How might you spend an extra 12 hours in San Diego? That was the invitation for the San Diego “Extra Time” team. Their mission: Discover new parts of the city, play along the coastline, and learn something new together. Follow along as the team explores hidden gems around the city and takes a mellow adventure on the water.
Play in San Diego’s cultural heart, Balboa Park
Sprawling across 1,200 acres, Balboa Park is far more than green space. San Diego’s backyard park is home to 65 miles of trails and 18 museums, as well as the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Take your choice of some top spots: Walk through the Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden and the Japanese Friendship Garden, or visit the cute International Cottages (which sometimes offer culinary samples) at the House of Pacific Relations. Or stop by one of the don’t-miss museums such as the Museum of Us, Fleet Science Center, or the Comic-Con Museum.
More: How to Experience San Diego’s Comic-Con Museum
Experience Chicano culture in Barrio Logan
Just south of downtown, Barrio Logan showcases the creativity and resilience of one of San Diego’s most vibrant Mexican-American communities. It’s also one of California’s Cultural Districts. When the locals were faced with a new interstate running through the community, they responded by creating an outdoor museum in the surrounding area: Walk through Chicano Park to see more than 100 paintings and murals depicting the heroes of Chicano culture—from Aztec warriors to Frida Kahlo—then do a tasting tour of local eateries, which often boast their own art and displays. Get coffee or horchata at Shop Cafe Barrio Logan, tacos or pozole at Todo Pa' La Cruda, and the famous house-made tortillas at Las Quatro Milpas.
Paddle around the La Jolla Underwater Park
One of Southern California’s most memorable paddles begins off the shores of La Jolla, where the 6,000-acre La Jolla Underwater Park and Ecological Reserve teems with kelp forests and marine life. Explore by renting a kayak or snorkel gear from La Jolla Kayak, then paddle your way through the Seven Sea Caves off La Jolla Shores—accessible only by kayak—and keep an eye out for the orange garibaldi (the state fish) and harmless leopard sharks. There’s a good chance that you’ll also get close-up views of sea lions and dolphins.
More: How to Spend a Perfect Day in La Jolla
Browse books then get gelato in North Park
Northeast of Balboa Park, North Park blends indie spirit with some of San Diego’s most exciting dining, craft beer, and shopping. Stop at Verbatim Books, home to more than 50,000 used and antiquarian books, then refuel at An’s Dry Cleaning, an acclaimed gelato shop set inside a former dry cleaner’s storefront. Good news: You are expected to try samples of all seven or eight rotating flavors before deciding.
Experience a personalized cocktail tasting at Young Blood
There’s no set drink menu at this speakeasy-style cocktail bar hidden behind a fake refrigerator door in the East Village. Instead, reservation-only Young Blood offers a personalized three-course cocktail tasting tailored to each guest. Share your preferred flavors and spirits with the bartender, who will craft a progression of three cocktails designed around your tastes. By the end of the experience, you may just discover your new favorite cocktail.
More: Explore California’s Vibrant San Diego Neighborhoods
Enjoy a stunning view of the city from Coronado
Across San Diego Bay, Coronado Island is home to the iconic red-roofed Hotel Del Coronado, a charming downtown area, and scenic Centennial Park— all an easy drive or ferry ride away from downtown. Pick up a picnic-ready meal from the shops and eateries at the Coronado Ferry Landing then enjoy the view of the skyline and bay from the grass.
