Nothing beats the soft air, bright sun and mild climate of San Diego. It is a fantastic place to visit at any time of year. This is an excellent destination for seniors, whether they prefer to stay active and explore the city or to relax and unwind for long hours on the sand.
The beaches in San Diego are some of the best in the country. Unlike the East Coast, the water temperature is cooler and the currents come from the north. The dry climate means that you will not be suffering through humid days in the late spring and summer, and walking around the city is a very enjoyable way to spend your time. Here are five fantastic activities for seniors who plan to visit the San Diego:
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What to do in San Diego: A Guide for Seniors
1. Relax at the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club
The La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club is a perfect place to relax on the beach or play a game of tennis. La Jolla’s long and beautiful beach is one of the best walking beaches in the world, and is ideal for swimming. Walk around the town of La Jolla, where you can poke around boutique shops, dine at gourmet restaurants, and look at the breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean.
2. Walk through Balboa Park
This large and beautiful park in downtown San Diego was created for the 1916 Panama-California Expedition. Featuring several art galleries, this area is a destination for art and architecture lovers. The Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings are beautiful to look at and photograph, and there are museums to fit every interest. Take in the sights of the Natural History Museum, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, the Timken Museum of Art, and the Spanish Village Art Center, just to name a few. Take a look at Balboa Park’s website to learn more about what you can see.
3. Visit the California Missions
If you love Spanish architecture, you came to the right place! Just outside of San Diego, you can visit three different Missions. Each of them made up part of the Spanish network of 21 missions along the California coast from Baja California to Sonoma. The Missions are an interesting part of California’s history and absolutely beautiful to see. Mission San Diego de Alcala is the closest to downtown San Diego, but Mission San Luis Rey de Francia and Mission San Juan Capistrano are also close by and will allow you to enjoy the coastal views along the way.
4. Enjoy a Sunset Cocktail at Hotel del Coronado
Visit the Hotel del Coronado, or “The Del,” as locals call it, to watch the spectacular sunset over the ocean. Experience this charming, sophisticated and historic hotel where “Some Like it Hot” was filmed with Marilyn Monroe. The hotel also has several upscale shops that are fun to visit. The beach at Coronado is also a beautiful place to spend the day.
5. Have Dinner in the Gaslamp Quarter
After spending a day on the beach, locals and visitors come to the restaurants in the historic Gaslamp Quarter for dinner. This is a great area to take in the energy of the city as well as trying excellent, fresh food in a variety of restaurants. Try Searsucker, one of celebrity chef Brian Melarkey’s restaurants or authentic Mexican street tacos at La Puerta.
Wherever you decide to go in San Diego, we are confident that you will find an abundance of fun places to explore. The breathtaking Pacific Ocean and the warm sun will leave you feeling as positive as the city’s residents!
This article was written by Cathy Trainor.