Top Rated Parks to Visit in Old Town

"A sunken butterfly garden, the San Diego Zoo, museums, gardens, the California Tower – this 1,200-acre (486ha) park contains a slew of attractions. It was built in 1868 and hosted the Panama-California Exposition, which celebrated the opening of the Panama Canal, in 1915. Key museums include the San Diego Air & Space Museum, the Museum of Us (formerly the San Diego Museum of Man), the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Natural History Museum, the Timken Art Museum and the San Diego Model Railroad Museum."

"Balboa Park is more than just a green space in the city — it’s a cultural oasis — home to more than 17 museums, theaters, and the famous San Diego Zoo. There are several playgrounds and a miniature railroad to keep the kids entertained, and various restaurants and cafes to grab a bite to eat. The iconic botanical building is a lovely visit with thousands of plants and a lilypond."

"Belmont Park is a fun-filled seaside amusement park, complete with roller coaster rides, arcade games, and fairground foods. Belmont Park offers something for everyone, with a range of attractions, from old-fashioned rides to adventurous rock climbing activities. The Giant Dipper roller coaster ride is for thrill-seeking older kids who meet the height requirement of 50 inches tall."

"This oceanfront amusement park offers thrilling rides and a boardwalk where you can soak in the sun at the beach or go surfing or swimming in the ocean. The most famous ride is the Giant Dipper roller coaster. Keep fit while indulging in activities like rock climbing, rock wall, zip line, and sky rope."

"The once-abandoned amusement park between the bay and Mission Beach Boardwalk is now a shopping, dining, and recreation complex. Twinkling…"

"At the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, you can travel back in time and soak up some of the rich culture from San Diego's early days. The park recreates the feel of the Mexican and early American periods, from 1821 to 1872, when this settlement grew from a small Mexican pueblo. Visit a working blacksmith shop, shop for authentic Mexican crafts, browse the art studios, enjoy live Mariachi music, and dine on a sunny patio at one of the atmospheric restaurants."

"Looking for historic places to visit in San Diego with kids?. Old Town is one of the top San Diego points of interest. San Diego County is not just about the amazing beaches and delicious food."

"Built in 1825 after attacks from the Spaniards’ enemies waned, Old Town San Diego was the first town in the city to have ever been built."

"On the west flank of Point Loma is a glorious 68-acre park protecting rough-hewn ocean bluffs, caves, natural arches and tidepools. There’s no mystery to the name, as you may not find a better spot within easy reach of downtown San Diego to watch the sunset. And as with many high vantage points on the Southern Californian coast, there’s a good chance of spotting gray whales between December and April."

"Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another excellent addition to your list of things to do in San Diego. This aptly named park is the best place to watch the sunset around. Plus, there are arches, caves, and incredible coastal bluffs to hike around and view."

"At 8 acres (3ha), Heritage Park is smaller than some of San Diego’s vast wilderness reserves. But, this green grassland features six Victorian homes, all of which have been restored and moved here especially for public viewing. The park also contains San Diego’s first synagogue, Temple Beth Israel."

"You can take a break here on a layover or if staying at one of the San Diego Airport hotels because this fun area is across the street from the airport. You’ll find a small sandy beach (the only along the bay), picnic tables, public art, a play structure, and panoramic views. (Location: Downtown)"

"Spanish Landing Park is a long narrow park along busy North Harbor Drive in San Diego. This park is near San Diego International Airport and the Harbor Island Marina."

"It’s a neighborhood spot rather than a seaside visit, characterized as being incredibly calm and peaceful. This is the type of place you come to stroll after a long work day. It’s also a great spot for children and dogs, so if you have either or both…you’ve struck gold!"

"The perfect way to end your weekend at Coronado is with a Sunday afternoon concert in Spreckles Park. Located at the center of the island right on Orange Street, Spreckels park has a cute playground making it a great hang-out for families. You can also get a taste of the local art scene on the first and third Sundays of each month when the Coronado Art Association hosts Art-In-The-Park."

"T his lovely little playground provides a nice space for kids to run and play steps away from La Jolla Shores Beach. Bring a picnic (or take away from one of the nearby La Jolla Shores restaurants like the Cheese Shop) and even exercise on the huge grassy area. This playground perfect for the times that you want to go to the beach and not without the sand."

"This is a little park lining the back of La Jolla Shores Beach. It’s very family-friendly due to its vast green space, playground and restroom & shower facilities. The playground is quite new, with one area geared towards babies and toddlers and another part made for older children."

"If you’re searching for free kid-friendly things to do in La Jolla, you’d be surprised at what’s in store for you in Kellogg Park!"

"Renowned as the world’s largest vegan restaurant chain, Loving Hut has two outlets in San Diego that serve an array of standard dishes along with signature plates that suit local tastes. Loving Hut uses fresh locally sourced ingredients to create hearty, healthy, and tasty cuisine, including favorites such as udon soup, spring rolls, spicy cha, and the signature Heavenly Salad. Other items range from noodle soup and crispy wontons to chow mein, eggplant tofu, and grilled seaweed."

"This international vegan restaurant chain has an especially wide selection of dishes based on local produce. If you’re visiting Loving Hut in San Diego, try their vegan quesadillas or the soy sea nuggets. There’s also a rich selection of burgers and sandwiches to grab if you’re in a hurry."

"Flower Hill Promenade is a popular shopping area east of the I-5 freeway in Del Mar. Here, shoppers will find a low-key, easy to navigate, multi-level outdoor environment filled with specialty boutiques ranging from high-end cheese to cigars along to luggage and upscale women's clothing. Flower Hill not only has a brand new Whole Foods Market, but also the very popular CUCINA enoteca Italian restaurant, Nothing Bundt cakes and other places to grab a bite to eat."

"2720 Via de la Valle San Diego, CA 92104 858-481-2904 15 Stores Monday-Saturday: 10:00 AM-6:00 PM Sunday: 11:00 AM-5:00 PM Major Retailers: TRE Boutique, Between The Sheets, Sun Diego, Geppetto’s Toys, Sweet Pea, Diamond Boutique, Patrick James"

"The colorful and whimsical architecture of Horton Plaza sets it apart from any shopping mall in the region. The complex has become somewhat of a San Diego icon since its construction in the 1980s. It is credited with jumpstarting the revival of San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter and continues to appeal to visitors alike to this day."

"Horton Plaza, not to be confused with its adjacent namesake Horton Plaza Park, is a five-level outdoor shopping mall located in downtown San Diego known for its bright colors, architectural tricks, and odd spatial rhythms. It stands on 6.5 city blocks adjacent to the city`s historic Gaslamp Quarter."

"324 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-8180 Monday - Saturday: 10:00 AM - 8:00 PM  Sunday: Closed 2 stores Major Retailers: Macy’s, specialty shops, Regal theaters, Lyceum Theatre"

"I use to like this buffet but it has gone downhill recently. There is another choice in Pacific Beach that is way better."