by Jackie Simpson
Sun and fun are plentiful in gorgeous San Diego, California! Whether you’re jet-setting for a quick arrival or taking a leisurely cross-country road trip so you can check out some sites along the way, destination San Diego will not disappoint.
Be sure to check out Balboa Park where the world-famous, 100 acre San Diego Zoo is located. Balboa Park also has beautiful local flora and fauna to check out in the historic Marston House Garden, the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden, and the Desert and California Native Plant Gardens. While you’re there, go ahead and schedule a time to visit a few of their many museums including Fleet Science Center, Museum of Photographic Arts, and San Diego Air and Space Museum. Balboa Park also offers plenty of great dining, miles of walking trails, shopping, and places to sit and relax to soak in all the park has to offer.
Sun and surf more your thing? With 70 miles of Pacific Coastline and bay areas in San Diego, you can choose where to go based on whatever activities you want to plan. For the best surfing waves, check out Mission Beach, Scripps Pier or La Jolla Shores. If you want a more family-friendly beach to relax, be sure to check out the glittery sands of Coronado Beach, Moonlight Beach or Ocean Beach. You can even visit off-leash dog beaches if you happen to bring a four-legged traveling companion! Whichever beaches you choose, be sure to not miss a gorgeous West Coast sunset.
For all the foodies out there, were you aware that San Diego is the home of the first fish taco? With plenty of local and fresh seafood options, craft breweries, and casual and fine dining, you can’t go wrong with a meal from Panama 66 in Balboa Park, Stone Brewery, and Liberty Market at Liberty Station. Point Loma Seafoods offers wonderful seafood and check out Rubio’s for fish tacos. Pizza Port includes a brewery and OB Surf Lodge is ideal for a more casual vibe while visiting Ocean Beach.
Is history and exploring more your thing? Don’t skip a visit to Cabrillo National Monument, where Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo is credited as being the first European to step foot from the sea onto what is now the West Coast. A trip to Children’s Pool at La Jolla Shores will provide an up-close and sometimes interactive chance to view the local sea life – including the plentiful harbor seals. This area has become a marine life sanctuary, so it’s best to plan an observation and exploration visit, instead of planning a day in the water. Torrey Pines Gliderport offers hang gliding and paragliding for the more adventurous soul, or just feel free to visit and watch.
See some of San Diego’s best sites while getting your steps in for the day with a trip around Seven Bridges Walk, a 5.9-mile loop that is good for all skill levels. For a panoramic view of Downtown and surrounding areas, take a drive along the famous Banker’s Hill with homes, office suites, and bed-and-breakfast inns’ famous architecture dating back to the late 1800s. A fresh farmers market, many locally-owned shops, and businesses, trendy thrift stores, cafes, bars, and bistros can all be found in the Hillcrest neighborhood.
If you want an adventure outside of San Diego, LEGOLAND California Resort is less than an hour away in nearby Carlsbad, or take a train ride along the coast up to Los Angeles for a quick side trip.
Local tip: There are plenty of hidden canyons all over San Diego that are great for hiking and for a dose of nature – even in crowded neighborhoods!
If you would like to plan a trip to San Diego, reach out to me by email (jackie@tailoredtravel.vacations) or by phone (423.641.8854) and I would be happy to get you on your way to exploring all that this amazing city has to offer.
Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden in Balboa Park
Desert Garden in Balboa Park
Alcázar Garden in Balboa Park
La Jolla Cove
Harbor seals at La Jolla Cove
Fresh Ahi Tuna and Blue Butterfly Tea Lemonade at lemonade
Paddleboarding and scuba diving at Mariners Cove in Mission Bay
San Diego Zoo
Jackie Simpson is the newest addition to Tailored Travel and serves as a Travel Specialist. Although she just joined our team she is no stranger to travel- she has been trekking around the globe for years. She loves introducing her family to new locations both domestically and internationally and she is ready to help your family start their trek.
