Imagine a life where you are surrounded by the most beautiful landscapes, ocean blue waters, and palm trees galore. You might say this is all a dream. Well, we call this California Dreaming and you may think no such place exists. So is our attempt to bring that world to you.
San Diego downtown near the Convention Center
San Diego view from Petco Park
San Diego is a vacationers dream with so many exciting attractions, amusement parks, the famous San Diego Zoo, and exquisite dining. However, San Diego offers so much more other than the average everyday tourist hot spots. Here are a few unique things to discover and see less traveled areas in the San Diego area. Enjoy this photo journal series capturing some of San Diego’s hidden treasures that you may wish to explore. Happy Viewing.
Torrey Pines State Reserve: Hiking and Views
This is a peaceful, beautiful trail for visitors to enjoy in a clean, natural environment, and stunning landscapes and views. This is a reserve; according to torreypine.org, a reserve is not a park. This reserve is a targeted area protected for conservation and also has other restrictions different than a park. Read more here:
Torrey Pines State Beach
The beach is at the bottom of 300 foot sandstone cliffs of white and golden stone, with a greenish layer sometimes visible at the very bottom.
At the north end of the beach the cliffs ends and Los Peñasquitos Lagoon, a salt marsh estuary, empties into the ocean. A county highway crosses the entrance, with limited free parking along the beach.
Learn more here:
La Jolla Cove
La Jolla Cove and Shores are one the most photographed beaches in San Diego County!
La Jolla Cove
It is home to several species of sea life including seagulls, seals, and occasional spottings of Orca killer whales. See more photos of this area here: La Jolla Cove
Sante Fe Hiking Trail: Coast to Crest
Del Dios Gorge Hiking Trail: Coast to Crest
The Sante Fe and Del Dio Gorge Trails are both segments of the San Dieguito River Park area and the Coast to Crest trails. Three pre-historic cultural periods describe parts of this region and portrays a peak at how Native Americans explored through this valley. The Harris Site is noted as one of the most significant archaeological sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
Miramar Air Show: Marine Corp Air Station
The Miramar Air Show was spectacular this year and certainly did not disappoint. This years air show theme was honoring 100 years of women in the Marine Corps. Also feature highlights were some impressive aircraft such as the F-35 Lightening II, F/A -18 Hornet, MV-22 Osprey, AH-1Z Super Cobra/Viper, and of course, the infamous Blue Angels! Miramar Air Show is an annual event usually scheduled for some time in late September or early October.
Petco Park and San Diego Padres
If you visit San Diego, you must experience watching a baseball game at Petco Park with an unbelievable backdrop of the city surrounded by the ocean and spectacular sunsets!
You can watch airplanes arriving for a landing in the distance behind the city buildings as you watch the game.
Stunning sunsets
Carlsbad State Beach
Take notice of how this beach has a massive amount of rocks that comprise the beach. Then take a look at Moonlight Beach located in Encinitas just a short distance south of Carlsbad.
Moonlight Beach: Encinitas
Mount Woodson: Potato Chip Rock
Highly visited hiking trail in San Diego county. Mountain Lion and her cubs were just recently spotted in this area near the Mt. Woodson golf course. (Date: Oct 4, 2018)
Black Mountain Hiking Trail
Lake Ramona Hiking Trail
Learn more about these hiking trails as I describe in one of my blog posts here:Â Â 4 Great Local Hiking Trails in San Diego.
San Diego sunrise
San Diego is an exquisite city to visit and experience. It’s a vacation and travel destination for millions of people. And yes, there are the popular tourist attractions that visitors love to see but there are also the less traveled amazing spots that will leave you speechless. So when you make your trip to San Diego, be sure to explore one or two of the hidden gems that will make your dream vacation more complete. Thank you for reading! California Dreaming!
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More Exploration and Adventure in San Diego!
 Coming Soon: California Dreaming Series | Palm Springs
Categories: California, Destinations
Wonderful, Shannon! I figure San Diego must be a pretty great place, as so many of the traveltribe live there or visit. I can see why–what stunning beaches and coastal scenery. And love your off-the-beaten-path destinations!
Yes, it is quite a lovely place to visit (and live!). Perhaps there could be a Travel Meetup here! Travel tribe convention would be awesome! And thank you for reading, Cynthia!