What to See in San Diego

Thinking of visiting San Diego? Beautiful weather, amazing beaches, lots of history, and fascinating natural beauty are what attract people to this great city on the West Coast of the United States. Located between Los Angeles and Tijuana, San Diego has an endless number of activities for an unforgettable few days.

If you want to learn more, Civitatis has got it covered with a list of the must-see places in San Diego. Let’s get started!

A Bit of History

San Diego was the first Spanish mission in what is now known as the United States. In 1769, Fray Junipero Serra arrived with his work as a missionary to found 9 of the 21 missions in California. When Spain recognized the independence of Mexico in 1821, San Diego became part of that new state until 1848, when it became part of the United States. From that moment on, San Diego’s mix of cultures has been one of the major parts of the city’s identity.

The development of San Diego was due in large part to the city’s inclusion in the U.S. railroad network, but one of the most important moments that San Diego experienced that marked a before and after, was its election to be the main headquarters of the U.S. Naval Fleet.

Today, San Diego is the eighth largest city in the country and the second largest in California, as well as one of the most popular destinations on the West Coast. To learn all about the town’s past, we recommend starting with a guided tour of San Diego.

Stroll Through Downtown

As in most cities, San Diego’s historic downtown is where most of the tourist attractions are concentrated. No trip to the city is complete without walking around Downtown San Diego and exploring some of its most important neighborhoods.

First, we head into the Gaslamp Quarter, a small open-air museum of San Diego’s history. Strolling through its streets, you can see the 17th-century homes that transport visitors directly to the Victorian era. Be sure not to miss Cortez Hill, another fundamental district of San Diego where Victorian-style houses perfectly combine with the imposing skyscrapers!

In the spirit of the city’s mix of cultures, we suggest exploring Little Italy. This is a neighborhood that will transport you straight to Italy with its many Italian family-owned stores, markets, and restaurants.

Balboa Park, the Largest City Park in the U.S.

Exploring Balboa Park is a real treat for the senses. Considered the largest urban park in the United States, it’s one of the country’s oldest public spaces dedicated to leisure and free time. Balboa Park has a host of cultural centers like museums and theaters and, of course, the well-known San Diego Zoo.

Many visitors to San Diego come to this great park to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of downtown and take a leisurely stroll through its famous gardens, which are a display of many styles and are looked after with incredible care. The park also offers space for numerous outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and segway rides.

San Diego Zoo

Can you imagine more than 3,700 animals of 650 different species all in one place? This is what the San Diego Zoo, one of the most important zoos in the world, has to offer. Since its foundation in 1915, this zoo has been one of the great centers of reference in this field, as it has been able to continuously innovate and offer unforgettable experiences for adults and children alike.

The San Diego Zoo offers loads of activities and attractions to enjoy the space in a fun and original way. On its famous safari, for example, you can learn about all kinds of wildlife without ever leaving the country!

San Diego’s Best Museums

Some of San Diego’s greatest museums are located in Balboa Park – no less than 18 museums, in fact! It would take about three full days to visit them all. For any trip, however, we know time is money, so we highly recommend specifying the ones you want to visit. The San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, the Railroad Museum, and the Air & Space Museum are some of our must-sees.

Of course, not all the museums of this Californian city are in Balboa Park. Another museum you don’t want to miss in San Diego is the famous USS Midway Museum. The exhibit on this aircraft carrier tells the history of the USS Midway, a ship used in the Vietnam War. It was the flagship for all naval aircraft carrier battle groups in the Persian Gulf during Operation Desert Storm.

San Diego Beaches: Paradise on Earth

All who travel to California seek those sandy beaches and near-perfect temperatures for a pleasant day in the sun. Those who land in San Diego are lucky enough to find the fabulous weather and amazing bays that Southern California is famous for.

With over 62 miles (100 kilometers) of coastline, San Diego is home to some of the best beaches in the country. From the breathtaking caves of La Jolla, Coronado Beach, Pacific Beach, and Ocean Beach, to surfer favorites like Carlsbad State Beach, Black’s Beach, and Windansea Beach, you can’t miss!

Breathtaking Cliffs & Whales

San Diego has lots to see as far as natural attractions. One of our suggestions is Sunset Cliffs, a natural park where spectacular cliffs mingle with wild vegetation, caves, rock arches, and pools, inevitably making it a favorite for all visiting. Pro tip: You can admire one of the most beautiful sunsets in California here!

Another plan we recommend at Civitatis is whale watching in San Diego. Gray and blue whales swim in the waters of this Californian city throughout the year. Taking a whale-watching cruise is one of the most popular activities for tourists.

Gastronomy

No trip to this city would be complete without sampling the cultural mix that characterizes San Diego’s culinary scene. You should know that it’s one of the best places in the United States to eat tacos. The area of La Jolla has countless spots where you can treat your taste buds. It’s the perfect union of Mexican and American cultures!

We also have good news for beer lovers… With over 150 independent breweries, San Diego is the craft beer capital of the US. From award-winning to the most innovative brews, there are plenty of spots to have a cold one and discover the city’s beer culture.