When it was first established in 1887, Bay Park — then known as Morena Subdivision — was nothing more than a 1,200-acre subdivision situated high up on a hilltop. Since then, however, it has flourished into San Diego’s #1 most livable neighborhood, offering expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, Mission Bay and Tecolote Canyon from its sweeping vistas above.
Bay Park is somewhat of a hidden treasure in San Diego. Its proximity to the Interstate-5 freeway makes it easily accessible, yet, not many people know about it. The restaurants, shops and boutiques that line Bay Park’s main streets offer residents and visitors a lot to do, but without the crowds of nearby downtown. Though the neighborhood boasts many of the same amenities that you would find in other more bustling neighborhoods, it’s managed to remain under the radar of even local San Diegans and, therefore, able to retain much of its charm. That may be rapidly changing, however, as more people discover the gem’s hidden value.
The businesses that make up Bay Park are largely locally owned. As a result, the ambiance is as San Diego as you can get. Though you can find everything from nurseries to appliance stores to antique stores in Bay Park, the neighborhood is best known for its restaurants.
West Morena Boulevard and Morena Boulevard are the two main drags in Bay Park and boast an impressive collection of eateries. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican, Cuban, Italian or American — fish, burgers, Shepherd's pie, ribs or jerk chicken — you can find it all along one of these two streets. Both of these restaurant rows are also home to microbreweries, wineries, bars and lounges that are beginning to attract sophisticated crowds that don’t want to battle for parking spots or entry at more popular destinations, such as Little Italy and Hillcrest.
The other three main streets — Sherman, Knoxville and Lovelock — are not without their fair share of things to do, either. Along these streets, you’ll find more locally-owned restaurants, nurseries, grocery stores, fish markets, breweries, museums, galleries and even a year-round Christmas store.
Of course, you don’t have to spend money to enjoy all that Bay Park has to offer. Its proximity to outdoor recreation areas such as Mission Bay Park and Tecolote Canyon mean that residents and visitors are just minutes away from outdoor fun.