Top 10 Things To Do, Activities and Attractions in La Playa

"Another fun thing to do when in town is to watch the San Diego Padres play baseball at the state-of-the-art Petco Park. Considered to be one of the best stadiums in Major League Baseball, it exhibits some lovely architecture and boasts fantastic views over the skyscraper-dotted downtown. Opened in 2004, the striking stadium is clad in sandstone, stucco, and white steel which are meant to evoke the sandy color of the city’s beaches and cliffs."

"Opened in 2004, the stadium was built as part of a redevelopment plan of the aging downtown area of San Diego."

"This park has an excellent history museum in the Robinson-Rose House at the southern end of the plaza. You’ll also find a diorama depicting the original pueblo at the park’s visitor center, where you can pick up a copy of the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Tour Guide & Brief History ($3), or a presentation tour (free) at 11am and 2pm daily. Personal tours cost $10 and depart at 11:30am and 1pm."

"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…"

"Situated on top of a cliff, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse used to be the most elevated lighthouse in the United States. It was so tall, in fact, that the clouds often hid it from view, so lighthouse keepers would fire shotguns at approaching ships to keep them away. Things are much less dramatic now, but the Old Point Loma Lighthouse is still great in terms of San Diego attractions."

"It commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay on September 28, 1542; first time that a European expedition had set foot on what later became the west coast of the United States. The lighthouse, which is often used to depict San Diego, dates from 1855 and was decommissioned in 1891. Both are part of the National Park Service."

"This historic lighthouse stands watch over the San Diego Bay at Cabrillo National Monument. It has magnificent birds-eye views of the bay and is a fantastic photo spot. The cost to enter Cabrillo National Monument is $20/car or $10/individual on foot or a bike."

"Located underneath the Coronado Bridge, Chicano Park is an inspiring collection of installations, murals and community gardens. The explosion of form and color is overwhelming, and it’s not uncommon to see other artists and filmmakers working in the park because of the inspirational and powerful messages that adorn views in every direction. You won’t find any chain stores or coffee shops in this area because the surrounding neighborhood of Barrio Logan has made great efforts to keep small businesses by local residents."

"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."

"This whopping 5,800-acre natural preserve is inside San Diego’s city limits to the northeast, and is the sixth-largest municipal park in the United States. Snaking off into this rugged wilderness of scrubby hills and canyons are 60 miles of marked hiking, cycling and horse riding trails. One route will take you to the summit of Cowles Mountain, the highest point in San Diego at 486 metres and with a panorama of San Diego County that merits the climb."

"Mission Trails Regional Park is a 7200-acre open space preserve comprised mostly of rugged canyons and hills with some developed areas mixed in. Go to walk, run, or bike the trails. Spot birds, native plants, and other wildlife."

"This is also another big place that packs plenty of alternatives for your landscape photography. The paths here are quite romantic with amazing views of the hills. And the sky usually reflects attractively of the peaceful lake."

"Los Peñasquitos (“little cliffs”) is a great beginners’ trail for those who want to enjoy mountain-feel views without having to hire an expedition crew. There are two approaches (east and west), and the trailheads offer a trek of either 6.5, or 5.5 miles, respectively. The terrain is gradual and level, but the trails are surrounded by the sort of views that gave the area its name: scenic rocky outcroppings, and stony formations that ripple with rubble."

"San Diego is the only Southern California location for this wildly popular Chinese hot pot chain that has more than 1,000 franchises worldwide. Sichuan peppercorns, chiles, and premium beef oil or tallow season the house spicy soup base, which comes in multiple heat levels, but several other broths are available, including wild mixed mushrooms with Chinese herbs, a house special with pork bone, and fish filet with pickled vegetables. Use the seasoned broth to dip and cook a nearly endless array of meat, seafood, and vegetables, offal of various types, seven varieties of mushrooms, and handmade balls made from beef, pork, and cuttlefish."