We all want to support local small businesses, right? Less Target and Amazon, more cute and funky hidden gems... but how do you find these places?! It's harder to find them online because any Google search will always bring up the big dogs first. You can drive around or ask a local; there's always something to be said for the power and enjoyment of discovery. What if you don't have the time to get lost on a backroad or that one time you ended up eating the nastiest sandwich ever?
As I move through life, I love sharing my favorite places
Restaurants
Mitch's: super fresh fish in Shelter Island, Point Loma area
- right by the fisherman's pier (historically Portuguese families)
- able to take a guided fishing trip
Cafe Sevilla: Spanish tapas and sangria in downtown Gaslamp District of San Diego
- the most delicious food and drinks
- great for sharing with friends due to tapas style
- bartender Santiago always talks to me like I'm his best friend and remembers details of my life story over the years and what I drink!
Clothing
Dreamgirls: a boutique on Newport Ave in Ocean Beach, Point Loma area
- a great sale section in the back
- cute and funky
- actually kind of affordable!
- right by the beach
Pet Stores
Noah's: natural pet food store in Pacific Beach area
- super sweet owner named Cecilia
Howlistic
Point Loma Pet Pantry
Beauty
Sunset Clipps: hair salon with funky grass floor and wood paneled walls in Ocean Beach, Point Loma
Linda's Salon: nail salon in Midway District, Point Loma
- ingrown toenails? these ladies will dig 'em out for you!
- some of the most meticulous mani pedis I have ever received, but for an affordable price
- the owner will remember your stories from years ago!
Grocery
OB People's Organic Food Market: the first all organic cooperative in Ocean Beach, Point Loma
- began in 1971 and has seen a series of transformations
- new sustainable, "green" building in early 2000s
- vegetarian with award-winning vegan deli (that even this meat eater loves!)
Siesel's Meats: butcher shop offering domestic raised cattle, rubs, sides, wines, and meat-cooking accessories in Bay Park
- the best meats ever! with the most variety
- Frog legs or filet mignon, they've got it
Shopping
Artelexia: Mexican art, gifts, and home decor in artistic North Park
- colorful artisanal gifts for your friends or yourself!
- huge cool variety of paletas (Mexican popsicles)
from the site:
- Hosting cultural workshops and community events, including the First-ever Day of the Dead Festival in North Park
- Fundraising via Hola Bitches—Modern-day Fairy Godmothers—for an array of non-profits
Honest Thrift: small store with unique finds that specializes in plants in Old Town
- sister shop to Garden Coffee
Coffee
Garden Coffee: cozy outdoor coffee shop in Old Town
- deeeelicious chocolate muffins
- AMAZING cappuccinos (I am picky about these due to years of being a barista)
Farmer's Markets
Ocean Beach: Wednesdays from about 4-8 pm
- normally superrrr crowded, get there early to park or rideshare
- lots of raw food vendors as well as cooked food, drinks, and artists and artisans
Pacific Beach
Little Italy
La Jolla
Outdoors
La Jolla Kayak Tours
Balboa Park: museums, parks, and art in a massive outdoor space
- perfect for the whole family whether you like museums or not
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