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La Mesa is a city of about 61,000 people in eastern San Diego County, about 10 miles east of downtown San Diego. Nicknamed the Jewel of the Hills, it grew around a railroad stop in the late 1800s, incorporated in 1912 and kept the character of a small hilltop town even as the region grew around it.
The heart of the city is La Mesa Village, a walkable downtown with cafes, restaurants, antique shops and Friday events, which hosts one of Southern California's best-known Oktoberfest celebrations every fall. The historic La Mesa Depot preserves the city's railroad roots, and Grossmont Center is the main shopping mall.
Outdoors, the shoreline path at Lake Murray is one of the most popular walks in the San Diego area, and Mount Helix Park, just east of the city, offers a hilltop amphitheater with views from the mountains to the Pacific. City parks such as Harry Griffen Park add trails and an off-leash dog area. Downtown San Diego, Balboa Park and Mission Trails Regional Park are all within about 20 minutes.
La Mesa's charming downtown along La Mesa Boulevard, with independent cafes, restaurants, antique and gift shops and breweries in early 20th-century storefronts. It hosts street events through the year and is easy to reach on the San Diego Trolley. Visit on a weekday evening for a relaxed dinner.
A popular street festival held in La Mesa Village each fall, with German beer gardens, bratwurst and pretzels, live polka and oompah bands, dancing and family activities. It has been a local tradition for decades and draws large crowds. Take the trolley to avoid parking hassles, and bring ID for beer.
A reservoir on the edge of La Mesa within Mission Trails Regional Park, with a paved path of about three miles each way along the shore that is popular for walking, running and biking. Fishing and boating are allowed on select days. Go early morning to beat the heat, and look for herons and pelicans.
A hilltop park just east of La Mesa with a 1920s stone amphitheater, a summit cross and panoramic views from the Cuyamaca Mountains to the Pacific and Mexico on clear days. It is famous for Easter sunrise services and summer events. The road is narrow and parking is very limited, so walk up if possible.
A restored 1894 railroad depot in La Mesa Village, built for the San Diego, Cuyamaca and Eastern Railway and now a small museum run by the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum. Vintage rail equipment and exhibits tell the story of the line. It is usually open on weekend afternoons; check the hours ahead.
An open-air regional shopping mall in La Mesa, open since 1961, with department stores, national retailers, restaurants and a movie theater. It sits next to the Grossmont trolley station, making it easy to reach without a car. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit.
One of La Mesa's oldest parks, named after the San Diego civic booster David C. Collier, with shady lawns, mature trees, a playground and picnic tables on a quiet hillside near the village. It is a peaceful spot for a picnic or a short break after exploring downtown. Parking is on the surrounding streets.
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California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
California, United States
Photo: Photographeroflife, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: Animalrescue, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
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Photo: City of La Mesa, Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
