Bay Ho - San Diego, CA Area Guide

The eastern neighborhood of Clairemont was known as the "largest and most innovative post-war subdivision" during the building boom of the 1950s. Clairemont and Bay Ho consist of smooth winding streets and scenic view lots, allowing residents and visitors to take advantage of the beautiful scenic views, canyons and bluffs overlooking Mission Bay.

For a fun and informative day with the family, consider visiting The Museum of Contemporary Art and the Birch Aquarium in La Jolla. You could even follow your adventure up with a trip to the tide pools at La Jolla Cove.

The annual Clairemont Family Day has become a long-standing tradition for residents, with over 100 local vendors, community groups and non-profits, plus entertainment and live music, food trucks, free pony ride and a Carnival Zone. Also, be sure to visit the highly anticipated and free family-friendly celebration of the beach, Pacific Beachfest.

The local cuisine reflects the tranquil nature of the neighborhood by providing a balance between casual and upscale dining. Whether you crave an authentic Mexican dining experience or want to unwind after work with some cold craft brews and great food, establishments abound in Bay Ho that fit the bill.

For that genuine, south-of-the-border experience, El Rey Taco Shop serves up authentic Mexican cuisine. San Diegans consider this establishment as a local landmark -- as it stands home to the Loaded Burrito -- and some even say it serves the best Mexican food in town. While in the area for lunch, don't miss the $5 daily lunch special that includes three traditional rolled street tacos, rice and beans.

Kitchen 4140 serves up fresh herbs and veggies grown right at the restaurant to augment their delicious meals such as short ribs, seared scallops or branzino. Enjoy the authentic and friendly feel of this unexpected gem, and don't forget to order one of their signature desserts. Locals rave about the berry and apple cobbler, the warm brownie with bacon, and the salted caramel gelato.

For a fun night out on the town, residents usually head about 15 minutes southwest to Pacific Beach. With a surplus of restaurants, bars and night clubs, this area has become the spot to party amidst the 20s and early 30s crowd. A little closer to home, Blackthorn Irish Pub & Grub serves Irish tap beers to locals in a friendly atmosphere. A wide variety of hefty burgers keeps the regulars happy, and happy hour brings out treats such as corned beef sliders. Football games on the TVs and live bands on the weekends make Blackthorn a fun neighborhood bar.

Many residents choose to be driven by others as their preferred mode of transportation,with an abundance of taxis, ride shares through Uber and professional drivers just west of Interstate 5. Parking can be challenging in Pacific Beach and La Jolla but can be found for free. Parking directly in Bay Ho, however, is widely available at no cost.

The Metropolitan Transit System provides several bus routes, such as RTE 105 and 27, that will help you get around the neighborhood and the greater San Diego area.

The most common way residents currently get around the neighborhood is driving. Interstate 5 and Highway 52, which heads to East County, can be found just around the corner from Bay Ho.

Parks are one thing of which Bay Ho has no shortage. Cadman Park and Recreation Center has facilities that include a Little Padres baseball field, an outdoor basketball court, a tennis court, a renovated tot lot, an off-leash dog park and picnic tables overlooking Mission Bay.

Known as a rarely crowded "hidden gem," Gershwin Park houses a playground, a tennis and basketball court, a huge grassy area and a few barbecues for parties of all kinds. North Clairemont Park and Recreation Center features indoor and outdoor basketball courts, a tennis court, a multi-purpose field, a children's play area and a community building.

The cost of living in Bay Ho is slightly lower than the city average. Monthly rent for a one-bedroom averages about $1,250. Gas prices are about 10 percent lower than the rest of San Diego and about 1 or 2 percent slightly higher than the national average.

If you want a quick, cheap bite, head east to Clairemont for the best prices. If you want a more upbeat, trendy atmosphere with a lot of happy hours, head west to Pacific Beach, and if you don't mind paying top dollar for some of the best eats and drinks San Diego has to offer, you belong directly west of Bay Ho in La Jolla.

Bay Ho is located within a 20-minute proximity from almost any kind of shopping you could ever need. Pacific Beach is your key to everything beach related. For a great place to get cheap but decent quality shades, head to Dziner Eyez. For bathing suits, try Gone Bananas, which has a huge selection and tons of sizes. Pacific Beach's specialty shops, such as Pangaea Outpost, are a great choice for anyone seeking a unique gift at affordable prices.

For anything luxury, look to La Jolla where you'll find upscale boutiques, like the French-inspired Amore Boutique and Blended Industries, where you can drink wine and shop, all the way to Ferrari and Rolls Royce dealerships.

If you are in the mood to visit the local malls, try University Town Centre just over the 52 freeway in University City. You can find chain discount stores such as The Burlington Coat Factory in Clairemont.

Residents of Bay Ho rarely worry about groceries as Costco can be found on Morena Boulevard and everyday grocery stores are right around the corner. Another signature feature of the area is the abundance of fresh local farmers' markets, like the Fruit Stand which is located 5 minutes south.