Top Rated Parks to Visit in Pacific Beach

"Adjacent to the Zoo is Balboa Park, one of San Diego's most beloved treasures. Known as the "Smithsonian of the West," Balboa Park is the largest cultural park in America and features 17 museums and performing arts venues as well as beautiful gardens, the lily pond and botanic building, concerts and a host of special events. Take a stroll down the main El Prado promenade, enjoy the gorgeous 1915 Spanish Colonial-revival style architecture, and grab a bite to eat and one of the many purveyors in the park."

"Comprising 1,200 acres in San Diego, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and also one of the oldest. It features over 15 museums, meandering paths, overflowing gardens, green belts, several theaters, gift shops, restaurants, a carousel, mini railroad, and San Diego Zoo. Admittance to the park is free, as is access to the luscious gardens, trails, The Botanical Building, and Timken Art Museum."

"With over 85 cultural and recreational facilities, Balboa Park is a must-see. It's probably best to start at the Visitor's Center for a map and events calendar, and to purchase a Balboa Park Explorer Pass, which provides entrance to most of park's attractions. The zoo is a big attraction, but there are also 16 museums, cultural centers, lawn bowling, a carousel, and a miniature railroad ride."

"Built in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckles, this amusement park reopened in the late 1980s and is the only beachside amusement park in Southern California. Perhaps the biggest draw is the Giant Dipper, the original wooden roller coaster. The Plunge, the largest indoor heated pool in California, has its fans, as does the Wavehouse, a huge fitness center that shares the same building."

"A wooden roller coaster, a carousel and a 175-foot long indoor swimming pool are part of this Oceanside amusement park’s allure. The Big Dipper, built in 1925 and now a California Historic Monument, is known for turbulent twists and g-forces."

"The once-abandoned amusement park between the bay and Mission Beach Boardwalk is now a shopping, dining, and recreation complex. Twinkling…"

"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."

"Built in 1825 after attacks from the Spaniards’ enemies waned, Old Town San Diego was the first town in the city to have ever been built."

"The six square blocks on the site of San Diego's original pueblo are the heart of Old Town. Most of the 20 historic buildings preserved…"

"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."

"With a name like “Sunset Cliffs,” you might expect this place to be amazing. The good news is that you’d be right. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is one of the most gorgeous locations in San Diego, so it’ll make an unforgettable memory for you during your vacation."

"Glorietta Bay Park is a city park with a small north-facing beach on the San Diego Bay side of Coronado Island. The park is located in a protected spot on […]"

"The family-owned Coronado Brewing Company first opened its doors to beer-loving San Diegans in 1996 and has been offering a full range of specialty brews (as well as a full food menu) ever since. Whether you drop by the flagship location on Coronado Island or the Tasting Room just a few miles from us on Mission Bay, you’re guaranteed a good time."

"Deft models their beer-brewing approach after a distinctly European style. Goldens, reds, dubbels, stouts and even a seasonal helles are usually on tap, although the selection rotates regularly. And the only thing more appealing than the beer list?"

"Mon - Thu 4:00 - 9:00 PM; Fri - Sat 12:00 - 9:00 PM; Sun 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM"

"Hillcrest Brewing is more than just a great place to sample a wide variety of specialty beers, some far-above-average tavern food specialties, and a convivial atmosphere. Hillcrest can also lay claim to being the world’s first LGBTQ-owned-and-operated brewery in the world. So be sure to stop in to try a pint from among their deep range of tasty tappers and say hello to their “hunky brewsters."

"La Clochette Du Coin rests in the heart of Pacific Beach and serves up some classic Parisian treats. Weekends have little gustatory surprises like inventive breads. In the mood for a hearty meal?"

"This European-inspired cafe’s in-house bakery produces fresh-baked pastries and artisan breads that provide the foundation for an expanded menu that includes tartines, omelettes, salads and more"

"Brunch at The French Gourmet, a Pacific Beach restaurant, wine bar and French bakery in one, combines separate a la carte breakfast and lunch menus, both available daily from 8 a.m..."

"Located right in the heart of Pacific Beach, The French Gourmet is a snazzy place to bring a date or a group of colleagues to dinner - anyone you really want to impress!"

"6780 La Jolla Blvd, La Jolla, CA 92037(858) 459-1895$ | Relaxing Cafe. This quaint coffee shop has been serving up healthy early meals for a while. They specialize in multi-event catering but happily serve smaller parties."

"A charming restaurant with views of the San Diego Bay from its outdoor patio. It offers pastries and breakfast plates in the morning, superb coffees throughout the day and evening, great salads and entrees at lunch, and fabulous dinner specials in the evening. The café serves wine, and pooches are welcome on the patio."

"We went to the island for breakfast and the restaurant I had picked out was farther than we wanted to walk so we..."

"Located in Heritage County Park, this historic Victorian Tea House is a great Instagram spot and a delicious place to have afternoon tea. The tea here is not just an average to-go cup of tea. It is a full experience, complete with tea sandwiches, scones, petite desserts, and salads."