7 Reasons to Take a Day Trip to the San Diego Suburbs
CHECK OUT MORE FROM OUR '7 DAYS OF SUBURBS' WEEK
If you’re near the San Diego County area, there’s no reason not consider the area surrounding San Diego for a quick getaway. Be it Potato Chip Rock in Poway, the Sea Life Aquarium in Carlsbad, or the beachfront World Famous restaurant in Pacific Beach, there are great spots for you to go to and get away.
The Beaches
With 70 miles of shoreline, there are no shortage of beaches to visit. If you enjoy slow strolls on a secluded stretch or surfing the waves, a beach in a San Diego suburb is just the thing. Some notable beaches can be found in Coronado, Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, La Jolla or Del Mar.
The Nightlife
While there are many attractions to be seen downtown, there are other bars, comedy clubs, karaoke joints, DJs, and live music to be seen in nearly any San Diego suburb. A bonus for nightlife in these parts is that due to the abundance of colleges, there are a plethora of clubs for the millennial demographic. There’s even a casino in Temecula at the Pechanga Resort & Casino, for those who don’t want to take the five-hour drive to Vegas.
The History
San Diego is rich in history. Established in 1769 by Mexican and Spanish settlers, it’s full of historic sites and buildings. Check out these locations:
El Prado in Balboa Park
Located in the historic district of Balboa Park, it consists of 13 buildings built during 1915 and 1916 for San Diego’s Panama-California Exposition. A 13-acre complex, it’s home to the Cabrillo Bridge, Alcazar Garden, the Botanical Building, the San Diego Natural History Museum and more.
Pacific Beach
One of the busiest beaches in San Diego and extending south is Pacific Beach. Enjoy a fun day in the sun with swimming under the watchful gaze of year-round lifeguards, surfing, scuba diving, fishing, basketball, or volleyball. Take a load off with a packed lunch in the picnic area, and finish off the evening in front of a fire pit with some marshmallows.
Old Town State Park
Located in Old Town, the historic Old Town State Park is one of the county’s most visited attractions. It offers a True Stories of Old Town tour that tells the tale of its historic buildings, built from 1820 to 1870.
Presidio Park
A city historic park founded in 1769, the 40 acres offer views of the city, the Pacific Ocean, and the San Diego River valley, with its grounds open for public use and its facilities available for special events. It’s also home to the Junipero Serra Museum.
The Food
Despite being just miles away from Mexico and known for its authentic Mexican cuisine, there’s actually an eclectic mix of restaurants to choose from: Italian, French, American, farm-to-table, and of course, delectable sushi and seafood. Don’t forget the craft breweries, distilleries, and wineries, often offering tours for a day activity.
If fresh pasta is what you’re after, check out Rosina’s Italian Restaurant in Poway. If your mouth is watering for seafood, try The Fishery in Pacific Beach. If you’re seeking authentic Mexican food, try Casa De Bandini in Carlsbad and enjoy their live mariachi band.
The Shopping
From local shops to retail chains, to boutiques to antique stores and collectibles, there’s a tremendous amount of variation one can do in a San Diego suburb. Some shopping centers of note are:
Belmont Park
Located in Mission Beach, this shopping center is better than average, as it’s both an entertainment and amusement center. In addition to stores, specialty shops, and multiple kiosks, this outlet has restaurants with ocean views, rock climbing, mini golf, the historic Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, and a lively boardwalk, including a draft house.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets
Carlsbad Premium Outlets have over 90 outlet stores, housed in a modern outdoor village setting. From Ann Taylor to Van Heusen, they’ve got what you need.
Del Mar Highlands Town Center
Located in Carmel Valley, Del Mar Highlands Town Center has over 70 stores in its open air community center. Bring the family pet, as most of the stores and restaurants are pet friendly. This shopping center also has boutique shopping, a luxury cinema, and live jazz music from April through December on their outdoor patio with a fireplace.
The Resorts
Up and down San Diego County are a bounty of resorts to get away to. While many cater to golf fans, you don’t have to be one to enjoy the scenery. Some good examples would be the Pala Mesa Resort in Fallbrook, which is full of oversized rooms, hiking trails, and a challenging golf course. Then, there’s The Lodge at Torrey Pines in La Jolla, which is adjacent to the Torrey Pines Golf Course, and right next door to the Torrey Pines State Reserve in Tecate, featuring 2,000 acres of rare, protected trees. Or try Mountain Trek at Rancho La Puerta, with its organic gardens, swimming pools, health spas, and hiking trails along wood lawns, streams, meadows, and more.
The Seals
No need to go to a zoo to see these lovable creatures — seals are in abundance on San Diego-area shores. Lounging around without a care in the world, take as many photos to your heart’s content. A great place to check those out would be the La Jolla Cove or the San Diego Seal Tour for a 90-minute tour.