Lena and Sophie report on their favorite places in and around San Diego.
San Diego is known worldwide as one of the most beautiful tourist cities. The city's location on the American west coast makes San Diego a real surfer's paradise and home to dolphins, whales and other sea creatures. Whether you want to relax on the beach or do something, San Diego offers a little of everything. But the cities, national parks and sights around San Diego are also worth a visit! That's why we're introducing you to the top 10 spots outside of San Diego:
Oceanside
Oceanside, affectionately known as O'side by locals, is located approximately 34 miles north of San Diego and offers something for all tastes. Tour the New England-style harbor, walk across the West Coast's longest pier at 592 meters, and immerse yourself in the city's history. Do you love surfing? Then you can visit the surf museum or dive into O'side's waves yourself. In addition to the famous architecture and gardens in the Mount Ecclesia district, you can also admire the breathtaking sunrises and sunsets. Are you up for an adventure? On a whale watching tour you can observe gray and blue whales up close in their wild range.
From San Diego to Los Angeles
One of the most famous cities on the US West Coast is Los Angeles. Did you know that LA is just under two hours from San Diego? Well, if that doesn't call for a road trip! If you are interested in a beach vacation, beaches like this Venice Beach just right for you. You often have the chance to meet one or two stars there. The motto “see and be seen” is particularly important here. Are you more of a Hollywood fan and would you like to see Brad Pitt and Co. live or at least the place where many of them live? Then we recommend a trip to Beverly Hills. However, you don't have to go to Beverly Hills straight away to soak up the Hollywood feeling Walk of Fame your contact point and definitely a highlight.
Long Beach
Also north of San Diego and on the way to Los Angeles is Long Beach. A stunning city that delights visitors with great attractions such as Aquarium Of The Pacific or that Queen Mary attracts. The ship found its final anchorage in Long Beach. For a quiet day by the sea, the city also offers many great options with its various restaurants.
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is the relaxation oasis of the stars. In addition to relaxation, the beautiful city, which is about 2.5 hours from San Diego, also offers many other great leisure activities. For example, the longest rotating cable car in the world, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, is located here. Furthermore, that is Palm Springs Art Museum a paradise for art lovers. So go ahead and get a taste of the relaxing air of Palm Springs!
Mexicali
Just under two hours' drive from San Diego is Mexicali, the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California. What is interesting to know is the name Mexicali is a portmanteau of Mexico and California. A particularly spectacular sight is the Canyon of Guadalupe Hiking trail that leads through gorges past beautiful viewpoints and hot thermal springs. If the beautiful architecture of churches and cathedrals appeals to you and you would like to attend a Mexican church service, the Catedral de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe an ideal place.
Las Vegas
Five hours from San Diego is Las Vegas, in the middle of the Nevada desert. In addition to the many casinos, the Las Vegas Strip also has many other attractions that you can visit. The world-famous water show at the hotel Bellagio is a must on your trip. Also that one Mirage Volcanowhich spits its “fire” up to 40 meters into the air, is an absolute highlight! In addition to numerous shows that include music, dance, acrobatics and breathtaking tricks, there are also endless shopping opportunities. In addition to large malls, the Coca-Cola shop in the shape of a Cola bottle or the M&M shop are also highly recommended. At the end, of course, don't forget an Instagram photo in front of the famous Las Vegas sign!
Coachella Festival
One of the largest music festivals Coachella Festival takes place annually in Indio, so you can easily travel from San Diego in 2.5 hours. There you have the opportunity to party for three days, listen to the music and camp, or as they call it there, “glamp”. This year's top guests include Billie Eilish, Harry Styles and Swedish House Mafia. Well-known personalities have also been there in the past and have sung live for an audience of around 125,000 spectators.
Joshua Tree National Park
It covers an area of almost 3,200 km2 Joshua Tree National Parkwhich can be easily reached from San Diego in three hours. Here you have the opportunity to hike between gigantic rocks and marvel at the Joshua trees. If you're lucky, you may also see wildlife, such as the bighorn sheep or the desert tortoise. The national park also offers a large selection for climbing fans – whether beginner or professional – with more than 8,000 well-known climbing tours. Keys View As the highest point in Joshua Tree, it is popular to visit, especially in the evening. From here you can end the day relaxing with a particularly beautiful sunset.
Santa Monica Mountains
The breathtakingly beautiful national park about three hours from San Diego Santa Monica Mountains offers the perfect break from the busy city chaos. On one of the numerous hiking trails you can view the beautiful flora and fauna and maybe even catch a glimpse of one of the local mountain lions. The famous Malibu Beach is also part of the national park and offers you the ideal relaxation after a hike.
Conclusion
As you can see, you can do a lot from San Diego! This is due on the one hand to the city's great location – close to the Mexican border and close to the mountains – and to the fact that the American west coast has so much to offer. So if you are in San Diego soon, perhaps even with EF during a language trip, then you have many opportunities to get to know nature and culture up close.
