I have to admit my bias right off the bat.
My husband and I liked North Park, San Diego, enough that we bought a house there. We wanted a walkable neighborhood with lots to do (and consume), and North Park easily fit that description.
Basically, it’s the best neighborhood in San Diego.
That’s all there is to it!
The only way to determine whether you agree or disagree with me on this is to visit North Park for yourself. So what are you waiting for?
Disclosure: Please note that some of the links below may be affiliate links, including links through the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. At no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I won’t recommend something I have not used/would not use myself, and any income earned supports the upkeep of this site.
Exploring North Park San Diego
North Park is where we chose to make our home while here in San Diego for a reason. Check out this guide to this vibrant neighborhood and see the magic for yourself!
North Park, San Diego, Fun Facts
I’ll admit to not having known many of these things before my extensive research into North Park. Check out 10 fun facts about North Park that will impress any local.
1. The heart of North Park is at 30th Street and University Avenue, where its iconic sign welcomes people in.
2. North Park could have been a lemon grove. James Monroe Hartley purchased the land in 1893 for that purpose, but irrigation there was a pain in the neck. I can vouch for that, due to the size of the weak lemons in my backyard.
3. The neighborhood’s name comes from its original moniker: “Hartley’s North Park.”
4. North Park has appeared on Forbes magazine’s list of hippest hipster neighborhoods, described by the magazine as a “bastion of creativity.”
5. North Park was one of the San Diego neighborhoods serviced by streetcars built by John D. Spreckels. They were retired in 1949.
6. The neighborhood’s first high rise building, built in 1912, was what is now Western Dental & Orthodontics on University Avenue.
7. This one isn’t “fun,” but shocking to me that I’d never heard about it.
North Park was the site of an aviation disaster in 1978: the crash of PSA Flight 182. The commercial airliner crashed into a private plane, killing everyone on board both planes. Seven people on the ground were also killed, and numerous homes were destroyed.
8. North Park used to have two movie theaters, The North Park Theatre and the Ramona Theatre. Unfortunately, now there are none, although The North Park Theatre now exists as a music venue, The Observatory North Park.
9. San Diego’s first J. C. Penney was in North Park. It closed in 1986, a premonition for all other J. C. Penney stores.
10. There are over a dozen North Park, San Diego, breweries or tasting rooms in a little over a one-and-a-half-mile stretch in this part of town.
Note: Please don’t try them all in one day, no matter how delicious they all sound, and please don’t scooter around drunk. I live here, and could hit you.
How to Get to North Park
You need to get to San Diego, first.
I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should use Skyscanner.
It’s a great tool for when you’re more flexible, too, as it allows you to compare travel based on length of travel, departure date, etc.
To navigate San Diego, you’ll likely need to rent a car. It’s best then to just book a rental car from the airport using an aggregator like Hotwire or Priceline.
North Park itself is just west of Interstate 805, at the northeast corner of Balboa Park.
Once you’re in North Park, it’s quite walkable. Check out the information below on how to get around North Park for available bus lines if you’d like to try to get to North Park via public transportation.
How to Get Around North Park
North Park is a very walkable neighborhood, much like its neighbors South Park and Golden Hill, especially if you’re having yourself a brewery crawl.
You’ll find a lot of activity near 30th Street and University Avenue, the neighborhood’s main hub, and then up and down 30th Street.
If you drove to North Park, parking is available at the 29th Street Parking Garage, which is only a buck an our during the day.
Additional street parking is available if you’re lucky; it’s much easier to park the further away you get from the main intersection of 30th Street and University Avenue.
If you want to get around on public transportation, MTS Bus 10, which originates at the Old Town Transit Center, will get you up and down University Avenue.
MTS Bus 2 goes up and down 30th Street. All route maps and schedules are available from the Metropolitan Transit System.
Do you feel like being more active? North Park is bike-friendly, with additional bike lanes being planned as we speak. Or, there are always those infernal scooters.
Want an epic map of all the incredible things I’m going to highlight here? Click on the link below. You’re welcome!
GIMME THAT NORTH PARK MAP!
Things to Do in North Park, San Diego
There’s plenty to do to fill up a day in North Park, especially with its proximity to Balboa Park.
Save that behemoth for another day, though, and check out my picks for what to do in North Park, San Diego, in no particular order, instead.
Catch a show at The Observatory North Park.
North Park’s historic music hall, The Observatory North Park, was independently-owned and operated until recently, following a recent acquisition by Live Nation.
That’s kind of a bummer, but the move appears not to have slowed down the party if persistent noise complaints are any indication. Music venues are going to make noise, people!
If they didn’t, I’d ask for a refund.
Spot the North Park murals.
Much like street art cities like Bogotá, North Park has a great street art scene.
Go on a hunt for some of the neighborhood’s iconic murals yourself, or start with these:
- Greetings from San Diego postcard mural outside of Belching Beaver on 30th Street
- You Are Radiant outside Artelexia at Ray Street and North Park Way
- Kreashun wall at 30th and Gunn streets
Fun fact: The folks behind Kreashun have done other versions elsewhere, including a wall on the terrace level of the Del Mar Plaza. That one features a cute lil’ hummingbird.
Act like a kid at the Coin-Op.
North Park’s Coin-Op Game Room at 3926 30th St. was the first arcade bar in San Diego.
Today, it has 25 games to make any visitor happy to post up for a while. (Me, I like Ms. Pacman, or kicking everyone’s butt as Chun-Li in Street Fighter II.) Check out their website for a full list of games.
They’ve also got a good tap list and snacks if you’re hungry from all that sick arcade game action.
The last Sunday of every month is a free play day, all day long!
Support small businesses.
Much like its neighbor University Heights, North Park is known for its eclectic shopping and art galleries.
Pick out a unique gift, like beautiful stationery or home accents, at Pigment, 3801 30th St. See how home design can blend with loving your pet at Home & Hound, 3768 30th St.
Browse the goods at the gallery and art school Art on 30th, 4434 30th St. Embrace Mexican art and home décor at Artelexia, 3803 Ray St.
Or just window shop at the North Park San Diego shops and see what strikes your fancy!
Go on a brewery crawl.
As my fun facts informed you, there are a number of places you could stop and have yourself a beer in a little over a one-and-a-half-mile stretch in North Park.
How many breweries are there in North Park? There’s some turnover in the neighborhood, but there are 13 San Diego North Park breweries and tasting rooms at the time of this writing.
Among those, Fall Brewing Company, Belching Beaver, and Modern Times are tried and true favorites and some of the best breweries in North Park, San Diego.
Second Chance is another delight for some of the friendliest staff in town.
Drinking beer in this neighborhood is a favorite hobby of its residents, and on most San Diego bucket lists if you’re at all into craft beer. Check out my thoughts below on more watering holes in North Park.
Where to Drink in North Park
What is North Park known for? North Park is known for its craft beer scene, for starters. It’s considered by many to be one of the best beer neighborhoods in San Diego, if not California.
READ MORE: North Park’s breweries made my list of San Diego’s bucket list attractions. Dig into the rest!
You could host several bar crawls in North Park and still have some left over for the next one. Here are my picks for where to drink in North Park.
Note: Keep in mind that you should check any times listed below before you head out to avoid disappointment and anger towards me, a helpful travel blogger.
Belching Beaver
First of all, the name is hilarious. That doesn’t make the beer served up there any less delicious.
The North Park location of Belching Beaver also has that San Diego postcard pic on the outside that’ll really jazz up your otherwise basic Instagram.
I know there are all kinds of fantastical beer names out there, but Belching Beaver boasts some of my faves, e.g. Brut Willis and Me So Honey.
So cheeky!
Bivouac Ciderworks
Bivouac Ciderworks has a full dinner menu going on. I LOVE what they have going on with their cider — so many dry cider options, which are my favorite! — but I think their food is overpriced for what it is.
As I wholeheartedly recommend their delicious cider, though, here it is, under where you should drink in North Park. You can try a few by the flight, as well, which will help you determine whether you like the dry stuff or the sweeter stuff.
Have yourself a delicious taste test.
Fall Brewing Company
Fall Brewing was often our go-to neighborhood brewery, assisted by its proximity to our old house.
My favorite beers there are the different versions of their sour Jazz Hands. Yes, I do a little hand dance when I’m drinking it. There’s also a semi-creepy Humpty Dumpty in there that they dress up for the holidays.
Mike Hess Brewing
They keep expanding, but Mike Hess remains a place with that welcoming, neighborhood bar vibe. They now have additional locations in Imperial Beach, Miramar, Ocean Beach, and Walnut Creek.
The kitchen in Imperial Beach, by the way, is run by one of our taco faves, City Tacos.
Modern Times (The North Park Flavordome)
Yes, their North Park tasting room is called The Flavordome.
It’s cool, though, because the beer at Modern Times is indeed quite tasty, and the place is a little bit wacky, what with the upside-down lampshades decorating the ceiling. You can bring in whatever food you want, or order from any of the many eateries around the brewery.
Enter The Flavordome.
North Park Beer Company
North Park Beer Company is huge, and a great place to meet up with large groups. If you have social anxiety, there are enough dark corners to meet your needs, too. Brunch is served on Saturdays and Sundays.
We have yet to try their food, but reviews look good!
Polite Provisions
Polite Provisions is a co*cktail bar that’s one part retro, one part hipster, and one part adorable bartenders in suspenders. They have a lengthy co*cktail list, but can also whip something up for you based on your mood.
Whatcha got that’s slightly salty?
Fun fact: This may be more of a disclaimer. Beware of the absinthe-laden Zombie, which they limit to two per customer. Many have fallen into gutters thanks to that one.
Rip Current Brewing North Park
Rip Current’s main brewery is in San Marcos, but that’s pretty far away if you’re down in the city. Their tasting room boasts some great neighborhood vibes, and 29 beers on tap.
You can have some decent food while you’re there, too. They share a kitchen with Craft House North Park, and they sling a great burger.
That is all. Go already.
Second Chance Beer Lounge
Give Second Chance a first glance, if only because I offered this rhyme to you.
Friendly staff, excellent people watching along 30th Street at their outside tables and delicious pours make this beer lounge an excellent stop on any San Diego brewery tour.
Thorn Street Brewery
Thorn Street Brewery is a little bit off-the-beaten path if you’re on a North Park brewery crawl, but good beer comes to those who stray off of 30th Street.
Pull up a stool, grab a board game, and sip on their rotating beers. If you’re hungry, they’ll usually have a food truck outside on Tuesday and Wednesday nights, or they’ll let you bring food inside.
Thorn Street also has tasting rooms in Barrio Logan and Mission Hills.
Where to Eat in North Park, San Diego
I was pretty lucky to live in a neighborhood with so many yummy eateries. North Park’s food offerings are exceptionally diverse, and come in at a variety of price points.
Here are my top picks for where to eat in North Park on your next visit to San Diego.
Alexander’s on 30th
You don’t need to go to Little Italy for delicious and authentic Italian food.
Alexander’s on 30th in North Park is one of my favorites. They have pink penne pasta with prosciutto, which is both yummy and difficult to say three times fast.
Reservations are available online for Alexander’s North Park.
Atypical Waffle
Something sweet? Something savory? A bit of both?
I passed by this random place several times before finally stopping in. Atypical Waffle is tucked away a bit off the street, but once you’re inside it opens up into a nice outdoor eating area. The waffles may seem small at first glance, but the toppings are rich.
Breakfast Republic
You cannot speak of the best brunch in North Park, San Diego, without mentioning Breakfast Republic. Try their mashed potato omelet or jurassic pork eggs Benedict and tell me I’m wrong.
They continue to expand, with locations now in Liberty Station, Encinitas, East Village, Ocean Beach, Carmel Valley, Mission Valley, and Pacific Beach.
Whoa. I promise, this is no Denny’s. The North Park location gets very busy during peak times; no, they do not take reservations.
Caffeè Calabria
Caffeè Calabria is big on coffee, as the longest-serving roaster in North Park.
As I’m not big into putting real pants on to go get coffee, I’m here for their pizza rather than the coffee shops.
Their Neapolitan pies are wood-fired and very, very special, boasting the freshest of ingredients. They serve up calzones, too, if you’re feeling like additional carbs.
Cantina Mayahuel
Come for the tequila — they have more than 200! — but stay for the carnitas.
Cantina Mayahuel is a delicious place to sip on some margaritas and munch on some tacos. If you’re feeling fancy, their seafood stew is a decadent delight.
If you’re there on Taco Tuesday, treat yourself to $5 margaritas and discounted taco plates. Yum!
Chris’ Ono Grinds Island Grill
Say “aloha” to your diet because you’re about to make some macaroni salad and huli huli chicken happen.
You can smell that chicken so aggressively down the block it’s as if they pump it into the air.
If you’re not into the giant mounds of rice that come with most of their plates, do as I do when I’m at Ono Grinds: huli huli chicken, sweet potato medallions, macaroni salad. Hold the rice. You’ll thank me later.
City Tacos
Tacos are my go-to in San Diego. There’s so much variety that it’s not a problem to try a different kind every day.
The $3 Taco Tuesday deal at City Tacos is made that much better because they usually have a DJ on site, and I like to shake that booty when I’m eating my tacos.
Access to this place keeps getting easier. In addition to their existing shops in La Mesa and Imperial Beach, they have FIVE additional locations in the works. I’m hopeful quality stays high with that big of an expansion!
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
Dunedin comes to North Park from the same people who brought you Queenstown Public House in Little Italy.
Expect similar menus if you’ve been to that one, including one of my favorite things in all of San Diego, their Bare Lamb Burger. It’s indulgent, delicious, and features beets, which I’m always a fan of.
Reservations aren’t necessary, but are available online on the restaurant’s website.
Et Voilà! French Bistro
That exclamation point is well-deserved at Et Voilà!
When my pandemic birthday rolled around, I could only think of a few places that I knew could serve up a delicious yet still fancy takeout meal to celebrate the off occasion.
They have all of the French staples for all of the Francophiles out there — yes, even snails — making the bistro perfect for date night or an evening out with the parents. Reservations are available online via OpenTable.
The Friendly
They have pizza, I guess, but once you have a bite of one of their no-frills, greasy-as-all-heck dirty flap top burgers, you won’t be thinking about any pizza at The Friendly North Park.
The smell alone wafting from their typically open door will make your mouth water, and makes this a no-brainer as far as one of the best places to eat in North Park, San Diego.
We also recently tried their latest burgers-only venture, The Friendly Tavern. I was kinda ticked off that they replaced our neighborhood Carnitas’ Snack Shack until I stopped by for a burger. No pizza here, but they do offer more burger options.
Just don’t ask for modifications at either location, because they don’t do that. If you do ask for modifications despite them telling you they don’t do them, you’re a dummy.
Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream
In a place with year-round mild temps, you’ve got to know where the good ice cream’s at.
Hammond’s offers flights of mini ice cream cones so that you can feel good about tasting 3-12 different kinds in one sitting. They have two other locations in Pacific Beach and Point Loma.
Saiko Sake and Sushi Bar
San Diego has lots of delicious sushi options, but Saiko is next level, namely because of its omakase option.
Yes, you can buy rolls and all of your favorites à la carte, but if you’re feeling adventurous (or celebrating a special occasion, as sushi adventures come with a steeper price tag), trust the chef to feed you. Ordering a flight of sake will help along any new flavors.
If you’re exploring Coronado, there’s another location there, as well. Reservations for both locations are recommended and available on the restaurant’s website.
Senor Mangos
Senor Mangos has so much of my money.
Not only do they make the best smoothies this side of Thailand (and Thailand is only ahead here because you can get smoothies there for like $1), but they have a more substantial menu if you’re hungry that includes tortas, açai bowls, and fruit salads.
They take call-ahead orders if you’re not able to wait around for perfection.
Shank and Bone
Vietnamese food served up in a modern way is what Shank and Bone does best. If you’re looking for that comfort food a bowl of pho provides on that rare, chilly San Diego evening, you can’t do better than a bowl of their seafood version.
Crab, calamari, and shrimp float in their signature chicken broth. Oh, heck…it’s delicious no matter the temps.
Solomon Bagels & Donuts
We waited for Solomon’s to open for a looooong time. They were under construction for soooooo long. Then they opened and the New York-style bagels have been flowing in an aggressive manner.
The donuts are wonderful, too, with both daily specials and traditional cake donuts available on the regular. Try the red velvet variety if they’re on the menu, as red velvet’s never a bad idea.
Sukhothai Extraordinaire
Sukhothai Extraordinaire, previously known as Chi Extraordinary Kitchen, is our favorite Thai place in San Diego, and it just so happened to be down the street from our house. They describe themselves as pescatarian, but there are other proteins on the menu.
The fish, though, is the star.
Case in point? Try their signature fried catfish fillet, served up in this red curry paste concoction that is somehow both spicy and pleasing to my delicate palate. It’s a dish I crave regularly.
Their curries aren’t slouches, either. If you’d like a reservation, call ahead at 619-795-9999.
Tabu Shabu North Park
If you’ve never had a Japanese-style hot pot, you haven’t eaten elevated comfort food. Get to your closest Tabu Shabu, please.
The menu’s simple, but the flavors are complex. You’ll be choosing your own broth, proteins, and grains, a customizable belly-warming experience.
They have a few more locations throughout California. Check out their website for additional location information, as they do have a few that are coming soon!
Tajima Ramen North Park
Tajima is my go-to for when I’m feeling under the weather.
I don’t want to make it seem like it isn’t good otherwise, but there’s something about a hot bowl of ramen that makes one feel whole again.
I live for their classic Tajima Ramen; Brian likes to sweat it out with their Spicy Sesame Ramen. Whatever you do, you’ll want an extra egg.
Tajima has additional locations in Hillcrest, East Village, Kearny Mesa, and one on Convoy Street. You can join a waitlist for a table at the North Park location on their website.
Tribute Pizza
Tribute Pizza starts out with a fun concept. The pizzas on the menu are all inspired by or a tribute to pizzas the owners have fallen in love with over the years. But that doesn’t mean they’re just a schtick.
Their pies are delicious, too. Try the Brooklyn Best on a sesame crust or their weekly tribute, a fresh pie each week boasting seasonal ingredients.
Oh, and the location’s unique, too. Tribute operates out of an old post office, and has kept much of the old signage.
URBN North Park
If you’re a potatoes-on-pizza connoisseur like I am, URBN has a mashed potato and bacon variety that is so, so good.
If you’ve got some picky individuals in your party, they can do a build-your-own New Haven-style pie for their comfort. We find ourselves at URBN quite often for both sit-down meals and take-out, and disappointment has yet to happen when we’re ready for pizza in North Park, San Diego.
Oh, their wings are awesome, too. Reservations are available on their website.
North Park Events
Living in North Park, San Diego, I’m well-acquainted with how fun North Park events can be. But events also mean crowds and traffic.
You may want to plan your visit to North Park around some of their regular events, or you may want to avoid them depending on what you’re after.
Check out some regular North Park events below!
North Park Festival of Beers
The North Park Festival of Beers is an annual event held each spring outside the historic Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. Your ticket will get you unlimited tastes of dozens of beers. Food vendors and live music are also on the docket.
Check out the website for additional ticket information. This one happens around Brian’s birthday, so we’re usually there!
North Park Thursday Market
Every Thursday, rain or shine, the North Park Thursday Market offers up local treats and goods for folks in the neighborhood. In addition to the 90 tents on hand for your perusal, this North Park, San Diego, farmers market usually features live music, as well.
The market is held on North Park Way from 30th to Utah streets. For visitors, parking is available at the North Park Parking Garage at a cost of $1/hour.
SDCCU Festival of Arts
The SDCCU Festival of Arts has grown enough that there’s now a welcome event the evening before the main event. Visitors are treated to live art demonstrations, multiple music stages, food vendors, and beer for sale.
The free spring festival is held at 30th Street and University Avenue.
Small Business Saturday
North Park’s fall event, Small Business Saturday, celebrates the neighborhood’s small businesses by inviting visitors and residents to explore their wares and open doors. The hub of the event is at Ray Street and University Avenue.
Parking is available that day at the North Park Parking Garage on 29th Street for $1 all day.
Taste of North Park
If you want to get an overview of all the delicious things North Park has on hand to eat (and drink!), the Taste of North Park is a great way to do that. You’ll be offered 40 food tastes, in addition to craft beer samples throughout your tour.
The event is held twice a year, once in the fall and then again the spring. For ticket information, visit the event’s website.
Where to Stay in North Park
We lived in North Park, so we didn’t need to be seeking out rentals. That said, real estate and the housing market is hot for North Park, San Diego houses.
You won’t find hotels in North Park, San Diego, with the exception of The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. That place has historical significance, though, and has hosted the likes of Bob Hope and Ava Gardner. It’s also well-reviewed.
Is North Park in San Diego safe? Trendy North Park has crime stats that fall well below the national average. Petty theft is a concern, but commonsense safety tips — locking up your car and home and being observant about your surroundings — will get you far.
The neighborhood is also a tight-knit community with locals who have lived for decades. Folks watch out for one another around here.
OK, so where should I overnight in North Park?
If you’re looking to stay in and around North Park, check out my picks from Vrbo:
- 1920s Spanish Casita
- Furnished Loft Condo
- Modern Apartment With a View
- San Diego Bed & Breakfast
- Stunning House in the Heart of North Park
Just outside the neighborhood, Mission Valley is within an easy drive to North Park, the surrounding neighborhoods of Hillcrest, delightful South Park, and the like, the beaches and downtown.
If you’re willing to stay in a less hip part of town for stays that are still well-reviewed and budget-friendly, check these out from Booking.com:
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites San Diego – Mission Valley
- Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego Hotel Circle/SeaWorld Area
- Kings Inn
- Sonder – The Millennium
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Mission Valley
If you’d like to do your own research, we like Booking.com for our bookings, as the more you book with them, the more you save.
I’ll usually cross-check that with the same (or similar) listings on Hotels.com, to make sure I’m getting the best price.
I feel like this guide’s pretty good, but what did I miss? Let me know in the comments!
Planning California travel? Use this guide!
Photo credits: Taylor Rooney (1)
Ready for San Diego?
Your Flight:I use a variety of tools to find cheap airfare, but if you’re looking to book during a particular period of time, especially during busy times (e.g. school breaks), you should useSkyscanner.
Your Accommodations:I recommendBooking.comas your main option for accommodations in San Diego, and Vrbo as your Airbnb alternative.
Need more choice? Hotels.com is a great hotel comparison tool and Hostelworld is popular with budget travelers.
If you’re looking for more specific accommodation picks, scroll on up!
Etc.:For general travel goodies, visit myFavorite Thingspage. For more information on planning your travel, visit myTravel Toolspage.
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