Guide to: San Diego

By: R. Liaw

This city is best known for its friendly locals, laid-back lifestyle, and myriad of options on what to do. Personally, by going to San Diego almost every year to visit my family, I have come across quite a lot of unique attractions and activities. Here are some of my favourites:


Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
The natural reserve’s 8.094 km2 were primarily designated as a World Heritage Site in 1977, named after the Torrey Pine tree, and offering 6 trails to choose from (such as the Beach trail, the Guy Fleming trail, the High point trail, the Razor point trail etc.). Torrey Pines is a pleasant mix of desert wilderness with a stunning coastal environment, a wonderful opportunity to explore, see, and take postcard-worthy pictures of the beautiful views of windswept cliffs and sandstone canyons.


Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography
Birch Aquarium allows you to come face to face with more than 5,000 fish in 60+ different habitats, as well as having loads of hands-on experiences, including the opportunity of witnessing the feedings of the animals. Visiting the aquarium is also the perfect opportunity to observe a splendid panoramic view of the beach and ocean. The Birch Aquarium also has a museum featuring the research and discoveries about marine life made at none other than the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography.


Kayaking in La Jolla
Best described as 'The Jewel of San Diego', this beach is the perfect place to relax, enjoy yourself, and have fun, especially when you add kayaking to the mixture. While on the tour guided by professionals, discover La Jolla's underwater park, sea caves and coastal cliffs, featuring fun facts and fascinating information along the way. You also have the opportunity of meeting dolphins, sea lions, leopard sharks and other striking marine life face to face along the Pacific Coast.


Sea World
Sea World is an aquarium, animal theme park, and oceanarium that allows you to experience the hidden underwater world. In the last 50 years, Sea World has also rescued over 30,000 different animals, and visiting the park is a wonderful opportunity to witness and learn about the extraordinary marine life found in San Diego's coast. At the park, all of the animals are right there next to each other in their corresponding habitats complete with available information and facts, making the experience as fascinating as it is fun! This theme park also offers fun rides and shows as well as dining and food carts at close reach no matter where you are inside it.​