Aly & Co.
A family lifestyle blog
Travel

A local’s guide to San Diego’s murals and photo spots

One of the things that I love the most about San Diego is that we have so many trendy neighborhoods that are all so unique and full of character. These neighborhoods are filled with hot dining spots, boutiques, murals and more.  

There’s so many neighborhoods to explore in San Diego and you can certainly keep yourself busy by spending an entire day in each of these neighborhoods with all of the things there is to see and do. 

San Diego is also home to many fun murals- many of which are on the walls of small businesses and restaurants, making them popular attractions for local to take photos. Before I move on to sharing the locations of these trendy murals, here is a noteworthy list of neighborhoods you’ll want to visit if you are planning a trip to San Diego

Must visit neighborhoods

I’m going to break down some of my favorite murals in San Diego by neighborhood so you can plan your next photoshoot paired with a lunch, coffee or enjoying whatever local attractions are nearby. You’ll also want to check out this post, if you’re planning to visit local San Diego beaches.

Now on to the murals..

North Park

North Park is one of the trendiest neighborhoods in San Diego and is known for its vibrant art scene, unique shops, and street art. 

Artlexia 

A hidden gem in the heart of North Park is Artlexia. A carefully curated shop of Mexican items filled the entire store. You can pick up anything from Mexican textiles, candy, Mexican hot coca and gorgeous and whimsical items to add to your home. It’s a taste of Mexican right in San Diego. Plus you’ll find a gorgeous Instagrammable mural of Frida inside the store, and another colorful one right outside.

Communal

Another one of my favorite coffee shops in San Diego is Communal. They’re not only a coffee shop, they also sell curated items and florals. They also offer food and are another popular hang out spot among locals. Best known for their outside COFFEE+ FLOWERS mural that you’ve probably seen on Instagram. 

Holy Matcha

Without a doubt, Holy Matcha is probably one of San Diego’s most popular cafes and Instagram spots. They have a few locations throughout San Diego but their North Park location is most notably known for its pink scenery and flower wall. Grab a match and snap away! 

Del Mar

One Paseo

One Paseo is a shopping center located in Del Mar. While it may seem like it’s located in a mostly residential area, you’re actually not too far from the beach. The shopping center is filled with several full walls and photo spots year-round. 

Shop Flower Hill

Another shopping center in Del Mar that is home to pretty murals colorful stairs and much more. Stop at Flower Hill for lunch, get some photos in, and head right to the beach all in a morning. 

Photo c/o Flower Hill

Pacific Beach

Chronic Smoothies Blazin Grill

Nestled in the parking lot of this sandwich/smoothie/acai restaurant, are some of my favorite murals. The best part? It’s a three for one, The have a rainbow/bird wall, a flower balloon wall and a colorful textile wall- and they are all side by side each other so you can easily get all three snaps in one visit! Note that it is a parking lot so you’ll want to visit during non-peak times if you want to get a full shot of the mural.

Carlsbad

If you make your way to North County, I highly recommend visiting Carlsbad. The Village is such a cute spot to walk around- giving major beach vibe feelings. There’s a lot a really great places to eat, drink, shop.

Windmill Food Hall

We recently visited the food hall and were surprised with how good all the food was. Major bonus that right out front there’s a mural featuring the one and only.. Charlie Brown.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is such a fun neighborhood for out-of-towners. You have proximity to the beach side, which is great for surfers and a day on the sand. A short distance from Mission Beach, you will find Mission Bay- a popular spot for water spots such as kayaking, paddle boarding, boating and more. 

Belmont Park

Mission Beach is also home to San Diego’s popular bord walk and game district, Belmont Park. Here you will find the iconic Belmont Park roller coaster and lots of fun photo spots at every turn. 

Old Town

Another neighborhood not to miss in your visit to San Diego is Old Town. It brings alive Mexican cultures and traditions from when California first started. Here you will find some of the best Mexican food (don’t skip on the tortillas), Mexican candy, and more. There’s often live music and entertainment in the center of the plaza and there’s several historic tours you can take part in as well. 

Coronado

Coronado is one of my personal favorites in San Diego. While not technically an island (it’s a peninsula), it has all the island feels. Hang out all day at the beach, grab a bite to eat and watch the sunset before you go. Trust me, you will thank me later.

Parakeet Café

Parakeet Café is new to Coronado but not new to San Diego. The new location lived up to the expectations and has colorful art and décor on every turn. A great instagrammable spot to grab lunch before hitting the beach.

Photos c/o Yelp

Hotel Del

While not a mural, Hotel Del has a ton of photo spots on the premises. The hotel is iconic in San Diego and while the cost to stay at the resort can cost a lot of $$$, you can still reserve a lounge chair on the beach or grab a drink or food at one of their restaurants. Plus, you’ll get some pretty awesome photos while you are there too. 

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