Natural Beauty (Free Activities)
San Diego is known for its beautiful landmarks and spaces. Here is a list of some amazing views and scenery you have to check out if you are a lover of nature and the outdoors. I've listed activities you can prepare for that would be great if you check out these spots such as a picnic, grilling, hiking, etc.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadWhat you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-bbq
-swimming
Black Mountain Open Space Park
What you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-bbq
What you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-bbq
-swimming
-park
-rollerblading
-biking
189 locals recommend
Mission Bay
What you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-bbq
-swimming
-park
-rollerblading
-biking
Cowles Mountain
Cowles MountainWhat you can do here:
-hiking
Miner's Ridge Loop Trail
Black Mountain HikeWhat you can do here:
-hiking
Sunset Cliffs
What you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-swimming
Los Penasquitos Canyon Trail
Los Penasquitos Canyon TrailWhat you can do here:
-hiking
Annie's Canyon Trail
2550 Solana Hills TrailWhat you can do here:
-hiking
What you can do here:
-hiking
(An iconic rock that all hike lovers should see)
203 locals recommend
Potato Chip Rock
What you can do here:
-hiking
(An iconic rock that all hike lovers should see)
Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center
1 Father Junipero Serra TrailWhat you can do here:
-hiking
What you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-bbq
-swimming
-cave tour
-art museum
1327 locals recommend
La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdWhat you can do here:
-hiking
-picnic
-bbq
-swimming
-cave tour
-art museum
Encinitas Beach County Park
Pacific Beach
Coronado Island
Iconic Destinations (Paid Activities)
Here's a list of must-do activities that San Diego is known for. This includes museums, theme parks, etc. These all require purchase of a ticket but if some museums have discounted tickets or free entry on certain days of the week.
San Diego Safari Park( Insidegate) station
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.The San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El PradoSan Diego Natural History Museum
1788 El PradoSan Diego Air & Space Museum
2001 Pan American PlazaMuseum of Contemporary Art San Diego
700 Prospect StEscapism Puzzle Room
3919 Fourth AveBoomers! San Diego
6999 Clairemont Mesa BlvdLegoland Drive
Legoland DriveShopping Malls
San Diego is also known for its large shopping malls with endless possibilities to add to your wardrobe. A MUST see mall is Westfield UTC La Jolla. It is newly renovated and beautifully designed.
Westfield UTC
4545 La Jolla Village DrFashion Valley
7007 Friars RdWestfield Horton Plaza
324 Horton PlazaCarlsbad Premium Outlets
5620 Paseo Del NorteMission Valley Center Station
Breweries, Drinks, and Nightlife
Here is a list of different ares where locals will go to bar hop and enjoy the nightlife. Although there is only one bar listed in a given area, there are plenty of bars next door or down the street in these neighborhoods you should check out. San Diego is also known for their local craft beer so included are the most famous breweries and some microbreweries for the true beer lovers who want to try something new.
FLUXX Nightclub
500 Fourth AvePB Shore Club
4343 Ocean BlvdStone Brewing World Bistro & Gardens – Liberty Station
2816 Historic Decatur RdBallast Point Brewing Miramar
9045 Carroll WayGreen Flash Brewing
6550 Mira Mesa BlvdIron Fist Brewing San Diego
1985 National AveKarl Strauss Brewing Company
9675 Scranton RdSHELTER Encinitas
540 S Coast Hwy 101Modern Times Beer
3725 Greenwood StSociete Brewing Company
8262 Clairemont Mesa BlvdCommon Theory
4805 Convoy StSeven Grand San Diego
3054 University Ave