San Diego, the city by the bay (jk, that’s San Francisco). This beautiful little city is just the perfect size for those looking for a quick getaway from the hustle and bustle of Los Angeles. There are many reasons why this coastal city remains popular with so many folks – from its laid back vibes, to family friendly attractions, and of course, its famous comic conventions, San Diego is a haven for all.
During our very short (less than 24 hours) stint in this beautiful city, we were left with limited options when it came to sight-seeing. With so many things offered all around the city, it was impossible to cover everything in a day. Nevertheless, we still managed to hustle through quite a bit before we had to leave for our next destination. So, if you find yourself in a pinch with time, here are a few must-see places that you should definitely check out whilst in the city:
Cabrillo National Monument
This is San Diego’s only National Park. It presents breathtaking views of San Diego’s harbour and skyline. Within the park you can find natural, historical and cultural buildings throughout the compound. The park also includes the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been a landmark since 1854.
A little history about the Cabrillo National Monument – in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in San Diego Bay marking the European expedition in the United States. A monument statue of Cabrillo stands tall at the Visitor Centre to celebrate his accomplishment of exploring the coast of California. Fun fact: The National Monument was used for military purposes during WW2, where access to the public was prohibited during that time.
Old Town
Located in the historic heart of the city, Old Town was created in 1769 as the first settlement in San Diego where only a mission and fort. This State Historic Park offers lush gardens, replicas of early Mexican-American settlements for people to experience first-hand.
When you visit the Old Town park, you feel like you’re part of this old western movie set. The whole place was perfectly curated to fit the 19th century. There were a lot of speciality shops around the park, from relics, to jewellery, and clothes. It also had a shop that served and sold all types of tea, where me being a fan of said dried fragrant leaves became one of the highlights of the night. There were even shops that sold cigars, pipes, and other tobacco related things too.
While I’m not sure how often this actually happens, if you stick around the square area (where most restaurants were at) you’d be able to catch a traditional Mexican dance performance #prettylit
Balboa Park
Not to be confused for Rocky Balboa, this large park offers loads of activities for everyone. Whether you’re into arts, science, or nature, this park is where all interests collide in one area. Home to more than 17 museums, performing art venues, gardens, trails, and other recreational activities including the San Diego Zoo, Balboa park is a cultural institution that offers the best of everything for everyone.
