A guide to the city of San Diego

A guide to the city of San Diego

San Diego, the city of perfect weather, beaches, numerous attractions and, of course, Oi Americas.

If you’re joining us for Oi Americas in February, why not check out our city guide for San Diego and explore everything that this fantastic Californian location can offer. Discover top restaurants and destinations, as well as post-event activities like…

Read on to discover how to make the best of your time in San Diego during Oi Americas.

Where to go?

San Diego is home to so many parks, quarters and attractions, it would almost be a shame not to visit them while you’re in the city. Here’s just some of the few we think you need to visit.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park may be home to sprawling lush gardens, but that’s not all this park can offer. Explore a cluster of culturally-inspired houses, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the San Diego Zoo, wander around 15 different museums – such as the Centro Cultural de la Raza and the Museum of Photographic Arts – check out a show at the Old Globe theatre, or simply take a Segway and whizz past it all!

La Jolla

Fancy stepping into a Mediterranean-style seaside neighbourhood right in the heart of San Diego? Then you need to head to La Jolla, also known as the ‘jewel of Southern California’.

There’s plenty of attractions packed into this beautiful little village, including some of San Diego’s finest restaurants and the La Jolla Cove, where you can find friendly seals and sea lions. Plus, why not head to the Legends Gallery and view a collection of artwork from former La Jolla resident, Dr. Seuss?

The Gaslamp Quarter

The heart and soul of downtown San Diego, the Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district full of restaurants, shops, entertainment venues and nightclubs, all located in Victorian Era buildings.

Whether you’re looking for jazz music to accompany a meal after a day at Oi Americas, or an Artisan Market to explore after the event, you’ll find it all here in the Gaslamp Quarter.


Get your ticket for Oi Americas

Get your ticket for Oi Americas Join the oceanology community in San Diego from 14–16 February 2023 and discover emerging marine science technology.


Where to eat?

According to many, San Diego has quite a reputation as a craft brewery and nightlife mecca, as well as the boiling pot for a number of different cuisines. If you’re looking for an authentic San Diego dish, fish tacos are what you need to order, and you can wash them down with a beer from one of the 150 craft breweries that make this city the ‘Capital of Craft’.

El Pescador Fish Market

At El Pescador, you’ll find the freshest fish taco you could ever ask for, since the kitchen only cooks with the freshest local seafood. Based in La Jolla, El Pescador has been serving fresh fish for over 40 years, always sourced daily from local fishermen. If you want authentic San Diego seafood, El Pescador is where you need to go.

Puesto

Located only 30 minutes from the US-Mexican border, San Diego is well known for the quality of its Mexican eateries. Puesto is just one of the eateries on offer in the city, but we’ve chosen it due to its combination of fresh, bright flavours of Mexico and a true mastery of the margarita! There are a number of locations in San Diego, so we’re sure you’ll find one near you.

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Not only does San Diego have a strong Mexican influence, but its cuisine is also heavily inspired by Italian food. Head to Little Italy and discover Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, which provides a classic old-fashioned Italian dining experience. Keep classic with one of their signature pizzas or try their lauded Chicken Parm!


Get your ticket for Oi Americas

Get your ticket for Oi Americas Join the oceanology community in San Diego from 14–16 February 2023 and discover emerging marine science technology.


Where to drink?

As we mentioned before, San Diego is well known as a craft beer capital, but it’s also pretty handy with a cocktail too. From tiki bars and rooftop lounges to speakeasies and bars, here’s a selection of some of the places you can go and kick your feet up after a day on the show floor.

Polite Provisions

Head to North Park to discover Polite Provisions, a cocktail parlour inspired by an old-time American drugstore and soda fountain. Choose your drink of choice and dispense it yourself from the 46 sparkling taps; you won’t just find beer and wine pouring freely, but also craft spirits and pre-mixed cocktails too.

Or, if you want a little fun instead, why not pick up their activity book themed menu and do a puzzle while you choose your drink.

Donut Bar

What’s better than a donut? A donut and a craft beer combo! On Fridays and Saturday evenings, Donut Bar transforms into a craft beer bar where you can sample over 20 different beers alongside a rotating selection of freshly baked donuts.

False Idol

Little Italy’s famed cocktail haven, Craft & Commerce, has a secret hidden behind an ivy-covered doorway… False Idol, a classic tiki bar, is a fantastically themed space, decked out in glowing skulls and treasures from local tiki bars past and present, and comes with a cocktail menu to match!

We’d recommend the False Idol Originals, cocktails designed to share, such as Alkala the Fierce, served in a bowl with a flaming volcano.


Get your ticket for Oi Americas

Get your ticket for Oi Americas Join the oceanology community in San Diego from 14–16 February 2023 and discover emerging marine science technology.


Oceanology International is the leading forum to connect with the world’s marine science and ocean technology communities. Our events provide a platform for you to learn from ocean leaders from around the world, boost your technical and blue economy knowledge, and connect with key buyers in vertical industries. See all of our events below and discover the right one for you.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *