10 of the coolest things you can do in San Diego, plus the 4 best beaches to go to while you're here
- San Diego has major attractions like Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park.
- There are also other places to discover, from water activities to street art and secret beaches.
When I moved here 25 years ago, all I knew about San Diego was that it was home to some of the top tourist attractions in the country, including Legoland, the San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I was surprised to discover that locals loved those places, too, and I ended up buying annual passes like so many others living here.
But we also have many other places to discover you may not have heard of. There are so many beautiful spots to explore in San Diego, and even everyday activities like shopping are elevated by the fact that you can stay outdoors while you're doing them.
From activities that will get you out onto the water to street art and secret beaches, these are the places I highly recommend for the most authentic San Diego experience.
Everyday California
Water sports are an integral part of San Diego and a great way to actively experience the ocean. Everyday California offers activities like snorkeling and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), but its most popular tour takes you on a kayak through the La Jolla ecological reserve, a Marine Protected Area where you're likely to see lots of sea life and explore Seven Sea Caves, one of La Jolla's coolest attractions. I did this when I first moved here, and even though I had never before picked up a paddle, I felt totally empowered.
Surf Diva
I'm not a surfer — you're more likely to find me on the pickleball courts at Bobby Riggs Racket & Paddle — but so many people I know swear by this women-owned San Diego school. Surf Diva's elite instructors instill confidence in even the most cautious student and welcome newbies like family. Take a beginner lesson at gorgeous La Jolla Shores, San Diego's best learn-to-surf beach, and you'll be hanging 10 in no time.
Balboa Park
When I first moved here, I was told Balboa Park was San Diego's equivalent of Central Park, but that's not quite accurate. While Central Park is basically a big green oasis in the middle of Manhattan, Balboa Park is home to a wide variety of world-class museums (including the brand-new Comic-Con Museum), gardens, attractions, and performing-arts venues.
Though I love walking the trails there, it actually plays a huge role in San Diego's culture. One of my favorite ways to spend a day is museum-hopping (a docent tour at the San Diego Museum of Art is always a treat), eating lunch at the eclectic Prado, and then grabbing a cuppa at the Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden. It's such a San Diego experience and really makes me appreciate living here.
Chicano Park
If you're an art lover, you won't want to miss the outdoor gallery that flies under the radar — and under a series of freeway overpasses — in Barrio Logan's Chicano Park. I lived here for years before I discovered it and now tell everyone who visits to drive over there. Admire more than 70 larger-than-life murals rooted in Chicano history that tell the stories of this community, and then immerse yourself further by joining the Barrio Art Crawl every second Saturday of the month. Stop at Barrio Dogg for a Tijuana-style hot dog that the chef Pablo Rios calls "Chicano comfort food."
One Paseo
I was shocked when I realized most San Diego malls were outdoors, but it makes shopping less of a guilty pleasure because you don't feel as if you're missing out on a sunny day. An upscale village in North County, One Paseo is a pretty place to walk around, shop, and eat. There's lots of outdoor seating and plenty of window shopping. Bring home gifts and clean skincare products from indie stores like Pigment and Shop/Good. Stop for lunch at Parakeet Café, have dinner at North Italia, perk up with cold brew at Blue Bottle Coffee, or enjoy Salt & Straw for the best ice cream. Do yourself a favor and try its pear and blue cheese. You'll thank me after.
Torrey Pines Gliderport
When you walk along the beach in Del Mar, you're likely to see people paragliding or hang gliding. I am always awestruck by this sight, especially when I see people flying with their dogs. While my own flights have been limited to planes, Torrey Pines Gliderport is a historic aviation site with almost 100 years of flying experience. They're the ones I would trust if I got up the nerve. I do love the idea of going for a tandem ride with one of their pilots for a bird's-eye view of San Diego.
Petco Park
This magnificent stadium is a fun place to hang out even if you're not a baseball fan. The official home of the San Diego Padres, Petco Park is located downtown and offers stunning views. Locals like to gather in Gallagher Square, its public park, and my family often visits Tony Gwynn Plaza to check out the brick we bought for our son's birthday when the park first opened. The food at Petco Park is a collection of San Diego favorites, from Hodad burgers to Board & Brew's Turkado to tri-tip nachos from Seaside Market. You'll have a ball even if you don't care about watching the game.
The Spa at La Costa
There is nothing more relaxing than a spa day in San Diego, as my mom, my sister, and I can attest. For many years, we made going to The Spa at La Costa an annual tradition because the treatments are world-class and the spa itself is all about serenity. We like to opt for a package that includes one or two treatments plus lunch at the Spa Café, a lovely space in the garden courtyard where you can dine al fresco in your robe. We've found that a massage, a facial, and a basil-pesto shrimp Caesar can cure pretty much anything.
Belmont Park
Belmont Park on Mission Beach is a San Diego treasure. The Giant Dipper, originally built in 1925 during the Golden Age of wooden roller coasters, was restored and renovated and is as much fun as ever. There are a dozen other thrill rides, as well as a variety of attractions including go-karts, mini golf, and a new rock wall. Walk along the boardwalk, sit down to lunch with an ocean view, or cool off with a Dole Whip. On a hot day especially, you'll want to take The Plunge in one of Southern California's largest pools and a historic landmark itself.
Gondola Cruises
For a whole other kind of water activity, take a gondola ride through the canals and waterways of the Coronado Cays with Gondola Cruises. Let your gondolier do all the work while you just sit back and relax. Though it's definitely touristy, it's a great way to see a pretty part of Coronado that you would otherwise miss and is a lovely way to end a long day of sightseeing.
The best beaches in San Diego
Locals like to spend time at the beach, and while we understand why certain ones are so popular, we often try to find the ones that aren't. Whichever beaches you pick, please remember to follow the principles of "Leave No Trace" so San Diego will be just as beautiful for generations to come.
Windansea Beach
Windansea Beach in La Jolla is a favorite for surfers. In fact, it's such sacred ground that the locals can get territorial, and you probably shouldn't even get in the water here if you're not experienced and don't understand surf etiquette. But if you do, you'll immediately recognize the palm-covered shack that is a protected landmark and will feel the love.
Swami's Beach
Because it's a point break, Swami's Beach in Encinitas — one of California's great beach towns — is also considered one of the world's top surfing spots. Thanks to a long staircase down to the beach and a small parking lot, Swami's is rarely crowded. It's ideal for watching surfers, taking in the views, and enjoying the tide pools. Be sure to walk through the lovely Meditation Garden at the Self-Realization Fellowship above the beach for a spiritual experience.
Black's Beach
Secluded below the Torrey Pines Gliderport, Black's Beach is legendary for its beauty and clothing-optional policy. It's not easily accessible — I have huffed and puffed my way back up that steep climb, so just know you're going to get a workout — and some people will be turned off by the nudity, but it's a special spot where you can worship the sun without worrying about tan lines. Or, keep your clothes on and treat it like any day at the beach.
Sunset Cliffs Beach
Located in Sunset Cliffs Natural Park in Point Loma, Sunset Cliffs Beach is one of the best places to catch spectacular sunsets. Visitors can't stop raving about the rock formations, the crashing waves and the nooks, and the incredible views — to which we locals just nod knowingly. Just be careful on the cliffs.