What to do in San Diego Coast, CA

Spend summer days enjoying the calm waters and gorgeous scenes of Mission Bay, a saltwater lagoon just north of downtown San Diego. This 4,200-acre (1,700-hectare) bay features pristine beaches, water sports for all ages and park attractions that bring summer to life.

SeaWorld® San Diego, located in trendy Mission Beach, has been pleasing crowds ever since it opened in 1964 and is a must for anyone traveling with children. Kids and adults alike flock to the many exhibits offering opportunities to interact with marine animals. Touch, feed and give training signals to the performing bottlenose dolphins at Dolphin Point. With prearranged permission, you can even don a wetsuit and jump into the water with the majestic beluga whales.

Experience America’s favorite pastime in San Diego’s Petco Park. Enjoy stunning views of southern California as you watch a baseball game, concert or other sporting event. The park is named after San Diego-based pet supplies retailer Petco.

People have been coming to Mission Beach to top up their tans since the 1920s, when the first holiday homes were built along its shores. Development increased in the 1960s and today this is a thriving, affluent oceanfront suburb. Thankfully, though, it hasn’t lost its old-fashioned charm. Stroll along the boardwalk that runs the length of the beach and enjoy the relaxed, carnival atmosphere courtesy of street performers, roller bladers and skateboarders, and the occasional artist selling jewelry or other crafts.

Climb aboard the USS Midway and stand on a colossus of U.S. military history. Before its reincarnation as a museum in 2004, this was the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, in operation from September 1945 right up until Desert Storm in 1991. Today, the 972-foot (296-meter) craft is home to over 60 exhibits and welcomes more than 800,000 visitors each year.

This hillside community just north of San Diego does indeed seem to sparkle, with exclusive homes along the ocean cliffs, upscale shops and beautiful people. Some of California’s most prized beaches are here. Watch the spectacular surfing and admire the dramatic waves on display at Windansea Beach.