Keep exploring

Before you leave San Diego, here are a few other must-see places that will give you an even broader picture of the city and its surroundings. Start with Balboa Park, a vast cultural park filled with museums, gardens, monumental architecture, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Next, head to Old Town, the birthplace of San Diego. There, another audio tour will guide you past historic buildings, lively plazas, and reminders of the city’s Mexican period. Along the coast, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park reveals a much wilder side of Southern California, famous for its dramatic cliffs and spectacular sunsets. Continuing toward Point Loma, you'll discover an area deeply connected to San Diego's maritime history, with magnificent views of both the bay and the Pacific Ocean. At the tip of the peninsula, Cabrillo National Monument combines breathtaking scenery, local history, and native wildlife. The site is home to the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse and offers one of the finest views in the entire region. For a more elegant seaside atmosphere, Coronado Beach is known for its broad sandy beach and the famous Hotel del Coronado, a grand Victorian hotel that has become one of the symbols of Southern California. Nature lovers won’t want to miss La Jolla Cove, one of San Diego’s most iconic coastal landscapes, famous for its cliffs, turquoise waters, and colonies of sea lions. Farther north, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers beautiful trails winding between coastal cliffs, protected landscapes, and spectacular views of the Pacific. To better understand the region’s colonial origins, Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá is also an essential stop. Founded in 1769, it was the first Spanish mission in California. Finally, for sweeping views from above, head to the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial. From there, you can take in the coastline, the city, and the surrounding mountains, while also discovering the importance of military history in San Diego’s identity. And if you’d like to discover a completely different atmosphere, venture farther inland to the small town of Julian. With roots in the California Gold Rush, it offers a mountain setting, orchards, and famous apple pies. It's a surprising contrast to San Diego's seaside image. The rest of the adventure is up to you.