Guidebook for San Diego
Beaches
Like a lot of La Jolla’s beaches this one is just large enough to spreadout for sunbathing. Winter storms can remove a lot of the sand here so it’s quite different between summer and winter. Windansea is an expert surfing spot and due to rocks and strong currents, it’s not a great swimming area. That said, this is a picturesque beach with sandstone points sticking out into the surf at both ends.
At the south end of the beach there is a simple surf shack with a palm roof for shade that has been designated as a historical landmark. There are a couple stairs that descend the steep bluff where you’ll have to scramble down off sandstone ledges if the sand is low. There are a about ten designated parking spots above the beach and street parking spaces if those are taken.
272 moradores locais recomendam
Praia Windansea
Neptune PlLike a lot of La Jolla’s beaches this one is just large enough to spreadout for sunbathing. Winter storms can remove a lot of the sand here so it’s quite different between summer and winter. Windansea is an expert surfing spot and due to rocks and strong currents, it’s not a great swimming area. That said, this is a picturesque beach with sandstone points sticking out into the surf at both ends.
At the south end of the beach there is a simple surf shack with a palm roof for shade that has been designated as a historical landmark. There are a couple stairs that descend the steep bluff where you’ll have to scramble down off sandstone ledges if the sand is low. There are a about ten designated parking spots above the beach and street parking spaces if those are taken.
Located on the island of Coronado, this wide family-friendly beach is wide enough that you can find a place to spread out comfortably and is located only about 20 min away.
The drive across the bridge to the island is a highlight as you ascend above docked sailboats in the bay below and pass by downtown SD on your right.
The Hotel Del Coronado is also located on the island and is worth a visit to view the beautiful historical hotel.
Access to the main Coronado Beach is from the area near the “Hotel Del” where there are free parking spaces along Ocean Boulevard. Sometimes near the hotel there are elaborate large sand castles to view and photograph – the creators love donations. Get there early to park nearby and secure a good spot on the sand.
At lunch or dinner time you can enjoy any one of several restaurants at the Del. If you walk south from the Del there is a beach below tall condo buildings called Coronado Shores Beach which has a free public parking lot. To the north of Dog Run Beach you’ll see a fence and the North Island Navy Base. Beyond that and visible in the distance is Cabrillo National Monument atop Point Loma.
297 moradores locais recomendam
Praia de Coronado
Located on the island of Coronado, this wide family-friendly beach is wide enough that you can find a place to spread out comfortably and is located only about 20 min away.
The drive across the bridge to the island is a highlight as you ascend above docked sailboats in the bay below and pass by downtown SD on your right.
The Hotel Del Coronado is also located on the island and is worth a visit to view the beautiful historical hotel.
Access to the main Coronado Beach is from the area near the “Hotel Del” where there are free parking spaces along Ocean Boulevard. Sometimes near the hotel there are elaborate large sand castles to view and photograph – the creators love donations. Get there early to park nearby and secure a good spot on the sand.
At lunch or dinner time you can enjoy any one of several restaurants at the Del. If you walk south from the Del there is a beach below tall condo buildings called Coronado Shores Beach which has a free public parking lot. To the north of Dog Run Beach you’ll see a fence and the North Island Navy Base. Beyond that and visible in the distance is Cabrillo National Monument atop Point Loma.
P.B. (as the locals call it) is a favorite spot for college students and young adults enjoying the party atmosphere, frequenting the area’s restaurants and bars—some just steps from the sand. P.B. comes alive at night, too, with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region’s many clubs.
Ocean Front Walk is a paved pathway that runs behind Pacific Beach and continues south behind Mission Beach to the end of the peninsula. This is a popular bike path and is lined with shops and restaurants at Pacific Beach. Crystal Pier is a public fishing pier during the day and has a great vantage point to look at the city, the beach, and the surfers below.
700 moradores locais recomendam
Pacific Beach
P.B. (as the locals call it) is a favorite spot for college students and young adults enjoying the party atmosphere, frequenting the area’s restaurants and bars—some just steps from the sand. P.B. comes alive at night, too, with the glow of bonfires and the electricity of the region’s many clubs.
Ocean Front Walk is a paved pathway that runs behind Pacific Beach and continues south behind Mission Beach to the end of the peninsula. This is a popular bike path and is lined with shops and restaurants at Pacific Beach. Crystal Pier is a public fishing pier during the day and has a great vantage point to look at the city, the beach, and the surfers below.
La Jolla Shores Beach is a long, wide, and very popular beach in northern La Jolla. Compared to most of the La Jolla beaches which are tucked into gaps between rocky points, this one is a monster at over a mile in length. Kayakers put in at the south end of the beach and paddle out to see La Jolla Cave and other water-accessible sites. Beach walkers can head north for a long way by passing under the Scripps Pier and continuing all the way to Black’s Beach (warning this area is clothing optional). Lifeguards are on-hand daily at La Jolla Shores for swimmers and surfers to safely enjoy the surf. It’s tops for picnicking, sunbathing, playing in the water, and people watching. The beach is in front of Kellogg Park which has two grassy areas for picnics that are separated by a large parking lot. Even though the beach is large and so is the parking lot, they both can fill up on sunny days. Get here early and make a full day of your visit. Restrooms, playground and picnic tables are found at this beach. Rentals are available at the beach and on Avenida de la Playa where you’ll also find a market and restaurants. From downtown La Jolla head north on Torrey Pines Road then turn north onto La Jolla Shores Drive then turn left onto Calle Frescota which leads to the lot entrance.
94 moradores locais recomendam
Parque La Jolla Shores
8300 Camino Del OroLa Jolla Shores Beach is a long, wide, and very popular beach in northern La Jolla. Compared to most of the La Jolla beaches which are tucked into gaps between rocky points, this one is a monster at over a mile in length. Kayakers put in at the south end of the beach and paddle out to see La Jolla Cave and other water-accessible sites. Beach walkers can head north for a long way by passing under the Scripps Pier and continuing all the way to Black’s Beach (warning this area is clothing optional). Lifeguards are on-hand daily at La Jolla Shores for swimmers and surfers to safely enjoy the surf. It’s tops for picnicking, sunbathing, playing in the water, and people watching. The beach is in front of Kellogg Park which has two grassy areas for picnics that are separated by a large parking lot. Even though the beach is large and so is the parking lot, they both can fill up on sunny days. Get here early and make a full day of your visit. Restrooms, playground and picnic tables are found at this beach. Rentals are available at the beach and on Avenida de la Playa where you’ll also find a market and restaurants. From downtown La Jolla head north on Torrey Pines Road then turn north onto La Jolla Shores Drive then turn left onto Calle Frescota which leads to the lot entrance.
Sightseeing
With its rugged coastline and panoramic views, this area is popular with surfers, ocean-gazers, and folks who like to cruise Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, which runs the length of the cliffs. The drive along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, which begins at Adair Street and continues south to Ladera Street, offers breathtaking views and the most amazing sunsets that you will ever see. Be very careful - it is a beautiful spot, but there have been tragic accidents in the past because people get too close to the edge of the cliffs, which can erode easily since they are basically sandstone.
580 moradores locais recomendam
Penhascos do Pôr do Sol
With its rugged coastline and panoramic views, this area is popular with surfers, ocean-gazers, and folks who like to cruise Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, which runs the length of the cliffs. The drive along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, which begins at Adair Street and continues south to Ladera Street, offers breathtaking views and the most amazing sunsets that you will ever see. Be very careful - it is a beautiful spot, but there have been tragic accidents in the past because people get too close to the edge of the cliffs, which can erode easily since they are basically sandstone.
Beautiful overlook in La Jolla offering almost 360 degree views of the coast, mountains, Mission Bay, Coronado Islands and Mexico. It has been designated as a war memorial.
270 moradores locais recomendam
Soledad Mountain
Beautiful overlook in La Jolla offering almost 360 degree views of the coast, mountains, Mission Bay, Coronado Islands and Mexico. It has been designated as a war memorial.
Historical sites
Site of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast in 1769 which features 12 acres of Mexican heritage and historical sites, colorful shops, early-California-style restaurants, museums and a theater. Live mariachi performers everyday, seasonal and event shows throughout the year.
1070 moradores locais recomendam
Old Town
Site of the first Spanish settlement on the U.S. West Coast in 1769 which features 12 acres of Mexican heritage and historical sites, colorful shops, early-California-style restaurants, museums and a theater. Live mariachi performers everyday, seasonal and event shows throughout the year.
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed to and landed at this point, to become the first European to set foot in California. The National park is set on a peninsula high above the city of SD. Spectacular views of downtown, San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is a museum, a lighthouse and tide pool as well that are all available for visit.
238 moradores locais recomendam
Monumento Nacional Cabrillo
In 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo sailed to and landed at this point, to become the first European to set foot in California. The National park is set on a peninsula high above the city of SD. Spectacular views of downtown, San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. There is a museum, a lighthouse and tide pool as well that are all available for visit.
Zoos
Voted #1 Zoo in the World. More than 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. New Australian Outback exhibit, providing an updated Australian animal experience. Another new exhibit, Africa Rocks is also open for viewing.
2510 moradores locais recomendam
Zoológico de San Diego
2920 Zoo DrVoted #1 Zoo in the World. More than 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. New Australian Outback exhibit, providing an updated Australian animal experience. Another new exhibit, Africa Rocks is also open for viewing.
1,800 acre zoo near Escondido California . One of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego County. Large array of wild and endangered animals. One of its most notable features is the Africa Tram, which explores the expansive African exhibits
967 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Safari do Zoológico de San Diego
15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd1,800 acre zoo near Escondido California . One of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego County. Large array of wild and endangered animals. One of its most notable features is the Africa Tram, which explores the expansive African exhibits
Gardens
One of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park and a “must-see” destination in San Diego. Built in 1915-16, plantings include more than 2,100 permanent plants
49 moradores locais recomendam
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
1550 El PradoOne of the most photographed scenes in Balboa Park and a “must-see” destination in San Diego. Built in 1915-16, plantings include more than 2,100 permanent plants
Museums
Four floors of exhibitions, a 3D theater, and a research collection of 9 million specimens.
99 moradores locais recomendam
Museu de História Natural de San Diego
1788 El PradoFour floors of exhibitions, a 3D theater, and a research collection of 9 million specimens.
Explore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet.
93 moradores locais recomendam
Fleet Science Center
1875 El PradoExplore and investigate more than 100 interactive exhibits that pique your curiosity and become immersed in an IMAX film adventure that shows the wonders of the planet.
The world’s oldest active wooden sailing ship, it is now a maritime museum.
91 moradores locais recomendam
Star of India
1492 N Harbor DrThe world’s oldest active wooden sailing ship, it is now a maritime museum.
Aquarium
Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond, really a wonderful and interesting aquarium!
366 moradores locais recomendam
Aquário de Bétula em Scripps
2300 Expedition WayPerched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Birch Aquarium features more than 60 habitats of fishes and invertebrates from the cold waters of the Pacific Northwest to the tropical waters of Mexico and beyond, really a wonderful and interesting aquarium!