Travel Guides

Favorite U.S. Cities: San Diego

Y’all I am so excited to be continuing my Favorite U.S. Cities series and as promised, this week we are heading to San Diego!  Our guest blogger this week is Heather and y’all need to check out her blog because she shares so many different fun activities for kiddos there that you do not want to miss!

Bio: I’m Heather from Krafts and Kiddos. I write a family fun blog. Krafts and Kiddos is a place to find all things family, fun, food, kids, crafts, and home.

Meet Heather from Krafts and Kiddos
Meet Heather from Krafts and Kiddos

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A Glimpse into San Diego

I’m so excited to be here today at Girl on the Move. When Julie asked me to share some of my favorite spots in San Diego, which is where I happen to call home…. I couldn’t wait to share a glimpse into a few of my favorite things to do in San Diego. Thank you Julie!

First on my list of amazing places in San Diego: Mission Bay Park located right off I-5 as you drive into San Diego. It’s a bay surrounded by gorgeous walking trails, beach access, parks, gazebos, and breathtaking bayside views.

Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, consisting of 4,235 acres – part land and part water. They have boat launches you can rent jet-skis or put your own boat right into the bay.

Mission Bay Park Views

Mission Bay Park offers a huge walking path perfect for bike riding and walkers alike. Then you can stop at one of the many grassy areas for a bbq or picnic and even enjoy the fire-pits once the sun goes down.

Mission Bay Park Fire Pits

Honestly, when coming to Mission Bay Park I hope you make this an all-day event, because there’s so much to keep you busy, and the gorgeous bay views. There is something for everyone to enjoy while visiting Mission Bay Park.

You can probably see why this is one of my favorites spots here in San Diego.

Bay Park Fish Company

Of course, at the end of a long day at the beaches here in San Diego, you can’t leave town without getting some freshly made fish tacos. Bay Park Fish Company is the place to be. They are known for their Catch of the Day, Everyday.

Bay Park Fish Company

Bay Park Fish Company is not super fancy, so you can dress up or down for this place.

Bay Park Fish Company

They offer indoor and outdoor patio seating, great seafood (I recommend the lobster tacos). Parking can be limited out front, but that’s most of our city – usually you can find a spot on the street nearby. No trip to San Diego would be complete without a visit here for a bite.

Bay Park Fish Company

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

If you don’t mind traveling away from the ocean (approx 10 miles) – you will find some great hiking and walking trails, located at Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve. There are 4,000 acres of walking, biking, and horse trails located alongside neighborhoods, yet tucked into a valley, where you feel you’re out of the city. The trails are mostly flat, which make it nice if you’re walking and great for bike riding too!

As you walk you will find giant California live oaks, sycamore trees, and even a stream where you might be lucky enough to spot tree frogs, crayfish, and largemouth bass. You can even bring your furry friend on a leash for this walk.

Los Penasquitos Canyon Preserve

If you venture far enough into the preserve (about 3 miles) you will find a waterfall inside the native rocks. This is such a peaceful place to walk, bike ride, and enjoy the San Diego native landscape.

I hope you found a few new favorite spots with my glimpse into San Diego. Between the beautiful ocean views, restaurants, and assortment of activities, I promise San Diego is a place you must see!

Have you ever visited San Diego or maybe you’re planning a trip here soon? I’d love to hear what your favorite place in San Diego happens to be.

Thank you Julie for the invitation today. I really enjoyed sharing a glimpse into this beautiful place on the map – called San Diego, California.

20 Comments

  • Madaline

    San Diego. Sigh. It’s one of my favorite cities! People always get so excited when I tell them I lived in LA – but the truth is if I’d gone to San Diego first I would have moved there! The weather, the people, the beaches, everything. Love it.

  • Maureen

    I love love love visiting San Diego, Ca. Thank you for sharing some fun new places we will add to vacay list!!!!

  • Pam

    I’m heading to San Diego on Tuesday but it’s only for a two day stay. I think we’re planning on doing the zoo. Then, I’m moving from SC to CA (San Fran area) in September. I’m sure we’ll make another trip down to San Diego while we’re stationed there – I’ll have to check out some of these spots!

    • jmdenouden@gmail.com

      I have to admit that I’m a little jealous of Heather since she gets to live in San Diego and I have to drive just over an hour to get there!

  • Frances J

    I am currently away from San Diego and heading back this week. I can’t wait to get back and re-enjoy all the places you mentioned! I have gone way too long without a good fish taco, your post makes me even more excited than I already am!

  • MB

    I’m from NJ, born and raised, love the beach there, but I’ve always wanted to travel to California. My husband went to San Diego on business, having been to LA and San Francisco in the past. He absolutely LOVED it, said it was his favorite city in the US (he has lived in Philadelphia & New Orleans) and said that if I went there it would be impossible to leave. Your pics show how sunny and beautiful it is! Someday…

    • jmdenouden@gmail.com

      I’ve lived in Philadelphia and the LA/OC area in Southern California and San Diego is definitely one of my favorite places in the country! I try to get down there a couple of times a year. If you ever have the chance to go, you’ll definitely have to grab that opportunity!

  • Jamie

    I’m so jealous of you California girls! I haven’t been to San Diego. I went to Oceanside Beach last summer (LOVED IT!!!), and when I was a child, I lived in Huntington Beach for a short time (don’t remember much at all about it). The thing I think about when I hear San Diego is Switchfoot, one of my favorite Christian rock bands!!! Thanks for the amazing post!

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