Top Rated Parks to Visit in Cardiff-by-the-Sea

"It has plenty of green space, flora and fauna, naturally, but it also contain 15 museums, a carousel, miniature railroad, the renowned San Diego Zoo and the historic Old Globe Theatre, among other attractions. The list of museums include a couple of art museums while others are devoted to natural history, air and space, science and the famous Museum of Man. Numerous gardens are devoted to native plants, roses, cactus, a veterans memorial and a children’s garden."

"Like no place else in the country, Balboa Park offers a magnificent combination of art, architecture, history and agriculture in one expansive park. Spanning approximately 1,200 acres, Balboa Park was once known as City Park and was founded more than 125 years ago. Today, the park is home to 15 museums, theaters, marvelous gardens, restaurants, shopping and the world-famous San Diego Zoo."

"A post shared by Daniel Deming (@grubyoface619) on May 10, 2016 at 9:44pm PDT. Wander through the attractions in Balboa Park before you make your way to The Prado. This full-service restaurant is perfect for a relaxing dinner where you can spend quality time together."

"Amusement parks can be kitschy, indulgent, and a little cheesy—and at Belmont Park, we embrace it. The ocean-adjacent mini amusement park is hard to miss as you drive west on Mission Bay Drive, thanks to the towering Giant Dipper, a 2,600-foot-long roller coaster that soars above the park and offers ocean views. If you're ready for more, have a go on other classics like the Tilt-a-Whirl, zipline, or bumper cars."

"San Diego’s answer to the east coast’s Coney Island, Belmont Park is one of the main attractions at Mission Beach, which sits north of Ocean Beach. Get your stomach rollercoaster-ready or if you’re still feeling the heat of your Ocean Beach tacos, just take a nice long stroll along the Boardwalk."

"Belmont Park is a fun little spot in Mission Beach with a cool old roller coaster. It’s great for night shots with the lighting and rides. Best part, you can visit without paying anything."

"Trek through the history of California’s birthplace at Old Town, San Diego’s first downtown. There is a distinct feeling of Old Mexico within this 6-block, 12-acre park, with historical sites covering shops, restaurants, museums, preserved adobe buildings and more. It’s easily one of the most authentic free things to do in San Diego."

"There are numerous historic buildings located in this area, dating back to the early 1800s. It was the first European settlement in California. One notable building is Whaley House which Travel Channel named as the most haunted house in America."

"San Diego State Historic Park marks the founding of the first European settlement in California and encompasses many of San Diego’s original buildings. Museums, shops, theater and restaurants can be found in this six-block area."

"The Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a beautiful 68-acre local treasure on the western side of Point Loma. The park has numerous dramatic scenic spots that include coastal bluffs, arches, and sea caves. Don’t forget to snap some golden hour pics and watch the incredible sunset."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"Although the beach below this steep hillside waterfront park is nicknamed Garbage Beach, it is anything but. However, a visit to this beautiful spot has to be earned. The descent is so steep that a fixed rope has been installed for safety."

"Chicano Park is not your typical tourist destination but it is home to some rich Latino history in San Diego. The park is located underneath the Coronado Bay Bridge and it has some of the most beautiful murals and art that are painted on the pillars and sides of the freeway. The murals are constantly being changed by local artist and they tell some amazing stories."

"Chicano park is a small park with incredible murals from renowned Latin-American artists. It’s a national historic landmark that few know about in San Diego and worth visiting. You can read more about the stories behind the murals here."

"Chicano Park has a rich history, but the main draw for photographers and IGers are its beautiful murals. Each has a story of its own."

"Carlsbad Lagoon is a more relaxed hub of watersports activities ranging from paddleboarding on peaceful waters to wakeboarding to jet skiing. It's technically called Agua Hedionda Lagoon, located just east of the freeway and utilized by residents who have homes on the water there. However, Wakesports Unlimited offers gear like kayaks and WaveRunners and aqua cycles in addition to the above."

"The Carlsbad Lagoon is a water sports center that offers a variety of activities and equipment rentals, including canoes, kayaks, paddle-boats, stand up paddle-boards, and wave runners. There are also speedboats available for rent. The center has trained instructors who can teach visitors how to do a variety of fun water activities including water skiing and wake boarding."

"Agua Hedionda, a.k.a. Carlsbad Lagoon, is a saltwater lagoon near the ocean in Carlsbad. It’s made up of three areas that are divided by two bridges (Interstate 5 and a […]"

"The colorful and whimsical architecture of Horton Plaza sets it apart from any shopping mall in the region. The complex has become somewhat of a San Diego icon since its construction in the 1980s. It is credited with jumpstarting the revival of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and continues to appeal to visitors alike to this day."

"All hands in the water spray at these interactive pop jets in Horton Plaza park. Grab a cup of coffee or have lunch at this nice urban retreat. 900 4th Ave.San Diego, CA 92101Online: hortonplazapark.com"

"324 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-8180 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM  Sunday: Closed 2 stores Major Retailers: Macy’s, specialty shops, Regal theaters, Lyceum Theatre"

"From our chalkboard to our dog-friendly patio, we’ve created an environment where our guests can sit back and enjoy a quality meal full of flavor and fun."

"Ogawashi Sushi, which is found in San Diego, California, has made its mark in the area as a sushi bar and purveyor of excellent Japanese fare. The name of the restaurant can be translated to the English word �handmade,� and that should give diners an idea of the emphasis of the cooking."

"The East Village and Carlsbad locations of BESHOCK Ramen & Sake Bar are offering take-out food, saké, Japanese craft beer, and wine bottles. Order online from the East Village here and Carlsbard here."

"Had a few margaritas which also tasty, all in all good vibes good views and some interesting tweakers made t..."

"It comes complete with cupcakes, frosting, sprinkles, spatulas and decorations for you to decorate your own unique cupcake treats at home."

"The Carlsbad Danish Bakery isn’t technically one of the best Carlsbad coffee shops, but is an amazing bakery!. And since coffee and pastries go together- I figured I would add it in. You must stop by and try one of the danish custard cinnamon rolls and grab a basic cup of coffee while you are at it."

"A photo posted by Donut Panic (@donutpanicsd) on Jan 11, 2017 at 6:16am PST. “Donut Panic”about eating amazing donuts from this little shop on Mission Gorge Road because they are organic and in San Diego, we love the organic, healthy options – even when it comes to eating donuts!. On Tuesdays, Thursdays, and weekends, Donut Panic offers 100% vegan donuts and bagels, and during the rest of the week they have traditional desserts and old fashioned donuts."

"Besides a clever name, Donut Panic is also great at glazed donuts. Along with traditional donuts, they offer vegan creations such as chocolate espresso almond, Earl Grey, maple bacon glaze, and even rosewater cardamom. Baker Linda Dami combines potato flakes mixed with flour, soy milk, sugar, salt, oil, and yeast."

"Address: 6171 Mission Gorge Rd, Ste 113, San Diego, CA 92120. Neighborhood: Grantville. Don’t panic when you see the donuts at Donut Panic...their donuts taste just as good as they look!"