Best Outdoor Activities in Cowles Mountain

"Built in the 1930s, La Jolla’s Children’s Pool was created as a family beach space, but since then it's been descended on by herds of seals and sea lions. Despite the pinnipeds' particularly pungent odor, tourists come in droves to see them larking around, swimming, fighting and mating. Visitors can get extremely close via a concrete platform surrounding the cove, and the seals don't seem to mind – but there's strictly no touching, feeding or selfies to be taken with the seals."

"Location: Harbor Island (across the Street from the San Diego Airport)Water slide: NoAdults only pool: No. This pool is on the list for people who need a San Diego airport hotel but would like a pool, too. Guests may watch yachts meander through the harbor and enjoy water views from the pool at the Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina."

"This hike will take you through unique rock structures, and at the end, you can enjoy the sunset from the beach (a sometimes nude one). Don’t forget to check out the Mushroom House too while you’re there. More: Photo Guide to Hiking the Ho Chi Minh Trail"

"In 2011, Joshua Pavlick decided to turn a part of his home into an art exhibition space. And while that sounds like a wild idea, it’s paid off big time for Pavlick, local artists, and the community as a whole. Helmuth Projects was designed with the idea of helping lesser-known artists display their work to the masses."

"Art is a powerful voice for people and helps us connect and express ourselves beyond language barriers. The Mingei International Museum showcases the “art of the people” across time and cultures. The exhibits are constantly changing to highlight new historical, contemporary folk art, crafts, and design and discover the finest examples of creative expression from underappreciated artists."

"Café 222 is a funky, neighbourhood restaurant loved by locals and tourists. This downtown café serves up delicious, eclectic American breakfast and lunch food seven days a week in a vibrant atmosphere. Breakfast and brunch aficionados will love the creative menu, which includes various egg items, pancakes, and house specialities."

"Terryl Gavre’s iconic, retro diner showcases her serious baking chops and love for over-the-top breakfasts and pastries, with inventive spins on American comfort classics like bennies, chicken fried steak and eggs, and Cafe 222’s famous pumpkin waffles. Healthier fare features too, like fresh fruit and oatmeal."

"Study humankind at the San Diego Museum of Man, marvel at aeronautic engineering in the San Diego Air and Space Museum, then catch your breath in the Botanical Building. Head up to North Park for happy hour at Polite Provisions; its beautiful cocktail lounge may hook you up with some small plates if you’re hungry. Save the appetite, though—North Park’s Restaurant Row is nearby."

"The lath building was built for the 1915-1916 Exposition and now houses over 2100 tropical plants and palms (I recommend it if you like orchids). It is open every day except for Thursdays and one of the most photographed spots in San Diego. You can picnic on the grassy areas in front of it, too."

"The Botanical Building houses more than 2,000 tropical plants. Capturing the wood structure with the lily pond in front is one of the most photographed sections of Balboa Park."

"Built in 1967, this historic San Diego bridge offers a great perspective for sunrise shots. It's no Golden Gate Bridge, but in the early morning hours, this bridge really stands out as something unique. The perspective of this shot was taken on the Coronado-side of the bridge near the Coronado Tidelands Park."

"The San Diego-Coronado Bridge is a five-lane bridge that, when completed in 1969, connected San Diego to Coronado. It is 11,179 feet (3,407 meters) long. Below the bridge in Barrio Logan is Chicano Park, which features over 70 Chicano art murals."