It’s hard to get bored in a city like San Diego. The enormous coastline alone offers various possibilities for entertainment. The many city parks, shopping centers, Torrey Pines Golf Course, parks such as SeaWorld and Legoland and gems of places such as Balboa Park make this coastal town on the border of Mexico a true tourist paradise. There is always something to do or see, both during the day and in the evening. For example, see the sculptures ‘Urban Trees’ near the Embarcadero district or climb aboard a ship at the USS Midway Museum. Young and old will have a great time in this all-round American vacation destination.
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Top 10 San Diego Attractions
Balboa Park
Anyone who visits this park will agree that it can be called remarkable. Some majestic looking properties such as Casa de Balboa have a spectacular appearance. It is not for nothing that it is registered on the National Register of Historic Places. The area is a kind of village with several museums, a zoo, parks, gardens, a golf course, playgrounds and theaters.
SeaWorld San Diego
This large park was established in 1964 and was an immediate success. Soon the park was processing thousands of visitors a day. All kinds of animals from the ocean can be admired here. The performed shows are taken care of down to the last detail. The biggest crowd puller is still the orca show. There are also a number of attractions at the park, such as the Wild Artic Ride where you fly through the landscapes of the Arctic Circle using a flight simulator. Or take a ride on the Manta roller coaster. For those who have a little more to spend, it is even possible to interact with animals such as a Beluga whale or dolphins.
Mission Bay Park
This wetland part of San Diego is known as a water sports paradise. Many sports are practiced here on the water. The most popular is water skiing and wakeboarding. But sailing is also a much practiced sport. The beaches are great for sunbathing or use as a grandstand to watch all kinds of organized matches. In the park area you will also find amusement parks such as Seaworld, The Aquatic Center and much more.
Torrey Pines State Reserve
In the north of San Diego is a breathtaking piece of natural park. The jagged coast with rugged cliffs in this Torrey Pines State Reserve park regularly witnesses the most beautiful sunset, with the colors in the area changing rapidly. Occasionally it is even possible to spot a passing whale from here. There are several hiking trails to follow in the Torrey Pines State Reserve and you can even stay overnight at the local hotel. Nearby you will find Torrey Pines State Beach and Black’s Beach.
Museum of Man
In beautiful Balboa Park is this equally wonderful museum. The pre-Columbian history in particular is amply discussed here. In addition, different cultures are highlighted, such as the Maya, ancient Egypt and Mesoamerican civilizations. The museum is housed in the stunning California Building. Despite its historic appearance, it was not built until 1915 on the occasion of the Panama-California Exposition. The whole looks most like a Mexican church.
Westfield Horton Plaza
Partly thanks to the playful architectural style, use of color and design, this shopping center stands out in the city. The location has always been an important part of San Diego. This is where the heart of the center formed. It was not until about 1985 that it became a shopping center. Now today there are many modern shops, eateries and a cinema.
Petco Park
Caught between large buildings is the large open air stadium Petco Park. San Diego’s hugely popular baseball games are played here. There are also regular concerts or all kinds of other festivities. There are several restaurants to visit, to practice sports and to take guided tours.
Ocean Beach
The small beach town of Ocean Beach is located about 10 miles north of downtown San Diego. In contrast to the city, life is a lot quieter and simpler here. Here you will find some more antique shops, galleries and small cozy bars. Every Wednesday there is a market with mainly regional products. The very long pier, originally called the San Diego Fishing Pier, is visited by many people every day. It is therefore a real attraction of Ocean Beach.
Fashion Valley Mall
In the important shopping and entertainment area Mission Valley, you will find a true paradise for fashionatas. This open-air shopping center has more than two hundred (fashion) shops, various restaurants, a cinema and a number of department stores.
Fort Resecrans National Cemetary
What makes this national cemetery so impressive is its location and size. Here on San Diego Bay overlooking the sea, there are approximately 96,000 mainly military graves. Often it is soldiers, their wives, and veterans who lie here. Many of the soldiers had served in the Battle of San Pasqual in 1846, the USS Bennington in 1905 and World War II.
