Things To Do Near The Cottage

Jana
Things To Do Near The Cottage

Food scene

This is one of our all-time favorite San Diego gems. El Borrego has delicious Mexican food for anyone's diet. This spot specializes in borrego (or lamb), but they also have delicious vegan and vegetarian options—mole cheese enchiladas, anyone? One thing you have to try are the squash blossom quesadillas. They will transport you right into the heart of Mexico with their delicious seasonings and flavors. The fresh-made horchatas and aguas frescas are always a hit as well. But, the best part of all is the service. The family that owns and operates this business reminds us of what great restaurants are all about—sharing special moments over food with the ones you love.
7 locals recommend
El Borrego Restaurant and Catering
4280 El Cajon Blvd
7 locals recommend
This is one of our all-time favorite San Diego gems. El Borrego has delicious Mexican food for anyone's diet. This spot specializes in borrego (or lamb), but they also have delicious vegan and vegetarian options—mole cheese enchiladas, anyone? One thing you have to try are the squash blossom quesadillas. They will transport you right into the heart of Mexico with their delicious seasonings and flavors. The fresh-made horchatas and aguas frescas are always a hit as well. But, the best part of all is the service. The family that owns and operates this business reminds us of what great restaurants are all about—sharing special moments over food with the ones you love.
This restaurant has everything you could want for hanging out with friends. Chips and salsa? Yep. Great margaritas? Uh huh. Delicious food? Of course! What about vegan and vegetarian options? How 'bout yes! We recommend checking it out and strolling around the beautiful Kensington neighborhood.
96 locals recommend
Ponce's
4050 Adams Ave
96 locals recommend
This restaurant has everything you could want for hanging out with friends. Chips and salsa? Yep. Great margaritas? Uh huh. Delicious food? Of course! What about vegan and vegetarian options? How 'bout yes! We recommend checking it out and strolling around the beautiful Kensington neighborhood.
This spot has great boba, smoothies, Bahn mi, and spring rolls. It is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to the beach. We like to come here for picnic food before launching off on our paddleboards, or a quick boba while we walk around exploring City Heights
Yum Yum Yo Frozen Yogurt/Sandwiches/Boba
4444 El Cajon Blvd
This spot has great boba, smoothies, Bahn mi, and spring rolls. It is the perfect place to grab a quick bite to eat before heading off to the beach. We like to come here for picnic food before launching off on our paddleboards, or a quick boba while we walk around exploring City Heights
This 👏 coffee 👏 When Gem Coffee opened in our neighborhood, we were so excited to have something nearby. As coffee lovers, you can taste the care put into each cup. The baristas here truly know what they are doing, and their lavender latte—oh my. It is yummy! So, stop by for your morning brew, and maybe even grab one of the yummy pastries they have available too.
GEM COFFEE SD
4412 Euclid Ave
This 👏 coffee 👏 When Gem Coffee opened in our neighborhood, we were so excited to have something nearby. As coffee lovers, you can taste the care put into each cup. The baristas here truly know what they are doing, and their lavender latte—oh my. It is yummy! So, stop by for your morning brew, and maybe even grab one of the yummy pastries they have available too.
We love bringing visitors to Woody's because who wouldn't want breakfast or burgers by the beach? If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then the great coffee and yummy food should. Take your beach gear and make it a morning or afternoon getaway! This spot is always a hit.
55 locals recommend
Woody's Breakfast And Burgers
4111 Ocean Blvd
55 locals recommend
We love bringing visitors to Woody's because who wouldn't want breakfast or burgers by the beach? If that isn't enough to pique your interest, then the great coffee and yummy food should. Take your beach gear and make it a morning or afternoon getaway! This spot is always a hit.
Vegetarian Vietnamese food that is incredible. We love Than Tinh Chay for a night in with spring rolls and Pho, or to visit during the Little Saigon tour which happens once a month.
ORGANIC-VEGGI RESTAURANT - HOA TỪ BI TÂM
4591 El Cajon Boulevard
Vegetarian Vietnamese food that is incredible. We love Than Tinh Chay for a night in with spring rolls and Pho, or to visit during the Little Saigon tour which happens once a month.
A beautiful Italian restaurant in the heart of Kensington, CUCINA sorella is the perfect place to unwind for a cocktail and made-from-scratch food. We love that CUCINA sorella has something for everyone, even gluten-free pasta. You can't go wrong with anything you choose here. Our family favs are the pizzas and the asparagus + san pea malfade because anything with burrata is a-ok with us. We also love the Speedy Gonzales cocktail (with Mezcal to make it extra smokey) and the squash blossoms for an incredible meal.
30 locals recommend
CUCINA sorella
4055 Adams Ave
30 locals recommend
A beautiful Italian restaurant in the heart of Kensington, CUCINA sorella is the perfect place to unwind for a cocktail and made-from-scratch food. We love that CUCINA sorella has something for everyone, even gluten-free pasta. You can't go wrong with anything you choose here. Our family favs are the pizzas and the asparagus + san pea malfade because anything with burrata is a-ok with us. We also love the Speedy Gonzales cocktail (with Mezcal to make it extra smokey) and the squash blossoms for an incredible meal.
This is a little bit of a drive. Maybe 15-20 minutes depending on traffic but the food is so good. If you’ve never had South Indian food before, be prepared for something different than you’ve seen and packed with flavor. This place is all vegetarian and largely gluten free. If we were to suggest some must-tries: -Masala Dosa -Sombar Idli -Poori -and ask for their suggestion because that always recommend the best things to try.
San Idli Coffee and Indian Restaurant
9550 Black Mountain Road
This is a little bit of a drive. Maybe 15-20 minutes depending on traffic but the food is so good. If you’ve never had South Indian food before, be prepared for something different than you’ve seen and packed with flavor. This place is all vegetarian and largely gluten free. If we were to suggest some must-tries: -Masala Dosa -Sombar Idli -Poori -and ask for their suggestion because that always recommend the best things to try.
This is the perfect spot for Ethiopian coffee and pastries. We love to go here for freshly roasted beans and coffee in the mornings. If you like strong coffee, you will love it here. The owner is always wonderful and we’ve been able to catch a few soccer games while grabbing our morning pick-me-ups.
YOHED COFFEE
4160 University Ave
This is the perfect spot for Ethiopian coffee and pastries. We love to go here for freshly roasted beans and coffee in the mornings. If you like strong coffee, you will love it here. The owner is always wonderful and we’ve been able to catch a few soccer games while grabbing our morning pick-me-ups.
This spot. I mean, what is there to say? We go here for burritos weekly and there is always a line. It’s right at the end of the street, so it’s the perfect spot when you want something delicious and fast. For the top-secret deliciousness that we love, get yourself a gordito or sope. If you’ve never had them before, you are in for a treat! Their aguas frescas are always delicious.
Tacos El Panson
4433 El Cajon Blvd
This spot. I mean, what is there to say? We go here for burritos weekly and there is always a line. It’s right at the end of the street, so it’s the perfect spot when you want something delicious and fast. For the top-secret deliciousness that we love, get yourself a gordito or sope. If you’ve never had them before, you are in for a treat! Their aguas frescas are always delicious.
We haven’t brought anyone to cafeína who hasn’t fallen in love. This coffee shop is beautiful and has perfectly roasted coffee with Mexican flavors. Coffees like canela y miel (cinnamon and honey), cafe de olla, horchata, and so much more. They also have a great selection of ice cream which you can get with a shot (think affogato) for the perfect treat. Enjoy it as takeout or chill out in their charming patio.
6 locals recommend
Cafeina Cafe
4011 46th St
6 locals recommend
We haven’t brought anyone to cafeína who hasn’t fallen in love. This coffee shop is beautiful and has perfectly roasted coffee with Mexican flavors. Coffees like canela y miel (cinnamon and honey), cafe de olla, horchata, and so much more. They also have a great selection of ice cream which you can get with a shot (think affogato) for the perfect treat. Enjoy it as takeout or chill out in their charming patio.
This coffee shop is right up the street in Kensington. It is our local Italian cafe with some of the best pastries, pizza, and (very strong) coffee in San Diego. When you visit, you’ll be greeted with a friendly ‘ciao’ and can sit and enjoy your espresso, pastries, panino, or even wine inside or on their outdoor patio!
132 locals recommend
Pappalecco
1602 State St
132 locals recommend
This coffee shop is right up the street in Kensington. It is our local Italian cafe with some of the best pastries, pizza, and (very strong) coffee in San Diego. When you visit, you’ll be greeted with a friendly ‘ciao’ and can sit and enjoy your espresso, pastries, panino, or even wine inside or on their outdoor patio!

Neighborhoods

Kensington is one of San Diego's beloved neighborhoods. On Adams Avenue, you can find places to eat, drink, workout, and even enjoy entertainment. Some of our favorite spots in Kensington are Ponce's Mexican Restaurant for great food and margaritas, Stehly Farms for all of your farm-fresh grocery needs, Clems Bottle House for beer and liquor from all over the world, and Moosie's Ice Cream because who wouldn't want a cold treat any day of the week?
32 locals recommend
Kensington
32 locals recommend
Kensington is one of San Diego's beloved neighborhoods. On Adams Avenue, you can find places to eat, drink, workout, and even enjoy entertainment. Some of our favorite spots in Kensington are Ponce's Mexican Restaurant for great food and margaritas, Stehly Farms for all of your farm-fresh grocery needs, Clems Bottle House for beer and liquor from all over the world, and Moosie's Ice Cream because who wouldn't want a cold treat any day of the week?
Hillcrest is one of the most bustling spots in San Diego, and for good reason—it is fun. There is no shortage of things to do or places to eat in this area. One of our favorite spots in Hillcrest is Baja Betty's. On Saturdays, you can grab bottomless mimosas and enjoy their bottomless brunch while dreaming up your vacation. But, you really can't go wrong in this neighborhood. There is just so much to do.
369 locals recommend
Hillcrest
3960 Normal St
369 locals recommend
Hillcrest is one of the most bustling spots in San Diego, and for good reason—it is fun. There is no shortage of things to do or places to eat in this area. One of our favorite spots in Hillcrest is Baja Betty's. On Saturdays, you can grab bottomless mimosas and enjoy their bottomless brunch while dreaming up your vacation. But, you really can't go wrong in this neighborhood. There is just so much to do.
This neighborhood has our heart as one of the best spots in San Diego. The main road is pretty small, but on it are some of the best food, cocktails, and breweries in San Diego. Plus, it is a beautiful neighborhood to walk around and enjoy the architecture of Southern California.
46 locals recommend
University Heights
46 locals recommend
This neighborhood has our heart as one of the best spots in San Diego. The main road is pretty small, but on it are some of the best food, cocktails, and breweries in San Diego. Plus, it is a beautiful neighborhood to walk around and enjoy the architecture of Southern California.
Normal Heights sits right next to North Park San Diego. It is filled with tons of bars, restaurants, and is incredibly walkable. This neighborhood has fast become one of our favorite spots in all of San Diego. If you brought your bike, take Adams from our home and you will quickly find yourself in the heart of this adorable neighborhood.
42 locals recommend
Normal Heights
42 locals recommend
Normal Heights sits right next to North Park San Diego. It is filled with tons of bars, restaurants, and is incredibly walkable. This neighborhood has fast become one of our favorite spots in all of San Diego. If you brought your bike, take Adams from our home and you will quickly find yourself in the heart of this adorable neighborhood.
If you are looking for a quintessential beach area to spend a day, we recommend Mission Beach. It's for a few reasons. 1. You will be right between Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach, two of the most popular beach neighborhoods, which makes it easy to explore all of them in a day. 2. East of the beach is Mission Bay. We love to walk, bike, jog, paddle, and sail in "Sail Bay" one of the most calming bodies of water in the area. It offers a different vibe than the beach, but still allows for some good sun bathing and water time. 3. There is a wonderful boardwalk with food, drinks, ice cream and gift shops to explore. 4. If you have a little one, or want to have a fun night out, there is a small theme park right on the beach. We like to bring family here to ride the coaster, play in the arcade, and enjoy cocktails for sunset.
554 locals recommend
Mission Beach
3000 Mission Boulevard
554 locals recommend
If you are looking for a quintessential beach area to spend a day, we recommend Mission Beach. It's for a few reasons. 1. You will be right between Ocean Beach and Pacific Beach, two of the most popular beach neighborhoods, which makes it easy to explore all of them in a day. 2. East of the beach is Mission Bay. We love to walk, bike, jog, paddle, and sail in "Sail Bay" one of the most calming bodies of water in the area. It offers a different vibe than the beach, but still allows for some good sun bathing and water time. 3. There is a wonderful boardwalk with food, drinks, ice cream and gift shops to explore. 4. If you have a little one, or want to have a fun night out, there is a small theme park right on the beach. We like to bring family here to ride the coaster, play in the arcade, and enjoy cocktails for sunset.
This is where the coast comes to life. We love going to the beach in Del Mar and walking up the shore until there aren't many people in sight. You will start to see cliffs, beautiful architecture, and all of the beauty of the water in front of you. You can also enjoy the bustling beach right where you park if you want to be near the action. This area is fun to walk around and explore and, like most of San Diego, offers delicious food, cool shops, beautiful views, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.
180 locals recommend
Del Mar
180 locals recommend
This is where the coast comes to life. We love going to the beach in Del Mar and walking up the shore until there aren't many people in sight. You will start to see cliffs, beautiful architecture, and all of the beauty of the water in front of you. You can also enjoy the bustling beach right where you park if you want to be near the action. This area is fun to walk around and explore and, like most of San Diego, offers delicious food, cool shops, beautiful views, and plenty of opportunities to make memories.

Sightseeing

Of course, Balboa Park has to make our list. You could take a whole day walking around this stunning spot, and still not have seen it all. Check out Panama 66, a restaurant and bar in the park for yummy food and a beautiful ambiance. Or, stop by any of the wonderful museums!
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
3290 locals recommend
Of course, Balboa Park has to make our list. You could take a whole day walking around this stunning spot, and still not have seen it all. Check out Panama 66, a restaurant and bar in the park for yummy food and a beautiful ambiance. Or, stop by any of the wonderful museums!
Sail Bay is the perfect option if you are hoping to paddleboard or hang out near calm waters. We love coming here and posting up on the sand for the day, where we can swim, get out on our boards, and enjoy a picnic with our loved ones.
26 locals recommend
Sail Bay
26 locals recommend
Sail Bay is the perfect option if you are hoping to paddleboard or hang out near calm waters. We love coming here and posting up on the sand for the day, where we can swim, get out on our boards, and enjoy a picnic with our loved ones.
One of the most breathtaking places in San Diego County to hike or lounge on the beach, Torrey Pines, is a true wonder. We recommend taking a hike up the mountain and down the cliff to the beach. In this area, you can usually find your own little slice of the ocean. If you want to swim, be sure to stay near the lifeguard towers near the entrance of the reserve.
268 locals recommend
Torrey Pines State Beach
268 locals recommend
One of the most breathtaking places in San Diego County to hike or lounge on the beach, Torrey Pines, is a true wonder. We recommend taking a hike up the mountain and down the cliff to the beach. In this area, you can usually find your own little slice of the ocean. If you want to swim, be sure to stay near the lifeguard towers near the entrance of the reserve.
Check out any of the hiking paths in Mission Trails for exquisite views of the desert and all that San Diego has to offer. From hiking apps like All Trails, you can see which trails have difficulty that suits your needs. Just remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a camera to capture all of the spectacular views.
194 locals recommend
Mission Trails Regional Park
1 Father Junipero Serra Trail
194 locals recommend
Check out any of the hiking paths in Mission Trails for exquisite views of the desert and all that San Diego has to offer. From hiking apps like All Trails, you can see which trails have difficulty that suits your needs. Just remember to bring plenty of water, snacks, and a camera to capture all of the spectacular views.
The sunsets in San Diego are nothing short of spectacular. Head to Sunset Cliffs about an hour before sunset. Bring some picnic food or stop at one of OB's great restaurants on your way and enjoy dinner on the cliffs as the waves crash beneath you. You will absolutely love watching the sky change colors as the sun sets.
580 locals recommend
Sunset Cliffs
580 locals recommend
The sunsets in San Diego are nothing short of spectacular. Head to Sunset Cliffs about an hour before sunset. Bring some picnic food or stop at one of OB's great restaurants on your way and enjoy dinner on the cliffs as the waves crash beneath you. You will absolutely love watching the sky change colors as the sun sets.
Can you keep a secret? This is one of our all-time favorite hikes in the County. As folks who like to spend the weekend exploring mountains, we have come to love this peak. We are often the only people here, it is dog friendly, and the views, well--don't want to ruin them by describing them. The hike is fairly moderate. We suggest exploring Garnet Peak if you have hiked before and are properly stocked with water and even some salty snacks. This hike is dog-friendly, but is often a little too hot for our dogs to be able to join. Be sure to check the weather before you go to ensure it won't be too hot for you. We love this hike at sunrise especially so wake up early and adventure!
Garnet Peak
Can you keep a secret? This is one of our all-time favorite hikes in the County. As folks who like to spend the weekend exploring mountains, we have come to love this peak. We are often the only people here, it is dog friendly, and the views, well--don't want to ruin them by describing them. The hike is fairly moderate. We suggest exploring Garnet Peak if you have hiked before and are properly stocked with water and even some salty snacks. This hike is dog-friendly, but is often a little too hot for our dogs to be able to join. Be sure to check the weather before you go to ensure it won't be too hot for you. We love this hike at sunrise especially so wake up early and adventure!
In the heart of La Jolla, seal rock is the perfect place to come catch our local seals doing what they do best--lounging. We like to bring family and friends here in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, and walk along the shore. It is a magical little area to see for many reasons but the seals definitely steal the show!
24 locals recommend
Seal Rock
Children's Pool Observation Walkway
24 locals recommend
In the heart of La Jolla, seal rock is the perfect place to come catch our local seals doing what they do best--lounging. We like to bring family and friends here in the morning, grab a cup of coffee, and walk along the shore. It is a magical little area to see for many reasons but the seals definitely steal the show!