San Diego is a sunny city between Los Angeles and Mexico, famous for its beaches, culture, and delicious vegan food. In this episode of The World Vegan Travel Podcast, I talk with Danny O’Malley, the founder and CEO of Before the Butcher. Danny shares his story of building a plant-based meat company and gives us insider tips on why San Diego is such a wonderful destination for vegan travelers.
Meet Danny O’Malley
Danny (he/him) is a pioneer in plant-based food. After working at Beyond Meat, he launched Before the Butcher in 2017 to create a diverse lineup of plant-based proteins that look, cook, and taste like traditional meats. Today, the company’s products—like burgers, sausages, pepperoni, and chicken—are found in restaurants, grocery stores, and even Whole Foods.
Danny has been featured in The New York Times, TODAY, Forbes, and CNN Business, and he continues to lead the way in plant-forward lifestyles through innovation and storytelling.
Vegan Food You’ll Love
San Diego is one of the top vegan-friendly cities in the United States. Danny shared some of his favorite places to eat:
- The Plot – a farm-to-table vegan restaurant in Oceanside that grows its own vegetables and herbs.
- Breakfast Republic – a local chain with creative vegan breakfast options like the “Jammin’ Bennie,” featuring plant-based sausage, vegan eggs, and jalapeño blackberry jam.
- North Park Beer Company – home to the “Meat Haters Pizza,” loaded with plant-based meats, paired with San Diego’s famous craft beer.
Adventures by the Ocean
San Diego is a dream destination if you love the outdoors. You can:
- Swim with leopard sharks in La Jolla Cove (a safe and seasonal activity that’s both exciting and eco-friendly).
- Kayak through the Seven Sea Caves, a fun way to explore the coastline.
- Hike in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for ocean views and unique landscapes.
From the mountains to the ocean, San Diego is a place where you can experience it all.
Places to Stay
Danny also recommends some fantastic hotels:
- Hotel del Coronado – a historic and iconic beachside hotel.
- Gaylord Pacific Resort – family-friendly with lots of amenities.
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines – a boutique hotel overlooking the ocean and nature reserve.
Final Thoughts
San Diego brings together sunshine, beaches, plant-based food, and outdoor fun. Thanks to innovators like Danny O’Malley and Before the Butcher, the city is also shaping the future of vegan dining. Whether you’re here for the food, the culture, or the ocean, San Diego is a must-visit spot for vegan travelers.
Resources & Links
- Before the Butcher
- The Plot
- North Park Beer Company
- Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
- Hotel del Coronado
- Gaylord Pacific Resort
- The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Learn More About What is Discussed on the Podcast
- 🌱 How Danny O’Malley started Before the Butcher and makes plant-based meats.
- 🥗 The best vegan restaurants in San Diego like The Plot and North Park Beer Company.
- 🌊 Fun adventures by the ocean including swimming with leopard sharks, kayaking the Seven Sea Caves, and hiking at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.
- 🏨 Where to stay in San Diego, from Hotel del Coronado to The Lodge at Torrey Pines.
- 🌞 Why San Diego’s sunny climate and mix of cultures make it a perfect vegan travel destination.
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