Top 42 Must-See Attractions in San Diego, California

Discover the diverse attractions and experiences San Diego has to offer visitors of all ages.

California’s birthplace and the initial landing site of Europeans in the western United States, San Diego presents an array of attractions.

Complemented by a favorable climate and relaxed culture, San Diego Bay and its natural harbor boast a significant military legacy.

The monumental aircraft carrier USS Midway epitomizes this heritage, serving as an iconic museum ship.

San Diego’s leisurely atmosphere and expansive beaches may inspire your inner surfer, while Coronado and La Jolla are known for featuring two of the finest family-friendly beaches nationwide.

Strategically positioned just north of the U.S.-Mexico border, the city showcases a strong Mexican influence reflected in its superb culinary offerings, while Balboa Park hosts a vibrant selection of museums, monuments, and theaters.

Here are the

top attractions in San Diego

:

1. Balboa Park

This expansive 1,200-acre urban park offers world-class attractions, including a renowned zoo, tranquil gardens, and museums housed in elegant Spanish Revival architecture, along with various live performances.

The park’s lush gardens are home to over 350 plant species, thoughtfully selected in the early 20th century by botanist Kate Sessions, often referred to as the “Mother of Balboa Park.” The park’s emblem, the Botanical Building, dates back to the Panama-California Exposition of 1915-16.

This impressive structure ranks among the largest lath buildings globally, housing 2,100 distinct plants. It features a pond that showcases stunning seasonal displays of lilies and lotuses.

2. Embarcadero

The walkable waterfront area of San Diego is abundant with shops, noteworthy attractions, and dining options, offering picturesque views of Coronado Island across the bay.

Many of the highlights along the Embarcadero are found at sea, particularly aboard the USS Midway and the vintage vessels of the San Diego Maritime Museum.

Visitors can also hop aboard tour boats to explore the harbor or venture out to sea for whale sightings.

As temperatures rise, children can enjoy interactive fountains in Waterfront Park and thoughtfully designed playgrounds.

The Embarcadero hosts various events, including the San Diego Bay Wine & Food Festival in November and the Bayside Summer Nights concert series featuring the San Diego Symphony Orchestra from late June through early September.

3. USS Midway Museum

Permanently docked since 2004, the USS Midway holds the record as the longest-serving aircraft carrier in history. Commissioned in 1945, it participated in both the Vietnam War and Operation Desert Storm, and currently serves as an extensive museum dedicated to naval aviation.

An

audio-guided tour

allows visitors to explore this enormous vessel, which exhibits more than 30 restored aircraft, including propeller planes, jet aircraft, and helicopters.

Visitors can tour the galley, brig, crew quarters, pilot readiness rooms, and engine room while listening to compelling stories from individuals who served aboard the Midway.

Interactive opportunities abound, including simulators, cockpit tours, and films documenting pivotal events that unfolded in this remarkable space.

4. Point Loma

Encompassed by a rugged peninsula, Point Loma boasts spectacular landscapes, rich history, and captivating views.

While its historical significance is vast, it notably served as the landing site for the first European expedition to the present-day West Coast of America in 1542.

As the peninsula protects the western flank of the harbor, Point Loma has hosted a military presence since the 19th century.

Visitors can explore Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery (established 1882), which commemorates over 100,000 graves, and significant memorials like the USS Bennington Monument, which recognizes a tragic maritime accident that claimed 66 lives in 1905.

The marina offers whale-watching excursions, while Osprey Point is popular among climbers and anglers seeking scenic views.

5. La Jolla

The affluent coastal community of La Jolla, situated on a picturesque headland, captivates visitors with its natural beauty, abundant recreational options, and culinary delights.

La Jolla epitomizes fine dining, with stunning cliffs offering opportunities to explore sea caves and relax along sandy coves frequented by seals and sea lions.

La Jolla is a recurring stop on this list, famed for the popular Torrey Pines and its expansive state reserve, pristine beaches, and acclaimed golf course.

The community exudes cosmopolitan charm with its cafes, boutiques, low-rise homes, and winding staircases.

At Ellen Browning Scripps Park, you can enjoy stunning views of the Southern Californian coastline, attend summer evening concerts, and witness fireworks displays on the Fourth of July.

6. Food and Drink

San Diego’s rich Spanish heritage and close proximity to Mexico culminate in an exceptional culinary scene.

Renowned for its exquisite fish tacos, carne asada, and enchiladas, San Diego’s cuisine boasts fresh local ingredients, such as avocados and tomatoes.

This city is credited with originating the California Burrito, a unique dish featuring carne asada paired with French fries.

Oscar’s Mexican Seafood is highly recommended for delectable fish tacos and ceviche at its four locations across the city.

San Diego’s craft beer scene has garnered national acclaim, with establishments like Toronado (featuring 56 rotating draughts) and the award-winning breweries Societe and Ballast Point being must-visit spots for beer enthusiasts.

7. Surfing

Surfing is an integral aspect of San Diego’s identity, with its 70 miles of coastline featuring an abundance of surf spots ideal for enthusiasts.

While most beaches host southwest-facing beach breaks, rockier areas like La Jolla and Point Loma feature desirable reef breaks.

Dedicated surfers often travel in pursuit of the perfect wave, including popular destinations like Swami’s, known from the Beach Boys’ Surfin USA, and Trestles, recognized worldwide for hosting WSL competitions from May to September.

Other honorable mentions include the beach breaks at Oceanside and Del Mar, both offering ample space for surf enthusiasts.

Gear rental shops can be found near every major surfing location.

If you prefer to stay on solid ground, exceptional surfing action can be observed from the rocky outcrops at Windansea in La Jolla.

8. Cabrillo National Monument

At the southern tip of Point Loma, visitors can stand where the first European, Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, set foot on the West Coast on September 28, 1542, naming the bay San Miguel (later changed to San Diego in 1602). The monument features a visitor center showcasing films and exhibits on Cabrillo’s voyage along California’s coast.

Outside, historical coastal batteries can still be explored, along with the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which operates as a museum.

Arguably the highlight is the breathtaking panoramic view overlooking San Diego’s skyline, the bay, Coronado, and Tijuana.

9. San Diego Old Town

Signifying the site of California’s first European settlement, San Diego Old Town is an inviting district featuring historic adobe structures from the city’s formative years (1820-1870). The state historical park preserves an excellent collection of streets and buildings that reflect this era.

Within the expansive Presidio Park, the remnants of San Diego Mission and the Presidio, the earliest establishments in modern San Diego founded in 1769, await exploration. This vibrant area is famed for its authentic Mexican dining experiences, eclectic shops, and art galleries.

Throughout the year, numerous colorful festivities take place, such as Fiesta Navidad, Cinco de Mayo, and Día de Muertos each November.

10. Old Town San Diego State Historical Park

Stepping back into the mid-19th century, this state historical park boasts restored historic buildings, including five original adobe structures and accurate replicas.

The Casa de Estudillo, constructed in 1827, represents the pinnacle of Spanish architecture in California.

The park welcomes visitors with free admission and highlights the cultural exchanges as a Mexican pueblo transitioned into an American settlement.

There is continuous activity, from friendly shopkeepers sharing their stories to artisans demonstrating their crafts; at the Black Hawk Smithy & Stable, you can witness a blacksmith at work.

11. San Diego Zoo

Founded by physician Harry M. Wegeforth in 1915, the San Diego Zoo is internationally recognized as one of the best zoos globally, housing over 650 species of animals.

With a pioneering approach, this was one of the first zoos to implement cageless exhibits, introducing the moated lion enclosure in 1922. Visitors can utilize guided tour buses that traverse approximately three-quarters of the park, or they may opt for the Skyfari tramway, introduced in 1969.

The zoo features enclosures designed to mirror natural habitats, including an African rainforest for gorillas and expansive aviaries for free-flying birds, alongside habitats designed for polar bears in Arctic woodlands.

Additionally, the San Diego Zoo is one of only four in the United States to house Giant Pandas, which visitors can see within the Panda Trek exhibit.

12. San Diego Harbor Cruise

Departing from the Embarcadero, adjacent to the USS Midway, travelers can experience a

1-hour cruise

around San Diego Bay.

This excursion provides a quick and enjoyable way to familiarize oneself with the city, offering a unique view of over 50 landmarks and ships celebrated in film and pop culture.

Highlights include a one-of-a-kind perspective of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge and the opportunity to observe local wildlife like pelicans, herons, and sea lions.

An experienced guide will provide engaging commentary throughout the journey, sharing anecdotes about the naval history of San Diego and ongoing conservation efforts to enhance the bay’s marine ecosystem.

13. Whale Watching

Between December and April, California Gray Whales migrate from Northern Alaska to Baja California to give birth in warmer waters, passing by San Diego.

During this season, visitors can embark on a whale watching cruise from the Embarcadero lasting up to four hours.

This comfortable voyage, offering both indoor and outdoor seating, is accompanied by a qualified naturalist from the San Diego Natural History Museum, who shares fascinating insights about these marine mammals.

The likelihood of spotting dolphins or whales is quite high; participants receive a complimentary pass for another tour if no sightings occur.

Visitors will undoubtedly observe numerous sea lions and harbor seals, all while taking in San Diego county’s stunning Pacific coastline from the sea.

14. Little Italy

Located in downtown San Diego, Little Italy has its roots in the city’s thriving tuna industry.

Though the last cannery closed in the 1980s, this charming area, filled with galleries, unique boutiques, and restaurants, retains its cultural heritage.

The weekly Saturday “Mercato” street market commandeers several blocks, becoming a local institution.

Capture the “Little Italy” sign for a keepsake and explore Amici Park, where picnic tables are inscribed with traditional recipes for dishes such as stuffed artichokes and fish tacos.

15. Petco Park

Situated in downtown San Diego, Petco Park is celebrated as one of Major League Baseball’s premier stadiums.

From the stands, enjoy magnificent views of the San Diego skyline and bay during one of the 81 regular season games, and potentially more if the Padres advance in the postseason. Opened in 2004, this venue replaced the Jack Murphy Stadium shared with the NFL’s Chargers.

As you approach this stunning venue, characterized by its steel and sandstone facade, prepare for an exhilarating experience, complete with palm courts and water features.

Families can enjoy the entertainment zone, while the Padres’ history and notable players are showcased in a new Hall of Fame.

A variety of culinary offerings accompany the baseball experience, featuring items from sashimi and fish tacos to gourmet hot dogs and BBQ.

16. La Jolla Cove

This compact, north-facing cove in La Jolla is a popular spot for photography because of its stunning natural scenery.

With its beach nestled within a 6,000-acre ecological reserve, the area features breathtaking cliffs carved with caves by incessant ocean waves.

This natural park, brimming with wildlife, offers opportunities to view seals and sea lions basking on the beach and rocks, along with diverse marine species like barracuda and giant sea bass.

While the waves can be strong, making swimming risky, visitors can partake in thrilling activities like diving to explore the underwater ecosystem, in addition to kayak and bike tours.

Conclude the day at a beachfront restaurant while enjoying a mesmerizing sunset.

17. Coronado Beach

Pack a picnic and traverse the iconic San Diego-Coronado Bridge to enjoy a day at one of America’s finest beaches.

With the elegant architecture of the Hotel del Coronado and a backdrop of luxurious mansions, Coronado Beach features long, flat, soft sands that shimmer due to their high mica content.

Secured by Point Loma to the west, the beach is protected from the Pacific’s more robust swells, ensuring swimming safety, supplemented by lifeguard patrols.

Rent a bike or pedal cart and meander along Ocean Boulevard, or enjoy evening campfires at designated fire rings for making s’mores.

18. Mission Beach

Beloved by younger crowds for its vibrant party atmosphere, San Diego’s Mission Beach spans two miles of sun-kissed coastline.

Lined with a lively boardwalk and featuring the historic Belmont Park and its vintage amusement rides, this town is ideal for spirited activities.

For a more tranquil experience, the South Mission Beach area provides a peaceful retreat.

The prime beach weather lasts from June to September; however, visitors may enjoy sunny beach days throughout spring and autumn, with even December offering warm beach conditions.

Rent bikes to explore the boardwalk, embark on whale watching cruises, and take advantage of adventure golf, playgrounds, surf shops, and lush palm gardens.

19. San Diego Museum of Art

Experience a rich collection of Spanish Renaissance and Baroque paintings housed within this esteemed Balboa Park museum.

The works of renowned artists such as El Greco, Murillo, Goya, and Zurbarán are on display, alongside pieces from Italian and Dutch masters like Veronese and Rubens.

In recent years, the museum has enhanced its collection with acquisitions from the Symbolist and Expressionist movements, featuring works by Gustav Klimt and Otto Dix.

Architecturally, the museum is striking, showcasing a Plateresque facade inspired by the Cathedral of Valladolid, designed to complement the style of Balboa Park’s buildings from the 1915-16 Exposition.

The museum offers a bustling schedule of cultural events, including cocktail evenings, film screenings, and activities for children during school breaks.

20. Belmont Park

Opened in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckels, Belmont Park is an iconic amusement park in Mission Beach, offering 12 rides, three oceanfront dining establishments, and an 18-hole tiki-themed mini golf course.

The park’s highlight is undoubtedly the historic Giant Dipper rollercoaster, a National Historic Landmark.

This wooden coaster, synonymous with childhood memories for many San Diegans, also features exhilarating rides like Control Freak and Beach Blaster for thrill-seekers.

Indulge your sweet tooth at the Sweet Shoppe with a Monster Waffle Cone ice cream.

21. San Diego Natural History Museum

One of the first destinations in Balboa Park is the San Diego Natural History Museum, the oldest scientific institution in Southern California.

Founded in 1874, the museum relocated to its current Spanish Revival building in 1933, receiving a modernization in the early 2000s.

Exhibitions cater to audiences of all ages, with highlights including Fossil Mysteries, showcasing California’s and Baja California’s rich geology through stellar fossils and interactive displays.

Explore Southern California’s diverse ecosystems in the Coast to Cactus exhibition, or delve into the state’s intricate relationship with water in Water: A California Story.

The museum also showcases astonishing films in its giant theatre, delivering stunning insights into oceanic life and the Ice Age.

22. Mission San Diego de Alcalá

Established in 1769, this site marks the first Franciscan mission in California and the location of the region’s initial execution and first Christian burial.

The remains of California’s first Christian martyr, Father Luis Jayme, rest beneath the altar, killed by Kumeyaay warriors in 1775. The church, rebuilt in the early 19th century, has undergone restoration since 1931 after being abandoned.

The campanile houses the largest bell, dating back to 1805, embellished with a crown symbolizing the King of Spain.

Daily tours detail the history of the “convento” where the friars resided and feature remarkable artifacts like pottery, tools, and representations of Kumeyaay craftsmanship.

23. San Diego Air & Space Museum

Situated within Balboa Park’s elegant Streamline Moderne Ford Building (constructed in 1936), the San Diego Air & Space Museum chronicles the development of aviation through genuine artifacts and replicas.

This Smithsonian affiliate highlights the Golden Age of Flight, featuring historic aircraft like the Aeronca C-3 Collegian and iconic items linked to aviation pioneers Amelia Earhart and Charles Lindbergh.

The museum also showcases the Wright Brothers’ gliders and significant aircraft from the Jet Age, including the Douglas A-4B Skyhawk.

Engaging flight simulators enable hands-on experiences, while the “Action Hangar” play area entertains younger visitors, complemented by a 3D / 4D theatre for immersive presentations.

24. Gaslamp Quarter

Home to 94 historic structures, this 16-block heritage district adjacent to Petco Park and the Convention Center dates back to 1867 when the developer Alonzo Horton envisioned a bustling downtown closer to San Diego Bay.

For visitors looking to experience the city’s dining scene and nightlife, the Gaslamp Quarter is a must-visit, filled with over 100 sidewalk restaurants, craft breweries, and trendy cocktail bars.

The area is particularly lively during events like Comic-Con in July, as well as large street parties celebrating Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day.

25. Birch Aquarium

Perched on a cliff overlooking the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, this remarkable aquarium showcases the diversity of marine life found in the Pacific Ocean.

Accessible within 20 minutes from downtown San Diego, the Hall of Fishes exhibits various habitats, from the cold waters of the Northwest to tropical Indo-Pacific environments.

The facility includes a 260,000-litre kelp forest tank, coral reefs, and even a rescued loggerhead turtle.

At the Tide-Pool Plaza, children can learn about local tide pool creatures such as starfish and hermit crabs.

Exhibits exploring seahorses and the impacts of climate change are also notable features.

26. Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This 2,000-acre protected coastal area north of La Jolla is a National Natural Landmark, distinguished by high cliffs and breathtaking ocean views.

The reserve features eight miles of trails, including the Beach Trail leading to pristine, uncommercialized beaches.

The park is vital for the endangered Torrey Pine, which grows only in this area and on Santa Rosa Island.

During whale migration seasons, visitors may spot gray and blue whales from the cliffs.

A welcoming visitor center serves as the meeting point for guided walks offered on weekends and holidays at 10:00 and 14:00.

27. Torrey Pines Gliderport

Nestled at the edge of the State Reserve, the gliderport provides a public launch site for hang gliding and paragliding above the Pacific Ocean.

For those without prior experience, tandem flights are available starting at around two hundred dollars.

Additionally, many visitors come to appreciate the stunning scenery, relaxing with a snack at Cliffhanger Cafe while enjoying live music on weekends.

28. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Located on Point Loma’s western edge, this stunning 68-acre park preserves rugged ocean bluffs, caves, and tide pools.

The park earns its name as one of San Diego’s premier locations for sunset views.

Visitors can also glimpse migrating gray whales between December and April from this elevated vantage point.

Driving along Sunset Cliffs Boulevard between Adair and Ladera Streets reveals breathtaking coastal scenery.

29. San Diego Museum of Man

Set within four impressive Spanish Revival buildings from the Panama-California Exposition, the Museum of Man recently celebrated its centennial.

Visitors can explore pre-Columbian history, engaging with local Native American cultures alongside exhibits dedicated to Mesoamerican civilizations.

Exhibitions strive to educate in enjoyable ways, such as BEERology, assessing the 10,000-year history of beer and displaying artifacts like a solid gold beer cup from an Incan king.

Families can enjoy the “Monsters!” exhibition, focused on mythical creatures, while the second floor delves into the origins of race and features one of the nation’s finest collections of Egyptian artifacts.

30. Hotel del Coronado

Coronado’s crown jewel, the remarkable Victorian beachfront hotel, is a National Historic Landmark owned by Hilton.

Upon its opening in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado was the world’s largest resort hotel, hosting notable guests like Rudolph Valentino and Charlie Chaplin, as well as 16 presidents, including President Eisenhower.

Recognizable through its distinctive spire-topped towers, the hotel has appeared in various films, including the iconic Some Like it Hot (1959). Visitors can partake in daily guided tours of the building, which include a walk through its beautifully maintained gardens.

31. San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Located in the semi-arid San Pasqual Valley, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park offers a vast array of wildlife in a setting that resembles Africa’s savannas.

Spanning 1,800 acres, visitors can partake in road train and truck caravan rides through the expansive landscapes featuring numerous animal species, including wildebeests, giraffes, and rhinoceroses.

The newly introduced Tiger Trail allows close-up encounters with Sumatran tigers, while Nairobi Village and Gorilla Forest offer habitats for diverse avian and terrestrial species.

Furthermore, the Lion Camp houses a pride of 13 lions, and the cheetah run provides an exhilarating showcase of the species’ speed.

Adventurous visitors can also try the unforgettable Flightline Safari, soaring more than 40 meters above the park’s wildlife.

32. Mormon Battalion Historic Site

The Mormon Battalion, a unique unit comprised solely of men from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, participated in the U.S. military during the Mexican-American War.

Comprising over 500 members, this infantry unit undertook an astonishing 1,900-mile march from Iowa to San Diego in 1846-48.

The visitor center, newly revamped to highlight this historic journey, offers free daily tours alongside interactive exhibits and artifacts detailing the Battalion’s story.

Visitors can also immerse themselves in the historical context through activities such as panning for gold and hands-on demonstrations of musket and cannon operation.

33. La Jolla Shores Park

Extending for a mile in northern La Jolla, this beach is arguably the best family-friendly destination in the San Diego area.

Unlike many secluded coves in the La Jolla region, La Jolla Shores features a welcoming crescent of soft sand with ample amenities.

Fringed by grass and towering palm trees, the beach overlooks the dramatic 30-meter cliffs of Torrey Pines.

La Jolla Shores is particularly favored by families due to its gentle surf and gradual incline, making it suitable for young children and novice swimmers.

In summer, the waves are the most tranquil of any beach in San Diego, thanks to the protection from the rocky headlands.

34. Fleet Science Center

A pioneering interactive science museum and planetarium, the Fleet Science Center transforms the education of science through engagement, aimed particularly at younger audiences.

Features include self-guided exhibitions focused on space exploration, the San Diego water system, and the characteristics of nanotechnology.

For toddlers, the Little Learners’ Lab provides a hands-on play environment, while older children can enjoy the Ball Wall, highlighting various motions and dynamics through interactive play.

The Heikoff Giant Dome Theater hosts multiple IMAX shows daily, bringing science and nature to life.

35. Pacific Beach

Bordering Mission Beach and extending towards La Jolla, Pacific Beach features an expansive stretch of idyllic Pacific shoreline, flanked by Ocean Boulevard and a wealth of local amenities.

The beach appears endless, stretching past the Crystal Pier, where it transitions to the picturesque North Pacific Beach, preferred by families due to its vigilant lifeguard presence.

This neighborhood has transformed since the 1990s, with young party-goers drawn to Mission Beach, making way for upscale residences and dining options.

A leisurely stroll along Crystal Pier offers beautiful views, complemented by charming holiday homes dotting the landward side.

36. Maritime Museum of San Diego

Nestled within the Waterfront Park on the Embarcadero, just steps from the USS Midway, the Maritime Museum of San Diego features one of the nation’s largest collections of historic vessels.

Highlighting 11 heritage boats and submarines, the museum’s standout attraction is the Star of India, constructed in 1863 and recognized as one of the oldest operating ships globally.

Launched from the Isle of Man, this iron-hulled windjammer primarily transported goods across the Atlantic.

Additionally, the museum allows visitors to board Soviet and US Navy submarines, with the HM Surprise—a replica of an 18th-century British Navy frigate—also available for tours.

Experience a military-themed harbor tour aboard a vintage Swift boat for a unique maritime experience.

37. Old Point Loma Lighthouse

This historic lighthouse, established in 1855, is one of San Diego’s oldest landmarks.

Originally a beacon for navigating San Diego Bay, it was deactivated in 1891 following the construction of a new lighthouse situated closer to the shore. The site has been preserved as part of the Cabrillo Monument, now featuring a museum and restored living quarters of the lighthouse keeper.

Visitors can explore the original Fresnel lens, which once boasted a remarkable range of 24 miles, alongside other historical artifacts.

38. Point Loma Tide Pools

Point Loma is also home to rich biodiversity, particularly within the tide pools at the western tip of the peninsula.

This pristine shoreline falls within the National Monument, ensuring its preservation against development.

Visitors are encouraged to check tide charts before exploring the sea caves and pools, revealing fascinating marine life such as sea anemones, starfish, and perhaps even octopuses during low tide.

39. Liberty Station

The historic Naval Training Center, founded in 1923, has undergone a remarkable transformation into Liberty Station, a vibrant waterfront development.

Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the former military site features charming mess halls and barracks, now repurposed for various uses.

The former ship channel has morphed into a beautifully landscaped waterfront park, complete with play areas and jogging trails.

The station comprises various districts, including Retail and Educational, with independent eateries, cafes, and popular restaurant chains like Five Guys and Tender Greens.

Notably, the Arts District hosts the San Diego Comic Art Gallery and the Women’s Museum of California, along with theatre companies and dance groups.

40. Whaley House Museum

As the first two-story brick building constructed in San Diego, the Whaley House, dating back to 1857, is a site of intrigue due to its reputed hauntings.

Designated a National Historic Landmark in the 1960s, the house’s owner, Thomas Whaley, built his residence atop the location of the city’s former gallows.

Stories of ghostly encounters sustain interest, including that of “Yankee” Jim Robinson, whose spirit is said to roam the upstairs, while the scents of cigars and perfumes reportedly linger in the home.

Also included is the Verna House (from the 1870s), which now serves as a gift shop after being relocated to preserve it from demolition.

The interior remains preserved as it was in the mid-1870s, offering a glimpse into San Diego’s history.

41. Children’s Pool Beach

San Diego’s ocean offers a mesmerizing view; however, the surf can pose risks for children and less-experienced swimmers.

To address this, a protective concrete seawall was constructed in La Jolla, creating a scallop-shaped cove with calm waters.

Gifted to the community by philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps in 1931, the cove became a sanctuary for seals and sea lions.

From December to May, these marine mammals frequent the beach to give birth, making access discouraged during this period.

42. Seaport Village

Often labeled a tourist attraction, Seaport Village offers appealing waterfront views and a variety of dining options.

The area features a range of restaurants, including Pier Cafe and Edgewater Grill, all providing sustained views of the bay.

Seaport Village, located on the southern end of the Embarcadero, is within walking distance of downtown San Diego.

Visitors can wander the circular paths lined with a diverse collection of shops showcasing everything from painted tiles to unique souvenirs, while live music often fills the air during summer weekends.

Don’t forget to visit the carousel, which dates back to 1895, featuring beautifully handcrafted animals and mythical figures.