A Local Guide to South Park, San Diego

South Park, San Diego, gets some criticism for being a little NIMBY.

That means not-in-my-backyard, like when a Target is planning to come in to sell all the things you need and likely don’t need.

That Target notwithstanding, San Diego’s South Park neighborhood is a very cute part of San Diego, all bungalows and coffee shops and artisanal this and that, right up against Balboa Park.

We found ourselves there constantly during our seven years in San Diego, partly because we couldn’t afford to move there ourselves. That means we have a good handle on all of the best things to do in South Park.

If you’re traveling to San Diego, you’ll want to make time to check out this fiercely independent part of the California city yourself. Our local guide will help you prioritize your time.

Where is South Park, San Diego?

South Park is on the southeast corner of Balboa Park. It’s surrounded by Golden Hill to the south, Burlingame and North Park to the north, and canyon views to the east.

Fern Street and 30th Street are likely where you’ll spend most of your time in the South Park neighborhood of San Diego, as that’s the main business district in South Park.

What is South Park known for?

South Park, San Diego, is known for its charm and hyper-local mindset. This is a community that is very much about supporting small businesses.

Much of what you’ll do here will be eating, drinking, and shopping at local businesses you won’t see elsewhere in San Diego.

South Park is also known for its proximity to Balboa Park. Its placement is pretty perfect, with much of the neighborhood within walking distance of the best that Balboa Park has to offer.

READ MORE: We lived in San Diego for seven years! Learn about what that was like.

South Park: A Brief History

South Park started out as a suburb of downtown back in 1870. It was assumed it was too far from downtown to attract meaningful development.

The land was purchased by E. Bartlett Webster under the Bartlett Estate Company in 1905. Bartlett’s dream was to make South Park a high-end residential community within San Diego. “High-end” to start meant an actual sewer system, sidewalks, and electricity.

If you build the sewers, the people will come, or so they say.

The addition of a streetcar line in 1906 spurred even MORE interest in South Park, with the electric streetcars running throughout the neighborhood until 1949.

A section of South Park was designated as the South Park Historic District in 2017 for its importance as the city’s original streetcar suburb.

Note: Those streetcars were replaced by the MLS Bus 2, which will still get you up and down the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. It’s not as cute, but it’s there.

While South Park is known for being a pioneer in the Arts and Crafts architectural movement, you’ll find different kinds of homes as you do a walking tour of South Park.

As with most of San Diego, Spanish Colonial-style homes are also well-represented here, as is the city’s connection to important architects.

South Park boasts several homes designed by big names in the world of architecture: Irving Gill, William Sterling “Will” Hebbard, and Richard Requa are three standouts.

READ MORE: University Heights is no slouch when it comes to San Diego architecture. Check out my guide.

How to Get Around South Park

South Park is a very walkable community, but you’ll likely need to drive there initially.

Parking can be a challenge, especially if you’re here during any of the neighborhood’s regular events. If you’re patient, free street parking on side streets like Juniper Street, Ivy Street, and Grape Street is always possible.

If you want to get around on public transportation, MTS Bus 2, which originates in downtown San Diego, will take you through the center of South Park and into North Park. South Park maps and schedules are available from the Metropolitan Transit System.

Fun fact: South Park is also quite bike-friendly if you’re OK with navigating a hill or two. They’re KILLER on the glutes.

Fun Things to Do in South Park

There’s plenty to do to fill up an easy day in South Park, from hitting up some of the city’s best coffee shops to exploring nearby Balboa Park to planning travel around South Park’s best festivals.

Start with coffee shops in South Park.

South Park is all about its artisanal coffee and Instagram-worthy coffee shops. It’s a good thing they have the goods to back up that charm, as the coffee options here are delicious.

Try Communal Coffee, which operates out of a vintage trailer, for a quick caffeine boost. Hit up Seven Seas Roasting Company if you’re up for a coffee taste test.

If you’re looking for breakfast with your cup, head to Matteo, which is part of the Buona Forchetta family.

You can house some Italian carbs with your espresso, and all for a good cause. The proceeds here go to a rotation of local causes and charities.

Now THAT is delicious.

Explore this side of Balboa Park.

Balboa Park, the most impressive among San Diego parks, has enough going on that you could spend a weekend just hitting up the museums, exploring the hiking trails, and doing some people-watching in the square.

I’m going to urge you not to ignore the South Park side.

You’ll find one of Kimmy’s favorite spots, Grape Street Dog Park. While not fully fenced-in, it’s large enough that you can easily get your pup away from any bullies, with a few agility obstacles on the far side, too.

Note: As with any dog park in San Diego, pay attention to what your pup is doing and where they’re going. Smartphone distractions are real at the city’s dog parks, especially when dogs are pooping…which is convenient.

The Grape Street Dog Park isn’t just great because it’s our dog’s favorite. It’s the largest of three dog parks in Balboa Park, and one of the only dog parks in the city up against a residential area.

Brian’s favorite part, though, is the Balboa Park Golf Course. It was discounted for residents while we lived there, but it’s also a fun, scenic round.

If you like your outdoor activities as we do, you’ll also find a few hiking options within the Balboa Park trail system, some of which go into the canyons. I’ll get into that in a bit. This is essential San Diego.

Support South Park’s local shops.

South Park’s adorable boutique scene is made for Sunday strolling, or really anytime you want to find something cute you won’t find anywhere else in San Diego.

For that and the knowledge you’ll be supporting the city’s small businesses, you’ll feel good about exploring some of the best shopping in San Diego on your South Park walking tour.

Thread + Seed has a little bit of everything: clothing, jewelry, home goods, and bath treats for your South Park shopping experience.

Gold Leaf trends home goods, particularly with its very fun kitchenware options, but also boasts an array of novelty gifts, clothing, and even party goods. It’s one of the best boutiques in San Diego.

If you thought that was a plant shop and feel disappointed, head to Plants Por Favor. The last time I was there I didn’t get any plants, but I did find a Jason Momoa lookalike.

If you’re seeking vinyl, you’ll love the Vinyl Junkies Record Shack, a mecca of all the hits you’re after and loads of more obscure stuff, too. They’re a hub for live music, too, especially during South Park festivals.

Climb into the canyons.

Several of the trails you’ll find that connect you to Balboa Park from South Park will take you into the surrounding canyons.

A trailhead into Switzer Canyon starts on the edge of the Balboa Park Golf Course at 28th and Maple Streets. At less than a mile out-and-back, it’s an easy trail for those looking to take the dog on a path with some intrigue.

The trail for Juniper Canyon starts right in the neighborhood where Nutmeg Street meets Felton Street, traveling down into the canyon for a short jaunt of less than half a mile roundtrip.

Come in the springtime for good wildflower spotting in both canyons.

Go on a mural walk.

You know where the neighborhood stands in terms of indie vibes, so you better believe you’ll come across some great murals on any walk through South Park.

One of my favorites is behind the Bottle House liquor store. It’s a 46-foot ode to dog lovers in the neighborhood, which you likely know I’m all about.

The image above is on the outer wall of Thee Inglorious Blacktree Barberia, an old-school barber shop on Fern Street.

You’ll find a few others on that street alone, including nods to the neighborhood’s past. Don’t miss the vintage San Diego Fire Department mural on the side of the Fern Street Coin Laundry.

Indulge in a happy hour at South Park’s best bars.

Most of my San Diego itineraries include a stop (or two) at a local bar or brewery at some point.

Here are my picks for where to drink when you’re running out of things to do in South Park:

• Fall Brewing Company: This is a satellite location of one of our favorite San Diego breweries. It’s known as the Golden Rhino Room, named as such thanks to the to-scale plastic rhino head that serves as the tasting room’s main decor. The rest of the bar is similarly all gold everything, and I am here for it.
• Station Tavern: When you live in San Diego, the beer garden vibes can pretty much continue year-round, and the Station Tavern South Park has a great setup with which to enjoy them. On top of a full bar and rotating draft menu, you can enjoy a pub menu with a selection of the usuals done right: burgers, fries, and a few salads.
• Whistle Stop Bar: Every neighborhood needs a good party bar, and when everything else is closed and you’re just not done yet, the Whistle Stop Bar is likely your next stop. They also have one of the most generous happy hours I’ve ever seen at a bar.

Best South Park Restaurants

South Park is a great neighborhood for have a leisurely meal. You can also grab some takeout to take to the park nearby. Check out my picks for the best South Park restaurants, including one of my favorite pizza spots in the city.

Big Kitchen Cafe

Locals love this spot for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, but the cafe is well-known nationally, as well. The Big Kitchen Cafe appeared on the Food Network at one point, feeding Rachael Ray a platter of tofu rancheros.

If you’re not here for breakfast, their burger menu is bomb, too. Vegetarians will love the burger patty substitutions at this veg-friendly establishment.

Buona Forchetta

If you know anything about me it’s that you know I love my Chicago pizza, so any pizza recommendations are going to be pretty legit. Buona Forchetta serves up some of the best pizzas in the city.

The brand has expanded to include similar spots in Liberty Station, Coronado, and Encinitas, alongside a nonprofit bakery and gelato place to round out all of those carbs.

The Italian restaurant in South Park is still my favorite, though, and an excellent spot for a pizza date.

The service is impeccable, and the food is outstanding. Yes, the pizza is the thing, but their pasta is freshly made and never regrettable. If you’re seeking a reservation, you’ll need to call the restaurant at 619-381-4844.

Cafe Madeleine

I love anything featuring a high level of French ambiance when I’m not able to get myself to some Parisian sidewalk cafes.

Cafe Madeleine is your best bet for delicious crêpes that are the real deal, specialty quiches, and sandwiches on crispy baguettes in San Diego, with a fabulous coffee selection, too.

I’m talking about the lavender mint latte here, people.

If you’re in North Park or just want another round of crepes without judgment, there’s a second location there, too.

Curryosity

It can be difficult for me to branch out on Indian takeout, as I had such a deep loyalty to India Palace in Hillcrest. I just can’t ignore this Indian eatery in South Park, in part because the name, Curryosity, is all kinds of fun.

Come for the clever name, and stay for their unique takes on the classics.

If you need more guidance, start with the deconstructed samosa and end with any of their curries. I’m quite the paneer connoisseur myself, so that’s usually my pick in the protein category.

If you’re feeling extra indulgent, their curry mac ‘n cheese is no slouch, either. Reservations are available online.

Eclipse Chocolate

Yes, Eclipse Chocolate is known for their chocolates. They’re of the craft variety, with exotic flavors and a build-a-bar option if you have confidence in your confectionery skills.

The cafe tops lists of the best restaurants in South Park for a mean brunch and lunch, too, with the kind of hearty, cheat day-worthy options you’d expect from a chocolatier.

Try the sriracha fried chicken and cheese mac if you don’t believe me.

Fernside

Fernside is a newer kid on the block, as South Park doesn’t see much turnover in their small businesses. It’s a loyal kind of place.

That doesn’t mean the locals haven’t embraced this eatery, with its focus on craft cocktails and fresh fare. They definitely have.

If you’re just coming in for one of those cocktails, by all means do so with a side of their crusty cauliflower. It’s delish.

Harland Beer

You can come just for a pint or two of craft beer at Harland Beer, but then you’d miss out on a modest but delicious food menu. Locals love their house cheeseburgers, a double-patty situation with caramelized onions that you’ll be thinking about for some time after.

They make some fantastic coconut pancakes, too, if you’re here with the brunch crowd.

KINDRED

We’re always on the hunt for new vegan and vegetarian spots, in part to get some ideas for our own meatless Mondays at home.

The menu at KINDRED isn’t that. It’s way too…elevated, I’ll say, for what I was doing at my house.

This is the place that caused me to fall in love with jackfruit. Their Memphis BBQ version is like eating pulled pork. Full stop. It tastes just like pulled pork.

Start with the Cosmo Knots if you know what’s good for you.

Piacere Mio

This hub for authentic Italian cuisine is a local favorite. You’ll find the usual Italian delights at Piacere Mio, like ravioli, indulgent gnocchi, and tiramisu the size of your head.

The preparation here is thoughtful and personalized.

If you’re a picky eater, you’ve found the place for you, as you can choose your sauce, fresh pasta shape, and protein if you’re unable to find something on their main menu.

Reservations are recommended and available online on the eater’s website. Somehow, I was able to walk right in with my girlfriends during a festival weekend, so we just had to celebrate that fact with some of that enormous dessert.

There is a second location in Del Sur, as well, if you find yourself up that way.

The Rose Wine Bar

If you’re out there being one of my favorite San Diego neighborhoods, you likely have a wine bar to offer me. The Rose Wine Bar is a wine bar and bottle shop featuring a number of natural wines when you’re not able to get out to Temecula.

Fun fact: What’s natural wine, you ask? Typically, they’re wines produced without pesticides or other additives, like preservatives. They’re organic and delicious, making me feel zero regret about overindulging on a bottle here and there.

The shop also serves up a lovely food menu if you’re looking for a complete picnic experience. This place is truly a delight.

Shawarma Guys

Shawarma Guys is a food truck, but as it’s a fixture in the neighborhood, I had to include it here. The truck is also basically famous, with regular features as the best restaurant on Yelp.

If you’re a skeptic, start with one of their shawarma egg rolls. Follow that up with MORE shawarma. Their chicken is my favorite, served up with yellow rice, hummus, and tabouli.

You can also live aggressively with their California version because everything is better with fries involved.

South Park Events

You may want to plan your visit to South Park around some of their regular events, or you may want to avoid them if you don’t like crowds or want to make parking easier.

Check out some regular South Park events in and around the neighborhood:

• Old House Fair: The annual fair is a way for locals to get a reminder of their own neighborhood’s storied history and a way for visitors to get a tour of South Park’s historic homes.
• South Park Walkabout: This is a quarterly event, with outdoor festivals running in the neighborhood in the spring, summer, fall, and over the holidays. Enjoy late hours at South Park businesses, live music, and special events.
• Taste of South Park: This one is a great way to get a discounted taste of several yummy South Park eateries, as your Tasting Passport is good for all of the best restaurants along the Fern and 30th Street corridors.

South Park Safety

South Park is very safe. The crime rate here is much lower than the national average. That includes both violent crime and property crime. The neighborhood is very community-minded, too.

Where to Stay in South Park

We lived in San Diego, so we didn’t need overnight accommodations to explore South Park things to do.

It’s also not the most affordable place to live in San Diego, either, so we were essentially priced out of the homes for sale AND South Park apartments.

True to its charm, South Park doesn’t have traditional motels or hotels for you to stay at. If you’re looking to stay in and around the neighborhood, check out Vrbo for apartment-style accommodations.

Downtown San Diego neighborhoods — think vibrant Little Italy to start — are within an easy drive to South Park with more traditional lodging options.

If you want to be within walking distance of those downtown amenities, like downtown San Diego shopping, check out your options on the map below:

South Park will always be a favorite.

South Park is a great area in San Diego. It’s walkable and safe with easy access to some of the most happening neighborhoods in San Diego just outside of its border.

If I came into some new money, it would definitely be on my shortlist for dream homes. It’s just THAT cute.

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• Why Carlsbad Should Make Your Trip List
• A Guide to Things to Do in Ocean Beach
• Why You Should Visit the Whaley House

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