With spring break just around the corner, everyone is scrambling to find the perfect place to relax, explore, and just let loose after the last round of college midterms. Whether you are planning a week-long stay or a day trip, San Diego is the perfect destination, with the refreshing ocean air, amazing food experiences, and a range of activities, from biking in Coronado to flying in La Jolla. Here is a list of places to check off of your bucket list in San Diego:
1. Del Mar Village
Stretching across two miles of the Pacific Coast Highway, Del Mar Village is a charming seaside village in San Diego, offering fine dining, shopping, and a world-famous thoroughbred racetrack. If you're looking for the climactic seaside dining experience, be sure to have dinner at Poseidon Restaurant.
2. Torrey Pines Beach
One of the many beautiful beaches in San Diego, Torrey Pines beach is the perfect place to catch some waves, cycle along the shoreline, or soak up some Vitamin D while enjoying a good book.
3. La Jolla
La Jolla is known as "the gem" of San Diego, from the glittering coastline to the glamorous houses. Visit the Gliderport and learn to fly, indulge yourself with the finest cuisine at The Marine Room, and explore La Jolla Cove on a kayaking adventure. La Jolla is also home to UCSD and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
4. Seaport Village
One of the most enchanting seaside destinations in Southern California, Seaport Village is a beautiful place to take a stroll, enjoy the sea air, and visit adorable seaside shops. If you're looking for the best plate of fish 'n' chips, swing by Anthony's Fish Grotto. If you're looking to relax, pick up a latte and classic novel from Upstart Crow, a seaside bookstore and coffee shop.
5. Gaslamp Quarter
The hub of nightlife in San Diego, Gaslamp Quarter is a sixteen block stretch of the city's best dining, shopping, and clubs. If you are a fan of fondue, make a reservation at The Melting Pot. Looking for a place to satisfy your brunch needs? Swing by The Broken Yolk, serving up the best home-style food since 1979.
6. Balboa Park
Located in Mission Valley, this urban park is the cultural heart of San Diego. Balboa Park houses fifteen museums, gardens, performing arts venues, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Top places to visit in Balboa Park include the San Diego Zoo, Old Globe Theatre, and San Diego Air & Space Museum.
7. San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Operated by the San Diego Zoo Global, the 1,800 acre park houses more than 3,000 animals. Board the Africa Tram, enjoy close-up animal encounters, or take a hot air balloon and soar above the park!
8.Fashion Valley Mall
Need some retail therapy? Fashion Valley mall is the largest open-air shopping mall in San Diego. With over 200 stores, dive into the coastal lifestyle and enjoy one of Southern California's trendiest destinations.
9. Old Town San Diego
Known as the "Birthplace of California," Old Town is affiliated with the first European settlement on the West Coast in 1769. With 12 acres of important cultural sites, museums, and early-California-style restaurants, Old Town contains the rich history of the city. If you're feeling adventurous, visit The Whaley House, also known as the most haunted house in the United States.
10. Cabrillo National Monument
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo made history as he became the first European to step foot on the West Coast. Cabrillo National Monument commemorates Cabrillo's landing, and the site was designated as a California Historical Landmark in 1932. The park holds events throughout the year to share the city's rich history, offers a breathtaking view of the San Diego skyline, and houses the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. Perhaps the most special part of the park is the Cabrillo Tidepools, where visitors can explore and learn about marine ecosystems.
11. Coronado Island
Saving the best for last, Coronado Island, or the "crowned island," is located directly across from downtown San Diego, connected to the city by the Coronado bridge. The island is home to the famous Hotel Del Coronado, a downtown filled with restaurants and shops, and two live theater companies. Coronado is also ranked as one of the best beaches in America. One of the most popular activities in Coronado is biking, and many visitors bike around the island for the day, taking in the sights and the refreshing sea air.
Whether you visit for a day or stay for a week, San Diego is one of the most magical cities to explore on the West Coast. A beautiful blend of different cultures, captivating historical sites, and the typical "SoCal beach" lifestyle, you will not run out of things to do in San Diego. You may just wind up taking a five hour nap on the Torrey Pines beach and call it a day! Trust me, I speak from experience. Enjoy your trip to San Diego, and be sure to pack plenty of sunscreen!
