As 2023 comes to an end, we’re feeling nostalgic — let’s cue a little throwback, shall we?
Every weekday this year, we’ve loved covering the most engaging, positive, and local news and guides across San Diego. These are the stories that you — our dear readers — clicked on the most in 2023, and the posts that caught your eye on our Instagram feed .
The view along Coast Walk Trail in La Jolla is absolutely epic.
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
📝 Top stories
- Where to see Fourth of July fireworks | From the Big Bay Boom to the San Diego County Fair, you were after that patriotic sparkle.
- Hiking and nature walk guide | We feel this on every level — there are just so many beautiful places to hike in SD.
- Kid-friendly activities | Parents, we hear you and see you — and we have 30+ fun ideas to share.
- Volunteer opportunities | Helping others was near to your heart, and we love this.
- Celebrity restaurants | You were curious about these star-studded spots.
- 2023 Desert Bloom | Your interest was deeply rooted in the annual bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.
- 10 developments by 2030 | These projects will reshape SD over the next few years and we talked about it on the “All in San Diego” podcast hosted by AJ Machado and Sara Perry — give it a listen .
- SD restaurants featured on “Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives” | SDtoday readers wanted to know the local spots explored by Guy Fieri’s TV show — and, turns out, we’re a serious “Flavortown,” y’all.
- Gaslamp Promenade poised to transform downtown | The new area along Fifth Avenue in downtown SD captured your attention.
- Farmers markets | Our guide to over two dozen farmers markets was worth a browse.
Salud Tacos! in Barrio Logan — it hits just right.
Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
📲 Instagram posts
Top Reels:
- Four capybara pups born at the San Diego Zoo | With nearly 4.5 million views, this video made you really capy.
- Direct flights from Columbus to SD (and Kansas City) | Our friends at CBUStoday shared the good travel news.
- The Rady Shell’s holiday programming | Even back in September, you were feeling festive.
- 2023 seasonal events | You stayed festive, ready to explore the seasonal fun in SD.
- Small things | We all had a good giggle at this “small thing you can buy to make your friends in San Diego happy”: a $38 million, oceanfront mansion.
- Fall events at The Rady Shell | You were ready for live performances at this bayfront venue.
- Taco cities | WhenSan Diego ranked No. 5 among best cities for tacos in the US, you were not having it — and you gave us great recommendations .
- Weekend Events: Sept. 29-Oct.1 | For some reason, this Oktoberfest-heavy weekend was super high on your radar. Pro tip: We post weekend events reels like this every Thursday on our Instagram feed — follow us .
- Holiday lights | You wanted to see the local neighborhoods and attractions that truly dazzle this time of year.
- December Nights | When Balboa Park’s beloved holiday event returned, you wanted to be ready.
- San Diego Comic-Con International 2023 | When the pop culture convention took over downtown San Diego, you wanted to see the show.
- Pumpkin patches | Gourd big or go home, right?
- Dia de los Muertos events | You were ready to honor this holiday.
That glow, though.
Photo via Philipp Arndt/UC San Diego
Top photos:
According to our Top Nine
, these pics were a hit on our Instagram feed in 2023…
- Red panda born at the San Diego Zoo | This was the first baby red panda born at the zoo in nearly 20 years.
- Bioluminescence | The glowing tide — and the scientific explanation for the historic 2020 event— sparked curiosity.
- Jacaranda trees | You were all about the annual purple blooms and where to see the trees .
- New T1 restaurants | The batch of fresh, new eateries planned for San Diego International Airport caught your eye.
- blink-182 coming to SD | The punk rock trio from Poway will bring their “One More Time” tour to Petco Park on June, 30, 2024.
We can’t wait to bring you more good news and fun, local videos and photos in 2024, San Diego.