With world-class attractions and incredibly spectacular landscapes that would never disappoint, San Diego is considered one of America's most beautiful cities. Nestled in the Southern region of California, the state's oldest city offers plenty of places to explore. With charming natural beauty and a pleasant climate full of sunny days, San Diego is always an adventure paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Among what makes it unique are its world-famous museums and eye-catching architecture. Brimming with top-notch tourist spots, this city will keep travelers busy and excited throughout their visit. Here are the 10 most scenic places you can visit in San Diego.

10 Balboa Park

Almost no traveler tours San Diego without visiting Balboa Park. That’s like spending some days in New York City without exploring its Central Park. Being the crown jewel of the city, Balboa Park does not miss many vacationers' bucket lists. Home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, 17 incredible museums, gorgeous gardens, numerous theaters, and several entertainment options, Balboa Park is definitely one of the most scenic places in San Diego and is worth every penny and time spent.

Related: Here's Why It's Worth Visiting Balboa Park In San Diego

9 San Diego Zoo

Over 3,500 animals belonging to 650 different species call to thrive in San Diego Zoo, making it one of the USA’s largest and most famous zoos. Visiting this world-famous attraction allows travelers to enjoy the incredible opportunity of viewing wildlife up close. There are many different animals to spot, including hippos, antelope, foxes, brown bears, and more. There is no specific time to explore the zoo, as vacationers can view the animals throughout the year. Being a family-friendly tourist destination, San Diego Zoo is among the best things to do in the city with kids.

  • One-day ticket price: $52 for kids, $62 for adults
  • Best time to visit: Ant time of the year

8 Gaslamp Quarter

Sometimes called Gaslamp District is one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Diego and is best known for its architectural charm. This nightlife hotspot has its streets lined with buildings from the 19th century, which were restored to their original appearance. Packed with several restaurants, galleries, and shopping centers, Gaslamp Quarter attracts tourists from different parts of the globe and is one of the best things to do in downtown San Diego.

  • Best time to visit: Throughout the year, except December, for travelers looking to avoid crowds. December is filled with several events, making the place busy at that time of the year.

7 Seaport Village

Nestled right on the waterfront, Seaport Village features incredible shops, cafes, and restaurants, making it one of the most scenic places to visit in San Diego. It is a perfect place to relax and unwind in the afternoon, except during weekends, which can get busy. There are numerous benches and picnic tables spread throughout the area. For limitless breathtaking water views, visit San Diego Pier café, and take at the moment with a cup of hot coffee.

6 USS Midway Museum

Permanently docked at Navy Pier, USS Midway is one of the largest military ships in the United States. There are over 60 exhibits and more than 30 restored aircraft. With over 225,000 military service personnel serving the ship at that time, USS Midway Museum has a fascinating history to tell, and vacationers can learn about it on self-guided audio tours. The place houses the engine room, flight control room, the ship’s jail, and more. This museum should be one of the top picks when looking for scenic places to explore in San Diego.

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Admission Fee: $26 for adults, $22 for seniors, $18 for kids aged 13-17, and $12 for kids aged six-twelve

5 SeaWorld

SeaWorld is one of the main tourist attractions in San Diego and is worth exploring. Located in Mission Bay, along the waterfront, this is one of the best places to visit with kids. Travelers will enjoy viewing the sharks, dolphins, and other sea creatures up close in the aquarium. There are numerous shows held at SeaWorld that vacationers can catch and enjoy being entertained while on their tour. One can visit the park at any time of the year.

  • Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
  • Best time to visit: Any time of the year

4 Old Town State Historic Park

Established in 1968 and the most visited California state park, the Old Town State Historic Park is one of the most scenic places to visit in San Diego. Preserving several buildings dating back to the 19th century, this is the perfect place to connect with different aspects of the city’s history and culture. Travelers will learn about San Diego's transition from Mexican to American rule between 1821 and 1872. Other than rich history and culture, this place is brimming with top-notch restaurants, colorful shops, and numerous options for entertainment, including watching street performances and attending cultural festivals.

  • Entrance Ticket Cost: $10 adults, $5 kids

Related: 10 Historic & Scenic National Parks You Can Find In Georgia

3 Mission Beach

Stretching for about two miles, Mission Beach is an incredible surfing spot. Several travelers visit this place for sunbathing, cycling, skateboarding, or simply strolling around as they take in the gorgeous surrounding and beautiful ocean views. There are several food joints to have a taste of street foods as well as numerous restaurants offering some tasty cuisines. Belmont Park, one of the famous San Diego parks, is nestled here, making this place more fun to explore.

2 Cabrillo National Monument

Back in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo landed in this place, making him the first European to visit the West Coast. Travelers will learn about this incredible history of 16th-century exploration. In addition to that, there are several cultural and natural attractions to explore within this park. Plus, one can visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which offers a breathtaking view of the city as well as the Pacific Ocean. Travelers lucky to visit the lighthouse in spring will enjoy the bloom of the wildflowers.

1 Sunset Cliffs

Situated on Ocean Beach’s south side, the Sunset Cliffs is San Diego’s most charming neighborhood, which means it is also one of the city’s most scenic places to visit. Just as its name suggests, Sunsets Cliffs are one of the best places in the city to enjoy breathtaking sunset views. Vacationers into adventures can engage in hiking and head to the top of the rugged cliffs, and enjoy limitless sunset views. This is a famous surfing spot, so travelers should be careful because the cliffs can be wet and slippery from the surf splashes.

  • Best for: Sunset views