Best & Cool Bars in Black Mountain

"For a white-tablecloth affair that’s anything but stuffy, Jason Knibb’s modern-American destination keeps diners guessing with a menu inspired by San Diego’s ethnic diversity, local produce and the chef’s hometown of Montego Bay, Jamaica. But there’s much more than the bold and beautifully arranged entreés—and Knibb’s lauded tasting menu—which this spot is known for: Head straight to the bar for one of the best happy hours in the city, stop by earlier for the prix-fixe lunch that rotates monthly, or enjoy fresh pastries and house-smoked salmon at breakfast and brunch. Cap it all off with a stroll around the corner and you’ll find yourself at the ocean—then wave hi to the barking seals at the Children’s Pool."

"No dish says more about Nine-Ten Restaurant than its Jamaican jerk pork belly appetizer. This centerpiece pays homage to Executive Chef Jason Knibb’s Jamaican heritage, albeit in elevated form, and the pairing with baby carrots, swiss chard, plantains, and black-eyed peas with sweet potato purée gives it a California feel. It’s a variation on a theme repeated throughout the menu: flavor combinations that make sense, offered in surprising and refined ways."

"This casually elegant restaurant with indoor seating or sidewalk tables on Prospect Street offers a unique seasonal style of California cuisine dictated by the local harvest. Happy hour is offered Monday – Friday from 3:30 – 6:30 pm and features a ½ priced bar food menu, $5 glasses of red and white wine and $2 off all beers. We recommend the Harissa Grilled Shrimp Toast with avocado and the Lamb Meatballs; both are reasons we’d return again."

"Coastline views set the scene for a night of luxurious La Jolla fine dining. Savor fresh seafood and steaks—hand cut and aged for more than 28 days—while you relax and bask in the calm atmosphere. Check the live jazz calendar to see who takes the stage in the V Lounge each night."

"As a seaside town, you might be expecting to try out some seafood and there is no better place than Eddie V’s. The restaurant offers fine dining with a casual vibe. Their patio offers a terrific view of the ocean and it’s not the only thing that will make you smile."

"If you're wanting to impress someone make reservations here a bit before sunset. All of their outdoor seating offers you a scenic ocean…”more"

"Given the lines you’ll almost inevitably find at the original Puesto—an authentic taqueria so beloved, it’s expanding into a small SoCal empire—you may well be discouraged. But don’t be: Simply put your name down, walk the two blocks to the beach..."

"So, this is based off of a to-go meal of a few vegetarian tacos, which might not interest you at all, but here it goes..."

"This all-in-one urban park in the East Village populated with repurposed shipping containers and long, communal tables has rotating art installations, free Wi-Fi, and a bar with 26 local brews on tap. Beer-friendly food, like burgers and loaded fries can be had at Burgers and Bites and Seahorse Coffee keeps you fueled with coffee and tea drinks, smoothies, specialty drinks, and an array of pastries, bowls, and paninis. Unfortunately, the dog run is temporarily closed due to COVID-19.How to order: Walk-ins are welcome."

"Sometimes mom and dad want a bloody Mary or mimosa with breakfast. While on vacation, indulge in a greasy, calorie-laden breakfast with a cocktail at MaryJane’s Diner in the Hard Rock Hotel San Diego. Even their omelets seem imbued with some sort of magic potion (cream, I suspect)."

"Time: Monday – Friday from 3:00 – 6:00 p.m.Specials: $2 off craft beers and glasses of wine | 7 apps for $7 eachOcean View: NoWhy Go: For burgers and ales in a pub setting with rotating taps of Belgian and German beers, local San Diego beers, and hard to find craft beers and microbrews from all around the globeNeighborhood: Village of La JollaAddress: 830 Kline Street, La Jolla, CA 92037"

"Chef Patrick Ponsaty’s will tempt you with his menu (Oscetra Petrossian caviar, lacquered Maine lobster, côte de boeuf for two) and you’ll be seriously seduced at table 3, an ultra-elegant private space with it’s own magical chandelier. 6106 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe. (858) 771-1871 or ponsatys.com"

"It has one of the best views of the San Diego Skyline and yet this small pocket park is seldom visited […]"

"If you are someone that loves to spend a day out on the water, take a trip to Carlsbad Lagoon. Located less than 5 miles from this hotel, enjoy a day out in the sun by choosing one of their water activities. You can rent a motorized boat, kayak or paddle board."

"Moonlight State Beach in the seaside town of Encinitas is one of the most visited beaches in North County because of its spacious sandy area and fun amenities like fire pits, sand volleyball courts, and a snack bar. There's also a large section of the beach that is reserved exclusively for swimmers, so you can hang out in the water and not worry about colliding with a surfboard (if you want to surf, nearby Swami's Beach is known as the surfing mecca in Encinitas). There is a paid parking lot near the beach as well as free street parking around the entrance."

"Technically it’s in the neighboring city of Encinitas, but it’s litterally just a 1/2 mile outside Carlsbad. We have been going here for years, it was actually the first place our son Shea ever saw the ocean. Families flock to this area because it has a little bit of everything: a cute playground for the little ones, plenty of sand for football games or Frisbee throwing, a volleyball court for the sport enthusiast out there, fire pits for chilly weather, and a snack bar that serves up all your favorite foods to keep you energized for more play."

"After breakfast, you can continue north through the cute coastal towns of Solana Beach and Cardiff , until you get up to Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. READ MORE: The Best San Diego Beachfront Hotels"

"Owned by Top Chef Richard Blaise, think of The Crack Shack as a modern, hipster, casual eatery that takes the humble Chick-Fil-A and kicks it out of the barn and into the stratosphere. This is not fast food, this is foodie worthy chicken sandwiches and cocktails served in a fun and lively vibe. Great for families, and though not inexpensive you always get your moneys worth due to their excellent ingredients and incredible execution on their menu."

"Not only does The Crack Shack serve incredible chicken but both of the locations also provides a fun setting for the whole family to enjoy. Try a game of bocce ball on the lawn or pose for a silly photo with the giant chicken that stands guard over the patio. Trust us, it’s a great, unique photo op!"

"Since it was founded more than nine decades ago, the Gemological Institute of America has been one of the world’s most prominent authorities on all things relating to diamonds, gems, precious stones, and pearls. The GIA’s headquarters is located on Armada Drive in Carlsbad. It features a popular museum chock-full of interesting exhibits and incredible works of craftsmanship."

"We had a great time visiting the Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park and actually ended up going twice while we were in San Diego. (Our reciprocal membership made this possible.) It wasn’t the largest Science Center we have been in, but it had a great collection of hands on activities for the kids – including a Lego section. Our favorite part was the Tinker Lab where the kids eyes lit up when they saw tons of cardboard and other fun materials they could use to build whatever they wanted."

"The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center is home to five galleries with interactive exhibits. The motion simulator ride is a favorite as is About Face, in which you capture your image on freeze-frame video. The museum also includes a planetarium and dome IMAX theater."

"And maybe you and the husband would like to try out a couple of things yourself. There are weight galleries that have about 100 hands-on exhibits for children and grown ups to navigate. You can explore the concept of gravity and how it works."