ATTRACTIONS

Map locators at the end of each listing (Map A3; Map H10, etc.) refer to maps on pages 44-47. The compendium includes editors’ recommendations and advertisers.

Well, it’s not so much a secret as it is a members-only club for “thinkers and makers.” Welcome (if your application gets approved) to CH Projects’ The Reading Club. Perched 20 stories up at InterContinental San Diego, the club’s annual dues start at $2,000—giving members access to a private restaurant, bar, rooftop terrace, meeting and meditation rooms, the hotel’s pool and gym, and more. The soaring views over San Diego Bay are priceless. 901 Bayfront Court, downtown, thereadingclub.com

ARTS DISTRICT LIBERTY

STATION Home to unique museums, working artist studios, art galleries gardens, luxury cinemas, dining and more.  2825 Dewey Road, Liberty Station, 619.573.9300 Map J8

BELMONT PARK A beachfront landmark since 1925, with attractions, rides, arcades and restaurants. Highlights include the historical Giant Dipper roller coaster and the large Plunge pool. 3146 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach, 858.228.9283 Map I8

BIRCH AQUARIUM

AT SCRIPPS Explore one of the nation’s largest oceanographic museums, and enjoy a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean from the tidepool plaza. 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, 858.534.3474 Map U20

CABRILLO NATIONAL MONUMENT The landmark monument commemorates the historic landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at S.D. Bay on Sept. 28, 1542. Nearby: whale watching, tidepools, trails, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and city/ocean views. Open daily. 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, Point Loma, 619.557.5450 Map L8

CHILDREN’S NATURE

RETREAT Visitors of all ages will enjoy this 20-acre outdoor haven—home to more than 130 domesticated livestock and exotic animals from around the world. Interactive presentations encourage an appreciation for animals, nature and sustainable farming.  5178 Japatul Spur, Alpine, 619.320.4942 Map D5

CINEMA UNDER THE STARS Experience some alfresco movie magic at this intimate outdoor venue, which presents cult and indie films every Thursday through Sunday, complete with reclining chairs. Bring your own blanket. 4040 Goldfinch St., Mission Hills, 619.295.4221 Map J11

LEGACY INTERNATIONAL

CENTER “Where tradition meets technology,” this stateof-the-art cultural campus boasts a world-class resort, spa, restaurants, a 4D motionseat theater, a gorgeous plaza, shopping, community events and much more. 875 Hotel Circle South, Mission Valley, 619.782.9183 Map I10

LEGOLAND Find 60-plus rides and shows, and Sea Life Aquarium’s 7-foot-long Lego submarine; plus a water park. 1 Legoland Drive, Carlsbad, 760.918.5346 Map U22

LIONS, TIGERS & BEARS

SANCTUARY Say hello to rescued big cats, bears and more at this 93-acre animal sanctuary. From its “Feed with a Keeper” experiences to behind-the-scenes tours, guests can learn the personal stories of its 60-plus animals. 24402 Martin Way, Alpine, 619.659.8078 Map D5

ONE PASEO ARTWALK

Peruse nearly two-dozen largescale murals, sculptures and installations throughout this lifestyle campus—featuring artists such as London Kaye, Andy Davis and Stephanie Bales. 3725 Paseo Place, Del Mar, 858.523.2298 Map X22

SAN DIEGO BOTANIC

GARDEN Roam 37 acres of lush gardens, a rainforest, children’s areas, trails and the Dickinson Family Education Conservatory —home to a 15-foot living wall and “floating plant islands.”  230 Quail Gardens Drive, Encinitas, 760.436.3036, Map V22

SAN DIEGO CENTRAL

LIBRARY The main branch of the San Diego Public Library is a stunner. The massive, lightfilled, mostly glass building offers floors of books (including a rare book room), an art gallery, open-air terrace and more.

330 Park Blvd., East Village, 619.236.5800, Map Q17

SAN DIEGO ZOO First opened in 1916, the worldfamous zoo houses 4,000 rare and endangered animals in a charming park with gorgeous inclined walking trails—with private tours also available. Free parking. Open daily.

2920 Zoo Drive, Balboa Park, 619.231.1515, Map O17

SAN DIEGO ZOO SAFARI

PARK Go on a safari through the 1,800–acre preserve, home to herds of exotic animals roaming in vast enclosures resembling African and Asian plains. Experiences include the Sun-Up Cheetah Safari, where you can see a cheetah run at top speed. 15500 San Pasqual Valley Road, Escondido, 760.747.8702 Map C3

SEAWORLD The 189-acre, aquatic theme park features marine animals, fish, reptiles, birds, family-friendly exhibits, rides and themed activities.  500 Sea World Drive, Mission Bay Park, 800.257.4268 Map I8

TORREY HOLISTICS

San Diego’s premier recreational cannabis dispensary is a fullservice store and more—offering educational classes, private appointments with a cannabis scientist, “Mary Jay” parties and more.  10671 Roselle St., #100, Sorrento Valley, 858.558.1420 Map D2

HARRAH’S RESORT SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA

Renovated property features a new 21-story, 403-room hotel tower; the new Dive Day Club, which includes several pools and a lazy river; and Spiked, a craft cocktail ultra-lounge.

Daily, 24 hours.  777 Harrah’s Rincon Way, Valley Center, 760.751.3100 Map B4

PALA RESORT AND CASINO

The sprawling property features 2,250 state-of-the-art slots and video machines, 85 Vegas-style gaming tables, live entertainment, eight restaurants and two lounges; plus a spa and luxe overnight accommodations.

Daily, 24 hours.  11154 Hwy. 76, Pala, 760.510.5100 Map A3

SYCUAN CASINO RESORT

Find high-stakes bingo, pai gow poker, slots, 10 restaurants, live entertainment, a 500-seat theater and more at this renovated casino—also boasting a luxe resort and spa. Daily, 24 hours.  5469 Casino Way, El Cajon, 619.445.6002 Map D5

VALLEY VIEW CASINO

High-limit blackjack, 2,000 slots, the Black & Blue Steakhouse, a Maine lobster buffet served nightly, a 24-hour cafe, three bars and separate nonsmoking gaming and bar area.

Daily, 24 hours.  16300 Nyemii Pass Road, Valley Center, 760.291.5500 Map B4

VIEJAS CASINO Alpine casino features 2,500 Vegas–style slots, table games, satellite wagering, high-stakes bingo, six restaurants and more. Daily, 24 hours.  5000 Willows Road, Alpine, 800.847.6537 Map D5

BERNARDO WINERY

Founded in 1889, it’s the oldest operating winery in SoCal— family-owned and -operated. The property features a spacious tasting room, shops, galleries, The Kitchen restaurant and a craft coffee house.  13330 Paseo del Verano Norte, Rancho Bernardo, 858.487.1866 Map C4

BK CELLARS URBAN

WINERY & TASTING ROOM

Touted as North County’s best urban winery. A crystal chandelier-adorned tasting lounge offers wine-blending classes and more. Be sure to sample the sangria. 2225 Barham Drive, Suite D, Escondido, 760.270.9851 Map C3

BLUE DOOR URBAN WINERY

While known for its outpost in Julian, we love this urban locale, which also houses a full production facility where guests can witness (and even try) the wine-making process firsthand. The house-made sangria is a must.  4060 Morena Blvd., Linda Vista, 858.274.4292 Map I10

CARRUTH CELLARS WINE

GARDEN Sip selections by the bottle, glass or flights of five tastings at this charming urban oasis—complete with an indoor lounge and outdoor garden patio. Carruth also pours craft beer and kombucha on tap.  2215 Kettner Blvd., Little Italy, 619.269.9463 Map P15

FRUITCRAFT It’s a kombuchery, cidery, meadery, distillery, modern winery and event space—all housed in an airy, contemporary building. Try creative wine flights from dry to sweet; plus craft beer, fruitforward cocktails and more. We suggest the dry pineapple wine. Food menu includes tacos and flatbreads.  1477 University Ave., Hillcrest, 877.484.6282 Map N17

GIANNI BUONOMO

VINTNERS Keith Rolle’s converted antique store by the beach sources its grapes from the Sierra foothills and Washington State. Tasting room features repurposed French Oak wine barrel heads and antique jewelry cases renovated into tasting bars. Try the award-winning, 2017 Avennio red wine.  4836 Newport Ave., Ocean Beach, 619.991.9911 Map J8

LJ CRAFTED WINES Simple, straightforward tasting room that supports a zero-waste lifestyle. This means smallbatch, high-end Napa and Sonoma wines served directly from the barrel and poured into reusable growlers to-go.  5621 La Jolla Blvd., La Jolla, 858.551.8890 Map X19

MENGHINI WINERY This boutique Julian winery—nestled in the foothills of Volcan Mountain—produces just 4,000 cases of syrah, sauvignon blanc, riesling and cabernet sauvignon annually. Tastings daily.  1150 Julian Orchards Drive, Julian, 760.765.2072 Map C6

NEGOCIANT WINERY

This neighborhood gem makes its own craft wines on-site in an urban-industrial space. The tasting menu is heavy in reds, with an offering of guest wines, draft wines and ciders. 2419 El Cajon Blvd., North Park, 619.535.1747 Map J12

ORFILA VINEYARDS

TASTING ROOM

It’s a modern, sleek tasting room (vineyards are in Escondido) with industrial ceilings and hanging lightbulbs. Try the Estate Lotus blend, paired with a selection of charcuterie and artisanal cheeses. 221 N. Cleveland St., Oceanside, 760.755.7040 Map S22

PALI WINE CO. Urban wine bar and tasting room specializes in chardonnay and pinot noir from the Central Coast. Chase a charcuterie board with a wine flight on the rooftop deck overlooking the neighborhood, boasting San Diego Bay views. 2130 India St., Little Italy, 619.569.1300 Map P15

SOLTERRA WINERY & KITCHEN

The property comprises a 1,600-square-fooot tasting room (originally built in 1957) and a 3,400-square-foot winery, plus outdoor seating, a fire pit and house-label wines on tap. Try the 2017 sauvignon blanc and 2018 malbec. 934 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Encinitas, 760.230.2970 Map V22

VINO CARTA Casual wine bar and bottle shop offering retail wine sales, with a focus on natural wines and boutique, family-run producers. Try the 2017 Matthiason rosé from Napa. 2161 India St., Little Italy, 619.564.6589 Map P15

BALLAST POINT BREWING COMPANY

The sprawling brewery and indoor/outdoor tasting room is all about “coastal breezes and patio pints.” Choose from at least 30 craft brews on tap; plus a full-service kitchen serving sandwiches, salads and seafood. 2215 India St., Little Italy, 619.255.7213 Map P15

BELCHING BEAVER

BREWERY

The brewer’s dog-friendly North Park locale boasts an industrial-chic tap room. Popular pours include the peanut-butter milk stout and Hazers Gonna Haze Hazy IPA. 4223 30th St., North Park, 619.282.1062 Map J12

CORONADO BREWING CO.

The family-friendly brewpub serves house beers, bar fare, tacos, wood-fired pizzas and pastas. Wash it down with the Idiot IPA, Weekend Vibes IPA or the Stupid Stout. 170 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.437.4452 Map L 10

GREEN FLASH BREWING

The warehouse-style tasting room and beer garden is known for its award-winning craft brews, including the West Coast IPA, Tropical DNA and Saturhaze IPA. 6550 Mira Mesa Blvd., Mira Mesa, 858.622.0085 Map D3

NOLITA HALL

It’s a Europeanstyle, elevated beer hall—with 13,000 square feet of soaring ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. Try a pour from the lengthy draft list, which offers nearly two dozen locally brewed beers. (The Japanese lager from Harland Brewing is a favorite.) To eat: artisanal pizzas and truffle spaetzle. 2305 India St., Little Italy, 619.255.8000 Map P15

SAINT ARCHER BREWING

COMPANY

The brewer’s quaint tasting room in Leucadia offers flights and 30 beers on tap. Be sure to taste-test the Coco stout, Citra Session IPA and Mexican lager. 978 N. Coast Hwy. 101, Leucadia, 760.707.6817 Map V22

SECOND CHANCE BEER

LOUNGE Outpost by local brewer Second Chance Beer Co. is a dog-friendly, urban warehouse-style space, offering brand staples, seasonal pours and lounge-exclusive beers. The Belgian-style, Glorious golden ale is a must. 4045 30th St., North Park, 619.487.1470 Map J12

STONE BREWING WORLD

BISTRO & GARDENS Hip gastropub and brewery features a huge outdoor patio with water features and plenty of the world-famous company’s beers. Try the Ruined Again Triple IPA. 2815 Historic Decatur Road, Liberty Station, 619.269.2100 Map J9

THORN ST. BREWERY Menu hits include The Menace, a stiff Imperial IPA at 9.7-percent ABV; and the lighter Chilecabra pale ale. A homey tasting room up front opens into a back patio with retractable roof overlooking the brewing area. 3176 Thorn St., North Park, 619.230.5445 Map J12

WORKING CLASS Find local and regional beers and diner-style comfort food at this indoor/outdoor outpost. Draft list is cleverly sectioned into “Easier Drinking,” “Hops, Hops Hops,” “Malts,” “Fruity or Sour” and “Coming Soon.” 4095 30th St., North Park, 619.642.0114 Map J12

FLOAT Enjoy some rock ‘n’ roll glamour at the Hard Rock Hotel’s pool-outfitted rooftop—featuring cocktails, bottle service and poolside cabanas. Hard Rock Hotel, 207 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.702.3000 Map Q16

GARIBALDI The alfresco bar and eatery at InterContinental San Diego boasts panoramic San Diego Bay views—perfect for catching the sunset with a cocktail in hand. (Return for weekend brunch, which spotlights Italian and Baja flavors.) 901 Bayfront Court, Suite 1, downtown, 619.436.1081 Map Q15

HARBOR & SKY Take in waterfront views while sipping craft libations and bites by chef Mark Fong at this all-outdoor oasis nestled on the fifthfloor rooftop of the Residence Inn & Springhill Suites  900 Bayfront Court, downtown, 619.831.0224 Map Q15

MAVERICKS BEACH CLUB

Lively, multilevel watering hole with a beachy vibe features an expansive patio, three bars with daily drink specials, outdoor games and light bites.  860 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, 858.999.0348 Map H8

POLITE PROVISIONS Find tonics, elixirs and cures in the form of craft libations at this sleek, apothecary-inspired bar with an atrium-style roof—plus an expanded dog-friendly patio. We suggest the classic mai tai.  4696 30th St., North Park, 619.269.4701 Map J12

THE POOL HOUSE Pendry

San Diego hotel’s glamorous rooftop pool deck offers dramatic city views, frozen cocktails and classic libations such as the mojito. Guests can reserve a private cabana and order bottle service.  435 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp Quarter, 619.738.7200 Map Q16

THE ROOFTOP BY STK

The massive rooftop bar and pool lounge at the Andaz Hotel is perfect for a sunset cocktail with a side of panoramic downtown views.  600 F St., Gaslamp, 619.814.2002 Map Q16

CALIFORNIA SURF MUSEUM

Peruse an impressive collection of surfing artifacts and memorabilia, plus exhibits that detail the lives and achievements of world-renowned surfing legends.  312 Pier View Way, Oceanside, 760.721.6876 Map S22

CENTRO CULTURAL DE LA

RAZA Celebrate Mexican, Chicano and indigenous art and culture with vibrant murals, art exhibits and performances.  2004 Park Blvd., Balboa Park, 619.363.1372 Map P17

CORONADO MUSEUM OF HISTORY AND ART

Galleries of historical memorabilia reveal Coronado’s rich past and interesting fun facts, including rare black-and-white photos.  1100 Orange Ave., Coronado, 619.435.7242 Map L10

FLEET SCIENCE CENTER

Its interactive science galleries (housing 100-plus exhibits) lets science lovers of all ages explore the wonders of astronomy and physics; plus an IMAX Dome Theater. 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.1233 Map O17

GREEN DRAGON MUSEUM

Peruse rare historical documents, newspapers and memorabilia from the Revolutionary War era inside a colonial-style building; plus an on-site restaurant, bar, cafe and gift shop. Free admission. 6115 Paseo del Norte, Carlsbad, 760.918.2421 Map U22

LUX ART INSTITUTE This beloved museum-meets-studio lets visitors see artists-in-residence as they work, along with their forthcoming exhibits. The venue’s also offers education programs, art camps for kids and more. Reserve a free time slot to visit in advance. 1550 S. El Camino Real, Encinitas, 760.436.6611 Map V22

MARITIME MUSEUM OF SAN

DIEGO At this world-renowned floating museum, visit the 1863 barque Star of India (world’s oldest active ship); the 1898 steam ferryboat Berkeley; the 1904 steam yacht Medea; a Soviet-era submarine; and the HMS Surprise, the Royal Navy frigate featured in the film Master and Commander The schooner Californian also offers half-day sailing trips.  1492 N. Harbor Drive, Embarcadero, 619.234.9153 Map P15

MARSTON HOUSE Craftsman-style house, designed by renowned architects William Hebbard and Irving Gill in 1905, is one of San Diego’s most iconic buildings. The famous estate-turned-museum features period furnishings, pottery and an Indian basketry collection.  3525 Seventh Ave., Balboa Park, 619.297.9327 Map O16

MINGEI INTERNATIONAL

MUSEUM Featuring exhibits celebrating folk art, design and cultures around the world, the museum has reopened (Sept. 3) after a $55 million remodel. Enjoy new civic space, a dedicated education center for K-12 students, a theater, library, courtyard, galleries, shopping, dining and more.  1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, mingei.org Map O17

MISSION SAN DIEGO DE ALCALÁ Also an active church, this landmark building is the first of 21 missions stretching north along the California coast. This one was established by Father Junípero Serra in 1769 on Presidio Hill and moved to this site in 1774.  10818 San Diego Mission Road, Mission Valley, 619.281.8449 Map I12

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART SAN DIEGO

The modern museum features post-1950s art spanning many genres and media. (Both of its campuses are currently closed— downtown due to the pandemic, and La Jolla due to renovations.) See website for virtual exhibits reopening updates.  mcasd.org

MUSEUM OF MAKING MUSIC Check out vintage instruments and interactive audio and visual exhibits that explore the history of American popular music, including how instruments are made, used and sold.  5790 Armada Drive, Carlsbad, 760.438.5996 Map U23

MUSEUM OF PHOTOGRAPHIC ARTS Collection includes contemporary photography, social documentary and photojournalism; plus regularly rotating exhibits and film screenings.  1649 El Prado, Balboa Park, 619.238.7559 Map O17

NEW CHILDREN’S MUSEUM

Modern museum encourages kids to use their imaginations with interactive exhibits, classes and climbable sculptures.  200 W. Island Ave., downtown, 619.233.8792 Map Q16