5 Must-See Sights in San Diego Beyond the Beach
When people think of San Diego, they usually picture the beach and don’t get us wrong, the beaches are amazing. But San Diego has so much more than beaches, and here are some of our must check out stops!
Coronado Island
Let’s start with my favorite place in San Diego: Coronado Island. This charming island is perfect for exploring by bike. Rent one and cruise around the island while admiring all the gorgeous homes and gardens. Make sure you ride down Orange Ave and get breakfast at Clayton’s. Stop by Coronado Brewing Company to grab lunch to go, then head to Coronado Beach for the afternoon. And don’t miss Hotel Del Coronado even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth a visit to soak in the history and the views. Pro tip: pack stuff for s’mores and make your way to the campfire pits for sunset!
Pacific Beach
Pacific Beach is one of San Diego’s beach towns with lots to see and do. Start your morning at Kono’s Cafe with a hearty breakfast (breakfast burritos are the move here, but they’ve got some killer french toast too) Then stroll along the boardwalk, people-watch, shop, and find a spot to hangout at the beach.
Hiking
If you’re looking for a hike that combines scenic cliffs, ocean views, and a chance to end at a beach Torrey Pines is your spot. The trails here range from easy to moderate, where you start high up in the hills and make your way down to the beach. Another cool hike is Annie’s Slot Canyon! You’ll take a path down to the canyon, and then slip through the slot canyon. It is epic!
La Jolla
La Jolla is full of lots to do for those who love adventure and those who love shopping! If you’re into food, The Cottage is a must get the chicken sandwich (seriously), and the pancakes too. Walk on over to La Jolla Cove where you’ll spot sea lions lounging on the rocks, or head down into Sunny Jim’s Sea Cave (yes, it’s as cool as it sounds). If you’re up for more action, book a Kayak Tour of the 7 Sea Caves you’ll get to explore the coastline like never before.
Balboa Park + Downtown Picks
Balboa Park is a cultural hub with museums, gardens, and walking trails you could spend an entire day here if you wanted. Head downtown and check out The Donut Bar for some of the most over-the-top (and delicious) donuts. Make a reservation at Seneca, a rooftop Italian restaurant. Don’t forget to check out Seaport Village, and if you're feeling extra adventurous, you can catch a ferry from Coronado to get there. Catch a Padres baseball game or explore the historic Navy ships at the USS Midway Museum docked nearby.
These are just a few of the spots on our San Diego list and we hope to see you (and your van!) out there too.
