Guidebook for San Diego
Parks & Nature
In addition to the beautifully designed Visitor Center you'll have miles of trails to explore within the city limits, including popular Cowles Mountain. For guided nature walks meet at the Visitor Center at 9:30 AM, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday.
194 locals recommend
Mission Trails Regional Park
1 Father Junipero Serra TrailIn addition to the beautifully designed Visitor Center you'll have miles of trails to explore within the city limits, including popular Cowles Mountain. For guided nature walks meet at the Visitor Center at 9:30 AM, Saturday, Sunday, Wednesday.
One of the most popular hiking trails in the county. From our home it is a 30 - 49 minute drive out Highway 67. Best in early morning or late afternoon, or when the weather is not too hot, as there is little shade. There will usually be other people on the trail, so stick to the trail and you won't get lost.
82 locals recommend
Iron Mountain Trailhead
14847-14909 CA-67One of the most popular hiking trails in the county. From our home it is a 30 - 49 minute drive out Highway 67. Best in early morning or late afternoon, or when the weather is not too hot, as there is little shade. There will usually be other people on the trail, so stick to the trail and you won't get lost.
Cowles Mountain is a prominent mountain located in the San Carlos neighborhood, within the City of San Diego, San Diego County, California. The 1,593-foot summit is the highest point of the city of San Diego. It is protected within Mission Trails Regional Park.
314 locals recommend
Cowles Mountain
Cowles MountainCowles Mountain is a prominent mountain located in the San Carlos neighborhood, within the City of San Diego, San Diego County, California. The 1,593-foot summit is the highest point of the city of San Diego. It is protected within Mission Trails Regional Park.
Mission Bay Park
500 E Mission Bay DrSightseeing
Not only historic significance for recognizing the discovery of San Diego by Cabrillo, but an interesting portrayal of the lighthouse keeper's life. Amazing views to the City of San Diego. Senior Parks Pass gets you in free; otherwise $15/car.
502 locals recommend
Cabrillo National Monument Visitor Center
1800 Cabrillo Memorial DrNot only historic significance for recognizing the discovery of San Diego by Cabrillo, but an interesting portrayal of the lighthouse keeper's life. Amazing views to the City of San Diego. Senior Parks Pass gets you in free; otherwise $15/car.
Arts & Culture
Old Globe Theatre
1363 Old Globe WayExcellent theatre!
Many different museums, all in one park. On Sundays in summer visit the International Houses, hosted by various countries with displays, dances, traditional foods. Also a beautiful Rose Garden, Botanical Building, and hiking trails. Come early for easiest parking.
3290 locals recommend
Balboa Park
Many different museums, all in one park. On Sundays in summer visit the International Houses, hosted by various countries with displays, dances, traditional foods. Also a beautiful Rose Garden, Botanical Building, and hiking trails. Come early for easiest parking.
Drinks & Nightlife
In Cahoots Dance Hall & Saloon
5373 Mission Center RdCountry music and line dancing
Humphreys Backstage Live
2241 Shelter Island DrGreat entertainment!
Food Scene
Swami's Cafe
8284 La Mesa BoulevardHealthy food, large portions!
World Famous
711 Pacific Beach DrSeafood and a view!
Mexican food in a colorful atmosphere with live music, indoor and outdoor seating.
32 locals recommend
Casa De Pico
5500 Grossmont Center DrMexican food in a colorful atmosphere with live music, indoor and outdoor seating.
Entertainment & Activities
Unique. Great combination of fun rides, animal exhibits, and animal shows. We love the dog & cat show, and the dolphin show.
1754 locals recommend
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Unique. Great combination of fun rides, animal exhibits, and animal shows. We love the dog & cat show, and the dolphin show.
The San Diego Zoo houses more than 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. It is open every day including holidays, with later hours in the summer. See sandiegozoo.org for schedules and activities, and groupon.com for possible discounts.
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrThe San Diego Zoo houses more than 3,500 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies. It is open every day including holidays, with later hours in the summer. See sandiegozoo.org for schedules and activities, and groupon.com for possible discounts.
Getting Around
Leave your car at the Massachusetts station for a trip downtown or all the way to the border.
32 locals recommend
Trolley / Bus-Transit Center
Leave your car at the Massachusetts station for a trip downtown or all the way to the border.