Exploring Mira Mesa’s Diverse Offerings

Mira Mesa appears quiet from a distance, but if you take a closer look around you’ll be amazed at the city’s abundant offerings. With activities available that’ll suit nature enthusiasts and foodies alike, it might be hard to figure out what exactly you should do. Have no fear! We’ve narrowed down the "best of the best" and detailed it below in our Mira Mesa guide.

For avid hikers or those simply interested in a nice trail to explore, try visiting the Black Mountain Open Space Park. Right off Mercy Road, around the corner from Penasquitos canyon, this open-space park has trails appropriate for dog-walking, bicycling, and horse-back riding, making it the perfect weekend activity. The trails and dirt roads are nested along mountains and wind through chaparral-covered canyons, with a few riparian areas. They accommodate beginners or advanced hiking fanatics, making them ideal for family outings. Once you reach the top, you’ll be astonished by the breathtaking 360 degree views from the top of Black Mountain. Or, if you take a night hike, you have to check out the city lights from atop the summit––just make sure to bring a flashlight and keep an eye out for little critters or snakes!

Black Mountain Open Space Park also shelters a wide a range of native California plants and animals. The most notable plant species seen are the lemonade berry, coffee berry, chamise, manzanita, laurel sumac, toyon, and California lilac. Other plant species include the California sagebrush, California buckwheat, and California sunflower. Be sure to check out this park during the Spring, as that’s when the California lilac blooms and transforms the mountain hillside into a dazzling forest of blue.  

As for the animals located at this radiant park, observers have spotted over 80 species of birds, including rare species such as the California Gnatcatcher, Rufous-crowned sparrow, and the Northern harrier. Be on the lookout for mule deer or bobcats. Please keep in mind that all animals and plants found within this open-space park are protected and must not be harmed or removed. 

For all those diehard foodies out there, you’ll be glad to know Mira Mesa has numerous restaurants that vary in cuisine but are delicious nonetheless. The Mediterranean food at The Kebab Shop has multiple locations all over San Diego and delivers top quality food at every destination. Designed to give you a true European kebob shop experience, they slowly cook rotisserie meats and create fresh, made-to-order grilled meats, seafood, or veggies. Vegetarians and vegans have an array of salads, falafel, or fries to choose from, but their saffron rice will having you coming back time and time again. 

If you’re a carnivore, then try The Kebab Shop's döner kebab. Originally described as a dish from Anatolia, the eastern side of Turkey, the döner kebab was traditionally cooked with lamb grilled horizontally on rotating skewers and was served on a plate with rice, hot sauce with melted butter, and ground paprika. Today, the döner kebab is typically served as a sandwich, wrapped in a flatbread. However, if you eat the döner kebab "Berlin style," it’ll be served with salad, bread, and sauce.

Pizza lovers will rejoice with the Best Pizza & Brew located off Mira Mesa Blvd, between Rickert Road and Black Mountain Road. This establishment most certainly lives up to the name with offerings like their Pepperoni Pesto Ricotta pizza, which consists of rosemary garlic oil, pepperoni, ricotta, mozzarella, provolone, parmesan cheese, and fresh homemade pesto sauce. Or, try their BBQ Chicken pizza, which has BBQ sauce topped with chicken, smoked gouda cheese, crunchy red onions, mozzarella, and provolone cheese, topped off with some fresh cilantro.

For those interested in a farmer’s market open during the week, to avoid the typical weekend crowds, the Mira Mesa Farmer’s Market is the place to be. The farmer's market is available Tuesday evenings from 3-7pm and located in the Mira Mesa High School parking lot, off Reagan Road. this quaint farmer's market has spectacular food offerings and delicacies including uni (sea urchin), oysters, ahi poke (spicy or mild), samosas, tikka masala, boba, and an assortment of Thai and Filipino dishes. Besides food vendors, this open outdoor market hosts an array of vegetables, fruits, handcrafted items, and clothing merchants. 

In 1969, the neighborhood of Mira Mesa was a prime example of the urban sprawl and housing boom that emerged in San Diego. Since its inception, it has been largely influenced by the military and has attracted approximately 80,000 residents with its close proximity to major employers and several commercial and industrial centers. However, this area has much more to offer, including community parks and a collection of diverse eateries. Whatever your taste, there is something for everyone!