Best Beach in National City

"Head even further north from Mission Beach and you’ll arrive at Pacific Beach. Known among the locals as P.B., if you’re looking for the stereotype of Californian beach life, you’re going to find it here. If you’re looking for a place to have a go at surfing, many newbies start out in the white water around P.B."

"Catch a morning surf lessons from Surfari Surf School at north Mission Beach, and enjoy some prime people-watching on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk while you catch your breath. You’ll have worked up quite an appetite, so sate it the way a local surfer would—with fish tacos from Oscars Mexican Seafood."

"Rosarito Beach is a resort town on the coast of Mexico’s Baja California peninsula. It’s known as a nightlife destination for U.S. visitors due to its proximity to the border. Area beaches known for strong surf include Rosarito in town, Medio Camino in the south and Baja Malibu to the north."

"You’ll find South Mission Beach at the extreme south end of the Mission Beach Peninsula. It’s one of the widest beaches in the city, so it’s a great place to play a game of beach volleyball or basketball. This beach is slightly more subdued than some of the others in the area, but it still gets crowded, so join the party as early as possible."

"You can always find beautiful photos to share from the beaches of San Diego. The photo below is actually a rare occurrence in Coronado where you can see a sunken ship at low tide. More: Where to Find the Sunken Ship in San Diego"

"The 2,400-bench-seat pavilion, dedicated in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels, holds the 4,518-pipe Spreckels Organ,…"

"Don’t fall prey to the fast-food establishments around the island, instead head over to this San Diego chain known for its grass-fed hamburgers. Other menu items worth checking out include their cage-free turkey and chicken sandwiches, quinoa veggie burgers, sustainable fish sandwiches and selection of salads. Insider tip: Visit their Facebook page for food offers like BOGO and special menu items."

"– One of the popular burger chain restaurants offers a place to grab a quick bite before heading to the beach. Their burgers, fries and shakes are a personal weakness of mine."

"Terryl Gavre’s iconic, retro diner showcases her serious baking chops and love for over-the-top breakfasts and pastries, with inventive spins on American comfort classics like bennies, chicken fried steak and eggs, and Cafe 222’s famous pumpkin waffles. Healthier fare features too, like fresh fruit and oatmeal."

"Café 222 is a charming little café located in downtown San Diego. Its big pink letters spelling out the word “CAFÉ” on the roof just above the corners of 2nd and Island Avenues make it easy to spot. This space offers plenty of natural light with its large windows that give it an airy feel."

"This cute little Downtown breakfast restaurant has egg scrambles, waffles, and other favorites, but they are known for their stuffed peanut butter banana french toast."

"I usually pick up food from here every other week, and they have always been great. Smooth ordering experience and the pick up hardly takes any time."

"The San Diego Union Museum enables visitors to see where the San Diego Union, the first newspaper in the city, got its start. Visitors can tour the recreated editor’s office and the original print room to see how they looked in 1868. The prefabricated wooden building was manufactured on the East Coast, shipped to California and reassembled in 1851."

"The museum showcases the region’s unique, colorful, and diverse history exhibiting artifacts, costumes, textiles, art, and photographs detailing life and development of the local area."

"The House of Pacific Relations International Cottages showcases the traditions of 34 national groups, some of which have their own cottages (build originally for the 1935 Exposition). The goal is to promote multicultural understanding through exhibits and programming. (Location: Balboa Park)"

"The San Diego Asian Pacific Historic District, San Diego’s historic Chinatown, is an eight-block district adjacent to and in part overlapping with the Gaslamp Quarter Historic District. The San Diego Chinatown is bounded by Market Street on the north, 2nd Ave. on the west, 6th ave. on the east and J st. on the south. 22 structures are considered historically contributing."

"The Chinese Historical Museum displays Chinese-American art, culture and history. Housed in a restored mission-style building, exhibits include miniature models, historic photographs and rare artifacts related to the heritage of San Diego’s Chinese community. *Small donation requested."