From brunch and food halls, to pizza and new eateries, we know San Diego’s food scene sizzles. In fact, there are so many pockets of culinary gems around town, many local communities host annual “Taste of” events — self-guided food tours spotlighting a neighborhood’s buzziest restaurants. Let’s take a scrumptious stroll, shall we?
This brand-new food event goes down at Novo Brazil Brewing in Imperial Beach on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2-5 p.m., with the best bites and sips from South Bay.
Sip and sample your way through 25+ hotspots in downtown Chula Vista — guided by a “passport” that highlights participating businesses and their offerings. This year’s event is on Thursday, March 21, 4-8 p.m.
Early bird tickets are now available for this year’s event, happening Saturday, April 13, 12-4 p.m. More than 25 restaurants will partake in the 2024 tour, from cozy cafes to high-end spots.
This food event spans two days — Tuesday, June 18 + Wednesday, June 19, 4-8 p.m. — and will showcase food and drinks spanning the neighborhood’s 48 blocks. When you check in at Piazza della Famiglia, you’ll receive a “Taste Passport” to track your palate’s progress.
This gastronomic trek along uptown SD’s beloved thoroughfare is scheduled for Sunday, June 30, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. The lineup includes 40 restaurants, coffeehouses, bakeries, pubs, breweries, and wine bars; tickets usually go on sale in early June.
The La Mesa Chamber of Commerce typically hosts this event every summer at the Town and Country Hotel in Mission Valley to shine the spotlight on La Mesa’s food scene.
A. “Taste of” events around different neighborhoods B. Beer festivals C. Taco-focused festivals D. Smaller food pairing or beer tasting events E. Exclusive specialty dinners at local restaurants
Hiking for Fun and Fitness | Monday, Feb. 19 | 9-11 a.m. | Blue Sky Ecological Reserve, 16275 Espola Rd., Poway | Free | Meet new friends and connect with nature on this guided hike for all fitness levels; the group meets at the south end of the parking lot.
Wings Over San Diego | Monday, Feb. 19 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | San Diego Air & Space Museum, 2001 Pan American Plaza, San Diego | $5-$10 | Bring the kids to meet pilots, build planes and parachutes, and view a live flight demo by a hawk and falcon.
2024 San Diego Surf Film Festival | Monday, Feb. 19 | Times vary | San Diego Mission Bay Boat and Ski Club, 2606 N. Mission Bay Dr., San Diego | $10-$53 | This tribute to SD’s surf culture showcases 23 surf films, artist receptions, live music, and surfing meet-ups — and it wraps up today.
Helado Negro | Monday, Feb. 19 | 8 p.m. | The Music Box, 1337 India St., San Diego | $25 | The musician known for his bilingual songs that explore Latinx identity brings the beat to the downtown SD venue.
Tuesday, Feb. 20
Resident Free Tuesday: Mingei International Museum | Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 10 a.m.-5 p.m. | Mingei International Museum, 1439 El Prado, San Diego | Free | Local residents score free admission to this Balboa Park museum with a valid ID.
One-Hit Wonder Bingo Blast| Tuesday, Feb. 20 | 7-9 p.m. | Tony Pepperoni Pizzeria, 249 E. Grand Ave., Escondido | Free | If you know terms like “Tubthumping” or “Macarena,” this musical game is for you.
Wednesday, Feb. 21
2024 Concacaf W Gold Cup | Wednesday, Feb. 21-Sunday, March 10 | Times vary | Snapdragon Stadium, 2101 Stadium Way, San Diego | $18+ | The field is ready as 15 women’s national soccer teams compete to become the first-ever Concacaf W Gold Cup champs.
Another storm is expected in San Diego County early this week, with the heaviest rain likely tomorrow night. There’s a High Surf Advisory along SD’s coast through 10 p.m. tomorrow for waves up to 9 ft, and a Flood Watch is in effect through 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 21. (National Weather Service)
Today Is
Presidents Day, and all San Diego County offices, family resource centers, libraries, and animal shelters are closed for observance. While you’re here, let’s brush up on five memorable times US presidents visited San Diego — from FDR to JFK.
Development
The Port of San Diego has contributed $2.2 million to the Harbor Drive 2.0 and Vesta Bridge projects — developments that intend to enhance access to the Port’s two cargo terminals and improve traffic. Total funding has reached $20.7 million and the project aims to be complete in 2030.
Community
Construction has begun on SkyLINE, a 100-unit, affordable housing complex in Rancho Bernardo. The transit-focused community is located near the Rancho Bernardo Transit Station and is set to open in Spring 2026. All units will remain affordable housing for the next 70 years.
Travel
Really, really love Comic-Con? The pop culture convention will set sail on its first-ever Comic-Con: The Cruise from Florida to Cozumel Feb. 5-Feb. 9, 2025. Felicia Day will guest host the 2,000-person excursion, joined by stars like George Takei, Mary McDonnell, and Michael Trucco. Pricing starts at $990.
Ranked
We know our city is the Capital of Craft — but really, everyone should know. USA TODAY 10Best ranks San Diego among the top 20 best beer cities in the country. You can vote for SD to land among the top 10 cities through 12 p.m. Monday, Feb. 26.
Community
It’s (almost) showtime. The San Diego County Fair — returning to Del Mar June 12-July 7 — is accepting entries from local bands, musicians, and dance groups to perform at the fair. The deadline to submit an entertainment application is April 1, at 11:59 p.m.
Sports
Will Xander Bogaerts bounce back during the 2024 MLB season? Go beyond the scoreboard and behind the scenes of the San Diego Padreswith Locked On’s daily, team-focused podcasts.
Announced
The Breeders’ Cup World Championships will take place at the Del Mar Racetrack Nov.1 and Nov. 2 — and event organizers said tickets go on sale Monday, April 22. The 2024 event will feature 14 Grade 1 horse races and $31 million in purses and awards.
Award
Local leaders have declared Feb. 15 “Scripps Research Day” in San Diego to celebrate the institution’s life-saving advances and contributions to bioscience over the past 100 years. The organization was founded in 1924 thanks to efforts by local philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps.
Kids
Registration is now open for springtime Wildlife Day Camps at the Living Coast Discovery Center in Chula Vista. The sessions run March 18-March 22 and March 25-March 29, and feature programs geared by age group — from pre-K to sixth grade.
The Gaslamp Quarter is giving Aries vibes. | Photo via Monica Garske + SDtoday
Each San Diego neighborhood has its own charming personality and purpose — some would say it was written in the stars. Let’s explore how our neighborhoods align with the zodiac signs.
Pisces: Mission Beach | Feb. 19-March 20
Mission Beach provides the perfect escapist moment for a water sign like Pisces.
Enjoy biking, walking, jogging, roller skating, or skateboarding along Ocean Front Walk — or recharge by peacefully gazing at the Pacific Ocean. Go on a fun date at Belmont Park or check out live music at Beach House.
Aries: Gaslamp Quarter | March 21-April 19
Known as the passionate and confident leader of the zodiac, an Aries would feel right at home in downtown’s Gaslamp Quarter.
William Heath Davis established the town in 1850 and in 1867, Alonzo Horton — aka the “Father of San Diego” — began developing what he called “New Town.” The area soon boomed with residential and commercial activity, and gas lamp street lights — a match for the fiery sign.
Hi, San Diego. I know it’s not exactly perfect, sunny, patio lunch weather right now, but mentally, I’m here.
Whenever the sun is shining, I find myself flocking to an outdoor patio for lunch — and Mike Hess Brewing Co.’s Seaport Village Biergarten fits the bill. It offers a laid-back atmosphere, views of San Diego Bay, craft brews, and tasty tacos from Quiero Tacos. Don’t miss the carne asada and fish tacos.
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