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San Diego’s Best Places and Experiences!
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items As someone who has lived here for about a decade, you can be certain the things on this list are worth the trip. Luckily, there’s always more to see and discover in San Diego, so I will be continually adding new recommendations for you to enjoy durin...
Sections
7
Theme Parks/Attractions
Beautiful Landscapes
Food
Best Neighborhood Parks
Fun!
Shopping
Theme Parks/Attractions
Right next to one of the best beaches in San Diego with lots of fun activities that are great for the whole family!
Belmont Park
Tons of fun for the whole family! Kids will have a blast on the rides and will love the shows!
Seaworld - San Diego
One of my favorite places to visit! Much to see and do here. You can walk or take a guided tour. Either way, you and your family will have lots of fun!
San Diego Zoo
Would you guess there’s a Safari in San Diego? If you have time, this is definitely worth adding to your itinerary! It’s an unforgettable experience for people of all ages. Temperatures can be extremely high in the summer months, so definitely check ...
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
If you love baseball, or even if it’s your first time going to a baseball game, you will love Petco Park. Lots to see and do here, and fun for the whole family!
Petco Park
Beautiful Landscapes
One of my all time favorite places. Perfect for a picnic or a nice walk. It definitely can get busier around sunset just about every day, so if you would like to watch the sunset I would recommend you plan to get there a little early to find parking ...
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park | Ocean Beach San Diego ...
Coronado or “North Island” is a great place to visit and explore. If you drive over the Coronado bridge you will get spectacular views of the city and the bay!
Coronado Beach
Beautiful oceans views that are worth taking a few hours to explore!
Shelter Island
A day trip to La Jolla is one you won’t soon forget. Breathtaking beaches with tons of activities for the whole family!
La Jolla, CA
Food
Julian is a tiny town and one of the best places to visit in San Diego! Again, it may be a long drive for some, but it will be absolutely worth it when you get to taste the best apple pie in America! My favorite: a slice of warm mango apple pie with ...
Apple Alley Bakery
A San Diego staple: salt & pepper wings from Royal Mandarin. Definitely worth a try for Chinese food lovers!
Royal Mandarin
A quaint little ice cream shop that’s serving up big flavors! Parking is limited in this plaza, so it’s best to go early in the afternoon before it gets too busy.
Somisomi
If you’re looking for ice cream on North Island, then look no further! Grab a cone as you walk to the beach and take in the views.
MooTime Creamery
The best Korean BBQ I’ve had in San Diego! It can be a little loud when it’s busy but it’s a great experience nonetheless.
356 Korean BBQ & Bar
This is the BEST breakfast in San Diego. The wait times can get extremely long, but it’s always worth it once your meal arrives. This menu will have something for everyone, and I have yet to try anything that wasn’t absolutely delicious. My recommend...
Breakfast Republic
If you love breakfast, it’s definitely worth a trip to this San Diego classic!
Aunt Emma's Pancakes
Grab your crew and cruise on down the Corvette Diner for great food and fun that’s good for the whole family!
Corvette Diner
Great food that’s made fresh and won’t leave a huge dent in your wallet! Even better, this restaurant is just a few steps away from Mission Beach and Belmont Park.
Coaster Saloon
You will likely think to yourself, “This donut is amazing!” and you won’t even have to thank me. 😌
Donut Bar: Donuts & Coffee
This spot probably had the most options I have ever seen at any boba tea house. It can be a little intimidating at first, but I don’t believe you will leave here less than satisfied. Give it a try!
Urban Location
Best Pho in San Diego! No, it is not up for debate.
PHO 7 COW
This place doesn’t just serve great ramen. Even if you may not be a fan of ramen, I can guarantee there’s something on the menu that you will enjoy! Parking here is limited, and depending on where you park you may need to pay. But that’s all worth if...
RAKIRAKI Ramen & Tsukemen
My favorite place for Indian food! If you’re spending the day in Hillcrest, it’s a great spot for lunch or dinner.
India Palace - Western San Diego, San Diego, CA
Best Neighborhood Parks
Another spot with amazing views of the city. Perfect for a picnic or just spending time with the family.
Grant Hill Park
Even though we no longer live in the neighborhood, we still visit this park every once in a while because it’s just the bees knees! They even have farmer’s markets with tons of local food and vendors.
Civita Park
The kids will love this park that’s right next to the beautiful Mission Bay. Find a nice, shady tree to have a picnic under and then let them play to their hearts’ content!
North Tecolote Shores Play Area - Destination Play Area near Mission Bay
A quiet and spacious park with a beautiful view of the lake and surrounding mountains.
Mountain Hawk Park
Lots of space and especially for the little ones with fantastic views of the Coronado Bay!
Coronado Tidelands Park
Fun!
A fun place for adults and kids alike! I would recommend checking the hours to ensure kids are welcome depending on the time you visit.
Coin-Op Game Room
A memorable experience that’s fun for young and old!
iFLY Indoor Skydiving - San Diego Mission Valley
Still one of the best places for family fun in my opinion! Great food followed by fun games with prizes that kids enjoy. That’s what I call a one-stop shop! 😉
Dave & Buster’s - Mission Valley
Want to get an even better view of the bay? Go for a ride on a jet ski! This was one of the best stay-cation activities I’ve ever done.
San Diego Jet Ski Rentals
Shopping
One of the best shopping areas! It may be a bit of a drive depending on where you start from, but there’s much to see and do here. Depending on the season they will also have a rink for roller skating or ice skating. For the adults, there’s a casino ...
Viejas Outlet Center
An outdoor mall that’s great to visit almost any time of year. It rains very little in San Diego, but in the winter I would recommend bringing a light jacket just in case. Here you will find plenty of places to shop and dine. You can even take holida...
Fashion Valley
Places to Go
Take a stroll through this quaint little town in the heart of San Diego! There’s much to see and do here, and there are plenty of great restaurants that serve delicious Italian cuisine.
Little Italy
Spend half a day or a full day exploring all this tiny town has to offer! Warning: you will likely have the best apple pie you have ever tasted here, which may ruin all other apple pies you eat for the rest of your life. 😂❤️
Visit Julian, California
This San Diego neighborhood has an abundance of great restaurants and bars for anyone looking for an awesome night out!
Discover Hillcrest, Uptown & Balboa Park in San Diego - San Diego