Loading
Something is loading.
When I moved here 25 years ago, all I knew about San Diego was that it was home to some of the most important tourist attractions in the country, including Legoland, San Diego Zoo, and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. I was amazed that the locals loved these places too, and in the end I bought the season tickets like many others who live here.
But we also have many other places to discover that you may not have heard of. There are many beautiful places to explore in San Diego, and daily activities like shopping are also on the rise because you can be out and about while you’re out and about.
From the activities that will take you to the water, street art and secret beaches, these are the places I recommend for the most authentic San Diego experience.
Take part in activities like snorkeling or kayaking with Everyday California.
Hannah Bernabe for Insider
Water sports are part of San Diego and are a great way to actively experience the ocean. Every day in California, it offers activities such as snorkeling and SUP (stand-up paddleboarding), but its most popular hike will take you kayaking through the La Jolla Ecological Reserve in the Marine Protected Area, where you are likely to see many marine life and explore the Seven. Sea caves, one of the biggest attractions of La Jolla. I did this when I first moved here, and even though I never rowed, I felt completely empowered.
I’m not a surfer – it’s probably Bobby Riggs Racket & amp; Rowing, but a lot of people I know swear by this women’s San Diego school. The elite teachers of Surf Diva give confidence to even the most discerning student and welcome beginners as well as family. Take an introductory lesson on the wonderful La Jolla Shores, one of the best surfing beaches in San Diego, and you’ll be hanging out in 10 in no time.
Spend a day at the museum in Balboa Park.
Hannah Bernabe for Insider
When I moved here, I was told that Balboa Park was the equivalent of San Diego’s Central Park, but that’s not entirely accurate. Although Central Park is essentially a large green oasis in midtown Manhattan, Balboa Park has many world-class museums (including the new Comic-Con Museum), gardens, attractions, and performing arts residences.
Although I love to walk the trails there, it plays an important role in San Diego culture. One of my favorite ways to spend a day is to go to museums (a nice visit to the San Diego Museum of Art is always nice), have lunch at the Eclectic Prado, and then have a drink in the tea pavilion at Japanese Friendship. Garden. It’s a San Diego experience and I really appreciate living here.
See the murals of Chicano artists in Chicano Park.
The best beaches in San Diego
Hannah Bernabe for Insider
Chicano Park
If you’re a fan of art, you don’t want to miss the outdoor gallery that flies under the radar of Chicano Park in Barrio Logan — and under some highway walkways. I’ve been living here for years before I discovered it and we tell everyone who visits it now to drive there. Admire more than 70 murals rooted in the history of the little ones who tell the stories of this community and then immerse yourself in the Barrio Art Crawl for a second Saturday of the month. Stop by Barrio Dogg chef Pablo Rios for a Tijuana-style dog called “Chicano comfort food”.
Enjoy the sunny weather while shopping on the One Walk.