Every year, San Diego shows off its best: the tacos we dream about, the studios that keep us glowing, the shops we can’t stop talking about, the services that save our sanity. The truth is: YOU make this city shine.
This toolkit gives you everything you need to rally your community, boost visibility, and set yourself up for a big win during nominations and voting.
Grab what you need and easily share it.
Key Dates
Nomination Round: January 5 – February 1, 2026
Final Voting Round: February 23 – March 22, 2026
The top-nominated businesses move on to the final ballot.
Where Winners Are Featured
Best Restaurants Issue — June 2026: Lists winners from the Best Restaurants category.
Best of San Diego Issue — August 2026: Featuring winners across: Food + Drink • Weddings • Beauty + Cosmetic • Health + Wellness • Fitness • Home + Garden • Kids • People • Pets • Professional Services • Travel + Entertainment • Shopping + Retail
Best of San Diego Party — August 7, 2026: All winners are invited to showcase their business and celebrate with thousands of readers at our city’s biggest lifestyle party of the year.
Step 1: Pre-Register Your Business (Starting in December)
Think of this as adding your name to the guest list before the party starts.
Pre-registration helps your business:
Auto-populate in the ballot search
Avoid misspellings,duplicates and missed votes
Make it easier for your fans to find you
Start strong the moment nominations open
And yes, it’s free.
How to Register:
Visit BOSDVote.SDMag.com
On desktop: click Promote in the top right
On mobile: tap the white AD icon
Verify your email to complete the process (Be sure to check your junk folder)
Need a walkthrough? → Full instructions here
Step 2: Promote Nominations (Jan 5 – Feb 1)
This is your “call the fan club” moment. Use our branded graphics and Canva templates to encourage followers, clients, customers, and community members to nominate you.
The more nominations you collect, the better your shot at the final ballot.
Step 3: Drive Votes (Feb 23 – Mar 22)
Once the ballot goes live, return to BOSDVote.SDMag.com to generate your direct voting link. Then share it everywhere; email, social, signage, your website, your front counter… your forehead… if that’s your vibe.
Ballot Advertising Opportunities
Want more eyeballs while the city is voting? Our high-impact ballot ads put your business front and center where the action is happening.
Reach out to your account manager or email [email protected].
Category spots go fast!
Marketing Assets
Nomination Round
Branded “Nominate Us” Graphics
Ready-to-use graphics for email, social media, websites, and print.
Click the graphic or click here to access → Google Drive folder
Customizable “Nominate Us” Graphics (Canva)
Make them your own. Add photos, your logo, category, and personality.
Instagram Story Template →Click here
Instagram Post Template →Click here
Voting Round Assets
Branded “Vote for Us” Graphics
Pre-sized assets for social, email, signage, and more.
Click the graphic or click here to access → Google Drive folder
Customizable “Vote for Us” Graphics (Canva)
Make them your own. Add photos, your logo, category, and personality. Perfect for spotlighting your business during the final round.
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Instagram Story Template →Click here
Instagram Post Template →Click here