Hi there!

I’ve been working on a batch of travel guides for San Diego (my hometown!). It’s been fun to look at America’s Finest City through the lens of a visitor!

Writing these guides has given me a chance to revisit some of my favorite spots throughout the county, and I wanted to share a few of them.

If you are thinking of making your way to San Diego (or live in the area and are looking for something to do!), here are some gems to consider adding to your itinerary.

The Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Gardens

​Encinitas is easily my favorite coastal town in San Diego – and these gardens (pictured above on the right) are part of the reason why!

The property is situated high on a coastal cliff, so you get stunning views of the ocean. The garden itself is beautifully landscaped, featuring koi ponds and a huge variety of plants (it feels like a jungle!). It’s the perfect place to enjoy some peace and quiet while taking in the view!

The best part: it is free to visit! If you end up going, I recommend strolling through the gardens and then making your way over to Swami’s Cafe or The Taco Stand for lunch!

Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma & The Torrey Pines Gliderport

The Gliderport (which is just north of La Jolla Shores) and Sunset Cliffs are the BEST places to watch the sunset.

At Sunset Cliffs, there is a walking path right on top of the bluffs that is over a mile long – it’s a great spot to go on a sunset stroll! There are also stairs at the south end of the path that go down to the beach (just be mindful of the tides).

The Torrey Pines Gliderport (pictured above on the left) is more compact, but is an incredibly scenic spot. You’ll see La Jolla Shores to the south, and Torrey Pines Reserve to the north (more on that next!). You can also watch hang gliders and paragliders launch from the port. It’s an excellent spot to end a day in La Jolla!

No matter which spot you visit, I recommend getting there at least 20 minutes before sunset to fully enjoy the view.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

This is my go-to hiking spot in San Diego, and one of the places that I always take visitors. The reserve is set on a coastal bluff, and is home to a system of interconnected trails that offer incredible views of the water.

The Yucca Point Trail and the Guy Fleming Trail are two of my favorites in the reserve. The Yucca Point Trail also connects to the Beach Trail, which goes right down to the sand! Just be sure to check the tides before you go – you’ll only want to head down during low tide!

The Flower Fields in Carlsbad

Now is the time to visit – The Flower Fields close for the season on May 11! This is one of the best things to do in Carlsbad in the spring. At the peak, there are more than 50 acres of ranunculus flowers in bloom.

Just keep in mind that this spot is popular – you’ll want to get your tickets in advance online!

If you want to plan the perfect San Diego vacation, here are some guides to get you started:

• ​How to Spend a Weekend in San Diego: A Local’s Guide​
• ​The Ideal Encinitas Day Trip Itinerary​
• ​The Perfect La Jolla Day Trip Itinerary​
• ​The Best Outdoor Activities in San Diego​
• ​Where to Stay in San Diego: Best Areas + Hotel Recommendations​

Happy travels!

Kyra, Sea to Sequoia​

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