La Mesa is just 10 miles east of downtown San Diego, but it can feel like you’re in a different world from the hustle and bustle of nightlife. Here, birdsong is more common than bar noise, but the somewhat sleepy area once known for its silent film production is about to finally wake up. Mexican restaurant Casa Gabriela is hip, and new restaurants like Papalo, indie boutiques like Small Batch and All the Cositas by Artelexia, and countless housing developments are popping up daily to meet rising demand in an area that’s conveniently located and still mostly affordable. (Not Mount Helix, of course, where mid-century mansions with ocean views are going for millions.)
Stretching between San Diego’s Rolando neighborhood to the west and El Cajon to the east, La Mesa is home to just over 61,000 people. Known as the “Jewel of the Hills,” La Mesa officially became a city in 1912, but before natural springs and citrus farming brought the San Diego and Cuyamaca Eastern Railroad through the middle of town, the area was Kumeyaay country. In fact, the MTS Orange streetcar line follows part of the original railroad tracks through La Mesa Village, the town center that hosts community events: the La Mesa Classic Car Show every Thursday in the summer, trick-or-treating on Halloween, and the county’s largest Oktoberfest every fall.
It may no longer be a movie mecca or a hipster paradise, but La Mesa’s understated vibe surprises visitors. Yes, it’s technically in East County. Yes, it’s only 9.1 square miles. But with some good schools and a persistent idyll alongside ever-growing amenities, it might not be long before the glitter of the Jewel of the Hills catches people’s attention.
Excursions, tours and activities in La Mesa, San Diego
Billy Beltz, who owns Lost Cause Meadery and Oddish Wine with his wife, Suzanna, has lived in La Mesa for three years. “We live in the Highlands neighborhood and absolutely love it,” Beltz says. “All the winding streets filled with old houses, old trees and friendly neighbors give it a wonderful small-town feel. La Mesa has soul and character that isn’t always easy to find in Southern California neighborhoods, and we’re still just a short drive from Balboa Park or the beach.” He has more than a few favorite spots in town, but here are a few of his regulars.
Muffins and coffee in the village
It’s always a good idea to arrive at Sheldon’s Service Station as early as possible, or you risk not having enough seating or baked goods. But Beltz says they plan ahead to make sure his son’s favorite blueberry muffin is available. “The outdoor area is a great weekend hangout to meet up with neighbors,” Beltz says. Afterward, stroll down the block to Public Square Coffee House, where Beltz says you can get the best coffee in the Village.
Appointments at the Antica Trattoria
“Don’t be fooled by the mall location,” Beltz warns. “Italian dinners don’t have to be stuffy, and this place combines everything we love about Italy – delicious Italian food in a cute little space with friendly service and a warm atmosphere, without being overpriced. What’s not to love?”
Burgers at The Hills Pub
Controversial opinion alert: Beltz claims Hills Pub’s eponymous Hills Burger, with grilled onions, lettuce, tomatoes, pickles and chipotle on a brioche bun, may be the best burger in San Diego. “(It) can compete with any other burger joint in the San Diego neighborhood,” he promises.
Facts about La Mesa
- In 2024, the Climate Action Campaign ranked La Mesa as the city in the county that is best addressing climate change, such as building densification projects, investing in public transportation, and using clean energy.
- Originally started in 1973, La Mesa Oktoberfest is the county’s largest Oktoberfest, attracting 100,000 visitors over three days.
- Many things in La Mesa are named Helix – a mountain, a high school, streets. The name comes from a native species of snail: the Helix aspersa. At the eastern end of La Mesa Boulevard there is even a statue of the famous little creature Felix the Helix.
- Notable former residents of La Mesa include at least three astronauts, Metallica and Megadeth frontman Dave Mustaine, professional basketball player Bill Walton and Oscar-nominated actor Dennis Hopper.
- La Mesa is home to plenty of wild parrots, but did you know that there are also wild peacocks on and around Mount Helix? Legend has it that around 1980, a local resident bought two peacocks from the Wild Animal Park in Escondido. One thing led to another, and now their feathered offspring roam the land.
What’s next for La Mesa?
Unlike some other cities across the country that are lagging behind in meeting their affordable housing goals,
is actively developing several vacant lot projects near transit stations to meet demand and reduce carbon emissions. One such project is Cantera, which includes 32 homes priced in the $600,000 to $850,000 range. Considering the median home price in La Mesa is $914,000 while it’s nearly $1 million in the county, that’s a great deal for regular folks. Another project is located at 8181 Allison Avenue and offers 147 housing units that are 100 percent affordable.
Once people put down roots, they’ll want to eat and shop, too. Fortunately, many stores and restaurants have already started capitalizing on the area’s potential. Mastiff Kitchen opened its first brick-and-mortar location there in 2023, followed by Shawarma Guys earlier this year. There are even rumors of a new shared Oddish wine tasting room (a la The Garten in Bay Park). The old-fashioned Village will be renovated later this year or early next year, and a new Downtown District sign is planned for installation. Plus, Grossmont Center is set for a complete overhaul starting in 2025, with over 25 million square feet set aside for mixed-use development.
Where to eat in La Mesa
Oyster and pearl bar
Himalayan cuisine
Casa Gabriela
Where to shop in La Mesa?
New animated recordings
Moze Guitars
Maxwell’s House of Books
More things to do in La Mesa
Lake Murray
Lamplighters Community Theatre
Mount Helix Park
