Guest Editor: Adam Moyer, of Knockaround

As we all know, the beautiful land in Southern California was discovered by the Germans in 1904, and they named it San Diego, which of course in German means...well, I’m sure you’re all aware of its history.  San Diego has been called the birthplace of California and with sun, beach, and a short jump to Mexico, it’s easy to see why.  Join us this week as we get a local’s view of SD with our tour guide, Knockaround founder Adam Moyer. 

PUT ‘EM BACK

Pacific Beach Shore Club // 4343 Ocean Blvd, San Diego, CA 92109

Where grand meets the sand!  It’s not just a clever tagline as the PB Shore club features a clubby upstairs bungalow overlooking the beach and water.  Be sure to grab some fish tacos and a frozen RBV.

Home & Away // 2222 San Diego Ave, San Diego, CA 92110

On Thursdays the co-owner, Frank, bartends and belts out all his favorite country songs.  Hit it up any other night of the week for the outdoor space, craft beers and table games like Jenga and ping pong. 

Shore Rider // 2168 Avenida De La Playa, La Jolla, CA 92037

Located in the Shores section of La Jolla, this spot is all-outdoors and only a few blocks from the beach.

The Waterfront // 2044 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

The waterfront may have moved, but people are still going here for the same reason they have been since 1933.  They claim to be the oldest bar in San Diego (50/50 as to whether that’s true), but it's in a cool location, and you get used to the stale beer smell pretty quickly. 

GOOD EATS

Mr. Peabody's // 6110 Friars Rd, Ste 108, San Diego, CA 92108

It's in a strip mall by the real mall, but do yourself a favor and order the turkey tacos; an amazing, delicious deal for only $4.50.

Bluewater Seafood // 3667 India St, San Diego, CA 92103

The best fresh-fish sandwiches in San Diego with bonus points for their tacos.  The line is always out the door, so call in your order, cut the line, and do a picnic up the hill in Pioneer Park.

Bronx Pizza // 111 Washington St, San Diego, CA 92123
New Yorkers are probably rolling their eyes, but trust us: bring cash, grab a pie to go, take a bite and you’ll quickly forget it’s west coast pizza.

Underbelly // 750 W Fir St, Ste 101, San Diego, CA 92101

Right in the heart of Little Italy is...the best Japanese comfort food in town.  For ramen, it's expensive, but if there's a chill in the air you'll definitely be glad you stopped in.

Lolita's // 7305 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, Ste A, San Diego, CA 92111

There are a few scattered throughout town.  Get a California burrito and a tallboy of Miller Lite.  Always a good choice.

Cowboy Star // 640 Tenth Ave, San Diego, CA 92101

Get the 40 oz. porterhouse for two.  It's huge and really good. 

GET YOUR FIX

Kettle & Stone // 1619 W Lewis St, San Diego, CA 92103

There are a ton of coffee options in the Mission Hills neighborhood of San Diego, but this spot has the best atmosphere.  Drive down the nearby Sunset Blvd. for a quintessential SoCal experience.

Caroline's Seaside Café // 8610 Kennel Way, La Jolla, CA 92037

Caroline’s is on the ocean-side campus of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography (part of UCSD), and has the best breakfast views in the La Jolla neighborhood of San Diego. 

GOOD TIMES

The Beach

duh. There are a lot of beach options, but check out Coronado. The beach is wider, the sand is
softer, and you can roll up to the nearby Hotel Del beach bar for a Pina Colada.

Liberty Station

This used to be an old naval base, but now it's been converted to restaurants and shops.  It's right on the water, and it almost feels like a college campus.  The classroom scenes from the movie Top Gun were famously shot here.

Petco Park // 100 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101

The Padres stadium was voted the best in the MLB last year, and if you take in a game you'll soon discover why.  Great views, great food options, and lots of fun to be had in the surrounding area.  If you're rooting for the Padres, wear brown (don't wear blue.)

FILL YOUR BAG

Pigment // 3801 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104

This North Park spot is near cool bars and brunch spots.  Have a couple beers, then go buy a birthday present for your girlfriend or boyfriend.

Bird's Surf Shed // 1091 W Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92110

Obviously there are a ton of surf shops in San Diego, and Bird's is one of the best.  Bird does the daily surf report on one of the local radio stations, so you know he's legit.  Pick up a pair of Knockarounds and some sun screen while you're there.

Costco // 4605 Morena Blvd, San Diego, CA 92117

The first Costco (which started as Price Club) is in San Diego.  Get a hot dog and a soda, and couple gallons of trail mix, and see where this American retail icon started out. 

HANG YOUR HAT

The Lodge at Torrey Pines // 11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037

Get in a round of golf and a hike down to Black's Beach (the only nude beach in San Diego).

The Lafayette // 2223 El Cajon Blvd, San Diego, CA 92104

This place is a cross between a Motel 6 and the Beverly Hills Hotel... the result is an Ace Hotel type of experience. 

Photo Credit:  PB Shore Club, San Diego Magazine, Blue Water Seafood, MySocialDLife, Bird’s Surf Shed, The Lafayette, Trip Advisor

did we miss anything? Hit us up in the comments....

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