Hello San Diego Articles
Real estate context, neighborhood stories, local picks, events, and San Diego living guides from the Routt Home Team.
Coronado Low Tide Ride & Stride: A 5K on the Sand, Saturday, July 18
A 5K run, walk, or bike on Coronado's beach at the lowest tide — the Low Tide Ride & Stride returns July 18.
Lizzo Live at Viejas Arena, Sunday, November 1
Lizzo hits Viejas Arena on November 1 — a high-energy, joy-filled night from the "About Damn Time" star.
San Diego Bay Parade of Lights: A Local's Guide to the Holiday Boat Parade
Everything you need to know about the San Diego Bay Parade of Lights — the free holiday boat parade on San Diego Bay, including 2026 dates, the route, the best viewing spots, and how to get there.
Snorkeling La Jolla Cove: Sea Lions, Leopard Sharks, and the Underwater Park Most Visitors Never Understand
A local's guide to the San Diego–La Jolla Underwater Park — where to get in, when the leopard sharks show up, and the sea lion rules that changed and caught a lot of people out.
Coya Peruvian Secret: Del Mar's Flower-Covered Patio Serving Serious Peruvian Food
A Peruvian restaurant a few blocks from the beach in Del Mar, where the ceviche is the real thing, the patio is covered in bougainvillea, and the parking is free.
Sunday Morning Yoga on Sunset Cliffs: A Free, Ocean-View Flow
A free, donation-based vinyasa flow overlooking the ocean on Sunset Cliffs, every Sunday morning. All levels welcome — just reserve a free spot and bring your mat.
A Taste of Coronado 2026
Savor bites and sips from top local spots during the 17th Annual A Taste of Coronado on Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Get event times, check-in locations, and ticket info.
10th Annual East Village Oktoberfest
Raise a glass at the 10th Annual East Village Oktoberfest at Quartyard on Saturday, September 19. Enjoy local craft beers, live music, stein holding contests, and German-inspired food in Downtown San Diego.
Jack Harlow: The Monica Tour
Jack Harlow brings The Monica Tour to Gallagher Square at Petco Park on Thursday, September 17, 2026. Get show times, venue details, and ticket info for this outdoor concert in downtown San Diego.
Authentic Hand-Rolled Pasta Class at Societe Brewing
Learn how to make fresh, hand-shaped Italian pasta from scratch paired with a rich, classic vodka sauce in a fun, hands-on cooking class hosted at a local brewery. No experience needed — just come hungry!
Poway Rodeo: 54 Years of Professional Rodeo in San Diego's Backyard
Three performances of PRCA rodeo across two nights and a matinee — plus a Saturday afternoon where kids get in for a dollar. Here's how to do it right.
Best Places to Surf in San Diego (for Beginners)
Where to actually learn — the beaches with sandy bottoms, forgiving waves, and lifeguards — plus the famous spots to stay away from until you know what you're doing.
San Diego International Dragon Boat Race: Two Days of Paddling, Drums, and Lion Dances on Mission Bay
Twenty paddlers a boat, a drummer setting the pace, and sprints over in under two minutes — plus lion dancers and a vendor village on the shore of Mission Bay.
Glam Slam: Social Tennis, Matcha, and Matching Outfits by the Beach
A beginner-friendly social tennis afternoon in Pacific Beach — coaching for every level, a matcha bar, wellness goodie bags, and a themed dress code.
Double Peak Challenge: North County's Toughest 10K Climbs 1,176 Feet to the Summit
A trail race that goes straight up — 1,176 feet of climbing to Double Peak's summit, with a wooden medal, a beer garden, and a free kids' race at the bottom.
Belmont Park's Dipper Dash 5K: A Boardwalk Race With a Roller Coaster at the Finish
A flat, fast 5K along the Mission Beach Boardwalk — with an all-day Belmont Park ride wristband, a finisher medal, rescue dogs, and a cold-plunge after-party.
Single Ocean Lovers: A Tide Pool Tour That Doubles as a Singles Night in La Jolla
A guided tide pool walk at Bird Rock, then drinks and a sweet treat with a group of other single ocean lovers. Two hours, 21+, and a much better setting than a bar.
Balboa Park: A Local's Guide to Visiting, Parking, and Getting In Free
Balboa Park is free to enter — but as of 2026, parking isn't. Here's how the new rules work, how residents still park free, and which museums are free on which Tuesday.
Cardiff Farmers Market: A Saturday Guide to North County's Easiest Market
Every Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. at MiraCosta San Elijo — local farms, prepared food, crafts, free parking, and the San Elijo Lagoon trails right across the road.
Things to Do in San Diego This Weekend (September 11–14)
Your guide to San Diego, Sept 11–14 — adaptive surfing, Howl-O-Scream, a stacked Saturday of festivals, San Diego FC, Restaurant Week, and Journey's farewell.
Coast Walk Trail: My Local's Guide to La Jolla's Best Free View
A 0.6-mile cliffside trail next to the Cave Store delivers Amalfi Coast views over La Jolla Cove. Free, easy, dog-friendly, and probably the best 15 minutes in San Diego.
East County Fall Health Fair: Free Screenings and Wellness Resources at Parkway Plaza
Free health screenings, live demonstrations, and local wellness resources at Parkway Plaza in El Cajon — no ticket, no appointment, all ages welcome.
Oceanside Sea Lions Golf Tournament: A Local Fundraiser Worth Playing
A friendly foursome tournament in Oceanside that funds eye exams, glasses, and surgeries for local families — plus how to sponsor a hole if you don't golf.
Best Hidden Beaches in San Diego: A Local's Guide Beyond the Tourist Spots
A San Diego local’s guide to hidden beaches and underrated coastal spots — from Cabrillo tide pools and Sunset Cliffs sunsets to Windansea surf, Marine Street swims, and local-favorite dog beaches.
San Diego Restaurant Week: Eight Days to Eat Your Way Across the County
120+ restaurants across 30+ neighborhoods serve special multi-course menus starting at $30 — the best week of the year to try somewhere new (or splurge on a favorite). September 13–20.
Ken Whalen Surf Challenge: A Joyful Day of Surf and Community for Young Groms
A free, fun-first surf event for kids of all abilities — including adaptive surfers and children from Rady Children's Hospital — held in memory of a beloved local surfer and benefactor. Sunday, September 13.
Can You Live in San Diego on a Remote Salary?
Can you afford San Diego on a remote salary? What you need to earn, the California tax and location-pay catches to check first, and who actually comes out ahead.
San Diego vs. Los Angeles: An Honest Local's Comparison
San Diego vs. Los Angeles in 2026 — cost of living, housing, jobs, traffic, beaches, and pace. An honest local's comparison of which SoCal city fits you best.
Poway Rotary Parade: A Beloved Hometown Tradition in "The City in the Country"
Floats, marching bands, horses, community groups, and even a pet parade roll down Poway Road for one of North County's most beloved hometown celebrations — free and family-friendly. Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.
San Diego Housing Inventory (Aug 2026): What's For Sale
5,981 homes are for sale in San Diego — near a seasonal plateau, still 17% below normal. What's available by price, why supply is tight, and what it means for you.
San Diego Home Prices by City: What Homes Actually Sold For (July 2026)
What homes actually sold for across San Diego, city by city, in July 2026 — the countywide median was $927,500. Sold prices by neighborhood, tiered.
Sunset Cliffs Auto Show: Classic Cars and Coastal Vibes in Ocean Beach
100+ classic and custom cars line Point Loma Avenue by the coast, with live music, food trucks, a kids' zone, and pure OB energy — free and family-friendly. Saturday, September 12, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
Sessions Surf Festival: A Week of Surf Culture, Music, and Film on the North County Coast
A week-long celebration of surf culture — a beachfront music day, a free community surf contest, and surf films at the historic La Paloma Theatre — along the Encinitas and Solana Beach coast. Starts September 12.
Alley Cat Art Fest: Downtown El Cajon Becomes an Open-Air Gallery
50+ local artists, mural-lined Arts Alley, live music, and food trucks fill the streets of Downtown El Cajon for East County's biggest art celebration — free and family-friendly. Saturday, September 12.
End of Summer DJ Yacht Cruise: A Labor Day Weekend Sunset Party on San Diego Bay
A sunset DJ yacht party on San Diego Bay — live DJ, cocktails, dancing, and skyline views to kick off Labor Day Weekend. Friday, September 4, 7–9:30 p.m.
Sails & Ales: A Beachfront Beer Fest on Shelter Island
Marina-front beer and wine tastings, bites, and a live DJ at the Kona Kai Resort — an easy, breezy afternoon on Shelter Island. Saturday, September 12, 1–5 p.m.
U.S. Open Adaptive Surfing Championships: World-Class Surfing at the Oceanside Pier
The best adaptive surfers on the planet compete for a world title on the north side of the Oceanside Pier — four days of elite, high-stakes surfing. Free to watch, September 10–13
Vista Rod Run: North County's Classic Car Tradition Takes Over Downtown
Hundreds of classic cars, hot rods, and vintage trucks line the streets of historic downtown Vista for one of North County's longest-running car shows. Free and family-friendly, Sunday, September 6.
McAlister Institute's Walk for Sobriety: A Community Celebration of Recovery
A joyful 5K walk that honors recovery, breaks stigma, and raises critical funds for addiction treatment in San Diego — for participants of all ages. Saturday, September 5, at Liberty Station.
Soirée Blanche: An All-White Rooftop Sendoff to Summer in Oceanside
An elevated, all-white-attire celebration high above the Pacific — sunset DJ sets, flowing cocktails, seafood towers, and cabana culture that carries well past golden hour. Sunday, September 6, 5–11 p.m.
The 2026 Oceanview USA Pickleball National Championships
The pinnacle of competitive pickleball returns to Barnes Tennis Center — nine days, 2,500+ players, national titles on the line, and free general admission to watch it all. October 31–November 8.
Fiestas Patrias in Old Town: Celebrating Mexican Independence Day in San Diego
Folklórico dancers, live music, a period-costume parade, traditional crafts, and a guacamole showdown bring Mexican Independence Day to life at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park — free and family-friendly.
The Free Outdoor San Diego Guide
Everything worth doing outside in San Diego County that doesn't cost a dollar to get into. The activity is always free — the variable is almost always parking, so that's called out for each one.
Lynyrd Skynyrd at the Del Mar Fairgrounds: Southern Rock Legends Come to San Diego
One of the most legendary bands in Southern rock history brings the anthems to the Del Mar Fairgrounds for one night. Thursday, September 24.
Big SoCal Euro: The West Coast's Biggest European Car Gathering Comes to Oceanside
3,000+ European cars in one place — BMWs, Porsches, Audis, Mercedes, VWs, and rare exotics — at one of the West Coast's longest-running car gatherings. Free to spectate, Sunday, September 6.
Labor Day at Del Mar Racetrack: Closing Day Sept 7
Labor Day is Closing Day at the Del Mar Racetrack — one last afternoon of seaside thoroughbred racing, style, and food to send off summer. Sept 7, first post 1:30.
You Keep Vacationing in San Diego. Is It Time to Just Move Here?
You keep vacationing in San Diego and swearing you could live here. The honest signs it's time to move, what living here really costs, and how to make a plan.
Uncorked: Derby Days — Wine, Horse Racing, and Derby Style Trackside at Del Mar
Unlimited pours of 100+ wines, front-row thoroughbred racing, a DJ, and a derby-best fashion contest — all trackside at the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club. Saturday, November 14, 12–4 p.m.