If you love border towns, full of different stimuli and influences, this is the post for you! Ready to get to know beautiful San Diego?
San Diego it's a beautiful city on the Southern California coast, not far from its big sister Los Angeles, but very different from this glittering city.
San Diego is indeed one "border" city where the influence of Mexican culture it makes itself felt in the atmosphere, in the food, in the way of living and having fun.
However the city, also known as "America's finest city", has its own particular class and elegance.
Finally, San Diego cannot be described without including its beaches and the ocean which are the undisputed protagonists of the landscape here.
Coming to the details, it's worth it visit San Diego by car to have greater autonomy in moving in such large spaces; be careful though that parking is expensive!
3 days in San Diego
I think 3 days to visit San Diego are just enough to get familiar with the city, but usually this is just one stop on a larger itinerary that includes other wonders of the American West and California, so you need to optimize your time!
But let's start exploring the city of San Diego!
Day 1. The city center
Old Town
We begin the visit of San Diego from the oldest area of the city, theOld Town State Historic Park. This was the area of the city originally founded by the Mexicans at the time of their domination in 1800, known as The village. From the Spanish past there are several architectural testimonies, a cemetery and the Basilica of San Diego de Alcalà, which was once a mission.
San Diego Zoo
Immediately after we move into the immense Balboa Park, which houses one of the most popular zoos in the world. The San Diego Zoo is home to many rare and endangered animal species, within carefully recreated natural environments that will delight children as much as adults.
Balboa Park
If you can speed up your visit to the zoo, you can stroll through the immense Balboa Park and maybe visit one of the many museums, or take part in one of the many scheduled events.
Staying in the central area, you can spend the evening at Gaslamp Quartier, made unique by its lighting reminiscent of ancient oil lamps. Here, glamorous clubs and restaurants are concentrated among which you will be spoiled for choice for a classy dinner and after-dinner.
Day 2. The ocean
The beaches of San Diego are among the most famous and appreciated in California especially for surfing; it is not at all difficult to find groups of surfers waiting for the perfect wave to ride.
But San Diego's beaches are so much more than that. This city is very attached to the sea, its perfumes, its vitality - and it shows.
A typical day can be:
Ocean Beach
Perfect for long walks, it is located in a beautiful, original and alternative neighborhood. On Newport Avenue, a long avenue divided by tall palm trees that ends right on the waterfront, you can go shopping, buy nice souvenirs, have a coffee or a snack. There is everything, and more.
Mission Beach
The kingdom of surfers, hipsters, alternatives.
La Jolla
The beach is a gem set between caves and cliffs, very small but very popular. Here it is easy to see the sea lions up close, and it is not at all difficult to photograph them, bringing home a beautiful memory. Indeed the coastal area is a marine reserve, therefore the animals live protected and undisturbed in their natural habitat. Fantastic! The whole neighborhood behind the beach is very chic; here you can go shopping for luxury or stop at exclusive restaurants for an unforgettable experience.
Le Coronado
Finish the day by watching the sunset from Coronado. This peninsula, connected to the mainland by a bridge, is home to a very famous and ancient Victorian style hotel famous all over the world.
To end the day dedicated to the ocean you could stop and eat oysters at Point Loma or Shelter Island, in one of the many places specialized in seafood.
Day 3. The Sea World
I have to be honest, Sea World was a revelation to me. This is not only a water park that tells the life of the different marine ecosystems by sensitizing people to their respect and conservation, but it is also a well-organized amusement park.
Indeed the Sea World combines the "aquarium" aspect with the "park" aspect in a really interesting mix… and not just for children. For example, a large pool has been set up where visitors can stroking the manta rays, as long as these elegant creatures decide to come close to be pampered. They are usually attracted to children's hands :)
Not to be missed are the tours led by specialized personnel that introduce you to the life of the animals in the park and allow direct contact with them. Of course the tours are in English!
In addition, various shows are organized in the arenas: theOrca Encounter is the most famous, but all the others are also very charming. Don't miss the sea lions: the show is hilarious!
The visit of the park takes practically the whole day, especially if you want to enjoy all the shows and take a few rides on the different games and rollercoasters.
This 3 day itinerary in San Diego it is just a taste of the potential of this bright, elegant and welcoming border town.
Would I go back? I would definitely say yes!
