San Diego, California has a wide range of activities and things to see. Here are the quintessential San Diego must-do at some point in your life.
Take a limousine bus to different breweries
The best way to visit San Diego’s many breweries is to choose several favorites and then take a limo bus there. Then you don’t have to worry about driving and you can have fun between breweries and stop socializing in the limo. Plus, it conveniently lets you sample a wide range of breweries in one day if you’re short on time.
Eat a low fish taco
Baja’s San Diego fish tacos are legendary with their deep fried and crispy outer shell, tangy white salsa, hearty stuffing with cabbage and fresh salsa, and the occasional cheese (the latter is up for debate as to whether it really is an authentic Mexican fish taco. Lower if there is cheese in it). If you’re in a hurry, the Southern California food chain Rubio’s is surprisingly good and has locations throughout the county.
Visit Point Loma Cabrillo National Monument
The Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma is part of the US National Park Service and is home to magnificent views, the best of which can be seen from the Cabrillo Statue, where you will find a 360 degree view. from the ocean and San Diego. While visiting Cabrillo National Monument, you can also see the Point Loma Lighthouse and have fun looking for sea creatures in the nearby tide pools.
Participate in a themed crawl bar
San Diego is the perfect place for this thanks to a variety of bars that line hot spots like Garnet Street in Pacific Beach and the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown. Plus, the weather is always mild enough that you can have fun showing off those costumes while walking down the street without worrying about having to put on a coat in winter or overheating in summer.
Try surfing
San Diego and surfing go hand in hand. While not all the people who live in San Diego are die-hard surfers, everyone secretly wishes they were, and you have to try at least once. Even if you can’t get on the board and catch a wave, you’ll have fun falling into the water while you try, just make sure you go to a beginner surf spot like the area north of the pier in La Jolla.
Visit the museums of Balboa Park
Balboa Park has more than 20 museums located within walking distance of each other. From science museums to history museums to art museums, there is a museum to suit almost every interest. Even if you think you are not a museum person, try the Air and Space Museum, you will be amazed. Or, at the very least, walk through the beautiful gardens of Balboa Park and admire the historic architecture.
Go whale watching
Every December through April, gray whales migrate through San Diego, sometimes so close to shore that they can be seen from land. However, the best way to see these magnificent beasts is on a whale watching tour from the port of San Diego.
Nightlife in the Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter always skips on Friday and Saturday nights (and most other nights). If you don’t live in the center, rent a hotel room one night and have fun dancing in one of the trendy clubs until 2 in the morning without having to worry about how you will get home. Or spend a sophisticated evening in one of Gaslamp’s sumptuous restaurants.
Kayaking in La Jolla
The cliffs that are part of the La Jolla shoreline have some secret caves within them, and during a kayak excursion outside of La Jolla Shores you can put on a helmet and explore inside these interesting and exhilarating caves. It’s also a pleasure to simply kayak on the ocean in the sun as you make your way to and from the caves; You can even see a seal swimming around and under your kayak, as you paddle.
Visit the Children’s Beach in La Jolla to see the seals
Kayaking isn’t the only place to see seals in La Jolla. You can also walk to Children’s Pool Beach while in La Jolla Cove and see the many, many seals that have claimed the beach as their home. They relax on the beach and swim in the nearby water and are a delight to the eyes of both adults and children.
Drink a beer at Stone Brewing Company in Escondido
Stone Brewing Company was one of the first San Diego craft breweries to truly make a mark on a national (and now even international) scale and helped put the San Diego beer scene on the map. Although they now have several restaurants and tasting rooms in San Diego County, the original is still the best and is located in Escondido. It has a decent-sized indoor dining area that faces the brew room, but it’s the outdoor area that really has the charm with a huge beer garden complete with walking paths, ponds, and fire pits.
You can also tour the brewery.
Attend the glamorous opening day of the Del Mar racecourse
Every summer, big hats come out and the costumed crowd cheers at Del Mar Racecourse as magnificent thoroughbred racehorses gallop across the picturesque track on opening day. Make your opening day even more memorable by arriving in a limo or entering the hat contest.
Julienne apple pie
Just on the eastern outskirts of San Diego County, at the base of the Cuyamaca Mountains, is the small town of Julián, home to apple orchards and a variety of delicious pastries. You can find Julian apple pies in the city of San Diego, but it’s much more delightful to have a slice in Julian in the fall with fresh air and a mountain town feel.
Visit the San Diego Zoo
It’s probably a no-brainer if you have kids, but even adults will enjoy walking through the stunningly planned and landscaped San Diego Zoo.
Jet Ski Mission Bay
Mission Bay is a quiet water inlet right across from Mission Beach that is a great place for water sports. You can paddle board and kayak, but it is very exciting to rent a jet ski and run through the water.
Rent a sailboat
Take the quintessential San Diego Harbor Cruise to the next level by chartering a sailboat around the bay. You can rent one for the day that comes with a driver so you can relax with your friends and enjoy the views.
Spend a night at the Coronado hotel
The Hotel del Coronado is an iconic San Diego landmark that also happens to be a luxury hotel… where you can stay. Yes, it may cost you a penny, but think how wonderful it will be to enjoy a day on the pristine Coronado Beach, enjoy a drink at the Hotel Del’s outdoor bar, walk the hotel grounds, and don’t have to go outside. end of the day. Instead, you can retreat to your well-appointed rooms, take in the views of Coronado, and maybe even get excited if you opt for one of the haunted rooms.
Golf Torrey Pines
Torrey Pines Golf Course is not just the site of many PGA tournaments; It is also incredibly beautiful. The course is located in picturesque La Jolla, right next to the ocean, offering breathtaking views from every hole. The course is also challenging and if you are a golf enthusiast you will definitely want to play Torrey Pines at least once.
Eat a california burrito
A California burrito is stuffed with French fries and roast beef and is a quintessential San Diego meal. The best options to do so include El Zarape in University Heights, Lucha Libre Taco Shop in Mission Hills, Nico’s Mexican Food in Point Loma, La Puerta in Gaslamp Quarter, and the multiple locations of Roberto’s Mexican Food or Lolita’s Taco Shop.
Eat a burger at Rocky’s Crown Pub
Rocky’s Crown Pub has a dive bar atmosphere and a simple burger on the barebones menu. But in this case, simple is mouthwateringly delicious.
Eat a Burger at Hodad’s
Hodad’s started out as a little eatery in Ocean Beach and quickly developed a cult following that often resulted in a long line stretching down Newport Avenue. Now there are multiple locations, but you’ll still probably find a line of people waiting to get their Hodad’s burger fix. Bite into one to find out why.
Get Into a Debate with Someone About the Better Burger: Rocky’s or Hodad’s
Locals tend to feel very passionate about this issue. Which one will you choose?
Eat a Fresh Spiny Lobster… After Lobster Diving
Spiny lobsters can be found on the menu of some of the seafood restaurants around San Diego when they’re in season, but to really make it a memorable experience, catch one yourself. You’ll have to apply for a fishing license (getting a spiny lobster fishing license is a fairly easy process) and maybe invest in some gloves, but then you’re on your way to catching a live lobster with your own two hands – a very cool thing to cross off a bucket list.
Eat a Breakfast Burrito
Breakfast burritos are a morning staple for many San Diegans. They’re often huge and chock full of ingredients, which range from golden potatoes and gooey cheese to creamy avocados and savory meats plus generous portions of spicy salsa. Pipes Café in Cardiff-by-the-Sea is great for a breakfast burrito since it has a fun surfer-inspired décor and a patio that provides gorgeous views of the ocean. Cotija’s Cocina Mexicana in Point Loma is also a popular eatery known for its delectable breakfast burritos.
Explore Old Town
From old Victorian houses to supposedly haunted colonial buildings, there is so much to see in Old Town and no San Diego experience would be truly complete without walking around and exploring it. Stop by Old Town Mexican Café for some fresh homemade tortillas, too. Old Town is also a fun place to stay while visiting San Diego, which is often more affordable than staying downtown or on the beach, but still provides you with a quintessential San Diego atmosphere.
