San Diego Coastal

Coronado

www.hoteldel.com

This world-famous beachfront resort and San Diego icon attracts celebrities and locals alike. Daytime visitors enjoy upscale dining or picnics on white sand, seasonal family events, movies on the beach and more.

La Jolla

La Jolla Cove

1100 Coast Blvd.

A small beach great for swimmers, scuba divers and snorkelers. It’s fun to watch sea lions play (but keep your distance for the safety of the animals). The cove is part of La Jolla’s underwater ecological reserve.

This waterfront park boasts outstanding bay and city views and a playground recognized for its inclusive design. Take a walk or bike ride, have a picnic, fly a kite, and watch the airplanes take off.

La Jolla Shores Beach and Kellogg Park

8277 Camino del Oro

Popular beach for families, with a large grass area, playground and lifeguard station. Arrive early to get a good spot. Alcohol and pets prohibited.

Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial

6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr. S. 858-3842405 www.soledadmemorial.com

Climb or drive to the top of Mt. Soledad for panoramic views of San Diego. The memorial honors veterans living and deceased from all American conflicts, dating back to the Revolutionary War. A grassy area is available for picnics.

Museum of Contemporary Art

San Diego

700 Prospect St. 858-454-3541 www.mcasd.org

The renovated museum features expanded galleries, a sculpture garden, gift shop and more. Don’t miss Prebys Play Days, a free family fun day, the second Sunday of every month. Learn more at www.mcasd. org/learn/prebys-play-day.

Rose Canyon Trail

Between Genesee Ave. and La Jolla Colony Dr.

This easy hike follows the train tracks in University City, and offers lovely canyon views— without leading visitors too far from civilization. Bird lovers enjoy exceptional viewing of raptors, owls and hawks. Park rangers offer interpretive walks.

Stuart Art Collection

9500 Gilman Dr.

858-534-2117 http://stuartcollection.ucsd.edu

Explore one-of-a-kind modern art installations on the UC San Diego campus, including the newest addition, “To Tell a Story,” an 800-foot path featuring 1,300 quotes from people with university connections. Take a self-guided tour to see the unique, larger-than-life art works.

Sunny Jim Cave and Store

1325 Coast Blvd.

858-459-0746 www.cavestore.com

A prohibition-era bootlegger’s tunnel built in 1902 leads to La Jolla’s only sea cave that can be accessed by land. Take 145 stairs down to experience Sunny Jim Cave. Purchase tickets in the gift shop.

Torrey Pines Gliderport

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr. 858-452-9858 www.flytorrey.com

Enjoy spectacular views at this coastal lookout and watch paragliders take off and land (or go paragliding yourself). Pack a picnic or grab lunch at Cliffhanger Cafe.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

12600 N. Torrey Pines Rd.

858-755-2063 www.torreypine.org

A favorite spot for outdoor enthusiasts. Choose from six hiking trails to enjoy scenic overlooks and panoramic views of La Jolla’s beautiful coastline. Accessible trails available.

Windansea Beach

6800 Neptune Pl.

The rocky shoreline and beautiful scenery are ideal for photo sessions. Surfers appreciate the hard-breaking surf; swimmers should use extreme caution. No restrooms.

Mission Bay

Action Sport Rentals

619-241-4794 www.actionsportrentals.com

Have a blast renting bikes, surreys, boats, jet skis, kayaks and more from seven convenient locations around Mission Bay, including six popular resorts.

Crown Point Park

3700 Crown Point Dr.

619-525-8213

This bayfront park offers expansive grass areas, barbecues, fire rings, picnic tables, a beach, tot lot, boat launch and basketball courts. Plenty of space for families and large groups.

Hospitality Point

2500 block of Quivira Way

619-235-1169

A large park boasting views of Mission Bay and the San Diego River. An ideal spot for picnics and groups, plus a path for walking or biking.

Mission Bay Aquatic Center

1001 Santa Clara Pl. 858-488-1000 www.mbaquaticcenter.com

Take lessons or rent equipment for all your favorite watersports—kayaks, SUPs, sailboats, surfboards and more. Enjoy the surrounding bayfront.

Mission Bay Beach Club/Superbloom Coffee & Juice 2688 E Mission Bay Dr. 858-201-7551 www.missionbaybeachclub.com www.discovermissionbay.org/bike-path

No membership required at Mission Bay Beach Club! Indulge in specialty coffee, lunch or a glass of wine while taking in beautiful views at Superbloom. Peruse Picnic Market for cheeses, snacks and goods from local artisans. Check website for events.

Mission Bay Bike Path Mission Bay Dr.

Cruise around Mission Bay on a flat, paved 12-mile path that’s easy enough for kids, and almost loops the bay. Bring your own bike or rent one from a nearby shop. There are many spots to stop along the way.

SeaWorld San Diego

500 SeaWorld Dr. 619-222-4732 www.seaworld.com/san-diego

A highlight for visitors and locals, this awesome, educational theme park offers thrill rides, entertaining shows, animal interactions and the new Rescue Jr., a kidfriendly play area dedicated to marine animal rescue and conservation.

Mission Beach

Belmont Park

3146 Mission Blvd.

858-488-1549 www.belmontpark.com

San Diego’s iconic oceanfront amusement park just steps from the beach offers thrill rides, arcade games, laser tag, mini golf and more. It’s home to historic wooden rollercoaster, The Giant Dipper, Plunge San Diego and Escapology (escape rooms).

Mission Beach and Boardwalk

Ocean Front Walk from Pacific Beach Dr. South www.sandiego.gov/lifeguards/beaches/mb.shtml

Loved by locals and visitors, this mile-long stretch of sandy beach is home to Belmont Park and a paved boardwalk. Enjoy beachfront restaurants, build a sandcastle or take a stroll. Lifeguards on duty. No pets allowed.

Plunge San Diego

3115 Ocean Front Walk 858-779-1630 www.plungesandiego.com

Enjoy San Diego’s historic indoor pool that is now a luxury swimming destination featuring an inflatable floating obstacle course. Family day passes available.

Ocean Beach oceanbeachsandiego.com

A quintessential San Diego beach town with waterfront restaurants, eclectic shops, farmers market, grassy parks and tidepools. Follow the locals to the original Hodad’s for a burger and fries or to Dog Beach, an off-leash puppy’s paradise.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

1424 Sunset Cliffs Blvd.

619-525-8213

Enjoy panoramic sunsets, gorgeous bluffs, rugged coastline, arches and tidepools.

Pacific Beach www.pacificbeach.org

The Beach Bug www.sandiego.gov/sustainability/pbshuttle

Thanks to City of San Diego and SANDAG, visitors and residents of Pacific Beach have a new way to get around via The Beach Bug. Visit the website for details and launch date.

Kate O. Sessions Memorial Park

5115 Soledad Rd.

619-235-1169

Dedicated to Kate Sessions, famed botanist who helped design Balboa Park, this urban oasis offers 79 grassy acres with stunning views, two playgrounds and ball fields. Great for hiking and picnics.

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach Dr. to Tourmaline St. 619-221-8899 www.pacificbeach.org

A popular choice for surfers and swimmers, Pacific Beach also draws large crowds during the summer. Fishing from Crystal Pier. Lifeguards on duty. Beachfront restaurants and eateries.

Point Loma

Cabrillo National Monument and

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr. 619-523-4285 www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

Part of San Diego’s 59-Mile Scenic Drive, Cabrillo is home to stunning coastal and bay views, a visitor center, seasonal events and a historic lighthouse. Junior Ranger activities available.

Corvette Diner

2965 Historic Decatur Rd.

619-542-1476 www.cohnrestaurants.com/corvettediner

Get a taste of the 50s as sassy waitresses in poodle skirts serve up tasty burgers and shakes while groovin’ to golden oldies. Visit the Gamers Garage to play more than 60 arcade games.

The Hot Spot

2770 Historic Decatur Rd., Barracks 14 619-223-1339 www.thehotspotstudio.com

All ages get crafty at this art studio—paint pottery or canvas, make candles or mosaics, plant succulents and more. Fun for families and groups.

Liberty Station & Public Market www.libertystation.com; www.libertypublicmarketsd.com

2820 Historic Decatur Rd.

A foodie’s haven, this family-friendly shopping, dining and arts destination was once a Naval Training Center. NTC Park offers plenty of grass to run around, picnic, and watch airplanes take off from San Diego International Airport.

Nautical History Gallery & Museum

2640 Historic Decatur Rd. 619-366-2469 www.nhgallery.org

This small gallery offers a look at U.S. Navy ships and how they’ve evolved over time. See models, artifacts, photographs, uniforms and toys detailing the history of the Navy, the Marines, and naval aviation. Free admission.

Tappers Mini Golf

2960 Truxtun Rd.

619-222-4653 www.thelomaclub.com

(619)

Two nine-hole mini golf courses for kids and adults located at The Loma Club at Liberty Station, across the road from Corvette Diner. Check website for family, kids and group rates. v