Things to Do in San Diego

koppie

Many years ago, I wrote an article on things to do in San Francisco.  Now, a coworker is preparing a trip to San Diego.  I spent four years in San Diego as a college student; here is my collected wisdom:

Tips on where to go in San Diego:

  1. Gaslamp District: it's like they took a small chunk of San Francisco and transplanted it to San Diego.  Shops, restaurants, bars, all very nice.  Some are upscale, others are cheap, but that is the neighborhood where you can enjoy an evening with partying.
  2. Petco Park: it's worth it to go see a baseball game in San Diego.  The local team isn't very good, and the game is slow, but it doesn't matter.  You go for the experience of sitting in an American ballpark: get the hot dogs, beer, peanuts & cracker jack, watch the fans, and enjoy the view.  Go to an evening game and you can watch the sun set over San Diego.
  3. La Jolla Beach: there are lots of beaches in San Diego and they're all superior quality.  This is one of the most popular.  There are two parking lots nearby, but if they are full, just find street parking and walk a few blocks.  (You can expect the sand to be the same as Northern California beaches, but the water is warmer - more like Mexico.)
  4. Hiking: lots of good hiking trails in SD, I would recommend Torrey Pines State Park. Easy hiking trails near the coast, with great views.  Also Balboa Park.
  5. Museums: lots of museums in Balboa Park (it's a large park).  Also down near the waterfront they have several old sailing ships that you can tour (if you like that sort of thing).
  6. Boat tours: It's easy to book a boat tour of the San Diego harbor.  The views are great, and you can usually see 1-2 aircraft carriers parked nearby at the naval base.
  7. Active sports: It's easy to go surfing or hang gliding in San Diego.  They have beginner classes for tourists.  (Both surfing and hang gliding are popular at Blacks Beach, a little north of La Jolla.)
  8. To avoid: Don't go to Tijuana (across the border in Mexico).  It is possible to have a lovely time there, but it is also dirty and can be risky.  It's best to go with a friend you trust, who can guide you.  Save that for a future trip.