9 Fun Things to do in Beautiful San Diego

I’ve always wanted to visit San Diego but never had the opportunity when I was younger. Thankfully, I was within reasonable roadtrip distance since moving to northern Arizona. So I decided to take a few trips to see if the city lived up to its’ reputation. I really wanted to check out the world famous zoo and some of the beaches. The desirable 70 degree year-round temps and mostly sunny skies also enticed me due to my current location in Flagstaff which gets almost 100 inches of snow per year. Note: I lived in L.A. a few years back and even though as a whole I prefer Los Angeles, San Diego wins for the zoo and beaches.

No time really is a bad time to visit Southern California’s most gorgeous city. From mesmerizing coastal hiking trails, to diverse beaches, to some of the country’s top cultural attractions, there really is a little something for everyone here. After a few vacations, I’ve composed a list of some of the fun things I did which I believe are worthy of a spot on your must-do list.

1. Take a scenic nature stroll at Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve

Honestly, I never knew this city was so great for hiking. Really, it doesn’t receive enough press for the beautiful preserves and mountain hiking. One of the most gorgeous places I’ve hiked at is along the oceanfront trail system at Torrey Pines Nature Reserve. This natural oasis is home to the rare Torrey Pine tree, which only grows here.

There are only 5 miles of trails and they are all pretty easy, so this is a great place for the casual hiker or tourist who does not want to go all out with a big mountain hike. However, even regular fitness buffs will appreciate the gorgeous desert scenery and amazing views of the Pacific. Personally, I hate the monotony of walking on a treadmill and this scenery beats that anyday!

I love that you can enjoy fabulous scenery and also get in a decent walk for the day. I would say this is a great place for both photographers and outdoor enthusiasts. As an added bonus, gorgeous Torrey Pines State Beach is located right next to the reserve, so after your hike you can relax at a quiet, non touristy beach. Or simply take the beach trail straight down to the water. Overall, I would definitely place this beautiful hiking preserve near the top of your list especially if you are looking to soak in the wonderful ocean scenery.

2. See the Giant Panda at the world-famous San Diego Zoo

Most famously, this city is known for the wonderful San Diego Zoo, one of the only zoos to house pandas. In fact, it’s the first thing I think about when I hear the city name. And, is it popular! A line will begin forming outside the gates at least a half hour prior to opening.

Much of this is to see the Giant Pandas, which alone makes this zoo worthy of a visit. Only 4 others US zoos are home to pandas, so being a relative rarity, all the more reason to visit. I would head straight to this exhibit so you can enjoy better views before the afternoon crowds hit. It really is a unique experience to see these adorable animals in such a close setting.

Update: In 2019, the pandas returned to China as per the loan agreement. In 2024, 2 new pandas (Yun Chuan and Xin Bao) made the zoo their new home.

Aside from the Pandas, the SD Zoo offers many other fantastic exhibits & attractions including an underwater hippo viewing, a fantastic koala exhibit, a scenic aerial tram ride, and an educational open air bus tour. The zoo is beautifully landscaped with plenty of shade.

Be aware that it is one of the most expensive zoos in the world (a whopping $74 per person!), yet worth it in my opinion for the top notch exhibits. Plus, this is a super gorgeous zoo to stroll around; the landscaping is so amazing. To save a few bucks, order tickets online. Also, the zoo offers a special 60 min early morning panda tour (for a fee).

3. Feast on authentic Mexican cuisine

It would be a shame to visit Southern California, home to some of the best Mexican restaurants in the country, and not indulge in some tasty enchiladas. The city is home to a wide range of Mexican dining establishments, from touristy choices to fine dining award-winning options on the coast. Casa Guadalajara is one of the top rated Mexican restaurants in the city, and it did not disappoint. This is some of the best Mexican food I’ve ever tried and I really loved the colorful ambiance as well.

The bright colorful dining room, beautiful outdoor patio, excellent food, and fun live entertainment (a Mariachi band serenades you as you dine), make a visit to Casa a fun night out, rather than simply a meal. Everything on the menu looks tempting, although I highly recommend the vegetarian combo plate! Being a vegetarian, I really appreciated the many veggie friendly options. Mike also loved his chicken chimichangas.

4. Get up early to watch the sea lions at La Jolla Cove

I really loved beautiful La Jolla Cove beach. The scenery is gorgeous and we loved seeing all the wildlife. It is a known hotspot for nature photography and sea lion sightings. On any given morning, you will see dozens of sea lions basking in the sun, lying amongst the rocks, and swimming. Sometimes, they even come up to the shore to sunbathe. We saw lots during our visit which was something we definitely have not seen before so a cool experience.

The best time to visit is early in the morning when there are no crowds in sight, so you can take better pics and enjoy the views in a less rowdy atmosphere. Not to mention you will get to enjoy a beautiful beach all to yourself!

Aside from photography and wildlife watching, this beach is also popular with snorkelers, scuba divers, seaglass collectors, and kayakers. As goes for most places in the area, getting up early pays off! You get to enjoy a less crowded environment and ease of finding parking in return for setting that alarm!