A somewhat narrow cement boardwalk parallels the entire beach. People will be walking, biking, bicycling, and other related activities on the boardwalk. Various shops, restaurants, and beach rental outfits can be found bordering the north end of Pacific Beach, north of Pacific Beach drive. The southern end is predominately residential, with commercial areas a block or so from the beach on Mission Boulevard.

Go on Grand Ave. west until you hit the end of the road. PB is right there.

Coronado Island is a must see for San Diego visitors. Take a wonderful 90 minute walking tour to learn all about the history of the Island, and capture in great views at the same time. There are some great shopping and dining locations throughout the island.

Your typical San Diego beach strip, Newport Ave., home of the Ocean Beach Shopping District has plenty of surf shops, skate shops, trendy clothing stores, tatoo parlors, and piercing joints. Other items that can be found are unique jewelry, smoke shops, great food vendors, restaurants and bars. At sunsight be sure to find a place with a great view of the horizon.

Along Newport Ave. there is a strip of over 15 antique shops carrying unique merchandise and collectibles from varying dealers.

University of California, San Diego is arguably in the top 5 public schools in the country. The campus is split up into six different colleges, some of which have certain specialties. In the center of campus is Price Center which is the main university hang out spot with the student theater, dining, arcades, atm machines, billiards room and much more. Directly next to Price Center is the Geisel Library named after the author of the infamous “Dr. Seuss” collection. The library is in the shape of a tree, the architectural design is phenomenal. Be sure to check out “The Cliffs” which is part of the UCSD campus.

From I-5 take Gilman Dr. exit and follow the signs

Directly west of UCSD campus, the cliffs are high above sea level and overlook the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most breathtaking views you will find in the San Diego are right here. A complete 180-degree drop-jaw, once of a lifetime sunset can be seen every evening. This place is a must see, if you’re ever thinking about proposing, consider this spot.

La Jolla’s five star beach is just what the doctor ordered. Soft sand, great water, surfing waves, warm weather and strong sun. Plenty of different areas for sports activities, picnics and more. Surfers and swimmers are seperated for the safety of everyone. One of the cleaner more chill beaches in San Diego. No Admission.

“From the north, take Interstate 5 south and exit at La Jolla Village Drive westbound. Turn left at the signalized intersection at Torrey Pines Road and follow it to the signalized intersection at La Jolla Shores Drive.
From the south, take Interstate 5 northbound and exit at La Jolla Parkway. Turn right at the signalized intersection at La Jolla Shores Drive, then turn left at the signalized intersection at Avenida de la Playa. Turn right on Camino del Oro.”

Right along the shores of La Jolla Cove, this area is lined with fine dining and top-notch brand shopping. The up-scale environment is a great place to walk around, window shop, and eat some great sea food. There are also unique desert and boutique shops. Be sure to checkout the cove which is located just off the main strip, Propect Street.

From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive, west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow it to Prospect Street and turn right.

This tiny beach nook is part of the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. If you’re in the downtown La Jolla area, this is a place to definitely stop by. Home to some of the clearest water in the San Diego area, the cove is a great place to snorkel and go scuba diving. A pleasant grassy area surrounded by palm trees makes a perfect picnic or sunbathing area. There are also a number of walking trails along Coast Blvd. where you can get a picturesque view of San Diego.

From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive, west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow it to Prospect Street and turn right. Bear right on Coast Boulevard and look for signs.

For locals, the annual pass ($86 for first timers, $70 something for renewers, sometimes with a couple months thrown in as a bonus) is the best deal in San Diego County. Unlimited Zoo and Wild Animal Park visits, free zoo skyfari rides, monthly color magazine, two free guest passes, multiple coupon offers. I mention this only because tourists have been so struck by the deal that they’ve bought the pass, too.
This is my favorite place in all of San Diego. My recomendation for first (or second, or tenth) timers: Start the day early, and make for the polar bears. Get to them either via the SkyFari if the lines are short, or on foot.. (They’re located on the opposite end of the zoo from the entrance). Their exhibit is stunning, and because they’re most active in the morning, the opportunity to see the polar bears play in the water from a vantage point of being 10 feet below the water’s surface could very well be the highlight of your trip. They’re no guarantees though (this is a zoo, not a circus), but it’s fantastic to see.
Other must see exhibits: the monkeys/apes (the exhibit itself is a marvel), the hippos (another underwater vantage point), the giraffes (public feedings at noon), the pandas (as of now, you can watch the newest baby, Su Lin while you’re in line waiting to see her parents and brother – she’s the black and white fuzzball high in the tree), the koalas, the raptors (predatory birds) when active, and the row containing the brown bears, sun bears and lions.
Admission: $21 Adults, $14 Children 3-11, deluxe packages also available.

Exit I-5 near to Balboa Park, follow the signs.

Regarding where to eat – I really have no preference food wise. We usually end up at Canyon Cafe (next to the pandas) because of its midway point. Although the price point for food at the zoo is a little high, we figure it’s all going to support research and conservation. Hopefully.

Balboa Park was named after the Spanish explorer Balboa. It was originally established in 1868 as a 1,400-acre piece of land. This park is home to many of the best San Diego museums. A great place to walk around, enjoy the weather, open lawns, and classic Spanish style architecture. A must see for any San Diego visitor.

Balboa Park

A splendid area that displays a number of Spanish-style cottages. Many of San Diego’s best local artists display all sorts of sculptures, trinkets, handicrafts, jewelry, paintings, photos and more. The artwork is rotated to new pieces over time, and all completed pieces are available for sale. No Admission.

Balboa Park

This is a museum for photography enthusiasts, and for anyone who appreciates photography and wants to learn more about artistic styles. Exhibits include pictorials, photojounalism, daguerreotypes, master works and more. Also inside the museum is a library, theatre and area to view how photos are printed. A fun and educational experience for everyone. Admission: $6 Adults, $4 Students/Seniors/Military, Children under 12 are free. Admission is free for everyone on the second Tuesday of every month.

Balboa Park

This one-of-a-kind museum is dedicated to automobile enthusiasts. Displaying cars from every generation, especially the classic hot rods, every car has been restored to premium condition for your viewing pleasure. Also learn all about automotive development for the past 100+years.

Balboa Park

Visitors come here to enjoy the numerous Italian dining spots as well as the scenic San Diego coastline. Enjoy delicious snacks from the numerous markets and bakeries. Shop Italiano style for souvineers and art work. Be sure to checkout the Our Lady of the Rosary Church, the place where Italian fisherman used to light a candle for good blessings. In October there is a massive festival that brings as many as 50,000 visitors to Little Italy.

Seaside District just next door to downtown San Diego

San Diego is known for their aquatic facilities and Sea World definitely stands out as one of the best marine parks to go to in the country. Get up close and personal with dolphins, make eye contact with a polar bear right in front of you, enjoy the 4-D Haunted Lighthouse, ride through the Shipwreck Rapids, or even experience a Journey To Atlantis. Plan to spend the whole day here to really soak in the aquatic marine-life that you’ll probably never see again. Great for friends and whole families. Single-Day Admission: $50.95 for adults; $40.95 for children (ages 3-9); specials and discounts are available; prices are subject to change.

Off I-5 take Sea World Dr. exit

Mission Gallery Antiques has a great selection of 17th, 18th and 19th century American and European style furniture, rugs, jewelry, watches, oil paintings and more. Disabled access is limited, please call for more information.

Another fantastic San Diego beach with an ideal boardwalk for walking, biking, skating and more. Soak in the San Diego beach lifestyle, which means just relax and have a good time. There’s even Belmont Park with their world famous wooden roller-coaster.

Runs along Mission Blvd.

Local riders rode the Wave House wooden rollercoaster for several hours in attempts to win a new car and made the ride world famous in the process. One of the oldest wooden rollercoasters still in operation, this ride is full of thrills with it’s fast turns, stomach churning drops. It’s crickety-creeks of the old wood planks don’t help the matter all that much either. A ton of fun for everyone, really though, who wouldn’t want to get on one of the oldest wooden rollercoasters left?! A number of small shops and dining spots are also here for your shopping and dining needs. Admission and parking are free; ride ticket prices vary

Check out the Star of India, Berkeley ferryboat, and Medea yacht all part of this Maritime Museum package. The Star of India has a long history, which include once sailing around the world. The hull is made of iron, and there are numerous wind-sails almost making this look like a classic ship from a pirate movie. Admission: $10 adult; $8 seniors, active miliary and children ages 13-17, $7 children ages 6-12, children under 5 are free.

Part of Old Town San Diego, this beautiful and vibrant shopping area is full of international specialty shops and restaurants in a one-of-a-kind setting with fountains, birds and flowers. Be sure to walk around to Old Town, which is right next door.

This district is a must see for any San Diego visitor. The first mission was established here by Father Serra over 225 years ago and it remains a historical spot today. The architecture and activities here will have your neck hurting from looking around so much. With over 37 different restaurants and plenty of entertainment such as galleries, dancers, mariachis, boutique shops, you’re bound to have a fun and worthwhile time here.

Interstate-5, Old Town Avenue exit, drive east and turn left on San Diego Avenue.

Trolley tours are a super-convenient way to get around San Diego. For a one-price ticket you can jump on and off the trolley at many of San Diego’s most prominent tourist locations such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, Horton Plaza, Petco Park and more. As you cruise around town be sure to take pictures of the city and the people. Trolley vehicles are very noticeable, they are painted with bright green and orange colors.

A must see for San Diego visitors this shopping, dining and park area has roughly 75 unique specialty stores, a dozen snack shops, and four restaurants. Walk around on the cobblestone path and soak in the views of the ocean, sailboats and the Coronado Bridge.

about a 10 minute walk from the Gaslamp District or Horton Plaza.

The Gaslamp District is one of San Diego’s main downtown shopping, dining and night-life spots. This area stretches out over sixteen square blocks with countless dining locations of all types, bars, nightclubs, museums, galleries, music stores, souvineer shopping and much more. The once gas lamps have been replaced with mercury vapor lamps, while the restored Victorian-style architecture is a site to be seen not to go unnoticed.