Some of Our Favorite Places in San Diego: Jason, Ryan & Kendra’s Personal Picks
People ask us all the time what it’s actually like to live here. Not the pitch — the real answer. Where do you go on a Tuesday night? Where do you take someone visiting for the first time? What are the places you’ve been going back to for years and still find yourself looking forward to?
Between Jason, Ryan, and Kendra, this team has spent decades not just selling San Diego’s most coveted communities, but living in them. From Rancho Santa Fe to the coast, these are some of the places we genuinely love — restaurants, spas, outdoor experiences, and the corners of this city that remind us every day why we never want to live anywhere else.
Dining
Jason’s Picks
Formal Dinner
Pamplemousse Grille — Solana Beach
When the occasion calls for a proper night out, Jason’s first call is Pamplemousse Grille. Tucked on Via De La Valle directly across from the Del Mar Racetrack in Solana Beach, Chef and Owner Jeffrey Strauss has been running one of North County’s most celebrated dinner rooms since 1996. The atmosphere is what Strauss himself calls “casual yet elegant” — a French Country Kitchen sensibility that feels both relaxed and refined at once. The menu moves through New American-French cuisine with grilled seafood, game, daily specials, and standouts like the lobster and truffle grilled cheese. The wine list is deep and carefully curated — a long-running favorite that never gets old.
514 Via De La Valle, Solana Beach, CA 92075 · Dinner Tue–Sun
Mille Fleurs — Rancho Santa Fe
For the most special occasions, Jason turns to Mille Fleurs — the French-Californian institution on Paseo Delicias that has been setting the standard for fine dining in Rancho Santa Fe since 1985. Founded by restaurateur Bertrand Hug and led by Executive Chef Michael Moritz, the daily-changing menu melds European culinary traditions with local California ingredients. The courtyard patio is one of the most romantic dining settings in all of North County, and the wine cellar — with over 700 selections spanning the globe — is exceptional. Food & Wine named it one of the Top 25 Restaurants in America. The New York Times called it “far and away the best restaurant in greater San Diego.” High praise that still holds up.
6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 · Dinner Nightly
Informal Dinner
The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia — Rancho Santa Fe
For a relaxed evening that still feels special, Jason heads to The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa — a Forbes Five-Star, Relais & Châteaux property set within 45 acres in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe. The setting is a candlelit modern hacienda with stunning valley views, live music nightly, and a menu built around locally sourced Coastal Ranch cuisine. Over 100 variations of tequila alongside one of the area’s most impressive wine collections. OpenTable named it one of the Top 100 Hotel Restaurants in America. The free valet is a nice touch.
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091 · Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
For a casual dinner right in the Village, Jason loves Paseo RSF — the reimagined coastal-California restaurant at 6024 Paseo Delicias, the longtime home of the beloved Rancho Santa Fe Bistro. Under new owner Jennifer Fields — a hospitality veteran who has invested over $800,000 into a full renovation — Paseo brings fresh, locally sourced seafood, seasonal produce-driven plates, and inventive small bites to a sun-drenched patio setting that feels like genuine Rancho Santa Fe. The craft cocktails and curated California wines are a perfect match for an easy evening in the Village.
6024 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 · Lunch & Dinner Mon–Sat
Lunch
Thyme in the Ranch — Rancho Santa Fe
For a midday break that feels entirely Rancho Santa Fe, Jason’s go-to is Thyme in the Ranch — the beloved neighborhood café and bakery tucked at 16905 Avenida de Acacias, just across from The Inn. A community institution since 1995, Thyme serves breakfast and lunch made entirely from scratch using locally sourced ingredients — fresh sandwiches, seasonal salads, house-made baked goods, and a relaxed porch and patio that feel like a private garden in the Village. Dog-friendly, unhurried, and completely authentic to life in Rancho Santa Fe.
16905 Avenida de Acacias, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 · Tue–Sun 7:30am–3:30pm
When Jason wants a quick, clean, and genuinely delicious lunch near Del Mar, High Marea at Del Mar Plaza is the answer. A Sonoran coastal kitchen built around intentional cooking — no seed oils, ever, just beef tallow and quality fats — High Marea serves fresh seafood tacos on heirloom organic corn tortillas, ceviche, ahi poke, grass-fed ribeye, and fries worth ordering twice. Bold Baja flavors, fresh ingredients, and a fast-casual format that makes it the ideal midday stop.
1555 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014 · Daily 11am–8pm
Ryan’s Picks
Ken Sushi Workshop — Near Del Mar
Ryan’s answer when anyone asks for the best sushi in the county has been the same for years: Ken Sushi Workshop. Located just off El Camino Real near Del Mar, Chef Ken — an alumnus of the celebrated Sushi Ota — has built something genuinely exceptional. The omakase counter is where the restaurant comes alive: each course introduced thoughtfully, the fish sourced with care and changing daily, and Ken himself often behind the bar. The restaurant has earned a devoted following that includes, reportedly, Phil Mickelson and President Obama. Omakase here is not just dinner — it’s an evening.
11375 El Camino Real #120, San Diego, CA 92130 · Lunch & Dinner Daily
For Ryan, Jake’s Del Mar is the place that captures old Del Mar in the best possible way. Situated right on the sand in a building that dates to 1910 — originally part of the historic Stratford Inn — Jake’s has been a fixture of the Del Mar coastline since 1981. Floor-to-ceiling windows look directly out over the beach and breaking surf, and the menu of chef-driven California coastal fare is exactly what you want when the Pacific is right outside the glass. It’s the kind of place Ryan brings out-of-town visitors when he wants to show them what a life in Del Mar actually looks like.
1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, CA 92014 · Lunch & Dinner Daily, Sunday Brunch
MARKET Restaurant + Bar — Del Mar
Ryan’s third pick reflects something true about how people in this community actually eat. MARKET Restaurant + Bar on Via De La Valle has embodied a genuine farm-to-table approach since 2006 — sourcing locally grown, hand-selected ingredients from nearby farms and fisheries and building the menu around what’s at peak. Recognized by the Michelin Guide, MARKET is refined without being heavy, ingredient-driven without being precious. The Market Lounge adds a polished sushi menu and craft cocktails alongside the main dining room’s seasonal menu. For a dinner that feels clean, considered, and distinctly San Diego — this is it.
3702 Via De La Valle, Del Mar, CA 92014 · Dinner Tue–Sun
Kendra’s Picks
Lilian’s at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe — Rancho Santa Fe
Kendra’s top table in Rancho Santa Fe is Lilian’s, the signature restaurant at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe. Named for Lilian Rice — the pioneering architect who designed The Inn itself and shaped the iconic Spanish Colonial aesthetic of the entire community — Lilian’s is both a culinary destination and a piece of living local history. Led by Chef Moira Hill, a San Diego native whose resume includes George’s at the Cove, Juniper & Ivy, and Campfire, the menu centers on fresh-catch fish, grass-fed meats, and seasonal ingredients sourced from local farmers, ranchers, and fishermen. Dinner here feels like an evening only Rancho Santa Fe could produce.
5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067 · Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Daily
When the occasion calls for a proper steakhouse experience, Kendra heads to Steak 48 at Del Mar Highlands Town Center. Brought to Del Mar by James Beard-nominated brothers Jeffrey and Michael Mastro, Steak 48 specializes in USDA Prime steaks, Japanese A5 Wagyu, and the finest fresh shellfish and seafood — served in a warm, contemporary room that manages to feel both intimate and vibrant. The service here is legendary: every detail attended to, every guest made to feel like the only one in the room.
12995 El Camino Real, Del Mar, CA 92130 · Dinner Nightly
For a reliably great evening in Del Mar, Kendra loves Nick’s Del Mar at One Paseo. Set inside a striking A-frame building at the north end of the complex, Nick’s has built a devoted local following for good reason — the menu is classic American comfort food done with real care, the indoor-outdoor island bar sets a warm, social tone, and standouts like the pan-seared Chilean sea bass and the warm butter cake have earned the kind of repeat-visit loyalty that only comes from consistent quality. The room has energy without being loud, the service is attentive without being stiff, and the setting at One Paseo makes it an easy choice for a casual evening in the neighborhood.
3377 Del Mar Heights Rd, Suite 300, Del Mar, CA 92130 · Open Daily from 11am
Spas & Wellness
One of the things people don’t fully appreciate about living here until they do — the spa and wellness infrastructure in this corner of San Diego is world-class. Not in an “it’s fine for a suburb” way. In a Forbes Five-Star, international-recognition, people-fly-here-specifically-for-this way.
The Spa at Rancho Valencia — Rancho Santa Fe
Tucked within 45 acres of lush gardens and olive groves at Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa, The Spa at Rancho Valencia is consistently rated among the top boutique spas in the world. The Forbes Five-Star spa offers a full spectrum of holistic treatments — hydrotherapy, marine mineral wraps, high-tech facials, lymphatic drainage, and reflexology — alongside a yoga pavilion, Pilates studio, and over 95 fitness classes per week. Private couples’ suites have fireplaces and outdoor showers. For residents of Rancho Santa Fe, this is the spa that makes weekdays feel like weekends.
5921 Valencia Circle, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
Mila Moursi Spa at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe — Rancho Santa Fe
The Mila Moursi Spa at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is the first-ever hotel partnership for celebrity esthetician Mila Moursi — the pioneer of dry contouring, a natural skin-lifting technique whose devoted clientele has included Courteney Cox and Candice Bergen. Set within the beautifully renovated Inn, the spa offers dual-therapist rituals, cold plunge, and elegant garden cabanas. Intimate, exceptional, and deeply rooted in place.
5951 Linea Del Cielo, Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
Spa L’Auberge — Del Mar
The Spa at L’Auberge Del Mar draws its inspiration entirely from the Pacific — ocean-infused treatments, marine facials, detoxifying body wraps, and holistic massages all designed around the coastal environment right outside. Named one of the top spas in the world by FINE Magazine, it’s an intimate oceanside bungalow experience that pairs perfectly with a morning at the beach or an evening at the Del Mar Village. Open to guests and day visitors.
1540 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar, CA 92014
The Center for Wellbeing at Fairmont Grand Del Mar — Del Mar
One of only approximately 20 Forbes Five-Star spas in the country, The Center for Wellbeing at the Fairmont Grand Del Mar sits within the palatial Grand Del Mar resort — the same property that is home to Addison, San Diego’s three-star Michelin restaurant. Following an 11-month renovation, the spa features a coed hydrotherapy circuit, an adults-only pool, saunas, whirlpools, 110-plus weekly fitness and yoga classes, and a full-service salon. For those who want the absolute pinnacle of the San Diego spa experience, this is it.
5300 Grand Del Mar Court, San Diego, CA 92130
The Spa at The Lodge at Torrey Pines — La Jolla
Perched alongside the legendary Torrey Pines Golf Course and the Pacific bluffs, The Spa at The Lodge at Torrey Pines offers botanically inspired, eco-friendly treatments using coastal sage, sea algae, and marine-based products. The relaxation lounge looks out over the golf course and ocean — and the Torrey Pines trails are steps away for the perfect post-treatment walk along the cliffs. An AAA Five Diamond spa experience in one of the most scenic settings in Southern California.
11480 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA 92037
For a full guide to the best luxury resort spas in San Diego, visit our San Diego Luxury Resorts & Spas guide.
Outdoor & Active Living
San Diego averages 266 days of sunshine per year. People here don’t treat that as a weather statistic — they treat it as a standing invitation. The outdoor infrastructure across these neighborhoods is genuinely exceptional: private golf clubs, championship racquet facilities, protected trail systems, world-class surf breaks, and beaches that never get old no matter how long you’ve lived here.
Golf
Rancho Santa Fe has one of the highest concentrations of private golf clubs within any single zip code in Southern California — and the variety across them means there’s a right fit for every type of golfer and lifestyle.
RSF Golf Club — designed by Max Behr in 1929 and updated by Gil Hanse — is the historic centerpiece of the Covenant, available exclusively to Covenant property owners. The original home of the Crosby Clambake, it’s been recognized as one of the top 100 walking courses in America.
The Farms Golf Club is a private, member-owned equity club named one of the Top 50 Golf Clubs by Golf Digest. Exclusively golf-focused, it is one of the most challenging courses off the tee in Southern California — a fact Phil Mickelson, a member, has confirmed firsthand.
The Crosby Club at 17102 Bing Crosby Blvd offers an 18-hole championship course known for its complex layout and significant elevation changes, alongside a fitness center, three tennis courts, four pickleball courts, pool, and a nearly two-mile walking and biking trail along the San Dieguito River.
Fairbanks Ranch Country Club features three distinct golf courses on a property that hosted the 1984 Olympic Equestrian events. The course is 100% home-free — abundant water, trees, and natural landscaping make it one of the most visually spectacular settings in the region.
Del Mar Country Club at 6001 Clubhouse Drive offers an 18-hole course surrounded by beautiful landscapes and water features, with a 55,000-square-foot clubhouse, two fitness centers, a Junior Olympic-size pool, tennis courts, and fine dining — the full private club experience in the heart of the RSF corridor.
The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe is a private Robert Trent Jones II championship course set within one of Rancho Santa Fe’s most architecturally distinguished residential communities, playing through dramatic canyon and valley terrain.
The Santaluz Club, designed by Rees Jones on a 300-acre site, integrates golf with a custom spa, fitness facilities, dining, and a full social calendar — open to both Santaluz residents and approved non-residents.
La Valle Coastal Club brings a 27-hole championship course currently undergoing a $25 million renovation, with a 320-yard driving range and 12,000-square-foot putting green.
Encinitas Ranch Golf Course is the premier semi-public option in the corridor — an 18-hole course with coastal views and ocean breezes at 505 South Vulcan Avenue in Encinitas. An approachable, well-maintained option for residents who want a quality round without a private club commitment.
For the bucket-list public round, Torrey Pines Golf Course — host of the 2021 U.S. Open — sits on the bluffs above the Pacific between La Jolla and Del Mar and remains one of the most iconic public courses in the country.
Pickleball, Padel & Tennis
The racquet sports scene across coastal San Diego has grown into one of the best in the country — with world-class private club facilities, well-run public courts, and a competitive community that takes all three sports seriously.
RSF Tennis Club is the exclusive racquet sports facility for Rancho Santa Fe Covenant property owners, offering full pickleball playing privileges, organized open play with a pro, clinics for all levels, and structured league play throughout the week. For Covenant residents, this is the home base for both tennis and pickleball.
La Valle Coastal Club in Rancho Santa Fe was the first private club in North County to install padel courts and now offers eight dedicated pickleball courts, two premium padel courts, full-time professional staff, clinics, and an active league program — all as part of a $25 million renovation of the broader club. One of the most complete racquet facilities in the region.
Bobby Riggs Racket and Paddle at 875 Santa Fe Drive in Encinitas is the anchor of the public pickleball scene in North County — six indoor courts, leagues running six days a week at all skill levels, private lessons, and a Wednesday 5.0+ invitational session for the top competitive players in San Diego. The best public facility in the corridor.
Fairmont Grand Del Mar recently debuted a dedicated padel court in partnership with Taktika Padel, whose certified coaching staff operates under the Paquito Navarro Academy framework. Private lessons, group clinics, leagues, and tournaments are available to resort guests and the local community — the most accessible high-end padel experience near RSF and Del Mar for non-club members.
Padel N9NE in Sorrento Valley opened in early 2025 as one of the most ambitious padel facilities in the United States — over 100,000 square feet of courts and wellness facilities, and the host of a FIP Silver international tournament in October 2025. For serious players who want the highest level of facility and competitive play, this is the regional anchor.
For a full breakdown of every court, club, and coaching program across the corridor, visit our Outdoor & Active Living guide.
Hiking
The trail systems in coastal San Diego are underutilized by people who haven’t discovered them yet, and genuinely beloved by those who have. Within 20 minutes of Rancho Santa Fe, you have coastal bluff trails, canyon waterfall hikes, lagoon boardwalks, and protected reserves that feel a world removed from the surrounding development.
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve (between La Jolla and Del Mar) is the signature hike of coastal San Diego — one of the few places in the world where the rare Torrey pine grows naturally. Trails range from the easy Guy Fleming Loop to the dramatic Razor Point Trail with sweeping Pacific views. Best for scenery and ocean views.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail (Carmel Valley) runs 4.7 miles through a lush canyon with creek crossings and a small waterfall as the natural turnaround. Mostly flat and shaded — the best family trail in the area. Best for families with young kids.
San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve (Cardiff / Solana Beach) offers nine miles of trails through a protected 979-acre coastal wetland, home to over 300 recorded bird species. The Annie’s Canyon slot canyon trail adds a more adventurous option. Best for birdwatching and nature.
Crest Canyon Open Space Park (Del Mar) is a quieter, neighborhood-scale trail through coastal oak woodland and sage scrub on the eastern edge of Del Mar — a favorite with local runners and dog walkers who want a genuine trail without the crowds of Torrey Pines. Best local hidden gem.
The Beaches
The beaches across these communities each have their own distinct character — and no matter how long you’ve lived here, they never get old.
Del Mar Beach is relaxed and uncrowded — ideal for paddleboarding, easy ocean access, and long walks along the sand. Steps from the Del Mar Village and the Del Mar Racetrack, it’s the quintessential coastal San Diego afternoon.
Cardiff State Beach is the go-to for surfers in the immediate area, with a consistent reef break and the distinction of being the only dog-friendly beach in the corridor. The campground above the beach makes it a weekend destination in its own right.
Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach is one of the most beloved local spots in North County — a protected, sandy beach tucked at the base of the bluffs, with a boat launch, basketball courts, and a grassy park above. It’s the kind of place where Solana Beach residents start their mornings and end their evenings. Understated, beautiful, and deeply local.
La Jolla Shores in La Jolla is one of the finest stretches of beach in all of Southern California — a long, gently curving crescent of calm water ideal for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding. The beach launches directly next to the Scripps Institution of Oceanography and Destiny Coast, making it the perfect morning-to-afternoon combination. This is where locals go when they want the full La Jolla coastal experience.
La Jolla Cove, with its protected sea caves, impossibly clear water, and resident sea lions, remains one of the most naturally beautiful places on the California coast. No matter how many times you’ve been, it still has the ability to stop you in your tracks.
The City We’re Proud to Call Home
Between the three of us, we’ve spent decades walking these streets, sharing meals at these tables, hiking these trails, and introducing buyers to communities they go on to call home. San Diego’s luxury neighborhoods — Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Solana Beach, and Cardiff — offer a quality of daily life that is genuinely exceptional. The restaurants, the coastline, the schools, the spas, the pace, the people.
As Jason has said for years: “We have the best weather, clean air, top-rated schools, safe communities, and incredible dining and entertainment — all in a relaxed coastal setting that makes life truly enjoyable.”
If you’re considering a move to one of these communities and want to understand what living here actually feels like, we’d love to talk.
The Jason Barry Team at Barry Estates is San Diego’s #1 luxury real estate team, with over $6.5 billion in career sales. Reach us at 858.756.4024 or [email protected].
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best restaurants in Rancho Santa Fe? Rancho Santa Fe is home to some of the finest dining in North County San Diego. Top local picks include Lilian’s at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe — a celebrated Coastal California restaurant led by Chef Moira Hill — and The Pony Room at Rancho Valencia, the signature restaurant of the Forbes Five-Star Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa. Mille Fleurs, a French-Californian institution on Paseo Delicias open since 1985, is another long-standing favorite among Rancho Santa Fe residents.
What are the best restaurants in Del Mar? Del Mar has a vibrant dining scene anchored by oceanfront and farm-to-table options. Standout picks include Jake’s Del Mar — a beachfront institution on the sand since 1981 — MARKET Restaurant + Bar, a Michelin-recognized farm-to-table destination on Via De La Valle, and Steak 48, a premier steakhouse from James Beard-nominated brothers Jeffrey and Michael Mastro at Del Mar Highlands Town Center.
Where do locals eat in La Jolla? La Jolla locals gravitate toward Destiny Coast — a cliffside coastal restaurant above La Jolla Shores with sweeping Pacific views and chef-crafted cuisine from breakfast through sunset dinner. George’s at the Cove on Prospect Street has been one of La Jolla’s most celebrated dining destinations since 1984, with three levels of ocean view dining and a seasonally driven menu. For elevated Mexican cuisine, Javier’s at Westfield UTC offers a stunning room and bold, regionally inspired menu.
What are the best spas in Rancho Santa Fe? Rancho Santa Fe is home to two world-class spa destinations. The Spa at Rancho Valencia — a Forbes Five-Star spa set within 45 acres of gardens and olive groves — offers a comprehensive wellness program including hydrotherapy, yoga, Pilates, and holistic body treatments. The Mila Moursi Spa at The Inn at Rancho Santa Fe is the first-ever hotel partnership for celebrity esthetician Mila Moursi, known for her signature dry contouring technique and A-list clientele.
What golf clubs are near Rancho Santa Fe? Rancho Santa Fe has one of the highest concentrations of private golf clubs in Southern California. Options include the RSF Golf Club (Covenant residents only), The Farms Golf Club (Golf Digest Top 50), The Crosby Club, Fairbanks Ranch Country Club (three courses), Del Mar Country Club, The Bridges at Rancho Santa Fe, The Santaluz Club, and La Valle Coastal Club. Torrey Pines Golf Course — host of the 2021 U.S. Open — is the premier public option in the region. For a full breakdown, visit our Outdoor & Active Living guide.
What outdoor activities are near Rancho Santa Fe and Del Mar? The outdoor lifestyle in coastal San Diego is exceptional year-round. Residents enjoy hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve and Los Peñasquitos Canyon, surfing at Cardiff State Beach and La Jolla Shores, kayaking at La Jolla Cove, and pickleball and padel at private clubs including La Valle Coastal Club and the RSF Tennis Club. The region’s 266 days of annual sunshine means all of it is accessible virtually every day of the year.
What is the best neighborhood in San Diego for luxury living? Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, and La Jolla consistently rank among the most desirable luxury communities in all of California. Rancho Santa Fe offers unmatched privacy, large-lot estates, and a deep network of private clubs. Del Mar combines beachfront living with a vibrant village atmosphere. La Jolla delivers dramatic coastal scenery, world-class dining, and architectural diversity. Each community attracts a different type of buyer — and many of our clients ultimately choose more than one. The Jason Barry Team can help you understand which fits your lifestyle best.
Is San Diego a good place to relocate for luxury living? San Diego is consistently ranked among the top luxury relocation markets in the United States — and for good reason. The combination of 266 days of annual sunshine, top-rated schools, world-class dining and wellness infrastructure, championship golf, and some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in California makes it genuinely difficult to replicate elsewhere. As Jason Barry has said for years: “We have the best weather, clean air, top-rated schools, safe communities, and incredible dining and entertainment — all in a relaxed coastal setting that makes life truly enjoyable.” If you’re exploring a move to San Diego’s coastal luxury market, reach out to the Jason Barry Team — we’d be glad to help.