Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, San Diego offers a diverse array of attractions and experiences that cater to every interest. From the lush wonders of the world-renowned San Diego Zoo to the historic streets of Old Town, and the picturesque beauty of Coronado Island to the vibrant energy of La Jolla Beach,will take you through the top highlights of this sun-soaked city. Get ready to uncover the best of San Diego and make the most of your visit to this captivating coastal gem.
Starting from Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Paradise Point Resort & Spa, located on the scenic Mission Bay Island, is surrounded by crystal-clear waters and lush tropical gardens, making it an ideal vacation paradise. Leaving this resort, you’ll find all the exciting attractions of San Diego just a short distance away. Each departure is a new adventure. Now, let me take you on a step-by-step journey to uncover the charms of San Diego.
San Diego Zoo: Wonders of Nature
Driving from Paradise Point Resort & Spa to the San Diego Zoo is quite convenient. We head east along Vacation Road, passing through lush green areas, and enter Interstate 5 South. After traveling about 10 miles (16 kilometers) on the freeway, exit at 17A and follow the signs into the Balboa Park area. The entire drive takes approximately 20 minutes. Under the sunshine, the palm trees and greenery along the road create a pleasant and relaxed feeling, setting the tone for the upcoming adventure.
Entering the San Diego Zoo feels like stepping into a magical natural world. The park is lush and vibrant, a paradise for both animals and plants. First, I visited the zoo’s star attraction—the Panda Canyon. Behind the glass enclosure, a panda wonderland awaits, with adorable giant pandas leisurely lounging in the bamboo forest. Their large black-ringed eyes occasionally glance at visitors, as if greeting us.
The design of the panda exhibit is very thoughtful, incorporating various natural elements to mimic the pandas’ natural habitat. I saw a few pandas comfortably nestled in bamboo piles, enjoying their delicious bamboo. The staff regularly clean the panda’s environment to maintain their quality of life and provide informative talks about panda habits. If you’re lucky, you might witness the cute moments of panda cubs, making this experience truly unforgettable.
After the panda exhibit, I moved on to the elephant section. The elephants, majestic under the sun, moved gracefully, their massive bodies and long trunks swaying in the breeze. I especially enjoyed watching them use their trunks to pick up food; the contrast between their agility and their size highlighted the marvels of nature.
Besides these iconic animals, the zoo has many other exciting exhibits. I highly recommend visiting the “African Savannah” area, which simulates an African ecological environment where you can see lions, giraffes, and zebras roaming freely. The exhibit is spacious, and the animals’ activity areas are realistically modeled, making it feel as though you are truly in the African savannah.
The zoo’s interactive experiences are also enriching. At the “Giraffe Feeding Station,” you can experience the fun of feeding giraffes. The sight of giraffes using their long tongues to wrap around food is fascinating, especially when their big eyes look at you as if saying, “Thank you!”
For dining at the zoo, I chose a restaurant within the park for lunch. The restaurant offers various fast food options, including burgers, hot dogs, and salads. We ordered a chicken burger ($12) and a seafood pancake ($15), and both were quite tasty. The prices are reasonable, and the dining environment is comfortable. The staff were friendly and added to our pleasant dining experience.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: A Journey Through Time
Driving from the zoo to Old Town San Diego State Historic Park takes about 15 minutes. We follow Interstate 5 South, then exit at 17A and enter the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park area. The scenery along the drive gradually shifts from modern city bustle to a historically charming area, raising anticipation for the historical journey ahead.
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is considered the “history museum” of San Diego, preserving many mid-19th century buildings and relics. Walking down the old streets feels like stepping into a historical corridor, where every step takes us back in time. The park’s preserved buildings serve as witnesses to history.
First, we visited Casa de Estudillo, a well-preserved Spanish-style home. The thick walls, wooden windows, and doors are traditional features. Inside, 19th-century furniture and household items are displayed, from old wooden chairs and tables to exquisite porcelain. Each item reflects the lifestyle of the era. Guided by a tour guide, we learned that this house was once the residence of a wealthy local family, and everything inside exudes the living atmosphere of the time.
Next, we explored other historic buildings in Old Town, such as the Old Town Market and Whaley House. These buildings not only preserve their historical appearance but also host small shops and museums, allowing visitors to delve into San Diego’s history and culture. At Whaley House, we heard many ghost stories about the house, adding a touch of mystery to the visit, even if the tales are hard to verify.
In the historic park, we also found many traditional Mexican restaurants. We chose a restaurant called “Casa de Reyes,” where we enjoyed authentic Mexican cuisine at an outdoor table. The atmosphere was relaxed and festive, with colorful decorations all around. I ordered classic fish tacos ($14), which were crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, topped with fresh lettuce and delicious sauce. The service was excellent, making us feel very welcomed.
Coronado Island: Elegant Island Charm
Leaving Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, driving to Coronado Island is straightforward. We take Interstate 5 North, cross the Coronado Bridge, and then follow CA-75 South, arriving on the island shortly. The drive takes about 15 minutes, and along the way, you can enjoy the stunning views of San Diego Bay, with the sparkling waters glistening under the sun.
Coronado Island is known as the jewel of San Diego Bay, with its enchanting natural beauty and elegant vacation atmosphere. The historic Hotel del Coronado on the island is a luxurious and historic hotel, and its quaint architectural style seems to transport us back to the grandeur of the 19th century. Although we didn’t stay at the hotel, the hotel’s gardens and courtyards are definitely worth a visit.
Walking on Coronado Beach, the soft sand underfoot feels comfortable, and the blue sea with gentle waves crashing on the shore creates a picturesque scene. Here, you can enjoy sunbathing or participate in various water activities such as surfing and kayaking. The beach has excellent facilities, including changing rooms and showers, making it easy to spend an entire day comfortably.
Coronado Island also has beautiful bike paths. If you enjoy biking, you can rent a bicycle and ride along the coastline. The ride offers stunning views and a chance to feel the sea breeze, providing a unique way to explore Coronado Island.
For dining on Coronado Island, we chose a restaurant called “Peohe’s,” located in the seaside area. The restaurant serves various delicious seafood and creative dishes. I ordered a lobster pasta ($30) and grilled cod ($28), and the fresh ingredients and excellent flavors were outstanding. The restaurant’s elegant setting, with its ocean view from the windows, made for an exceptional dining experience, ending our day perfectly.
USS Midway Museum: A Journey Through Naval History
From Coronado Island, driving to the USS Midway Museum is very convenient. We cross back over the Coronado Bridge, travel north on Interstate 5 for about 4 miles (6 kilometers), and exit at 14B, following N Harbor Drive to the museum. The drive takes about 20 minutes, and along the way, you can enjoy the spectacular views of San Diego Bay.
The USS Midway Museum is a significant testament to U.S. naval history. As a decommissioned aircraft carrier, it participated in numerous important military operations during World War II and the Cold War. Now transformed into a museum, it provides insight into the grandeur of this massive vessel.
Walking through the museum, I was awestruck by the massive ship and the bustling deck. The museum features a vast collection of fighter planes and aviation equipment, each carrying a piece of wartime history. Particularly on the museum’s deck, I experienced the work environment of pilots, and the simulated flight experience added to the thrill of flying.
The guided tours at the museum are highly recommended. The guides are professional and enthusiastic, providing detailed explanations of the carrier’s history, combat experiences, and daily life on board. I especially enjoyed the stories of pilots and crew members, making the tour more engaging and memorable.
La Jolla Beach: A Perfect Blend of Nature and Leisure
From the USS Midway Museum, driving to La Jolla Beach takes about 25 minutes. We head north on Interstate 5 for about 10 miles (16 kilometers), then exit at 26A and follow La Jolla Village Drive to the beach. The drive gradually shifts from the city’s hustle and bustle to natural tranquility, building excitement for the upcoming coastal adventure.
La Jolla Beach is renowned for its beautiful scenery and comfortable environment. The fine white sand glistens in the sun, and the azure water meets the horizon, creating a picturesque vista. Here, you can enjoy beach activities like swimming, surfing, and sunbathing. The clear water and expansive waves are invigorating and relaxing.
If you enjoy hiking, you can explore the coastal cliffs’ trails. The paths wind and curve, offering spectacular views of the cliffs and the crashing waves. The viewpoint at the end of the trail provides the best panoramic view of La Jolla Beach and the bay, capturing the beauty of the area.
Nearby the beach, we found a high-end restaurant called “George’s at the Cove.” With a view of the beach from the windows, dining at an outdoor table while enjoying the stunning sea view was a unique pleasure. I ordered a seafood platter ($35) and a signature cocktail ($12). The seafood platter, which included fresh oysters, shrimp, and fish, was delicious and showcased the ocean’s flavors. This dining experience was a delightful conclusion to a day of exploration.
Starting from Paradise Point Resort & Spa, each attraction in San Diego offers unique charm and rich experiences. From the zoo’s natural wonders to Old Town’s historical appeal, from Coronado Island’s island charm to USS Midway Museum’s naval legends, and finally to La Jolla Beach’s natural beauty, every stop makes a lasting impression. This journey allowed me to deeply appreciate the diversity and allure of San Diego, making the city a truly memorable destination.
