Mentioned by Lonely Planet Top Choices
Top things to do in San Diego, USA
"Afterwards, take yourself to the south east corner of the Gaslamp area and locate Petco Park (it’s kind of hard to miss). This giant baseball stadium is home to the San Diego Padres and, baseball fan or not (I’m not), is a pretty spectacular sight. If you’re in San Diego during the baseball season, tickets are affordable and make for a great night out. Otherwise, you can take a stadium tour, or just climb up onto the grassy bank opposite and have a nosey from there."
"First, it’s close to Petco Park, and second, it’s rooftop bar, Altitudes, is a great spot for a sunset cocktail!. There are several Marriotts in the Gaslamp quarter, so make sure to double-check the name when you make your reservation!"
"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."
"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…"
"The William Heath Davis Historic House Museum is the Gaslamp district’s oldest surviving structure, a saltbox style home shipped around Cape Horn and assembled in San Diego in 1850. The museum has been home to many fascinating people, including pre-civil war soldiers, a German Spy and Alonzo Horton, founder of San Diego. Each room represents a historic period of the home and is filled with fascinating and amusing stories about the former inhabitants."
"Throughout the year’s many historical figures have visited the William Heath Davis House. As visitors tour the house, they will see each room is dedicated to a different period in the house’s history, and most of it was restored to its 1850’s glory. Rumor also has it that this house hosts its own ghostly visitors as well."
"Seen as the entrance point for control of the west by Europeans, Presidio Park remains a place of history amidst the city of San Diego. Interpreting the entire site for guests is the Junipero Serra Museum which houses many artifacts dealing with Spanish and Mexican heritage, colonization, the beginnings of customs within California and showcasing the lives of those who began it all. The presidio, first built to protect colonists from attack, later took on roles as military headquarters and a central outdoor space to remember history."
"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!"
"A historical fort established on May 14, 1769, the Presidio was the first permanent European settlement on the Pacific Coast."
"Located in the southwest corner of San Diego, the Tijuana Estuary is a wetlands area with beach, dune, mudflat, salt marsh, riparian, coastal sage scrub, and upland habitats that are free to explore. Start at the Visitor Center to learn about the trails, flora and fauna (many are rare or endangered), and various things to do during your visit. Kids can earn junior rangers here and they offer a variety of environmental education resources online."
"At the southernmost tip of San Diego is one of the most serene places that few people know about. Where the Tijuana River meets the sea is where you’ll find the Tijuana Slough with over 2,000 acres of wetlands. Over 370 bird species have been observed there with 5 of them being endangered species that are regularly seen."
"Way down in sometimes-forgotten Imperial Beach is found a favorite landscape for many people in San Diego. This Tijuana Estuary is connected to some couple of parks. You are going to find amazing places such as Tijuana River County Open Space Reserve and Border Field State Park."
"This charming, modest-sized, all-day bistro is big on authentic Parisian touches and flavors. Diners are immediately greeted at the entryway with France’s two major food groups: a French/California cheese “altar” and an over-sized ice bucket filled with chilled Champagne. The bright, beach-meets-Left-Bank dining room is lined with white marble tables, a red leather banquette and traditional wicker-style bistro chairs."
"No need to cross the Atlantic when you can stop into this casual Parisian-style cafe on Orange Avenue. They’re known for a wide selection of delectable cheese and classic dishes like escargots, steak frites, quiche, and croque monsieur. The menu features suggested pairings from their approachable list of French and California wines."
"Little Frenchie was one of my favorite spots on Coronado Island. There are many brunch places around, but this one had to be the cutest in my opinion."
"East Village’s Monzu Fresh Pasta opened in 2018 and features—as the name states—a whole lot of fresh pasta. The Italian-born couple that owns the restaurant trained under some of Italy’s master pasta makers. The restaurant’s all-day menu follows traditional pasta making techniques and flavors inspired by regions including Sicily, Campania and Puglia."
"Monzu Fresh Pasta features contemporary and Italian flavors from recipes involving made-from-scratch methods. Their dishes are based form their European dishes. The hand-crafted meals reflect their passion."
"Cuisine: ItalianDish Recommendation: Tagliatelle BologneseOrder Through: Call for pickup Wednesday through Sunday 5-9 p.m. (619.255.5032); free local delivery for orders over $50"
"It has one of the best views of the San Diego Skyline and yet this small pocket park is seldom visited […]"
"Silver Strand State Beach is made up of beaches lining both the Pacific Ocean and San Diego Bay. The beaches are connected by pedestrian tunnels under the busy street. Popular activities include camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, volleyball, and picnicking."
"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."