Are you planning a summertime visit to San Diego? You should be in good company; after all, summer is the high season when many tourists flock to this So Cal city to enjoy everything from the many museums to San Diego sailing tours. What makes San Diego so popular in the summer months? These five reasons may have something to do with it.
1. The Weather
Southern California is beautiful all year long, but the temperatures are consistently in the mid-70s with more sunshine than clouds and low humidity in the summer. If it sounds like a significant improvement over your part of the country, you can see why San Diego is bustling from June to August.
2. The Beaches
With seventy miles of Pacific Ocean coastline to explore, you are bound to find your favorite beach in San Diego. Do your research to see which beach fits your vision of fun in the sun. For example, Fiesta Island and Cardiff State Beach are dog-friendly locations, while Windansea and Mission Beach are tops for surfers. Here are some favorite sandy spots with both locals and visitors:
- La Jolla Cove
- Coronado Beach
- Bermuda Beach
- Pacific Beach
- Flat Rock Beach at Torrey Pines
3. The Activities
With near-perfect weather and miles of shore, San Diego has more than its fair share of activities to experience. Unfortunately, you may not have the time nor stamina to fit them all into just one trip. Consider these popular things to do when planning your itinerary:
- Biking along the Silver Strand on Coronado Island
- Booking one of the San Diego boat charters for an open-water fishing adventure
- Hiking one of the trails at Torrey Pines State Nature Reserve
- Kayaking through the seven sea caves in La Jolla
- Scuba diving in the artificial reef of Wreck Alley
If that sounds exhausting, set aside some time for relaxing at one of the luxury day spas in Del Mar or a resort near Shelter Island on Mission Bay.
4. The Animals
Wildlife is plentiful around the San Diego area, and it would be a shame if you did not get a chance to see some of these majestic creatures during your stay. Tourists and locals indulge in San Diego whale watching all year round, but mid-June through September is your best opportunity to spot blue whales feeding off the coast.
Another summertime favorite is snorkeling with leopard sharks. These harmless fish come to the shallow waters of La Jolla Shores for mating season, and they do not mind if you join them. Look for other marine mammals, especially seals, sea lions, and dolphins, any time you are near the ocean, or stick to land with a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
5. The Views
The best way to end any day in San Diego is by taking in the view as the sun sets over the Pacific Ocean. Some of the best locations to wind down are the aptly named Sunset Park, Bird Rock, or Ocean Beach Pier.
With so much to offer, San Diego truly has something for everyone. You may have to book a return visit just to fit in all the things you did not have time for during your trip.