Sharon’s City Heights and North Park Guidebook
Attractions
If you are a supporter of wildlife, the Zoo is a worthwhile attraction! Start with the free guided bus tour if you would like to get an overview and some interesting facts. Sit on the bottom deck if you don't want to be in the sun. Then grab a map or get the app and plan your path to end up at the Sky Tram at the bottom (the zoo is on a hill and you start at the top). Hop on the free sky tram for the trip back up so you don't have to walk uphill. Best on weekdays.
2510 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrIf you are a supporter of wildlife, the Zoo is a worthwhile attraction! Start with the free guided bus tour if you would like to get an overview and some interesting facts. Sit on the bottom deck if you don't want to be in the sun. Then grab a map or get the app and plan your path to end up at the Sky Tram at the bottom (the zoo is on a hill and you start at the top). Hop on the free sky tram for the trip back up so you don't have to walk uphill. Best on weekdays.
SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Many exciting new rides and activities.
Harbor cruise is informative and allows you to see the city from the water.
39 locals recommend
Hornblower Cruises & Events (Whale Watching & Harbor Tours)
970 N Harbor DrHarbor cruise is informative and allows you to see the city from the water.
Historical ships including the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship.
124 locals recommend
Maritime Museum of San Diego
1492 N Harbor DrHistorical ships including the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship.
Wide open spaces where the animals can roam. Many species will share an enclosure, living together like they do in the wild. Ride the tram or take a cart safari to go inside the enclosures.
967 locals recommend
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdWide open spaces where the animals can roam. Many species will share an enclosure, living together like they do in the wild. Ride the tram or take a cart safari to go inside the enclosures.
Open 5 days/week (Thurs-Mon) with two play sessions, 9am-12pm + 1-4pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum or online.
115 locals recommend
The New Children’s Museum
200 W Island AveOpen 5 days/week (Thurs-Mon) with two play sessions, 9am-12pm + 1-4pm. Tickets can be purchased at the Museum or online.
Imax, science museum and events. It doesn't match the Exploratorium in San Francisco, but it has fun activities for all ages.
93 locals recommend
Fleet Science Center
1875 El PradoImax, science museum and events. It doesn't match the Exploratorium in San Francisco, but it has fun activities for all ages.
LEGOLAND California
One Legoland DrInteractive fun for all ages. Well maybe not teenagers :)
Food scene
Hammond's Gourmet Ice Cream
3077 University AveGreat ice cream and unique flavors.
Caffè Calabria
3933 30th StAuthentic Italian pizza. Great coffee.
Go early to get a table, otherwise there may be a long wait especially on weekends. The food is great! Breakfast and lunch only.
133 locals recommend
The Mission North Park
2801 University AveGo early to get a table, otherwise there may be a long wait especially on weekends. The food is great! Breakfast and lunch only.
Mike Hess Brewing, North Park
3812 Grim AveLocal brewery
Holy Matcha
3118 University AveUnique.
City Tacos
3028 University AveGood quick meal. Vegetarian options.
Neighborhoods
Pacific Beach
Classic beach town feeling.
Walk the famous OB Pier. On Wednesdays visit the lively farmer's market, street fair and evening drum circle. Hippie vibe. Surfing.
776 locals recommend
Ocean Beach
1850 Ocean Front StWalk the famous OB Pier. On Wednesdays visit the lively farmer's market, street fair and evening drum circle. Hippie vibe. Surfing.
Shopping
Horton Plaza
900 Fourth AveUnique shopping experience. Weird architecture.
Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdIf you want to shop at mall, this is the one.
City advice
What to pack
Dress in layers
The temperature changes throughout the day. Layers are your friend! Near the coast there is frequently a marine layer in the morning but it will burn off and usually bring a sunny day. It can also get chilly in the evening. If you go out on or near the water, or in the evening, bring a jacket if you tend to get cold. Remember your sunscreen!
Customs and culture
Neighborhoods
San Diego is made up of neighborhoods, each with it's own flavor. North Park and South Park are the current hip places to be, with plenty of night life. Little Italy showcases dining. Hillcrest is the LGBTQ center.