What to Do in San Diego, California
San Diego things to do include, not surprisingly, plenty of outdoor activities. It is the eighth largest city in the United States, located on the western part of the Mexican State of California. San Diego is a cosmopolitan city on the Pacific ocean side of California, famous for its beautiful beaches, parks and warmer climate. Immense Balboa Park serves as the main venue of the famed San Diego Zoo, and a number of art galleries, museums and gardens. A wide coastal harbor is also home to a large naval fleet, currently home to the USS Midway, a once-classified aircraft-carrier-designed museum. In fact, the Midway is one of the few naval ships left in service today.
The second-most-popular San Diego activity is, perhaps, a much loved recreation: hiking. The scenic Pacific Ocean has been the country’s top hiking location since the 1800s, and is popular among people of all ages. Of all the hiking possibilities, Pacific beach has some of the best scenery in the state, making it a favorite among families. Just north of San Diego, you’ll find the Lost Dutchman State Historic Site, which includes an underground tunnel dating back to World War II. Another favorite among San Diego folks is the popular Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which boasts an array of unique plant life, including sea roses, ospreys, manatees and several varieties of eelgrass.
Of course, hiking isn’t the only outdoor activity available in San Diego. There are also a number of gorgeous parks in and around the city, ranging from easy-going family parks to secluded mountain peaks. In the city’s West County, residents have the option of going on a nature trail trek through La Jolla, or enjoying the many beaches and parks in the Orange County Register Wild and Scenic Park. In the county’s East County, visitors can take a hike into Miramar State Park or participate in a boat tour of the Tijuana River. The playground at the San Diego Zoo is another favorite among the city’s children, and you can bring the entire family for a game of tennis at the famous San Diego Tennis Center.
When the sun goes down, it’s time to head out to San Diego family fun in the park. San Diego Botanical Garden is one of the country’s largest and features several well-known species of plants, flowers and trees. A popular park activity is to visit the flower fields, which are actually native habitats of the Giant Sequoia trees. Children and adults alike will enjoy exploring the many varieties of flowers found at the park.
A few miles from San Diego’s metropolitan area, travelers still have plenty to do. In the City of Industry, there’s the Historic Gas Lamp District, home to Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. Visitors can visit the Park for a tour of its grounds or enjoy the many free things to do in San Diego, like a free day trip to the San Diego Zoo. In the downtown area, the Seaport Village offers shopping, dining and cultural experiences. Children will love the zoo, while adults will appreciate the shop, restaurants and other cultural activities.
Finally, when you’re looking for things to do in San Diego, you should consider the beautiful San Diego Zoo and the Gaslamp Quarter. In the zoo, you can watch various animals like seals and whales, as well as bird and marine life. For an afternoon, walk along the new Harbor Path, take a cable car tour, or hop aboard a ferry to see the famous old town San Diego. At the Gaslamp Quarter, you can stroll through the streets of old downtown, smell the roses in Prospect Street, and enjoy the sights and sounds of the Gaslamp Quarter.
