Clairemont - San Diego, CA Area Guide

Clairemont Mesa was one of the first post-World War II residential developments in the City of San Diego and built many of its current residences during the 1950s and 1960s. While there are no museums directly in the neighborhood, you can find The Museum of Contemporary Art and Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla, less than 10 miles away.

With less than a 15-minute drive you can also visit Balboa Park, which features 17 museums including the San Diego Natural History Museum, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air and Space Museum and the San Diego Museum of Man. Home to the San Diego Museum of Art, Balboa Park also has a tremendous art scene and a multitude of annual events including the Ethnic Food Fair where the public can taste food from virtually any country from around the world.

Just east of the 805 freeway, Kearny Mesa is home to a variety of locally-owned restaurants, mostly along Convoy Street. Yakitori Yakyudori & Ramen and Tajima Ramen House remain the two top restaurants featuring ramen; however, the former also highlights delicious yakitori -- chicken pieces grilled on a skewer. Common Theory Public House has food just as unique as the decor; the restaurant offers dishes such as bourbon bacon-wrapped garlic corn dogs, duck fat fries, and truffle mac 'n' cheese.

If you're searching for quick and easy fast food and restaurant chains, head to Clairemont Mesa Boulevard and Balboa Avenue. Clairemont Mesa East provides more low-key options in terms of night life; however, you can find a few establishments in the area, including the neighborhood dive bar, Peter D's, which features daily specials and a tasty menu, and Balboa's Tap House, which has a great selection of draft and bottled beers.

If you prefer a more upbeat nightlife, head west to Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. These areas have a surplus of restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Bar West features great music, while the Village, a few miles northwest, provides an upscale dining and shopping experience.

Like most areas in San Diego, driving remains the most common way to get around town with an abundance of free public parking in and around Clairemont Mesa East. Located a few miles east of the 5 freeway, south of the 52, and right next to the 805 freeway and 163 freeway, the neighborhood provides easy access to highways.

The San Diego Metropolitan Transit System has a few bus lines that have stops around town on Clairemont Mesa Boulveard and Balboa Avenue. Moreover, taxi services can be made available in record time. Uber also remains an option for ride share/rideshare, mostly due to the community college in the area. Being primarily residential, Clairemont Mesa East continues to be a great neighborhood in which to take stroll and ride your bike safely in the neighborhood bike lanes.

Clairemont Mesa East provides a couple of parks around the neighborhood worth visiting on a beautiful afternoon. Olive Grove Park features a baseball field and a large, open grassy space with trees. Lindbergh Park also has a large grassy space with trees that many people stroll through with their dogs.

Kearny Moto Park resides south of the neighborhood and features a BMX racing track. Kearny Mesa Recreation Center is the place to take your pups as it features a dog park, as well as a soccer field and a ball field. Tecolote Canyon Natural Park is less than a five-minute drive and extends for miles; it features stunning views, the Sam Snead All American Golf Course, hiking trails, a playground, a nature center and a visitor's center.

The cost of living in Clairemont Mesa East has continued to be slightly lower than the San Diego average; a one-bedroom apartment in the area runs about $1,122 per month. In terms of gas, the stations in Clairemont Mesa East average higher than the national prices, although they are all either at or below San Diego's average. The typical cost of a beer at a bar costs less than it would in the coastal neighborhoods; you can expect to pay around $6 for a pint.

Clairemont Mesa has a wide variety of chain stores and grocery stores in the neighborhood – everything from Burlington Coat Factory to Vons on Balboa Avenue. Farmers markets, on the other hand, can be found in Clairemont and Kearny Mesa.

The hip-and-trendy NY Moda boutique in Kearny Mesa also aims for the young crowd, while Capricorn Boutique is a chic, little shop in La Jolla offering stylish clothing, home decor items and jewelry. Known for its excellent service, Luella Boutique in Pacific Beach offers quality yet affordable clothing, accessories and jackets. For more of a mall experience, try Westfield UTC located north of Clairemont, or visit Fashion Valley in Mission Valley; both feature upscale and high-value stores.