The Best Things to Do in North Park, San Diego
Love Yourself Frida mural at Artelexia.
The adorable little neighborhood of North Park, San Diego has been blowing up all over Instagram lately and it's not hard to see why. The streets are painted those pastel colors we love, the walls are filled with urban succulent gardens and the matcha is oh-so-trendy. Not to mention the foodie scene is really happening with cuisine from all over the world, and of course plenty of fusions. Forbes named it one of Americaβs best neighborhoods for hipsters, which really sums it up.
My husband and I lived in San Diego and North Park was one of my favorite hangout spots. Our perfect afternoon out-and-about in North Park would be eating tacos Γ la lucha libre style and then sipping green matcha latte while window shopping boutiques. Read on to see North Park's top spots and begin planning your visit to one of San Diego's favorite neighborhoods.
Where to Find North Park in San Diego
When youβre looking at a map of San Diego, North Park is located inland and bordered by Balboa Park, University Heights, South Park and Normal Heights. Itβs ideal for visitors because the neighborhood streets are very walkable and pedestrian friendly. All you have to do is find parking and then you can spend the day meandering through the city blocks and alleys. The main streets of North Park are 30th Street, University Ave and North Park Way.
Pink ombre wall at Pigment boutique.
Pink ombre wall at Pigment boutique.
The Cutest Little Shops in North Park San Diego
Pigment
I pretty much fell in love with this shop the second I walked through the door. It's got those modern feminine vibes with adorable succulent terrariums everywhere. The building your own terrarium bar has everything you could possibly need to create your own little plant paradise. Thereβs also many gifts for your girlfriends and home decor.
Ice cream flight from Hammondβs Gourmet Ice Cream.
Ice cream flight from Hammondβs Gourmet Ice Cream.
Flower and gift shop inside Communal Coffee.
Flower shop inside Communal Coffee.
Communal Coffee in North Park
Communal Coffee is a local San Diego coffee house chain, but they also have a gifts, plants and a flower shop at their North Park location. You can arrange your own bouquet and grab a cup of coffee with a side of avocado toast, all in one place.
Flower and gift shop inside Communal Coffee.
Coffee bar at Communal Coffee.
Hunt & Gather
If your personal style is funky cool with eclectic pieces, then Hunt & Gather is worth a visit. They sell curated vintage and eclectic clothing and goods. This is also a great place to shop for festival attire, Halloween and any kind of event that requires a dose of something out of the ordinary and a bit extra.
Matcha and avocado toast from Communal Coffee.
Front outdoor patio at Communal Coffee.
North Park Thursday Market
San Diego has some amazing farmersβ markets, and the North Park Thursday Market is one of the best. Every Thursday starting at 3pm the street of North Park Way (between Ray Street and Granada Avenue) fills up with over 50 vendors. Youβll find locally grown produce, fresh flowers, ready-to-eat foods, artesian made crafts and more.
Front outdoor patio at Communal Coffee.
Avocado toast from Communal Coffee.
Home + Hound
The name really says it all - shop decor for your home and pet supplies for your dog. But these arenβt your ordinary dog products, theyβre made for pup and furry baby parents who love modern design. We are also canine lovers in our family and you can find my dog-friendly guide to San Diego on the blog.
Flower shop inside Communal Coffee.
Macrame plant hangers from the flower shop inside Communal Coffee.
Verbatim Books
Itβs really fun to get lost inside this spot because Verbatim Books is a treasure trove for book worms and those who have a healthy curiosity for literary works. This spacious antiquarium has over 35,000 gently-used books. They pride their assortment on being a highly curated and prized collection of sought after books.
Flower shop inside Communal Coffee.
Flower shop inside Communal Coffee.
Day to Day Vintage
Day to Day is another vintage and second hand clothing store in North Park. You can shop all kinds of vintage clothing and accessories from a variety of eras. They also host the Day to Day Vintage Market which sells antique furniture, clothing, jewelry and plants. The market takes place in the North Park Mini Park which is behind the Observatory Theatre.
Succulent and cactus shop inside Communal Coffee.
Succulent and cactus shop inside Communal Coffee.
The Best Places to Eat and Drink in North Park San Diego
Holy Matcha
As you can see from all the snapshots taken at this little tea shop, it is cute as a button and VERY popular with bloggers. Order your matcha with avocado toast for a very green healthy breakfast.
North Park mural located at 3092 University Ave.
Tribute Pizza
While there are multiple pizza joints in North Park, Tribute Pizza is a standout option. Enjoy a wood-fired pizza in a modern and bright space with warm woods and colorful accents. If other members of your party want more meal variety, you can also find artesian salads, small plates and table shareable appetizers.
A hot cup of matcha from Holy Matcha.
Visit a North Park Brewery
San Diego is known as a world class craft beer destination with many local breweries. In North Park you can spend an afternoon beer hopping around the breweries.
Top North Park breweries are:
Pink Christmas decor inside Holy Matcha.
A hot cup of matcha from Holy Matcha.
Dark House Coffee
This is a modern take out coffee depot where you can start your North Park daytime adventures with a hot (or cold) cup of caffeine. They are best known for their Nitro Cold Brew, espresso and house crafted syrups.
Pink Christmas decor inside Holy Matcha.
Pink Christmas decor inside Holy Matcha.
Nomad Donuts
Nomad Donuts is a San Diego famous foodie brand that makes all kinds of fun and unique flavors. Speciality donuts flavors include Cream Cheese Guava, Banana Chain, Twix, Sweet Corn Elote and Chocolate Pumpkin in the fall season.
A hot cup of matcha from Holy Matcha.
Family Brunch at 619 Spirits
Although 619 Spirits is known for top class alcohol, they actually have a family-friendly atmosphere. Their brunch menu has kidβs meals and for the adults thereβs kombucha, boozy drinks and even CBD mocktails. The food is classic American with some Mexican-inspired dishes mixed in.
A hot cup of matcha from Holy Matcha.
Date night at Holy Matcha.
Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
After you've gotten your caffeine fix at Holy Matcha you can mosey across the street and indulge your sweet tooth. Honey lavender ice cream anyone? They have ice cream flights which are made of tiny little ice cream cones. This way to can try a bunch of flavors in one day.
Pink and colorful decor inside Lucha Libre Taco Shop.
Lucha Libre Tacos
This Mexican wrestling themed joint is a feast for the eyes as well as the belly. The menu is a steal of a deal, for less than $5 my tummy was so full from my giant cheese and steak taco. When you snack on your chips don't skimp on the cilantro cream sauce at the salsa bar, it's amazing! Viva "Nacho Libre!"
Pink and colorful decor inside Lucha Libre Taco Shop.
Pink and colorful decor inside Lucha Libre Taco Shop.
The Smoking Goat
Feeling fancy? Have a romantic date night with French and American fusion fare at The Smoking Goat. Pair your meal with a boutique wine, cocktail or craft beer. They are only open for dinner and the ambiance is upscale but still relaxed and welcoming. Try the signature octopus dish!
Succulent wall at Pigment boutique.
Succulent wall at Pigment boutique.
Underbelly North Park
Underbelly is a sleek and modern ramen house with industrial chic digs. They serve big bowls of ramen which are filled to the brim with savory flavors. On the menu youβll also find Japanese-style comfort foods such as Japanese fried chicken, fried baos and rice bowls.
Interiors inside Pigment boutique.
Interiors inside Pigment boutique.
Breakfast Republic in North Park
Iβve included all the Breakfast Republic locations in my San Diego Instagram guide for foodies because eating at one of their restaurants is both a treat for the belly and the eyes. The decor is a bit whacky and whimsical, but still ironically cool. Their menu is filled with all kinds of breakfast staples with innovative cuisine twists. Noteworthy foods to try at Breakfast Republic includes Oreo Cookie Pancakes, Strawberry and Sβmores French Toast and all kids of savory Benedicts.
California Dreaming neon sign outside Pigment boutique.
Atypical Waffle Company
Just as the name implies, Atypical Waffle Company makes waffles in all kinds of new and dare I say ingenious flavors. Waffle toppings include sweet ricotta, jam, Nutella or cookie butter. For savory waffles you can add avocado, bacon, goat cheese, spicy aoili and chicken nuggets.
Pink ombre wall at Pigment boutique.
Pink ombre wall at Pigment boutique.
City Tacos
San Diego is world-famous for having the best and most flavorful tacos. City Tacos has locations all over San Diego, including North Park. Their tacos are assembled with a symphony of fresh, spicy and cheesy ingredients. They even have tacos dorados which are fried in IPA beer fondue and topped with a creamy green salsa. Yum!
Interiors inside Pigment boutique.
Interiors inside Pigment boutique.
More Things to See in North Park
Murals in North Park
You can find big and colorful murals all over San Diego, but some of my favorites are definitely from the North Park neighborhoods.
Iβve listed below my top 3 Instagrammable North Park murals:
Greetings From San Diego Mural - located at 4223 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104.
Frida at Artelexia - located at 3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104.
You are Radiant at Artelexia - located at 3803 Ray St, San Diego, CA 92104.
Famous North Park sign.
Old School Arcade Games at Coin Op in North Park
If youβre looking for a night out with fellow adults, consider Coin Op in North Park for an evening of arcade games and lawn games paired with beer and pub grub. This laid back spot is great for a casual date night, or even a group of friends.
Paper flower wall inside Artelexia boutique.
Colorful Mexican goods inside Artelexia boutique.
Hello Birdie
On a leisurely weekend or while on vacation, I like to squeeze in some downtime with a pampering visit to the nail salon. Hello Birdie is an upscale nail studio in North Park. They do very trendy nail art, and use non-toxic, cruelty-free products that are made in California. They also do lashes if youβre looking to enhance your eyes.
You Are Radiant mural outside Artelexia boutique.
Book Your Stay in San Diego:
The Porto Vista has everything you need for an epic San Diego vacation. Guests can enjoy the rooftop pool and lounges with panoramic city views.
This very modern and sleek condo hotel is located in North Park. You could conveniently walk to your favorite restaurants and shopping during your visit.
The Lafayette Hotel is located in University Heights which borders North Park. This hotel has vintage colonial style architecture and a bungalow swim club.
Shop San Diego Vacation Essentials:
ASOS is one of my go-to places to find cute and breezy midi dresses. These are a staple in San Diego because of all the sunshine weather.
I always have a couple of Mexican serape blankets in my car when we road trip to San Diego. They are super versatile, work well as a beach blanket, and then you wash it in the washing machine.
I know Lululemon is famous for their workout leggings, but I am low key obsessed with their backpacks. They are lightweight but still sturdy, and they work great for traveling and day trips.
