Whether vacationers are looking for a day of sunbathing and eating or an evening of dancing and drinking, there's always something for everyone in this incredible sunny California city, San Diego. While some people prefer the beach, others want to get away from it all and find a place where they can commune with nature without crowds. These are stunning spots in San Diego no one should miss.

10 Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre glamorous urban cultural park. It was established in 1835 and currently includes several museums, as well as many other attractions. Balboa Park is divided into three areas. The western wing is a narrow section that harbors open grassy areas adjacent to Sixth Avenue. It’s perfect for picnics, dog walking, and strolling. The eastern section is home to Balboa Park Municipal Golf Course. Balboa Park’s Zoo and various museums are located in the central section. Also, there are several restaurants, shops, and other attractions nearby.

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9 La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is a small beach and cove located within the boundaries of the La Jolla Shores neighborhood. La Jolla Cove has become quite popular with surfers. It provides some excellent waves for beginners to learn as well as experienced riders looking for challenging waves. This beach also offers many amenities, including restrooms along its length, picnic tables, and lifeguards, especially during peak months.

Related: Visiting Vibrant Hillcrest: The Perfect San Diego Summer Spot

8 Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs is a popular location for locals and tourists. The cliffs are steep, but they're also photogenic. The view over the Pacific Ocean at sunset makes it an ideal spot to watch the sun go down. Visitors can also surf here or cliff jumps off them if daring enough. Sunset Cliffs are one of San Diego's most attractive beaches, and it's easy to see why. The cliffs are a great spot for hiking as well as strolling and experiencing the ocean breeze.

7 Coronado Beach

Coronado Beach is located south of Downtown San Diego. The beach has volleyball courts, basketball courts, and tennis courts. It also has a children's playground with swings and slides for kids of all ages. Vacationers can also rent surfboards or kayaks at the nearby shops if there’s a need to go fishing or swimming in open water. Coronado also has some great restaurants that serve tasty meals right on their beachfront property.

6 Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is a unique place to visit. It’s a state park, which means visitors can enjoy hiking and wildlife without having to worry about the affordability of entrance fees. The reserve also has many great panoramic views of the ocean, making it a great place to watch sunset and sunrise. The park is located at the end of Del Mar Heights Road in San Diego, California. It’s about 30 minutes from San Diego Airport. The parking lot is vast and available for anyone who wants to use it.

5 Point Loma

Point Loma is a peninsula that juts out into the Pacific Ocean. It's home to the famous Point Loma Lighthouse, which has been an important landmark for sailors since it was built in 1855. Vacationers will see it shining brightly at night as they guide ships through this part of San Diego Bay. Point Loma has many other great attractions. There's a beach with plenty of surfers. Visitors can also go hiking or biking along picturesque trails. And when done exploring all those beautiful spots, guests can grab some tasty snacks at one of the shops around the area.

4 Hot Springs Mountain

For travelers looking for something more challenging than just walking around in San Diego, making the way up Hot Springs Mountain is a perfect option. It’s a popular spot for adventurers to interact. The hike is not entirely difficult, but it's not easy for beginners either. Visitors will need some experience before venturing out on this one. It's also fairly strenuous, taking around four hours to complete the entire trail.

3 Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument is a National Park Service unit located at the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula. The monument includes significant archeological sites and historic properties that tell the story of Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo. In 1542, Cabrillo explored this area during his voyage to California under orders from Spain. He was also instrumental in discovering San Diego Bay and mapping out its shoreline for Spain.

2 Old Town San Diego

If looking to spend a weekend in San Diego, Old Town San Diego is the place to be since it's a unique blend of the past and present. The area was originally settled by Spanish conquistadors who arrived in the late 1700s. Old Town attracted wealthy homeowners because it was close enough to the harbor that they could commute easily. This made it a popular place to live, which led to its growth into a bustling tourist destination as well as an active residential community today.

1 San Diego Waterfront Park

San Diego Waterfront Park is a beautiful and serene place to spend an afternoon. It's located on the edge of downtown San Diego, so visitors can enjoy some great views while out there. For instance, travelers can walk along the waterfront promenade or try activities like bike riding.