Clairemont Mesa

Clairemont Mesa is great for hiking, biking, birdwatching, & shopping. Visit the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, breweries & the nearby La Jolla beaches for surfing.
Todd Sarouhan
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Clairemont Mesa
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Clairemont Mesa
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Hiking, Biking & Golf in Clairemont Mesa

Bowling at Kearny Mesa BowlEntrance to Bay Hiil Tavern in Clairemont Mesa

Putting together a memorable trip to San Diego requires an unforgettable neighborhood for your stay. Consider going out of the way and to a quieter, off the radar spot for your stay in San Diego in Clairemont Mesa, near Bay Park and Tecolote Canyon Natural Park.

This inland spot is away from the crowds and traffic of the beach towns by the water. Instead, Clairemont Mesa is nestled right next to the stunning canyons, breathtaking mesas and sparkling streams of Southern California. Experience the wonder of this magical, small corner of San Diego and the Mission Bay area and make your vacation exceptional.

The biggest reason to book a stay in Clairemont Mesa, San Diego, is to give you and the rest of your party a little more space to spread out. San Diego's popularity has exploded in the past few years, transforming quiet, secluded spots into busy centers of tourist activity. Luckily, spots like Clairemont Mesa still exist, giving visitors a reprieve from the crowds.

Clairemont Mesa is an unassuming suburb of San Diego, with a residential village feel. It's a short drive north of downtown San Diego and the San Diego International Airport. It's also only a few minutes from the beaches of Pacific Beach and La Jolla.

Despite having the peace and quiet of being away from the top tourist spots and the hectic routine of the city, Clairemont Mesa is conveniently close to nearly all of the top attractions in San Diego. Beaches, nature areas, historic sites, restaurants, and amusement parks are all only an easy drive from this quaint community.

Clairemont Mesa
Why you'll love Clairemont Mesa
Clairemont Mesa is great for hiking, biking, birdwatching, & shopping. Visit the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld, breweries & the nearby La Jolla beaches for surfing.

Societe Brewing Company in Old Town is a local landmark beloved by San Diego residents. Visit its tasting room located in Kearny Mesa with Todd as he samples its award-winning beers and charming decor.

Book Brewery Tour

Go Hiking with Go Pass!

San Diego Hiking Tour
San Diego Hiking Tour
San Diego is not just sunny beaches, but home to some of the best hiking in the country. With Go Pass, choose from two trails for your hike. Mission Trails Regional Park and Tecolote Canyon Trails offer trails for beginners and experts!
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Local Tips
What activities does the Go City San Diego pass include?

There’s a variety of activities included with the Go City San Diego pass such as: The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park, LEGOLAND, SeaWorld, Hiking Tours, Whale Watching, Museum Tours, Speed Boat Adventures & more!

For the most popular attractions and water-sport rentals as well as the biggest discounts, consider the All-Inclusive Pass.

Use our exclusive discount code GVSD5OFF to save an extra 5%!

Things to Do

Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Biking
Biking
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
SeaWorld San Diego
SeaWorld San Diego
Skateboarding
Skateboarding

Things to Do in Clairemont Mesa

San Diego's pleasant, warm weather all year long makes it a great place to enjoy a multitude of outdoor activities. In Clairemont Mesa, there are opportunities to get active and experience the beauty of Southern California yourself. This part of San Diego offers visitors areas for hiking, biking, golfing, skateboarding and wildlife viewing.

Beaches of San Diego

A few miles away from Clairemont Mesa, it's possible to enjoy the beauty of San Diego's beaches. Watersports, surfing, swimming, beachcombing, kayaking and other activities abound along the coastal waters along the outskirts of Clairemont Mesa. Additionally, the sights of greater San Diego, such as the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld San Diego, are all a few minutes away.

Local Tips
Hike the Tecolote Canyon Natural Park
Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is the perfect place to get away from it all. This park is nestled in one of the many canyons in Clairemont Mesa and is a beautiful place to hike with the family.

Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center

If you're staying in the Clairemont Mesa neighborhood, you get easy access to popular park Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center. Featuring a history that includes Native American tribe the Kumeyaay, this park weaves in and out of various parts of Clairemont Mesa.

The park gives visitors hiking trails and dramatic vistas. There are challenging treks, blankets of wildflowers in the spring and plenty of opportunities to get a good workout. Families and even dogs can enjoy the hikes.

Marian Bear Memorial Park

Another park to enjoy in Clairemont Mesa is Marian Bear Memorial Park, along the north edge of the region. This quiet nature preserve offers peaceful hikes, views of the mesa and scenes of the canyon surrounding the park.

Tecolote Canyon Golf Course

Tecolote Canyon Golf Course is another hot spot for visitors who want to relish the California sun and get a few rounds of golf in. The course provides a gorgeous backdrop of tall pine trees, majestic hills and stunning canyons. Players may also get a glimpse of some of the wild birds that roam the course during their game.

Krause Family Skate & Bike Park

Next, visitors in the area can also experiment with landing some tricks on a skateboard or bike at the Krause Family Skate & Bike Park. The park features a massive layout for bikes, scooters, skateboards or in-line skates. There are plenty of beginner areas, a skatercross course, BMX ramps and an X-games ramp.

Food, Shopping and More

Clairemont Mesa is also an eclectic spot for cuisine styles from all over the world. Restaurants are around every corner and can satisfy even the pickiest of appetites. Food options include quick spots for a casual lunch and sit-down restaurants for a more elegant night out on the town.

In the neighborhood, one spot for plenty of restaurant options is the Genesee Plaza, on the intersection of Genesee and Balboa Avenue. Restaurant selection includes Vietnamese, Mexican, Vegan, Japanese, Chinese and American comfort food.

Shopping in Clairemont Mesa also provides some opportunities for deals and traditional retail therapy. Shoppers can get some steep discounts at the shops at Genesee Plaza or check out the Clairemont Town Square Mall.

Smaller, independent shops and quiet, local restaurants are also found in and around Clairemont Mesa. Nearby are upscale shopping spots like Fashion Valley Mall and Westfield UTC Mall. The greater San Diego area is also home to a wide variety of fine restaurants and unique eating experiences.

Featured Activity

Interact with Dolphins at SeaWorld San Diego
Visit SeaWorld San Diego
The world-famous SeaWorld San Diego is home to animal shows, roller coasters and other rides for the entire family. Enjoy encounters featuring the famed Orcas, dolphins and sea lions, or take a tour through the habitats.
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Special Events and Festivals in the Area

Coming to San Diego during a special event or festival makes a vacation even more incredible. Clairemont Mesa is home to a variety of year-round special events, fairs, festivals and more. Plan your stay around your favorite events and bring the whole family to celebrate this magical place.

San Diego Night Market

For three days in June, visitors to Clairemont Mesa can get an experience like no other. The San Diego Night Market is a massive market located in the SDCCU Stadium. The market features Asian culture, cuisine and events.

Getting to the stadium for the market is simple, only a few minutes away by bus or car. Once at the stadium, there will be plenty of Asian food options for market visitors to try. Visitors will also enjoy a rich cultural experience throughout the days of the festival.

Clash at Clairemont

In September, the Clash at Clairemont comes to town and gives locals and visitors to the area a front-row seat to the excitement of extreme sports, skateboarding and skatercross. Music, food and the spectacle of the top talent in skateboarding are the big draws of this festival. Proceeds benefit the community and local charities.

Clairemont Family Day

The annual Clairemont Family Day is another top festival that brings in visitors to the area and local residents. This event in Clairemont Mesa focuses on family-friendly activities that you can do together. There is a showcase of local musical talent, a car show, carnival rides, pony rides, scavenger hunts and entertainment.

Clairemont Mesa offers the optimal vacation base for visitors to the San Diego area who want to maximize their time and avoid the gridlock of the downtown area. With canyon views, a vibrant food scene and plenty to see and do, this is the place to be to experience the best of San Diego.

Featured Hotel
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Bayfront
Bayfront
Breweries
Breweries
Families
Families
4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars4 Stars
Comfy rooms, a coastal chic style, and the best amenities can all be found at San Diego Mission Bay Resort. Book your stay for a relaxing vacation or business trip.
Prices Starting at $259
Check Availability

Know Before You Go & Tips

Breweries
Breweries
Cafes
Cafes
Parks
Parks
Shopping
Shopping

Tips for Travelers

Visiting this area is convenient, even without a car. Local and express buses provide service throughout Clairemont Mesa. Trolley service is being expanded into the Clairemont area from downtown San Diego and is expected to provide even easier access in and out of the neighborhood.

This neighborhood is also surrounded by some of the most convenient freeways and interstates in Southern California. Interstates 5 and 805 make up the borders of Clairemont Mesa and provide quick access to the rest of San Diego and beyond.

Hotels in the region are closest to the interstates and busy centers of commerce, along the edges of Clairemont Mesa. As you get further away from the center of San Diego and more into the northern section of Clairemont Mesa, you can start to avoid the traffic from the city and gridlock going to and from your hotel.

Even though the weather is known to be mild in the area, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Before embarking on your trip to Clairemont Mesa, check the forecast for the time during your stay. Bring a light jacket and an umbrella just in case there is rain during your visit.

Clairemont Mesa
is Famous For:
Hiking
Hiking
Parks
Parks
Known For:
Bike Riding
Bike Riding
Birdwatching
Birdwatching
Breweries
Breweries
La Jolla
La Jolla
Sidewalk Cafés
Sidewalk Cafés
This Month's Forecast
55°F / 73°F
Partly Cloudy in April
May
58°F / 70°F
Partly Cloudy in May
Jun
62°F / 76°F
Partly Cloudy in June
Jul
66°F / 81°F
Sunny in July

Stay Nearby

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar
Near Torrey Pines
3 Star Rating3 Star Rating3 Star Rating
Hilton Garden Inn San Diego Del Mar
from $161 / night
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San Diego Mission Bay Resort
Family Friendly
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
San Diego Mission Bay Resort
from $259 / night
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Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Bayfront
4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating4 Star Rating
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
from $259 / night
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GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay
Budget Hotel
2 Star Rating2 Star Rating
GreenTree Inn San Diego Mission Bay
from $98 / night
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