San Diego is where we call home. We’re glad you’re here.
We gathered our top 10 places to explore and top 5 spots to dine in and around downtown.
Before you head out to see the sights and eat some fantastic food make your way to see our exhibiting brands featured at ASLA this year. You can find Spruce & Gander in hall D, with id created, Inc. in booth 1327. Madrax and Thomas Steele are also featured conveniently directly across the aisle in booth 1335. We will be there to personally show off products and discuss what’s new.
While you're here we hope you’ll have time to take in some sights! There is a good chance for sunshine so go outside and explore. The landscape at Balboa Park, pictured above, is breathtaking. Pictures don’t do it justice. Likewise, the USS Midway pictured below is impossible to capture in one frame due to its impressive size.
You’ll want to see these places first hand. We recommend trying to squeeze in one of the following while you are here. On second thought, you may want to extend your stay!
**Miles noted are the approximate distance from the San Diego Convention Center.**
- Balboa Park (3 miles) is a 1,200-acre urban cultural park. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains museums, several theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
- San Diego Zoo (3 miles) in Balboa Park, housing more than 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. The San Diego Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that recreate natural animal habitats.
- USS Midway (2 miles) was the longest-serving aircraft carrier in the 20th century. Named after the climactic Battle of Midway of June 1942, Midway was built in only 17 months but missed World War II by one week when commissioned on September 10, 1945. The trial's success became the dawn of naval missile warfare.
- Moonlight State Beach (30 miles) is located one-fifth of a mile beyond the point where Encinitas Boulevard turns into B Street after it crosses Highway 101 in Encinitas. A great stop to take in the sun, sand, and surf.
- Mission Beach (10 miles) spans nearly two miles of oceanfront. It is bounded by the San Diego River estuary on the south, Mission Bay Park on the east, and the community of Pacific Beach on the north. A boardwalk runs along the beaches on both the ocean and bay sides of the community.
- Double Peak (40 miles) is located south of San Marcos, very close to our showroom. The elevation at the summit is 1,646 ft and approximately 1,000 feet above the north foot of the mountain. Double Peak is a popular hiking and biking area due to its many trails and convenient access points.
- Potato Chip Rock (35 miles) is a natural tourist attraction near San Diego. It is located on the Mt. Woodson summit and is famous for resembling a potato chip. It is located in an unincorporated part of San Diego County between Poway and Ramona.
- Little Italy (2 miles) is a neighborhood in Downtown San Diego that was originally a predominantly Italian and Portuguese fishing neighborhood. It has since been gentrified and is now a popular neighborhood full of Italian restaurants and grocery stores, home design stores, art galleries, and residential units.
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (20 miles) is 2,000 acres of coastal state park located in the community of La Jolla, off North Torrey Pines Road. The eight miles of trails within the park offer an attraction for hikers and beach-goers and a small museum sits at the top of the hill.
- Pacific Beach (12 miles) is a young beach town with the attraction of the surf and sand by day and the lure of bars and restaurants by night. As for some physical activity on dry land, Pacific Beach has the Ocean Front Walk, which is a boardwalk that stretches parallel to the Pacific Ocean.
Taking in the sights will likely leave you feeling hungry. Allow us to tempt you with some of our favorite places to eat
There is no shortage of great restaurants, so this is just a small sampling of the local fare that is close proximity to the convention center.
- Old Town Mexican Cafe (6 miles) In the heart of old town.
- Barbusa (2 miles)
- Born and Raised (2 miles) Steak samples pictured above.
- Juniper and Ivy (3 miles)
- Bluewater Grill (6 miles)
Still not sure where to go? Just give us a call, we’re happy to help with more recommendations. Safe travels and enjoy your visit.
