San Diego is tucked along the Pacific coast and located in the southwestern corner of California and near the Mexican border. It's one of the state's top destinations to visit and is known for its stunning coastline that spans nearly 70 miles and its family-friendly attractions. Not sure where to start exploring? We've put together a list of our favorite things to do and see when visiting!
WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
Minutes from downtown San Diego, you'll find the iconic San Diego Zoo. The 100-acre park houses more than 12,000 animals, including special animals like koalas, pandas and elephants. The zoo led the way to replacing traditional cages in zoo settings with large open habitats.
Get up close and personal with penguins, sharks, stingrays and reptiles at the Birch Aquarium. It's located at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego and overlooks the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium features daily feedings and meet and greets, as well as behind the scenes looks into how the animals are cared for.
The Living Coast Discovery Center is also a great place to learn about marine life, animals, and birds. You'll enjoy wildlife encounters, explore scenic nature trails, and tour fascinating exhibits that showcase life on the San Diego Bay.
BEACHES AND NATURE
San Diego offers diverse beaches and unforgettable scenic views. You'll definitely want to add Coronado Beach to your itinerary. The city of Coronado – a peninsula located across the bay from downtown San Diego – boasts sandy beaches that span nearly 1.75 mile long and is bordered by the United States Naval Base. Aside from the beach, Coronado is a picturesque town that's home to restaurants, historic homes as well as the famous landmark Hotel de Coronado. You'll want to make a stop to take in the stunning sunsets.
About a 20-minute drive north, you'll find the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. It's home to one of our nation's rarest pine trees which now grows only here and on Santa Rosa Island. The reserve features high broken cliffs and deep ravines that overlook the Pacific Ocean. The park offers numerous trails and can even reach the Torrey Pines State Beach.
SIP AND SAVOR
The historic Gaslamp District is often referred as the heart and soul of downtown San Diego. You'll find numerous restaurants, bars, quick bites and fine dining as well as plenty of shops to check out. There's also plenty of entertainment options to check out – offering the perfect night on the town.
In the northwest end of downtown San Diego, you'll find the charming neighborhood of Little Italy. It's a vibrant, 48-square, waterfront neighborhood that's packed with delectable restaurants, trendy cocktail bars, and upscale boutiques. Don't forget to check out Little Italy Mercato – a bustling farmer's market that's held every Wednesday and Saturday.
WHERE TO STAY
After a long day of exploring the sights of San Diego and its surrounding areas, you'll need to kick back and relax. Plan your escape to Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay! Our resort offers an array of accommodation options, including vacation rentals and RV sites. Plus, you get access to exciting amenities including our outdoor pool and poolside cabana. Don't forget to challenge your friends to games of basketball, pickleball, or corn hole, too!
We can't wait to welcome you to Sun Outdoors San Diego Bay as you prepare to explore San Diego, California!
