August has arrived, which marks the nearing end of summer break. Before it slips way, make the most of these final days with your family in the lively neighborhood of Little Italy. Packed with a variety of places to visit, eateries to try and sights to see, Little Italy offers the perfect setting for one last celebration before school begins.

Sweet treats
Who doesn’t love a good scoop of gelato to cap off summer break? A beloved staple in Little Italy, Bobboi’s Gelato combines traditional and innovative flavors inspired by California, while staying true to Italy’s classic gelato techniques for over a decade. Made with fresh, high-quality ingredients, their gelato is packed with fruits, nuts, vanilla and other tasty ingredients that keep customers coming back for more.

Looking for a bite that you can’t find anywhere else? Salt + Straw has some incredible ice cream flavor combinations that people can’t stop raving about. Try a cup or a cone of their Cinnamon Snickerdoodle, Arbequina Olive Oil, Strawberry Honey Balsamic with Black Pepper, or Panther Coffee Chocolate Tres Leches to join the Salt + Straw craze!

Enjoy the traditional and bold flavors of Italian gelato with a scoop from Café Zucchero in Nonna. The classic flavors you know and love are on full display, all made fresh in-house. If you’re feeling extra sweet, explore their wide range of delicious, Italian-style pastries, cakes, and desserts. There’s something for everyone!

At Holy Paleta, you can indulge in an assortment of vegan and dairy-free paleta (ice-pop) flavors. Inspired by the traditional frozen treats of Michoacan, Mexico, their handcrafted paletas are made from premium, all-natural ingredients and topped with delectable toppings, offering a unique and aesthetically pleasing treat. With flavors like Marias con Cajeta, Golden Pop, Hibiscus Power and Coffee with Donuts, there’s truly something for everyone.

Get zoomies out at the dog park

For those who have furry friends, they deserve to enjoy the final days of summer too! Head down to the Little Italy Dog Park where you’ll find plenty of dogs roaming free in the safe and enclosed space. Perfect for your four-legged companions, the dog park features K9Grass by ForeverLawn, the Batta | Fulkerson Small Dog Park, the TrustedHousesitters Shade Structure, and a water fountain for thirsty pups.

Learn about the history of Little Italy
Summer is also a great time to take your kids to explore the rich history that lies within the Little Italy neighborhood. Among the many iconic landmarks of Little Italy, the Amici House stands as a testament to the neighborhood’s enduring heritage and culture. Originally a home to prominent community members in the 1910s, Antonio Giacalone and his wife Josephine, the Amici House underwent a transformation into a residential rental property while retaining its essence as a cornerstone of the community.

Today, the Amici House serves as the home to Convivio, a nonprofit organization that promotes Italian arts, culture and heritage in San Diego. Within its walls, the Amici House safeguards the digital and physical archives of the local Italian community, preserving its history through a rich tapestry of photographs, documents and oral narratives.

Built over 100 years ago, Old Fire Station 6 in Little Italy now is home to the San Diego Firehouse Museum. The museum showcases firefighting equipment and memorabilia dating back to the late 1800s including La Jolla’s very first fire engine, a horse-drawn steamer and a piece of steel from the World Trade Center. The museum is open Thursdays and Fridays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Saturday and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for children and seniors is $2, while adult tickets are $3.

Dine out with the family
Though Little Italy is known for its bustling nightlife, it embraces families with open arms, offering an abundance of wholesome experiences. Family-friendly eateries such as Filippi’s Pizza Grotto, The Crack Shack, Mr. Moto Pizza, Davanti Enoteca, and Shake Shack abound, serving up delicious favorites and ensuring smiles for every palate. After your meal, head to Waterfront Park, where fun times await as the little ones get to have a blast at the playground while adults savor panoramic views of San Diego’s iconic bay.

Bid farewell to the summer and welcome the new school year basking in the charming neighborhood of Little Italy!