The Best of San Diego 2026: Readers’ Picks
Beauty + Cosmetic
Brow Studio
Hair Removal Business (Non-Laser)
Laser Hair Removal
San Diego Aesthetics and Med Spa
Lash + Brow Technician
Elicia Soltesz, Elicia Marie Beauty
Lash Studio
Makeup Artist
Ashley Fierro, Ashley Fierro Makeup
Microblading Artist
Microneedling
Michelle Langston, MSN, APRN, FNP-BC, HNB-BC, Starlite Aesthetics
Spa for Skin Care (Non–Med Spa)
Spray Tan Artist
Alysa Espiritu, Afterglo Beauty Lounge
Spray Tan Studio
Waxer
Cosmetic or Beauty Product: San Diego–Based
Barber
Ronnie Page, Gold Comb Barbershop North Park
Barbershop
Blow Dry Bar
Colorist (Balayage)
Colorist (Highlights)
Ryleigh Hunter, Headbang Salon
Colorist (Single-Process)
Hair Extensions
Hair Salon
Hair Stylist
Ann Teresa Degischer, Maen the Salon
Keratin or Smoothing Treatment Specialist
Lindsay Axelrod, Pixiedot Salon
Scalp Treatment Specialist
Manicurist
Nail Salon
Pedicurist
Piercing Studio
Tattoo Artist
Lauren Skinker, Lucky Cat Tattoo
Tattoo Studio
Fitness
5K Run
Father Joe’s Villages Turkey Trot
Aerial Fitness Studio
Barre Studio
Best New Class/Program, Opened 2025
Best New Fitness Studio, Opened 2025
Body Sculpting Studio
Boutique Gym
Boxing Studio
Climbing Gym (Indoor Rock Climbing)
CrossFit Studio
Dance Studio
Fitness Bootcamp
The Camp Transformation Center, West Chula Vista
Fun Run
Golf Clinic
Singing Hills Golf Club at Sycuan
Half Marathon
HIIT Studio
Kickboxing Studio
Lagree Studio
Marathon
Martial Arts Studio (Including Jiu-Jitsu, Judo, Karate, Krav Maga, and MMA)
Personal Trainer
Camila Casanueva, The Yard Gym
Pickleball Courts
Pickleball Lessons
Pilates Studio
Pole Fitness Studio
Spin Studio
Surf Lessons
Tennis Club
Tennis Courts
Tennis Lessons
Traditional Gym/Fitness Center
Triathlon
Yoga Studio
Food + Drink
Açaí Bowl
Bagel
Bakery
Bar
Bartender
Austin Harrington, Captain’s Quarters
Best Local Alt-Drink, Alcoholic
Bivouac Ciderworks, Savoy Dry Apple Cider
Best New Bar Opened 2025
Best New Brewery Opened 2025
Birria
Bloody Mary
Bread
Brewery
Burrito
Canned Cocktails
Caterer
Cheese Shop
Chips & Salsa
Chocolate Shop
Coffee Beans/Roaster
Craft Cocktails
Distillery
Dive Bar
Donuts
Farmers Market
Farmers Market Food Vendor
Fish Market
Fish Taco
Food Truck
Fries
Gourmet Grocery Store
Happy Hour
Ice Cream/Gelato
Juice Bar
Kombucha
Liquor Store
Local Agave Spirits (Tequila/Mezcal)
Local Beer
Local Gin
Local Vodka
Local Whiskey
Local Wine
Margarita
Martini
Mocktails
Negroni
Old Fashioned
Pasta
Phở
Pizza
Pop Up
Produce Market
Romantic Bar
Rooftop Bar
Sandwich
Smoothies
Sommelier
Missi Burns, Et Voila
Speakeasy
Specialty Food Store
Sports Bar
Taco
Taproom/Tasting Room
Tequila/Mezcal Bar
Whiskey Bar
Wine Bar
Wine Store
Winery
Wings
Health + Wellness
Aesthetics + Med Spas: Aesthetician for Facials/Peels/Non-Medical Skincare
Aesthetics + Med Spas: CoolSculpting/Body Contouring Clinic
Aesthetics + Med Spas: Hormone Therapy/Anti-Aging Clinic
Prospera Internal Medicine and Aesthetics
Aesthetics + Med Spas: IV Therapy/Hydration Lounge
San Diego Aesthetics and Med Spa
Aesthetics + Med Spas: Med Spa for Injectables/Laser
Health & Wellness: Sleep Clinic/Sleep Specialist
UC San Diego Health Sleep Center
Medical: Concierge Medical Services
A Personal Physician, Dr. Karanbir Brar
Medical: Cosmetic Dentist
Dr. Ali Fakhimi, Soft Touch Dental
Medical: Cosmetic Dermatology (Practice)
La Jolla Dermatology & Laser Surgery Center
Medical: Cosmetic Surgeon (Tie)
Dr. Michael Rossi, Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa
Medical: Cosmetic Surgeon (Tie)
Dr. Sirius Yoo, Sky Facial Plastic Surgery
Medical: Cosmetic Surgery Group (Practice)
La Jolla Cosmetic Surgery Centre
Medical: Dental Office/General Dentist (Practice)
Medical: Dentist
Dr. Jessica Kim, Urban Dental San Diego
Medical: Dermatologist
Dr. William Groff, Cosmetic Laser Dermatology
Medical: Health Insurance
Medical: Hospital/Medical Center (Organization)
Scripps Memorial Hospital La Jolla
Medical: LASIK Provider
Julio Echegoyen, Gordon Schanzlin New Vision Institute
Medical: Local/Independent Pharmacy
Medical: Ophthalmologist
Kellie Satterfield, San Diego Eye & Face
Medical: Optometrist
Alyssa Pack, Eyecare at the Cove
Medical: Orthodontist
Dr. Sarah Winter, Espire Dental | La Jolla
Medical: Orthodontist (Practice)
Medical: Pediatric Group (Practice)
Children’s Primary Care Medical Group
Medical: Independent Pediatric Practice
Medical: Primary Care Doctor
Medical: Primary Care Medical Group (Practice)
Nutrition: Weight Loss Clinic/Program
Scripps Del Mar Weight Management Clinic
Nutrition: Nutritionist/Dietitian
Tara Coleman, Tara Coleman, CN
Recovery: Cryotherapy Studio
Recovery: Float/Sensory Deprivation Tanks
Recovery: Sauna/Infrared Spa
Recovery: Wellness Studio
Reproductive + Family Health: Doula
Reproductive + Family Health: Fertility Center (Business)
Reproductive Partners Fertility Center
Reproductive + Family Health: Postpartum Specialist/Lactation Consultant
Therapy + Holistic Care: Acupuncturist
Lisa Pugliese, Concept Wellness
Therapy + Holistic Care: Chiropractor
Travis Johnson, Healcove Chiropractic and Wellness
Therapy + Holistic Care: Day Spa (Non-Resort or Hotel)
Therapy + Holistic Care: Massage Studio (Business)
Therapy + Holistic Care: Massage Therapist
Therapy + Holistic Care: Mental Health & Wellness Center
Therapy + Holistic Care: Physical Therapist
D.J. Mortimer, Regenerate Physical Therapy
Therapy + Holistic Care: Physical Therapy Practice
Therapy + Holistic Care: Psychiatry (Practice) (Tie)
UC San Diego Health (General Psychiatry Services)
Therapy + Holistic Care: Psychiatry (Practice) (Tie)
Therapy + Holistic Care: Reiki Practitioner
Yukari Allen, BRAVE Wellness Studio
Therapy + Holistic Care: Resort or Hotel Day Spa
Home + Garden
Architect
Architecture Firm
Custom Drapery
Lessler’s Draperies & Design Inc.
Custom Furniture Designer/Maker
Home Staging Specialist
Interior Designer
Rachel Larraine Crawford, Tiger Veil
Landscape Architect
John Kensla, Infinite Sky Landscape Design
Landscape Architecture Firm for Hardscape
Landscape Design
Artificial Turf & Lawn
Greenway Landscape Design & Build
Building Contractor
Doors
Electrician Company
Fence/Gate Installation Company
Garage/Storage Solutions Contractor
ProperShop Garage Door Services
General Contractor
Kaminskiy Design and Remodeling
Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning (HVAC)
Home Builder
Home Remodeling
Irrigation/Sprinkler Installation
Greenway Landscape Design & Build
Masonry/Stonework Contractor
Painting Contractor
Patio/Deck Contractor
Plumbing Company
Roofing Company
Solar Panel/Green Energy Provider
Swimming Pool Builder
Blue Haven Pools & Spas San Diego
Window Treatment Installer
Appliance Service/Repair
Carpet Cleaner
Super Mario Carpet Cleaning & Floor Care
Gutter Cleaning
Absolute Duct & Chimney Cleaning
Home Cleaning Service
Home Security
Moving Company
Pest Control Company
Pool & Hot Tub Service Company
Property Management Company
Water Filtration/Softener Services
Mauzy Cooling, Heating, Plumbing & Electrical
Antique Furnishing Store
Appliance Store
Carpet Store
Flooring Store
Furniture Store
Garden & Nursery Center
Hardware Store
Kitchen & Bath Showroom (Tie)
Kitchen & Bath Showroom (Tie)
Lighting Store
Lumber Supply
Mattress Store
Paint Store
Patio Furniture Store
Tile Store
Apartment Community
Best New Residential Community Opened 2025
Independent Living Community
Neighborhood (Tie)
Neighborhood (Tie)
Senior Living Community
Real Estate: Best Agent Team
Real Estate: Best Brokerage Company
Kids
After-School Program
Art Classes for Kids
Baby/Children’s Clothing Store
Children’s Bookstore
Children’s Party Venue
Dance Classes for Kids
Day Camp
Daycare
Celine Theano, La Petite Étoile 360
Family Beach
La Jolla Shores
Local SAT/ACT Prep Service
Martial Arts School for Kids
Music Classes for Kids
Park
Photography Classes for Kids
Museum of Photographic Arts at San Diego Museum of Art
Playground
Sleepaway Camp
Roar & Snore Safari, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
STEM/Coding Classes for Kids
Children’s Museum of Discovery
Surf School/Lessons for Kids
Swim School
Theater Class for Kids
Toy Store
Tutoring/Academic Enrichment (Business)
Youth Sports League
People
Jewelry
Muralist
Painter
Photographer
Athlete
Comedian
Do-Gooder
Entrepreneur
Bob Harrington, Specialty Produce
Local Band
Local Influencer: Fashion
Local Influencer: Fitness
Local Influencer: Food
Jordan Howlett, @jordan_the_stallion8
Local Influencer: Parenting
Jennifer Coleman, @SanDiegoFunFamily
Local Influencer: Travel
Marissa Xiong, Internal Dandelion, @internaldandelion
Meteorologist
Musician/Band: Country
Musician/Band: Cover Band
Musician/Band: Jazz
Musician/Band: Pop
Musician/Band: R&B
Musician/Band: Rock/Metal
Musician/Band: Singer/Songwriter
News Anchor
Party Band
Philanthropist
Irwin and Joan Jacobs
Radio DJ
Geena the Latina, Channel 93.3
Real Estate Agent: Alpine
Teri Parker, Parker Properties
Real Estate Agent: Carlsbad
Real Estate Agent: Carmel Valley (Tie)
Kevin Burke, Burke Real Estate Consultants, Inc.
Real Estate Agent: Carmel Valley (Tie)
Real Estate Agent: Chula Vista
Real Estate Agent: Clairemont
Real Estate Agent: Condominium Specialist
Real Estate Agent: Coronado
Gerri-Lynn Fives, Pacific Sotheby’s
Real Estate Agent: Del Mar
Maxine & Marti Gellens, Berkshire Hathaway
Real Estate Agent: Downsizing/Retirement Specialist
Lenna Doyle, Compass Plus San Diego
Real Estate Agent: Downtown San Diego
Christine Baker, Willis Allen Real Estate
Real Estate Agent: Eastlake
Ruben Rodriguez, Coldwell Banker West
Real Estate Agent: El Cajon
Real Estate Agent: Encinitas
Real Estate Agent: Escondido
Real Estate Agent: Family Home Specialist
Dee Dee Angel, Wisdom Properties
Real Estate Agent: High-Rise Living Specialist
Jeannine Savory, The Savory Group
Real Estate Agent: Hillcrest
Real Estate Agent: Historic Home Specialist
Real Estate Agent: La Costa/Olivenhain
Real Estate Agent: La Jolla
Real Estate Agent: La Mesa
Rachel Carroll, Coldwell Banker West
Real Estate Agent: Luxury Home Specialist
Real Estate Agent: Midcentury Specialist
Greg Erickson, Keller Williams
Real Estate Agent: Mission Beach
Kara Watkins, Big Block Realty
Real Estate Agent: Mission Valley
Real Estate Agent: Normal Heights
Real Estate Agent: North Park
Real Estate Agent: Oceanside
Dee Dee Angel, Wisdom Properties
Real Estate Agent: Pacific Beach
Real Estate Agent: Point Loma/Ocean Beach
Tami Fuller, Coldwell Banker West
Real Estate Agent: Poway
Real Estate Agent: Rancho Peñasquitos/4S Ranch
Real Estate Agent: Rancho Santa Fe (Tie)
Real Estate Agent: Rancho Santa Fe (Tie)
Real Estate Agent: San Marcos
Real Estate Agent: Santee
Kyndal Gross, Douglas Elliman of California, Inc.
Real Estate Agent: Second Home Specialist
Jeannine Savory, The Savory Group
Real Estate Agent: Vista/Fallbrook
Sports Anchor
Pets
Animal Sanctuary
Animal Welfare Organization
Dog Park
Grape Street Dog Park
Dog Walker
Davis Dogs, LLC—Claudine Davis
Doggy Daycare
Mobile Groomer
Pampered Paws Mobile Pet Grooming
Pet Boarding
Pet Groomer (Tie)
Pet Groomer (Tie)
Pet Insurance
Pet Photographer/Portrait Studio
Pet Rescue
Pet Store
Pet Trainer
Veterinarian (Business)
The Drake Center for Veterinary Care
Veterinarian (Individual)
Dr. Tracy Nicole Frey, SoftSurg Incorporated
Professional + Services
Accountant/CPA
Avi Taheripour, Number Nerds, Inc.
Accounting Firm
Auto Repair Shop
Miramar Automotive & Transmission
Bicycle Repair Shop
Car Detailing
Car Wash
Car/Limo Service
Co-Working Space
Commercial Real Estate Company
Computer Repair
Custom Printing
Dry Cleaning
Fashion Stylist/Wardrobe Consultant
Financial Planner
Alec Williams, WestPac Wealth Partners
Health Insurance Agency
Home Escrow Company
Home Insurance Provider
Home Loan Provider
Janitorial Services
Law: Bankruptcy Law Firm (Tie)
Law Offices of Krystina T. Tran
Law: Bankruptcy Law Firm (Tie)
Law: Bankruptcy Lawyer
Tom Shanner, Shanner & Associates
Law: Estate Planner
Daniel Weiner, San Diego Probate Attorneys
Law: Estate Planning Firm
Law: Family Law Firm
Law: Family Law Lawyer
Colleen A. Warren, Genesis Family Law, APC
Law: Full Service/General Practice Law Firm
Noonan Lance Boyer & Banach, LLP
Law: Labor & Employment Law Firm
Law: Labor & Employment Lawyer
James Thompson, Minerva Law, LLP
Law: Litigation Law Firm
Law: Litigation Lawyer
Daniel Weiner, San Diego Probate Attorneys
Law: Mediation Lawyer
Raul Maravilla, Genesis Family Law, APC
Law: Personal Injury Law Firm
Jurewitz Law Group Injury & Accident Lawyers
Law: Personal Injury Lawyer
Michael Hernandez, HHJ Trial Attorneys
Law: Real Estate Law Firm
Law: Real Estate Lawyer
James Thompson, Minerva Law, LLP
Law: Tax Law Firm
Law: Tax Law Lawyer
Loan Provider (Other Than Home)
Local Bank Branch
Local Credit Union
Portrait Photographer
Professional Organizer
Tailoring/Alterations
Casa De Oro Tailoring
Tax Consulting Firm
Pacific Tax & Financial Group, Inc.
Tax Preparer (Individual)
Travel Agency
Travel Agent (Individual)
Watch Repair Shop
Wealth Management Firm
Shopping
Antique Store
Art Gallery
Art Supply Store
Bait & Tackle Shop
Barware Store
Bookstore
Camera Store
Cannabis Dispensary
Comic Book Store
Crafts/Hobby Store
Eyeglass Store
Fabric Store
Florist
Golf Store
Home Decorating Store
Independent Bookstore
Jewelry Store
Kitchenware Store
Major Shopping Mall
Men’s Clothing Store/Boutique
Musical Instrument Store
Outdoor Apparel & Equipment Store
Place to Buy a Motorcycle
Place to Buy a New Car
Place to Buy a Used Car
Place to Buy Tires
Plant Shop
Record Store
Shopping Center (Not a Mall)
Ski & Snowboard Shop
Stationery & Paper Goods
Surf Shop
Thrift Shop
Vintage Clothing Store
Watch Store
Women’s Clothing Store/Boutique
Travel + Entertainment
Airline Service from San Diego
Annual Food &/or Wine Festival
Annual Music Festival
Beach Club
Boat Rental
Bowling Alley
Campground
Casino
Casino Pool
Christmas Attraction
Comedy Club
Concert Venue
Country Western Bar
Cultural Festival
Evening News Broadcast
Event Venue (Non-Music)
Film Festival
San Diego International Film Festival
Glamping Resort
Roar & Snore Safari, San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Halloween Attraction
Harbor Tour
SEAL Tours, Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego
Hiking Trail
Hotel: Boutique
Hotel: Family-Friendly
Hotel: Full Service
Hotel: Luxury
Hotel: Pet-Friendly
Hotel: Resort
Hotel: Staycation
Jazz Club
Karaoke Bar
Kayak/Canoe Rental
Library
San Diego New Library
Local Attraction/Theme Park
Local Podcast
Morning News Broadcast
Movie Theater
Museum
Music Venue
Nightclub
Parade
Party Venue
Picnic Spot
Kate Sessions
Private Golf Course
The Country Club of Rancho Bernardo
Public Golf Course
Radio Drive Time Show
Radio Morning Show
San Diego Airline Lounge
Chase Sapphire Lounge by The Club
San Diego Sports Team
Scenic Spot
Stand-Up Paddle Boarding Rental
Sunset Viewing Spot
Surf Spot
Theater Group (Stage Performances)
Vacation Rental
Weekend Road Trip
Whale-Watching Tour
Yacht Club
Weddings
Bridal Dress Shop
Bridal Seamstress for Alterations/Fittings
Bridal Veil Shop
Engagement Photographer
First Dance Lessons
Honeymoon Destination
The Seabird Ocean Resort and Spa
Jeweler for Engagement/Wedding Rings
Live Wedding Painter
Photo Booth Rental
Rehearsal Dinner Venue
Audio/Visual Company
Bar Service Company
Cakes
Caterer
Dessert Caterer
DJ (Company)
DJ (Individual)
Tyler Williams, Williams SoCal Entertainment
Event Rentals
Florist
Food Truck/Late-Night Bites
Hair Stylist
Live Band
Makeup Artist
Tiffany Thater, That Goddess Show
Officiant
Amy Bouvin & Caroline Christian, Choose Love Weddings
Photographer
Salome Palomino, Photos by Salomé
Planner
Rehearsal Dinner
Stationery
Transportation/Getaway Car Service
“Bella,” Old Town Trolley Tours of San Diego
Tuxedo Retailer
Venue: Ceremony Site (Not a Full Venue)
Venue: Country Club/Golf Course
Venue: Estate/Private Home
Venue: Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden & Museum
Venue: Hotel/Resort
Venue: Hotel/Resort
The Seabird Ocean Resort and Spa
Venue: Urban
Venue: Waterfront
Venue: Winery
Videographer
Taylor Film Co. by Jack Taylor
The post The Best of San Diego 2026: Readers’ Picks appeared first on San Diego Magazine.
Categories
Recent Posts
GET MORE INFORMATION
