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Evening

Golden Hour at the Presidio

Start your evening by catching the last warm light on the hills above Old Town, then descend for dinner and a drink in the historic district.

Best time: 17:05About 180 min

Timeline

  1. 15:50

    The Wine Lover

    Grab a glass of wine at The Wine Lover. It is a lovely wine bar with a wide selection and some light meals, perfect for settling in before the walk up. Check the route for directions from your starting point.

  2. 16:05

    Presidio Park

    Walk 62 minutes to Presidio Park. Perched on the hill above Old Town, this large park was the site of the old presidio that once protected the Spanish settlement. The tall trees and canyons offer a quiet vantage point as the day ends.

  3. 17:05

    Presidio Park

    Watch the sun set toward the WSW from the park. The golden light fades into twilight, marking the perfect transition to the evening below.

  4. 17:35

    Khyber Pass

    Descend to Khyber Pass for dinner. This Afghan, Turkish, and Indian restaurant is on University Avenue among many other restaurants. It is open until 22:00, so you have plenty of time to enjoy lamb, beef, or vegetarian dishes.

  5. 18:35

    Cocina de Barrio

    End the night with a drink or late bite at Cocina de Barrio. This upscale, Oaxacan-influenced Mexican spot is open until 21:30 on weekdays or 16:00 on Sundays, so confirm the hours if visiting on a Sunday. It is a cozy way to close out the evening.

Local tip

The walk from the park to the dining area is a steep descent. Wear comfortable shoes. If you are visiting on a Sunday, verify the closing times at Cocina de Barrio as they close earlier than on other days.

Check before you go

  • The Wine Lover does not list specific hours, so call ahead to confirm it is open.
  • Khyber Pass is open until 22:00, but arrive before it gets busy.
  • Cocina de Barrio closes at 21:30 on weekdays and 16:00 on Sundays. If visiting Sunday, consider skipping this step or checking if they are open for a late snack.

Worth knowing

  • Cocina de Barrio is open at 18:35 only on Tu, We, Th, Fr, Sa

Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to San Diego (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

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