California Official Visitor's Guide 2022 - 74

san diego county
bottom of Santa Cruz Avenue,
where sandstone cliff s have
created an idyllic cove for sunbathing
and tide pooling.
162 HILLCREST
Hodad's, Ocean Beach
5 NEIGHBORHOODS
YOU SHOULD KNOW
ALONG WITH THE BEACHES AND DOWNTOWN ATTRACTIONS, THESE
DELIGHTFUL AREAS BELONG ON YOUR SAN DIEGO LIST
159 KENSINGTON
With leafy streets, Spanish-style
bungalows, and a gently buzzing
main street, Kensington exudes
the charm of a quaint, selfcontained
village-even though it
neighbors two freeways and San
Diego State University. To live like
a local, explore Kensington's fi veblock
stretch of Adams Avenue:
Start with one of the veggie-andegg
scrambles at the Kensington
Café, then people-watch at the
stroller- and dog-friendly Kensington
Park. Get a massage at
the Zen Sanctuary day spa, then
choose from the combo platters
at Ponce's or the locally sourced,
California-meets-Italian dishes
at Cucina Sorella. Be sure to sip
an IPA at Kensington Brewing
Company, where the 20-plus Old
World-style beers are named after
neighborhood streets.
160 LEMON GROVE
In the early 20th century, this
community east of downtown was
dominated by citrus orchards.
Today, you'll fi nd a classic small
town with antique and thrift shops,
as well as The Hamlett, a coff ee
house where locals play chess and
your cuppa can be infused with
superfoods such as sea moss and
lotus energy shots. Check out the
public murals along Main Street
and the Lester Street alley-colorful
depictions of the town's history,
bird-of-paradise fl owers, and,
of course, lemon trees. Take the
factory tour at Deering Banjo Co.,
a short drive away, to see artisans
handcraft the instruments that
have been played by the likes of
Scott Avett, Béla Fleck, and The
Chicks. Finish the day with a plate
of spaghetti di mare at local favorite
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina.
161 OCEAN BEACH
Your pup doesn't need a leash to
frolic on the designated dog beach
in this bohemian community
known as " OB. " Stroll laid-back
Newport Ave., home to surf and
seashell shops, beachfront bars,
and the iconic burger joint Hodad's,
named after the slang term
for wannabe surfers. Surprises
await, too, like the mini " diablo "
chocolate cakes at Cuban-style
bakery Azúcar and the awardwinning
wines at tasting room
Gianni Buonomo Vintners (try the
Charbono, a medium-bodied red).
With or without a dog, enjoy the
Moto Deli, Leucadia
ocean waves or fi sh from the 1,971foot
pier (no license required).
For beachy solitude, head to the
or beachy solitude head to the
In July, Hillcrest serves as the
nerve center for San Diego's Pride
celebration, but year-round this
lively neighborhood northwest of
Balboa Park off ers an inclusive
energy and plenty of culture. You
could focus on the vibrant nightlife
alone, with options ranging from
the dance fl oor at Gossip Grill to
the friendly dive bar vibe at The
Loft. Spend your day shopping for
retro looks at Buff alo Exchange,
then browse the shelves at
Bluestocking Books. Want to sit
down to read? The main branch
of beloved San Diego coff eehouse
Better Buzz lives here too.
163 LEUCADIA
Located along Highway 101, this
beach town has technically
become part of Encinitas, but it
still has its own distinct surferhippie
spirit. Leucadia's three
beaches fl y under the radar, each
accessed by nondescript stairways
along Neptune Avenue. Plenty of
the neighborhood's charm lies in
its funky, throwback institutions-
its funk
thr wback institutions-
like the no-frills Leucadia Donut
Shoppe and Lou's Records with
like the no-frills Leucadia Donut
Shoppe and Lou's Records, with
its deep in entory of vinyl-but
the t wn incr asingly has a foodie
bent Pick up sandwiches for a
beach day at Moto Deli, ample
the wood-fi ed pizzas at Buona
orchetta or Corner Pizza, or enjo
the local catches and o
ers at
named after famous breaks.
Fish 101. St y at boutique hotel
Surfhous which off ers surfi ng
instructors and eight rooms
named after famous br ak
its deep inventory of vinyl-but
the town increasingly has a foodie
bent. Pick up sandwiches for a
beach day at Moto Deli, sample
the wood-fi red pizzas at Buona
Forchetta or Corner Pizza, or enjoy
the local catches and oysters at
Fish 101. Stay at boutique hotel
Surfhouse, which off ers surfi ng
instructors and eight rooms
74 | VISITCALIFORNIA.COM
FROM TOP: AMANDA FRIEDMAN; COURTESY MOTO DELI
http://www.VISITCALIFORNIA.COM
California Official Visitor's Guide 2022

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