MORE OF SAN DIEGO’S TOP ATTRACTIONS!
What's great about San Diego is that there is so much to see and do. In some towns once you see the main attractions what's left are definitely leftovers. But not in San Diego where even locals never get bored living the lifestyle.
You’ve been dreaming of this vacation all year. Now it’s time to dive in literally with sharks, and soar with the birds on a parasailing adventure. Or perhaps you just want to sit on the beach and watch a sunset or take a trip back in time to a real beachside boardwalk complete with wooden roller coaster.
Whatever your dream you can do it because everything is possible when you’re in San Diego.
Top Adrenaline Inducing Adventures
Kayak La Jolla’s Caves
Vacation 🎱 Says: All Signs Point to Yes
One of the most amazing things you can do on your San Diego vacation is to kayak the calm waters of La Jolla and explore the 7 caves, accessible only from the water. You can do it alone but most first timers benefit from going on a tour with a qualified instructor who will keep you focused and safe. Sea lions, leopard sharks, even an occasional dolphin awaits your adventure. Great for ages five and up, no experience necessary.
Tandem Paragliding at Torrey Pines
Vacation 🎱 Says: Bravery Required
If lately life has been a little dull, then maybe it's time to jump off a cliff. No, not that but rather a tandem flight on a paraglider. The pilot will do all the work and all you have to do is scream "We're both gonna die!!!" as you lift off the ground and there's nothing but the blue Pacific Ocean beneath you. No age limitations, great pilots with years of experience, it's going to be the most amazing thing you've ever done.
Swim with Leopard Sharks
Vacation 🎱 Says: Without a Doubt
Wade into the shallow waters in La Jolla and you might feel something bump into you. IT’S A SHARK! But wait, before you run screaming like a scene from JAWS know that these are harmless leopard sharks that won’t hurt you. During the summer hundreds of sharks, mainly pregnant females who use the soft sand for a belly rub, congregate in shallow waters right outside the Marine Room restaurant in La Jolla. Best yet, it’s free.
Ride the Giant Dipper at Belmont Park
Vacation 🎱 Says: Yes, Definitely
A boardwalk amusement park from 1925, Belmont Park has had its ups and downs. Today it’s a bit of a tourist trap but the original wooden Giant Dipper roller coaster still stands to save the day. One of only two historic beachside roller coasters left in the US, the clickity clack anticipation as it slowly arrives to the top with stunning ocean views before hurling your down at 48 MPH will get your adrenaline going, especially as you wonder if it’s going to fall apart on the way.
Hikes and Sights of San Diego
La Jolla Coastal Walk
Vacation 🎱 Says: It’s So Easy
Instead of fighting for a parking space in the busiest area of La Jolla, set your GPS to Park Row and Prospect Street and take the secret Coastal Walk trail which winds behind the luxury homes with full ocean views. You’ll see seals, maybe dolphins, and plenty of kayakers paddling their way into the caves below. Stop to walk into one of the caves (fee) or just keep walking past La Jolla Cove and then to the Children’s Pool where seals have all but reclaimed this beach for their own. Beautiful beaches beyond this for dipping your toes as your reward for the hike.
Torrey Pines State Park Beach Trail
Vacation 🎱 Says: You Can Do It
The .7 mile hike up the paved road from the parking lot to the trailhead is grueling but once your sneakers hit the dirt it’s one of the most amazing hikes in San Diego. You’ll see geological wonders, cactuses next to Torrey Pine trees and the view, that gorgeous Pacific Ocean view. The Beach Trail will lead you to the beach where you can loop back to the parking lot, in all a 2.5 mile hike.
Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail
Vacation 🎱 Says: Am I Dreaming?
Sandstone arches, geological wonders, the Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail is a 3 mile walk along the bluffs overlooking the ocean. The famous sea cave is also here but only accessible during a negative tide of at least -1.5 - be safe, the ocean doesn’t fool around. Come an hour before sunset and just kick back and enjoy the show. You can bring a picnic but there are no restrooms and no booze allowed.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Vacation 🎱 Says: Good Decision
Scripps Institute for Oceanography’s Birch Aquarium isn’t the largest but it certainly packs a punch with everything from the cute blue penguins to an interactive tidepool exhibit with stunning ocean views below. Of course the kids will love this but so will adults, especially at the various special events such as Oceans at Night which features live music and drinks (and no kids allowed).
Coronado Island
Vacation 🎱 Says: Looking Good
Take a drive across the Coronado Bridge or better yet, jump on the ferry for a 10 minute boat excursion that drops you off at the ferry landing where you can rent bikes. Either way make your destination the Hotel Del Coronado, a glorious hotel that’s surrounded by shops and restaurants and a deep sandy beach and incredible homes, including one that Frank Baum of Wizard of Oz fame lived in when writing his books. A great family beach with easy going waves.
Little Italy Mercado - Farmer’s Market
Vacation 🎱 Says: As I See it, Yes
It’s fun visiting a locals Farmer’s Market any place you visit and the Little Italy Mercado on Saturdays from 8am to 2pm is San Diego’s largest. Of course you’ll find locally grown fruits and veggies but what other farmers market has fresh sea urchins from the local waters cracked open right in front of you to reveal bright orange uni? Surrounded by Little Italy’s trove of restaurants you’re not going hungry today. A smaller version of the market on Wednesdays, 9:30 - 1:30.
San Diego Maritime Museum: Star of India
Vacation 🎱 Says: Most Certainly
The tall pirate looking ship along the Embarcadero isn’t some Disney prop but the worlds oldest, largest sailing ship built in 1863. You can tour it, along with nine other vessels, including a real submarine. Not a tourist trap, there’s plenty of historical artifacts and info to keep adults as engaged as the excited kids. Give yourself a couple of hours. Afterwards head to The Brigantine at Portside Pier for fish tacos and a beer in the bar.
San Diego Mission
Vacation 🎱 Says: Future looks hazy
What will your neighbors think when all of your photos are of you holding a margarita? Show them they’re wrong about you with a trip to the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá. Learn about the history of the first California mission and taks a selfie in front of the bright red bougainvillea bushes. Then continue your history lesson at the Presidio's Junípero Serra Museum, which houses many original artifacts of that era. Oh look, Old Town is right down the street with… margaritas!
Seaport Village
Vacation 🎱 Says: Ask Again Later
It’s a well known tourist trap but not without some redeeming qualities. The location right on the bay is gorgeous and the addition of high end Malibu Farm restaurant lends new credibility. Check out the luxury yachts, ride the beautifully restored historic carousel, get an ice cream and people watch, there are worse ways to spend an afternoon. Seaport Village is slated for a massive renovation soon but it’s still worth checking out, especially if you are already in the area.
Torrey Pines Glider Port
Vacation 🎱 Says: No FOMO
I already told you that you can take a tandem flight but for those less adventurous the Torrey Pines Glider Port is a great way to spend an afternoon. The revamped snack bar upped their game from generic to worthy with wood-fired pizzas on weekends, along with live music. Watch the gliders soar back and forth while you sip your beer. Also makes one of the best (and cheapest) sunset dinner adventures.
OFFICIAL SITE | Cliffhanger Cafe & Bar | Live music calendar
Tuna Harbor Dockside Harbor
Vacation 🎱 Says: Let’s Taco About It
San Diego’s tuna and fishing industry is a big part of our history. Come to the docks every Saturday from 8am until 1pm to see what the boats pulled in. Locals flock like seagulls to buy fresh fish at below market prices, the same fish that ends up in fancy restaurants all around town. And while seeing the literal catch of the da is fun you’re here for the freshest fish tacos and ceviche in town, a unique way to see and taste authentic San Diego.
Catch a Show or Game in San Diego
Humphey’s Concerts by the Bay
Vacation 🎱 Says: Definitely So
Classic San Diego music venue right on the bay, Humphrey’s is a summer tradition with big name artists performing in a smaller setting. Dinner packages ensure you get a good seat, a premium cost but worth it as some of the seats in the back are less than stellar. It’s a fun setting and a perfect evening in San Diego.
The Rady Shell
Vacation 🎱 Says: Yes, You Must
More impressive than the Hollywood Bowl, The Rady Shell sits right on the bay with views of the water on one side, the San Diego skyline on the other, and sound quality that belies it’s outside setting - seriously, the sound here is amazing. Top Chef winner Richard Blais is in charge of the food, The Rady Shell isn’t like any other concert venue you’ve ever been to. Find a show, any show, and go.
Petco Park - Home of the San Diego Padres
Vacation 🎱 Says: Home Run
Located in Downtown San Diego, Petco Park isn’t like any other baseball stadium. We didn’t tear down a historic building when designing the ballpark, we built it into the design. Views of the downtown skyline, Coronado Bridge, and food worthy of the San Diego food scene elevate the game of baseball into an event. You don’t have to be a baseball fan to love coming to Petco Park.