I’m back again with another exciting adventure day! Last time, I went over the many activities in the L.A. area, from downtown all the way to Santa Monica, from morning to night. If you haven’t checked that one out yet, you can read that article here.
For this adventure day, I’ll be going over the many activities and places you can check out in my hometown, San Diego!
I’m super excited for this one! I’ll be sharing some of the classic “must see/do” attractions along with some hidden gems and personal favorites of mine. So next time you’re coming down to San Diego, you’ll be ready to check them out.
Daytime Activities
Enjoy your adventure by starting off with some of San Diego’s iconic attractions!
Image via Unsplash
Check out one of San Diego’s most popular destinations, Old Town! With over 30 restaurants, 75 unique shops, and several historical monuments and museums, there is never a dull moment!
While there, be sure to visit the Whaley House Museum, claimed to be one of the top 10 haunted houses in America. Spend the day exploring the family home of Thomas Whaley and be transported back to San Diego life in the 1800s.
Evening tours are also available where you will learn more of the home’s “dark past and spinetingling” cases of inexplicable events.
Buy your tickets here!
Restaurants to check out in the area:
Old Town’s most popular restaurant serves traditional Mexican cuisine with a modern take. Award winning seafood dishes, innovative entrees, and guacamole made fresh to order are just a few of Casa Guadalajara’s signature dishes.
This has been a San Diego favorite for nearly three decades! Enjoy welcoming staff, delicious Mexican food, refreshing drinks, and a fun atmosphere. You’ll know you’re close when you start smelling fresh flour tortillas being made right up front!
Image via Tiqets
Oh yes, you read that right! For all you thrill seekers, this is perfect for you! Come on board for a fun, accelerated tour of San Diego’s most picturesque waterfront locations. You’ll be zooming along the city skyline, passing military ships, and riding beneath the iconic Coronado Bridge.
You can check out ticket prices and make reservations here!
Botanical Building and Lily Pond
Image via Balboa Park
Located right in front of the beautiful lily pond, you enter the jungle-like interior of the botanical garden and walk beneath towering tree ferns, an array of vibrant exotic orchids, and other stunning blossoms. Around 2,100 tropical plants from the indoor collection are always on display. Check out the palms, ferns, cycads, and “scratch-and-sniff” garden!
The best part is that no entry fee is required!
The Botanical Garden is located in Balboa Park where there are plenty of interesting and interactive museums to check out such as the Fleet Science Center, the Nat, Air & Space Museum, and the new Comic-Con Museum! You can explore all the museums and purchase tickets here!
Nighttime Activities
Don’t let the fun end yet! Here are some great activities to check out the San Diego night life.
Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
Image via Vrbo
If you’re looking to find the absolute PERFECT view in San Diego, you will definitely want to head to Mount Soledad. This Veteran Memorial stands tall above La Jolla and the entire San Diego region. You will see views from the Pacific Ocean, to downtown, to Del Mar.
Of course, you’re able to visit Mount Soledad during the day, but I highly recommend going at dusk so you can experience one of the most beautiful views you will ever witness.
Image via San Diego Travel Blog
If you enjoy going to the movies as much as I do, then I highly recommend checking out the Rooftop Cinema Club. Sure, there is one in downtown L.A., but where else will you enjoy the ocean sunset view as you wait for your movie to start?
The Rooftop Cinema Club makes your movie experience a memorable one by providing personal wireless headphones for the best sound quality, deckchairs for comfortable seating, and of course a full menu of snacks, food, and drinks! So, bring your friends and family to enjoy watching some of Hollywood’s iconic movies like “Spider-Man: No Way Home”, “Pulp Fiction”, “Pretty Woman”, and more!
Check out their movie schedule here!
After a long day of fun experiences, it’s time to end it with a good meal. The Convoy District is one of my favorite areas to go eat in San Diego. From tasty rice dishes to flavorful chicken wings, you will surely find something to enjoy.
Image via Cross Street Chicken and Bar
If it’s wings you’re craving, then look no further! It has the most crispy and delicious wings I have ever had! With unique flavors such as Seoul spicy and soy garlic as well as classics like salt and pepper and garlic parmesan, Cross Street has something for everyone.
You can check out more of their menu here!
Look, we all have our own favorite ramen place. I respect that, but if you’re in San Diego you must go try the ramen from Tajima. This place has changed my life forever. Okay, that’s a bit much, but you get my point. I also recommend ordering a side of gyoza or takoyaki!
Tajima has several locations across San Diego, each having a slightly different menu. To look at specific locations and their menus click here.
You have a busy day in San Diego ahead of you! A trip to San Diego would be the perfect way to end your summer before the all semester begins!
If you’re also a San Diego native or someone who has visited before and have a recommendation let us know by tagging @asicpp on Facebook , Twitter, or Instagram! Be sure to also let us know which places you plan on checking out!
