La Mesa Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, and where to eat in La Mesa, California. Plan your trip to this Southern California gem with our comprehensive travel guide.


Your Ultimate Travel Guide to La Mesa, California

Nestled in the rolling hills of Southern California, La Mesa is a charming city that offers a perfect blend of history and modern amenities. With its perfect location in San Diego County, La Mesa serves as a gateway to a plethora of diverse attractions, activities, and natural wonders. Whether you are interested in outdoor adventures, culinary delights, or cultural experiences, La Mesa has something for everyone. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll take you on a journey to explore the best of La Mesa and enjoy a memorable vacation.

Introduction to La Mesa

La Mesa is a vibrant city located in San Diego’s eastern county in Southern California. Just a short drive from downtown San Diego, La Mesa is an ideal place to visit for a relaxing and rejuvenating getaway. La Mesa is known for its natural beauty, parks, trails, and outdoor activities. The city is also a haven for foodies, offering an eclectic mix of cuisine from around the world. La Mesa is home to several cultural attractions, including museums and historical monuments that tell the story of the city’s rich heritage.

List of Places to Visit in La Mesa

Visitors to La Mesa are spoilt for choice when it comes to things to see and do. Here are some of the top attractions:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • La Mesa Historical Society: This museum is dedicated to preserving the history of La Mesa. Visitors can take a tour of the exhibits and learn about the city’s founding, growth, and notable events.

  • Knox House Museum: This museum is housed in a Victorian-style home that was built in 1908 and served as the La Mesa Women’s Club. The museum features artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history of the home and the club.

  • Magnolia Ave Walking Tour: Take a leisurely stroll along Magnolia Ave and discover the city’s architectural gems. The tour includes stops at several historic homes, including the Well’s Park Estate.

Natural Attractions of La Mesa: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Mission Trails Regional Park: This park is an oasis of tranquility and natural beauty, featuring miles of hiking and biking trails, lakes, and breathtaking vistas of San Diego’s skyline and surrounding mountains.

  • Sunset Park: This park is a popular spot for outdoor activities, offering facilities for sports, picnics, and relaxation.

  • Mount Helix Park: This park offers sweeping views of La Mesa and the surrounding area. Visitors can hike to the top of Mount Helix and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and mountains.

Hiking/Biking Routes of La Mesa

For hiking enthusiasts, La Mesa offers some of the best trails in Southern California:

  • Cowles Mountain Trail: This 3-mile trail offers stunning views of San Diego and the surrounding landscape. The trail is suitable for all skill levels and is a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.

  • Pioneer Loop Trail: This 2-mile trail is located within Mission Trails Regional Park and is ideal for hiking and biking. The trail offers stunning views of the San Diego River and the surrounding hills.

  • Lake Murray Trail: This 6.4-mile trail follows the perimeter of Lake Murray and offers picturesque views of the lake and surrounding mountains.

Best Things to Do in La Mesa: Activities and Tours

La Mesa offers an array of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Some of the best things to do in La Mesa include:

  • Food Tour: Take a food tour of La Mesa and sample some of the best eats in the city. The tour includes stops at popular dining establishments, farmers markets, and local breweries.

  • Brewery Tour: La Mesa is home to several craft breweries, and visitors can take a behind-the-scenes tour and sample some of the city’s award-winning brews.

  • Hot Air Balloon Ride: Take a hot air balloon ride over La Mesa and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

Week-Long Itinerary for La Mesa

For a week-long itinerary in La Mesa, consider the following:

  • Day 1: Explore the city and visit the La Mesa Historical Society Museum.

  • Day 2: Hike the Cowles Mountain Trail and enjoy a picnic at Sunset Park.

  • Day 3: Take a food tour of the city and sample the best eats in La Mesa.

  • Day 4: Visit Mount Helix Park, the Knox House Museum, and take a brewery tour.

  • Day 5: Take a hot air balloon ride over La Mesa and enjoy stunning views of the city and surrounding mountains.

  • Day 6: Visit Mission Trails Regional Park and hike the Pioneer Loop Trail or bike around Lake Murray.

  • Day 7: Relax and rejuvenate at one of La Mesa’s spas or enjoy a leisurely day shopping in the city’s boutiques and markets.

Food and Drink Scene of La Mesa

La Mesa is known for its diverse and delicious food scene and local breweries. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • California Burrito: This popular dish is a must-try for foodies visiting La Mesa. It’s made with French fries, carne asada, cheese, sour cream, and guacamole, all wrapped in a warm tortilla.

  • Fish Tacos: La Mesa’s proximity to the ocean makes it an ideal place to try some of the freshest fish tacos you’ll ever taste.

  • BBQ: La Mesa is also known for its barbecue scene, with several restaurants offering lip-smacking ribs, brisket, and smoked meats.

Local Beverages

  • Craft Beer: La Mesa is home to several craft breweries, including Helix Brewing Co. and Bolt Brewery, which offer a range of beer styles and flavors.

  • Wine: The city’s proximity to Temecula Valley wine country makes it an excellent place to sample some of Southern California’s best wines.

Where to Stay in La Mesa: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

La Mesa offers an array of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference. Some of the best hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in La Mesa include:

  • Heritage Inn La Mesa: This budget-friendly hotel offers comfortable rooms, a pool, and free breakfast.

  • Holiday Inn La Mesa: This contemporary hotel offers modern amenities and a location in the heart of the city.

  • Motel 6 La Mesa: This motel offers affordable accommodation, a pool, and a convenient location close to the city’s attractions.

What to Buy in La Mesa: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to La Mesa can take home a range of souvenirs and local products that showcase the city’s culture and heritage. Some popular items to buy in La Mesa include:

  • La Mesa Cookbook: This cookbook features a collection of traditional recipes from La Mesa’s best restaurants and chefs.

  • Mugs and Glasses: Local breweries and cafes offer unique mugs and glasses that make perfect souvenirs.

  • Artisan Crafts: La Mesa is home to several artisan markets that offer handmade crafts, jewelry, and art.

Local Culture and Customs of La Mesa

La Mesa is a modern and diverse city that celebrates its heritage and cultural diversity. Visitors to the city are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions and take part in cultural events and festivals.

Best Time to Visit La Mesa

La Mesa enjoys a moderate climate year-round, with temperatures ranging between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. The best time to visit La Mesa is in the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the crowds are less.

Do’s and Don’ts of La Mesa

Do:

  • Do Respect Local Customs: La Mesa celebrates its diverse cultural heritage, and visitors are encouraged to respect local customs and traditions.

  • Do Take Part in Outdoor Activities: La Mesa is known for its natural beauty and outdoor activities, and visitors should take the opportunity to explore the city’s parks and trails.

Don’t:

  • Don’t Litter: La Mesa is a clean and well-maintained city, and visitors should take care to dispose of trash properly.

  • Don’t Disrespect Local Traditions: Visitors should avoid disrespectful behavior towards local traditions and cultures.

Safety and Health

Safety in La Mesa

La Mesa is a safe city, with a low crime rate. Visitors should take standard safety precautions, such as locking doors and not leaving valuables in plain sight.

Health in La Mesa

La Mesa has several medical facilities and hospitals that offer high-quality healthcare. Visitors should ensure they have adequate medical insurance before travel.

Getting to La Mesa: Transportation Options and Logistics

La Mesa is located just 9 miles east of San Diego and is easily accessible by car or public transportation.

Airports Near La Mesa

  • San Diego International Airport is the closest airport to La Mesa, located approximately 14 miles west of the city.

Bus Stations Near La Mesa

  • Metropolitan Transit System offers bus services to and from La Mesa, connecting to other parts of San Diego County.

Other Options

  • Visitors can rent a car from San Diego International Airport and drive to La Mesa.

How to Get Around in La Mesa

La Mesa is a walkable city, and visitors can easily explore its attractions by foot. The city has several bike routes, and visitors can rent bikes from local shops. The Metropolitan Transit System also offers bus services within the city.

Where to Go Next from La Mesa: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

La Mesa is the perfect base from which to explore Southern California’s diverse attractions and destinations. Some popular nearby destinations include:

  • San Diego: Located just 9 miles west of La Mesa, San Diego is a vibrant city that offers an array of attractions, including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and Old Town.

  • Coronado Island: This picturesque island is home to several high-end resorts, stunning beaches, and the famous Hotel del Coronado.

  • Tijuana: Just across the border from San Diego, Tijuana is a vibrant city that offers a range of attractions, including markets, restaurants, and cultural festivals.

Conclusion

La Mesa is a hidden gem in Southern California that offers something for everyone. With a vibrant food scene, rich history, and stunning natural beauty, La Mesa is the perfect place to escape and enjoy a relaxing vacation.