San Diego is one of the best places to visit and live in the Country. In my opinion, it is the best place to live in the World. To put it simply, it is gorgeous. The weather is beautiful year-round, and the sunshine is most of the year. It is easy to find yourself smiling for no apparent reason. Below are the top 9 things to do in San Diego that we hope you will go check out whether you live here or are coming to visit.
Good Morning, San Diego! from Eladio Arvelo
Whether you are into water sports, hiking, skiing, or other activities and sports, San Diego offers the opportunity to do all. If you visit or live in the coastal areas, you will enjoy 70-75-degree year-round except in the winter. This is when we get down to the ’60s, which feels cold to people who have lived in San Diego for a while.
There are many attractions that you can enjoy doing on your own here. However, we have included a list of things to do in San Diego with kids and something that everyone else would want.
Balboa Park
#1-Balboa Park is where you will discover a bit of San Diego’s culture and history. Here you can visit several museums as well as the theatre. There is always something exciting playing that one can enjoy. Or, take a walk through the beautiful gardens, or have a picnic by the fountain or the magnificent pond. Here is a place where you can take the time to people-watch or spark a conversation with others enjoying their surroundings. The Spanish architecture is amazing to see, so make sure to stroll down to the Spanish Village Art Center.
Coronado Beach
#2-Coronado Beach is one of the favorites of many people who visit San Diego. Marilyn Monroe’s “Some Like It Hot” was filmed and known as “Crown City.” Coronado means “crowned one” in Spanish. This beach is a little different than other beaches in San Diego. Here you will not find a bustling boardwalk like Mission Beach or Ocean Beach. Coronado’s scenery is simply picturesque. You can ride bikes through the meticulous neighborhoods and admire all of the gorgeous mansions sprawled throughout. San Diego is super dog-friendly if you happen to have your dog with you. Coronado Beach has a section for the pups. You can have your dog off-leash, and they will have a blast.
Gaslamp Quarter District
#3-Gaslamp Quarter District will take a full day on its own. This is the most walkable neighborhood in San Diego, with lots to do. Enjoy all of the amazing restaurants, pubs, nightclubs, and shopping. Also, mix it up by visiting some of the best art galleries, symphony halls, museums, and concert venues. This is also where you will find the Convention Center and Petco-Park, all within 16 blocks of Downtown San Diego.
Mission Beach
#4-Mission Beach is a 2-mile stretch of white sandy beach. Here you’ll find it to be an attraction to a younger crowd. There are lots of people skating and riding their bikes on the boardwalk while tons of people are lying out on the beach watching the surfers ride the waves. Head on over towards the northern part of the beach for a different pace, where you’ll find Belmont Park and the Giant Dipper. This rollercoaster is a favorite to many kids and adults alike.
Cabrillo National Monument
#5-Cabrillo National Monument is located in Point Loma, just 10 miles from Downtown San Diego. The statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stands 422 feet above sea level. He was the first European explorer to journey the coast of California in 1542. Here you will see spectacular views of the Ocean and the activity below the Naval Base. You may catch the Pacific Grey Whales that migrate between December and February if you are lucky. Also nearby is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which is open to the public as a museum.
Sunset Cliffs
#6-Sunset Cliffs are located in Ocean Beach and are a huge attraction for locals and tourists. Watch Dolphins and Whales migrate up and down the coast while capturing the most amazing sunset views. You cannot help but be hypnotized by the Ocean’s magic. When you get hungry, head on over to Oceans People Organic Market. This is a local neighborhood market that its customers own. A deli upstairs with excellent home-cooked meals will knock your socks off. Well, that is if you are wearing any. You will most likely be wearing flip-flops like everyone else.
North Park
#7- North Park is a hip urban neighborhood full of charm and has great walkability. It is home to many local microbreweries, fantastic restaurants, and unique boutique shopping. Within the past ten years, North Park has become one of the most sought neighborhoods to live in because of its diversity and so many things that it offers. The homes in North Park are mostly Craftsman Homes, Spanish Style Homes, and a few newer Modern Style Homes that have been recently built by home investors who have bought up fixer-uppers and added their touch to them. North Park is approximately 10 minutes from Coronado Beach, as well as Ocean Beach, has easy access to all freeways.
Sea World
#8- SeaWorld is located on Mission Bay and is one of the Country’s favorite marine life adventure parks. If you are into water activities, you will love being able to sail, stand-up paddleboarding, jet skiing, and everything else that you can imagine that has to do with water can be done here. Those who prefer to stay on land can also have picnics, ride bikes, or enjoy bonfires very close to the water. During the winter season, boat tours make multi-day trips and take people out to Whale watch up close. This is a favorite activity for many people.
La Jolla
#9-La Jolla, nicknamed “the jewel,” is one of the most popular beaches in California and the World. Kayakers, snorkelers, and scuba divers are drawn to this beach because of its spectacular beauty and golden sand. You can also watch the whales that migrate up and down the coast from this location. An abundance of sea lions congregates on La Jolla Shores while sunbathing throughout the day. Please note that you should not get close to them or feed them. They may become frightened and will bite. There are many cultural attractions to see in La Jolla, such as the Museum of Contemporary Art, the La Jolla Playhouse, and the Birch Aquarium, located at Scripps Institute of Oceanography.
If you are thinking of moving to San Diego and would like to speak to someone about the different areas and homes for sale, contact the McT Real Estate Group. We would love to help.