Looking for a fun weekend in one of San Diego’s hippest neighborhoods? Need a walkable neighborhood to go shopping and grab a bite? Look no further than North Park!
What kind of neighborhood is North Park?
North Park is a hip, young, neighborhood in San Diego that has lots to offer for anyone and everyone! Cute boutiques, cheap eats, and the occasional outdoor market are all staples of this lovely area. While most of North Park is residential, the main drags are located on University Street and 30th Street. At the intersection of these two, you will find the heart of North Park. Restaurants like Encontro and Lucha Libre offer great places to grab a bite. A short walk down 30th will lead you to North Park staples, such as Pigment or Verbatim Books.
If you’re not looking to shop, but just want to take a stroll in some peaceful, beautiful residential neighborhoods, the streets south of University, but north of Upas (roughly bordered on the west by Florida and on the east by 30th) are packed with manicured lawns, cute craftsman and Spanish style homes. This is one of the last neighborhoods in San Diego that feels untouched by huge apartment complexes. However, if you are looking for a place to rent, North of University and South of El Cajon Boulevard is the place for you!
Getting around North Park
While public transportation in San Diego is sadly lacking, North Park is fortunately laid out in a pedestrian-friendly manner. 30th street runs north-south and is lined with local stores, places to eat, and bars. From the northern border of North Park to the southern is about one and a half to two miles, depending on how you sequester the neighborhood. Walking down 30th is a great way to spend a day, popping in and out of breweries (I love Fall Brewing, north of El Cajon Boulevard), bars (Redwing is a great karaoke bar), and shops (Pigment is great for holiday shopping!).
If you don’t want to go down 30th, you can go East/West on University, stopping for food at The Friendly Tavern, Breakfast Republic, or Encontro. Finding a place to park can be tough, to say the least, but a quick jaunt down to the more residential neighborhoods South of University provides not only much-needed parking spaces, but a fun place to relax and walk around for the day. Buses regularly run on both University and 30th street, so be sure to check the schedule ahead of time!
What are some things to do in North Park?
Besides the options listed above, North Park offers a wide variety of different shopping options. Artelexia is a small, colorful store on the corner of Ray and North Park Way. From handmade jewelry to Mexican snacks, this Instagrammable storefront offers something for everyone! A mural of Frida Kahlo adorns one wall, offering a place to snap some pics on the way out. This spot makes a perfect stop to pick up some gifts for your friends from out of town.
If you’re less into colorful goodies, and would rather get a head start on your Halloween costume shopping, then across the street is an aptly named Army surplus store known simply as “Bargain Center”. I have always been drawn to these types of stores – places with uniforms lining the walls, boots of every color and size in buckets all around, and various knickknacks to check out, and Bargain Center has it all. If you need to dress up for a themed event, or just need great gear for camping, Bargain Center is a fun place to check out.
Verbatim Books is a little further south down 30th street and is a fun, beautiful, bookstore. A huge room off to the side has books on display but is a piece of art in itself. If you’re looking for used books, collector’s editions, or just a place to beat the heat and take in the beautiful smell of books (am I the only one who loves this smell?), then Verbatim is the place for you. Finally, if you’re looking for plant shopping in North Park, look no further than North Park Nursery on the corner of University and Texas! Right next to the iconic Communal Coffee, this nursery has succulents, house plants, pots, and everything you could ask for!
Food in North Park
One of the best things about North Park is that there are tons of places to eat! 30th and University provides many options, but El Cajon Boulevard has tons of great food as well. If you’re looking to go further south, 30th and Upas has a pocket of great food too. Some of my favorite places in the area include Breakfast Republic for brunch, Underbelly for ramen, the Friendly for burgers and pizza, and either the Taco Stand or Colimas for Mexican food in North Park.
This blog is about bringing you in-depth reviews of different restaurants as well as ways to get the story behind your local favorites. For that reason, only a cursory list is included here. Check out the purpose of the site and keep coming back to learn more about some of the best restaurants in North Park!
Events in North Park
Not only is North Park a great place to take a stroll, stop at stores, and eat good food, but there are also tons of different events happening all the time! Thursdays, from 3 P.M until 7:30, the North Park Farmer’s Market takes place between 29th Street and Ray Street on North Park Way. Filled with countless vendors selling hot food, local groceries, and handmade goods, this farmer’s market is a must-see. It is impossible to choose a favorite place to eat, which is why I always keep coming back!
If you’re looking for music and bands, the Observatory is back to having live shows. (Proof of vaccination or negative test required, per their website). Monthly markets on Utah and El Cajon highlight chefs and restaurants – perfect for any foodie!
Coming this October is “Taste of North Park”, which will showcase dozens of local restaurants, stores, and local businesses, complete with street vendors and live music. A full calendar of events can be found here.
[…] It is the perfect location for holiday shopping for all ages, and visiting is on my list for top things to do in North Park. The whole store is sorted by color and it is so easy to get lost trying to find the perfect […]