#40 Solana Beach
Solana Beach is a great sandy stretch of coast in San Diego's North County. Located below a series of cliffs, you enter a world of ocean vistas for endless miles. Although a rather small and new community, incorporated in just 1986, Solana Beach has had quite the history of inhabitants. From the San Dieguito hunters of bison, mastodons and camels living 11,000 years ago to the memorial services of Desi Arnaz, energy is in the air. Sunsets are a must in Solana Beach.
#34 USS Midway Museum
The USS Midway Museum is an important museum at San Diego's Navy Pier and is one of the most visited museums with well over a million visitors annually. USS Midway was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Commissioned after WWII, it was the largest ship in the world at the time. It sailed between 1945 and 1992 and served about 200 thousand sailors. San Diego is a fitting home since naval aviation was born here. Explore over 60 areas of this massive ship.
#28 Oceanside Harbor
Oceanside Harbor outside of San Diego is known as one of the friendliest harbors in the world. The village along the harbor features shops and restaurants as well a picturesque lighthouse. Oceanside Harbor makes for a peaceful stroll anytime of day but the sunsets are equally spectacular.
#21 Ocean Beach
The year was 1966...in fact the year is still 1966...that is here in Ocean Beach. Time seems to have stopped in this lazy beach neighborhood. The Municipal Pier is the longest concrete pier on the west coast measuring 1,971 feet. It is also open 24 hours a day. Antique shops and restaurants surround the streets near the pier. O.B. epitomizes the SoCal beach town life on the pacific. Visit to travel back fifty years when life was simpler and more laid back.
#15 Laguna Meadow
Laguna Meadow in the Laguna Mountain Recreation Area is a stunning site high in the mountains of San Diego. Part of Cleveland National Forest, this conifer forest meadow is an island in the sky. This is a must visit for every season: fall colors, winter snow, spring wildflowers and summer green. Take the Sunrise Scenic Byway which winds through mountains making it a beautiful drive. The Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail also passes through this gorgeous recreation area.
#8 San Diego Natural History Museum
The San Diego Natural History Museum (theNAT) is one of Balboa Park's great treasures. Founded in 1874, it is one of the oldest scientific institutions in the west and the oldest in Southern California. TheNAT has a great selection of exhibits including dinosaurs, fossils and skulls but the new Coast to Cactus exhibit is a reason to visit in itself.
Coast to Cactus showcases the astonishing diversity of Southern California from its beaches, canyons, mountains and deserts. This variety of terrain is known as a biodiversity hotspot because of its high concentration of species. It is one of only 35 in the world. This interactive exhibit reveals the great beauty of what makes SoCal so special!
#4 Pictograph Trail
Pictograph Trail is located in the Little Blair Valley region of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. More than two thousand years ago, the Kumeyaay Native Americans lived in this desert. They painted these fragile Pictographs on giant boulders. Though the meaning is now lost, some believe they were created for spiritual rituals.
These Pictographs in the deserts of San Diego County (The Great Outback) are a must see. Hiking involves an easy 2 mile round trip hike if starting from the trailhead parking lot. Please note that it is an unpaved dirt road to the trailhead for a few miles and 4 wheel drive is strongly recommended. Use extreme caution when traveling in the desert. Hike this trail in the winter if possible, let people know where you are going and when you shall return. Carry plenty of water.
Pictograph/Petroglpyh Etiquette: Take many photos but DO NOT TOUCH. Oils from our hands can destroy forever. Do not alter the rock art in any way or form and please stay on the trail to protect the fragile desert ecosystem.
Unknown even to most locals of California, Anza-Borrego Desert State Park is a treasure trove of scenic beauty at every turn. Stay tuned for more from this beautiful State Park!
#1 Silver Strand State Beach
Silver Strand State Beach on Coronado Island in San Diego is constantly named one of the best beaches in the country. It is also my personal favorite sandy beach. The sand dances to create 'silver strands' that shine and glimmer in the sunlight. Soft and fine sand make it is a great beach for walking or running. As a west facing beach, it is one of the best spots to catch a famous San Diego Sunset. In the early morning hours or at night as the tides roll in, perfect sand dollars wash ashore.
