Situated just 9 miles east of downtown San Diego, this city of 25,000 affords its residents the proximity to San Diego’s best places while providing a smaller town atmosphere.
Lemon Grove is a young city, established in July of 1977. Long before this, however, the area was a mecca for lemon and orange groves in the early 1900s. The giant iconic lemon that is situated along Broadway at Lemon Grove Ave was originally created as centerpiece for a parade float in 1928. It represents the area to this day in displaying the city’s motto “Best Climate on Earth.”
When we bought a home last Spring, my family of three uprooted from our longtime home in North Park and relocated to a much bigger space in Lemon Grove. Moving to a new city has given us much to explore. We love to check out community events, local eateries, and outdoor spaces where we can play and explore.
Quick Links
Parks | Food & Drink | Brunch | Community Highlights
Berry Street Park
7071 Mt. Vernon St.
Lemon Grove, CA 91945
This local park is our closest and favorite. There is a fenced-in dog park here in a separate area from the playground. There are also picnic tables, grills, a pavilion, and a small little free library to take a book or leave a book. There are slides, swings, climbing structures, and paved paths to bike, walk, or scooter on. In the summer on certain Fridays, you can find free screenings hosted by Summer Movies in the Park. On Thursdays from late June to late August, the free concerts in the park keep the community entertained.
Chollas Lake Park
5997 College Grove Dr
San Diego, CA 92115
This park sits just on the other side of the 94 freeway from Lemon Grove and rests against Chollas Lake. The playground is newly updated and has some of our favorite playground activities – wall climbing, merry-go-rounds, teeter-totters, bridges to run across, swings, and even adult exercise stations with the like of rowing and elliptical machines. There is a picnic area here and ample parking. There is a separate entrance about a half mile east that gives direct lake access at for walking the lake shore and trails, kids dock fishing (kids fish free!), and picnicking.
Other great parks in Lemon Grove:
Lemon Grove Park – 2271 Washington St, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Large playground, barbecue areas, basketball courts, ample parking, and restrooms.
Civic Center Park of Lemon Grove – 3185 Olive St, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
There are no play structures here, but is a nice little park to walk your dog on leash with your little or have a picnic. There are lemon trees that you can pick the lemons from, a nice fountain and rose garden area, and lots of green grass to sprawl out on.
13 Point Brewing Company
8035 Broadway Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
This is Lemon Grove’s first (and currently only!) brewery. Opening its taproom earlier this year, 13 Point Brewing Company has drawn craft beer enthusiasts in to enjoy their tasty array of beers on tap in their tasting room and on the outdoor patio. Kids and dogs are welcome. While they don’t serve meals, they do sell locally made chips and salsa and encourage bringing in food from neighboring eateries (Chef John’s Fish & Chips and Nando’s Taco Shop are on either side of the brewery). Fun events are happening here that are drawing the community in: free Trivia Night on Tuesdays (the tasting room is open to kiddos until 9PM!), live music on the weekends, and Thursday night workshops for the likes of terrarium building and macrame.
Lemon Grove Thai
7975 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Opening in early 2019, this delicious Thai food spot is settling in as a new local favorite. Just ask the mayor – apparently she is a big fan! My favorites are the red curry and fresh spring rolls. They are open daily from 10:30AM-9:00PM and have a spacious area for dining in.
Other Notable Eateries Locations to Try:
El Pollo Grill 7836 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945| (619) 697-7153
Rosarito’s Mexican Food 2805 Lemon Grove Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | (619) 469-4227
Lido’s Italian Foods –7252 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | (619) 469-9901
Giardino Neighborhood Cucina
8131 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | (619) 825-7112
This place is way better than just its brunch, but there is no way that I could leave this off of the brunch list since they serve brunch on Sundays until 4:00PM. Yes, you read that right. So even if you’ve been trying to get out of the house with your littles – or without, if you are just having a slow start – you can rest assured that breakfast will be served! Plus, bottomless mimosas are a steal at $12.
Lemon Grove Cafe
3521 Lemon Grove Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | (619) 644-1031
We love this place for the low-key atmosphere and variety of dishes available for all meals of the day. We enjoy having the option to eat indoors or on the shaded patio. All of our breakfast needs are met here, be it the Country Fried Steak and Eggs, the Chorizo Omelette, or my personal favorite, the Greek Omelette made with gyro and feta. This place has a great kids menu. My daughter loves the Mickey Mouse shaped pancakes. Oh, and if you fancy an adult beverage with your meal, they have those too!
Other great Breakfast and Brunch Locations to Try:
Miss Donuts – 7863 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | Phone Number (619) 465-1246
El Clasico Diner– 7914 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | Phone Number (619) 771-5849
Anna’s Family Restaurant – 8099 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | Phone Number (619) 462-9295
Lemon Grove Farmers Market
2885 Lemon Grove Ave, Lemon Grove, CA 91945| (619) 542-1476
Opening at this location in the summer of 2018, this slow and steadily growing farmers market brings community members together on Thursday evenings from 3:00-7:00PM. In part because it is still smaller in scale, the VFW parking lot where it is held is a great place to engage in conversation with fellow neighbors and booth owners. We love trying the locally grown produce and hot food community members cultivate.
Lemon Grove Recreation Center
Lemon Grove Rec Center
3131 School Lane, Lemon Grove, CA 91945| (619) 517-0586
The local rec center provides services and activities for local community members, such as their summer free lunch program for kids, summer camp, and fitness classes for youth and adults. They also host Safe Destination Nights (SD Nights), which is a weekend evening event program offering games, mentorship, activities, food, and fun.
More great things community highlights:
Lemon Grove Community Garden – corner of Central Ave and Olive St, Lemon Grove, CA 91945
Lemon Grove Annual Bonfire– 3200 Main St, Lemon Grove, CA 91945| Annual event occurring in December.
Body By Discipline
7865 Broadway, Lemon Grove, CA 91945 | (619) 713-1338
Locals love this spot for the classes offered to both adults and children. Boxing and kickboxing, yoga, strength and conditioning, and self defense classes are just a few of those that are available. Body by Discipline also provides personal training sessions. Kids programs are divided into age groups, with the youngest beginning at age 4. Check out their website for one free class.
KMF Crossfit
6420 Federal Blvd Ste D, Lemon Grove, CA 91945| (619) 501-8525
This place is all about creating a positive, supportive environment for its crossfit students. They offer yoga, bootcamp-like classes, crossfit, strength training, and personalized coaching. Class times range from 6:00AM-7:30PM. Visit their website for pricing information and to claim a free class voucher.
Other great fitness spots:
24 Hour Fitness – College Grove -6348 College Grove Way, San Diego, CA 92115 | (619) 229-6112
