
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Amazing aquatic-zoo with great activities and rides for kids and adults alike!
The world famous San Diego Zoo is a must see attraction for kids and adults alike!
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrThe world famous San Diego Zoo is a must see attraction for kids and adults alike!
The UTC mall has it all - restaurants, food, desserts, coffee, art, and high end shopping! This newly renovated mall is entirely outdoors, and is one of the most beautiful places to spend an afternoon. Around every corner you will find fountains, art and architecture that is sure to inspire. The UTC mall boasts high end restaurants and cocktail bars like Din Thai Fung and Raised by Wolves that deserve a visit in their own right, while also hosting accessible lunch spots like Lemonade and Shake Shack. You are sure to find something you love at the UTC Mall!
381 locals recommend
Westfield UTC
4545 La Jolla Village DrThe UTC mall has it all - restaurants, food, desserts, coffee, art, and high end shopping! This newly renovated mall is entirely outdoors, and is one of the most beautiful places to spend an afternoon. Around every corner you will find fountains, art and architecture that is sure to inspire. The UTC mall boasts high end restaurants and cocktail bars like Din Thai Fung and Raised by Wolves that deserve a visit in their own right, while also hosting accessible lunch spots like Lemonade and Shake Shack. You are sure to find something you love at the UTC Mall!
Home to many restaurants and the world famous stone brewing, Liberty Station boasts the best of food and drink. Located by NTC park and the waterfront, Liberty Station is a beautiful place to visit. It also has market-style food halls.
269 locals recommend
Liberty Station
2640 Historic Decatur RdHome to many restaurants and the world famous stone brewing, Liberty Station boasts the best of food and drink. Located by NTC park and the waterfront, Liberty Station is a beautiful place to visit. It also has market-style food halls.
The Little Italy Farmer's Market is one of the best in town! It's open on Wednesday and Saturday, and spans 6+ blocks in the heart of Little Italy with amazing food, art, and produce. Parking can be hard to find at peak hours.
247 locals recommend
Little Italy Mercato Farmers' Market
600 W Date StThe Little Italy Farmer's Market is one of the best in town! It's open on Wednesday and Saturday, and spans 6+ blocks in the heart of Little Italy with amazing food, art, and produce. Parking can be hard to find at peak hours.
Pacific Beach Tuesday Farmers' Market
901 Hornblend StTuesday farmer's market in Pacific Beach!
Sightseeing
Take a beautiful scenic drive up to Mount Soledad for the best bird's eye view of San Diego! The scenic drive is half the fun, but the view from the memorial is something you won't forget.
146 locals recommend
Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial
6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr STake a beautiful scenic drive up to Mount Soledad for the best bird's eye view of San Diego! The scenic drive is half the fun, but the view from the memorial is something you won't forget.
Beautiful peninsula near Point Loma boasts a beautiful view of the ocean and downtown skyline. Great place for a picnic lunch, and there is a playground for kids nearby.
61 locals recommend
Shelter Island Pier
1776 Shelter Island DrBeautiful peninsula near Point Loma boasts a beautiful view of the ocean and downtown skyline. Great place for a picnic lunch, and there is a playground for kids nearby.
Beautiful ocean views of downtown San Diego. The monument is nestled in the Point Loma area.
238 locals recommend
Cabrillo National Monument
Beautiful ocean views of downtown San Diego. The monument is nestled in the Point Loma area.
Beautiful Park hosted the world fair and is now home to many museums, and the San Diego Zoo
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Beautiful Park hosted the world fair and is now home to many museums, and the San Diego Zoo
Restaurants
World Famous
711 Pacific Beach DrBeautiful higher-end restaurant on the Pacific ocean
This sit down restaurant has the ambiance of a club with loud music and great cocktails.
15 locals recommend
Flamingo Deck
4110 Mission BoulevardThis sit down restaurant has the ambiance of a club with loud music and great cocktails.
Gorgeous high end steakhouse and cocktails with glitzy decor and a rooftop patio. Located in Little Italy, this is one of the most expensive restaurants around, but for good reason!
124 locals recommend
Born and Raised
1909 India StGorgeous high end steakhouse and cocktails with glitzy decor and a rooftop patio. Located in Little Italy, this is one of the most expensive restaurants around, but for good reason!
Barbusa
1917 India StItalian Restaurant in Little Italy boasts great food.
Internationally renown Taiwanese dumpling house gives you an unparalleled family style experience with exceptional food. Reservations are recommended, but walk-in's are more than welcome. This restaurant is located in the UTC mall where there is plenty of shopping to occupy your time as you wait
39 locals recommend
Din Tai Fung
4301 La Jolla Village DrInternationally renown Taiwanese dumpling house gives you an unparalleled family style experience with exceptional food. Reservations are recommended, but walk-in's are more than welcome. This restaurant is located in the UTC mall where there is plenty of shopping to occupy your time as you wait
World renown Menya Ultra is a no frillsramen restaurant, but it's the best in the world. This specific location is Menya Ultra's first restaurant outside of Asia, and a newly awarded Michele plate.
They don't take reservation, but they do have an online waitlist on yelp. Don't forget to check their waitlist an hour or two before you want to eat! This is a must if visiting Menya.
24 locals recommend
Menya Ultra
8199 Clairemont Mesa BlvdWorld renown Menya Ultra is a no frillsramen restaurant, but it's the best in the world. This specific location is Menya Ultra's first restaurant outside of Asia, and a newly awarded Michele plate.
They don't take reservation, but they do have an online waitlist on yelp. Don't forget to check their waitlist an hour or two before you want to eat! This is a must if visiting Menya.
This international chain is famous for a reason! Sushi is dispensed on a revolving belt, and rotates around the room. When something catches your eye, simply open the protective cover, grab the dish, and enjoy! You are priced per plate, and all plates are collected by an automated machine that dispenses toys every 15 plates! It's a fun and whimsical experience that everyone is sure to enjoy.
You can check the wait on their app an hour or two before you actually want to eat, and join the waitlist before you leave the house!
Kura Revolving Sushi Bar
1600 Ethan WayThis international chain is famous for a reason! Sushi is dispensed on a revolving belt, and rotates around the room. When something catches your eye, simply open the protective cover, grab the dish, and enjoy! You are priced per plate, and all plates are collected by an automated machine that dispenses toys every 15 plates! It's a fun and whimsical experience that everyone is sure to enjoy.
You can check the wait on their app an hour or two before you actually want to eat, and join the waitlist before you leave the house!
Try the best El Pastor quesadilla you will every have. This brand new, beautiful location boasts amazing half off appetizers, cocktails, and quesadillas from 3-5 daily during happy hour. It's easily the best happy hour and bang for your buck when it comes to amazing Mexican food and Tequila cocktails!
La Puerta
4020 Goldfinch StreetTry the best El Pastor quesadilla you will every have. This brand new, beautiful location boasts amazing half off appetizers, cocktails, and quesadillas from 3-5 daily during happy hour. It's easily the best happy hour and bang for your buck when it comes to amazing Mexican food and Tequila cocktails!
Cafe Coyote has so much charm! Located in the admittedly touristy area of old town, cafe Coyote doesn't disappoint on the food or atmosphere! Enjoy your spot on their massive, multi story covered patio and take in the mariachi singers that walk around the restaurant. You can always count on a good time at Cafe Coyote!
30 locals recommend
Cafe Coyote
2461 San Diego AveCafe Coyote has so much charm! Located in the admittedly touristy area of old town, cafe Coyote doesn't disappoint on the food or atmosphere! Enjoy your spot on their massive, multi story covered patio and take in the mariachi singers that walk around the restaurant. You can always count on a good time at Cafe Coyote!
Casual Food Scene
Casual and easy on your wallet. You won't have a waiter or waitress at these locations, but this food is second to none
The best tacos and Mexican food in town hands down, and the El Pastor is a fan favorite.
132 locals recommend
The Taco Stand
621 Pearl StThe best tacos and Mexican food in town hands down, and the El Pastor is a fan favorite.
Absolutely incredible bakery featuring pastries, bread, and sandwiches. Often rated the best bakery in San Diego!
There may be a line, but you can pre-order pastries for pickup a day or so in advance. Or have someone wait for you while you order coffee at the nearby favorite "Birdrock Coffee Roasters"
35 locals recommend
Wayfarer Bread & Pastry
5525 La Jolla BlvdAbsolutely incredible bakery featuring pastries, bread, and sandwiches. Often rated the best bakery in San Diego!
There may be a line, but you can pre-order pastries for pickup a day or so in advance. Or have someone wait for you while you order coffee at the nearby favorite "Birdrock Coffee Roasters"
The best lunch you can get on a budget! You choose your spice level, and they deliver one of the best meals in San Diego.
Dave's Hot Chicken
2240 Mendocino AvenueThe best lunch you can get on a budget! You choose your spice level, and they deliver one of the best meals in San Diego.
A unique and inventive take on tacos! They have the classics and innovative tacos that will blow you away.
150 locals recommend
City Tacos
3028 University AveA unique and inventive take on tacos! They have the classics and innovative tacos that will blow you away.
Get the street food experience at this incredibly delicious Thai restaurant. Order and pickup food at the window, and eat at the provided tables outside. Everything on this menu is amazing!
Uncle Chai Thailand Street Food
4508 Cass StreetGet the street food experience at this incredibly delicious Thai restaurant. Order and pickup food at the window, and eat at the provided tables outside. Everything on this menu is amazing!
Classic Sandwich shop known for their special sauce is a local favorite!
24 locals recommend
Board & Brew - Pacific Beach
4516 Mission BlvdClassic Sandwich shop known for their special sauce is a local favorite!
Coffee
Saltwater Culture
3719 Mission BoulevardBeautiful local coffee shop by the Bay
Better Buzz Coffee Roasters
3745 Mission BlvdLocal coffee chain with imaginative drinks!
Local coffee shop favorite! Drinks tend to be less sweet.
217 locals recommend
Bird Rock Coffee Roasters
5627 La Jolla BlvdLocal coffee shop favorite! Drinks tend to be less sweet.
Bay area chain is a coffee shop favorite. Don't miss their iced mint mojito or their Rose Coffee!
31 locals recommend
Philz Coffee
1060 S Coast Hwy 101Bay area chain is a coffee shop favorite. Don't miss their iced mint mojito or their Rose Coffee!