The 10+ Best Things to do in North Park San Diego
If you’re looking for things to do in North Park San Diego, look no further!
North Park is one of the coolest neighborhoods in San Diego and has a little bit of something for everyone. From great food to fun events and an incredible microbrewery scene. Here are some of our favorite things to do in this vibrant neighborhood.
Read more about our favorite things to do in North Park below.
( Some of the links in this post are probably affiliate links meaning I might make a small percentage of any purchases you make. All opinions remain my own. For my disclosure policy click here. )
What is North Park known for?
North Park San Diego is an awesome neighborhood to visit. It’s known for being one of the best beer neighborhoods in the country, so if you like craft beer you absolutely must add this area to your list. Several well known breweries you might have heard of before include Mike Hess Brewing, North Park Brewing Co., or Modern Day (Flavordome).
North Park is also known as a bit of a hipster-oriented neighborhood. Home to lots of coffee shops or vegan foods, this is a major market for all things Hipster. All things trendy and the pioneers of San Diego frequent the neighborhood pretty often. As such, it also is known for a rather large art scene and has several incredible restaurants to choose from.
How to Get Around North Park
One of the best parts about North Park in San Diego is that it’s a completely walkable neighborhood. Once you’re there, you don’t really have to worry about how to get around or getting from A to B.
My recommendation for getting around North Park is going to be, not surprisingly, to walk. Enjoy the scenery and stumble upon all of the cool places along the way.
However, I do have to say that another great option would be to rent bikes and ride around. I love biking because you can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time and you don’t have to worry about parking.
Related: Top Rated Bike Tours in San Diego
One additional option would be to check with your hotel (if you’re staying at a hotel) and see if they offer a shuttle option. Some hotels I’ve stayed at do offer the shuttle service and some don’t.
If you’re staying in the area and you’ll want to drive to other neighborhoods or even to the beach areas, you might want to consider renting a car. You can take a shuttle or Uber service of course, but sometimes it’s just nice to have your own space on your own time, you know what I mean?
🚗 Need to rent a car for North Park?
I recommend looking into DiscoverCars
The Best Things to do in North Park San Diego
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.
1. The North Park Sign
A visit to the North Park neighborhood would not complete without snapping a picture of the iconic North Park sign. With its large neon letters, this sign stands squarely in the middle of University Avenue and west of 30th Street. It’s the perfect landmark to welcome you into the trendy, happening neighborhood.
I mean, truthfully, it is just a sign but it pretty cool to see. It’s also one of the most Instagrammable places in North Park. So, if you’re into that, you should definitely prioritize walking near it and snapping a picture.
Address: 2920-2928 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
2. Visit the Observatory North Park
If you’re up for some live music, check out the Observatory North Park theater. This historic theater is located in the heart of North Park, and is considered an iconic venue in San Diego. The space itself holds over a thousand people, but the shows still manage to feel pretty intimate.
The Observatory hosts some pretty big names, so you’ve likely heard of some of the bands that have played here.
There are three different levels on the main floor, each of which is elevated higher than the previous. This means that no matter what seat you might have in the house, you’ll still have a good view. AKA, if you’re all the way in the back, you can still have a nice view rather than the back of everyone’s heads.
Pro-tip: Grab dinner and drinks next door at the West Coast Tavern, which also serves as another entry point into the theater.
Address: 2891 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
3. Visit Balboa Park
Neighboring North Park to the left is the beautiful and popular Balboa Park. This area is an urban cultural park in San Diego that offers everything from the San Diego Zoo to other various museums. The park also has endless gardens and beautiful architecture to roam around and enjoy.
I had never heard of this spot before going to San Diego my first time, but I absolutely was amazed at all of the beautiful buildings and gardens.
One of the most popular things to see here is the Botanical Building with the Lily Pond and Lagoon. This is definitely a must visit if you’re headed to Balboa Park for the day. Other popular things to see or do include the Japanese Friendship Garden, the California Tower, as well as the Zoro Garden.
This is such a relaxing place to visit or even a great place to head to in the evening for a beautiful sunset in San Diego.
Address: 1549 El Prado San Diego, CA 92101
Want to see the best of the park?
Take a walking tour of Balboa Park
4. Verbatim Books
You might not be a book worm like some of us (guilty!) but one of the coolest things to do in North Park San Diego is to pay a visit to Verbatim Books. This bookstore is the largest in the neighborhood and also is such a unique spot to visit. They offer antique books and other secondhand selections so you’ll be able to find all of your favorite classics.
Verbatim Books is a book lover’s paradise! They’ve carry mostly secondhand books with reasonable prices. The store is beautifully setup, it has such a fun vibe and also really friendly staff to ask for help or suggestions. If you want to curl up with a book at the bookstore, they even have large cozy chairs in the store to make it happen and get lost in a book.
Not only is the interior space amazing to look at, but the outside of the bookstore is also epic. It’s located on the corner of 30th Street and North Park Way and has a unique turquoise exterior. It’s such a memorable building, you can’t miss it!
Address: 3793 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
5. Check out Coin-Op Game Room
If you’re looking for something to do that will excite the younger version of you, check out the Coin-Op Game Room. This is an arcade and bar combined, which is such a unique combination. It’s a great way to spend the day or evening.
The arcade has over 25 games to choose from. Some of the older, classics include Donkey Kong, Frogger, Galaga, and Pac-Man. From the newer pool of games the arcade offers include NFL Blitz, Beer Pong, or Star Wars. I have to admit, I loved pretty much all of the classic games offered, so this place seriously has teleported me back to younger days.
The machines are well maintained and it’s a really fun, chill vibe you’ll find here. There are lots of grew local brews on tap as well as cocktails to try.
6. Explore the North Park Murals
One of the coolest ways to visit a city these days is to discover all of the different murals around the area. If you’re in the neighborhood, you should definitely add exploring all of the artsy murals to your list of things to do in North Park San Diego.
Whether you’re looking for an Instagram spot or you want to admire the view, these are some of the coolest murals in the neighborhood:
- Greetings from San Diego mural – Located behind Belching Beaver (Brewery) at 4223 30th St. San Diego, CA 92104
- You Are Radiant mural – Located at 3803 Ray St San Diego, CA 92104
- North Park mural – Located at 3134 University Ave San Diego, CA 92104
7. Visit the North Park Thursday Market
For those interested in supporting local businesses and the community, you might be interested in going to the North Park Thursday Market. This is a farmer’s market that happens every Thursday from 3pm to 7:30pm, rain or shine! The market is on North Park Way between Ray Street and Granada Avenue.
You can buy anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods or local crafts. There’s a little something for anyone who visits this market. Plus, there’s usually activities for kids, live music, and much more happening outside of just the shopping part.
Address: 3000 N Park Wy, San Diego, CA 92104
8. Enjoy Morley Field
If you’re craving some extra time spent outside, look into the nearby Morley Field near North Park. This is a beautiful outdoor space with plenty of amenities like playgrounds, a dog park, and hiking trails. They even offer a disc golf course! Unique, right?
Get a little bit of tennis in at one of the tennis courts or even sit out for a bit at the public outdoor pool. You can also just grab a blanket and some lunch and setup a picnic to lounge for the day.
Address: 2221 Morley Field Drive San Diego, CA 92104
9. Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
With all of the coffee shops in the area, which one to choose might feel a bit overwhelming, but I’d recommend visiting the local favorite, Dark Horse Coffee Roasters. I mean it’s a local favorite for a reason!
This coffee stop roasts and brews specialty coffees from around the world. They have a full espresso menu to choose from but you can also choose more specialized coffees like coffee brewed with a french press or a pour over. They even have some great cold brew if you’re looking for a cold caffeine fix.
This spot is definitely on the smaller side, so tables can be limited but the size also makes it much more cozy. Popular options include the Champ Latte or the Salted Maple Latte. They’ve also got pastries and donuts on hand to pair with the stellar coffee. Fair warning, sometimes there’s a line out the door – be prepared to wait for that caffeine.
Address: 3794 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
10. Go Brewery Hopping
A common term of endearment for North Park is that it’s the “Best Beer Boulevard.” What better way to see and taste all of that best craft beer in the neighborhood then to go on a good old fashioned brewery hop? Is that even a word?
Many say that San Diego is actually the US microbrewery capital. Of course this is subjective, but I’ll just leave that here. The city is almost up there with Portland on the number of microbreweries! And most of those breweries are in the North Park neighborhood.
Feel free to adventure through the different breweries on your own and at your own pace. You can also join a brewery hopping tour group that has everything planned upfront and allows you to meet others while in the neighborhood. Up to you.
🍻 Click here to check out this North Park Beer Tour
Where to Eat in North Park, San Diego
No list of things to do in North Park San Diego can be complete without a solid list of recommendations for where to eat. What is North Park San Diego known for food wise you ask? Well, you know my first response is going to be fish tacos but I’ll add onto this.
North Park is known for its big brunch scene. AKA they’re big brunch people, and I don’t know about you but honestly, these are my kind of people. They’re also known for their beer but we’ll cover that in the next section.
You can grab a diverse amount of food in this neighborhood, so here are some restaurants or foods we suggest.
Dunedin New Zealand Eats
Remember when I said diverse kinds of food that you can find in North Park? Take Dunedin as an example. Named after a city in New Zealand, this restaurant is giving you serious island country inspired food and vibes. How many places do you see that in the US?
This spot has a super unique ambiance and style – funky and lots of greenery and communal type tables. Plus there’s a patio because we all love a good patio while in San Diego.
Dunedin offers great brunch (like I said, big brunch people) where you can get items like a tamale eggs benedict with incredible mimosas or sangrias. $1 mimosas on Saturdays and Sundays! Non-brunch food includes popular items like the chicken pot pie or the tasty lamb burgers.
You can’t go wrong here with the food or the drinks. Great spot to check out in North Park.
Address: 3501 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
West Coast Tavern
If you’re looking for an incredible brunch spot or even a spot for some dinner or drinks before seeing a show at the Observatory North Park, look no further. West Coast Tavern is located right next door to the Observatory, making it a prime location in North Park.
West Coast Tavern boasts exceptional American foods as well as great cocktails and other drinks. As I mentioned, it’s another well-known spot for a great brunch while you’re in the neighborhood. Bottomless mimosas, chicken and waffles, or even the cinnamon rolls.
West Coast Tavern also is an incredible happy hour spot with great deals. Pair good deals with the great location and friendly bartenders, and you’ll soon realize why this spot is popular among locals and visitors alike.
Address: 2895 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
City Tacos
If you’re craving Mexican food or some really good tacos, you absolutely should check out City Tacos. They have the best fish tacos around. Personally I think that you should not leave San Diego until you’ve had a fish taco while you’re there – but hey, just my opinion.
They’ve got beer on tap for the beer lovers and a full bar for other drinks. Ingredients are fresh and there are even vegan options for those who need or want them. This is a small place that has both indoor and outdoor seating so if you’re planning on sitting here, just know you might have to wait for a table.
Tip: Don’t forget to visit for their Tuesday specials.
Address: 3028 University Ave – San Diego, CA, 92104
Tribute Pizza
I’m kind of a big pizza person, but only like the good pizza. So I wouldn’t be doing my duty of recommending great restaurants in North Park San Diego if I didn’t include a pizza spot on it. You’ll find some truly incredible pizzas here that are fresh out of the oven and made with fresh ingredients.
Tribute Pizza can get pretty busy so, if you can, reserve ahead or arrive early. One of the most popular pies is The Weekly Tribute “Poblano You Didn’t” with habanero cheese, queso, garlic sauteed mushrooms and even jalapeno salt crust! Wow, even writing that made me crave this pizza. I dare you to check out their menu.
I really like the open concept of the restaurant and the windows on all of the walls – prime people watching. So grab a cocktail while you’re here and enjoy the warm cheesy pizza.
Address: 3077 N Park Way, San Diego, CA 92104
Where to Drink in North Park
As famous as North Park is for its brunch and other foods, it’s equally and far more well-known for its excellent craft beer. I’m pretty sure I read somewhere recently that North Park is right up there these days with Portland! You know it’s a big deal when it’s contending with the likes of Portland.
As can be expected, drinking beer or going brewery hopping here in the neighborhood is a pretty popular pass time. This is for locals and anyone visiting. If you’re interested in the craft beer scene, you’ll definitely want to add this to your things to do in North Park San Diego list.
Here are some of our top recommendations for breweries in the area but you really can’t go wrong with many of them.
North Park Beer Co.
Probably one of the most popular on this list, the North Park Beer Co. is a great place to spend some time if you’re into craft beer or a fun place to hang out. They take pride in their brewing and serving locally and offer a spacious brewery and taproom.
North Park Beer Co. has some amazing homemade beers as well as having a food vendor in the same space. You can order your beer and then some food and stay for the cool atmosphere. They’ve got some great hoppy beers as well as IPAs and a friendly staff. There’s even an upstairs games area.
Address: 3038 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92104
Modern Times (The North Park Flavordome)
Modern Times is another popular brewing company in the San Diego area, and their location in the neighborhood is called the North Park Flavordome. It’s truly in the heart of the area and offers a large, industrial-style tasting room as well as awesome IPAs and Stouts. Some say the Stouts are the true winners, some of the best they’ve had.
There’s always great music playing and you can choose between an indoor or outdoor seat. They’ve got a really eccentric vibe going here with the indoor style – there are lampshades on the ceiling (not kidding) and old book pages as wallpaper. It’s all pretty creative!
Grab a taco at the Taco Stand as it’s bring your own food here. They also have great fruit seltzers that are really good if you’re looking for a non-beer related item.
Address: 3000 Upas St, San Diego, CA 92104
Mike Hess Brewing
Head to Mike Hess Brewing for some solid west coast style beers and a large open area to grab a beer, relax, and enjoy the day or evening. The bartenders are nice and the beer selection is stellar. They also offer some good flights.
Looking to do some people watching? Feel free to sit outside on the patio area. Every week there’s lots going on from trivia to art shows, and food trucks that frequent the spot. Oh, and don’t forget Taco Tuesday. From Hoppy to Sours to IPAs you’ll find it all here.
Address: 3812 Grim Ave San Diego, CA 92104
Belching Beaver
The Belching Beaver brewery is another place you need to add to your list. First, it’s got a pretty crazy name, right? Another perk is that it’s dog friendly and kid friendly. There’s a great tasting room with a large variety of beers.
Some of their heavy hitters include their Stouts. The Peanut Butter Stout is pretty popular along with the Mexican Chocolate Stout. They even offer a couple of their stouts as beer floats. For those not into beer, they’ve got hard seltzers to enjoy as well. Remember to bring your own food though as there’s no kitchen on the premises!
Help yourself to board games and Jenga or come for trivia nights on Thursdays at 7pm.
Address: 4223 30th St, San Diego, CA 92104
Where to Stay in North Park
Unfortunately you won’t find many hotels in the North Park neighborhood here in San Diego. The one exception to this is The Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club & Bungalows. Personally, I wouldn’t recommend this place for reasons I won’t go too far into on this post.
Instead, I’d recommend staying in a place with VRBO or one of the hotels in the Mission Valley Area. This area isn’t super glamorous but it gets the job done and it’s close to North Park!
Looking for somewhere to stay?
🏠 Check out this charming cottage on VRBO
🏠 SpringHill Suites by Marriott – check the latest prices
Best Time of Year to Visit North Park
Personally, I think the best time to visit anywhere in San Diego is…really all of the time! Except for June because June gloom is a real thing there in Southern California.
You’ll find warm summer weather in the summer months but far more crowds and higher prices to visit. The most popular month to visit North Park is in July.
To catch some better deals and visit San Diego when the crowds are thinner, March through May or September through November are good times to visit.
Where to Park in North Park
If you’re looking to park for the day you have a couple of options in the North Park neighborhood. You can look for metered street parking, which is a great option if you’re traveling from another neighborhood and visiting for a few hours.
There are also several parking lots or garages within walking distance to any of the popular locations on this list of things to do in North Park. Look into the North Park Garage on 29th Street. Parking is affordable and you might even get a great view of the area from the parking garage.
Summary: Things to do in North Park San Diego
If you’re looking to visit the trendy North Park neighborhood in San Diego, hopefully you found this list helpful. With such a cool neighborhood, there’s a lot to do, and lots more that didn’t make this list. Plenty of amazing restaurants are in the area, a microbrewery scene to make most cities in America jealous, and even a great local art scene.
With all of the things to do in North Park San Diego, you really shouldn’t pass up an opportunity to visit or stay near this area. It’s a muse see on your San Diego bucket list!
Have you been to North Park before? If so, what do you recommend for others to see?
