Top 10 San Diego Attractions
San Diego is a wonderful city to visit with beautiful landmarks, rich history, friendly people, a relaxed environment and weather that makes it feel like springtime all year long. There is so much to do and see in San Diego and a great variety of indoor and outdoor activities.
You can go surfing on the beach, stroll among the palm trees in its lush parks, visit its many museums, go shopping in one of San Diego’s outdoor malls, and visit incredible wildlife and even the desert. It’s hard to believe that all of this can be done in the perimeter of one city, but these are just some of the many great things about living in or visiting San Diego.
With so much to do and see, it can be hard to pinpoint where to go first, so we’ve compiled a top ten list of San Diego’s favorite attractions you should hit.
Balboa Park
Anyone visiting San Diego should first plan a visit to Balboa Park. This is the country’s largest urban cultural center and features dozens of amazing attractions such as the city’s best museums and art venues. You can also come here to enjoy a free outdoor performance, walk among its verdant surroundings and even stroll in the world-famous San Diego Zoo. read more
Cabrillo National Monument
San Diego is known for its spectacular scenery and one place that really captures it is the Cabrillo National Monument named after Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot in what is now the West Coast of the United States. Here you can engage in a ton of fun outdoor activities as you visit the monument such as tide pooling, hiking and even whale watching while enjoying incredible views of the San Diego area. read more
Old Point Loma Lighthouse
Near the Cabrillo National Monument is another one of San Diego’s most visited attractions; the Old Point Loma Lighthouse which was in service for 36 years and to this day still watches over the San Diego area. People enjoy exploring the beautifully restored lighthouse and the panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean crashing into the cliffs one side and San Diego on the other.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
With the weather being so beautiful in San Diego, it seems like a waste of time to spend time indoors. If you want to visit one of the most beautiful parks around, then set aside a few hours for the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Locals and visitors from all over the world like to come here to enjoy the lagoon, the 2000 acres of unspoiled beaches, breath in clean fresh air and hike or walk in its eight miles of scenic trails. read more
Belmont Park in Mission Park
Are you looking for family-fun adventure while visiting San Diego? Then Belmont Park in Mission Park is the place to be. Located on the beachfront and offering a great variety of fun rides such as the popular Giant Dipper Roller Coaster which was built in 1925 and restored in 1990. Other fun rides include beach Blaster, Control Freak, and Crazy Submarine. There are a lot of arcade games, and great shopping and dining options. It’s a guaranteed good time and the best part is admission and parking are both free. read more
Seaport Village near the San Diego harbor
Those looking for a relaxing afternoon in a quaint village should head over to Seaport Village near the San Diego harbor, and take in all the amazing shopping and dining options it has to offer. Seaport Village is located on the waterfront and is always bustling with activity. Be sure to enjoy the beautiful views of the Bay, the yachts and the Navy ships sailing in and out of the harbor. read more
La Jolla Cove
San Diego prides itself on having some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. One that is particularly breathtaking is La Jolla Cove. This beach is small but a very popular place to go snorkeling, scuba-diving, swimming and even scoping out sea lions. This is a great place to spend an entire day and there is a huge grassy area where you can have a picnic or just throw a Frisbee around. read more
San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld and Wild Animal Park
San Diego is a great place to discover incredible wildlife, and with the San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld at close proximity this isn’t hard to do. But if you’re looking to see animals in a natural habitat, the take a short trip to the Wild Animal Park. Here you can embark on a safari and see herds of over 3,500 animals such as elephants, giraffes, cheetahs and rhinoceroses freely roaming 1,800 acres of land. Be sure to also pay the 17-acres Nairobi Village a visit while you’re here.
California desert and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park
San Diego is the land of amazing contrasts. Where else can you go to the beach in the morning and visit a desert in the afternoon? If you want to explore the California desert then a trip to the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park should definitely be a part of your itinerary. This is the largest state park in California with five hundred miles of dirt roads, hiking trails and wilderness that allow you to fully experience the fascinating desert. In addition to being big, the park is of unparalleled beauty featuring wildflowers, palm groves and cacti. read more
Del Mar Village
If you’re looking to get out of San Diego and enjoy the scenery, then take short trip to Del Mar Village. This picturesque and charming little town has local appeal and great dining and shopping options. Before heading back, be sure to take in spectacular views of the ocean and catch a ‘green flash sunset’ on the Del Mar Plaza. read more
