Top Nature Spots in San Diego

Check out the free museums on Tuesdays and the other days when there are discount offers. It saved me a ton, plus I got to see more without a big spend!

Wear comfy shoes. I thought I'd be fine in flip flops, but I ended up with sore feet. There’s a lot to explore, so you’ll want to keep moving.

Try to visit on a weekday if you can. It’s way less crowded, and you’ll have a better time wandering around without bumping into too many folks.

Don't miss the Botanical Building, it's beautiful and totally free! Perfect for some great pics and a little peaceful escape from the busyness

I suggest checking out the Animal Encounters schedule in advance. I didn't find out about them until later, and I missed some cool interactions!

My advice is to wear comfy shoes. Between the hilly paths and all the walking, my feet were killing me by the end - I should've known better!

i highly recommend downloading the zoo app! it has maps, schedules, and info on animal exhibits to make navigating super easy.

Try to catch the pandas during the morning feeding time. I saw them later in the day and they were just napping – total bummer!

Consider downloading the park map ahead of time. I didn't, and ended up wasted a lot of time looking for animals. It’d have been nice to plan my route before stepping foot inside

If you can, aim to arrive around 9:30 AM. That's when the gates open, and you can catch the animals while they’re active and explore the park before it gets too packed.

Definitely wear comfy shoes; you'll be doing a lot of walking! I learned the hard way when my feet hurt after just a few hours. Plus, pack a water bottle to stay hydrated since it can get hot out there.

If you can, plan your visit for a weekday morning around 8 AM. It really helps avoid the crowds and gives you the best chance to enjoy the trails in peace.

If you're especially into photography, try to catch the sunset. The light on the cliffs is just stunning, but it can get chilly fast, so bring a light jacket.

Check the tide schedules if you want to visit the beach area! I didn’t realize how quickly the tides come in and almost missed the shoreline views.

Bring snacks! There aren't many food options nearby, and the trails can make you absolutely famished. I found a granola bar helped me power through.

Don’t forget sunscreen. Even if it's cloudy that coastal sun can sneak up on you and leave ya red like a lobster. Trust me I learned the hard way.

Be aware that some trails might be a bit tricky. I recommend wearing sturdy shoes, particularly if you're planning to explore the rocky areas around the coast.

Make sure to bring a good camera! The views at the tide pools are stunning, especially during sunset around 5:30 PM. You'll want to capture that magic.

Plan your visit around lunchtime! The restaurants get really busy, so if you eat earlier or later, you might snag a table faster.

Check for special events or festivals when you go—those are often posted on their website and can make your visit extra special with unique activities.

Don't forget to bring some water and snacks, especially if you plan on wandering around for a few hours. It can get hot, and food prices can be steep.

I suggest visiting on a weekday if you can. The crowds are way smaller, and you can actually enjoy the shops and restaurants without feeling rushed.

I recommend checking out the local shops for unique souvenirs instead of the ones on the boardwalk. I found some cool stuff just a couple blocks away that were way cheaper and more interesting!

I suggest hitting the boardwalk early in the morning, like around 8 AM. It’s way less crowded, and you can snag a perfect spot on the beach without fighting for space. Trust me, it's so worth it!

I think renting bikes for the day was the best decision! Riding along the boardwalk was a blast and helped us cover more ground. Just watch out for pedestrians!

My advice is to bring your own snacks and drinks if you can. The beachside cafes can get pricey! I spent way more than I expected on a simple meal.

If you can, try to go around 7 PM for the sunset! The views are absolutely stunning, and you'll find a good spot to relax and take pictures without the huge crowds

Don't forget to bring some water and snacks, especially if you plan on walking or exploring a bit. There's not a ton of places nearby to grab a bite!

Take a moment to just chill at the tide pools. They’re stunning and way less crowded. Great photo ops, plus you might spot some cool sea creatures!

Bring your own snacks. I found that food options near the cove are pricey and can be pretty crowded. Pack a picnic and eat with a view!

If you're into diving, check out the sea caves, but make sure you rent gear from a local shop beforehand to save some cash. Rental prices are pretty steep near the beach.

Go early! I recommend hitting La Jolla Cove around 8 AM to avoid the crowds and snag the best parking spots. Trust me, it gets super busy by 10 AM.

check out the visitor center when you arrive. they have great maps and tips for the trails, which saved me from wandering aimlessly.

Start your day around 8 AM to avoid the heat and crowd, trust me, the early morning light is beautiful for photos too.

Wear good hiking shoes; some trails can get rocky and you’ll want to be comfortable. I learned the hard way!