A Self-Guided Walking Tour Through Barrio Logan San Diego: Best Tacos, Pastries and Murals in San Diego

Make no mistake about it. Kevin and I will never be confused as your typical surfer dudes. But we sure do love a trip to San Diego. Over the years, we’ve discovered there is so much more to this city than just sandy beaches, its famed zoo and the touristy Gaslamp Quarter. For example, did you know that San Diego has the largest collection of outdoor murals in the US? Until this last visit, we certainly didn’t.

On our latest road adventure returning from Valle de Guadalupe — Mexico’s wine country located just 90 minutes from San Diego — we made a quick detour to San Diego’s Barrio Logan. This compact neighborhood, conveniently located off Interstate 5 and the San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge, is home to some of the best tacos, Mexican pastries and murals in San Diego.

Check out our self-guided walking tour below through Barrio Logan to see another side of San Diego — taking you beyond the city’s famed beaches and big waves. Or for all you surfers out there, this spot is gnarly bro. I mean totally killer, man… You see? I am SO not convincing as a surfer dude (but a man can dream).

Stop #1: Enjoy Cheap and Delicious Tacos in Barrio Logan San Diego

Love Mexican food? What a better way to start off a walking tour than with some tacos? I mean, that’s pretty much my life motto. We recommend fueling up on your first stop at ¡SALUD!, located in the heart of San Diego’s Barrio Logan neighborhood. This popular hot spot is pure Southern California — from the tattoo-inspired murals to the pinstripe car hoods on the walls. The restaurant‘s menu pays homage to the traditional street food of northern Mexico — and adds its own Chicano flare.

The tacos of ¡SALUD! have been featured by major media outlets like the Travel Channel, The Washington Post and The New York Times. And obviously, they can thank the writers at GourmetGlobetrotter.com for their latest wave of publicity. You’re welcome! The low-key spot is open every day of the week and includes not just meat-heavy tacos but veggies options as well. What do we recommend? Go for their famed carne asada tacos. It’s their top seller. And of course, you’ll have to pair it with a margarita or fresh-made horchata (with or without alcohol). Hey, you have a lot of walking to do!

Stop #2: Sip on Craft Beer With Classic Mexican Flavors on a Walking Tour Through Barrio Logan San Diego

Okay, you haven’t even clocked a quarter mile at this point. Trust us, you will get in some decent walking. However, we felt that our second stop at Border X Brewing, was well worth it (located across the street from ¡Salud!). Have you ever tried Mexican Chocolate Stout or a Horchata White Stout? Clearly, you’re missing out on life! This brewery is a family affair, owned by brothers David and Marcelino Favela, and Marcelino’s two sons, Martin and Marcel. Craft American and European beers tend to dominate the market. The family saw an opportunity to stand out — developing craft beer that incorporates the traditional Latin flavors they grew up with.

One of their most interesting beers is the ‘Blood Saison,’ made with hibiscus and agave. It was inspired by the popular Agua de Jamaica (or hibiscus tea) often enjoyed with a mid-day meal in Mexico. If you’re still hungry, they offer a full menu including even more tacos. We reluctantly passed, knowing we still had some food stops to explore. Be sure to check out their spacious back patio.

Stop #3: Stroll Through the Best Murals in San Diego

Who knew a highway overpass could be turned into a massive canvas of art? Stop #3 is to the main attraction — Chicano Park, home to the largest collection of outdoor murals in the United States. These murals — painted on the towering bridge pylons beneath the San Diego-Coronado Bridge — were created by local artists to beautify the neighborhood and recognize different aspects of Chicano culture.

This colorful place sprawls in all directions, and coming up with the best game plan to tackle it was difficult to say the least. And okay, I fully admit it… I might have not been the best guide here. I started out with a mapped out mural viewing plan. But before I knew it, I was like, “Ohh look, it’s a mural of the Mexican Revolution.” Then pulled Kevin in the opposite direction, “It’s the Virgin Mary…” Before circling back to the original way, “It’s a painting on immigration! What does it mean?” It was like our Oak Glen apple picking adventure, where I literally couldn’t stick to one apple tree for more than 2 seconds. But at least I can admit that I have a problem!

But just how did this unique park get here? It all started in 1970, when residents rallied together to stop the construction of a California Highway Patrol station that would raze the community.

Hundreds showed up and formed a human chain around bulldozers, occupying the area for 12 days. After months of negotiations, local artist Salvador Torres proposed to transform the bridge into a massive canvas. And as they say, the rest is history. Chicano Park was signed into law in 1971 and the murals popped up just 2 years later. We recommend wandering the park and seeing some of the most important civil rights leaders – from Frida Kahlo to Pancho Villa. You can come with a plan or just wander aimlessly like us. In either case, you’ll enjoy this incredible FREE outdoor art gallery.

Stop #4: Chow Down on Dessert With Just a Few Bucks in Your Wallet

After exploring Chicano Park, you should head next to Panchita’s Bakery #3. I am constantly on the lookout for bakeries, also known as Panaderías in spanish. Call it my personal (unhealthy) obsession. But hey, I guess there are worse things. This hole-in-the-wall spot is one of my favorites on this walking tour. Like most Mexican bakeries, the first step involves grabbing a pair of giant tongs to select your dessert and a cafeteria tray to stack them on.

Before moving to California, I never experienced a Mexican bakery. However, so many of the baked goods reminded me of my travels and the delicious french baked goods (that I definitely sampled a lot of). Turns out, it was the French and Spaniards who introduced such baked goods as crispy rolls, baguettes and other sweets to Mexico.

Panchita’s Bakery #3 has a total of 3 bakeries (hence the obvious name) as well as a restaurant in San Diego’s popular North Park neighborhood. If you’re like me, you’ll have a hard time picking out a dessert — the bakery churns out more than 160 varieties of breads, pastries, cookies and desserts. I highly recommend the “Manzana Empanada” (or apple pastry).  After loading up our tray with nearly a dozen pastries, our total came out to less than $10.

Stop #5: Shop For Some Artwork and Unique Gifts

Obviously, I love to eat. But what is my other favorite past time? Shopping! Barrio Logan is home to several cute shops along Logan Avenue. Along our walk back to our car, Kevin and I enjoyed perusing the home goods inside Nativo. The shop is geared more towards women. But we loved artsy pillows and the vintage wall hangings.

If you’re visiting on the second Saturday of the month (from 4 to 9 PM), you shouldn’t miss the Del Barrio Market at Por Vida Cafe. The market began in 2016 as an art crawl. And while the market isn’t very large, it continues to attract new local and out-of-town vendors. You’ll find handmade clothing, reused/retro items as well as art and food.

And there you have it! Looking for other ideas of things to do in San Diego? Check out our full coverage of San Diego must-see spots, including 8 fun date ideas for a weekend in San Diego. Love Mexican culture and food as much as we do? We highly recommend a day trip to Tijuana and joining Tengo Hambre’s Taco and Beer Tour or following our own self-guided tour through Tijuana. Check out all of our Tijuana stories, and soon you’ll see why it’s becoming a must-visit food destination along with craft beer and coffee roasters.