We live by Pt. Loma and Sunset Cliffs is our go-to spot for a quick weekend walk. This is the…read moreperfect spot to watch the stunning California sunset and the ocean. It's even more beautiful in Spring! I knew about SC when I was living abroad and immediately fell in love then told myself that is where I'm gonna get married! I DID!! It's also a perfect spot for tide pooling. We found cute shells on the shore while exploring the cave. So if you see me, say hello!

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is a really beautiful place to catch the sunset. My daughter and I come…read morehere once in a while, and every single time, finding parking is a challenge. Still, I keep coming back because the view is absolutely worth it, especially in the late afternoon when the sun starts going down. Every time I've visited, it's been pretty busy, but it never really feels overcrowded because the area is so open and spread out. One thing I noticed is that I haven't really seen any lifeguards around, so if you don't know how to swim, I wouldn't recommend climbing down into the water. I also see a lot of people walking their dogs here, which is something I personally like. Between the ocean views, the sunset, and all the people out enjoying the outdoors, it's just a nice place to spend part of the day.

My absolute favorite spot in San Diego to stay, play and enjoy the outdoors, restaurants and…read moreactivities!

Mission Bay Park is a huge, beautiful area right on the water. Instead of crashing ocean waves, the…read morebay has super calm water that is perfect for paddleboarding or just wading in to cool off. There are miles of flat, paved paths all around the water where you can ride a bike or take a long walk. It is also an amazing place to bring dogs, especially with Fiesta Island right there.

I have so many fond memories of Balboa Park and I look forward to making more, from Halloween…read moreparties at the San Diego Air and Space Museum and my friend's wedding to exploring Spanish Village Art Center for the first time, visiting the Botanical Building, going to the Japanese Friendship Garden, discovering the museums, and experiencing December Nights. San Diego wouldn't be the same without this beautiful landmark!

Word to the wise, do your research and know where you're going beforehand. Unfortunately we just…read moredecided to come spur of the moment and didn't really know what we were doing. So apparently there are a lot of parking lots which are not free, $10 unless you're a native and have a pass. We found one lot, called lower inspiration that's free for 3 hours. Also, we didn't realize how big that place is, with so much to see! There are museums, places to eat, the zoo, a playground for kids and I'm sure so much more. The museums are not free, they do sell passes or individual tickets. It's a nice place to spend a day or even a few hours.

Had to squeeze one last beach trip in before heading to the airport! I was visiting early August…read moreand read that this time of year friendly leopard sharks come up to shallow water for breeding season so I had to check it out! I heard a good spot was near the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club near The Marine Room and this turned out to be true! Took my snorkel gear and saw a ton of leopard sharks and stingrays so close to the beach! There was plenty of people around and lots of groups trying to catch a glimpse of the leopard sharks as well. The beach had a ton of people but it was very safe. There was a long wall where people were leaving some belongings while they were in the water so I also left my towel, shoes, etc there and I had no issues with my stuff even though I was by myself so I didn't have anyone to watch it. I also lucked out and got a parking spot right in front of the beach even though cars were circling quite a bit to find spots. I actually was going straight from the beach to the airport so I had my suitcase and all my belongings in the trunk of my car and it was safe while I was at the beach all day (a miracle for someone coming from the Bay Area LOL). The beach also had lots of rinse of stations so I was able to rinse off, get dry, change, and head to the airport!

A SAN DIEGO GEM This was my 'go-to' beach in the late 80s…read moreand 90s as a teenager for sun-worshipping and beach bonfires. Now in my 50s, I go less now -- maybe once a year, but on a recent visit we enjoyed a nice long walk from end-to-end and back and were lucky enough to catch some spectacular marine life in the tide pools near the pier. LOTS TO EXPLORE On one end of the beach, you will find the Marine Room restaurant and La Jolla Beach and Tennis club, along with mansions on the cliff edge, while kayakers from nearby tour and rental shops get safety briefings and enter the water. At the other end, you'll find Scripps Pier, Scripps Institute of Oceanography and if you're there at the right time, numerous tide pools with bright orange starfish and sea anemone. In between, you'll find grassy Kellogg Park, a tot lot, showers and restrooms, sinks and hand dryers. LOCALS AND TOURISTS The beach is about a mile long and comfortably deep in low tide. It attracts an international crowd, families, couples, surfers, teenagers, lovers, sun-worshipers, surfers, joggers, strollers, you name it. WHAT WOULD MAKE IT 5 STARS? There's a limited parking lot immediately adjacent to the beachfront, but I usually have to find parking on the street, not an easy task in peak season. As with all beaches in San Diego, it lacks vendors along the beach, so if you need a shop or get hungry or thirsty, either bring your own or seek out one of the clothing stores, restaurants or cafes along nearby Avenida de la Playa. La Jolla Shores is one of San Diego's nicest beaches in my opinion. Helpful?

Beautiful beach in San Diego. I like to get my steps in here. There's a bagel shop I really like,…read moreso I had to stop by before my hot girl walk. The pictures don't do it justice.

Pacific Beach is a fun spot with a really lively and energetic vibe. The water here is great, with…read moreconsistent rolling waves that are perfect if you want to try surfing or boogie boarding. Even if you just want to swim, the ocean feels super cool and refreshing on a hot afternoon. The wide, sandy beach backs right up to a busy boardwalk filled with little shops, restaurants, and people cruising by. It is definitely the place to go if you want an active day with plenty of action right by the water.

TikTok took me to Blacks Beach for a hike and I had no idea what I signed up for…read more The hike itself was actually scary but so fun. We took the route that involved a little rock climbing, super slippery paths, and at one point we literally crossed a narrow plank with ropes and I was questioning my life choices lol. But once we finally got down to the beach... wow. I was SO excited. All that hard work actually paid off. The beach was beautiful and it felt so rewarding getting there. Then we started walking further down and suddenly... I realized there were a bunch of completely naked people everywhere. I had NO idea Blacks Beach was a nude beach. I was shocked for like 2 seconds and then started laughing because out of all the things I expected after surviving that hike... that was not one of them. 10/10 experience. Scary, fun, unexpected, and definitely memorable.

A great place to be on a sunny day. The hike down the cliff is a bit of a hike but well worth it…read moreand actually its a fantastic leg workout. The beach is really clean with most beach goers carrying there picnic trash back up. Volley ball games usually take place in the summer. The views are not to be missed. The sun reflecting on the water in the late afternoons is mesmerizing so bring your best sun glasses & suntan lotions. For the shy person the RIGHT side as you climb down the cliff facing the water is for those who prefer bathing suits, Speedos & bikinis. To the LEFT side of the beach facing the water is clothing optional. Usually its a bit farther. Great that nobody bothers you & its a safe space for that all over tan. Sometimes beverages are sold on the beach discreetly, however, I'd recommend bringing your own & lots of water. Its a good idea toto bring food, snacks, fruit and sandwiches... insect repellant if needed. *True, sometimes it is a bit overcast so its best to check the weather report before leaving. *Free parking is available above the beach. Please be considerate while parking in an organized fashion in consideration of others. Thanks. Enjoy the beach & surf!!

Chill, spontaneous, and a place with good food…read more I love coming here to people watch, and when I do come here there's always something new happening. Sometimes the events here are huge and fun! Come on down!

I love watching the sunset from OB. It never fails to be absolutely gorgeous!…read more When the tide is out, you can go tide pooling to the left of the pier, and it is always so much fun to discover sea life in the crevasses of the rocks and in the little pools. (The pier is currently closed.) The beach itself is great as well, for sunbathing, swimming, or taking a walk. There are also plenty of places nearby to grab some food. On Wednesday evenings, come by for the OB Farmers Market! At times, the area can be a little rough, but in ten years of living here, I have never had an issue. Lots of free street parking and paid lots as well. Peace.

First time visiting Torrey Pines State Reserve, and the hiking trails and park itself were…read moreabsolutely stunning. We had limited time at the reserve, so we entered through the south entrance and paid $20 to enter and park. We then made our way up to the visitor center and had no issues finding parking. During our visit, we did the Guy Fleming Trail, which is a very easy and scenic 0.8-mile loop. The cliff views were dramatic and beautiful, and we also loved that the trail felt very peaceful and quiet. Afterward, we drove down to the beach lot and walked along the beach for about an hour to admire the cliffs from below. Overall, it was an amazing visit and one of our favorite stops in San Diego. I would definitely return again.

Such a beautiful day is always had here…read more Between the quiet solace of the sun while meandering along trails and the Pacific Ocean at the Torrey Pines State Reserve, and the drop-dead gorgeousness of the naturally occurring nature and its many varieties, your heart and peaceful spirit will always be soothed and satiated after spending a leisurely time here. Bring a friend, loved one, or significant other along to experience the abundance of the amazing beauty that still surrounds us today.