Sunny San Diego renowned for its perfectly pleasant year round climate is situated on the Pacific Ocean, just about as south as you can get on the West Coast before reaching Mexico.
Actually the area used to belong to Mexico, but even before that it was claimed for Spain in 1542 by explorer Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo (and prior to European arrival the Kumeyaay people). Currently 30% of the population is Hispanic, so you can bet on excellent ethnic cuisine and culture to experience due to its past and present heritage.
Dubbed ‘America’s Finest City,’ this sprawling metropolis is equipped with many hilly trails and miles of picturesque coastline to make you completely forget you’re in an urban locale.
Being a major city, the eighth largest in the US, there are endless things to see, do, and eat in San Diego. Don’t let that overwhelm you – here are some of the best places in the city to get you started:
Balboa Park is truly the heart of the city, filled with unique world class museums, eclectic gardens, a zoo, and concerts which are enough to fill a day – or entire trip!
+Spreckels Organ Pavilion holds the record of being the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, fun and free concerts are held weekly year round.
+San Diego Museum of Art is the premiere fine arts venue in the city housing a large collection of Spanish works.
+International Cottages are only open on the weekends, so if you plan your visit right you could end up sipping tea in the House of England, or nibbling on a dumpling at the House of China, and learning a whole lot about the world.
+Botanical Building is a small shady slice of heaven in a big park.
Hiking trails are prevalent within the city boundaries due to the nature of the land, there are around 200 canyons and hills most of which are undeveloped.
+Mission Trails Regional Park is nearly 6,000 acres with a rugged five peak challenge including Cowles Mountain, the highest point in the city.
+Cabrillo National Monument has it all, the sublime coastal views, excellent hiking trails, and interesting historical context.
+Sunset Cliffs are as suggested in the name, most magnificent at sunset which is unparalleled.
+Mt. Woodson aka Potato Chip Rock is one of the most popular summits around due to its thin crisp photo-op at the top.
+Annie’s Canyon Trail is a hidden gem, a genuine slot canyon without having to trek all the way out to the desert.
+El Cajon Mountain is touted as one of the most difficult day hikes in the region climbing 3,500+ feet over eleven miles.
+Torrey Pines State Reserve is the best combination of beach and hike on one of Southern California’s most wild sections of coastline.
Beaches in San Diego are distinctly beautiful to behold, but even in August the water temperature only hovers around 68 degrees! Most simply lay on the sand, the hardy can splash around, many surf with wetsuits, and others come to walk and tide pool – so here are some of the beaches with the best scenery in San Diego County.
+Point Loma Beach is the perfect place to go when the moon is full and the tide is low to investigate sea life in the tide pools.
+La Jolla Beach is a place to lie on the sand, oogle at the mansions, and find treasures at low tide.
+Centennial Park in Coronado has a sandy stretch with the best skyline view in the city.
+Mushroom Beach an off the beaten path spot that has strangely shaped formations along the coast.
+Coronado South Beach has a surprise hidden in plain sight, a shipwreck
+Hospital Reef boasts a rocky shore filled with peculiarly photogenic potholes.
+Blacks Beach is a bit of a hike, quite remote, with no facilities, and in some areas nudist.
Food culture in SD is a mix of fresh seafood, locally grown California produce, and Mexican. Specifically fish tacos (the best of both worlds!) & burritos – either California style whose secret ingredient is French fries or breakfast burritos filled with eggs and veggies.
+Mariscos German Beyer is a food truck with standing room only, limited English is spoken, and the best fish tacos are served.
+Taco Surf is laden with surf boards and loved for its build your own breakfast burritos.
+Supernatural Sandwiches is a low key space serving up freshly grilled sammies stuffed with succulent seafood.
+Farmers Markets are an epic affair in San Diego with the juiciest oranges and Anthony Bourdain’s favorite place to eat uni.
Try Hillcrest Farmers Market on Saturdays and Little Italy Mercato Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
+Kombucha is king in San Diego, just try and find a city with more craft brews I dare you. If you prefer less sugar in your drink bee line to Bootstrap Kombucha, if you want an instagram worthy atmosphere head to the TapShack.
Daytrips for longer stays in the city are an exciting and variable way to spice up your trip.
+La Jolla is a ritzy city within San Diego County with its own set of attractions.
+Julian, CA is just over an hour away, but at its higher elevation you may find snow in the winter, and certainly you will find some of the best apple pie on earth.
+Desert destinations within a two hour range include Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Palm Springs.
+Los Angeles is another major city just two hours north, depending on traffic.
+Mexico is a quick and easy way to make your adventure an international one.