Things To Do
Coronado Island
This charming and historic island often referred to as "Crown Town" or "Emerald City" is a small man-made "island" located right across the water from downtown San Diego. Coronado is accessible by car, trolley, or even ferry ride! Coronado is the quintessential beach town in San Diego oozing with character and small-town charm which makes it a great for spending a day at the beach, grabbing breakfast at Clayton's Cafe, having lunch anywhere on Orange Ave, or just cruising around picking out your dream home :p Coronado is also home to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado, which is THE place to visit on the island. "The Del" is most famously known as the backdrop in the film "Some Like it Hot", with Marilyn Monroe-look it up :), and its ghostly goings from 1892 guest Kate Morgan, who never checked out! Fun Fact: Ronald Reagan was the first person to drive across the Coronado Bridge when it opened in 1969. Even better fun fact: This is Emily's favorite beach!
La Jolla Cove
Beautiful beachfront area, right in the heart of La Jolla with seal watching and more! This is a fun little place to walk around, take in the sunshine, play tourist, and its not too far from La Jolla shores beach (which is better for actual beach relaxation). The cove has plenty of free sights to see, and local restaurants and shops nearby. Please just don't be that tourist that tries to touch the sea lions- be the cool classy local who gives these beautiful creatures their space :) Also -pro-tip, La Jolla is pronounced "Luh- Hoy-Ya" -not- luh jawlah
San Diego Zoo -Or- San Diego Zoo Safari Park
You have options when it comes to the Zoo! Keep in mind both parks offer free parking, both are massive experiences that will take an entire day at hyper speed to see everything, and they are not close to each other. The San Diego Zoo is probably as good as it gets for a Zoo experience-but we are biased :) So What's the Difference? SD Zoo- Home to a larger variety and quantity of animals & includes guided tour bus and aerial tram ride options. The park itself is considered a historic San Diego icon, located in downtown San Diego in Balboa Park. It's also officially recognized as a botanical garden. The zoo is close to lots of other popular San Diego attractions. Safari Park: Think safari! This attraction features a specific focus on animals from arid environments. It's a larger park in size which requires more walking between exhibits, but a guided safari-like ride is included with admission. It's located a 45-60 minute drive outside of San Diego (closer to our wedding venue).
Balboa Park
Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre historic urban cultural park in San Diego. In addition to open space areas, natural vegetation zones, green belts, gardens, and walking paths, it contains 16 museums, several theaters, and the San Diego Zoo. Fun fact, Balboa Park is larger than the Central Park of New York, so it goes without saying that there is plenty to explore here. There are options for everyone of every age here!
Thanks but No Tanks!
Belmont Park
Think beachfront amusement park! Belmont park has history, ocean views, carnie food, games, and rides! Most famously known for the historic "Giant Dipper" - a wooden roller coaster at Belmont Park in Mission Beach, is the only roller coaster in the United States to be on the National Register of Historic Places. You can spend a day walking along the boardwalk, eating your heart out, playing at Belmont Park, and relaxing on Mission Beach- all in one place!
Torrey Pines
Bet you didn't know the Torrey pine is the rarest pine tree in the United States, and it can only be found in San Diego County! While you're here be sure to check out the trails at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, relax at the State Beach, or even go golfing if you're up for it!
Sunset Cliffs
You have to!!! At least 1 night- get yourself a California Burrito (plenty of great options in the Ocean Beach community nearby) & sit your scooter down anywhere along Sunset Cliffs to take in the most beautiful sunset you will ever see! Type "Sunset Cliffs" into your GPS and the closer you get to the big blue on the map, just follow the crowd- you cant miss em'- there will be a lot of people with the same great idea, but don't worry there is plenty of coastline for everyone to catch a great view! Arrive early- parking will be roughhhhh. Bring a blanket- it will get cold as you are sitting basically on top of the ocean!