Things to do in coastal San Diego, CA
Last week I have started a series of posts about the city me and hubby call home. The first post that went live was supposed to be an introduction to general climate and life in San Diego, California, so you know what to expect in case you visit or even think of moving here.
Because of this city's diversity, I had to divide it into several posts, otherwise, it would have been one very long story. So if you haven't read the first post, then you better start there. Now that you know a bit more about the climate, let's talk about the fun stuff.
San Diego has no short list of things to do at the coast, from kayaking in the ocean (we did it and loved it) or paragliding above it to sailing or simply admiring one of its famous sunsets, just to name a few. As I mentioned above, it's quite diverse and you can find just about anything here.
This could turn into a very long post so I am going to cover the most important things and let the photos speak for themselves.
As stated, SD has several and diverse beaches. I would, honestly, visit them all just for that reason, but our favorites are Mission, Coronado, La Jolla, and Swami beaches, along with Children' Pool located in the La Jolla Cove.
You want to allow yourself some time in La Jolla Cove, especially by the Children's Pool. Apart from the fact that it's a beautiful area, it's also populated by seals that are funny and interesting to watch. The beach is closed on and off due to people getting too close to the seals so make sure you are aware and considerate of these beautiful creatures. Also, the area is populated by many birds, including pelicans, as well as sea lions, and you'll find quite a few daring California ground squirrels which are just as fun to watch.
Also, not too far from the La Jolla Cove, you will find the La Jolla man-made caves that are worth checking out at least once - unless you are claustrophobic - there's a long tunnel and many stairs to get to the actual "cave" so keep that in mind. The cave itself is a bit small but it has an interesting "entrance" and a nice view through the opening.
While in La Jolla, to get the best views of the city you want to visit Mount Soledad, on top of which you'll get 360 degrees views of San Diego.
Speaking of views, Point Loma, Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery and Cabrillo National Monument - more here, (all next to each other) offer wide views of the city and Coronado - just check the visibility before heading that way, it tends to get foggy/hazy.
Do some shopping or enjoy a meal at Seaport Village and end the day with a famous San Diego sunset at the Sunset Cliffs or the Maritime Museum downtown.
Another very famous place that you need to visit is Coronado. Coronado is a peninsula but everyone here refers to it as Coronado Island and I have to say I find it to be prettier than Catalina Island. Once there, you want to visit Hotel Del, an iconic architectural piece, where "Some like it hot" starring Marylin Monroe was filmed. Read its history here. While here, do venture inland Coronado, preferably by bike, for great views of downtown San Diego, some very quiet streets and beautiful homes. I strongly recommend Coronado for biking, it has the perfect streets for that, plus a long strip called the Silver Strand - you'll have gorgeous views while getting your exercise on the 7 mile-long bike path.
If taking it easy and admiring the ocean is more like your style, one of the best places to do so is Torrey Pines Glideport that doesn't only offer an endless, fascinating ocean view but also paragliders flying bove it - it's very calming and inviting. Dolphins are spotted here often so maybe have some binoculars with you?
Another place I adore is the Self-realization Meditation Garden in Encinitas - about an hour north from Downtown San Diego. Parking is available on the street but it tends to get busy so plan accordingly. Prepare to be quiet (security enforces that), have no food/drinks on you and just enjoy the incredible ocean views, beautiful gardens, the koi fish swimming in the ponds and meditate with the sound of waves crashing in the background.
Seals on the Children' Pool beach in la Jolla
California ground squirrels in La Jolla Cove
Coronado Bridge from Coronado
Coronado Bridge from Coronado
Coronado Marina
Hotel Del Coronado
Sailing in Point Loma
Coronado Bridge from Coronado
San Diego view from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in the spring
San Diego view from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in the summer
San Diego view from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in the summer
San Diego view from Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery in the summer
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
Torrey Pines Glideport
Torrey Pines Glideport
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden
Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden
Swami Beach
Sunset Cliffs
Sunset at Sunset Cliffs
Sunset at the Maritime Museum
Sunset at the Maritime Museum
I hope this gives you plenty of ideas of things to do while here. Do keep in mind that San Diego is very popular among tourists so give yourself time and patience while here.
Until next time.
XOXO,
Em