I've decided to make a short list of the absolute must see spots in San Diego to show off to your visiting friends and family. This is a family-friendly list. Of course I want to talk about all the great party scenes and nightlife hotspots, but we'll save that for another day. In no particular order, here is my list:
1. Old Town
Considered the "birthplace" of California, Old Town San Diego is a beautiful, historic Mexican settlement right outside of Downtown. Today, it's a very lively spot that's popular for dinner and afternoon walks alike. There are great restaurants, museums, and shops to entertain the best of us. The Old Town Mexican Cafe is honestly the most legitimate Mexican restaurant in San Diego. Cute older ladies actually make corn tortillas right in front of you as you wait to be seated. There's also a great bar there. It's the real deal. Here's a Locallife coupon for your next visit. The Whaley House, across the street, was rated the #1 Most Haunted House in America by the Travel Channel.
2. La Jolla Cove
As soon as you pull up to the cliffs in La Jolla, visitors are bound to be in awe. La Jolla Cove overlooks a stretch of cliffs heading north which you can see for nearly ten miles. There is actually a great underwater snorkling/scuba park with lots of fish and wildlife for the adventurous. You can go kayaking there as well. Also, there's a seal beach right in the middle of the cove too. Seals and their pups play in the waves right next to you, as comfortable as can be. It's an awesome place. Right up the hill is Prospect Street. It's a ritzy stretch of road with some of the most amazing restaurants and designer stores. The Karl Strauss
Brewery is there as well. It's a great local restaurant and micro
brew. Their beers are sooo good.
3. Balboa Park
Museums, history, culture. Art, gardens, mummy's. Balboa Park takes you back to another time. The buildings remind me of Spain. You can spend an entire day there. It won't disappoint. There isn't much I need to say.
4. Coronado Island
Coronado Island is your obvious tourist destination. It's picturesque and very family oriented. It used to be a hotspot for actors and actresses in the early 1900's. Marilyn Monroe, the Prince of Wales, Babe Ruth; it has quite the mystique. The Hotel Del Coronado is the face of the island. It has been around for 120 years and it is still the number one sight to see. Coronado is definitely a great place to show off to relatives and friends alike.
Easily the most epic view of the Southern California coastline and my favorite destination in San Diego to expose to visitors, Mt. Soledad has no rival. You and your friends are guaranteed to be taken back once you reach its 360 degree viewpoint of San Diego. Downtown, La Jolla, Pacific Beach, Del Mar, the Pacific Ocean, and even Mexico are visible from the top. It's breathtaking. Sunsets from up there are absolutely awesome.
I love San Diego.
