San Diego County: A Slice of Paradise

Situated in the southernmost corner of California along the U.S.-Mexico border, San Diego County is home to relaxed oceanside towns, desert oases, lively urban centers, and quiet suburban communities. The second most populous county in the state, the region has continued to boom in recent years, attracting not only more tourists, but also new residents—and it’s easy to see why. Between all the acres of wilderness, picture-perfect beaches, world-class galleries, mouthwatering cuisine, and family-friendly attractions, sunny San Diego County offers many tantalizing reasons to stay awhile.

Parks in San Diego

Balboa Park 

Among the most frequently visited destinations in San Diego is Balboa Park. Also known as the “Smithsonian of the West'', the 1,200-acre urban cultural park is where visitors can discover more than 15 museums, performing arts venues, lush gardens, unique architecture, delectable fare, and the renowned San Diego Zoo. Other kid-approved locales include the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in Escondido and the Legoland California Resort in Carlsbad. This park is also home to one of the best hikes in San Diego County for all the family to enjoy, as they are quite easily accessible.

Balboa Park was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977, also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It is an absolute gem found in these parts of the Golden State, somewhere everyone should experience at least once in their lifetime.

Mission Trails Regional Park

But visitors who want to take to the mountains should go to Mission Trails Regional Park. There, traverse the labyrinth of trails by bike, go rock climbing, or trek to the top of Cowles Mountain—the highest point in San Diego County. The climbing trail of the Mountain is one of the best hikes in San Diego County, as you will get breathtaking views of the city towards the end of your climb.

Torrey Pines State Reserve Park

Even though this next entry is technically not a park, as it is more of a natural reserve, it is still listed as one. The Torrey Pines State Reserve is where nature lovers gather. Though it is located within the city of San Diego, the wilderness found here is considered one of the most untamed parts of South California altogether. The 1,500 acres of land are protected and cared for, including the rare Torrey pine and the beaches that remain untouched and clean. The ecosystem in this area is quite vulnerable, so there is a strong need to shield it from any sort of pollution or disturbances. Thie Torrey Pines State Reserve is one of San Diego’s hidden surprises. 

The Torrey Pines natural reserve is where you will get your fill of nature, with a chance to see endangered animals, plants, and unique geological formations.

San Diego Beaches

And of course, a day at the beach is a must for any San Diego County visitor; luckily, there’s no shortage of options. Whether you choose to lounge on the shores of upscale La Jolla, explore the beach and coastal wilderness of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, or sink your toes in the sand at Del Mar City Beach, it’s hard to go wrong. Explore a wide range of water activities in San Diego!

La Jolla Cove Beach

La Jolla Cove Beach is where you can swim safely with your kids, it is an ideal location for an outing with the family. This beach is found in the Northeast end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park, and the reason why it is much safer than other beaches in San Diego is because of the particular way the rocks are positioned here. La Jolla is sheltered by a rocky point, blocking most of the strong waves that would otherwise be crashing on the beach. The expansive bluffs provide enough space to create a walkway, and as you stroll through them, many seals and birds will appear on the nearby rocks.

 Del Mar City Beach

Del Mar is one of the most exquisite communities in the state, with astounding ocean views, dramatic cliffs, wildlife reserves, and plenty of shopping and dining. Visiting Del Mar City Beach is a guaranteed good time. Enjoy both the coastal parks of Powerhouse and Seagrove, two-plus miles of soft sand for you to run on, or relax.

There is also a beach called the North Beach, for all the dog owners out there looking to bring their dogs along for a day out in the salty water. It has been given the nickname Dog Beach by dog owners of the area, and is rather spacious, with nearly one-half mile of the beach to take advantage of.

Delicious Food

Addison Restaurant

Welcome to one of the best restaurants in North San Diego County, where the food is out of this world. Addison Restaurant is the first and the only two-star Michelin restaurant in all of San Diego, its targeted theme is to showcase the allure of Californian Gastronomy. Chef William Bradley’s professional experience and culinary perspective are shown throughout the nine-course meal you can get at this exceptional restaurant. You will get tastes of Southern California as well as regional ingredients. This once-in-a-lifetime gastronomic experience costs $300 per person, and reservations are a must as the restaurant is always buzzing with new customers.

Pacific Terrace Hotel

If you are looking to spend a few days in the wondrous San Diego County, the Pacific Terrace Hotel is a very good option to consider. This hotel is the perfect destination for a vacation for anyone wanting to reset, rewind and simply relax. With a wide selection of amenities, accommodations, and activities, time spent at the Pacific Terrace Hotel will never be forgotten. This is also the place where you will have the best breakfast in North County San Diego, just $30 for two, spend every morning with your partner savoring your first meal of the day with stunning views of the beach below.

Beach Plum Kitchen

You can never go wrong with brunch, especially if it’s in Beach Plum Kitchen! This Breakfast and Lunch eatery is all you need to satisfy your empty stomachs before starting your day in San Diego. Have a taste of one of the best brunches in North County San Diego, inexpensive yet absolutely delicious. Beach Plum Kitchen strives to create a gathering place that serves affordably priced food, made with quality ingredients and brought to you in the friendly environment of the restaurant.