Safe and Spacious San Diego Outdoor Spots to Explore

Ask any San Diegan why they love living here, and chances are the climate will be among their top reasons. The weather in San Diego is famously mild and a year-round thing. 

Thankfully, America’s Finest City has created countless outdoor spaces where locals and visitors alike can get out and enjoy the mild temperatures here. 

Read on to discover some of our favorite places to soak up that San Diego sunshine.  

Sunset Cliffs (3.1 miles from the hotel)

As you can surely guess from the name, there may be no better spot on the West Coast to catch a majestic sunset than Sunset Cliffs. These magnificent sandstone cliffs in Point Loma are adjacent to a 68-acre park and overlook one of the most beautiful beaches in the entire state. And of course, once the sun begins its journey beneath the horizon of the Pacific, you’ll begin to see why this spot earned its name.  

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Cabrillo National Monument (5.2 miles away)

Established on the spot where Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Castillo first set foot on California’s shores, in 1542, Cabrillo National Monument stands as a testament to the spirit of adventure. While here, be sure to check out the local tide pools, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, the decommissioned military radio station, and spectacular views of downtown.  

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Balboa Park (5.4 miles away)

Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the country and makes for a fantastic day out, no matter where your interests lie. Home to 17 museums (including the Fleet Science Center, San Diego Art Institute, and San Diego History Center), Balboa Park Carousel, Spreckels Organ Pavilion, and San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park truly features something for everyone. So pack a picnic, head in, and enjoy your day.  

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Mission Bay Park (6.8 miles away)

While in San Diego, you won’t want to miss a visit to Mission Bay Park, one of the most beautiful locations in a city. Consisting of equal parts land and ocean, Mission Bay is home to nearly thirty miles of beautiful beachfront, loads of prime surfing spots, and acres of green park space. Have a picnic, fly a kite, or rent a boat or bike and explore its many charms.  

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La Jolla Cove Seals and Sea Lions (13 miles away)

La Jolla Cove is home to a famous colony of playful seals and sea lions. Most days, you’ll find them sunning themselves on the beach and frolicking in the surf. If you plan to visit, just be sure to keep your distance so that you don’t disturb their habitat, but don’t forget to bring your camera. These funny animals seem to love mugging for photos.   

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Torrey Pines State Reserve (16 miles away)

A stunning stretch of unspoiled land not far from the city, 1,500-acre Torrey Pines Reserve is one of San Diego’s favorite outdoor spaces. Home to the namesake Torrey Pine Tree, the reserve also encompasses miles of hiking trails, a variety of plants and wildlife, and some of the most stunning ocean views anywhere on the West Coast.

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