Things to Do in San Diego

San Diego, nicknamed “America’s Finest City” is a SoCal metropolis offering more than just good year-round weather. This place boasts of pristine beaches, vibrant art scenes, diverse cultures, and notably the rich military history. The country has distinct charm with some of the best spots for surfing hiking and biking found here. With that in mind, here’s a list of things to do in San Diego that will definitely get you excited.

1. Balboa Park

How can you claim your visit to San Diego is complete without visiting this 1,200-acre urban park? This park boasts of a world-class zoo, live shows, museums located in Spanish Revival buildings, and some restful cultivated areas. There’s more than 350 plant species planted in the park’s tapestry of gardens and were all selected by botanist Kate Sessions, popularly regarded as the “Mother of Balboa Park”. Don’t forget to visit one of the largest buildings on earth, the Botanical House. This building has up to 2,100 individual plants as well as being fronted by a pond which displays lilies and lotuses annually.

2. SUP

When it comes to this watersport, San Diego is a SUP mecca. Popular for its diverse coastline and warm weather all year-round, this Southern California city should definitely appear in your stand up paddle board bucket list. The consistent waves and plenty of flatwaters are favorable for SUP surfing and SUP Yoga as well. Some of the best SUP spots include the shores of Colorado Island, Mission Bay, La Jolla Cove, Del Mar’s Dog Beach, Tideland’s Park and many more. All in all, whether you’re a visitor or a local, San Diego is the perfect place for stand up paddle boarding.

3. Little Italy

If it’s your dream to visit Italy but you haven’t realized it yet, don’t fret. This is because you can visit San Diego’s little Italy anytime as you plan for your maiden trip. Here you’ll get charming Italian bakeries, wine bars, boutique shopping, and restaurants. The main avenue along India Street has some favorite Italian spots such as Barbusa, Civico 1845, and Buon Appetito. You can also get the opportunity to shop around in the every Saturday’s popular farmers market.

4. Colorado

Visiting the city of Colorado should definitely be at the top of your agenda. This island is a stronghold of hotels, beach-front restaurants, and popular resorts. Also, you can board a very to make a short, 2-mile journey to arguably San Diego’s most popular structure, Colorado Bridge. This aside, the main business district along the Orange Avenue has a variety of shops, restaurants, and other family-friendly hangouts such as MooTime Creamery and of course Hotel Del Colorado.

5. San Diego Zoo

This 1,800-acre zoo safari park is one of San Diego County’s largest tourist attractions because it’s annually visited by at least 2 million people. This park houses both wild and endangered animal species from different continents including Africa, Australia, Asia, Europe, and the 2 American continents. The most notable feature is the African Tram boasting of expansive African exhibits. You’ll get to see cranes, buffalo, giraffes, rhinoceros, and antelopes. Don’t forget to check out the world’s largest and biggest Veterinary hospital and the Institute for Conservation Research’, which keeps the park’s Frozen Zoo.

6. USS Midway Museum

It’s definitely an honor to take a walk through the world’s largest-serving aircraft carrier which has been permanently moored at the Embarcadero since 2004. Known as USS Midway, this aircraft carrier was commissioned in 1945 and has previously served in the Operation Desert Storm as well as the Vietnam War. You’ll get to see the brig, pilots’ ready rooms, crew’s sleeping quarters, as well as the engine. Now it doesn’t get any better, does it?

7. Point Loma

Located in San Diego Bay’s west side, this long rocky peninsula has a thrilling history and view that you won’t forget anytime soon. In 1542, the first European expedition in the currently West Coast of America used this place as their landing point. The peninsula’s setting was perfect for protecting the harbor’s west flank, giving this place a military presence dating back to the nineteenth century. 
Also available is the Rosecrans National Cemetery which is on a 77.5-acre ground belonging to former coastal artillery station. That being said, this place has 100,000+ graves and solemn memorials such as USS Bennington Monument. To make it better, you can catch a glimpse of whale watching expeditions in the marina and set up a fishing camp in Osprey Point.

8. La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is an upscale oceanfront community that is surrounded by water on its three sides. With just a 20-minute drive from San Diego’s downtown, you’ll get to enjoy the popular golf courses, beaches, Torrey Pines, and its State Reserve. Take a walk down the Prospect Street and check out the iconic shops such as the Warwick’s – the oldest family-run bookstore in the nation. Alternatively, you can choose to dine at some of the high-end restaurants at the Cove such as seafood-centric George’s. In fact, this’s San Diego’s most photographed place.

9. Petco Park

In San Diego’s downtown lies the state-of-the-art Petco Park which opened in 2004. It’s lauded as one of the best stadiums of Major League Basketball. You’ll get incredible San Diego skyline’s panorama in the stands as well as vista of the San Diego Bay. 
As you approach this venue, you’ll immediately be hit by the real feeling of ceremony as you pass through the water walls and the palm court. This park also has a kids’ entertainment section to keep them engaged as they get to know Padre’s history as well as the Hall of Fame filled with great players.

10. Extraordinary Desserts

This is the perfect point to wrap up a successful celebratory meal or date night. Desserts found here are of all shapes and sizes ranging from petit fours to expertly topped cakes and even different types of pastry such as coconut cocadas and Linzer Danishes. For those who can’t handle too much sugar, the menu also has a dedicated section for smaller-size desserts and cookies, ice creams, and cupcakes. The cakes are so attractive that you may hesitate for a minute to cut into your perfect slice.

Conclusion

In short, San Diego’s coastal seat definitely makes this place ideal for sun seekers and adventurers. Whether you’re surfing through the Colorado Beaches or hiking along Torrey Pines State’s cliffs, there’re certainly a thousand reasons why you should visit this city’s natural wonders again. All in all, never forget to be part of San Diego’s history lesson after your exploration.