How to Hack San Diego

On this episode of the California Now Podcast, host Soterios Johnson heads to the southwest corner of the state to conduct a deep dive with three San Diego County experts.

To start things off, Johnson chats with beer aficionado, journalist, and podcaster Beth Demmon. From hoppy, West Coast IPAs to rich stouts, Demmon explains why San Diego is known nationwide as the Capital of Craft. She also shares insights on favorite watering holes in Barrio Logan, National City, Oceanside, and beyond, with a few bonus tips on window shopping and ice cream parlors.

Johnson next speaks with Tyler Carter, Vice President of Operations for Sesame Place San Diego, a new family-friendly theme park in Chula Vista. Carter discusses the many experiences on offer, including water slides, roller coasters, and parades featuring Elmo and the gang. Sesame Place is also proud to be the only Certified Autism Center theme park in the area, Carter points out.

Lastly, our host connects with Jessica Johnson, the creator of Hidden San Diego, a website showcasing under-the-radar spots around the county. Johnson discusses where to find everything from unique green spaces in Escondido to a UFO repair shop in the high desert. Johnson also shares some amazing speakeasies to visit for one-of-a-kind cocktails.

GUESTS

Beth Demmon, writer, journalist, and beer expert

Tyler Carter, Vice President of Operations for Sesame Place San Diego

Jessica Johnson, creator of Hidden San Diego

RESOURCES

Beth Demmon is a writer and podcaster, as well as the creator of the Prohibitchin’

newsletter, which specializes in covering the culture of craft beer in San Diego.

Prohibitchin’

San Diego

North Park Beer Company

Mclhenney Brewing Co.

Burgeon Beer Company

Pizza Port Society

Eppig Brewing

Puesto

Coronado Brewing Co.

Barrio Logan

Mujeres Brew House

¡SALUD TACOS!

Border X Brewing

Market on 8th

Novo Brazil Brewing Co.

Machete Beer House

Chula Vista Brewery

3 Punk Ales Brewing Co.

Vogue Tavern

Oceanside

Bagby Beer Company

Craft Coast

Northern Pine Brewing

Kairoa Brewing Company

Madison on Park

Lancers

The Rabbit Hole

Sycamore Den

Blind Lady Ale House

Cantina Mayahuel

Stella Jean’s

An’s Dry Cleaning

AleSmith Brewing Company

The Lost Abbey

Deft Brewing

Pure Project

Tyler Carter is the Vice President of Operations for Sesame Place San Diego, a new family-focused theme park in Chula Vista.

Sesame Place San Diego

Chula Vista

Sesame Place San Diego – Certified Autism Center

SeaWorld San Diego

Jessica Johnson is the creator behind Hidden San Diego, a hub for all hidden, haunted, and adventure-worthy spots in San Diego.

Hidden San Diego

Escondido

Queen Califia's Magical Circle

Kit Carson Park

Felicita County Park

Jacumba

Desert View Tower

Boulder Park

In-Ko-Pah County Park

Coyote’s Flying Saucer Retrievals & Repairs

La Jolla

Raised by Wolves

UTC Mall

Convoy District

The Realm of 52 Remedies

Common Theory

ABOUT THE HOST

Soterios Johnson, formerly the local host of National Public Radio’s Morning Edition on radio station WNYC, moved from New York City to Davis in 2016. By combining his journalistic instincts with his personal curiosity, Johnson uses the California Now Podcast platform to develop a deeper understanding of his adopted home.