Top 5 Things to do in San Diego

Things to do in San Diego

Hey guys! I had so much fun in San Diego so I thought I’d put a quick post together of my highlights.

Firstly, it has a super relaxing vibe where the people are friendly and the weather is great. What’s not to like?

Whether you’re a local or a tourist, the reason you come to San Diego is to enjoy being outside. It’s a city where you can soak up the good weather and the happy atmosphere.

The city’s fun and dynamic atmosphere spills out from its interaction with its neighbour, Mexico. I noticed a fusion between the two places in the people and experienced in the food and music (you get nachos for starters in so many restaurants, unlike bread in the UK and Europe!).

Whether you’re lapping up the sun and waves in Mission Beach, rummaging through the abundance of thrift shops, or slinging back tequila in the downtown area, San Diego is all about having fun.

Harriet and I were only in San Diego for a few days so we didn’t get to experience everything but here’s our top 5 things to see and do:

1. Head to the harbour & soak up the atmosphere

San Diego Harbour

I really liked San Diego’s harbour area because you get a gorgeous composition of modern structural buildings next to quaint boats and tranquil waters.

A few hours spent here allows you to release your inner fisherman by strolling around the seaport village to enjoy the backdrop of sailing boats and charming cafes. The Maritime Museum is also located in the area, so if ships ‘float your boat’ you’ll be amongst the world’s finest collection.

2. Explore beautiful Balboa Park

Balboa Park, San Diego

Easily one the most beautiful parks I’ve ever been to, Balboa Park is like something out of a dream. It contains elaborate pavilions and architecture that would not look out of place in Spain or Portugal, which is no surprise seen as though many of the park’s buildings are in the Spanish Colonial Revival architectural style.

You can easily spend a whole day here, not wanting to do anything else but wander around and laze under the sun at any given opportunity.

3. Relax at Pacific & Mission Beach

Pacific and mission beach - things to do in San Diego

Technically it’s all one beach with Pacific Beach at the north end and Mission Beach at the south end of one long strip. There is a cement walkway going from one to the other that’s called the ‘boardwalk’ and is popular among runners, skaters and cyclists.

Pacific beach has a slightly older crowd probably due to the higher property prices nearby, and Mission beach seems to attract a slightly younger crowd. My suggestion is to try out both areas – just don’t forget your suntan lotion!

4. San Diego Zoo (great for families)

San Diego Zoo - city attractions

Although technically a part of Balboa Park, I’m reviewing them separately because they deserve separate recognition.

San Diego Zoo is the largest zoo in the world and is an organisation which prides itself on conservation foremost. Usually I’m not into zoos because I prefer to see animals in their natural environment but I had read a lot of positive comments about this zoo beforehand which prompted me to go. I think this place is especially good for families because it enables children to learn about animals inside a spacious setting.

I also recommend taking a ride on the cable car which overlooks the whole of the zoo and San Diego’s impressive skyline.

5. Lap up the coastal views at La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove, San Diego

If you’re looking for nature, La Jolla Cove offers stunning coastal scenery, abundant marine life, and outdoor activities. It’s much more wild and rugged than Mission Beach, so if you prefer a mix of sunshine and hiking, instead of pure sunbathing, then it’s the beach for you.

There’s a lot to see and explore, a sure winner is nearby Seal Rock to observe seals and sea lions basking in the sun. It’s a short walk from La Jolla Cove.

Hiking lovers can head to the nearby trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve.

Things to do at night in San Diego

San Diego nightlife
San Diego nightlife

Okay so Karaoke doesn’t really meet most people’s expectations of nightlife, and I for one usually heavily campaign against it. However, after a few shots of Tequila and with little persuasion, Harriet and I got on stage. Oh dear, oh dear!

To give Harriet praise where praise is due, she can actually hold a tune, but I butchered the whole song with my complete absence of any vocal ability. If it couldn’t get any worse, we sang Madonna’s Like a Virgin, and Salt-N-Pepa’s Let’s talk about sex (why am I even telling you all this?).

However, if you want to leave the Karaoke alone (which I imagine you do), San Diego is prefect on a warm summer evening for just having cocktails and enjoying music.

Where to stay in San Diego

We stayed in two youth hostels, the first one was HI Hostel and the second one was called Lucky D’s. Both were great (well as great as a youth hostel can be, ahem!) but  Lucky D’s has the edge because it provides a slightly better price; being around $50 a night for the both of us, and it has the privacy of 2-person rooms. HI Hostel was really nice inside, but only two bathrooms on each floor equates to around one bathroom per 18 people – so get up earlier to avoid the queue for the shower!

P.S. There is video footage floating around the internet of Harriet and I singing Like a Virgin, but I shall not subject you to it.

What else would you recommend doing in San Diego?

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Hi, I'm Shing

Welcome to The Culture Map, a place where I share my travel guides, adventurous tales, and capture the inspiring diversity of our world.

9 Responses

  1. Free competition time again, those wonderful people at blurb have given me 3 voucher worth £30 each to give away, to help promote their latest book competition in which you could win $3,000. The book competition ends on the 22/10 so to give the winners of the vouchers time to do their books this give away ends on Friday 9th.

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    1. You’ll have a fantastic time! Oh you MUST go to Balbao Park, if I were to recommend one place for any visitor to go to in San Diego it would be Balbao Park because it’s incredibly beautiful, with several gardens dedicated to different plant species and elaborate architecture. You wont be disappointed! I will look forward to reading about your trip!

      P.S San Diego is fun for going thrift shopping too…!

  2. I had to take a peek since we live in San Diego and obviously LOVE it too! It looks like you had a fun time. It’s funny, I never go to karaoke bars around here, but our friend just had his birthday at a karaoke bar on Friday. Maybe it will become a tradition now. haha

    1. Hi Christy! I hope to explore San Diego again – what a pity that it’s thousands and thousands of miles away from where I am now! Haha I was a complete karaoke virgin before going to San Diego, and so far its my first and last experience of it!

      Yes do it on FRIDAY! 😀

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