Top Rated Parks to Visit in Soledad Mountain

"Nothing had quite the same impact on our San Diego architecture as did the Spanish Colonial Style Confections in Balboa Park, which revived an enthusiastic interest in this type of Spanish-style architecture. Designed in 1915, this building is an exhilarating mélange of various architectural styles. While they may have been somewhat haphazardly thrown together, they still manage to attain striking visual harmony."

"With a lovely old-style look and feel, the historic Belmont Park certainly makes for a fun day out thanks to its roller coasters and rides, attractions, and eateries. Since 1925, the beachfront amusement park has been one of Mission Beach’s main draws and can be reached in just fifteen minutes from downtown San Diego. Although it is home to some charming carnival rides such as a carousel and bumper cars, the park’s standout sight is its iconic Giant Dipper roller coaster which is now a National Historic Landmark."

"Belmont Park opened for business in 1925 and remains San Diego’s oldest and only beachside amusement park. Things to do at Belmont Park include a ride on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, miniature golf, laser tag, arcade games, and a handful of other rides. It’s free to enter and walk through the midway full of pay-to-play carnival games and you can also grab a Dole Whip, giant ice cream cone, hot dog or other quick-service treats."

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

"Old Town State Park is known as the birthplace of California. In 1821, when Mexico gained independence from Spain, a small group of Mexican settlers began building homes at the foot of the hillside below the first mission and Presidio. Because wood was scarce at the time, sun-dried adobe bricks were used."

"There are several historic buildings to be found, including five adobes, a hotel dating back to 1870, and a reconstructed courthouse and stable. Educational events are frequent occurrences, from theatrical performances to blacksmith demonstrations to tours."

"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."

"Many people recommended we take in one of the famous San Diego sunsets from Sunset Cliffs, which is just a couple of miles south of the Ocean Beach pier. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a 68-acre City of San Diego regional park which extends 1½ miles along the Point Loma peninsula’s western shoreline. You get expansive ocean views, dramatic cliff formations and caves, an intertidal area, and in some spaces plenty of space and rocks for the kids to run over way back from the edge."

"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."

"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."

"You’ll find there’s something for everyone at Ferry Landing on Coronado. Whether you’re just relaxing while you wait for the ferry or spending an afternoon sightseeing, there’s no shortage of fun here!. Take a peaceful beachside stroll along the bike path and delight in the white sand and peaceful waves while taking in the skyline of downtown San Diego in the distance."

"Within Old Town don’t miss Casa de Estudillo, which is one of the few original buildings (many are reproductions), Whaley House and Museum, which is believed to be haunted and Junípero Serra Museum, literally the place where California began. You can get more information here."

"Built in 1825 to house one of San Diego’s earliest families, the building is reputed to be haunted by the ghosts of prior residents."

"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..."

"Cowboy Star has all the trimmings of an old-school steakhouse—rich wood interiors, (very) dim lighting, and starched white tablecloths. But the drinks are totally new-school, with creative spins on classics like margaritas (made with muddled green chiles) and Old Fashioneds (Benchmark bourbon, simple syrup, Fee Brothers bitters). A stiff cocktail is the perfect match for low-key bar bites like the grilled wagyu skewers and platters of fresh, sweet PNW oysters."

"Cowboy Star is a modern, sophisticated chophouse that takes its steaks and other weighty meat cuts seriously. For its lunch service, the La Jolla restaurant turns its focus to sand..."

"Executive Chef Victor was very approachable, and the atmosphere is very comfortable. The food and flavors rival the best there is!"

"Ice cream and cookies are the specialties at this mother-daughter owned Encinitas spot. Made from organic dairy from Straus Family Creamery, JoJo’s creates out-of-this-world flavors such as bananas foster, cayenne sea salt, and peanut butter honeycomb. For those with allergies, JoJo’s offers several dairy-free flavors and gluten-free cookies and waffle cones."

"Lick into a scoop of artisanal ice cream at this family-run shop in Encinitas’ Lumberyard Shopping Center where everything — from the caramel to the cookie dough — is made from scratch. All the 14+ flavors use organic, local ingredients. The shop also offers non-dairy options using coconut and cashew milk, plus gluten-free waffle cones."

"Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by MNGO Dessert & Coffee Bar (@mngocafe) on Jan 18, 2019 at 5:55pm PST"