Top Rated Parks to Visit in Sand Hill

"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."

"Like no place else in the country, Balboa Park offers a magnificent combination of art, architecture, history and agriculture in one expansive park. Spanning approximately 1,200 acres, Balboa Park was once known as City Park and was founded more than 125 years ago. Today, the park is home to 15 museums, theaters, marvelous gardens, restaurants, shopping and the world-famous San Diego Zoo."

"For a complete change of scenery, Balboa Park is an unusual park right in the city center. It was actually built for one of those old-timey expositions but the city loved it so much they made it permanent. In addition to the museums, there’s also a Botanical Garden and several beautiful gardens, like this moorish styled one below."

"Belmont Park opened for business in 1925 and remains San Diego’s oldest and only beachside amusement park. Things to do at Belmont Park include a ride on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster, miniature golf, laser tag, arcade games, and a handful of other rides. It’s free to enter and walk through the midway full of pay-to-play carnival games and you can also grab a Dole Whip, giant ice cream cone, hot dog or other quick-service treats."

"Built in 1925 by sugar magnate John D. Spreckles, this amusement park reopened in the late 1980s and is the only beachside amusement park in Southern California. Perhaps the biggest draw is the Giant Dipper, the original wooden roller coaster. The Plunge, the largest indoor heated pool in California, has its fans, as does the Wavehouse, a huge fitness center that shares the same building."

"Belmont Park is a fun little spot in Mission Beach with a cool old roller coaster. It’s great for night shots with the lighting and rides. Best part, you can visit without paying anything."

"There are numerous historic buildings located in this area, dating back to the early 1800s. It was the first European settlement in California. One notable building is Whaley House which Travel Channel named as the most haunted house in America."

"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."

"Romantics will appreciate the awe-inspiring experience of a Southern California sunset. One of the best places to visit is Sunset Cliffs Natural Park, which stretches for 68 acres along coastal bluffs above the Pacific Ocean. The location provides an incomparable viewpoint to take in the ocean panoramas as the sun transforms the horizon from blue to glorious rosy-toned hues."

"Although the beach below this steep hillside waterfront park is nicknamed Garbage Beach, it is anything but. However, a visit to this beautiful spot has to be earned. The descent is so steep that a fixed rope has been installed for safety."

"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."

"Horton Plaza's construction in the mid-1980s jump-started the Gaslamp renaissance. Its multi-level, somewhat confusing whimsical architecture is a must-see for any San Diego visitor. Nordstrom, Macy's and a wide array of shops and eateries make this the noontime stop for downtown workers."

"All hands in the water spray at these interactive pop jets in Horton Plaza park. Grab a cup of coffee or have lunch at this nice urban retreat. 900 4th Ave.San Diego, CA 92101Online: hortonplazapark.com"

"Both a full scale mall and an architectural piece of art, Horton Plaza boasts over 130 stores including Louis Vuitton, Arden B., Bebe, Victoria's Secret and BCBG.[Learn more]"

"San Diego has its own version of Central Park: The Waterfront Park, located along the Embarcadero in Little Italy. Opened in 2014, it's become a family-favorite destination for locals. The 12-acre park is just a stone's throw from the bay and is decked out with tons of innovative ways to entertain kids including a splash pad and slide––but it's the giant fountain, with its many jets, that is the park's main attraction."

"Waterfront Park consists of 12-acres of lush gardens and fountains that are perfect for cooling down in the intense San Diego heat. Kids will love playing in the shallow splash areas where fountains shoot water high in the air. Bring a picnic and relax on the grassy areas while admiring the views of the bayfront."

"Located in downtown San Diego along the bay near Little Italy San Diego, Waterfront Park is perhaps best known for its interactive splash fountains and its extensive, family-friendly open spaces. Outdoor movies in the park and other free events are held here in summer. (Location: Downtown San Diego)"

"Crosby Street Park is a tiny little park that just happens to have a pier that extends way out into San Diego Bay which allows you to get some cool shots of the Coronado Bridge that most people may not have seen. Along the pier there are tug boats and military ships in the yards being fixed so it can give you some pretty interesting pictures. The park has lots of parking and this place is almost always deserted so  you will probably have it all to yourself."

"Enjoy the sights and sounds of beautiful San Diego Bay while browsing crafts and having delicious coffee & street food at Ruocco Park Market. With 15+ quality vendors there is something for everyone, from hand made jewelry, hats and clothing, to smoothies, Bao, Mexican, and artisanal coffee by @yipaocoffee. Enjoy the scenery & great vibe every Saturday from 10am to 5pm."

"A post shared by Travel For Less (@lets_talk_travel_) on Jan 7, 2017 at 7:51am PST. Make yourself a reservation and come enjoy a Sunday brunch at Humphreys!. Here, you’ll find everything a brunch in San Diego should be, with seafood that is sourced locally, plenty of breakfast entree choices and a never-ending supply of your favorite champagne."

"Humphreys SoCal Dining and Music presents its award-winning buffet brunch on Sundays only. The contemporary cuisine is SoCal-inspired with global influences, prepared using locally..."

"Humphrey’s SoCal Dining and Music, located on Shelter Island Drive in Point Loma, is a casually elegant place that many locals think is the most romantic restaurant in San Diego."

"Werewolf is a New American pub in the Gaslamp Quarter that has really upped its food game at prices that are hard to beat for what you get in the area, especially if you go for all-you-can-eat tacos for $9.95 on Tuesdays. The space is dominated by a par that has 33 beer taps and great cocktails. Most of the food is made from scratch and ranges from salads to gourmet sandwiches to hearty breakfasts."

"Werewolf has seating for dining at a mix of booths and high top tables. Some walls are hung with TVs, others with framed portraits; a back wall that glitters gold was assembled by a score of spent bullet shells. Two signature burgers from their other bars’ menus have carried over here, in addition to a couple of favourite appetizers."

"Sipz Clairemont shares their passion through serving vegan versions of Asian dishes. They constantly promote compassion for animal welfare. The restaurant also encourages people to live a healthy lifestyle."