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Where to Eat Explore San Diego’s eclectic culture at homegrown restaurants and breweries. Local chefs draw inspiration from our southern border, coastal ingredients and the many food traditions of our diverse population. Mexican flavors and California beach culture unite in two of San Diego’s bestloved dishes: the creamy, crunchy fish taco and the California burrito—a french fry-stuffed surfer’s delight. Taco shops are abundant, offering kid-pleasing entrees like quesadillas and rolled
tacos. For an innovative take on Mexican fare, visit Puesto in La Jolla or at The Headquarters at Seaport Village. The San Diego food scene also draws influence from California cuisine—a movement that values fresh, seasonal and local ingredients. The county’s many farm-to-table restaurants offer healthy, sustainable eating with ample vegetarian options. To get a taste, try Nate’s Garden Grill in City Heights or Mendocino Farms in Del Mar, La Jolla and Carlsbad. Food-loving families adore Little Italy for its bustling downtown charm and enticing pasta shops, and The Convoy District for Asian delights such as swoon-inducing bao buns,
dumplings, ramen and dim sum. After your meal, stroll through Little Italy’s piazza and food hall with a cone of Bobboi Natural Gelato or visit Convoy’s SomiSomi for Korean-inspired soft serve in a goldfish-shaped waffle cone. Both areas are bustling at mealtimes, with limited parking, so plan to dine early with little ones. Liberty Station is a hot spot for family dining, with ample parking and a hip food hall. Kids love the 1950’s soda shop-themed Corvette Diner with costumed servers and an onsite arcade. Don’t miss the retro vibe and ice cream at Besties Cool Treats. See page 38 for more kidfriendly restaurants and page 37 for some of San Diego’s favorite breakfast spots.
Every day is a travel day when you’re exploring a county as large as San Diego. Take a break from the car and get moving with these great alternatives. For families with young children, the iconic red trolley is a destination in itself. Hop on for a ride through east, south and downtown San Diego with stops at major attractions such as Petco Park, Old Town and Little Italy. Ride the rails to beat traffic and avoid impacted parking near major events like Comic-Con. Bonus: Kids (12 & under) ride free with fare-paying adult on weekends! Take in scenic views of the Pacific as you travel north or
8 • SD Family’s Out&About 2019
south on the Coaster, which offers eight stops between downtown and Oceanside. Trolley lines connect with the Coaster at Santa Fe Depot downtown, and both systems connect with city buses. For short trips within the downtown area, check out the expanded fleet from Circuit (also known as FRED; formerly The Free Ride). These small, electric shuttles can be hailed via smartphone and riders don’t pay a dime. Download the Circuit app to learn more. Dockless bikes and scooters offer a unique view of the city for those who prefer an active tour. Ride safe, be considerate and park in designated areas.
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How to Get Around
A 15-minute cruise on The Coronado Ferry adds charm to any outing. Sail from downtown to the Coronado Ferry Landing where visitors can shop, eat and rent bikes along the stunning San Diego Bay. Old Town Trolley Tours provides a number of unique transportation options. The hop-on-hop-off tour takes guests through downtown areas. See p. 36 for details.