A Day of Eating, Drinking, and Hiking in La Mesa
La Mesa is an often overlooked neighborhood that has a lot to offer for enthusiastic eaters, drinkers, and urban hikers.
Explore Point Loma Village Like a Local with Sandy Hanshaw of The Wine Pub and Coffee Hub & Cafe
Explore the eclectic neighborhoods of San Diego County like a local, with a local.
The Neighborhood
Point Loma was originally settled as a Portuguese fishing village and is still home to the Portuguese Hall, a community gathering place where cultural events are hosted throughout the year. The seaside village is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean and the iconic harbor is the perfect playground for all kinds of boating.
The area maintains its small town charm and is very bikeable, with plenty of outdoor activities, small boutiques, and, of course, amazing places to eat and drink. The village of Point Loma is filled with small businesses who are contributing to making the area better every day. Residents and visitors love that they can eat, drink and shop, and do just about anything they want without leaving The Village.
The Local
Sandy Hanshaw and her husband moved to the neighborhood sixteen years ago and completely fell in love, opening two businesses in the heart of Point Loma Village.
Photo 1: Sandy at The Wine Pub
Photo 2: Coffee Hub
The Wine Pub opened almost 9 years ago and Sandy likes to think of it as everyone’s home away from home. They bring neighbors and friends together for a elegant, cozy dining experiences with an extraordinary selection of handpicked wine, craft beer, and a gourmet dishes.
A couple years ago, they opened their second spot, Coffee Hub & Cafe, when they saw a need for a good breakfast spot for locals and tourists. With Sandy’s husband’s passion for cycling, they decided to go with a bikecentric interior and offer discounts for customers who ride in on two wheels.
Once Sandy starts her day with a cup of locally roasted coffee from the Hub, she leaves the car parked and either walks or rides her bike anywhere she needs to go.
Sandy’s Hyper-Local Point Loma Village Picks
Walking the Dogs on La Playa Trail & Kellogg Beach
Best place to start: At the end of Talbot Street
We have two beagles, Frankie and LuLu, so we are always out and about walking them. One of my favorite things to do is take them for a nice long walk along the La Playa Trail. It borders the bay and has some of the most beautiful natural landscape here in San Diego. The houses that border the path are amazing as well. It is a true gem.
If we’re in the mood to take a load off and stay a while, we take our bikes to Kellogg Beach (on La Playa Trail). It is a lovely spot on the bay, as well. The vibe is really chill and we enjoy taking a good book and enjoying a bit of sun on the beach.
Book Club at La Playa Books
1026 Rosecrans Street
Speaking of books, La Playa books is one of my favorite shops in The Village. It has a very interesting collection of books and Amy and Mimi are so helpful. It’s the perfect place in the village to visit and spend an evening. They regularly have fun events such as visits from popular authors and book crawls. We love this place so much that we have partnered with them at The Wine Pub on a Village book club. It has been a great success and has been something I’ve wanted to do for a long time.
Quaint Italian at Old Venice
2910 Cañon Street
There are so many great restaurants, it’s hard to limit to a few. My husband, Andy, and I just celebrated our 24th wedding anniversary and our second date was at Old Venice, so naturally that is one of our favorite spots. We love everyone there and they make us feel like family.
Photo 1: Old Venice
Photo 2: The Pearl
Mid-Century Bites and Sips at The Pearl
1410 Rosecrans Street
Andy and I celebrated our 20th anniversary at The Pearl with a big party of about 50 friends and family. The Pearl has always been our go to when we want a good cocktail or glass of wine with a creative bite. The Sunday brunch is so delicious, and of course we ride our tandem there because it’s fun!
Fresh-Caught Local Seafood at Mitch’s Seafood
1403 Scott Street
For something more casual, we love Mitch’s. The fish is fresh and everything is made so well and they have good beer and wine, too! Plus, Mitch is a really nice guy.
Unique Fashion and Accessories at Rare Bloom
2841 Cañon Street
Point Loma is lucky to have some great retail stores in the Village. I love going to Rare Bloom and picking out a new outfit for a special occasion or just for something new and fun.
Photo 1: Rare Bloom
Photo 2: En Concordia
Beautiful Botanicals at en Concordia
1021 Rosecrans Street
En Concordia is my go-to when I need a unique present or something to spruce up our house. Theresa carries so many wonderful things at this shop...from clean beauty products to plants to bean bag chairs. There is really something for everyone.
R&R at the Kona Kai Resort & Spa
1551 Shelter Island Drive
We recently joined the Kona Kai Club. It is like being on vacation in your own backyard. We love hanging out at the adult pool with Ion behind the bar. It’s our little piece of heaven where we can get away and still be just a bike ride away from our house.
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