9 Fun Things to do in Beautiful San Diego

5. Stroll Ocean Boardwalk

The most classic sightseeing activity (and one of the best in my experience) is simply taking a walk, jog, or bike ride down the historic Mission/Pacific Beach boardwalk. These 2 lively beach towns are connected via a long 3 mile boardwalk which runs adjacent to the ocean and is lined with pretty beachfront vacation rentals. I’ve enjoyed a lot of similar paths while living in L.A. (like the Strand), but this one really offers some fantastic viewpoints.

Sites of interest include the historic Pacific Beach pier and the iconic Belmont Amusement Park (take a ride on the historic wooden Big Dipper coaster!). Where else can you enjoy the beach, beautiful sunsets, endless people watching, and even a little bit of healthy exercise all at the same time!? Classic SoCal at its’ best!

6. Watch a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific

After a long day strolling the massive zoo or hiking in the mountains, enjoying a quiet sunset on the beach is a real treat. Grab your beach chair, dig your toes into the sand, and enjoy the simple joys in life. After spending too much money on pricey man-made attractions, watching a free sunset is even more of a treat :).

Here’s A full listing of beaches so you can plan your day’s adventures based on your personal interests.

7. Listen to the waves while dining at a waterfront restaurant

San Diego offers no shortage of beautiful waterfront dining establishments, from casual beach side pubs like Shades Oceanfront Bistro (update – now closed) in Ocean City, to tasty local breakfast joints like Caroline’s Seaside Cafe in La Jolla, to fine dining establishments like La Jolla’s Marine Room.

No matter your taste or budget, there is some restaurant for you in this beautiful waterfront city. What better way to relax on your vacation, while enjoying the gorgeous weather and waterfront scenery, then by taking in the views from a breezy outdoor deck? One of the things I love doing most on any vacation to a coastal city is dining overlooking the water. Not something I can do at home, so it’s on my must-do list for sure.

8. Hunt for seaglass at La Jolla Cove

Collecting seaglass has been a hobby of mine for years, ever since I lived on a beautiful island off the coast of Maine. The term seaglass refers to former pieces of garbage (beer bottles, old medicine bottles, etc.) which have been turned into shining gems (similar to jewelry) due to the hands of time and nature.

While Southern California is not known to be a hotspot for seaglass collecting (beaches in Northern rockier areas often hold the highest concentration and greatest variety of colors), La Jolla Cove beach is surprisingly home to a sizable amount of these colorful jewels. Fittingly, the name La Jolla means “The Jewel” in Spanish.

While you will not find the rich purple and blue pieces you may find along the rockier beaches in the Pacific Northwest, New England, or even Northern California (check out Ft. Bragg’s Seaglass Beach), you will find nicely tumbled pieces of green, white, and brown (most likely from common beer bottles).

As you stroll near the shore, you will notice the pieces of sparking glass shimmering amongst the dull rocks. After your first seaglass hunt, you will likely want to start collecting as a hobby as you can turn your treasures into all sorts of unique crafts and jewelry pieces.

I’ve made numerous ornaments, picture frames, and even just filled vases with pretty pieces over the years. With breathtaking coastal views, treasured seaglass, natural wildlife sightings, and a range of fun activities to enjoy, La Jolla Cove really is the city’s crown jewel.

9. Bike along the gorgeous Mission Bay Path

This is an excellent vacation destination for fitness & outdoor enthusiasts due to the mild year-round climate, beautiful scenery, and abundance of recreational areas. Biking is one of my favorite ways to get out into the fresh air, enjoy a leisurely workout, and still take advantage of the wonderful views outside as opposed to using a treadmill at a stuffy gym.

Not to be confused with the beach path, The Mission Bay Bike Path is another beautiful option. This paved multi use recreational path is quieter and still features some nice views of the bay. It can be used by bikers, walkers, joggers, and skate boarders. We enjoyed the most beautiful biking adventure on a rare gloomy day. I love cloudy weather as it makes the greenery stand out more; this path was so lush and fresh.

Because there are many different routes, you can go as little or as far as you like depending on your personal preference. A great place to start your ride is at beautiful Mission Bay Park. This portion of the tree-lined path features gorgeous views of Mission Bay and Fiesta Island. This is a great path for beginning cyclists as the route is flat with no road crossings. It’s more of a sightseeing ride rather than a rough workout, so a great vacation choice for anyone looking to take it easy. Check out this handy Mission Bay trail map to plan your ride.

Tips for a great vacation

*Check Groupon for special deals on attractions, hotels, and restaurants. It’s really easy to find great restaurant deals in most big cities. Whale watching cruises and discounts to popular attractions like the Belmont Amusement Park are occasionally offered.

*Visit beaches and parks in the early morning hours. The temps will be cooler, there will be less crowds, and it will be much easier to find parking!

*Do not attempt to bike the Mission/Pacific beach boardwalk at night – it is way too crowded! Save this ride for early mornings, preferably on weekdays.

*Head to the panda exhibit first at the zoo. First thing in the morning, there will not be major crowds and you will actually get some great photos. As this is the zoo’s most popular exhibit, it gets very packed soon after opening. Timed tickets are available.

*Book hotels and flights in advance for the best deals.