San Diego County is a popular place for many groups of people, but all have one thing in common – they love the great outdoors. This is not surprising considering that there are over 70 miles of coast, plenty of beaches, hiking trails, small farms, and mountain views.
This is the place with the most avocado farms in the country and it is closest to the Mexican border, so you know that burritos and tacos are as good as it gets in the US. And, being the southwesternmost part of the country, it has idyllic weather year-round.
So whenever you want to go on a trip, San Diego can welcome you with its 70 degrees weather, cloudless sky, and picturesque ocean waves. Here we recommend some of the most interesting places to visit in San Diego County.
- La Jolla
There are 18 cities in San Diego County, and La Jolla is the first on this list because it is a haven for nature lovers. Walk around the winding, narrow paths surrounded by Torrey pines or find yourself watching the most beautiful ocean sunset. La Jolla has all you need whether you are traveling with a family, with friends, or solo.
You cannot miss a majestic beach if you are in La Jolla. The Cove is a great family spot, perfect for snorkelers and swimmers, whereas Black’s Beach is for those more liberal with swimsuits. Scuba divers love the Underwater Park, a 6,000-acre wide water area with substantial species. You can see seals, barracudas, orange garibaldi, etc.
Surfing is also an option in La Jolla Cove, but if you are not an experienced surfer, we recommend renting a stand-up paddleboard, it is fun and easy. After a long and eventful beach day, it could be fun and romantic to rent a bike and escape to a place from which you can watch an incredible sunset over the horizon.
- Lake Murray
Lake Murray is a nice place for the weekend away, where you can rent a boat, turn off your phone and thoughts, and just fish. There is everything an experienced fisherman needs on the spot – licenses, bait, and different kinds of fish. It is stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill, trout, and many others.
Lake Murray is a calm place perfect for picnic dates, bicycling rides, and hiking. Hiking trails are easy even for those who are not hiking veterans. Remember, Lake Murray is a man-made reservoir and it is strictly forbidden to swim in it.
- Escondido
Escondido is Spanish for ‘’Hidden’’, and this charming small town is just that – hidden in the north of San Diego County. The oldest town of the County is a lively place with art galleries and restaurants opening up and museums and theaters getting more and more attention.
Escondido is most famous for its biggest craft beer brewery in the country and its proximity to San Diego Safari. But once you are there, you will fall in love with Downtown architecture mixed with the energetic arts scene.
Enjoy wine tasting in one of the vineyards of Escondido’s burgeoning wine scene and savor every moment of the day by visiting one of the few lakes around the town. This romantic location can be the place for your soul, as there is a Buddhist sanctuary for people to practice mindfulness.
There are lots of reasons to visit and discover all that’s hidden in this hilly town: culture, scenery, beer, wine, and more, but the people there are what is bringing them back. Escondidoians are welcoming, kind and helpful, so don’t be surprised if you feel at home right away.
- San Diego Zoo and Safari Park
The San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, non-profit conservation organization that tries to make a connection between people and wildlife. There are two ways you can embark on a journey of experiencing wildlife – the San Diego Zoo located in the city of San Diego and an 1800-acres San Diego Safari Park near Escondido. You are probably just now realizing why the giraffe Melvin from the movie Madagascar was hoping to go to San Diego.
Not only that, but they allow you to see animals such as elephants, rhinos, and giraffes, plus they have a mission of restoring biodiversity in the whole world. Wildlife Alliance can inspire you to do great things, but one thing is for certain – going on a Safari is a movie-like experience, so don’t skip out on it.
- San Diego SeaWorld
This ocean animal-themed park has all you need for a fun day – thrilling rides, animal encounters, and entertaining shows. You can see people interacting with nature everywhere around you, and if this is something you are looking for, plan your trip to SeaWorld around the feeding schedule of animals in the park.
Trainers communicating with their animals is a magnificent thing to witness, and it is often educating. If you have kids, these shows are going to be that one thing they always talk about after the trip. Create memorable experiences with your family and fine dine while watching killer whales floating beside you.
- Legoland
Family adventure for all ages awaits you in Carlsbad’s Legoland just a 40-minute drive from San Diego. Legoland prioritizes creativity above all else and will bring out your inner child. With more than 60 attractions, you can discover new rides and voyages for an entire day, and there would still be more unseen things.
Sea Life Aquarium is a place where more than 5,000 creatures live underwater, and where the Sea at Night attraction gets the most attention, because of the bioluminescence display. If you like water, there are two water parks that span 10 acres of land, with more than a dozen slides, rivers, and wave pools.
There are, without any exaggeration, more than a hundred things to do in Legoland. Treasure hunts and tales of kingdoms from distant lands will make you feel like you escaped to an enchanted place, unlike any other on Earth.
- Del Dios
Rustic wooden houses, charming dirt roads, and romantic views of Lake Hodges are what awaits you in the small community of Del Dios. Visiting this small town feels like being in your own fantasy adventure movie, and there really are many mysteries unsolved.
Try and find Hodgee, a friendly Lake Hodges monster that lives in the depths of a man-made lake since the beginning of the 20th century. If this is too eerie and mystical for you, never mind, you can relax in historic restaurants or hike on one of the lakeside hiking trails.
- Oceanside
Picture a scene from a romantic summer movie, with long wooden piers, walks on the sandy beaches, and many ships on the horizon. Well, this can easily be you in Oceanside. This beach city has a ‘’surf vibe’’, bungalow neighborhoods, and beautiful flea markets.
It compensates for the lack of exciting nightlife by having a lavish dining scene and Michelline-starred chefs. Exploring the city could be fun if you are an avid coffee drinker since there is a Caffeine Crawl, that takes you to unique craft coffee shops around town. And if you are a fan of supporting small businesses and local stores, Oceanside can offer you an abundance of such places, from thrift stores to antique shops.
Actually, the most exciting thing about Oceanside is, well, the ocean – make the most of the trip to San Diego County and enjoy watching marine life in its natural habitat.
- Batiquitos Lagoon
If you are in search of a serene place to visit, hike and enjoy the outdoors, Batiquitos Lagoon is a safe bet. This estuary serves as a nature reserve of flora and fauna and is one of the last remaining tidal wetlands on the California coast.
Fishing at the Lagoon is allowed under rules and only from two designated areas. Fishers catch popular fish, such as Spotted sand bass and Kelp bass, as well as California halibut and Tidewater goby. Swimming is prohibited in the Lagoon throughout the year.
Enjoy the fresh air, clear sky, and restful scenery on one of the hiking trails around Batiquitos Lagoon, available for people with disabilities, strollers, and pets on the leash.
- Mount Laguna
Mount Laguna provides the most wintery experience a person can find in San Diego County. If you are up for some cold, visit Mount Laguna during late fall and winter, and try some of the locally-unique winter recreations on the mountain. You can be a part of a jeep ride adventure or experience cross country skiing, sledding, and fun snow play if you are there with small children.
Visiting Mount Laguna during spring and summer means no snow, but a lot of forest exploring, hiking, and mountain biking. If you like camping, Mount Laguna offers camping spots and promises the most magnificent experience of stargazing in the forest.
Beware of the Fleas and You’ll Have a Blast!
San Diego County does not have an off-season for fleas and ticks, so come prepared with ointments and protectors, watch your step, and have fun. What it does have is a diverse range of fun outdoor activities – from mountains, forests, and canyons, to oceans, lakes, and lagoons. If you plan it right you can visit everything on our list, and more.