San Diego's

Kearny Mesa

Neighborhood Guide

What's it like to live in Kearny Mesa, San Diego?

Kearny Mesa, a bustling neighborhood in San Diego, is a vibrant blend of commercial and residential spaces. The area is a food lover’s paradise, with a diverse array of eateries, from the authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Pho Ca Dao to the delectable sushi at Sushi Diner. The neighborhood is also home to the Convoy Street, known as San Diego’s Asian Restaurant Row, offering a wide range of flavors from various Asian cuisines. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby Tecolote Canyon Natural Park provides ample opportunities for hiking and nature walks. Kearny Mesa also boasts a thriving business district, with several shopping centers and the popular craft brewery, Ballast Point Brewing Company. The housing landscape is a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and condos, offering a variety of options for potential residents.

Insights from Kearny Mesa locals

Osama, owner of authentic Middle Eastern street food, Tahini – “Kearny Mesa is a premier neighborhood with access to multiple freeways that can take you to all corners of San Diego within 20 minutes. Beyond its centrality, it also has a vibrant food scene, making it one of my favorite areas. Convoy Street is a bustling pan-Asian business sector with tons of restaurants.”

The team at Cross Street, a local restaurant serving a southern spin on Korean fried chicken – “Kearny Mesa is a beautiful pocket of San Diego flooded with cultures. Its location is central, allowing locals to get to the beach for a surf, Del Mar for the racetracks, Torrey Pines for the golf course, or downtown for a little clubbing.”

Ryan Campbell, owner of Wonka Gallery – “Knockout Deli on Convoy Street has delicious sandwiches named after mob gangsters, and the Butcher Shop is a great old school steakhouse that has been around since the 1970s with Italian Monster decor.”

Keith Holcombe, general manager and president of APEX School of Movement – “Convoy Street is a great place to explore for cuisine. There are so many different great restaurants, especially between Balboa and Clairemont Mesa.”

Caitlin with Southern California Comics – “Check out Societe Brewery for the best craft beer in San Diego! Their laid-back tasting room is the perfect place to meet up with friends, catch up on some reading, or enjoy their outdoor seating to soak up some sun.”

Lauren Garces with the Convoy District – “If you’re in Kearny Mesa, your trip would not be complete without visiting the growing Convoy District. What was once a handful of small mom-and-pop stores in the 1980s and 90s has now grown into a thriving neighborhood led by multi-generational entrepreneurs that have opened hundreds of businesses over the years.”

What is the housing market like in Kearny Mesa, San Diego?

Median Sale Price

$865,000

Median Rental Price

$2,962

Interested in moving to the area?

What’s the best way to get around Kearny Mesa, San Diego?

Kearny Mesa is well-served by public transportation with numerous bus routes running through the neighborhood, making it easy for residents to commute to downtown or other parts of the city. However, parking can be challenging during peak hours due to the neighborhood’s proximity to several major businesses and shopping centers.

Things to do & see

Convoy Street: This vibrant street is known as San Diego’s Asian food mecca, offering a wide array of restaurants, bakeries, and dessert spots that serve dishes from various Asian cuisines.

Kilowatt Brewing Kearny Mesa: A popular local brewery, Kilowatt Brewing Kearny Mesa offers a unique tasting experience with its rotating selection of craft beers and a visually stimulating tasting room featuring rotating art installations.

The Convoy District: This cultural and innovation district is home to a diverse range of businesses, including tech startups, creative services, and a plethora of Asian-themed restaurants and shops.

GoCar Tours San Diego: Offering a unique way to explore the city, GoCar Tours San Diego provides GPS-guided storytelling cars that take you on a fun and informative tour around Kearny Mesa and beyond.

Societe Brewing Company: Known for its wide selection of craft beers, Societe Brewing Company is a must-visit for beer enthusiasts, offering everything from hoppy ales to Belgian-inspired brews.

Where to eat & drink

Common Theory Public House: This popular gastropub offers a wide variety of craft beers and a menu filled with creative, Asian-inspired dishes.

Mitsuwa Marketplace: A Japanese supermarket that also houses a food court, offering a variety of authentic Japanese dishes from ramen to sushi.

Convoy Coffee: A cozy cafe known for its high-quality coffee and pastries, perfect for a quick breakfast or a leisurely afternoon.

Phuong Trang: A well-loved Vietnamese restaurant in Kearny Mesa, famous for its pho and other traditional Vietnamese dishes.

O’Brien’s Pub: A classic American pub with a wide selection of beers, known for its friendly atmosphere and great pub food.

Living in Kearny Mesa, San Diego FAQs

Where is Kearny Mesa located in San Diego?

Kearny Mesa is located in central San Diego, bordered by Clairemont to the west, Tierrasanta to the east, and Serra Mesa to the south.

Is Kearny Mesa a good neighborhood in San Diego?

Kearny Mesa is a bustling hub of commercial and industrial activity in San Diego. The area is known for its diverse range of eateries, particularly its Asian cuisine, offering a culinary adventure for food enthusiasts. It also boasts a thriving automotive industry, with numerous car dealerships and repair shops. However, the neighborhood lacks a certain residential charm, with limited green spaces and parks for outdoor activities. Additionally, the area can be quite noisy due to the nearby Montgomery Field airport and the constant hum of business activity.

What is Kearny Mesa, San Diego known for?

Kearny Mesa is renowned for its vibrant food scene, particularly its array of authentic Asian cuisine. The neighborhood exudes a laid-back, suburban vibe, characterized by its mix of commercial and residential areas, and is also known for its thriving business district with a focus on the automotive industry.

How far is Kearny Mesa from downtown San Diego?

Kearny Mesa is located approximately 10 miles north of downtown San Diego.

How should I spend a day in Kearny Mesa, San Diego?

Start exploring Kearny Mesa with a visit to the Convoy Street, known as San Diego’s Asian Restaurant Row, where you can indulge in a variety of cuisines from sushi to dim sum. After a hearty meal, head over to the Air & Space Museum Annex to marvel at the vintage aircraft and aviation artifacts. End your day with a relaxing stroll in the beautiful Ruffin Canyon, enjoying the serene nature trails.