8 Best Reasons to Visit San Diego This Summer

San Diego is a gorgeous California city and a popular tourist spot. Who wouldn’t want to visit its beautiful beaches, enjoy its warm weather, and check out the many local attractions? There are museums, gardens, restaurants, and the San Diego Zoo, and that’s just in Balboa Park.

The best way to get to know San Diego is to explore it, even in an article like this one. So, let’s get into our top 10 reasons why you should visit San Diego this summer.

• Beaches

With over 70 miles of coastline, there are plenty of sandy beaches to visit. Popular local beaches include La Jolla Cove, a small, picturesque beach ideal for swimming and scuba diving; Del Mar Beach, a long, wide beach ideal for swimming, surfing, and sunbathing; Mission Beach, which has a long shop-lined boardwalk, restaurants, and amusement park rides; and Ocean Beach, with its bohemian vibe where people enjoy surfing, fishing, and watching nightly sunsets.

• Weather

San Diego has lovely weather year-round, with especially warm summers. The yearly average temperature is around 75 degrees, getting up into the high 80s and 90s during summer days, and into the 40s on winter nights. While summer is the perfect time for outdoor activities, the weather remains warm enough most of the year that you can enjoy time outdoors in any season.

• Balboa Park

Balboa Park covers over 1,200 acres and is home to museums, gardens, and cultural institutions. Tourists and locals alike love visiting this site, which dates back to the late 1800s, when civic planning began. It took a while to get going, as the park wasn't officially established in 1915 to celebrate the opening of the Panama Canal. In fact, many of Balboa Park's buildings were constructed for this event.

So, what's here exactly? You'll find 17 museums, including the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Man, and the San Diego Air and Space Museum. Balboa Park is the home of the popular San Diego Zoo. During the year, the park has a variety of events, including concerts, festivals, and other cultural celebrations.

• San Diego Zoo

Known for its vast collection of exotic animals, world-class exhibits, and state-of-the-art facilities, and home to over 3,500 animals representing more than 650 species and subspecies, the San Diego Zoo is a must-visit location in this large city. The animals include endangered species like giant pandas, Tasmanian devils, and California condors. Habitats recreated here for the animals include the African Rainforest, the Australian Outback, and the Poladr Rim. The San Diego Zoo also engages in conservation efforts, which include research and breeding programs.

The animals are a big draw, but the zoo also offers shows and new experiences, including animal encounters, animal feedings, and the famous Dr. Zoolittle's Animal Show. When you get hungry, visit a zoo cafe or even a fine dining restaurant.

• SeaWorld

SeaWorld San Diego is a popular marine theme park featuring marine animals like killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and more. At the killer whale show, you can watch the park's orcas performing tricks. There's also a dolphin show, a sea lion show, and a penguin encounter. Oh, and did we mention the thrill rides? Take on the Manta roller coaster, the Journey to Atlantis water coaster, and the Electric Eel coaster. The kids will like the family-friendly rides, like the Bayside Skyride and the Sesame Street Bay of Play. The park also offers educational programs, including animal encounters, behind-the-scenes tours, and interactive exhibits.

• Old Town

Old Town San Diego features well-preserved buildings and plazas from centuries past. This is a wonderful place to check out historic sites like the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, which features original adobe buildings, museums, and living history demonstrations. This park houses some of the oldest and most significant buildings in San Diego. You'll enjoy the peaceful Old Adobe Chapel, the first Protestant church in the city, Casa de Estudillo, which was once the largest and most elegant residence in San Diego, and the Mason Street School, which is the oldest schoolhouse in the city. You can also shop for souvenirs, enjoy the local restaurants, or dine on street tacos or gourmet Mexican fusion dishes.

• USS Midway Museum

History buffs, especially those interested in aviation, will enjoy The USS Midway Museum. It's housed on the USS Midway, a retired aircraft carrier that was active from 1945 to 1992. Visit the many decks and the myriad exhibits, including the bridge, flight deck, hangar bay, and aircraft. The kids will really like the interactive exhibits, which showcase the life of sailors on board the ship. There's even a flight simulator to give you an idea of what it's like to fly a fighter jet or helicopter!

• The Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district in downtown San Diego that will bring you back to the late 19th century. It's filled with Victorian buildings and entertainment venues. Interested in the history here? This was once a red-light district, home to brothels and gambling dens during the 1800s. Now, it's a fun site for tourists and locals, with over 200 restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Take in live music, comedy shows, and theater performances at sites like the House of Blues and the Balboa Theatre. During the day, stop by The Gaslamp Quarter for shopping, or visit the local art galleries, including the Gaslamp Museum.

We think that San Diego is a perfect summer destination. Our city has so many wonderful attractions, from beaches to historic landmarks to thrilling amusement parks.

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