Top 15 Activities and Attractions in Mira Mesa, CA

Mira Mesa is a suburb of San Diego in San Diego County, housing a population of approximately 72,000 residents. While it is in close proximity to the city center, it maintains a suburban ambiance, characterized by numerous parks, green spaces, and charming cafes.

The area features abundant shopping opportunities, including Mira Mesa Mall, Plaza Sorrento Shopping Center, and Mira Mesa Market Center.

Despite having some attractions, Mira Mesa’s strategic location allows visitors to access the major highlights of the region within minutes.

Throughout the year, various festivals and events occur in Mira Mesa, such as the Mira Mesa Street Fair, the San Diego Tet Festival, the Mira Mesa Festival of Beers, the Asian Culture Festival, and the Filipino Sun Festival.

Here are 15 notable activities to engage in while visiting Mira Mesa, California.

1. Visit the Leatherneck Aviation Museum

Mira Mesa boasts a compelling aviation and military heritage, which can be explored at the Leatherneck Aviation Museum.

Whether you are currently serving, have served, or simply possess an interest in military and aviation history, visitors from diverse backgrounds will appreciate the engaging exhibits on display.

As you navigate the museum, you will encounter 48 U.S. Marine aircraft, including the Sikorsky HRS-3 Chickasaw, Boeing Vertol Sea Knight CH-46, and Douglas Skyhawk A-4F, all meticulously restored to their original condition.

Additionally, the museum features a variety of rotating exhibits, with recent topics including Aviation Art and NASA Logos and Military Working Dogs of USMC.

Multiple events take place throughout the year, including open cockpit days where visitors can enter certain aircraft.

2. Go on a Hiking Adventure in Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve is a picturesque nature reserve encompassing a seven-mile canyon, showcasing stunning natural features.

As you traverse the trails, you will observe a breathtaking waterfall, diverse forest areas, numerous bird species, and remarkable rock formations.

Keep an eye out for Native American rock art that dates back 7,000 years, adorned on the canyon’s walls.

3. Feast on Seafood and More at the Crab Hut

The Crab Hut in Mira Mesa aims to deliver high-quality, flavorful, and sustainable meals prepared with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients. This family-operated restaurant has delighted patrons since 2017, welcoming guests of all ages in a relaxed atmosphere.

The menu features an array of appetizers, soups, and entrees, including seafood Creole, blackened salmon, shrimp scampi, spicy Cajun chicken pasta, and blackened prawn skewers.

For beverages, the establishment offers beer from renowned local breweries such as Karl Strauss, Green Flash, and Lost Abbey, as well as a selection of cocktails.

4. Take a Ride on the Poway-Midland Railroad

Regardless of your familiarity with railroads, a ride on an antique railroad car offers a delightful experience and a unique activity to enjoy while in the Mira Mesa vicinity.

The steam locomotive you will travel on dates back to 1907 and runs along a full-size narrow-gauge railway.

During the ride, you will pass through Old Poway Park on a loop that lasts approximately five minutes. Onboard interpreters provide insights regarding the historic railroad.

The trains operate on weekends, with tickets and train-related toys available for children at the main depot.

5. MCAS Miramar Memorial Golf Course

The MCAS Miramar Memorial Golf Course features an 18-hole layout with some of the finest greens in the region. In addition to a beautifully maintained course, the facility includes a driving range, putting green, and chipping green. Lessons are available, and a clubhouse is situated on-site.

6. Find Everything You Need at the Seaport Village

Visitors to San Diego in search of a destination that encompasses shopping, dining, and entertainment should consider the historic Seaport Village.

Featuring a century-old structure, this location spans 14 acres with a variety of shops and entertainment options. You will find numerous boutique stores, 13 pubs and cafes, four fine dining establishments, and several upscale hotels within the vicinity.

Between shopping excursions, visitors can unwind with a coffee from one of the sidewalk cafes, enjoy picturesque harbor views, and listen to talented street performers.

7. Take in a Show at the PowPAC Community Theater

Since its inception in 1981, the PowPAC Community Theater in nearby Poway has hosted a range of live performances each season. This award-winning venue boasts an intimate setting with only 71 seats, providing a diverse array of entertainment, including dramas, musicals, and comedies. Renowned productions like Cat on a Hot Tin Roof and Charlie Brown have graced its stage over the years.

8. Sample Local Craft Beer at the Lightning Brewery

As the first craft brewery in Poway, Lightning Brewery has developed an outstanding reputation for producing a diverse selection of award-winning beers.

The brewery creates a wide range of on-site beers, including variations of British and American styles, with German-style lagers and ales being particularly popular.

Whether you’re interested in trying classic beers, limited releases, or unique experimental creations, you are sure to discover a new favorite among the extensive selections available.

Signature offerings such as Elemental Pilsner, Black Lightning Porter, and Electrostatic Ale can be sampled at the adjacent tasting room.

9. Hike to the Famous Potato Chip Rock

With the surge in popularity of selfies and photo-sharing on social media, Potato Chip Rock has gained recognition as one of the most sought-after natural landmarks in the San Diego region.

Located in nearby Poway, this fascinating rock formation is a narrow slab of stone jutting out over a cliff.

To reach this destination, hikers must navigate a challenging yet well-maintained eight-mile trail leading to the summit of Mount Woodson. Upon arrival, you will find not only an ideal backdrop for selfies but also an opportunity to revel in breathtaking vistas.

10. Explore the Beautiful Gardens at The Botanical Building

The Botanical Building in Balboa Park is a unique conservatory hosting a diverse selection of gardens. It features over 2,100 plants, including ferns, orchids, palms, cycads, and seasonal flora.

Among the attractions are a children’s garden, several sensory gardens, a lily pond, and a lagoon. Notable specimens include Venus flytraps, pitcher plants, and lemon mint plants evident as you traverse the area.

The greenhouse that shelters these gardens is equally remarkable, as it is the world’s only structure of its kind without glass, ranking as the largest of its kind globally.

11. Explore the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

The initial mission of the San Diego State Historic Park was to collect and safeguard the area’s rich history.

Today, it serves as an expansive space for visitors interested in exploring this history while enjoying a variety of historical and cultural sites.

As you wander through the park, expect to encounter a central plaza, various shops, galleries, museums, and historical landmarks, including Mason Street School and Whaley House.

Live demonstrations, theater performances, and music events also occur regularly. On-site guides dressed in period costumes enhance the authenticity of the experience.

12. Spend a Day Exploring the Cabrillo National Monument

The primary aim of the Cabrillo National Monument is to commemorate the arrival of the first European to San Diego Bay in 1542. Presently, this historical site is a favored destination for outdoor enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those interested in history.

This beautiful park is situated at one end of the Point Loma Peninsula, providing panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. On-site attractions include stunning beaches, historic lighthouses, and tidal pools.

A museum located within one of the historic lighthouses illustrates the area’s heritage. Visitors can also explore a unique ocean ecosystem teeming with diverse marine life.

13. Visit the San Diego Zoo

Renowned as one of the pioneers in open-air exhibits devoid of cages, the San Diego Zoo permits guests to observe the animals in environments designed to mirror their natural habitats.

While touring the zoo, you will encounter more than 3,700 animals across 650 distinct species, along with various exhibits including the Koalafornia Adventure. Additionally, you will find numerous plant species and birds.

There are various ways to explore the zoo, including a self-guided walk-through, a guided bus tour, or an adventurous ride on the Skyfari gondola.

14. Satisfy Hunger with a Tasty, Healthy Meal from The Kebab Shop

The Kebab Shop provides quick service and delectable food, featuring an extensive selection of Mediterranean dishes. While many of the ingredients are familiar, the culinary results are genuinely exceptional.

The menu includes doner kebabs, shawarma, wraps, and salads, with vegetarian options also available.

15. Learn about Local Maritime History at The Maritime Museum of San Diego

Celebrated globally for its exceptional restoration and maintenance of historical ships, the Maritime Museum of San Diego features a variety of vessels, part of one of the premier collections worldwide.

A key attraction at the museum is the Star of India, the oldest operational ship on the planet.

As you explore the museum, you will discover numerous exhibits showcasing the history of sailing, navigational mapping, ocean exploration, and the role of the United States Navy in San Diego.

Additionally, visitors can embark on unique maritime experiences such as bay cruises, fast boat tours, or tall ship excursions.

The museum also hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including educational programs, multi-day excursions, and guided tours.