San Diego is a city that shouldn’t be missed on any Southern California road trip. Fantastic beaches, parks, museums, historic districts and more. San Diego is tempting over 300 sunny days a year, many Free time activities and a great one gastronomy scene. Logical that we on our Trip through Southern California next to Los Angeles, Orange County and Temecula also had to pay a visit to San Diego. Here you will find seven sights and highlights of the likeable city on the Mexican border.
Because of his international airport San Diego is the perfect starting point for a road trip through California. Of course you can also visit the city individually. You can find the best flights to San Diego here here.
It doesn’t matter whether you only want to visit San Diego or other places in California or the USA: It’s best to book one rental car. The local and long-distance public transport network is not well developed. The most relaxed way to get from A to B is with your own car. You can find the cheapest rental cars here here.
Historic Old Town San Diego
Proximity to the Mexican border is Old Town San Diego particularly clear. Old Town San Diego is considered one of the first European settlements on American soil and gives a historical insight into the origins of San Diego. The spanish and above all also Mexican influences are not to be overlooked here. Old Town is a mix of restored buildings and replicas that give a glimpse of life back then. Today there are many different things in the houses stores and restaurants.
Tip: The best time to visit Old Town is at sunset. He looks particularly handsome here.
Balboa Park
the huge one Balboa Park right in downtown San Diego is definitely one of the most beautiful sights in the city. He is larger than Central Park in New York and not only houses different green areas and botanical gardensbut also different ones Museums and the San Diego Zoo. With over 3,700 animals, the latter is one of the largest in the USA. Many activities at Balboa Park are completely free.
Tip: Balboa Park is best explored on foot. There is also a lot to discover away from the main paths. However, the park is really big. If you want to make sure that you take in all the highlights, it is best to book a guided tour. You can do that very easily in advance here make. If you don’t want to walk, you can also explore the park by Segway. You can find more information about this here.
Sunset Cliffs and Sea Cave
If you really want to know what makes life in San Diego so special, you should definitely stop by the Sunset Cliffs. The Sunset Cliffs are located in the southern part of the city. It’s not only beautiful here at sunset. From the hiking trails around the Sunset Cliffs you have one perfect view of the coast and the surfersfrolicking in the water.
There are several caves to explore at Sunset Cliffs. Perhaps the most beautiful is this Sea Cave. A steep staircase leads there. Be careful when descending, it can be slippery!
La Jolla Cove: Sea Lions, Whales and More
La Jolla is one of the most beautiful (and affluent) areas in San Diego. So it’s little wonder that the bay La Jolla Cove one of the most spectacular San Diego attractions is. It is under nature protection, because a wide variety of animals, such as sea lions, fish and birds found a home. The sea lions in particular are a highlight. They live here in harmony with humans and have lost their shyness so that you can observe them up close.
This can be done on land, on the beach or on the water. Thanks to the sheltered location of the bay, it is the ideal place for various water sports. Regardless of whether Swimming, snorkeling, diving, kayaking, SUPing: If you are lucky, a sea lion will swim right next to you. A little further out there is also a good chance of seeing whales.
If you prefer to take it easy, the one adjacent to La Jolla Cove is Scripps Park the perfect place for a little picnic. A detour to La Jolla itself is also worthwhile. There are many small shops and restaurants here.
Take a tour of San Diego’s harbor
One of the best ways to get to know San Diego from the waterside is one Cruise through the San Diego Harbor. At Flagship Cruises you can choose between a 1-hour and a 2-hour harbor tour. During the trip you will learn a lot of information about San Diego, the San Diego sights and the history of the city.
Tip: You can book a harbor cruise through San Diego Bay directly here. The prices are significantly cheaper than if you buy your tickets on site.
Liberty Station
Liberty Station was once a naval base. Today the old buildings contain a wide variety of Restaurants, shops, galleries and more. Year-round can also be found in Liberty Station various events instead of.
Tip: For lunch at Liberty Public Market drop by. There are different stalls with delicious food seven days a week. From burgers to tacos and ramen to Buddha bowls, there is everything a foodie heart desires.
More San Diego attractions and things to do
One thing is for sure: it won’t be boring in San Diego! One great selection of other things to do in San Diego you can find here.
San Diego Attractions: Restaurant Tips
San Diego has a great food scene and many good restaurants. Here’s something for every taste. Here you will find a selection of my favourites.
Breakfast Republic -THE place to go for traditional American breakfasts in San Diego. Whether it’s pancakes, French toast, egg dishes or chicken wing breakfast bowls: everyone will be full here! There are seven Breakfast Republic locations in San Diego. Among other things here.
Moniker Coffee & Co – Moniker Coffee & Co is a café, co-working space and concept store rolled into one. It’s worth stopping by here. The Salted Caramel Latte is said to be particularly great. Moniker Coffee & Co you will find here.
Herb & Wood – In the very stylish Herb & Wood there is fine cuisine and delicious drinks. The menu is seasonal and always a mix of meat and fish as well as vegetarian and vegan dishes. You will find the Herb & Wood here.
Puesto at the Headquarters – San Diego is on the border with Mexico. Logically, you can also eat really good Mexican food here. For example in Puesto. Great tapas and delicious margaritas are served here. There are three Puesto’s in San Diego. You can find the Puesto at the Headquarters here.
Border X Brewing – Here you can find delicious Mexican craft beer, tacos and other Mexican finger food. In the evening different bands play again and again. You can find the Border X Brewing here.
Hotel tips for San Diego
There is a wide range of hotels in San Diego to suit every budget. During our San Diego stay we stayed at the San Diego Mission Bay Resort used. The resort is located on Mission Bay Island. Even though the resort’s facilities were really nice and the service was very good, it unfortunately didn’t quite convince me personally. But tastes are known to differ. You can book the Mission Bay Resort here.
Accommodation alternatives for San Diego
Right in the city you are in the Moxy San Diego good lifted.
Straight to the sea after getting up? That goes in the 1906 Lodge on Coronado Island.
You can find more hotels in San Diego here.
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