Nestled proper on the West Coast, San Diego is one epic place to go to in California. With beautiful seashores, historic districts and sufficient foodie spots to fill any tummy, it’s the type of metropolis that’s good for an extended weekend journey. In reality, there’s so many epic and finest issues to do in San Diego that I’d recommend a good longer one.
Sure, San Diego has an incredible historical past to discover, however it’s additionally basked in oodles of sunshine! Belief me, coming from a Brit, that’s a giant deal! 😉
Not solely that, it’s the type of metropolis that’s numerous sufficient to please everybody. What I imply by that’s that there’s just a little little bit of one thing to go well with all tastes. From watersports to world-class museums – you identify it, San Diego’s received it!
So, to make your journey just a little simpler, I wished to jot down a number of gems that I completely love. This fashion, you may concentrate on having fun with the town and never getting slowed down with any tedious planning.
Have a look, beneath, at the most effective issues to do in San Diego. Have an epic time in California.
1.) Level Loma
So, let’s begin with just a little historical past, Level Loma was the very spot the place Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo first landed in 1542. Though nearly 500 years in the past, it was this very touchdown and subsequent settlement that gave delivery to the entire of California!
With completely beautiful views over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean make this place common to go to, particularly round sundown when the orange hues takeover. It’s so picturesque and nicely price a gander.
If you happen to fancy one thing just a little extra energetic, head on one of many mountain climbing trails that criss-cross the world. The tip of the peninsular at Cabrillo Nationwide Monument is ideal for this; with the Bayside or Level Loma Tidepool trails being the highest ones to affix.
Additionally, as soon as on the Cabrillo Nationwide Monument, you may study Cabrillo’s “Voyage of Discovery”. It’s actually fascinating.
In fact, don’t overlook to go to the close by is the Outdated Level Loma Lighthouse, which you’ll tour if you happen to’d like.
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2.) Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
There are 21 missions at the moment unfold over the California Coast, however Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was California’s first-ever mission.
Method again when, San Diego’s early historical past was marred with disputes between the Native Indians and the incoming colonial Spanish troops. You possibly can be taught all about these disputes and the broader Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala which is so unbelievable to see.
Right this moment, visiting this Nationwide Historic Landmark is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San Diego if you happen to love historical past. As soon as right here, you may be part of a guided tour across the mission, stroll via the gardens and go to the historic church.
Afterwards, take a drive over to Mission Trails Regional Park and be part of the Oak Canyon Waterfall.
It’s such an oasis, you wouldn’t even assume you have been nonetheless within the metropolis. Although, keep in mind, that is sometimes a seasonal path and one you must put together for.
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3.) Balboa Park
With a heap of Spanish Revival buildings and over 350 species of hand-chosen crops; Balboa Park is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San Diego the place you may truly spend days exploring!
Right here, you’ll discover every thing from the Museum of Pure Historical past, the Museum of Man, and the San Diego Museum of Artwork which can be all too good to overlook.
Truthfully, you could possibly spend days in every of those alone!
Afterwards, stroll via the various gardens of Balboa Park and discover the beautiful trails that line the park itself.
Alongside the best way, you’ll possible come throughout the enduring Botanical Home, too. It’s residence to over 2,000 crops inside!
Lastly, don’t overlook to go to the beautiful Japanese Friendship Backyard. They’ve essentially the most unbelievable koi and enviable bonsai that I actually wished to take residence! They’re wonderful.
Learn extra: Best nationwide parks in California
4.) Outdated City San Diego State Historic Park
Not too removed from the airport, the Outdated City San Diego State Historic Park is a spot you may’t miss.
Right here, you may step again in time and take within the mixture of Mexican and American cultures throughout the buildings themselves. Consider Outdated San Diego as a small Mexican pueblo that slowly grew into a big neighborhood throughout the 1800s. That is what you’ll get to expertise; nicely, just a little bit at the very least.
These days, it’s additionally stuffed with sunny patios, foodie spots, artwork studios, and quaint craft stalls throughout the Outdated City.
You possibly can even take pleasure in Mariachi music and take a look at a blacksmith store as you stroll alongside.
Learn extra: Best seashores in California
5.) USS Halfway Museum
Completely stationed at San Diego’s Embarcadero, the united statesMidway Plane Provider has been remodeled into an enormous museum.
It served the Vietnam Conflict quickly after being commissioned in 1945, and now it has retired to be the most important museum that includes naval aviation historical past.
As soon as right here, you’ll be capable to observe a self-guided audio tour is on the market, and take heed to snippets of actual experiences as informed by the individuals who served the united statesMidway.
Not solely that, however there are additionally a lot of palms-on alternatives; from testing simulators to wandering via the galley, engine room, sleeping quarters, and brig.
Although, if you happen to’re not interested by navy historical past, or boats, you would possibly wanna give this a miss.
6.) Little Italy
The place do I begin? Okay, so Little Italy is at all times a terrific thought to go to when in San Diego.
Full of typical Italian pastry retailers and eating places abound Little Italy, and you may spend all day procuring and eating on this neighbourhood.
Stroll alongside India Avenue to get a style of genuine Italian recipes – Civico 1845, Buon Appetito, and Barbusa are just a few gems you’ll wish to gorge inside.
On Saturdays, you may stroll via the farmers market and decide up some natural and regional goodies.
Afterwards, take a stroll over to the close by Maritime Museum of San Diego that’s proper on the shorefront.
7.) La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove is a residing testomony to the highly effective drive of the ocean. It sounds tacky however I at all times get a way of awe when seeing how the ocean shapes the rugged coast. La Jolla Cove is not any exception.
Inside an enormous ecological reserve, La Jolla Cove is residence to quite a lot of wildlife together with a great deal of seals.
As soon as right here, you may head out boating or kayaking if that takes your fancy. Alternatively, rent a motorbike and observe the paths across the cove which can be simply so beautiful.
For a path, head over on the Salk Institute Seaside path and discover the broader space round Black’s Seaside, too. You’ll additionally discover some epic views from the Gilderport Path close to Torrey Pines – it’s beautiful.
After a number of hours on the seaside, stroll on previous Seal Rock and go to the, close by, Museum of Modern Artwork. It homes 1000’s of reveals and is an artwork lovers’ dream spot!
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8.) Mission Seaside
Mission Seaside is the image-good neighbourhood of a really perfect San Diego city.
Whereas the solar-kissed seaside is usually what attracts within the crowd to Mission Seaside, there are numerous epic issues so that you can see and revel in.
You possibly can have a lazy day sunbathing or sightseeing, or you may select a extra energetic itinerary with browsing and swimming.
Don’t overlook to take a look at Belmont Park as nicely; this retro seaside amusement park is a lot enjoyable. The wooden rollercoaster is every thing!
Learn extra: Best seashores in California
9.) Gaslamp Quarter
With a heap of artwork galleries, eating places and watering holes, the Gaslamp Quarter is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San Diego within the early night.
After darkish, neon indicators mild up and the Victorian buildings come to life with a mixture of; arts, tradition, and leisure that’s nicely price a gander when within the metropolis.
Now, there are too many particular person bars to say within the Gaslamp Quarter however take a stroll via the world and see which of them take your fancy. Simply keep in mind to take it gradual, you’ll get tipsy!
10.) San Diego Harbor Cruise
For a completely beautiful panorama of the San Diego coast and skyline, hop aboard a San Diego Harbor Cruise.
This will provide you with a brand new perspective of the town and on a heat day, you may even see some seals and sea lions sunbathing alongside the shore.
Although, my favorite is the whale and dolphin watching excursions they run (sometimes at Pier 2).
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11.) Sundown Cliffs
True to its identify, Sundown Cliffs is a magical sight at nightfall. Although, saying that, it’s completely beautiful at any time of the day – particularly when the ocean is sweet and calm.
The neighbourhood is completely nice however what makes it really particular is its shoreline; particularly at sundown.
Adjoining to the Sundown Cliffs Pure Park, it’s top-of-the-line issues to do in San Diego for chillout whereas watching the sundown.
If that’s your factor, head to Sundown Cliffs Cave. It’s completely beautiful on a transparent day – you gained’t wanna miss it!
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14 Very Best Locations In California To Go to