The Best of California: San Diego

When it comes to visiting the USA, people generally make a list of states that they want to tick off their list and it’s not all too surprising that California tends to feature pretty highly. One of the state’s best-known benefits? Admirable weather. Believe it or not, you can generally get away with wearing shorts almost year-round in this Western area. However, considering that this state stretches all the way from the Mexican border straight up the Pacific for nine hundred miles, you may be left wondering where exactly you should visit. After all, unless you’re on an epic road trip, chances are that you won’t be able to experience the entire state in just one visit. But not to worry. This is where we can lend you a helping hand by highlighting the best that California has to offer. San Diego really is the best of California. So, let’s take a closer look at this deeply intriguing major city!

The Best of California: San Diego

Where Is San Diego?

So, where actually is San Diego? Well, if you pull out a map, you’ll be able to locate it around 120 miles south of Los Angeles, lying horizontally with the Mexican border. It lies on the Pacific Coast and holds the title of the second largest city in California and the eighth largest city in the United States.

What Should I Pack?

Of course, you should do a little more in-depth research when you know exactly what time of year you will intend to visit San Diego, but there are some year-round essentials that you should ensure you take along with you. These include sunscreen or another form of effective sun protection, after sun lotion, sunglasses, a light jacket, flip-flops, and a reusable water bottle. For a more extensive list, check out this page detailing year-round essentials here.

What Is There to Do?

Now, every major city tends to have a whole host of fun activities and opportunities for you to explore. But when you visit, you’re really going to want to scout out the best things to do in San Diego in order to make the most of your time and money. So, let’s take a look at some crowd pleasers and traveler favorites.

La Jolla Cove
If you’re interested in diving head first (quite literally) into an encounter with nature, then La Jolla Cove is the place to go. While La Jolla Cove may only offer a small beach, the waters tend to be relatively calm, and the whole area is ecologically protected. This makes it a highly desirable spot for those who want to take a dip in the waters, swim, dive, or snorkel. Water visibility can sometimes reach thirty feet! Just remember to respect the area. Fishing and removing objects from the cove is highly prohibited.

Whale Watching and Seal Experiences

If you want to catch site of some larger marine mammals during your trip, why not engage with a whale watching tour or a seal experience? These activities allow you to see stunning and majestic animals where they really belong – in their wild habitat rather behind bars in cages in a zoo. You will be introduced to an experienced crew who will know where to find the most beautiful animals and who will also be able to educate you with facts and anecdotes as you make your way out to sea on a comfortable and reliable boat.

Wine Tasting

There are plenty of opportunities for wine tasting in various places that you can visit. However, San Diego’s six-hour round visit to Temecula wine country can prove an astounding experience. Not only do you get to taste some of the finest vintages from three local wineries, but you can also learn about the area’s unique microclimates and exactly how this contributes to the wine’s final flavor and tasting notes. Browse up to 35 different wineries and even considering stopping off at one of their in-house restaurants where you can expertly pair wines to gourmet Southern Californian inspired meals. Don’t feel afraid to try this out if you have no previous experience with wine other than casually drinking a glass here or there. Many people are intimidated by wine tasting, but there’s so much that you could learn so quickly in this widely accommodating environment!
As you can see, San Diego is an absolute gem nestled away in the state of California. So definitely add it to your wanderlust list. So much awaits you there!