Guidebook for San Diego
Food Scene
Our favorite breakfast place! If you don't like waiting, be sure to get there before 9AM (sometimes earlier on the weekends). Otherwise, the wait is usually 45 min (or longer if you show up for Sunday brunch at 11), but they have complimentary coffee and usually some sidewalk games to pass the time.
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Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
3940 Fifth AveOur favorite breakfast place! If you don't like waiting, be sure to get there before 9AM (sometimes earlier on the weekends). Otherwise, the wait is usually 45 min (or longer if you show up for Sunday brunch at 11), but they have complimentary coffee and usually some sidewalk games to pass the time.
When Snooze is too long of a wait, we always go here. Fast service, great diner food.
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Crest Cafe
425 Robinson AveWhen Snooze is too long of a wait, we always go here. Fast service, great diner food.
Super fresh Mexican food. Happy Hour is Monday - Thursday from 2:30 - 5:30, and you can get battered fish tacos for $1.00 each! Also great for breakfast - their breakfast tacos/burritos as delicious (and generous with the avocado)
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Oscars Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise StSuper fresh Mexican food. Happy Hour is Monday - Thursday from 2:30 - 5:30, and you can get battered fish tacos for $1.00 each! Also great for breakfast - their breakfast tacos/burritos as delicious (and generous with the avocado)
Best place nearby to get good beer on tap - lots of local craft brews. Daily specials that rotate like taco + beer, pizza slice + beer, etc... My favorite is Thursdays: Burger + Beer for $10 (Thursday evening is also trivia night). Food is super fresh (made by Whole Foods).
The pub is part of Whole Foods Market, so you can also buy anything at the store (including the extensive salad bar, hot meal bar, and ready-to-eat food options) and bring it to the pub to eat.
The kitchen closes early though (I think 8 or 9 PM?)
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7th Avenue Pub
711 University AvenueBest place nearby to get good beer on tap - lots of local craft brews. Daily specials that rotate like taco + beer, pizza slice + beer, etc... My favorite is Thursdays: Burger + Beer for $10 (Thursday evening is also trivia night). Food is super fresh (made by Whole Foods).
The pub is part of Whole Foods Market, so you can also buy anything at the store (including the extensive salad bar, hot meal bar, and ready-to-eat food options) and bring it to the pub to eat.
The kitchen closes early though (I think 8 or 9 PM?)
Excellent Vietnamese food at good prices. We love pho (beef noodle soup), especially whenever we want to eat some clean food or are feeling under the weather.
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PHÓ Fifth Avenue
3807 Fifth AveExcellent Vietnamese food at good prices. We love pho (beef noodle soup), especially whenever we want to eat some clean food or are feeling under the weather.
Closest hole-in-the-wall Mexican food shop. This is the place you want to get a California Burrito or Carne Asada Fries. Open 24 Hours - perfect for late night munchies.
If you want something a little fresher (not many veggies on this menu), go for Oscars or Chipotle.
La Fuente
1227 University AveClosest hole-in-the-wall Mexican food shop. This is the place you want to get a California Burrito or Carne Asada Fries. Open 24 Hours - perfect for late night munchies.
If you want something a little fresher (not many veggies on this menu), go for Oscars or Chipotle.
I'll never go to Subway again. Ikes is a little pricier, but your tummy won't regret it.
Our favorite is the Tony Soprano sandwich. The Dutch Crunch bread is the best. They also have a few beers on tap for $4.50 each (Thursday all drafts are $3)
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Ike's Place
1010 University AveI'll never go to Subway again. Ikes is a little pricier, but your tummy won't regret it.
Our favorite is the Tony Soprano sandwich. The Dutch Crunch bread is the best. They also have a few beers on tap for $4.50 each (Thursday all drafts are $3)
Good place to work remotely - coffee's nothing to write home about, but there's lots of space, plenty of outlets, and it's got AC.
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Lestat's Hillcrest
1045 University AveGood place to work remotely - coffee's nothing to write home about, but there's lots of space, plenty of outlets, and it's got AC.
Best place to eat if you're along the Embarcadero (the other stuff is pretty touristy and mediocre). Also serve great cocktails.
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Carnitas' Snack Shack - Embarcadero
1004 N Harbor DrBest place to eat if you're along the Embarcadero (the other stuff is pretty touristy and mediocre). Also serve great cocktails.
Excellent taco shop! We love stopping here after visiting Coronado. Draft beer too.
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¡SALUD! Barrio Logan
2196 Logan AveExcellent taco shop! We love stopping here after visiting Coronado. Draft beer too.
Oscars Mexican Seafood
703 Turquoise StCheap place to grab food if you're downtown
Copa Vida
905 J StFor Coffee Nerds. Excellent, Epensive Pourovers. Food menu
Great little French Cafe with amazing pastries and good espresso
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Le Parfait Paris
555 G StGreat little French Cafe with amazing pastries and good espresso
Devil's Dozen Donut Shop
2001 Kettner BlvdBest Donuts. Ever.
Underbelly
750 W Fir StHipster Ramen + Beer.
Local San Diego Burger Chain - Grass Fed Beef, Bison, and other goodies.
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Burger Lounge
4116 Adams AveLocal San Diego Burger Chain - Grass Fed Beef, Bison, and other goodies.
Our favorite Italian restaurant! The staff are actually Italian. The Pork Ossobucco is melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and all of the pasta is fresh.
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Arrivederci
3845 Fourth AveOur favorite Italian restaurant! The staff are actually Italian. The Pork Ossobucco is melt-in-your-mouth amazing, and all of the pasta is fresh.
Fantastic gyros. The owner used to be the dishwasher - he's been here a long time. Excellent cheap lunch.
Alexi's Greek Cafe
3863 Fifth AveFantastic gyros. The owner used to be the dishwasher - he's been here a long time. Excellent cheap lunch.
Really yummy ice cream. You can get an ice cream flight of mini cones if you want to taste a few flavors!
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Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
3077 University AveReally yummy ice cream. You can get an ice cream flight of mini cones if you want to taste a few flavors!
Urban Solace & Bar Solace
3823 30th StGreat Food Here. Nice date spot.
Cheesemonger's Heaven. The cheese shop is INSIDE Bottlecraft store - you can buy a beer and eat cheese at the same time. Amazing.
Venissimo Cheese - North Park
3007 University AveCheesemonger's Heaven. The cheese shop is INSIDE Bottlecraft store - you can buy a beer and eat cheese at the same time. Amazing.
Underbelly North Park
3000 Upas StMore Hispter Ramen + Beer
Great coffee shop that also serves large, reasonably priced sandwiches. Good place to work remotely (comfy seats + lots of power outlets)
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Influx Cafe
1948 BroadwayGreat coffee shop that also serves large, reasonably priced sandwiches. Good place to work remotely (comfy seats + lots of power outlets)
Our preferred pizza place near home. Slightly more expensive than a hole-in-the-wall pizza place (or a chain), but excellent. This is the only pizza I've ever had where I'll finish the crust - it's good.
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East Coast Pizza
2015 San Elijo AveOur preferred pizza place near home. Slightly more expensive than a hole-in-the-wall pizza place (or a chain), but excellent. This is the only pizza I've ever had where I'll finish the crust - it's good.
Coffee coffee coffee! Great spot with a lot of outdoor seating (shaded) for nice days. Pourover + espresso + regular brew.
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Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams AveCoffee coffee coffee! Great spot with a lot of outdoor seating (shaded) for nice days. Pourover + espresso + regular brew.
Pourover + espresso + regular brew. Not a lot of seating, but the coffee is great.
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Dark Horse Coffee Roasters
3260 Adams AvePourover + espresso + regular brew. Not a lot of seating, but the coffee is great.
Blackmarket Bakery North Park
4686 30th StGood coffee + pastries.
after 5pm pizza place that serves good thin-crust pizza. They get creative, and it usually a great thing!
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Zia Gourmet Pizza
3311 Adams Aveafter 5pm pizza place that serves good thin-crust pizza. They get creative, and it usually a great thing!
Drinks & Nightlife
If you want some great cocktails, go here. Excellent agave selection. Also, the food is really good!
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The Patio on Goldfinch
4020 Goldfinch StIf you want some great cocktails, go here. Excellent agave selection. Also, the food is really good!
Excellent, creative, beautiful cocktails. You can get some food bites here, or if your wallet wants some lightening and you want REALLY good food, go next door to The Red Door Restaurant.
Sometimes the bar closes early (weeknights) if it's not super busy.
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BAR by RED DOOR
741 West Washington StreetExcellent, creative, beautiful cocktails. You can get some food bites here, or if your wallet wants some lightening and you want REALLY good food, go next door to The Red Door Restaurant.
Sometimes the bar closes early (weeknights) if it's not super busy.
Best high-volume cocktail bar in the US! Gorgeous interior, impeccable drinks. Very busy on weekends after 8. Nice quiet place to have a happy hour drink mid-week (they open at 4). You can order food next door at Soda & Swine and they'll deliver it to Polite Provisions.
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Polite Provisions
4696 30th StBest high-volume cocktail bar in the US! Gorgeous interior, impeccable drinks. Very busy on weekends after 8. Nice quiet place to have a happy hour drink mid-week (they open at 4). You can order food next door at Soda & Swine and they'll deliver it to Polite Provisions.
Beautiful bar serving excellent cocktails - one of our favorites. Not many options for people who don't eat seafood. The Lobster Roll is decadent. There's also an oyster happy hour!
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Ironside Fish & Oyster
1654 India StBeautiful bar serving excellent cocktails - one of our favorites. Not many options for people who don't eat seafood. The Lobster Roll is decadent. There's also an oyster happy hour!
One of the oldest craft cocktail bars in the city - also very popular. Recently remodeled with tons of taxidermy. New chef is fantastic.
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Craft & Commerce
675 W Beech StOne of the oldest craft cocktail bars in the city - also very popular. Recently remodeled with tons of taxidermy. New chef is fantastic.
One of our favorites. Excellent cocktails. Excellent Food. They have poutine - need I say more?
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The Lion's Share
629 Kettner BlvdOne of our favorites. Excellent cocktails. Excellent Food. They have poutine - need I say more?
BEST Burger. We'll driver here to pick them up, even if we can't stay. Great neighborhood bar with drinks + beer
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The Balboa
1863 Fifth AveBEST Burger. We'll driver here to pick them up, even if we can't stay. Great neighborhood bar with drinks + beer
Excellent beer bar with large selection and house made sausages. Usually have sports on TV (nice local place to watch a game). Boardgames available.
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The Regal Beagle
3659 India StExcellent beer bar with large selection and house made sausages. Usually have sports on TV (nice local place to watch a game). Boardgames available.
Whiskey Bar with pool tables. Huge Whiskey selection. Did I mention they serve whiskey? Live Music also.
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Seven Grand San Diego
3054 University AveWhiskey Bar with pool tables. Huge Whiskey selection. Did I mention they serve whiskey? Live Music also.
Good beers, special releases, and you can buy cans to go. Free Wifi.
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Modern Times Flavordome
3000 Upas StGood beers, special releases, and you can buy cans to go. Free Wifi.
Super cozy bar. Great craft cocktails. Sometimes they have live music
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Sycamore Den
3391 Adams AveSuper cozy bar. Great craft cocktails. Sometimes they have live music
Essentials
SO close to us. Really fresh healthy food. Most expensive for food and produce (though it's all really high quality and mostly organic). Excellent selection of beer and wine at very reasonable prices. Go to the pub for draft beer too!
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Whole Foods Market
711 University AveSO close to us. Really fresh healthy food. Most expensive for food and produce (though it's all really high quality and mostly organic). Excellent selection of beer and wine at very reasonable prices. Go to the pub for draft beer too!
One of our favorite grocery stores. Good selection of fresh, prepared foods and easy meals, reasonable prices. Great place to buy affordable fresh flowers and food gifts.
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Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveOne of our favorite grocery stores. Good selection of fresh, prepared foods and easy meals, reasonable prices. Great place to buy affordable fresh flowers and food gifts.
This is the big chain grocery store in the neighborhood - has most of your basics.
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Ralphs
101 G StThis is the big chain grocery store in the neighborhood - has most of your basics.
Closest Pharmacy and huge selection of over-the-counter meds, toiletries, makeup, and convenience store items. You can also buy liquor and beer here - while Whole Foods has the nicer stuff and a more craft selection, Rite Aid has all your basics.
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Rite Aid
3650 Adams AveClosest Pharmacy and huge selection of over-the-counter meds, toiletries, makeup, and convenience store items. You can also buy liquor and beer here - while Whole Foods has the nicer stuff and a more craft selection, Rite Aid has all your basics.
Closets US Post Office (There is also a Postal Annex and FedEx in the neighborhood)
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United States Postal Service
3911 Cleveland AveClosets US Post Office (There is also a Postal Annex and FedEx in the neighborhood)
Closest Gym. Not a member? They usually have some kind of a 1, 2, or 3 day trial you can sign up for to use the gym for free a few times.
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24 Hour Fitness
3965 Fifth AveClosest Gym. Not a member? They usually have some kind of a 1, 2, or 3 day trial you can sign up for to use the gym for free a few times.
My favorite grocery store. Good middle-ground prices between Whole Foods (super pricey!) and that sketchy produce stand that doesn't exist in our neighborhood (I wish we had one of those). Decent selection of organic produce.
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Sprouts Farmers Market
3015 Clairemont DrMy favorite grocery store. Good middle-ground prices between Whole Foods (super pricey!) and that sketchy produce stand that doesn't exist in our neighborhood (I wish we had one of those). Decent selection of organic produce.
Bottle Shop - large selection of beers and some on tap.
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Bottlecraft North Park
3007 University AveBottle Shop - large selection of beers and some on tap.
Everything Else
Closet place to print, make copies, get help with business services/office supplies, or ship via FedEx (There's also a Postal Annex nearby for USPS, UPS, and DHL)
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FedEx Office Print & Ship Center
1834 Garnet AveCloset place to print, make copies, get help with business services/office supplies, or ship via FedEx (There's also a Postal Annex nearby for USPS, UPS, and DHL)
Entertainment & Activities
Great independent movie theater - shows some mainstream films and a lot of indie ones.
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Landmark's Hillcrest Cinemas
3965 Fifth AveGreat independent movie theater - shows some mainstream films and a lot of indie ones.
It's World Famous! Seriously though, it's pretty great. Busy on the weekends (especially during the summer). Watching the sunset from the SkyFari (gondola) is pretty epic.
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Ζωολογικός Κήπος Σαν Ντιέγκο
2920 Zoo DrIt's World Famous! Seriously though, it's pretty great. Busy on the weekends (especially during the summer). Watching the sunset from the SkyFari (gondola) is pretty epic.
This is our basic movie theater of choice for the films that aren't showing at Landmark Theater in Hillcrest. For a deluxe experience.... check out The Lot at Liberty Station.
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AMC Fashion Valley 18
7037 Friars RdThis is our basic movie theater of choice for the films that aren't showing at Landmark Theater in Hillcrest. For a deluxe experience.... check out The Lot at Liberty Station.
Best. Movie. Experience. Ever. Full reclining seats, table-side food and beverage service, no heads ever in your way. You'll pay for it, but it will be worth it if you're the kind of person that really wants to sink in and enjoy a movie.
Pro-tip: WEDNESDAYS are discount days.
https://thelotent.com/site/venueLibertyStation
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THE LOT Liberty Station
2620 Truxtun RdBest. Movie. Experience. Ever. Full reclining seats, table-side food and beverage service, no heads ever in your way. You'll pay for it, but it will be worth it if you're the kind of person that really wants to sink in and enjoy a movie.
Pro-tip: WEDNESDAYS are discount days.
https://thelotent.com/site/venueLibertyStation
If you're looking for something to do with the kids, this place is AMAZING (we have an annual membership). Creative play, two extensive forts, art activities, a giant sandbox, and age-appropriate play areas. You won't be able to do it all.
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Το Νέο Παιδικό Μουσείο
200 W Island AveIf you're looking for something to do with the kids, this place is AMAZING (we have an annual membership). Creative play, two extensive forts, art activities, a giant sandbox, and age-appropriate play areas. You won't be able to do it all.
Even if you don't want to go hang gliding, this is a really beautiful spot to be outside on a high bluff up above the ocean. When there are lots of gliders out, it's fun to watch. Great place for sunsets!
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Torrey Pines Gliderport
2800 Torrey Pines Scenic DrEven if you don't want to go hang gliding, this is a really beautiful spot to be outside on a high bluff up above the ocean. When there are lots of gliders out, it's fun to watch. Great place for sunsets!
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.There's a lot to see here!
Incredible aquarium and oceanographic education. Also, great views of the Pacific!
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Birch Aquarium at Scripps
2300 Expedition WayIncredible aquarium and oceanographic education. Also, great views of the Pacific!
Barcade. Terrific craft cocktails + arcade games and bar food. Shawn's favorite bar in San Diego.
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Coin-Op Game Room
3926 30th StBarcade. Terrific craft cocktails + arcade games and bar food. Shawn's favorite bar in San Diego.
Shopping
Great store for babies if you're traveling with a little one and lost a sippy cup, or just want to shop. High-quality items, natural/non-toxic focus, organic clothes, baby carriers, and cloth diapers.
Wonderful and Wild
1007 University AvenueGreat store for babies if you're traveling with a little one and lost a sippy cup, or just want to shop. High-quality items, natural/non-toxic focus, organic clothes, baby carriers, and cloth diapers.
Curated clothing exchange - mostly high quality and quite a few brand names. Great place to find unique gems.
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Buffalo Exchange
3862 Fifth AveCurated clothing exchange - mostly high quality and quite a few brand names. Great place to find unique gems.
Super fun used clothing store with a lot of options for unique pieces, vintage clothing, and costumes.
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Flashbacks
3849 Fifth AveSuper fun used clothing store with a lot of options for unique pieces, vintage clothing, and costumes.
Clothes, trendy gift items. One of the smaller stores, but a nice place to pop into while waiting for breakfast at Snooze.
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Urban Outfitters
4516 Mission BlvdClothes, trendy gift items. One of the smaller stores, but a nice place to pop into while waiting for breakfast at Snooze.
This is the big thrift store in the neighborhood - two levels, lots of clothes. Super cheap.
Baras Foundation
1455 University AveThis is the big thrift store in the neighborhood - two levels, lots of clothes. Super cheap.
Best boutique in San Diego. Always well-curated, high quality, unique items here. Great bow-tie and men's accessories section as well.
Dolcetti Boutique
635 Fifth AveBest boutique in San Diego. Always well-curated, high quality, unique items here. Great bow-tie and men's accessories section as well.
La Loupe Vintage
3337 Adams AveFantastic vintage clothing shop run by some great ladies!
All locally made goods, mostly by women! Clothes, jewelry, art, and housewares. This place is PACKED - you'll definitely find something.
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Simply Local
3013 University AveAll locally made goods, mostly by women! Clothes, jewelry, art, and housewares. This place is PACKED - you'll definitely find something.
Arts & Culture
Love ships? You can tour old sailing ships, a submarine, and some other seacraft including the Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship (built 1863). Also it's just a really nice walk on the boardwalk down here.
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Ναυτικό Μουσείο του Σαν Ντιέγκο
1492 N Harbor DrLove ships? You can tour old sailing ships, a submarine, and some other seacraft including the Star of India, the oldest active sailing ship (built 1863). Also it's just a really nice walk on the boardwalk down here.
Amazing Library. If you're interested in architecture, it's worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood. Great place to sit and read, do some work, or browse the huge collection. Good for rainy days or really hot ones.
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San Diego Central Library
330 Park BlvdAmazing Library. If you're interested in architecture, it's worth a visit if you're in the neighborhood. Great place to sit and read, do some work, or browse the huge collection. Good for rainy days or really hot ones.
You can tour an Aircraft Carrier. It's huge. There are lots of doors and planes and machines!
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Μουσείο USS Midway
910 N Harbor DrYou can tour an Aircraft Carrier. It's huge. There are lots of doors and planes and machines!
Free concerts every Sunday at 2pm at the largest outdoor organ in the Western Hemisphere. Schedule: https://spreckelsorgan.org/calendar/
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Spreckels Organ Pavilion
2125 Pan American Rd EFree concerts every Sunday at 2pm at the largest outdoor organ in the Western Hemisphere. Schedule: https://spreckelsorgan.org/calendar/