Nestled proper on the West Coast, San Diego is one epic place to go to in California. With attractive seashores, historic districts and sufficient foodie spots to fill any tummy, it’s the sort of metropolis that’s excellent for a protracted weekend journey. Actually, there’s so many epic and finest issues to do in San Diego that I’d recommend an excellent longer one.
Sure, San Diego has a tremendous historical past to discover, but it surely’s additionally basked in oodles of sunshine! Belief me, coming from a Brit, that’s an enormous deal! 😉
Not solely that, it’s the sort of metropolis that’s various sufficient to please everybody. What I imply by that’s that there’s slightly little bit of one thing to swimsuit all tastes. From watersports to world-class museums – you title it, San Diego’s received it!
So, to make your journey slightly simpler, I wished to jot down a couple of gems that I completely love. This fashion, you’ll be able to concentrate on having fun with 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 slightly 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 beginning to the entire of California!
With completely attractive views over San Diego and the Pacific Ocean make this place well-liked to go to, particularly round sundown when the orange hues takeover. It’s so picturesque and nicely value a gander.
In the event you fancy one thing slightly extra energetic, head on one of many climbing trails that criss-cross the realm. 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’ll be able to study Cabrillo’s “Voyage of Discovery”. It’s actually fascinating.
After all, don’t overlook to go to the close by is the Outdated Level Loma Lighthouse, which you’ll tour when you’d like.
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2.) Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá
There are 21 missions at present unfold over the California Coast, however Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was California’s first-ever mission.
Approach again when, San Diego’s early historical past was marred with disputes between the Native Indians and the incoming colonial Spanish troops. You’ll be able to be taught all about these disputes and the broader Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala which is so unimaginable to see.
In the present day, visiting this Nationwide Historic Landmark is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San Diego when you love historical past. As soon as right here, you’ll be able to be a 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 a part of the Oak Canyon Waterfall.
It’s such an oasis, you wouldn’t even assume you had been nonetheless within the metropolis. Although, bear in mind, that is usually a seasonal path and one you must put together for.
Learn extra: Finest locations on the west coast USA to go to
3.) Balboa Park
With a heap of Spanish Revival buildings and over 350 species of hand-selected vegetation; Balboa Park is without doubt one of the finest issues to do in San Diego the place you’ll be able to really 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 possibly can spend days in every of those alone!
Afterwards, stroll via the various gardens of Balboa Park and discover the gorgeous trails that line the park itself.
Alongside the best way, you’ll seemingly come throughout the long-lasting Botanical Home, too. It’s residence to over 2,000 vegetation inside!
Lastly, don’t overlook to go to the gorgeous Japanese Friendship Backyard. They’ve essentially the most unimaginable koi and enviable bonsai that I actually wished to take residence! They’re wonderful.
Learn extra: Finest 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’ll be able to’t miss.
Right here, you’ll be able to 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 group throughout the 1800s. That is what you’ll get to expertise; nicely, slightly bit a minimum of.
These days, it’s additionally full of sunny patios, foodie spots, artwork studios, and quaint craft stalls throughout the Outdated City.
You’ll be able to even get pleasure from Mariachi music and take a look at a blacksmith store as you stroll alongside.
Learn extra: Finest seashores in California
5.) USS Halfway Museum
Completely stationed at San Diego’s Embarcadero, the USS Halfway Plane Service 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 biggest museum that includes naval aviation historical past.
As soon as right here, you’ll have the ability to comply with a self-guided audio tour is on the market, and take heed to snippets of actual experiences as instructed by the individuals who served the USS Halfway.
Not solely that, however there are additionally numerous hands-on alternatives; from testing simulators to wandering via the galley, engine room, sleeping quarters, and brig.
Although, when you’re not concerned about 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 all the time an excellent thought to go to when in San Diego.
Stuffed with typical Italian pastry outlets and eating places abound Little Italy, and you may spend all day purchasing 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 need to gorge inside.
On Saturdays, you’ll be able to stroll via the farmers market and choose 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 dwelling testomony to the highly effective power of the ocean. It sounds tacky however I all the time get a way of awe when seeing how the ocean shapes the rugged coast. La Jolla Cove isn’t any exception.
Inside an enormous ecological reserve, La Jolla Cove is residence to a wide range of wildlife together with a great deal of seals.
As soon as right here, you’ll be able to head out boating or kayaking if that takes your fancy. Alternatively, rent a motorcycle and comply with the paths across the cove which can be simply so attractive.
For a path, head over on the Salk Institute Seashore path and discover the broader space round Black’s Seashore, too. You’ll additionally discover some epic views from the Gilderport Path close to Torrey Pines – it’s gorgeous.
After a couple of hours on the seashore, stroll on previous Seal Rock and go to the, close by, Museum of Up to date Artwork. It homes hundreds of displays and is an artwork lovers’ dream spot!
Learn extra: Finest locations to go to on a Californian street journey
8.) Mission Seashore
Mission Seashore is the picture-perfect neighbourhood of a super San Diego city.
Whereas the sun-kissed seashore is commonly what attracts within the crowd to Mission Seashore, there are various epic issues so that you can see and revel in.
You’ll be able to have a lazy day sunbathing or sightseeing, or you’ll be able to select a extra lively 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: Finest 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 value 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 realm and see which of them take your fancy. Simply bear in mind to take it gradual, you’re going to get tipsy!
10.) San Diego Harbor Cruise
For a very pretty 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 town and on a heat day, you’ll be able to even see some seals and sea lions sunbathing alongside the shore.
Although, my favorite is the whale and dolphin watching excursions they run (usually at Pier 2).
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11.) Sundown Cliffs
True to its title, Sundown Cliffs is a magical sight at nightfall. Although, saying that, it’s completely attractive at any time of the day – particularly when the ocean is good and calm.
The neighbourhood is completely nice however what makes it actually particular is its shoreline; particularly at sundown.
Adjoining to the Sundown Cliffs Pure Park, it’s probably the greatest issues to do in San Diego for chillout whereas watching the sundown.
If that’s your factor, head to Sunset Cliffs Cave. It’s completely gorgeous on a transparent day – you gained’t wanna miss it!
Learn extra: Finest locations in California to go to
14 Very Finest Locations In California To Go to
