7 Spots Worth Exploring in San Diego

Often overlooked for the bright lights of Los Angeles next door, San Diego is a city that sometimes flies under the radar. Whether you’re an international visitor or a Californian looking to discover another side your home state, this guide will help you see why San Diego is worth a second look.

If you’re wondering whether or not a city is any good, it’s always worth listening to what the locals say. And San Diego residents can often be heard raving about their city’s perfect weather. Does ‘perfect’ really exist? Well, it turns out it does. San Diego mostly has a mild, sunny climate. The tousled surfer look that San Diego has (according to the Lonely Planet) is a direct acknowledgement of what happens when beautiful sunshine is found in a city with sandy, surfer-friendly beaches.

The weather has a direct impact on the San Diego lifestyle too. It’s all about being outdoors here. Of course, there’s plenty of surfing, and Encinitas is a favorite. You don’t have to be a surfer to enjoy the beaches here, and La Jolla is the place where locals like to go to chill out. There’s also hiking in Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, and meandering between the zoo and trendy art galleries of the roomy Balboa Park.

So if you’re thinking of exploring San Diego and the surrounding area, how should you go about it? First off, you’ll need a set of wheels. Like most places in the United States, you can’t get far if you don’t have a car. It’s easy to hire one. If you’re planning to head out of the city, or if you’re tempted to head over the border to Mexico, check you have the right coverage for auto repair San Diego, and if the rental terms allow cross-border travel. You’ll also need a solid itinerary to make the most out of your time in San Diego. Try to plan to do things in a logical, geographical order. And allow some down time to enjoy the craft beer and food scene to be found across the city too. Here’s some inspiration of things to include during your time in and around the city – including plenty of stuff you won’t find in all the ‘beaten track’ travel guides.

1. Liberty Public Market

Smack bang in the heart of the Liberty Station neighborhood, Liberty Public Market is a foodie’s paradise. It’s an indoor market of a whopping 25,000 square feet, where dozens of vendors serve fresh seafood, organic delicacies, gourmet chocolates and craft beer. It’s not just a place to eat; it’s an immersive experience. There are often live cooking demonstrations over the weekends too.

2. Gaslamp Quarter

This is San Diego’s historic quarter – but it’s far from dull. This district officially spans 16 blocks, and it’s where you can find buildings from the Victorian-era, which are now home to trendy shops and galleries. After sunset, the area transforms into a hub of nightlife, and there are lots of rooftop bars and high-end cocktail lounges, plus a few basic drinking holes to choose from.

3. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This coastal state park is also one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast. It’s where you can find dreamy views of the ocean from rugged cliff tops, and feel a little freedom and space from the urban thrum. The reserve is named after the Torrey Pine, a rare pine species that grows only here and – obscurely – on one of the Channel Islands. It has miles of unspoiled beaches and a network of hiking trails that wind through coastal terrain and pine forests.

4. The San Diego Museum of Art

Love art, or just want to hand with San Diego’s artsy crowd? This museum is the place to be, and it roams the globe through its collection, with significant European, American, Asian, and Latin American art. The museum’s architecture itself is a tribute to the Spanish Baroque, with a façade that replicates the entrance of the University of Salamanca, in Spain. Inside, you can explore a range of exhibitions, from Renaissance art to contemporary pieces. The educational programs and special events can have a little wow factor too, so see what’s booked into the events calendar while you’re in town.

5. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Are you all about the views (or the perfect Insta posts)? Sunset Cliffs Natural Park has one of the best ocean vistas in San Diego. It’s on the Point Loma peninsula, and the park is famous for its dramatic cliff faces and panoramic sunsets. Come here and you’ll join photographers, surfers, and everyone from San Diego looking to enjoy a peaceful moment watching the waves crash against the rocks.

6. Little Italy

San Diego’s Little Italy is a bustling neighborhood that harks back to Italy. Go there if you love a lively atmosphere, and ‘proper’ Italian restaurants. The weekly Mercato Farmers’ Market is also a favorite – buy a snack or some ingredients to try your hand at your own Italian-flavor cooking later. Even Italians admit that San Diego’s Little Italy has some of the best pasta, pizza, and gelato outside of Italy. The area is also home to several craft breweries and chic cafes too, making it a part of town you can visit any time of day or night.

7. Cabrillo National Monument

Standing resolute at the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, the Cabrillo National Monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo at San Diego Bay in 1542. This is a historical site – but it’s about more than celebrating a past moment in time. The views of San Diego’s skyline and the Pacific Ocean are pretty cool too. You can also explore the old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been restored to its 1880s appearance, and wander through the tide pools too.

A city that’s about more than blazing sunshine and surfer vibes, San Diego is an amazing spot whether you’re an art aficionado, a history enthusiast, or a snap-happy explorer.

Dale Weinbaum, California Business Journal