“Much to please the senses at Balboa Park! Museums are fantastic: SD Museum of Man, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, SD Natural History Museum, SD Museum of Art, Japanese Friendship Garden, Mingei (has cool things made by people all over the world - currently closed for remodeling), Museum of Photographic Arts, Model Railroad Museum, SD Air and Space Museum (incredibly inspiring), SD History Center, SD Museum of Man (yes, listed twice!) ... and an automobile museum and more. And ... opening in 2021... Comic-Con Museum! Food and art are accessible throughout the walkable destinations. Take a self-guided tour of sculptures recently arranged outside, around the plaza leading to two art museums and a popular bistro (w/ good curry fries and talented musicians, says our 14-yr old daughter). Other choices include an elegant sit-down restaurant (inside or out) with delicious food - one in a collection of outstanding culinary contributions to San Diego County by the well known Cohn Restaurant Group, a walk-up window for snacks and quick food items near Spanish Village (find similar foods at the RH Fleet Science Museum) and one more... Above the Model Railroad Museum, there is a deli with wonderful everything to please everyone. Fresh sandwiches, salads, desserts, coffee. Great spot in the park. Order a picnic to go! SO HAPPY THEY HAVE RETURNED TO BALBOA Park!!! Rose gardens, botanical gardens, historic trees and the Zoro butterfly garden (great for kids!) provide colorful and and peaceful settings that - in my mind - collectively honor Kate Sessions: pioneering SD botanist, horticulbotanist and landscape architect named "Mother of Balboa Park". Theaters include a children's theater, a Shakespeare theater and a puppet theater, not to mention themed movies played in the museums. San Diego Natural History Museum is Denise's favorite. While she enjoys memberships at all of them, she could make this place her home. Founded in 1874, it is the oldest scientific institution/museum in southern California and the third oldest in the western U.S. (west of the Mississippi). Known officially as the San Diego Society of Natural History... "Early society members established a weather station, petitioned to create Torrey Pines State Reserve, and garnered support for the new San Diego Zoological Society." Dinosaur fossils. Marine fossils. Explore habitats that present the ecology and biological diversity that keep the natural world thriving. See what museum naturalists spend their time researching - both from San Diego and on expeditions around southern California and Baja California. OK, enough. Go. Spanish Village - See demonstrations and browse the works of wonderful resident artists in their studios spaces. And ride on the carousel.... and so much more!”

“SeaWorld San Diego is an animal theme park, oceanarium, outside aquarium and marine mammal park, in San Diego, California, United States, inside Mission Bay Park.”

“Embrace the coastal chic lifestyle at Southern California's trendiest destination, Fashion Valley. Accented by living succulent walls, gorgeous palm trees and an array of high end brands. Fashion Valley Mall is an upscale, open-air shopping mall in Mission Valley in San Diego.”

“Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is 2,000 acres of coastal state park located in the community of La Jolla, off North Torrey Pines Road. Although it is located within San Diego city limits, it remains one of the wildest stretches of land (8 km²) on the Southern California coast. The reserve consists of a plateau with cliffs that overlook Torrey Pines State Beach, and a lagoon that is vital to migrating seabirds.”

“Great place to walk around in downtown. Many restaurants, bars, shops, and best place to go for nightlife.”

“Great tours. Inspiring feats of engineering on display. Lots of military history and procedure to observe. Docents are phenomenal! Their passion alone floats that boat.”

“Go to La Jolla Cove to see the seals! Beautiful area to walk around and very close to La Village.”

“If you love Mexican food this is the place to go. The place is literally littered with restaurants. It is so close you could ride a bike or take the transit bus there. ”

“Located just a stone’s throw away from the Gaslamp Quarter is Petco Park, home of the Padres; San Diego’s Major League Baseball team. Whether you’re a baseball fan or not; Petco Park is worth a visit. Grab a pair of $10 tickets and take in the game from the beach behind center field. Yes we meant to say beach. An area full of sand and bleacher seats may not be the most conventional way to watch nine innings, but where else can you watch an MLB game while sitting on the sand? Petco Park is also known for its amazing behind the scenes tour where you will have access to the press box, dugout, the bullpen, the luxury suites and so much more. Tours run all year around, even on games days and we highly recommend putting this on the top of your list. Cheer on the Padres from the beach or the stands and take in the sights of downtown San Diego.”

“The Safari Park is a short 5 minute drive and is an experience you don't want to miss!”

“There are numerous museums, a beautiful arboretum, access to the famous San Diego Zoo right next door, beautiful strolls through a well-preserved San Diego landmark. ”

“Fun for everyone in the family. Rollercoaster, rides, zip lines and great food!. What more do you need? Check out the Wave House and eat with an ocean and boardwalk view.”

“Many restaurants, bars, and a great place to walk around. Awesome place to go for dinner.”