Mentioned by La Jolla Mom
Birch Aquarium San Diego Insider's Guide: Top Exhibits, Hours, Tickets
"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."
"It gives you plenty of vantage points to enjoy the sunset and watch the waves crashing against the cliffs. There’s an arch you can jump off during the summer and a secret (not-so-secret) sea cave/sinkhole (that you can explore at your own risk). More: Comprehensive List of San Diego Beaches"
"For the best ocean views in town, visit Sunset Cliffs Natural Park: a 68-acre park where people do indeed come to take in the colorful sunsets. The promise of a gorgeous Pacific panorama has made the area incredibly popular with hikers, surfers and birdwatchers."
"Why go: To surf or enjoy some quiet (note that some people still go nude here). Black’s Beach is a secluded section of beach beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines, and is officially part of Torrey Pines State Beach. Black’s Beach is perhaps most notorious for its status as San Diego’s only nude beach, though that’s no longer allowed in the more southern portion managed by the City of San Diego."
"A visit to the San Diego Harbor is not complete without a stroll through the Embarcadero Marina Park. Surrounded by the bay on three sides, the Embarcadero Marina provides an authentic San Diego experience complete with scenic views and fresh sea air. Visitors also get a chance to discover the loyalty and courage of many of our Naval Military personnel through various memorials and statues including the Aircraft Carrier Memorial, The Homecoming Statue, and the USS San Diego Memorial."
"During the summer season, a variety of venues host free concerts from local, regional, and national artists. From the Coronado Summer Concerts in the Park to the La Jolla Concert by the Sea, there is an event planned for every week of the summer. At these free concerts, guests are invited to bring their own food, beverages, chairs, and towels for the ultimate concert experience."
"Embarcadero Marina Park South is a park in San Diego, in the U.S. state of California. Embarcadero Marina Park South is situated 1 km northeast of Coronado Ferry Landing Shopping Center. Photo: jimmyweee, CC BY 2.0."
"Hike to the top of Cowles Mountain for prime panoramic views of San Diego County. At 1,593-feet, the summit is the highest peak in all of San Diego, California. The three-mile hike is a rather strenuous switchback-style uphill trek, but the incredible views are worth the effort."
"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."
"Catch a morning surf lessons from Surfari Surf School at north Mission Beach, and enjoy some prime people-watching on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk while you catch your breath. You’ll have worked up quite an appetite, so sate it the way a local surfer would—with fish tacos from Oscars Mexican Seafood."
"Located in Pacific Beach, Enoteca Adriano is known for serving delicious, rustic Italian food. The intimate, romantic atmosphere makes this an excellent date-night destination, but there is also plenty of space for large groups. Guests can choose from a wide range of appetizers, soups, and salads; the restaurant also offers several special burrata dishes."
"Enoteca Adriano is an authentic Italian restaurant that has a homey and intimate atmosphere with a well-lit outdoor patio. Offering daily pasta specials and 30 different wine varieties, you’re sure to find your favorite Italian combination at this delicious and traditional Pacific Beach spot. They are even showing movies on the patio - dinner and a show!"
"Pacific Beach’s Enoteca Adriano is a cozy neighborhood joint with an Italian wine list worth checking out. A static regular menu is bolstered by an ever-changing list of specials, including pasta dishes."
"Farm-to-table fanatics will delight in the options at Downtown’s Biga, where owner, chef, and Culinary Institute of America graduate Tae Dickey makes his own mozzarella, sausages, and other charcuterie. He's also obsessive about sourcing fresh and local ingredients and works directly with farms and farmers markets to stock his menu. Dickey is particularly famous for his pizzas, which he cooks in two custom-built, 900-degree ovens, but the menu spans pastas and other mains, too, along with regular specials and pop-up dinners."
"San Diego’s best-kept secret, Biga bustles at lunch, but it’s at dinner, when the artful, artisan pasta appears on the menu, that this casual, farm-fresh eatery really shines. Carbo-phobes beware: the pizza and focaccia are also addictive; biga, after all, is Italian for dough starter. 950 6th Ave., downtown San Diego."
"950 Sixth Ave C, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 794-0444Save Your Table Here$$ | Italian | Coffee. As a foodie, I appreciate places like BIGA (bee-gah). Not only are they a farm to table restaurant, they use their local ingredients to create authentic Italian dishes."
"Extremely kind and funny servers, always felt taken care of and like we had friendly banter. Food was incredible as always."
"The gelato here is handmade and whimsically named after fabrics but inspired by seasonal farmer’s market produce. Regular flavors include Canvas (olive oil and rosemary) and Tweed (tres leche). Follow them on Facebook or Instagram for advance notice on private tasting menus."
"Next up is North Park's An's Dry Cleaning, at 3017 Adams Ave. (at 30th Street). With five stars out of 427 reviews on Yelp, the spot to score gelato, ice cream, frozen yogurt and other desserts has proven to be a local favorite."
"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"