San Diego: Most Popular Articles

San Diego Concerts
Here's a month-by-month listing of live concerts and shows throughout San Diego. Find out which artists are playing concerts in San Diego.

The Best Shopping Malls
The San Diego Guide's Top Picks for San Diego County Shopping Malls.

The Best Outlet Centers
San Diego County has a number of outlet shopping centers that feature big name merchandise and discount prices.

Fashion Valley
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

Top Urban Neighborhoods in ...
San Diego isn't known as a city of neighborhoods, but they do exist in this bastion of suburbia. Here are the top urban neighborhoods in the city of San Diego.

San Diego's Top Concert Venues
From intimate to arena-size, San Diego has a wide variety of concert venues to choose from. Here's our guide's top picks to see live performances in and around San Diego.

Top Lakes
Here's a rundown and listing of the top freshwater lakes for fishing in San Diego County.

Leashless In San Diego
A list San Diego's most popular dog-friendly, off-leash parks, beaches and open spaces toallow your dog to be a dog.

Best Diners in San Diego
Comfort food, breakfast at any time, late-night dining, cheap eats - sometimes you gotta have diner food. Here are my top picks for dining at diners in San Diego.

San Diego Fair 2008
As summer approaches, San Diegans know that it’s time to head out to the San Diego County Fair. The Fair will bring forth a range of fun exhibits, contests, concerts and attractions sure to satisfy both new and long-time visitors to the fifth largest Fair in North America. This special section is a small taste of what you can expect to encounter at this year's San Diego County Fair.

Best Nurseries
Here are my picks for the best garden nurseries in San Diego County.

Birthday Party
Here's a guide to places in San Diegi where you can have your kid's birthday party.

Top Casinos
San Diego County is probably the Indian Casino capital of California, if not the nation. Here are my top picks for casinos nearby when the gaming bug hits you.

Otay Ranch Town Center
Otay Ranch Town Center, located in Chula Vista, is San Diego's newest and first regional shopping mall to open in 20 years.

Romantic Spots
San Diego has plenty of spots to show a little romance, and it doesn't have to cost a lot to go. Find out where the top spots are to go for a little romance in San Diego.

Horton Plaza
Horton Plaza's construction in the mid-1980s jump-started the Gaslamp renaissance. Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor.

Street Scene 2007
San Diego's premiere music festival, Street Scene, takes place September 22-23 at the Del Mar Fairgrounds.

Farmers Markets
Not only can farmers markets be found almost every day of the week throughout San Diego county, but they’re also a year-round occurrence (ah, the beauty of perfect weather). But it’s during spring and summer when you find the local bumper crops of fruits, vegetables and flowers grown by San Diego and California farmers.

Munchkin Homes
One of San Diego's longest-standing urban legends is the story that a midget - or munchkin - colony of homes existed somewhere near La Jolla. It may be an urban legend, but it's a pretty good story anyway.

San Diego Suburbs
San Diego is a place of suburbs and bedroom communities. Here are some of the best places to live in the county.

Gotta Do's
If you're visitng San Diego from someplace else, there are certain things you just "gotta do" while you're in town. Here are my suggestions on what to do when you visit San Diego.

Must-See SD!
As picturesque as San Diego is, one can explore the city and its surrounding areas for years and still need time to see more. But for visitors and residents alike, there are a few attractions and places that should be on the must-see list, whether its to impress the visiting relatives, or simply to reimd yourself what a great place San Diego is to live.

Classic Car Cruising in Sa...
What better way to spend a warm summer evening in San Diego than to cruise a classic car show?

It's Outdoor Concert Season
San Diego is different when it comes to the outdoor concert season, the reason being that having perfect weather makes our "summer" concert season much longer than elsewhere in the country. In fact, San Diego's outdoor concert season actually runs from mid-spring well into early fall.

Whale Watching in San Diego
San Diego is whale watching territory. Here's the lowdown on seeing these majestic creatures of the sea.

Record Stores
Where to find vintage vinyl records and just plain cool music? San Diego still has a few actual record stores.

Grunions
Along southern California’s sandy beaches, from March through September, one of the most remarkable life cycles in the sea is completed; the California grunion comes ashore to spawn. Grunion hunting has become one of the famous sports of southern California.

San Diego - TopPicks
An index of TopPicks for the San Diego guide site.

Karaoke Bars
Looking for a place to show your vocal stuff? Head to a karaoke bar and make like American Idol. Here are some of the top places in San Diego to do that karaoke thing.

Carlsbad Flower Fields
The colorful Carlsbad Flower Fields are an annual rite of spring.

San Diego Dive Bars
Call them dive bars or the corner tavern, San Diego has its share of local hangouts and everyone has their favorite. Here are this guide's choices for top dive bars in San Diego.

Sports Bars
If you're a sports fan, here are some of the best places to eat, drink and watch sports around San Diego.

Pechanga
As one of the country's newest resort destinations, PechangaResort & Casino, a four-diamond property, offers the pinnacle of hotel luxury, gaming excitement, entertainment, meeting facilities and dining in the San Diego and Southern California area.

Grocery Guide
A supermarket's a supermarket, you say? Not in the highly competitive Southern California marketplace, where you have megastores that offer banking, dry cleaning, Starbucks and, oh yeah, food. Here's a subjective rundown of what you'll likely find here in town.

Big Box Shopping Centers
Every suburb has one and they're distinguished by the "big box" stores that are the main tenants. Her's your guid to the top big bix shopping centers around San Diego.

University Town Center
UTC is a pleasant outdoor mall. Located in the Golden Triangle area (and slated for a refurbishing), it caters to the yuppie/soccer mom crowd.

Plaza Bonita
Located in the South County area, Plaza Bonita is the Westfield indoor, two-level counterpart to Plaza Camino Real.

Gay Festival
This two day Pride Festival in Balboa Park has become one of California's premier Pride events, and is San Diego's largest civic event.

Clean Beaches
What beaches along San Diego County's coastline are the best and worst when it comes to cleanliness?

Mission Valley Center
Westfield's Mission Valley Center is an older mall located in San Diego's Mission Valley.

Cowles Mountain
At 1,592 feet, Cowles Mountain is the highest point in the city of San Diego.

Sea World Profile
Sea World is San Diego's number one tourist attraction since its opening in 1964.

Westfield North County
North County Fair serves the North County bedroom communities. This large, two-level indoor mall has your usual allotment of department stores and shops.

Waterfront Walk
A walk along San Diego's scenic Embarcadero is the essence of the city

Parkway Plaza
Parkway Plaza is the regional mall serving East County. This indoor, single level mall is a necessity in scorching El Cajon.

San Diego Fireworks
Where to go to see Fourth of July firework displays around San Diego County.

San Diego Landmarks
Here are some significant San Diego landmarks that personify San Diego

San Diego Summer Family Fun
We're approaching the start of summer time, and families are starting to plan their summer fun in San Diego. Our San Diego Guide points you in the right direction with his top picks for family amusement entertainment.

San Diego Trolley
San Diego Trolley is a light rail public transportation system serving greater San Diego.

Dining Downtown
Looking for a place to eat in San Diego? Here are some suggestions for dining in downtown.

2008 U.S. Open Essentials
Torrey Pines municipal golf course in San Diego is the host to the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship, June 9 to 15, 2008. Torrey Pines is only the second municipal golf course ever selected to host this prestigious golf event.

Trolley Stations
Riding the bright red San Diego Trolley system is a great way to get around San Diego and see its diversity. Here are some of the trolley stops where you'll want to get off and explore the surrounding neighborhoods.

Earthquake Preparedness
Living in San Diego means you need to be prepared for the inevitable earthquake. Here are some tips to stay prepared.

Top Urban Neighborhoods
San Diego isn't known as a city of neighborhoods, but they do exist in this bastion of suburbia. Here are the top urban neighborhoods in the city of San Diego.

Wild Animal Park
The Wild Animal Park is an expansive wildlife sanctuary that is home to more than 3,500 animals representing more than 400 species.

Mid-City Dining
Looking for a place to eat in San Diego? Here are some suggestions for dining in the mid-city area of San Diego: Hillcrest, North Park, Mission Valley, Normal Heights, Mission Hills, University Heights, Old Town, and Kensington. Mind you, this isn't a "best" or "top" list, nor is it exclusively focused on fine dining. It's simply a subjective list of places to try while in this part of San Diego. Now, get out and eat!

Top Views in San Diego
San Diego County has some stunning topography. So where are the best places to take in these views? Preferably free? Here are my best bets for the top panoramic views in San Diego County.

Restaurant Review: Gaslamp ...
One of San Diego's newest and most unique steakhouses

Grossmont Center
This quaint mall in La Mesa is the shopping center that time forgot.

Julian
Julian is a quaint mountain town about an hour away from San Diego and is a favorite day and weekend getaway for city dwellers.

Real World San Diego Sights
So, where are these places located in San Diego that the cast of Real World San Diego frequented? Here's your guide to the most interesting Real World San Diego Sights.

U.S. Open At-A-Glance
Torrey Pines municipal golf course in San Diego is the host to the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship, June 9 to 15, 2008. Torrey Pines is only the second municipal golf course ever selected to host this prestigious golf event.

Bus and Trolley Changes
Major bus and trolley services will take effect on Sept. 3, 2006.

2008 U.S. Open at Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines municipal golf course in San Diego is the host to the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship, June 9 to 15, 2008. Torrey Pines is only the second municipal golf course ever selected to host this prestigious golf event.

Cirque du Soleil's Quidam
Cirque du Soleil returns to San Diego with the touring show of "Quidam." The limited engagement takes place at the Del Mar Fairgrounds und the Grand Chapiteau. Quidam, latin for 'anonymous passer-by', is an intense and imaginative journey that transforms an alienated world into a place of hope and connection.

Comic Con
The world's largest annual convention of everything and anything about comics, the comic book industry, as well as sci-fi, adventure and horror film, illustration, art, retail, merchandising, and more. Held at the San Diego Convention Center.

Family Fun
These activities have been around for generations. And they're still a great way for families to have fun together. Find out where to go for traditional family fun around San Diego.

Did you know who named San ...
Do you know where San Diego got it's name?

Taco Tips
Eating tacos is a way of life in San Diego. Find out what you should look for when eating tacos in San Diego.

U.S. Open Spectator Guide
Torrey Pines municipal golf course in San Diego is the host to the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship, June 9 to 15, 2008. Torrey Pines is only the second municipal golf course ever selected to host this prestigious golf event.

Election Info
A rundown of resources for voting, election and government info for San Diego County.

Tide Pools
The Point Loma tide pools at Cbrillo National Monument offer a glimpse into the ocean life of the ecosystem and its tidal creatures.

American Idol auditions
Auditions for the search for the season seven American Idol begins in San Diego on July 30, 2007, at Qualcomm Stadium.

Hillcrest
New York has Greenwich Village. San Francisco has the Castro. Vancouver has the West End. And San Diego has Hillcrest, our closest thing to a diverse, lively, hip and colorful neighborhood. This gay-friendly 'hood just north of Balboa Park is a mix of apartments and bungalows mixed with a pedestrian-friendly business district.

Sprinter
The Sprinter is the east-west light rail system link between Oceanside, Vista, San Marcos and Escondido in San Diego's North County.

Downtown YMCA
The dowtown YMCA is a great spot for downtown workers and residents to work out and train.

Dog Tales
This is a story of our experience finding and adopting a dog after the loss of our longtime canine companion, Kerry.

Balboa Park Camps
Balboa Park institutions have a number of summer camp programs for your children. Both half-day and full-day programs are available, covering a wide range of topics and interests.

Stay Cool
San Diego has a well-deserved reputation for its nearly perfect weather, but there are a few weeks out of the year where we have to endure scorching temperatures. Here are some suggestions for staying cool in San Diego.

Review: Corteo
Cirque du Soleil's "Corteo," which means "cortege (funeral procession)" in Italian, is a joyous procession, a festive parade imagined by a clown.

Barona Casino
San Diego County's Indian casinos make for great weekend getaways. Here's my review of a recent Casino Getaway at Barona Valley Ranch Resort and Casino.

North Park
North Park is the most sprawling of San Diego's urban neighborhoods.

Over-The-Line Tournament
Over-th-Line is a form of softball, limited to 1,200 teams of three persons each, playing almost 2,400 games in two weekends with 52,000 expected to attend at this San Diego event.

Top Holiday Picks
Here are the San Diego guide's suggestions for some of the top picks for things to do in San Diego during the Christmas holiday season.

Veronica Mars
Veronica Mars is a TV show starring Kristen Bell on the CW network. It is set in the fictitional town of Neptune but is actually filmed and produced in San Diego by Stu Segall Productions. Here are some of the real San Diego locales seen on the TV show.

San Diego Zoo Profile
The 100-acre San Diego Zoo is home to over 4,000 rare and endangered animals representing more than 800 species and subspecies, and a prominent botanical collection with more than 700,000 exotic plants. It is located just north of downtown San Diego in Balboa Park.

Flower Field activities
he colorful Carlsbad Flower Fields are an annual rite of spring

San Diego Auto Show
The San Diego International Auto Show is one of the largest auto shows in the country, visitors can cruise over 525,000 contiguous square feet of automotive exhibits.

Plaza Camino Real
Plaza Camino Real serves the North County Coastal area (Encinitas, Carlsbad, Oceanside).

Petco Peeves
Hyperbole aside, Petco Park is nice, but there leaves a lot to be desired. In fact, here are a few things that make the ballpark fall short of it's claim to be the world's best ballpark.

Hotel Del Coronado
The Hotel del Coronado is a luxury hotel in the City of Coronado, just across the San Diego Bay from San Diego, California. It is one of the few surviving examples of an American architectural genre: the wooden Victorian beach resort.

Red Bull Air Races
The Red Bull Air Race World Series features the world’s best pilots in a motor sports competition based on speed, precision and skill. Using the fastest, most agile and lightweight racing planes, pilots navigate a low-level aerial race track made up of air-filled pylons, reaching speeds of 400 kilometres per hour while withstanding forces of up to 10 Gs.

San Diego Restaurant Week
San Diego Restaurant Week is a chance for you to experience some of the finest restaurants in San Diego for a low, fixed price of $30.

ZOOSuLin
The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of San Diego's leading tourist attractions.

Corteo
Cirque du Soleil announced that it will return to San Diego with the new live touring production CORTEO proudly presented by iShares, under the trademark blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau. Created and directed by Daniele Finzi Pasca, CORTEO will premiere at Del Mar Fairgrounds on January 11, 2008, for a limited engagement.

Ken Club
Situated in the middle of the nifty Kensington business district and next door to the venerable Ken Theater, the Ken Club is one long and narrow room, typical of the old school local taverns.

San Diego Dog Show
The Silver Bay Kennel Club Dog Show held at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is the San Diego area's largest dog show.

Halloween in San Diego
Where to go for firghts and screams in San Diego for Halloween. Well, there are still some fun - and hopefully scary - things to do around San Diego.

Kensington
Kensington is an upscale, quiet neighborhood in mid-city San Diego.

Petco Park Review
Petco Park is the new ballpark home of the San Diego Padres. It is located in the East Village area of downtown San Diego, a couple of blocks east of the Gaslamp District, the city's dining and nightlife mecca.

Most Recent Articles About ...
Our local San Diego Guide's articles to things to do in San Diego.

Free Tuesdays
Did you know you can take in the museums and galleries in Balboa Park for free? As a service to the public, each Tuesday of the month offers free admission to Balboa Park venues, on a rotating basis.

Miramar Air Show
One of the areas largest public events, the annual Miramar Air Show and Open House has been held 48 times over the past 50 years. Originally a Navy production, the Marine Corps took over the show after they arrived in 1999.

Pechanga Quick Review
As one of the country's newest resort destinations, PechangaResort & Casino, a four-diamond property, offers the pinnacle of hotel luxury, gaming excitement, entertainment, meeting facilities and dining in the San Diego and Southern California area.

Stadium Names
San Diego's stadium has gone through name changes over the years

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The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

Varekai is a don't miss!
It's breathtaking, awe-inspiring, hilarious, spellbinding all at once. It's Cirque du Soleil's "Varekai" and it has an extended run in San Diego.

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Otay Ranch Town Center is a shopping mall in the Eastlake area of Chula Vista

Del Mar Horse Races
That annual beach party known as the Del Mar Thoroughbred racing season is about to parade to the post beginning Wednesday, July 18, 2007. The 43 days of racing extends through Wednesday, September 5, with a six-day-a-week schedule, Tuesday being each week’s day of rest.

San Diego County Fair Picks
Here are the About San Diego Guide's Top Picks on what to see and do at this year's San Diego County Fair.

Turf Club
This hipster bar in the middle of Golden Hill is about as cool as it gets.

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Otay Ranch Town Center is a shopping mall in the Eastlake area of Chula Vista

U.S. Open Do's and Don'ts
Torrey Pines municipal golf course in San Diego is the host to the 2008 U.S. Open Golf Championship, June 9 to 15, 2008. Torrey Pines is only the second municipal golf course ever selected to host this prestigious golf event.

Martime Museum
The Maritime Museum of San Diego has one of the world's finest collections of historic ships, including the world famous Star of India.

NCAA Basketball
San Diego State University will play host to eight of the top men's collegiate basketball teams at Cox Arena for the first and second rounds of the 2006 NCAA championships.

San Diego is Avocado Country
San Diego County produces over 40 percent of the California avocado crop, which in turn produces 95 percent of the nation's avocados.

Carly Smithson
Carly Smithson, one of the top 24 contestants for American Idol Season 7, lives in San Diego and also auditioned at the San Diego auditions for in 2007 for Season 7.

Jack
Profiles of famous San Diegans: Jack, the witty and popular fictional CEO of Jack in the Box fame.

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The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

fashion_valley400_1312
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

fashion_valley400_1245
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

Cinco de Mayo
Here's a list of Cinco de Mayo events and celebrations happening around San Diego.

The Alibi
You always know when a dive bar gains street cred when the hipsters co-opt it as one of their own. And the Alibi in Hillcrest is one of those places.

Freeway Frenzy
Although the California freeway system is the best in the country, it's still the cause for many a headache in the land of the automobile. Here's the lowdown on San Diego county's increasingly clogged major highways.

Autumn in San Diego
The weather cools down in autumn, and it's a perfect time to enjoy what San Diego has to offer. Here are some suggestions for autumn activities in San Diego.

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The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

Niki De Saint Phalle
The only American sculpture garden and the last major international project by artist Niki De Saint Phalle, in Escondido's Kit Carson Park.

fashion_valley400_1237
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

fashion_valley400_1310
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

fashion_valley400_1240
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

University Heights
University Heights is a neighborhood in San Diego.

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The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres is the Major League Baseball National League ballclub for San Diego.

Comic-Con Tips
Going to San Diego Comic-Con? Here are some survival tips to make your experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

Musical Bridge
It's one of the most unique works of public art in San Diego, and it's interactive to boot. The 25th Street Bridge that spans the Martin Luther King Freeway in Golden Hill has a sidewalk rail that is a carillon that can actually be played by pedestrians.

Mother's Day
Things to do and places to see - where to take mother on Mother's Day in San Diego.

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Otay Ranch Town Center is a shopping mall in the Eastlake area of Chula Vista

Balboa Park Walk
Take a walking tour of San Diego's Balboa Park.

Mission Hills
Mission Hills is an older neighborhood in central San Diego.

New Year's Eve
Here are some suggestions for celebrating New Year's Eve around San Diego County.

Torrey Pines Golf Course
Torrey Pines is a municipal course, owned and maintained by the City of San Diego. In addition to the North and South courses, facilities include a driving range, practice putting greens, a restaurant and food & beverage carts.

Torrey Pines South
Torrey Pines is a municipal course, owned and maintained by the City of San Diego. It is home to the Buick Invitational PGA golf tournament, and in 2008, hosted the USGA's U.S. Open Golf Championship.

Oktoberfest in San Diego
Yes, even San Diegans celebrate Oktoberfest, and the event in La Mesa is one of the largest ones around.

fashion_valley400_1306
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

fashion_valley400_1313
The class of San Diego malls, Fashion Valley has arguably the best of the upscale stores. Nordstrom, JC Penney, Macy's, Nieman Marcus and the new Bloomingdale's anchor this well appointed two-level outdoor mall.

The San Diego Zoo#146;s Abs...
Opened just in time for the busy summer season, Absolutely Apes is more than just a new exhibit for those colorful orangutans. Actually, Absolutely Apes is an innovative, naturalistic forest habitat where the formerly neighboring – but separated – orangutans and siamangs now live together as they would in the wild

La Mesa Walking Tour
Downtown La Mesa offers a quaint and friendly small town environment, offering a mix of antique shops, restaurants, and business services.

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Tijuana is the largest city in the Mexican state of Baja California. The city is situated on the U.S.-Mexico border adjacent to San Diego, California.

Comic-Con Highlights
The world's largest annual convention of everything and anything about comics, the comic book industry, as well as sci-fi, adventure and horror film, illustration, art, retail, merchandising, and more. Held at the San Diego Convention Center.

Qualcomm Stadium
With a seating capacity of 70,561 Qualcomm Stadium is located in the heart of Mission Valley, minutes from downtown San Diego. The Stadium is host to San Diego Charger and SDSU Aztec football, the Holiday Bowl, the Poinsettia Bowl, Street Scene and more.