La Jolla Cove is a small beach-like cove surrounded by beautiful cliffs which offer scenic and picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean. It is administered by the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve and is a major attraction among swimmers and divers. The Tidepools at La Jolla Cove offer clear waters and perfect conditions for snorkeling, scuba diving and swimming. Ranked among the best San Diego beaches for its clean and clear waters, the La Jolla Cove serves as a perfect place for family picnics and fun outings.
Fun for adults and kids, this museum-on-water is the focal point of San Diego's historic Embarcadero Promenade. Comprised of several painstakingly restored historic ships, it is a tribute to the sea-faring age. One of the ships showcased at Maritime Museum of San Diego is the Star of India (1863), a stunning vision that graces the coastline as the world's oldest actively-sailed, square-rigged ship.
Near the man-made islands of Mission Bay, this beach runs along Mission Boulevard and boasts a fabulous boardwalk. One of the best places in San Diego to soak up the city's beach lifestyle, this is an unsurpassed area for people watching or building sandcastles. For a faster pace, rent a bike or in-line roller skates or better yet, take a ride on Belmont Park's world-famous wooden roller coaster. Whatever attraction you choose, be prepared for large crowds and limited parking at Mission Beach.
Founded in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá was the first mission founded by Father Junipero Serra in The Californias. Like many of the Spanish missions that were built along California's famous El Camino Real, the mission is actually the namesake of the major city it's near--in this case, San Diego. The mission experienced a tumultuous history since its founding, and its church building has since been rebuilt five times on the same site. Today, the mission stands as a remarkable example of early California history and is currently registered as a National Historic Landmark.
The famous biological research facility, founded by renowned polio vaccine inventor Jonas Salk, is perched high above La Jolla surrounded by 26 acres (10.5 acres). Modernist architect Louis I. Kahn designed the twin-structured building in 1965. The landscape includes a courtyard area, "Stream of Life" and a foot-wide water display inspired by architect Louis Barragan which flows through the marble courtyard between the buildings.
During your visit to Balboa Park, do not miss this gigantic, world-class musical instrument. Believed to be the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world, this impressive structure was built in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels. Year around, as many as 2,000 people can sit and hear the Sunday afternoon concerts. At other times, local musical talent is displayed. Check website for upcoming performances.