Things To Do
Balboa Park
It's the big park in the middle of the city, there are a bunch of museums, an archery range, a nice restaurant named the "Prado", and it's just a beautiful place to wander around.
Coronado Island
This little island is just West of the city. The bridge to get there is the bridge from AnchorMan when Jack Black kicked Baxter over the bridge. There's the stunning Hotel Del Coronado, a quaint little downtown and a gorgeous beach. And yes, the beaches are free in California.
Ocean Beach
OB is a fun little hippy/artsy beach about a ten-minute drive from downtown. Lots of independent shops and bars. Try the OB Noodle house or Hoodads! OB is also home to one of the longest fishing piers in California. The beach is free of course.
Pacific Beach
PB is another one of San Diego's Beach towns. This one is known a little more as the party beach for college kids and you know, young people. Can be a fun place to cruise around during the day...and if your liver can handle it, at night too. Nice beaches and Crystal Pier. Grab a huge breakfast at Konos...you're at the right spot if there's a line out the door. They have secret seating behind the gift shop across the boardwalk that overlooks the beach.
USS Midway Museum
If you are a history buff, or military buff, or just buff, this is an excellent place to go. The USS Midway is a decommissioned aircraft carrier permanently docked in San Diego. There are a lot of planes to see and amazing views from the deck.
Petco Park
Home of the Padres (they have Manny Machado now), Petco Park is an incredible place to see a game. The Padres have two back to back home series over the time you'll be in town. Looks like Friday the 17th is Wine Night at the park...oh boy!
Kobey's Swap Meet
They call "Flea Markets" "Swap Meets" around these parts, and Saturday morning at Kobeys is an experience! It costs $2 to get in; we recommend grabbing a coffee and letting the adventure begin! The Swapmeet is also open on Friday and Sunday mornings, but Saturday is the best!
Belmont Park
Want to ride a roller coaster immediately after stuffing yourself with tacos? Who doesn't?! Belmont is a fun little park on the boardwalk with rides, games and enough food to make you go to the tailor before the wedding. Brent and I have spent a lot of time there, and enjoy Cannonball Sushi.
Bahia Belle Bay Cruise
This is the marina where Eileen keeps her boat. The resort/hotel has two massive sternwheeler boats which go on bay cruises (with booze) all summer long. The boat can also pick you up at their sister hotel "The Catamaran". The tour is around an hour or so and is a great way to see the sights of Mission Bay.
San Diego Zoo
It's the zoo!! They have a fantastic aviary exhibit which you walk through and the birds come right up to you. Tons of fun at the zoo!
Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Torrey Pines is a beautiful state park right on the ocean. Great trails with amazing views. The park is also home to peregrine falcons, the fastest animal on the planet. May is a good time to watch the adult falcons teach their babies how to fly! Parking is a little expensive at $20, but you may luck out and find free parking along the road just North of the park.
La Jolla
Would you like to pick up a Rolls Royce or maybe just a Maserati while you're in town? Well, you should visit La Jolla! Just a hop, skip and a couple of million dollars difference in property value from Pacific Beach, La Jolla sits just North on the coast. A nice place to shop and have a late lunch. There's also the Cove, where you can get up close and personal with the sea lions and pelicans. Eileen works in La Jolla at the Marine Room; part of La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
Sunset Cliffs
I don't know that more explanation is needed for this one, but here goes: cliffs from which one can watch the sunset. There's a parking lot, I drove off the curb there once so keep your eyes peeled when exiting. Bring a camera!
Old Town
Cute little area of the city with shops and restaurants, as well as historical locations and tours. There is a train station here for both regional rail and local lines.