Top 8 things to see in San Diego

In 2022, when Nina and Alex were 11, we went to California to meet with family for April break. Just so you know: our list of Top 8 things to see in San Diego does not include the zoo or Seaworld, since our kids had no interest in going to these places (we went when they were 3). Here’s what we did instead.

1. La Jolla Shores

Upon arrival in San Diego, we were all tired and hungry. I had neglected to do my research for this trip since I knew that family obligations would take up the bulk of our time. Thinking fast, I recalled that La Jolla was a nice place to go. The first exit we saw brought us to La Jolla Shores. There, we found a beach which is solely for sea kayakers. This was totally unexpected and so awesome!  It really confirmed that we were in Cali!  

2. LA JOLLA

I found it pretty difficult to plan our day here because it all seemed so complicated. In actuality, when you get to La Jolla, it all makes sense. Here’s what we saw:

Sunny Jim’s Cave Store  

Through the shop and into a narrow tunnel with 145 sometimes slippery steps, you can get up close and personal to the sea.

 Pelicans

Cormorants

Seals and Sea Lions

Shell Beach

Children’s Pool

2. Balboa Park

It’s hard to decide what to do in this 1,200 acre park; a week wouldn’t be enough time to explore this immense space. Here’s what we did:

Spreckles Organ Pavillion  

I read somewhere that every Sunday there is a free open air concert at the Spreckles Organ Pavillon. According to Wikipedia, “The Spreckels Organ is the world’s largest pipe organ in a fully outdoor venue”. The setting was gorgeous and the weather idyllic. We were treated to a beautiful performance there!

Spanish Village Art Center

Small buildings housing over 200 working artisans surround a beautiful rainbow-paved courtyard at The Spanish Village. Here, you can observe master artists working, learn about the creative process and purchase their work. 

Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden

I highly recommend a quick walk through the roses. There are 180 different types and they are just gorgeous!

Desert Garden

We enjoyed this area even more than the rose garden…I guess because the cacti had such interesting personalities! 

3. The Flower Field at Carlsbad Ranch

This 50 acre farm packed with a rainbow of colorful ranunculus  flowers blooms between March and May only. I figured when in Rome, you must take advantage of the opportunities handed you.

I was not disappointed…it was gorgeous. There is so much to explore at this ranch (special floral displays, a huge garden supply store, etc.). It was well worth the trip!

4. Torrey Pines Paragliding

Nina was the only one of us with the courage to attempt this activity (in fact she BEGGED to try it!). She had the best time ever!

5. Encinitas

In search of a typical Southern California beach town, we decided to try Encinitas. Starting at Moonlight beach (which was completely deserted), we headed to the Pacific Coast Highway (101) to find the main shopping street in the neighborhood. We had a lovely time there, but sadly felt it lacked charm. We did find a few cute gift shops and some lovely looking restaurants, but it wasn’t what I was searching for. Oh well, maybe on our next trip… 

6. Old Town

Old Town San Diego, the “birthplace of California” is a touristy area that kind of reminds me of Williamsburg,Va, except it is less developed, and of course had a very Mexican flavor. The other big difference between the two locations is that Old Town has much fewer actors in costumes and no artisan demonstrations. 

Whaley House

Said to be haunted, this house was once the site of public executions. We were hoping to see some ghosts., but alas we were disappointed.

Cafe Coyote 

This place is huge and has a festive atmosphere. The food is okay too. Sadly the strolling mariachis didn’t come to our table. 

Shopping

We found a few fun shops in Old Town. Our favorites were Toby’s (make your own candle), La Dulceria for Mexican Candy, El Centro Artesano for pottery, and Old Town Magic and Gifts for a bit of enchantment.

Seaport Village

Its beautiful here, but it didn’t live up to the hype. On the day we visited, there were no street performers or concerts. The shops were lackluster and the vibe was kinda sad.

7. Padres at Petco Park

We had so much fun at the game!

Rancho Bernardo  (where we stayed in San Diego)

PROS:

1. grounds are beautiful
2. very spacious rooms
3. staff, especially maintenance, is amazing…prompt, helpful and kind
4. nice balcony overlooking the golf course

CONS:

1. rooms are in desperate need of attention; decor is bland and lacking character
2. bedding is obviously quite old…sheets with pilling and weird satin duvets
3. Our A/C was broken…we couldn’t adjust the temperature during our entire stay

Thanks for reading Top 8 things to see in San Diego!