National Oyster Day is Tuesday, August 5th

The Duck Dive Oysters (courtesy photo)

Get ready to raise a shell—National Oyster Day is making a splash on August 5th, and San Diego’s seafood scene is ready to shuck things up. Whether you like them raw, grilled, or dressed to impress, these standout spots are serving up oysters with serious personality—from Cajun flair to Argentine elegance and classic beachside vibes.

Surf’s up and oysters are in at The Duck Dive, a laid-back, surf-inspired bar just steps from the beach. Go big with their indulgent Oysters Rockefeller, broiled to perfection and topped with succulent shrimp, fresh spinach, spicy chipotle, pepper jack cheese, and golden breadcrumbs. Or opt for the classic Oysters on the Halfshell, served with jalapeno citrus mignonette and cocktail sauce. Grab a cocktail, kick back under the California sun, and dive in.

Just blocks from the beach of La Jolla Shores, Sandpiper Wood Fired Grill & Oysters offers an chic beachside vibe with a menu that leans into the bold, smoky flavors of wood-fired cooking. Their freshly shucked Oysters on the Half Shell are served ice-cold with tangy mignonette, bullwhip hot sauce, and a refreshing squeeze of lemon—best enjoyed with a crisp white or bubbly from their curated wine list. The oysters are always on happy hour seven days a week from 4:00 – 5:30 p.m.

Argentina meets the Pacific at Little Italy’s newest culinary gem. Piedra Santa specializes in open-fire grilling and refined coastal flavors, and their Fresh Oysters are no exception. Try them raw with Champagne mignonette, atomic horseradish, and creamy mustard, a bold, briny bite with just the right kick. Pair it with a smoky Malbec or mezcal cocktail, and you’ve got yourself a luxurious tango of flavor.

Soulful, spicy, and steeped in Southern swagger, Louisiana Purchase channels the spirit of New Orleans right into the heart of San Diego. Their Acme Chargrilled Oysters are pure magic—plump Gulf oysters kissed by open flame, swimming in garlic-lemon butter, and crowned with bubbling Parmesan. It’s Bourbon Street decadence with a California twist, and trust us—you won’t want to share a single shell.

Whether you’re a half-shell purist, a grill-and-butter devotee, or somewhere in between, San Diego’s oyster game is strong this National Oyster Day. Gather your seafood-loving crew and get ready to slurp like a local — because this city knows how to shell-ebrate.

Courtesy of Alternative Strategies