Exploring San Diego: Your Ultimate Travel Guide
Welcome to the land of sunshine and sandy beaches. The sun shines through the palm trees, warming you from head to toe. You feel a light breeze as it blows through your hair and gently stirs up the waves in the ocean behind you.
This is San Diego!
It’s a place that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re into surfing or hiking, there are plenty of things to do here for any type of person with an adventurous spirit! From catching sightseeing tours on horseback to hopping aboard a jet ski tour while taking in breathtaking views of our coastline, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to exploring all that San Diego has to offer.
The weather is perfect year around; the locals are friendly and welcoming; and you’ll make memories here that will last a lifetime. Here’s your ultimate guide to exploring this beautiful part of California:
1. Surfing:
Surf’s up! San Diego has prime surf spots with riders catching some killer waves on a daily basis. If you’re a beginner looking to get started, we recommend heading over to the beach near The Breakwater Restaurant and Marina (there is a parking lot right next to this spot).
You can also check out Oceanside Pier or Windansea Beach – these are both great spots for catching waves during low tide! Speaking of which, low tide is the perfect time to hit the waves – it’s an ideal time for beginners because waves are smaller and closer to shore.
If you’re a more experienced surfer, you can go anywhere along the Pacific Coast Highway from Coronado Island down to La Jolla Shores!
2. Hiking:
With 70 miles of trails, Torrey Pines is one of the most beautiful places to visit for a hike in San Diego. From the sandy beaches along the ocean to the native flora and fauna, there is no shortage of incredible views here. There are also multiple hiking trails throughout Mission Trails Regional Park with wonderful views of Lake Murray and Campo as well!
3. Horseback Riding:
Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through Mission Hills and see all of the sights along the way! The rides are offered from 10 AM to 4 PM, departing from the restaurant at The Lodge. You can also take a tour on your own horse – there are several trails that have been designated for this very purpose.
An equestrian center in that area, Fallbrook Equestrian Center , offers guided rides for all experience levels on trails in the Cleveland National Forest.
4. Family Fun:
Looking to have some fun with your kiddos? Then head over to Belmont Park! This is one of San Diego’s most popular destinations for families, with a full day of fun for everyone!
From the roller coasters and thrill rides to the games and arcade machines, there’s no shortage of entertainment here! They also have a huge waterpark if you want to cool down after spending some time on those rides – keeping you from getting burned by the sun.
5. Shopping:
The Shops at La Jolla Village offer a wide variety of high-end boutiques and specialty stores to the local community and tourists alike. It has everything from massages to wine tastings, offering an upscale environment for all shoppers!
If you’re looking for something more laid back and chill, head over to the mall located in the heart of San Diego called Horton Plaza. There are more than 150 specialty shops and boutiques that cater to all types of shoppers – from high end stores like Macy’s to shoe stores like DSW and Nordstrom Rack!
6. Kayaking:
There’s no better way to take in the beauty of a coastline than by kayaking! You can rent a kayak from San Diego Kayak in Mission Bay and cruise around while you enjoy breathtaking views of our city. They also offer lessons to help you learn proper paddling techniques before heading out on your own.
7. Jet Skiing:
If water sports are more your thing, there are plenty of places you can rent a jet ski to explore Mission Bay. You’ll be able to enjoy the scenery without having to worry about getting stuck in traffic! There are also many guided tours that travel around the bay, giving you an up-close look at some of San Diego’s most famous landmarks.
8. The Wild Animal Park in Escondido:
This is a great destination to bring the whole family! You’ll have the opportunity to see exotic animals from all around the world in their natural habitats, including elephants, gorillas, lions, tigers and more! Make sure you also check out the Safari Ride , which will give you the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of these animals.
9. Balboa Park:
Arguably one of San Diego’s most popular destinations, this place is always buzzing with excitement! There are over 15 museums within its walls that showcase everything from art to history, science to nature. There’s a little something for every type of person here.
10. Petco Park Baseball Stadium:
This is the home of the San Diego Padres! They have plenty of games throughout the year, so be sure to check their schedule before you go. It’s a great chance to get out and enjoy some fresh air while watching one of America’s favorite pastimes.
11. Old Town State Historic Park:
This is the site of the original San Diego settlement, which operated from 1769 to 1823. There are plenty of places to go shopping and dining while you take in this historic landmark. You can also see beautiful adobe buildings that have been restored back to their former glory!
12. Museum of Beer:
If you love beer – and I know you do – then this is a definite stop for your San Diego trip. There are many different beers served here, with a friendly staff to answer all of your questions. It’s a great opportunity to learn more about the history of one of America’s favorite pastimes!
13. Craft Beer Tours:
If you’re looking for something a little more hands-on, check out these tours that take you around San Diego and show you where local brewers work. You’ll get to sample some of the finest beers in the area while learning about its history and culture!
San Diego is an amazing place for tourists to visit, and there are plenty of things you can do on your trip here. Whether you’re into water sports or just looking to relax with a shopping spree, there is something for everyone!
Be sure to check out our blog post about traveling in San Diego if this sounds like the destination for you. We provide some great insights on what activities will be most enjoyable given your interests so that you don’t have any regrets during your vacation. Hopefully these suggestions help make planning easier as well as more exciting!
