The 10 Best Things to do in Downtown, California (CA)

May 1, 2022 Malia Yoakum

San Diego embodies laid-back California culture, complete with a Boardwalk, surfing communities, and outstanding Mexican food. Breathe in the fresh ocean air at Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, then gobble down a fresh fish taco at a La Jolla seafood joint. The naval aircrafts at the USS Midway Museum will have you standing at attention. A free Sunday concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion is the perfect way to unwind after a Saturday night bar-hop in the thumping Gaslamp Quarter.
Restaurants in San Diego

1. USS Midway Museum

910 N Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101-5811 +1 619-544-9600 [email protected] http://www.midway.org
Excellent
78%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 24,873 reviews

USS Midway Museum

Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA."

Reviewed By NewfiePupLover - Des Moines, United States

We visited the USS Midway on our way to the airport when heading out of San Diego from our Spring Break trip, and I'm glad that we did. Our young kids (8, 8 & 6) enjoyed the airplanes on display and walking through the various decks of the ships, including the internal warfare room, map rooms, etc. The individual audio tour packs (like an iPod) were excellent and allowed each person to listen and learn about all aspects of the ship, the aircraft, personal stories from soldiers who worked on the ship, war stories, etc. There is a great gift shop on the ship, and there is also food available as well as water & soda machines placed throughout the ship. I would highly recommend this site for anyone interested in history, but really for just about anyone of any age. It was a great experience. We were on the ship for about 2 hours, although if you had the time you could spend an entire day looking around and interacting with all of the staff/volunteers and exhibits.

2. El Prado

San Diego, CA http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/theprado
Excellent
49%
Good
41%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 76 reviews

El Prado

This bustling walking area on the east side of Balboa Park is home to many museums.

3. Hillcrest

San Diego, CA http://www.sandiego.org
Excellent
46%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
15%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 142 reviews

Hillcrest

4. The Firehouse Museum

1572 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101-2913 +1 619-232-3473 http://sandiegofirehousemuseum.com/
Excellent
58%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 31 reviews

The Firehouse Museum

5. Bayside Trail

San Diego, CA
Excellent
50%
Good
50%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4 reviews

Bayside Trail

Located near Point Loma, this two mile hike offers vistas of San Diego Bay.

6. Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop

12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, San Diego, CA 92037-1047 http://www.torreypine.org/parks/basic-information.html
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 18 reviews

Razor Point and Beach Trail Loop

A two mile hike offering great views of the bay and Pacific Ocean.

7. Karl Strauss'

1157 Columbia St, San Diego, CA 92101-3511 +1 619-234-2739 https://www.karlstrauss.com/visit/downtown-san-diego/
Excellent
49%
Good
39%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 57 reviews

Karl Strauss'

From the long bar and raised dining area, guests at this busy and popular microbrewery and restaurant view the brew kettle and shiny fermenters.

8. Mission Beach Boardwalk

Ocean Front Walk Surfrider Square, San Diego, CA 92109 http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/articles/cruising_mission_beach.htm
Excellent
55%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 780 reviews

Mission Beach Boardwalk

Biking, jogging and skating on San Diego's scenic waterfront path is popular with tourists and locales alike.

Reviewed By dougwalcott - Zeeland, United States

This was a great place! We spent a week right on the beach boardwalk. It’s a beautiful location right along the ocean. It’s great for walking, bike riding and scooter rentals. Belmont park right on the boardwalk is a fun place to visit.

9. Harbor and Shelter Islands

Point Loma SanDiego, San Diego, CA http://www.sandiego.org/articles/downtown/point-lomaharbor-islandshelter-island-guide.aspx
Excellent
62%
Good
34%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 356 reviews

Harbor and Shelter Islands

Two scenic islands in San Diego bay that offer a variety of restaurants, hotels and water sports such as scuba and fishing excursions.

Reviewed By GlobalGypsy_13 - San Diego, United States

Although both is these islands have hotels and restaurants, I prefer to walk Shelter Island as it's also a working yard for boaters. In addition to sweeping views of San Diego Bay you can fish from the public pier or reflect on the community of 3 Portuguese fishermen pulling out a large tuna together that are immortalized in a statue.

10. South Carlsbad State Beach

32802 Valle 103 San Juan Capistrano Ca 92675, San Diego, CA 92008 +1 760-717-8227 http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=660
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
11%
Poor
5%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 132 reviews

South Carlsbad State Beach

RV campgrounds and uncrowded beaches are what you will find along this popular recreation area in San Diego.

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