From urban buzz, to coastal beauty, from history and arts, to a throbbing nightlife; from great craft beer and wine, to seafood and fine dining: San Diego has plenty to keep you happy if you’re dropping by for a visit. Here’s five must-sees to get you thinking, but also check out local listings for all the latest events and happenings.
Gaslamp Quarter
If you’re looking for the best things to do in San Diego, then a visit to the buzzing downtown area, just around the corner from the airport, should be among the first on your list. One area worth dropping into is the Gaslamp Quarter, where you’ll have plenty to see and do.
What you’ll see is a fusion of old Victorian buildings, along with fresh architecture. There’s galleries, loads of shops and food and drink aplenty – to suit all tastes and budgets. And, at night, it comes alive with a beating nightlife. It’s spread across more than a dozen blocks, all that are easily walkable.
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a must see for many visitors heading to San Diego. It’s billed as the largest urban park, and home to cultural institutions. That’s because you’ll not only find one museum here, not even two or three – but more than a dozen! And they’re offering all sorts for you to experience. Art, technology and natural science are among the themes being brought to life here. The museums are all dotted around the gardens of Balboa Park.
If you’ve got kids with you, the Fleet Science Center is worth a nose around. It’s all about science and there are hands-on experiments. And, for young train lovers, there’s the San Diego Model Railroad Museum.
Hit the beach!
Head to Mission Bay and you’ll find over 24 miles of shoreline – offering waterways and islets to spice up your aquatic adventure. This area is home to lots of beach communities, and all of them have something different about them.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert when it comes to water sports, you’re sure to find something to match your skills in Mission Bay! You can get stuck into anything from sailing to surfing, and jet-skiing to kite-surfing.
If you’re looking for something about more sedate, there are fishing trips on offer too. Check out local operators when you’re in the area.
Say “ciao!” to Little Italy
You’ll be forgiven for thinking you’ve left the US and flown to Europe, if you drop into San Diego’s Little Italy district. It’s not just a name, it’s truly authentic, with the neighborhood having been home to generations of Italian families over the years. Once upon a time the tuna industry was big business, and the people owed their livelihoods to the sea. Nowadays, Little Italy is a bustling place to visit with no end of entertainments. If you love the smell of coffee and fine food, then you may just have found your paradise. It’s not just foodie heaven, there’s also a flourishing arts scene in Little Italy, and for those that like shopping, there are a variety of high-class shops.
