One of my favorite things about San Diego is all the diverse neighborhoods located within the county. All in all, there are more than 100 neighborhoods and one each offers its own unique experience, personality and charm. While I could go on and on about each, my hands-down favorite is Ocean Beach…well “OB” as us locals like to call it.
With each visit, this town’s laid-back, hippie beach vibe is contagious. I find myself truly relaxed as I sip mimosas in the sun, in awe with my latest fashion finds and entertained by the diversity of people and personalities that flock to this area.
To sum it all up, here are my OB highlights, hot spots and favs:
Food
- Whenever friends or family come to visit, I make sure to take them to Tower Two Café. While the food is just average, it’s the casual beach setting that draws me here…. Ok, and the mimosa beach buckets. (True story: the bottle of champagne comes in a colorful beach pale filled with ice, and it even has a cute little shovel attached!) Here, you can sit in the sun on the outdoor deck and look out into the ocean. It’s dog- friendly too, so your pup can enjoy the sun, socializing and table scraps.
Runner ups:
- Hodad’s has been around for over 40 years and serves some of the best burgers in San Diego, even CNN thinks so. The catch, it’s so popular that there is almost always a line out the door but the burgers are definitely worth the wait.
- If you like fish tacos you must go to South Beach Bar & Grill. This little beach bar has won numerous awards and recognition and in my opinion, serves the best fish tacos I’ve ever tasted…try the Mahi taco, you won’t be disappointed, I promise!!
Shopping
- My go-to for cute shoes or accessories is Lola Luna on OB’s main drag, Newport Avenue. They always have the best shoes that you don’t see in department stores, which means most people won’t have them. Also, they always have a sale table outside with $10 shoes… what could be better than that??
Runner ups:
- Dream Girls is one of my newer discoveries and also one of the more expensive places in OB. It’s located on Newport Ave and they have an amazing selection of
heaven on earth good-quality clothes, shoes and accessories so you defiantly get what you pay for. So far, it’s proven impossible for me to leave this place empty handed.
- Also on Newport Ave. is the Closet. I like this place for cheap clothes and shoes for nights out or special events. Since the clothes are always changing to keep up with the latest trends I find that most visits here are either hit or miss.
Activities
- Of course a visit to OB would not be complete without stopping at the beach. True beach lovers can surf, swim and tan, while those who just want to take in the view can perch themselves on the boardwalk or walk across the OB Pier for amazing ocean views. There’s also Dog Beach, a leash free beach area where dogs and their owners can splash through the waves and play fetch on the beach.
Runner ups:
- Every Wednesday from 4-8 pm, (and 4-7pm in winter) OB hosts a fantastic farmer’s market along Newport Ave. Here you can find fresh, locally grown produce and flowers, but there are also delicious food stands with all types of ethnic cuisine (mmm…sambusa) and live music, handmade jewelry and, drum roll please…… llama rides!
- Antiquing… not really my thing but if I was going to take up the hobby, I’d definitely shop in OB where they have the largest concentration of antiques and collectable in all of San Diego. In OB’s Antique District, on Newport Ave. you will find an eclectic array of one-of-a-kind antiques, mid-century modern furniture, fine estate sale items, vintage jewelry and so much more.