San Diego named one of best summer vacation destinations in the U.S.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — With its warm weather and coastal location, it’s no surprise San Diego landed on a list of the best places for summer travel for 2024.
A list by TheTravel.com placed San Diego at No. 3 for its beaches, culinary experiences and vibrant nightlife, a combination of everything one seeks out while on vacation.
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The other sites on TheTravel’s list include areas known for their natural scenery and hiking opportunities such as Glacier National Park in Montana and Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona, as well as the small beach town of Kiawah Island in South Carolina.
The Yellowstone and Grand Teton national parks in Wyoming and Zion National Park in Utah were also named.
However, if you would favor an oceanside escape over mountaineering and backcountry camping, check out the following ways you can enjoy America’s Finest City this summer.
Spend a day on Coronado Island
Named one of the best beaches in the U.S. for 2024 by Travel + Leisure, Coronado Beach offers a nearly two-mile stretch of sand along the coast. Located on Coronado Island, the beach attracts swimmers, surfers and people who just want to relax and view a summer sunset. Visitors can also download an app that guides them on a walking tour to find sculptures, unique fountains and other forms of public art around the island. History buffs may also want to pay a visit or stay overnight at the historic Hotel del Coronado, which was built in 1888.
Walk through Balboa Park
San Diego’s Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre park with 18 museums and beautiful gardens, making it a must-see attraction during your stay. Museums include the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, the Japanese Friendship Garden and Museum, the San Diego Air and Space Museum and more. The San Diego Zoo is also located within the north side of Balboa Park.
Visit the San Diego Zoo
Speaking of the zoo, families with young children might want to plan to spend a full day there and bring comfortable walking shoes. The San Diego Zoo was named one of USA Today’s 10 best zoos in the country. It spans a hundred acres and is home to more than 12,000 rare and endangered animals belonging to over 680 species and subspecies, according to its website. This summer, the Nighttime Zoo event from May 24 to Sept. 2 extends operating hours to close later in the evening, giving guests more time to enjoy their experience.
Check out Old Town, the “birthplace” of California
Established in 1769, Old Town is the oldest neighborhood in San Diego and the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. Visitors don’t have to walk far to feel like they have been transported back in time. Historic sites in Old Town include the Whaley House, the El Campo Santo cemetery and Heritage County Park, which has several Victorian-style homes open for public viewing.
Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
This 2,000-acre natural area has stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and sandstone bluffs, making it one of San Diego’s most popular coastline stops along Highway 101. Torrey Pines has a number of different hiking trails to choose from. It gets its name from being home to the rarest pine tree, Pinus torreyana. Torrey Pines State Beach can also be reached by trail, offering picturesque backdrops of the bluffs from down near the water.
What better way is there to enjoy summer than spending a day at the beach? With 70 miles of coastline, so whether you don’t mind large crowds or prefer to have some space for peace and relaxation, you can find a wide range of beaches to choose from throughout San Diego. It all depends on how you want to spend your summer vacation!
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