San Diego is home to numerous attractions that please a variety of interests. Between the beaches, the golf courses, the zoo, Old Town, Seaworld and the popular Gaslamp District, trips to San Diego often only scratch the surface of the city's many attractions. Next time you visit the city, though, consider exploring some of its little known, but equally fascinating, attractions for a San Diego experience that few tourists ever experience.
While many tourists visit Old Town San Diego, few give any thought to the large grassy hill located just to the east of the tourist district. In reality, though, Presidio Park on the hill is even more historic than the town below, as it was home to the first three San Diego missions--all which were destroyed by fire. The space is now home to the Spanish-style Junípero Serra Museum, which exhibits some of the best collections from the San Diego Historical Society.
The landmark also provides stunning views of the San Diego River, Old Town and the Pacific Ocean.
Presidio Park
2727 Presidio Drive
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 232-6203
sandiegohistory.org
The San Diego Zoo always draws tourists from around the globe, but there is plenty more to do and see in the scenic park that houses the world-famous attraction. Unfortunately, most tourists visit the promenade and the zoo and then leave home without exploring the full array of attractions at the beautiful and massive Balboa Park.
The Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA) is one such attraction. The museum spans the history of photography and often features traveling exhibits from the biggest names of the field, such as Ansel Adams and Annie Leibovitz.
Across the street from MOPA is the Balboa Park Botanical Building, which features more than 2,000 exotic plant species from around the globe. The building was constructed for the 1915 Panama Exposition in San Diego and has been a popular attraction ever since.
If you're looking to relax like a local, though, hit the western side of the park, across Highway 163 from the museums. This grassy and forested park area is rarely visited by tourists, but weekends here are often loaded with locals who enjoy sunning, jogging, walking their dogs and playing sports in the area.
Museum of Photographic Arts
1649 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101-1662
(619) 238-7559
mopa.org
Balboa Park Botanical Building
1549 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 235-1100
balboapark.org/in-the-park/detail.php?OrgID=41
The Cabrillo National Monument offers an unparalleled view of downtown San Diego from the farthest tip of land on the San Diego Bay. The landmark also offers guests a chance to explore San Diego's only historical lighthouse and the area of the United States West Coast that was first stepped foot on by any European explorer, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo (pronounced Ca-brie-yo). There also are nationally-protected tide pools on this slim bit of peninsula that are brimming with life.
Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive
San Diego, California 92106
(619) 557-5450
nps.gov/cabr
