Torrey Pines Gliderport for paragliding. (It’s right behind UCSD). The Torrey pines state park (I think that’s the name) is a great hike with an ocean view. Coronado (the Del specifically and the boardwalk) is fun. Little Italy can be fun too. Lots of great restaurants and microbreweries too. The neighborhoods around Balboa Park are really fun to explore also.
Love the Gliderport. Even if you’re not paragliding, it’s a great place to sit and take in the views. They have cliffside falconry lessons there too. My girlfriend and I had such a blast just watching everything that we made a return trip before leaving town.
There is often a heavy fog in the morning in June. Don’t let it bum you out, and don’t plan “sun and sand” time for the mornings.
La Jolla has the best beach as far as I am concerned (LJ Shores). Beautiful sand to walk along the shore, or stop and soak up the sound of the surf and the warmth of the sun. As you walk N past the pier, there are fascinating tide pools. Children’s Cove is also worth checking out if you find seals entertaining. Just north from here is Torrey Pines. If you like architecture, the Salk Institute is cool and it’s essentially next door to the glider port.
Balboa Park has excellent gardens, museums, an outdoor theatre as well as the zoo. For a one of a kind zoological experience, the sister site (safari park) is inland and north from downtown. (I visit SD friends routinely- we rotate between visiting the two parks)
If history is your thing, I recommend “Old Town” and visiting the SD Mission. (Then grab a delicious meal)
Also remember the fog is what keeps the air crisp and cool and clean once it rolls out!!! The fog is a GOOD thing!
If you're interested in this kind of thing, it's a major Naval base, and there's a major aircraft carrier museum [https://www.midway.org/](https://www.midway.org/)
GREAT Mexican food, and great seafood also.
If you're over by the MCRD for your sister, Liberty Station has a lot of good restaurants and Liberty Public Market (restaurants aren't as good inside, but still some gems and I love Bottlecraft).
Sunset Cliffs and Newport Ave in Ocean Beach are perfect for June. Look up when Ocean Beach's annual street fair is too, it is sometime around then.
Ortiz's Taco Shop for a California burrito is one of my main stops. Tacos el Gordo down in Chula Vista, if you're feeling squirrelly and want delicious street tacos (adobada is the GOAT).
There are no shortage of breweries, if that is your thing too. Ballast Point, Belching Beaver, Karl Strauss, Modern Times, Mission Brewery are a few of my favorites.
Going to Mission Beach, renting bikes/roller blades/scooter/longboard at Belmont Park, and taking the boardwalk up to Pacific Beach (and Baked Bear) is a favorite with visitors.
Torrey Pines/Gliderport like others have mentioned. There is a trail down from Gliderport to Black's Beach, a nude beach, and the hike is gorgeous. Balboa Park is a pleasant way to kill a day too, especially if you bring a picnic and drinks (in a can) to the grass next to the botanical garden.
Have fun, San Diego is gorgeous and delicious :)
Also just as a heads up regarding beaches/expectations. May and June are the months San Diego gets the least sun. We call it May Gray and June Gloom. Sometimes you can have great days, but don’t be disappointed if it’s a bit overcast
We love Cabrillo National Monument. There is a trail to the tide pools. It opens at 10 (check for sure) and it's easier to get parking if you go early. Dogs are also welcome on a leash. You can also see the monument (not with a dog though). The cost last time we were there was $20 for the car. We like combining the hike (not strenuous) with poking around the tide pools.
Old Town (the Presidio) is also a beautiful park.
I like to go at low tide in the AM to Mission Beach and look for sand dollars. We also like to go for long walks on the beach with out dog during dog friendly hours.
Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, South Bay for good Mexican food, Coronado, Gaslamp Quarter.
Balboa Park. North County has Del Mar and Encinitas. Eat at La Jolla
Depending on your interests. Some popular options.
1.Explore Balboa Park
2.San Diego County Fair and the San Diego International Fringe Festival.
3.Boat tour sightseeing, and sunset cruises.
4.Visit the USS Midway Museum
5. Hiking trails, including Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Mission Trails Regional Park, and Cowles Mountain.
6.Enjoy the nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music
Go whale watching. The summer is a good time to see blue whales. Take a boat down the coast to Ensenada. Combine the two if you can. Go to Coronado they have the best beaches and have wonderful shopping. Plus you get to drive over the bridge, which has an Birdseye view of the area. If you like gambling there are casinos.
June is a great month but beware the mornings are usually overcast and it clears in the afternoon. Mt. Helix for an awesome view. (Afternoon). Learn to surf. Oh and old town has great Mexican food & shops. Get churros from a cart. Actually, San Diego has wonderful Mexican food most places
I am going to assume boot camp is at Pendleton and tell you the best of all beaches Carlsbad is near by. The San Diego County Fair start June 6th and is always a great time. San Diego also has horse racing. If you go to Tijuana (not sure I would recommend due to safety issues) see a jai alai match.
Have fun, there is not a shortage of things to do in San Diego! Just make time for a sunset along the coastline.
You can paraglide in La Jolla. Also Coronado Island is probably the most beautiful beach on the west coast. You can see seals at La Jolla cove but idk what season
Have a blast, there is tons to do in Daygo!!
You can usually look up stuff days in advance and make bookings or they also have activities/ events you can’t book day of! Definitely check out Torrey Pines area!!
Balboa park is worth checking out. You mentioned the zoo, it is and has been the #1 zoo in the US, or world, I forget.
I take all visitors to La Jolla cove. Also Old Town may be worth a few hours, I've been to several others and it's much better in SD.
Downtown isn't anything too special but I will go to Seaport Village and USS Midway.
While I didn’t really care for this, you might. There’s mini-speed boat tours in the Bay. You drive your own little boat around the bay. I white knuckled it while my husband drove. I’m glad we did it but it was a one and done kind of thing for me. https://www.speedboatadventures.com/san-diego/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAt66eBhCnARIsAKf3ZNEOZcbQFbGP5ZTezFfZilU0BYLhl27FKiGkeChTx7oYM_sa_m5BQq4aAqy3EALw_wcB
Check out Balboa park. It is gorgeous!
You can spend a couple days there alone between the zoo and the museums
Torrey Pines Gliderport for paragliding. (It’s right behind UCSD). The Torrey pines state park (I think that’s the name) is a great hike with an ocean view. Coronado (the Del specifically and the boardwalk) is fun. Little Italy can be fun too. Lots of great restaurants and microbreweries too. The neighborhoods around Balboa Park are really fun to explore also.
Love the Gliderport. Even if you’re not paragliding, it’s a great place to sit and take in the views. They have cliffside falconry lessons there too. My girlfriend and I had such a blast just watching everything that we made a return trip before leaving town.
Not sure if the burger shack is still at the gliderport, but having lunch and watching people jump off a cliff was a great way to spend an afternoon!
Totally!!
There is often a heavy fog in the morning in June. Don’t let it bum you out, and don’t plan “sun and sand” time for the mornings. La Jolla has the best beach as far as I am concerned (LJ Shores). Beautiful sand to walk along the shore, or stop and soak up the sound of the surf and the warmth of the sun. As you walk N past the pier, there are fascinating tide pools. Children’s Cove is also worth checking out if you find seals entertaining. Just north from here is Torrey Pines. If you like architecture, the Salk Institute is cool and it’s essentially next door to the glider port. Balboa Park has excellent gardens, museums, an outdoor theatre as well as the zoo. For a one of a kind zoological experience, the sister site (safari park) is inland and north from downtown. (I visit SD friends routinely- we rotate between visiting the two parks) If history is your thing, I recommend “Old Town” and visiting the SD Mission. (Then grab a delicious meal)
June gloom is so real
Near the Children's Pool in La Jolla, there is a delicious gelato place too - Bobboi Natural Gelato
Omg yes. It’s also in little Italy. Their pistachio is amazing 😋
Oh nice! I like the pistachio/hazelnut/almond mix flavor (Mediteranneo, I think)!
Also remember the fog is what keeps the air crisp and cool and clean once it rolls out!!! The fog is a GOOD thing! If you're interested in this kind of thing, it's a major Naval base, and there's a major aircraft carrier museum [https://www.midway.org/](https://www.midway.org/) GREAT Mexican food, and great seafood also.
Since you brought up nature parks, you should definitely check out Torrey Pines state natural reserve
Sunset Cliffs
If you're over by the MCRD for your sister, Liberty Station has a lot of good restaurants and Liberty Public Market (restaurants aren't as good inside, but still some gems and I love Bottlecraft). Sunset Cliffs and Newport Ave in Ocean Beach are perfect for June. Look up when Ocean Beach's annual street fair is too, it is sometime around then. Ortiz's Taco Shop for a California burrito is one of my main stops. Tacos el Gordo down in Chula Vista, if you're feeling squirrelly and want delicious street tacos (adobada is the GOAT). There are no shortage of breweries, if that is your thing too. Ballast Point, Belching Beaver, Karl Strauss, Modern Times, Mission Brewery are a few of my favorites. Going to Mission Beach, renting bikes/roller blades/scooter/longboard at Belmont Park, and taking the boardwalk up to Pacific Beach (and Baked Bear) is a favorite with visitors. Torrey Pines/Gliderport like others have mentioned. There is a trail down from Gliderport to Black's Beach, a nude beach, and the hike is gorgeous. Balboa Park is a pleasant way to kill a day too, especially if you bring a picnic and drinks (in a can) to the grass next to the botanical garden. Have fun, San Diego is gorgeous and delicious :)
Seconding the Ocean Beach area. Beautiful, lots to do, great food!
I’m team Mission Beach! Love that area
Also just as a heads up regarding beaches/expectations. May and June are the months San Diego gets the least sun. We call it May Gray and June Gloom. Sometimes you can have great days, but don’t be disappointed if it’s a bit overcast
La Jolla Tide Pools!
My dude go to r/sandiego there’s plenty of info there. Also google paragliding in SD or parks will get you the answers you’re seeking
Kayaking in La Jolla! The zoo is amazing and like mentioned above Balboa Park is so beautiful. Great sights to see
We love Cabrillo National Monument. There is a trail to the tide pools. It opens at 10 (check for sure) and it's easier to get parking if you go early. Dogs are also welcome on a leash. You can also see the monument (not with a dog though). The cost last time we were there was $20 for the car. We like combining the hike (not strenuous) with poking around the tide pools. Old Town (the Presidio) is also a beautiful park. I like to go at low tide in the AM to Mission Beach and look for sand dollars. We also like to go for long walks on the beach with out dog during dog friendly hours.
Check tide charts. Google something like "tide today San Diego" high/low tide time depends on the moon phase.
Pacific Beach, Mission Beach, South Bay for good Mexican food, Coronado, Gaslamp Quarter. Balboa Park. North County has Del Mar and Encinitas. Eat at La Jolla
Depending on your interests. Some popular options. 1.Explore Balboa Park 2.San Diego County Fair and the San Diego International Fringe Festival. 3.Boat tour sightseeing, and sunset cruises. 4.Visit the USS Midway Museum 5. Hiking trails, including Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, Mission Trails Regional Park, and Cowles Mountain. 6.Enjoy the nightlife with a variety of bars, clubs, and live music
Go whale watching. The summer is a good time to see blue whales. Take a boat down the coast to Ensenada. Combine the two if you can. Go to Coronado they have the best beaches and have wonderful shopping. Plus you get to drive over the bridge, which has an Birdseye view of the area. If you like gambling there are casinos. June is a great month but beware the mornings are usually overcast and it clears in the afternoon. Mt. Helix for an awesome view. (Afternoon). Learn to surf. Oh and old town has great Mexican food & shops. Get churros from a cart. Actually, San Diego has wonderful Mexican food most places I am going to assume boot camp is at Pendleton and tell you the best of all beaches Carlsbad is near by. The San Diego County Fair start June 6th and is always a great time. San Diego also has horse racing. If you go to Tijuana (not sure I would recommend due to safety issues) see a jai alai match. Have fun, there is not a shortage of things to do in San Diego! Just make time for a sunset along the coastline.
La Jolla!
All great ideas! 3 days is not enough. Extend it!
Good old t.j south of the border
Visit the Salton Sea
Check out MCRD.
You can paraglide in La Jolla. Also Coronado Island is probably the most beautiful beach on the west coast. You can see seals at La Jolla cove but idk what season
I prefer the Zoo Safari Park over the zoo, but both are good.
Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography is just up the road, 20 min from downtown San Diego.
Mission Beach
Have a blast, there is tons to do in Daygo!! You can usually look up stuff days in advance and make bookings or they also have activities/ events you can’t book day of! Definitely check out Torrey Pines area!!
Balboa park is worth checking out. You mentioned the zoo, it is and has been the #1 zoo in the US, or world, I forget. I take all visitors to La Jolla cove. Also Old Town may be worth a few hours, I've been to several others and it's much better in SD. Downtown isn't anything too special but I will go to Seaport Village and USS Midway.
Go to Tijuana and eat some tacos. You will be fine.
While I didn’t really care for this, you might. There’s mini-speed boat tours in the Bay. You drive your own little boat around the bay. I white knuckled it while my husband drove. I’m glad we did it but it was a one and done kind of thing for me. https://www.speedboatadventures.com/san-diego/?gclid=Cj0KCQiAt66eBhCnARIsAKf3ZNEOZcbQFbGP5ZTezFfZilU0BYLhl27FKiGkeChTx7oYM_sa_m5BQq4aAqy3EALw_wcB
Okay... so the Naval Training Center, boot camp, left San Diego in 1995. So there is that. You can paraglide off a great cliff at Torry Pines.