Like a Local

Like a Local

San Diego's sunlit, seafront setting prompts the city's take on the Southern California lifestyle. The locals have more than a few ways to make the best of a good thing, and there's nothing stopping you from joining them.

The Surf Bar

No activity captures the essence of San Diego more than surfing, which has influenced everything from fashion to moviemaking to music. Although surfing is a demanding sport, anybody can at least soak up the surf culture by hanging out around some of the top surfing beaches (Swami's in Encinitas, Windansea in La Jolla, and Mission Beach), watching young guys and women take to the waves. Even better, drop by virtually any of the laidback surfer hangouts near the beaches and you'll hear seasoned, hard-bodied aficionados swapping stories about their exploits. Moondoggies, a top bar for surfers in Pacific Beach, pulls them in by airing surf and skate videos on the tube and hosting live bands on the patio. At RT's Longboard Grill, vintage photos, boards, and other surfing equipment line the walls -- you feel like you've entered a surfing museum.

The Fish Taco

San Diego, one of the country's most innovative food cities, is a place to savor outstanding seafood -- and you can do so on any budget. No matter what your finances, you can probably afford that definitive regional delectable, the humble fish taco. Simple storefront restaurants and even simpler open-air take-out windows and mobile taco stands dispense these treats filled traditionally with mahimahi or wahoo (but any firm white fish fillet works), and locals love to debate where to get the best and the freshest. Some folks prefer them beer-battered and lightly fried, others grilled. One ardent fan likes his topped with salsa, another swears by mayo-based white sauces. And then there's the debate over whether fish tacos are best served with coleslaw or shredded lettuce. There seem to be a thousand ways to make great fish tacos, and just as many ways to enjoy them!

A Picnic in the Park

Balboa Park occupies a singular place in the hearts and minds of San Diegans. Although its museums, performance spaces, playing fields, trails, and attractions (notably the San Diego Zoo) are a huge tourist draw, locals frequent the park every chance they can. We've covered its highlights throughout the book, from great rambles through the Rose and Cactus gardens to memorable tours of the museums. But perhaps the simplest way to experience Balboa Park is to flop down along a patch of grass (try entering somewhere around 6th Avenue and Laurel Street) and enjoy a picnic. In the nearby Hillcrest neighborhood, just north, you'll find plenty of spots to stock up on picnic supplies. Noshing on fine food, soaking up the Southern California sun, listening to birds chirp, and admiring lush flora -- there's arguably no better way to appreciate the joys of San Diego.

A Game at the Ballpark

You don't have to be a baseball fan to respond to the infectious buzz of a San Diego Padres game at the city's stunning Petco Park. The fun lies as much in watching the fans and enjoying the scenery as in catching the action on the field -- although if the beloved Padres are taking on one of their major rivals, such as the L.A. Dodgers or San Francisco Giants, the game itself can get pretty exciting. With its Spanish Mission-style exterior and artful landscaping, Petco is more open than the typical ballpark, with ample room to stroll around and catch the game from different vantage points. The once-dreary neighborhood surrounding the park has blossomed since it opened in 2004, so be sure to join the fans after the game for continued revelry at the many bars, cafés, and restaurants outside. The Padres play about 80 games at Petco, with the season running from early April through early October.