Best Things To Do In San Diego

This is your place for straightforward Mexican fare. On the menu is a grilled fish (Mahi Mahi) taco as well as the battered fish. There’s another location on Upas Street.

Locally sourced, affordably priced tacos in a casual setting. Lola 55 is tough to beat. Make sure to stop here.

Traditional though sometimes upscale take on Mexican street food.

This small Pacific Beach taco spot is a fav with locals.

UPDATE: CLOSED

Mission is one of San Diego’s great beaches. It has a picturesque boardwalk that’s perfect for jogging, biking, dog walking, strolling, you name it. This is where you’ll be surfing or boogie boarding, scuba diving or just taking a dip. Mission Beach (and Pacific Beach next door) have plenty of great food and dive bars for post-sun antics.

La Jolla Cove is a gem along the La Jolla neighborhood’s rocky coastline. Tucked between sandstone cliffs, the enclave is brimming with marine life. Clear waters and mild surf make this a destination for avid snorkelers, scuba divers and swimmers. The Cove’s status as an ecological reserve means that surfing, kayaking and other water sports are prohibited. Spend a little time along the Cove’s edges and you might even spot sea lions sunning themselves.

The Point Loma peninsula trades beaches for cliffs, where you can enjoy the sea breeze from high above the crashing waves. Want to see some wildlife? Check out the tide pools next to the lighthouse. How about a little history? Visit the Cabrillo National Monument, named for Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. Hiking trails? Sunset Cliffs Natural Park contains bluffs, sea caves, panoramic Pacific Ocean views and (if you’re lucky) some great whale-watching spots.

If you’re in need of a gear change from relaxing at the beach and taking in the myriad coastal views, check out this 14-acre waterfront swath of shopping, restaurants and gorgeous bayside views.

If you grew up taping “National Geographic” animal photos on your wall (or if you just want to see a Galapagos tortoise up close), the San Diego Zoo won’t disappoint. This vast park contains more than 3,500 animals – big cats, bears, reptiles, even red pandas. Or, if you’re feeling adventurous, go for an African savannah experience at the Safari Park, where you can see animals roaming open-range enclosures of up to 300 acres.

Wonder what the California coast looked like to its first settlers? This is it. Take a break from the high-rises and busy beaches to experience the unspoiled wilderness at the Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve. This is the only spot in the United States where the endangered Torrey Pine grows. And adrenaline junkies can visit the Torrey Pines Gliderport and learn to hang glide or parasail.

Gaze across San Diego Bay and you’ll spot Coronado Island. The island – accessible by ferry or the Coronado Bridge – is a popular resort community, complete with boutiques, restaurants and, of course, Hotel Del Coronado. This classic American hotel was built in 1888 and has hosted presidents, celebrities and royalty. Designated a a National Historic Landmark in 1977, it features beautiful Victorian architecture, luxury amenities and beachfront views.

No, the Clash didn’t write their 1982 classic about it, but Casbah is still San Diego’s premier live music venue. Since 1989, it has supported local bands and served as a popular stopping-off point for big names. Tons of talented artists have graced its stage, including Nirvana, MGMT, Franz Ferdinand, Weezer and more. Best of all, they host live shows six to seven days a week, so no matter how long you’re in town, you can get your music fix.

Calling all history buffs. Visiting Old Town SHP is like stepping through a portal into San Diego’s past. It preserves a piece of California’s first Spanish settlement, which grew throughout the 1800s as a Mexican, then American, town. You can literally stroll through the city’s lifespan, visiting buildings constructed during every stage of its early growth.

Stone Brewing’s Arrogant Bastard Ale is a challenge to drinkers everywhere with it’s “you’re not worthy” motto. This is a great place to start if you want to dive into the SD beer scene, but beware of the 7.2% alcohol volume.

If there’s a must-have in SD it’s this upscale take on the In-n-Out classic burger. Tell us if we’re wrong.