The Best Things To See And Do In La Mesa California

Located nine miles to the east of Downtown San Diego, La Mesa is anything but your typical Southern California suburbia. With stunning natural scenery, a beautiful climate, and a host of unique and authentic stores, this town is only 20 minutes from San Diego. Learn more about what La Mesa has to offer below.

1. Mount Helix

Park, Theater

Mount Helix

Beautiful vistas abound at the top of Mount Helix, one of the highest points in San Diego County. Hikers can see San Diego, Tijuana, and El Cajon from the top, or enjoy theater performances and power yoga at an amphitheater further down the mountain. Mount Helix also offers one of the best views of the sunset on the entire West Coast, so come for the exercise and to see the natural world of Southern California.

Mount Helix, 4905 Mt Helix Dr La Mesa, CA, USA, +1 619 741-4363

Mount Helix sunset | © geoff dude/Flickr

2. Fusionglass Company

Store

Fusionglass Company

At this jewelry store, not only do you have the opportunity to purchase a selection of handmade glass jewelry at fair prices, you can also have a hand in designing your own signature piece. Classes in jewelry design, stained glass, and other arts and crafts are offered to people of all ages at this unique small business.

Fusionglass Company, 8872 La Mesa Blvd La Mesa, CA, USA, +1 619 461-4440

'Concerto', fusionglass creation | © Tara Chabot/Flickr

3. Lake Murray

Hotel

Lake Murray

A large reservoir surrounded by parkland, Lake Murray is a favorite recreation site for those living in and around San Diego. The lake is surrounded by paved trails, making it the perfect place for an evening walk or jog. One of the few locations in Southern California where you can fish for trout and largemouth bass, the park also offers kayak rentals and is open to private boating, allowing for a calmer on-the-water experience than you would find on the Pacific Ocean.

Lake Murray, 5540 Kiowa Dr La Mesa, CA, USA, +1 619 668-2050

Sunset at Lake Murray | © Bisayanlady/Flickr

4. La Mesa Walkway of the Stars

La Mesa Walkway of the Stars

This pedestrian parkway has been transformed into urban green-space and is a showcase for local art and culture. The La Mesa Walkway of the Stars, not only a useful through-way when exploring the town, is a great way to get your first sense of the local flavor and history of La Mesa.

La Mesa Walkway of the Stars, La Mesa Blvd, La Mesa CA, USA

La Mesa-Walkway of the Stars mural | © Allan Ferguson/Flickr

5. La Mesa Antique Mall

Store

La Mesa Antique Mall

Stock-full of vintage goods, comic books, antique glass, and furniture, the La Mesa Antique Mall is a gem in the heart of downtown. This store specializes in goods from the 50’s era at very fair prices, which makes for exciting finds and excellent deals. Even though La Mesa is a relatively new suburb of San Diego, you can be reminded of its early days at this unique and quirky establishment.

La Mesa Antique Mall, 4710 Palm Ave La Mesa, CA, USA, +1 619 462-2211

La Mesa antique mall | © Butch Dalisay/Flickr

6. San Pasqual Winery Tasting Room and Gallery

Winery, Brewery

Any trip anywhere in California is incomplete without a top-notch wine tasting experience, and the best place to go in La Mesa for wine is San Pasqual Winery. Selling reds, whites, roses, dessert, and flavored wines all made in San Diego County, this winery has everything in place for the perfect wine-tasting. Try everything from passion fruit wine along with brie and crackers to sangria with cured meats.

7. Mission Trails Regional Park

Park

Located just outside La Mesa, Mission Trails is a huge wildlife area full of paths winding through the mountains and valleys near San Diego. Sheer cliffs also make rock-climbing a reality for the adventurous individual. Several small streams flow through the park, making vegetation flourish. It won’t take long to lose view of the city below and soon after beginning a hike you’ll be in true Southern California wilderness.

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Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

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