Take a look at all the options within driving distance – you’ll be surprised at how close your next adventure is. We provide the driving directions, but the sunscreen’s on you!
(619) 239-0512
1549 El PradoSan Diego, CA 92101 Directions Website
While the San Diego Zoo resides within the confines of Balboa Park, the park itself is worthy of a visit in its own right, as it offers an impressive set of attractions. As well as featuring the zoo, Balboa Park is also home to Mingei International Museum, the Natural History Museum and Aerospace Museum as well.
The park is expansive, with its lush grass and scenery perfect for laying out on a blanket or just sitting on a bench and people watching as the afternoon unfolds. If you need to take a breather, there's no better place than Balboa Park!
(858) 228-9283
3146 Mission BlvdSan Diego, CA 92109 Directions Website
Belmont Park truly has a little something for everyone. It has the distinction of being the only beach-side amusement park in southern California and its biggest draw is the Giant Dipper which is an original wooden rollercoaster.
Another popular attraction is the Plunge, a 175-foot-deep indoor heated pool, the largest in the state. There's also Pirate's Cove which is literally a 7,000-square-foot indoor playground. Plenty of places to shop and dine can be found here, too, so make plans to head to Belmont Park and leave happy.
(858) 673-6180
10845 Rancho Bernardo RdSan Diego, CA 92127 Directions Website
The Cleveland National Forest offers you a chance to take in amazingly breathtaking views of the desert from a cliff and other picturesque outdoor terrain.
This area is an unusual forest as it features long stretches of shrubs and scrub oak over the slopes and hills. It is a sprawling 460,000 acres and offers 356 miles of trails while still being near to major metropolitan centers. This is a textbook example of natural beauty unusually sandwiched among the San Diego landscape.
(619) 525-8213
2525 Park BlvdSan Diego, CA 92104 Directions Website
Desert Garden is located within the confines of Balboa Park, but its beauty and serene charm make it well worth finding.
More specifically, the garden is located on the side of a cliff on the perimeter of Balboa Park, not to be confused with the Old Cactus Garden on the other side of the park. Featuring awesome outdoor views and indigenous plants like various cactus flower and such, visiting the Desert Garden is like being transported to a different world entirely.
(619) 232-2721
2215 Pan American Rd ESan Diego, CA 92101 Directions Website
The Japanese Friendship Garden is a beautiful bond of nature between San Diego and Yokohama as the two cultures unite in this beautiful garden to create a truly unique experience in the great outdoors.
The garden is designed according to the original principals of a Japanese garden that incorporates both the landscape and climate. The overall goal of this alluring place is to develop people's respect for the environment and cultural arts. Let the garden's winding path take you on a private journey of your own.
(619) 236-5555
Mission Beach ParkSan Diego, CA 92109 Directions Website
There's nothing quite as romantic as a walk along the beach with your special someone, but when the two of you explore Mission Beach, you'll discover that this is no ordinary section of the shore!
There is a great selection of quaint shops that have such interesting window displays that you won't resist the temptation to stop in and browse. Enjoy a coffee or cold beverage from one of the cafes as you stroll along Ocean Front Walk which spans the area between Mission and Pacific Beaches. In addition to the natural beauty of the ocean, you can also sit and people-watch, as the walk is always busy with rollerblades, runners, cyclists, artists and beach-goers out enjoying the day (or night).
(760) 742-3462
19952 State Park RdPalomar Mountain, CA 92060 Directions Website
If you love a great view that's above all else, then the high vantage point of Palomar Mountain State Park will take your breath away!
The park offers spectacular views of the Pacific, as well as great campgrounds, spacious picnic areas, rugged hiking trails and some fine fishing in Doane Pond. Palomar Mountain State Park raises the bar when it comes to enjoying some of the area's outdoor beauty.
(619) 231-1515
2920 Zoo DrSan Diego, CA 92101 Directions Website
Don't just take the kids to the zoo; take them to the best zoo in the country! Widely regarded as the best zoo in the United States, the San Diego Zoo takes pride in their state-of-the-art habitat attractions that often house more than one species of animal in a single exhibit.
And since the zoo has been recognized as having a highly successful breeding program, you'll likely see baby koalas, pandas, monkeys, elephants and tigers cohabitating with their moms and dads. Plus, don't miss the aviaries and the reptile houses that offer even more wildlife that is just as interesting as it is entertaining.
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