Often referred to as the “Golden Triangle” as three freeways surround it, University City offers the perfect blend of a residential neighborhood with a bustling commercial district. With excellent schools, generous outdoor spaces, and a dynamic mix of restaurants, cafés, and shopping districts, University City is considered one of the best places to live in California.
The University City Neighborhood
University City is home base to many of the world’s biggest names in the biotech, research, high-tech, and telecom sectors, exuding a business-friendly climate for aspiring young professionals.
Jacobs Medical Center and The Scripps provide accessible healthcare as well as countless employment opportunities. University City’s proximity to the university and public schools, as well as its provision as a gateway to the scenic North County coastline and quick access to the villages of Del Mar and La Jolla, make it an ideal location for families.
Shopping in University City
Despite being a known hub for college students, University City has expanded into a place for great shopping itineraries.
Westfield UTC isn’t just a mall for University City locals and visitors. It is a popular shopping center for all of San Diego County. It is an outdoor retail resort with an inviting combination of luxury fashion boutiques, landscaped plazas, award-winning restaurants, and health and wellness amenities. It has more than 200 shops and restaurants, including entertainment venues for signature events.
The Shops at La Jolla Village in La Jolla, CA is a spacious open-air shopping center where anchors like Nordstrom Rack, Whole Foods, and CVS join with many eateries and beauty and fitness services.
A local favorite, Clairemont Town Square features a wide array of fashion boutiques, national retail anchors, and popular dining spots under one roof. Its convenient offerings of specialty shops, cafés, theaters, and grocery stores allow residents to stay local for their entertainment and shopping needs.
University City Restaurants
University City’s culinary scene is vibrant and diverse, treating diners to authentic local cuisine, creative fusions, international delights, and trend-forward dining experiences inspired by farm-fresh markets and locally-sourced goods.
No need to travel far for the world’s best-loved dumplings. The renowned Taiwanese eatery, Din Tai Fung, is conveniently located at Westfield UTC. Diners can indulge in handmade soup dumplings, noodles, soups, and rice dishes.
Mermaids & Cowboys redefines surf and turf at La Jolla. Paying tribute to Japanese Ama Divers and California Cowboys, the steak and seafood restaurant serves up hearty meals inspired by neighborhood history. Locals can enjoy ribeye steak and raw oysters in a unique atmosphere decorated with pearl chandeliers, saddle-leather booths, and teak furniture.
Diners treat themselves to stone-hearth oven-baked pizzas and other rustic Italian dishes served in a delightful California cottage setting at Piatti. The trattoria has two outdoor patios that could create a romantic backdrop at night while diners indulge in Saffron Pappardelle and Veal Piccata served with wine, beer, or craft cocktails.
For fine dining, Truluck’s won’t disappoint. Celebrating the ocean’s bounty, diners can enjoy a freshly-caught seafood menu elevated by modern and creative interpretations. There is something for everybody from shrimp cocktails and lobster bisques to pan-seared scallops and jumbo lump crab cakes.
Things to Do in University City
While University City offers some of San Diego’s most exciting metropolitan amenities, the neighborhood offers many incredible outdoor experiences that allow both locals and visitors to enjoy nature.
Nature buffs enjoy the Rose Canyon Open Space Park. Hikers, mountain bikers, trail runners, and dog walkers share its trail. It is terrific during springtime when wildflowers are in full bloom.
Located in Mission Beach, Belmont Park is San Diego’s only beachfront amusement and entertainment center where people of all ages can find something fun to do—from thrilling rides, mini-golf, and rock climbing to eating ice cream at the boardwalk or shopping for souvenirs—it’s a Southern California beach playground for kids and adults alike.
Residents can spend weekends in University City at La Jolla Open Aire Farmers Market, where families and friends can shop for produce, crafts, and artwork or have a picnic on the field while listening to live music. And for a fun and educational experience, visitors can head over to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography, where there are more than 5000 fish in 60+ aquarium habitats, as well as exhibits showcasing Scripps’ cutting-edge research.
Popular Cosmetic Dermatology Treatments
The board-certified dermatologists at Cosmetic Laser Dermatology offer many types of procedures to University City patients looking to rejuvenate their appearance. These procedures can treat common skin concerns, including signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, sun damage, loose skin, sunken cheeks, or age spots.
Our medical spa offers multiple treatments ranging from laser therapy and injectables to body contouring energy devices. These include:
Schedule a Consultation with a Dermatologist in University City
Our board-certified dermatologists combine major cosmetic breakthroughs in science and medicine to offer customized care, bringing our patients the ultimate in skin rejuvenation. To learn more about the cosmetic dermatology services of Cosmetic Laser Dermatology in La Jolla, contact us to schedule a consultation.
