Tourism and Hospitality

Balboa Park
Play
15+ of the top free things to do in San Diego
No cash? No problem. Whether you are spending a day or a lifetime in San Diego, these are some of the best offerings that won’t break the bank.
September 17, 2025 06:44 AM
 · 
Monica Garske
The interior of a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed pop-up cafe in San Diego; the walls are painted bright blue and feature characters from the Sonic video games. There's a fake palm tree in the middle of the room and gold rings hanging from the ceiling. A line of customers are waiting to order food.
Food
Gotta go fast: Sonic the Hedgehog Speed Cafe returns to downtown San Diego
The cute pop-up eatery inspired by SEGA’s beloved video game character will stick around through Sunday, Nov. 3 — so get your Tails there, fans.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A fake skeleton decoration pops out from behind a dark bar at the Black Lagoon Halloween-themed pop-up bar. In the background, neon green, purple, and orange lights add to the scary vibes.
Bars
Enter if you dare: Halloween-themed Black Lagoon Pop-up bar coming to San Diego
The spine-tingling pop-up will take over Seven Grand in North Park from Friday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Nov. 3.
August 23, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Scattered Purple Sand Verbena flowers bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park agains the brown, earthy backdrop of the desert in east San Diego County. The mountains are in the background, against the blue sky sprinkled with clouds. There are a few yellow flowers peeking out of the purple patches, too.
Travel and Outdoors
Where the wildflowers are: The annual Desert Bloom at Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
After a rainy winter, the Borrego Springs desert region east of San Diego is expected to bloom quite nicely with vibrant desert wildflowers in spring 2024.
February 29, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A grassy green hill at Kate Sessions Park overlooking Mission Bay, with many people picnicking and sitting on the grass.
Culture
How to spend your 24 extra Leap Day hours in San Diego
Start your day off with good, local coffee, head to the beach, go on a hike, peruse the city’s marvelous murals — seize the Leap Day, SD.
February 28, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Players for the San Diego Mojo women's professional volleyball team are playing on a court. They're wearing navy blue uniforms, and some have their hands in the air.
Sports
It’s time: Women’s pro volleyball team San Diego Mojo makes home debut
The team is owned by Olympian Kerri Walsh Jennings and features a 15-player roster with serious pro experience.
February 22, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Outside at the dog society
Tourism and Hospitality
San Diego’s dog-friendly guide
Explore these dog-friendly places in San Diego that span from places to eat, drink, shop, exercise, swim, and stay the night.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Michael Beausoleil
The grandstand stage at the San Diego County Fair with the ferris wheel and other rides in the background.
Music
San Diego County Fair unveils Grandstand Stage lineup for summer 2024
The fair — which returns June 12-July 7 — will boast headliners like Ludacris, Jay Leno, Pepe Aguilar, and TLC.
February 21, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
The big, white Barcelona apartment building in Bankers Hill, with palm trees and cars parked out front.
Real Estate
Hot Homes: The history and $2 million renovation of The Barcelona in Bankers Hill
The 100-year-old apartment community at 326 Juniper St. is considered a “hallmark” of its era — and a “real estate jewel” of present-day San Diego.
February 14, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
Drapes and construction signs cover the new Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center in Liberty Station; signs wrapped around the site show renderings of the vision for the venue.
Development
It’s showtime: New performing arts center coming to Arts District Liberty Station in 2025
The landmark’s historic Naval Building 178 will become the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Performing Arts Center — the future permanent home of Cygnet Theatre.
February 12, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
A group arranging colorful flowers inside pots and planters at Ana Galena Floral Studio in San Diego.
Entertainment
Try This: Fun, unique Valentine’s Day activities in San Diego
From a dance party to a cider pairing, you’re going to love these ideas.
February 8, 2024
 · 
Monica Garske
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Two black and white photos of philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps; the left one shows her holding a book, while the right photo is a close-up of her in her younger years.
History
6 amazing women who helped shape the San Diego Natural History Museum
The Nat’s 150-year-old foundation is solid — thanks in part to these women.
March 14, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD San Diego Padres Petco Park
Play
Your guide to sports teams in San Diego
From the San Diego Padres to the San Diego Gulls, we’re sharing details of San Diego’s sports teams.
March 7, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
The exterior of Pigment, a store in North Park in San Diego; a hot pink display is seen in the left window.
Small Business
We’re celebrating Small Business Week, here’s how to join us
Join us at SDtoday in celebrating the heart of our community, small businesses.
February 24, 2025
 · 
Staff
SD Flower Fields Carlsbad
Travel and Outdoors
What to expect this season at The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch
The 2025 season of beautiful blooms begins Saturday, March 1, and runs through Sunday, May 11.
February 21, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
Giving-2025-Lead-Editors-V2_Purple-NonLocal-20.png
City
Local media matters — so does your support
When you choose to support SDtoday, you’re investing in more than just a weekly newsletter — you’re investing in a stronger, more informed community.
February 19, 2025
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Liberty Public Market in San Diego
Live
Hubs of grub: A guide to San Diego’s food halls
From Liberty Station to the North County, these hubs have it all.
February 14, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Shawarma Guys Yelp Top 100 2025
Food
9 San Diego-area restaurants land on Yelp’s 2025 ‘Top Places 100 to Eat’
Sizzlin’ spots in National City, La Mesa, Carlsbad, Mission Beach, and Pacific Beach made the cut this year — come on SD, let’s eat
February 12, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Broadway San Diego Beauty and the Beast
Theater
Curtains, up: Broadway San Diego’s 48th season lineup
You’ll want to be their guest: The seven-show season at San Diego Civic Theatre includes “Beauty and the Beast” and “Hell’s Kitchen” from Alicia Keys.
February 10, 2025
 · 
Monica Garske
SD Venissimo Cheese platter
Food
Touchdown: 5 Super Bowl snacks to order from San Diego businesses
From charcuterie and margaritas to tacos and burgers, you’re going to score with this locally crafted spread.
February 7, 2025
 · 
Staff
A couple poses under a neon sign that reads "Stay Classy San Diego."
Play
25 date night ideas in San Diego
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in America’s Finest City.
February 6, 2025
 · 
Michael Beausoleil