Top Rated Parks to Visit in Spring Valley

"There are 17 museums in Balboa Park and while they are not all art museums, a few rise above the rest. The sleek building that houses the Timken Museum of Art serves as an excellent foundation for a visit. The collection features masterworks by Rembrandt, perhaps the most well-known portraitist in Western art history, and Jacques-Louis David, the individual who was the most influential on 19th century academic art."

"It’s located in Balboa Park which also features a lot of great museums, such as the Science Center and Natural History Museum. If you have little kids you can also consider visiting the carousel and miniature railroad."

"Located on the sands of Mission Beach, Belmont Park takes you back to when amusement parks were simpler. Carrying on the tradition of old-time family fun, San Diego's only beachfront theme park is home to the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, as well as other classic rides like Beach Blaster, Chaos, Krazy Kars, Vertical Plunge, Tilt-A-Whirl, Liberty Carousel, Crazy Submarine, and Thunder Boats. Popular in the 1930s and 40s, the park received a $2 million renovation and reopened in 1990."

"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."

"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."

"Looking for historic places to visit in San Diego with kids?. Old Town is one of the top San Diego points of interest. San Diego County is not just about the amazing beaches and delicious food."

"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."

"Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues."

"Or, make your way up to Sunset Cliffs Natural Park to stroll the cliffs and experience the panoramic pink, purple, and bright-orange majesty as the sun goes down. Finish off the day over the hill at Officine Buona Forchetta, where some of the city’s best Italian dishes include handmade pasta and authentic, wood-fired Neapolitan pizza."

"This is more of a cozy picnic spot than a park, but for those interested in enjoying lunch with an ocean view?. It’s good to know about. When Ellen Browning Scripps Park gets crowded and you want to gaze at the ocean in a quieter space, come here."

"You will find grassy greenfields, attractive architecture plus columns. There is also a wooded hilltop overlooking the San Diego Bay from that perfect angle where you can catch the sun setting about everything. What a gorgeous place to have your landscape photography!"

"This historic park overlooks Old Town San Diego and is the location of the original mission Presidio. None of the original buildings remain, but the 40-acre park is home to panoramic views over the city, walking trails, and many places to picnic. (Location: Old Town)"

"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."

"Enjoy the sights and sounds of beautiful San Diego Bay while browsing crafts and having delicious coffee & street food at Ruocco Park Market. With 15+ quality vendors there is something for everyone, from hand made jewelry, hats and clothing, to smoothies, Bao, Mexican, and artisanal coffee by @yipaocoffee. Enjoy the scenery & great vibe every Saturday from 10am to 5pm."

"I got the half pitaya and acai, and the acai dominated the pitaya so I was not really able to try ..."

"Nope, you didn’t read that wrong – this place serves up some of the best small batch gelato in the city!. Their storefront is located in a historic building in University Heights and instead of changing the name of the previous tenant, they decided to keep it and adapt their brand to fit!. Crafted by an experienced European gelato maker, the unique flavors are cleverly named after fabrics but are inspired by seasonal produce found at the local farmer’s markets."

"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."

"Situated in an unassuming strip mall in Sabre Springs (west of Poway), Nutmeg has racked up its healthy share of local fans. Serving Caffe Calabria coffee, seasonal foods (breakfast, brunch, and lunch), gluten-free and vegan menu items, and sweet delights from its vast pastry case, Nutmeg makes culinary and coffee magic happen in an industrial-like, open space with bar seating, booth areas, and tables situated next to outlets. If you’re looking for an office away from home, Nutmeg is it."

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