North Park in San Diego: 23 Must-Dos [By a Local
GOING TO NORTH PARK IN SAN DIEGO THIS WEEKEND? AND WONDERING WHAT TO DO?
You’ve landed in the right spot because I live in Southern California. North Park in San Diego is like Atwater Village in Los Angeles but has its distinct hipster vibe.
If hipsters irritate you, you may want to avoid visiting North Park in San Diego.
This town has plenty to do and see, and it’s a great town to live in.
It has a bustling center with shopping and great restaurants. You have all you need here. If you wanted to, you wouldn’t have to go anywhere else because it’s all in North Park, San Diego.
Let’s dive into the best things to do in North Park in San Diego.
north park in san diego
23 Must-Dos in North Park in San Diego
Refer to the map below with places pinned to it for directions.
1. Parking in North Park Garage
It may be strange that a garage makes a must-do list, but you won’t find a better place to take a photo than atop this pretty garage.
In a neighborhood where finding street parking or available parking lots is a real challenge, stumbling upon a spacious, round-the-clock parking facility is undeniably noteworthy.
This garage stretches across four levels, offering picturesque vistas from its highest point, including a view of Verbatim Books and the expanse of 30th Street.
It will cost you a maximum of $10 for 24 hours (plus a flat rate of $5 applies between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.). If your destination revolves around the vicinity of 30th and University, spare yourself the inconvenience and make this parking hub your initial stop.
2. Grab an Espresso at Holsem Coffee
Numerous coffee establishments grace the North Park area, yet Holsem Coffee stands out for its appeal to those seeking a touch of uniqueness.
Diverse iterations of cold brew creations grace their menu, featuring options like a blend infused with ginger snaps and another enriched with their homemade banana milk.
Pair these offerings with the pristine interior ambiance and an array of delectable baked goods, and you have the perfect ingredients for an exceptional locale.
For your order, consider indulging in “The Woods,” a latte that combines the flavors of maple syrup, nutmeg, sea salt, maple bitters, and hazelnut milk.
Alternatively, opt for the “Ginger Snap Cold Brew,” infused with muddled ginger, nutmeg, maple syrup, and cream for a delightful twist on traditional cold brew.
Yum.
3. North Park Thursday Market
North Park Thursday Market takes place every Thursday from 3 to 7:30 p.m. and expanded its footprint by an entire block in 2022.
Brought together under the patronage of the North Park Main Street organization, this market has approximately 50 vendors, occasionally accompanied by a performer or two.
Amidst the offerings are delights like Peruvian chicken, churro doughnuts, Thai superballs, and a particularly cherished highlight—a stand fusing the culinary worlds of Kansas City barbecue and Baja cuisine, conveniently located across from a Mexican-Japanese fusion food stall.
This vibrant market stretches along North Park Way, spanning the space between Ray Street and Granada Avenue.
4. Take in Verbatim Books
The team at Verbatim proudly declares themselves the stewards of San Diego’s most expansive independent bookstore (and yes, those are their exact words).
The inventory predominantly features pre-owned books, cleverly arranged and complemented by new releases.
Your initial astonishment will likely stem from the breathtaking 90-foot mural gracing the store’s longest outer wall.
This mural, completed in 2021 by Armando Hernandez (also known as @Elizarraras_art), is bound to captivate your attention.
Once inside, you’ll be captivated by the arrangement of volumes stacked meticulously to form the bookstore’s name.
An alluring lengthy blue shelf proudly displays classics from the Hardy Boys series alongside artistic wall pieces inspired by literature.
Among the shelves, you’ll also discover zines, offerings from small presses, and an assortment of tarot decks.
Opening in 2015, the store underwent a significant expansion in 2019, tripling its original size to 5,000 square feet.
Verbatim Books is closed on Tuesdays. 📚
5. Go Visit Ted Williams’ Childhood Home
For baseball fans, you can get a glimpse of the outside of Ted Williams’ home.
In an unassuming abode, Rex Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams did part of his growing up in a home in North Park.
The residence, currently under private ownership, underwent some alterations in early July, with its side windows being covered with boards.
According to Zillow, the house, spanning 1,128 square feet, changed hands in 2022 for $850,000. A message affixed to the window serves as a reminder against unauthorized entry.
north park in san diego
Shopping in North Park in San Diego
6. Artelexia
Looking for an eclectic shopping experience, check out Artelexia.
Within this vibrant retail area, a splendid collection of Mexican arts and gifts takes center stage, showcasing a kaleidoscopic array that encompasses loteria cards, blankets, books, oilcloth, serape bowties, sombreros, cards, bags, alebrije earrings, and notably, a high FQ (Frida Quotient).
Owner Elexia de la Parra started her shop as a stall in a farmers market before eventually establishing a presence in North Park in 2017.
The mural outside, designed for selfie enthusiasts, is impossible to overlook, bearing the uplifting message “You are radiant!”
The Frida Kahlo mural is equally captivating indoors, not far from an icebox with paletas.
7. ACD Gallery
ACD Gallery is a boutique specializing in fashion and lifestyle items, deeply inspired by underground music, art, and skateboarding culture.
Their collection includes T-shirts starting from around $50, jackets reaching up to $1,800, and numerous footwear selections ranging from $100 to $200.
Founded by Keith Marzo in 2014, the store carries brands like Adidas, Braindead, Liberaiders of Tokyo, Acronym of Berlin, the Salvages of Singapore, and Insatiable High of San Diego.
8. Aloha Sunday
Exuding a Hawaiian surfing atmosphere, this store offers various distinctive products, from art prints to blankets.
Visiting this store is highly recommended. They have great hats, towels, and swimsuits you wouldn’t find anywhere else.
9. Pigment
Another great store is Pigment.
Pigment boasts an exceptional array of gifts, plants, and home goods. This is a great place for holiday shopping
The store’s standout features include a space for crafting personalized terrariums and a photo booth perfect for capturing memories.
north park in san diego
Eating in North Park in San Diego
There are a ton of great eats in North Park, from tacos to seafood.
10. Mabel’s Gone Fishing
First off, great name. The Michelin Guide praised Mabel’s Gone Fishing for
“the crispy, meaty swordfish schnitzel, served with salsa verde and creamy tomato sauce alongside a salad of caper berries and shaved fennel,”
Michelin Guide
This seafood spot, blending Iberian flair with Baja ingredients, debuted in 2022.
It’s garnered praise from locals, visitors, and Michelin/Eater.
The bar focuses on gins and natural wines.
Reserve early or arrive at opening for bar access. Weeknight Oyster Hour available. Open for dinner (Tues-Sat) and brunch (weekends).
11. Tribute Pizza
This “neo-Neapolitan” pizzeria gets crowds to its dining room within a creatively repurposed 1951 post office.
Everything is made from scratch at Tribute Pizza.
The beverage selection features an abundance of beers from local brewers. Since its establishment in 2016, Tribute has secured positions on multiple top pizzeria rankings. Open from Wednesday to Sunday.
12. Shank & Bone
Established in 2018, this restaurant specializes in both contemporary and traditional Vietnamese cuisine, with a notable focus on elevated pho dishes.
Adding to its ambiance is the presence of “Revolution Woman,” a mural crafted by Shepard Fairey that watches over the establishment royally.
The setting is meticulously crafted to evoke the spirit of Ho Chi Minh City (also known as Saigon), achieved through an array of vintage travel posters, displayed scooters, and metal chairs painted in shades of red, blue, and yellow.
13. City Tacos
For cheaper fare, try City Tacos, which never disappoints.
When it comes to a satisfying and affordable lunch, City Tacos stands as a tough contender to surpass.
This compact eatery offers an array of remarkable tacos, each priced at $3.50. From bacon bits and scallops to shrimp fillings, the options are diverse and delectable, making it a consistent favorite stop for me.
Recommended choices: Camaron, Puerco Agridulce, or Chorizo Asada. 🌮
14. Underbelly
If you love good ramen like I do, Underbelly is a must. The inviting ambiance, featuring spacious communal stone tables, is a delightful choice for an enjoyable, reasonably priced meal.
Recommended choices: Try the Belly of the Beast Ramen or the Eggplant Buns for your order.
north park in san diego
North Park Breweries
The brewery scene is growing in San Diego, and North Park has a few breweries worth seeking out if you like beer. North Park is bursting with breweries.
15. North Park Beer Co.
Prepare to quench your thirst when you reach 30th Street.
Amidst the plethora of brewpubs in the vicinity, North Park Beer Co. (established in 2016) stands out.
At the 2022 Great American Beer Festival in Denver, their brews secured more awards than any other participant.
The expansive dining and drinking space is accompanied by the Mastiff Kitchen, known for its specialty sausages, an array of burgers, and food that perfectly complements their beers.
Just remember to save a bit of room for indulgence (the sausage is their specialty!) 🍺🌭
16. Original 40 Brewing Co.
Derived from the initial 40-acre plot that evolved into present-day North Park, San Diego, CA, The Original 40 Brewing Company is a local brewery within the neighborhood.
It presents a rotating menu featuring beloved San Diego classics, thoughtfully complemented by 40 original hand-crafted beers available on tap.
They offer an extensive menu with sharable plates. YUM.
17. Bivouac Ciderworks
Crafted by hand in North Park, San Diego, Bovouac‘s distinctive hard ciders embody the essence and exploration of the West Coast.
Infused with premium ingredients, they capture the outdoor freshness for your palate.
With lower sugar content, natural gluten-free attributes, and unvarying deliciousness, each sip will kindle your desire to break free from the mundane and embrace your adventure!
They also offer local craft beer, wine, innovative cocktails, and an award-winning restaurant offering a seasonal menu of comfort food to pair with cider flights.
18. Have a drink at the LaFayette Hotel Bar
There’s a lot to see at the LaFayette Hotel. Since 1946, the LaFayette Hotel has graced El Cajon Boulevard with its Neo-Colonial façade.
However, the most recent transformation of this 2½-acre property presents a sight unlike anything it has previously showcased.
In addition to its 139 guest rooms and pool, the sprawling complex comprises five buildings. Among its offerings is a lobby bar that exudes the grandeur of a London hotel: Quixote. A Mexican restaurant adorned with furnishings from a deconsecrated church aged a century. Beginners, a simulated 1940s diner, and Gutter, an underground bar boasting a two-lane bowling alley.
Furthermore, there are plans to introduce an upscale French restaurant to the lineup in the future.
north park in san diego
Dessert in North Park, San Diego
19. Belching Beaver Brewery
Known for the widely loved Peanut Butter Milk Stout, Belching Beaver has swiftly ascended within San Diego’s brewery landscape.
Situated in the northern stretch of North Park, their establishment lets you sample their complete beer selection.
Particularly intriguing for fellow food enthusiasts like me, Belching Beaver is an entertaining spot, mainly due to their creation of a beer float involving their remarkable peanut butter stout, cookie dough ice cream, and peanut butter cookies.
It’s a treat that satisfies on multiple levels.
Recommended choices: Enjoy the Peanut Butter Milk Stout alone, or indulge in the “Milk and Cookies Float.”
20. Caffee Calabria
For a post-dinner cappuccino or a delightful dessert, go to Caffe Calabria.
One of my cherished spots in North Park, it offers a splendid blend of delectable eats and inviting ambiance (their pizzas are incredibly fantastic for dinner).
Seating options include the bar or the cozy attached rooms.
The establishment boasts an array of playful specialty cocktails, accompanied by a dessert selection that ranges from a sweet pizza to a peach sorbet presented within a hollowed-out peach.
Additionally, they craft classic whiskey gingers with egg whites and an Espresso Martini using coffee roasted in-house.
Recommended options: Treat yourself to the Espresso Martini or the Peach Sorbet. 🍨
21. Zonkey Paletas
An extension of Lucha Libre Taco Shop, Zonkey Paletas is a captivating haven of frozen delights adorned with pink walls and an array of customizable popsicles. (I particularly enjoyed the coconut paleta.)
The establishment’s moniker is drawn from Tijuana, where a donkey adorned in zebra-like paint is called a “zonkey.”
north park in san diego
After Dinner Things to Do in North Park
22. Music at The Observatory North Park
The Observatory screened films until the 1970s, then languished in inactivity until the city of San Diego intervened to renovate and reanimate the structure, alongside the addition of a parking facility at the rear.
The external signage continues to read North Park Theatre, yet those in the pop music scene recognize it as the Observatory.
Nowadays, the spotlight is on live music performances. The property is owned by music industry giant Live Nation, which is responsible for organizing the shows.
West Coast Tavern manages food and beverage services in the lobby from Thursday through Sunday and during show nights.
23. Part Time Lover
Japanese-style listening bars, where vinyl enthusiasts engage in hushed discussions and immerse in classic records, are rare. Los Angeles only has a handful.
San Diego boasts only one of this kind, Part Time Lover, the bar’s name (and a Stevie Wonder Song) opened in 2022.
With a welcoming ambiance, leaving becomes a challenge once the record spinning on the turntable aligns with your preferences.
While officially named “Part-Time Lover,” the local abbreviation and storefront signage is “PTL.”
Beyond the opulent main space and impressive sound setup, complete with a captivating McIntosh tube amp that resonates with audiophiles, there’s a retro record store at the rear, prominently featuring an extensive jazz collection.
north park in san diego
Where to Stay in North Park in San Diego
I have two hotel recommendations for staying in North Park. Use the map below for the best rates and availability for more options.
The LaFayette Hotel
Established in 1946, this iconic boutique hotel, now revitalized, presents a refined ambiance accompanied by an abundance of enchanting allure.
For the best rates and availability, book The LaFayette Hotel here.
Hotel del Coronado
If you seek indulgence, this resort provides all the essentials for an ideal escape. With a beachfront pool and opulent spa treatments, your expectations will certainly be exceeded here!
For the best rates and availability, book Hotel del Coronado here.
Check rates and availability for more hotels with the map below ⤵️
north park in San diego
Where is North Park in San Diego?
North Park is a neighborhood located in the city of San Diego, California, United States. It’s situated just northeast of downtown San Diego.
It’s around 120 to 140 miles from Los Angeles, depending on the two cities’ specific starting and ending points. The drive usually takes about 2.5 to 3 hours, depending on traffic conditions.
North Park San Diego is centrally situated within San Diego County, only moments from downtown.
Accessible by public transportation, it’s surrounded by Balboa Park to the north, University Heights and Hillcrest to the east, South Park and Normal Heights to the south, and Mission Valley and Old Town to the west—discover North Park’s diverse offerings, including independent eateries, boutique shops, and hotels.
north park in san diego
What Is the Weather Like in North Park San Diego
North Park, San Diego, generally experiences a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers. The weather is often pleasant throughout the year.
North Park is an attractive destination for pleasant weather year-round, with average temperatures from the upper 50s to low 80s Fahrenheit.
Although rainfall is typically light, sporadic showers can occur in the winter.
Overall, North Park, San Diego, boasts fantastic weather every season.
north park in san diego
What Is the Best Time to Visit North Park in San Diego
May and October are The best times to visit North Park in San Diego.
Enjoy great weather with mild temperatures and a low chance of rainfall, perfect for discovering the region’s attractions.
For a quieter experience with less bustling streets, consider April or November.
Summer months can bring crowds and elevated costs, so plan wisely if you opt for that time.
north park in san diego
North Park in San Diego: FAQs
Yes, North Park in San Diego is a great place to live. North Park provides a dynamic and varied community, a flourishing arts environment, and a strategic central position that grants access to numerous amenities and conveniences.
Yes, North Park in San Diego is worth visiting. There are great restaurants, breweries, and unique shopping. North Park is known for its quaint family neighborhoods with historic houses and many trendy small businesses.
North Park stands out at the heart of San Diego’s rise as a craft brewing hub. Over a dozen craft breweries and pubs are scattered throughout the vicinity, interspersed among eateries, local shops, and stylish cocktail lounges such as Botanica, Seven Grand, and 619 Spirits North Park
Yes, North Park is a lovely neighborhood to visit and live. North Park is renowned for its charming residential areas replete with historic homes, as well as its multitude of fashionable small enterprises. Additionally, the neighborhood boasts an array of art galleries and boasts proximity to both Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, ensuring convenient access to the city’s most vibrant locales. It’s one of the most walkable neighborhoods in California.
north park in san diego
Wrap-Up: North Park in San Diego
Spending a few days in North Park, San Diego, is worth it. It’s considered one of California’s most walkable towns and has plenty to do and see.
North Park stands out at the heart of San Diego’s rise as a craft brewing hub, but if you need more than drinking, there are plenty of non-drinking things to indulge in, like shopping and eating.
More San Diego:
- 29 Fun Things to Do in Mission Beach San Diego
- 19 Fun Things To Do In Ocean Beach San Diego [By a Local]
- Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: A Local’s Travel Guide
- Slot Canyon San Diego: 3 Hidden Gems to Explore
- Pfeiffer Beach, Big Sur: A Purple Sand Beach
California Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy travel insurance for California?
100% YES! – With basic coverage averaging $1.50 USD per day, enjoy peace of mind with a plan from SafetyWing, one of the biggest names in travel insurance. (Read more)
💦 Can you drink the water in California?
Yes — But I wouldn’t. It doesn’t taste very good and there are contaminants in it. You’ll want to buy a Water-To-Go Bottle, which filters drinking water while on the go (traveling) and helps keep you hydrated.
🚙 Is it safe to rent a car in California?
Yes — Renting a car in California is one of the best ways to explore this vast, awesome state, and kind of a must! I always rent with Discover Cars, which checks both international companies and local California companies, so you get the best rates. (read more)
🏨 What’s the best way to book my California accommodations?
For California hotels, Booking is the best site, but for hostels, use Hostel World. If you’re considering a California Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which has better rates than Airbnb.
🧳 What do I pack for California?
Head to the Ultimate California Packing List to get all the information you need about packing for a trip to California.
🛫 What’s the best site to buy airfare to California?
For finding cheap California flights, I recommend Skyscanner.
