19 Local Things To Do In North Park San Diego

Despite their close proximity, each of San Diego’s neighborhoods is truly unique in what it offers to visitors. While North Park may not be home to San Diego’s largest attractions like SeaWorld, Petco Park, or the beach, it does offer a host of its own quirky and genuinely interesting draws.  

Even for those who may be visiting another part of San Diego and looking for a day trip, North Park is just a short drive away from most other neighborhoods and is sure to provide a day’s worth of fun spots to explore. 

Best Things To Do In North Park

North Park is known throughout Southern California as the artsier part of San Diego and is often described as the home of the hipsters.

While this reputation may spark some eye rolls, it also comes with some perks. Not only is this neighborhood a great place for young families to settle down in quaint historic houses, but it is also full of local shops, art galleries, music, and much more. 

Keep reading for 19 of the best ways to spend your days and nights in North Park, San Diego. 

1. North Park Beerucation Tour

This tour walks between 3-4 local craft breweries, giving visitors the opportunity to taste and learn about a variety of beer styles, brewing processes, food and beer pairings, and the work that goes into owning a brewery. 

2. The Observatory Venue

The Observatory is a historic venue that still hosts live performances, theatre events, plays, movies, comedies, celebrations, charity events, corporate meetings, fashion shows, dinners, and more.

3. Juniper Canyon Labyrinth

The Juniper Canyon Labyrinth is a form of walking meditation that combines geometry with spirituality as visitors navigate their way through the rows of brick and decomposed granite. 

4. The Thursday Market

This market of over 50 merchants offers food, home goods, crafts, and more all from local vendors. 

5. Mike Hess Brewing Tour

Take a tour through or enjoy the day at this family and dog-friendly brewing facility. 

6. Main Street

North Park’s Main Street is full of quirky local shops and restaurants. Spend a day window shopping and browsing boutiques. 

7. Day to Day Vintage Market

Day to Day Vintage shop hosts dozens of local vendors at their vintage market on the 3rd Saturday of every month. If you happen to miss the market, no sweat. Day to Day Vintage also has a storefront shop that you can drop in and visit any day of the week. 

8. Shop Pigment

Shop Pigment is like a fantasyland of house plants, beautiful home furnishings, and gifts. This is the perfect stop for anyone looking to do some gift shopping or just browse the shop’s unique offerings.

If you happen to be visiting around Christmas, you’re in for a treat, as the whole shop is transformed into a winter wonderland. 

9. Photograph Local Murals Around North Park

Two of North Park’s well-known murals are located outside of Belching Beaver Brewery and Artlexia Boutique. Stop by for an Instagrammable photo op. Even a short walk throughout the neighborhood is sure to turn up many more as well. 

10. Explore Historic Buildings In North Park

As you stroll through the main streets and neighborhoods of North Park, be on the lookout for signs that explain the significance of local buildings. Even the Observatory venue dates back to the 1930s. 

11. Breakfast Republic

Breakfast Republic is one of San Diego’s favorite brunch spots. If you’re looking for a great birthday breakfast or mimosas with the girls, this is the place for you.

Weekends can see a pretty long wait, so be sure to plan accordingly or visit on a less crowded weekday. 

12. Et Voilà! French Bistro

Et Voilà is a high-end option for those looking for a culinary experience while they’re visiting North Park. This traditional French cuisine offers a wide variety of desserts and cheese courses as well. 

13. Hammonds Gourmet Ice Cream

This popular ice cream shop is unique in that it offers flights of ice cream for those who just can’t seem to decide on one flavor. 

14. Ray Street

Ray Street is known as sort of a “secret pathway” that leads to the art district of North Park. Ray Street Night Walk is also a regular event in which visitors can visit galleries in the area. This is the perfect stop for anyone hoping to see where North Park gets its artsy reputation. 

15. Belching Beaver Brewery

Belching Beaver is known for its unique craft beers with notes of peanut butter and honey. These flavors appeal to even the most skeptical beer drinkers. 

16. Communal Coffee

If you’re looking for a coffee stop in a beautiful atmosphere, you are likely to enjoy a visit to Communal Coffee. Shop for fresh flowers and crafts from local vendors as you wait for your latte. 

17. Holy Matcha 

This Instagrammable hot spot specializes in serving up every type of matcha drink you can imagine.

18. Part Time Lover

This trendy bar not only boasts high-quality cocktails and the coolest ambiance in town but also hosts its own record shop from the back of the venue. 

19. Lafayette Hotel, Swim Club, and Bungalows

This historic hotel and swim club transports visitors back in time to its historic roots as a party getaway for Hollywood’s biggest celebrities throughout the 1940s and 1950s. This hotel is currently being renovated and will be reopening in June of 2023.

Where to Stay In North Park San Diego

San Diego has a variety of accommodations: hotels, resorts, campgrounds and more. We recommend these 3 options in and near North Park:

Budget-Friendly Option: North Park Apartment

Mid-Priced Option: The Laurel Loft

Lux Option: Courtyard by Marriott San Diego Downtown

Frequently Asked Questions

Is North Park a good neighborhood in San Diego?

North Park is generally a safe part of San Diego comparatively, although San Diego as a whole is known to be a very safe city.

This neighborhood is lesser know for its nightlife than many others, making it a bit quieter and less hectic for those looking for a more serene and peaceful stay.  

Is North Park walkable?

North Park is a very walkable neighborhood in terms of its size as well as the fact that it is very safe.

North Park is also within close proximity to most parts of the city, especially Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter. This is notable for those hoping to visit Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo while they are visiting.  

How far is North Park from the beach?

North Park is only 15 – 20 minutes from both Mission Beach and Mission Bay when driving, making a day on the sand well worth the short trip. Public transportation is also easily accessible to make this commute. 

The Amtrak train is an easy way to travel from Downtown San Diego to the beautiful beach town of Del Mar for the day and a great way to avoid traffic. While this trip is a little longer, the train ride offers some amazing views and a one-of-a-kind experience. 

What is North Park like in San Diego?

North Park is known for its quaint family neighborhoods full of historic houses and its many trendy small businesses. This neighborhood is also full of art galleries and is very close to both Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter, making all the liveliest parts of the city easily accessible. 

Is San Diego safe?

San Diego is widely known to be one of the safest cities in the nation for its size. Although some levels of crime are a given, and some of its neighborhoods are safer than others, the crime rate in San Diego remains below the national average. 

Can I visit San Diego in the winter?

If you conjure up images of endless summer and salty surfers when told to think of San Diego, you’re not alone. Although this city is known widely as a summer vacation destination, San Diego has its draws during the colder months.

Can I visit San Diego without a car?

Visiting San Diego without a car is a viable option. When doing so, I recommend that you research ahead of time to determine what you are hoping to get out of your visit and choose a walkable neighborhood to stay in based on this. 

If you choose to rent a car, here’s all you need to know about renting a car in San Diego.

How many days are needed for San Diego?

Because San Diego has so much to offer, I would recommend at least a 3-day trip to be able to explore different neighborhoods and visit as least 1 of its larger attractions such as Balboa Park or the San Diego Zoo.  But if you can, plan a 5-day trip to San Diego to see the best of San Diego and not feel rushed.

Final Thoughts

While North Park may be one of San Diego’s lesser-known neighborhoods to those unfamiliar with the city, it is full of rich culture and history and is always seeing new and exciting additions. Be sure to check out some of these amazing spots next time you plan a visit.