As a recent PhD graduate who has explored over 30 locations in San Diego, I’ve curated the ultimate list of the best spots for remote work. From coffee shops to breweries, each place offers something unique. Here are the best remote work spots in San Diego, complete with insider tips on ambiance, parking, food, and more.
Check out this Google Map with all the locations mentioned in this post!
Banker’s Hill, Downtown, and Little Italy
- Ambiance: Very small, workspace is outdoors with airplanes going over.
- Tips: Not great for getting work done; cute place to meet up.
- Food: Light snacks available.
James Coffee Co. (Little Italy)
- Ambiance: Open concept with an industrial feel.
- Tips: Limited tables and parking in nearby residences or paid spots.
- Food: Try the almond croissant for a delicious treat.
Westbean Coffee Roasters (Banker’s Hill)
- Ambiance: Nice and open with plenty of light.
- Tips: Food menu available until noon, clean restrooms (use the key next to the backdoor).
- Food: Turmeric oat milk latte and banana muffin are top recommendations.
- Ambiance: Interesting vibe with indoor and outdoor seating.
- Tips: Limited to 75 mins indoor seating; park off of Fifth Avenue.
- Food: Good loose-leaf tea and cakes/baklava.
Corner Drafthouse (Banker’s Hill)
- Ambiance: Indoor and outdoor seating with a variety of beers.
- Tips: Good for lunch after working at Westbean in the morning.
- Food: Try the hummus plate and enjoy the friendly service.
- Ambiance: Modern brewery with food options.
- Tips: Street parking only; great for fighting Sunday scaries.
- Food: Taiwanese Chicken Burger is a must-try.
North Park and Surrounding Areas
- Ambiance: Cozy with plenty of seating options.
- Tips: Gets crowded, so arrive early to grab a table.
- Food: Great coffee and a selection of pastries.
- Ambiance: Dark but eclectic.
- Tips: Plugins are along the walls; the bathroom isn’t the best.
- Food: Good food and a unique atmosphere.
- Ambiance: Italian-style with cozy vibes.
- Tips: No great outlets; get here early to secure a booth.
- Food: Delicious croissants.
- Ambiance: Cute and bustling.
- Tips: Can get crowded; good for people-watching.
- Food: Tasty food options.
- Ambiance: Super cute and bigger than expected.
- Tips: Parking is good; score the ‘private’ table with plugins if you’re early.
- Food: Great employees and tasty food.
- Ambiance: Sleek, modern coffee shop with plenty of seating options.
- Tips: Park on 29th Street.
- Food: Good pastries and cafe kitchen.
- Ambiance: Perfect for late-night work.
- Tips: Limited outlets; bring a jacket as it gets cold at night.
- Food: Decent pub food and good vibes.
La Mesa
- Ambiance: Relatively small but great for setting up.
- Tips: Popular spot with limited indoor seating; plan accordingly.
- Food: Delicious food, a favorite for locals.
- Ambiance: Cute setup inside and wasn’t too crowded.
- Tips: 2-hour parking lot in front.
- Food: Good tea options.
- Ambiance: Comfortable middle table with a long strip for plugins.
- Tips: Can get loud with casual meetings.
- Food: Good croissants and cheese danishes.
- Ambiance: Country barn style with a live bird.
- Tips: Not too crowded at all.
- Food: Good bagels and food.
Old Town and Point Loma
- Ambiance: Adorable outdoor space.
- Tips: Limited plugins and large tables; work on an ironing board!
- Food: Try the babka; the staff is super nice and will remember you.
- Ambiance: Nice open space; sports bar vibe.
- Tips: Quiet during the day; limited parking.
- Food: Cheap and good for a work session.
Jennings House Eatery (Point Loma)
- Ambiance: Cozy with outdoor seating.
- Tips: Time limits on seating; limited plugins inside.
- Food: Full menu available.
- Ambiance: Small and cute.
- Tips: Plugins available; locals frequent the spot.
- Food: Lots of food options.
Clairemont
- Ambiance: Limited space with small tables.
- Tips: Plugins near the tables; try the NitroColdBrew.
- Food: Order the code red and pistachio bun.
Mission Valley and Mission Bay
s3 Coffee Bar (Mission Valley)
- Ambiance: Cute but can get loud.
- Tips: Limited or no plugins.
- Food: Good acai bowl.
- Ambiance: Outdoors with a beautiful location.
- Tips: Limited plugs are great for meetings but not long-focused work.
- Food: Try the vanilla biscuit latte with almond milk and avocado toast with scrambled eggs.
SDSU Area
- Ambiance: Cozy vibe with large tables.
- Tips: Can get busy with SDSU students.
- Food: Large tables with plugs.
- Ambiance: Small but not too busy.
- Tips: Good parking lot; good selection of tea/coffee/vegan food.
- Food: Try the cosmic daytripper and the babka.
Hillcrest
- Ambiance: Headquarters with nice seating.
- Tips: Limited outlets; park in the residential neighborhood.
- Food: Pistachio croissant and peppermint tea.
Liberty Station
- Ambiance: Super busy with not much space.
- Tips: Get there early; nice bar space with alcohol.
- Food: Right next to a ton of food options.
Convoy
- Ambiance: Very spacious.
- Tips: Parking lot right outside.
- Food: Standard Starbucks fare.
Insider Tips
- Conduct: If you plan to work for 2+ hours, tip more or buy a meal to support the business.
- Timing: Arrive early to secure a good spot, especially at popular locations.
- Parking: Many spots have limited or tricky parking; plan accordingly.
- Food: Try out the local specialties and treat yourself to something delicious to keep the energy up!
Explore these fantastic spots and discover your perfect work environment. Happy working!