San Diego is known for its scenic coastal setting, beaches, parks, and warm weather, which provide residents with endless options for recreation. Recently, the city came in third place in the nation for WalletHub’s 2018 Best Cities for Recreation, with sunny Orlando and casino-friendly Las Vegas earning the top two spots on WalletHub’s list. According to the study’s methodology, San Diego scored high marks in four sections of criteria, including Entertainment and Recreational Facilities, Quality of Parks, Weather, and Costs. Given Orlando’s theme parks and Las Vegas’ abundance of performance venues, it’s an honor that San Diego can be included in the top three list for its overall recreation. 

When people think of recreation in San Diego, they often think of just the beaches and water activities like surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, and swimming. But there’s so much more to do in San Diego. If you’re looking for some recreation, check out these five San Diego neighborhoods.

East Village

East Village neighborhood in San Diego

For those not local or privy to the history of East Village, it was once just a warehouse district. However, in 2004 with the addition of Petco Park, this neighborhood is now full of rooftop bars, top notch hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutique shops. In addition to watching baseball games at Petco Park and dining at trendy restaurants, East Village also has a lively nightlife, with activities such as bowling at Tavern+Bowl, dancing at the Oxford Social Club at the Pendry Hotel, or sipping craft cocktails at the hidden speakeasy, Noble Experiment.

Little Italy

Little Italy neighborhood in San Diego

Little Italy not only has a lot to offer on the culture front with its boutique shops and art galleries, it also has a lot to offer in the recreation department. If you’re looking for authentic Italian cuisine, take a stroll down India Street for classic Italian fare for Filippi’s Pizza Grotto or head over to Fir street for Bencotto Italian Kitchen. Fir street also offers a selection of boutique shops as well as Piazza Basilone, a community landmark honoring Sergeant John Basilone and the fallen soldiers from the wars in the 20th century. This plaza is a central gathering place where residents can take a stroll or attend special events.

On Cedar Street, you’ll find the popular Little Italy Mercato where you can buy fresh produce and artisan goods every Saturday year-round. If you’d like to learn about firemen and their history, check out the Firefighters Museum where you’ll see a horse drawn steamer, firefighting apparatus, and firefighting memorabilia dating back 100 years. Amici Park is also in this neighborhood and offers recreational facilities like bocce ball courts, an amphitheater, and a dog park.

North Park

North Park neighborhood photo courtesy of Allan Ferguson

This urban neighborhood offers a variety of recreational options including art galleries and art shows, as well as craft beer breweries, whiskey bars, boutique shops, and trendy restaurants situated along University Avenue. Restaurants in this area range from French bistros and Mexican taqueriasto American breakfast spots and Asian eateries. North Park also hosts numerous bars and live music venues such as Bar Pink or The Observatory.

Old Town

Mormon Battalion Historic Site photo courtesy of MARELBU

Known as San Diego’s original downtown, Old Town is home to numerous historic sites, museums, and buildings that not only attract tourists but locals as well. Some of which include the Mormon Battalion Historic Site, San Diego Sheriff’s Museum, Seeley Stable Museum, Junipero Serra Museum, which sits on the first permanent European settlement in California, and the Whaley House Museum, which is the top haunted house in the country, according to the Travel Channel’s “America’s Most Haunted.” 

Also, Heritage Park offers a tranquil place for a leisurely stroll and the perfect outdoor space to walk your dog. Heritage Park also has its share of history as it’s home to the city’s first synagogue from the 19th century, as well as Victorian-era homes that have been preserved and restored.

University Heights

Diversionary Theatre photo courtesy of Joe Wolf

Located between Hillcrest and North Park, University Heights offers a mixture of historic and modern homes and provides a laid-back urban vibe. Beyond the standard coffee houses and restaurants, the neighborhood features live performances at the Diversionary Theatre, which is the third oldest LGBT theatre in the country. At Old Trolley Barn Park, you’ll see live music every Friday or you can play soccer, croquet, or frisbee. You can also check out the live entertainment at the iconic Lafayette Hotel such as the Burlesque Brunch San Diego showcasing local jazz bands and burlesque performers from all over the world.