If you don’t know, San Diego has been my home for the past couple of years. Every so often I have people looking for recommendations or I will choose to entertain a guest.
Right now, I am stuck at home. I actually had a friend cancel a trip to San Diego due to COVID-19. This made me slightly nostalgic for the city I’ve grown to love. If anyone had any doubts, there’s a lot to do in the city. Here are my recommendations for ten places you ought to visit.
Of course, there’s a lot more worth doing in San Diego. When you visit the city, I’d recommend taking some chances and going off the beaten trail. That said, the tourist attractions still have their value. People love doing these things because they offer insight into the local culture whole providing entertainment value.
10. Liberty Station Public Market
If you’re looking for local cuisine but don’t know what style of food you’d like to eat, Liberty Station Public Market is a good place to go. Some of San Diego’s best restaurants have representation here, and it’s a great why to expose yourself to regional favorites. You’ll also find some over-the-top dishes and experimental dishes. If you head directly outside of the Public Market you’ll find shops, artwork, and Stone Brewing brewery. This area used to be a military training base, so be prepared to see the influence as you walk around.
9. Fashion Valley
To be completely transparent, this is just a shopping mall. If you’re looking to avoid crowds and shopping, this one might not be for you. That said, people from other parts of the country are going to be intrigued by the ways a Southern California mall varies from other parts of the country. The multi-level, outdoor deign makes this a suitable option, even when the weather is nice. If you need to pick something up, it’s worth checking out a mall at least once. The UTC mall is another suitable option of Fashion Valley isn’t nearby.
8. Seaport Village
If you’re looking for a day by the water, but not in the water, the Seaport Village might be your destination. Close to downtown areas and across from Coronado, you’ll find shops, food, and plenty of places to walk. Fans of seafood will have multiple restaurants catering to their tastes while shoppers will be able to pick up souvenirs. You’ll also find the famous Kissing Sailor statue due to the proximity to the USS Midway. This is the type of place where you can spend an hour of an entire afternoon, depending on what you’re looking for.
7. Coronado Beach
Coronado Island is one of the most scenic areas of San Diego. There’s plenty of restaurant and shopping, but the main feature is the large, sandy beach. You’ll find plenty of room for beach activities, including surfing and beach volleyball. You’ll also find Hotel del Coronado which is one of America’s top resorts. Even if you’re not staying at the Hotel, you can visit the gift shop and learn about its history. If you’re looking for a beach vibe, Coronado is your perfect destination.
6. Gaslamp Quarter
When people think of San Diego, beaches probably pop into their minds. This is for good reason, but don’t forget that San Diego is a major US city! If you’re looking for a downtown feel, the Gaslamp Quarter should be on your radar. This is where you’ll find some of San Diego’s best bars and restaurants, and it’s where many major events occur. The San Diego Padres play nearby at PetCo Park, and many major conventions take you to the Gaslamp Quarter. Seasonal festivities, such as Comicon, will be found in this downtown part of San Diego.
5. La Jolla Cove
One of the most scenic parts of San Diego, La Jolla has a lot to see. If you head over the La Jolla Cove you might be in for a treat: seals! Many people will make a special trip just to see the seals and sea lions, but there’s a lot more to see. The cliffs give you a great view of the Pacific and the trail makes for a scenic walk. If you go inland, you’ll find food and shopping, but it will be hard to leave the view you find at La Jolla Cove.
4. Old Town
Due to its proximity to the border, San Diego offers some of the best Mexican food you’ll find Stateside. Old Town gives you a number of options at different price points, and it’s a tourist hub for burritos and margaritas. Many locals will tell you this isn’t the most authentic Mexican food you can find in San Diego. If you’re looking for authenticity, listen to the locals! If you’re looking some really good Mexican-inspired food, Old Town will have you covered. The cultural inspiration spills into San Diego State Park. After you eat you’ll find plenty of shops and music to enjoy.
3. Balboa Park
It’s hard to stay indoors in San Diego. Even if you do want to stay inside, Balboa Park is a good option for you. The scenic outdoor park offers a variety of artwork and plant life, most notably in the botanical garden. Most interesting, there are various museums around the park. If the Museum of Man or the Museum of Modern History sound interesting, you’re going to find yourself in Balboa Park. You can easily spend a day there, but if you’re really not sure where to go next, it is right next to the Zoo.
2. The San Diego Zoo
If you asked for the best zoos in the United States, The San Diego Zoo would be a strong contender for the top spot. It features collections of animals from all over the world. In fact, there are so many animals it may be hard to see them all in a single day. At the moment, the giant pandas have returned to China, but don’t let that deter you. The hundreds of other animals will guarantee you’ll find something exciting in a different exhibit. Whether you’re looking for polar bears, koalas, or elephants, the San Diego Zoo has you covered.
1. The Beach
Of course, if you’re in San Diego you want to see the Pacific Ocean. San Diego lies along the coast and there are plenty of beaches to visit. Coronado, La Jolla, and Pacific Beach are all great options for some sand and surf. A good starting place might be Mission Beach, known for their boardwalk and Belmont Park. There’s a long strip of beach, but also rides, games, and food.