Thursday evenings at the North County coast shift gears in a way downtown San Diego can't replicate. At Pier View Way, a block from the Pacific, local vendors fill the street with handmade goods, fresh produce, street food, and live music while the sun drops into the ocean behind the pier. Free admission. Runs 4pm to 9pm every Thursday through summer. The ocean is right there when you need a break from browsing. This is the quieter alternative to SD's downtown markets — same quality, no parking garage, pier view included.