Renowned around the world for its breathtaking beaches and stunning desert landscape, San Diego is an incredibly picturesque travel destination with breathtaking views. From its pristine coastline to the panoramic cityscapes filling the skyline, there is an abundance of world-class views to enchant locals and travelers alike. Whether you’re looking for awe-inspiring vistas or the perfect backdrop to your Insta-worthy photoshoot, this city truly has it all.
Take a look at these 10 of the best views in San Diego and ensure you can see some of the best that this one-of-a-kind city has to offer during your stay.
1. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park
- Location: Ladera St, San Diego, CA
- Size: 68 Acres
- Costs: Free to Visit
A truly iconic and majestic destination in all of San Diego, Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is filled with absolutely mesmerizing vistas and is a must-see for all nature lovers. The park’s captivating rugged coastline is the picture-perfect place to watch the sunset across the Pacific Ocean and truly lucky visitors may even be able to catch migrating pods of Californian gray whales between December and mid-April.
2. Balboa Park
- Location: Balboa Park, San Diego, CA
- Size: 1,200 Acres
- Costs: Free to Visit
Another hallmark San Diego spot, Balboa Park is brimming with beautiful photo-ops as well as alluring attractions. It’s full of options such as the 17 magnificent museums, exquisite gardens and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. With impressive and memorable views around nearly every corner, it’s no wonder that this park is one of the most popular spots in the entire city.
3. La Jolla Cove
- Location: 1100 Coast Blvd. (at Girard Ave), La Jolla, CA
- Size: Small Coastal Beach
- Costs: Free to Visit
For travelers looking for the ideal natural landscape, La Jolla Cove can be a dream come true. A gateway to the La Jolla Underwater Park, a manmade and highly protected marine reserve, La Jolla Cove is a striking destination with a myriad of marine wildlife filling its pristine waters. Visitors will often find seals and sea lions perched along the cove’s captivating cliffs and the area’s sweeping views of the coastline have made this an incredibly popular spot for photoshoots.
4. Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve
- Location: 12600 N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA
- Size: 2,000 Acres
- Costs: $15 to $25 per Vehicle
A haven for hikers and nature lovers alike, Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve is another outdoor location filled with picturesque views in every direction. Visitors can wander through the Preserve's numerous rugged trails to enjoy a wide variety of unique landscapes including stunning ocean scenery and a forest of the world’s rarest Torrey Pine trees.
5. Cabrillo National Monument
- Location: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA
- Size: 160 Acres
- Costs: $10 per Person
One of San Diego’s most beloved historic and natural treasures, Cabrillo National Monument provides guests with not only some of the region’s most spectacular views but also a glimpse into San Diego’s intriguing past. A site commemorating the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, guests are greeted by a striking statue of the explorer himself as soon as they enter. However, the highlight of this breathtaking park is the unbelievable panoramic views of the city and coastline.
6. Coronado Beach
- Location: 919 Ocean Blvd., Coronado, CA
- Size: 1.75 Miles Long
- Costs: Free to Visit
Just across the Bay from Downtown San Diego lies the charming coastal community of Coronado, namesake of the pristine Coronado Beach. Between the beach’s exquisite white sandy shoreline and the astonishing Victorian architecture surrounding it, this destination is a picture-perfect postcard come to life. Of course, visitors should also make the most of the area’s sensational dining scene and world-class shopping opportunities during their stay.
7. Old Town San Diego
- Location: San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA
- Size: 230 Acres
- Costs: Free to Visit
Recognized as California’s very first European settlement, Old Town offers a unique view of the city’s spectacular history. Filled with preserved adobe buildings, inspiring living history demonstrations and some of the state’s most amazing architecture, this one-of-a-kind neighborhood is a must for both history buffs and photographers looking for a sensational shot of San Diego’s captivating culture.
8. Embarcadero Marina Park
- Location: East Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA
- Size: 9.5 Acres
- Costs: Parking Fee of $2.50 per Hour
Spanning along the coast of San Diego Bay, Embarcadero Marina Park is an ideal spot to take in views of the waterfront, Downtown San Diego and even the iconic USS Midway Museum. As an incredible place to enjoy a delicious picnic or a stroll through the park’s serene landscape, this unique park offers a magnificent maritime ambiance.
9. Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial
- Location: Soledad Mountain, San Diego, CA
- Size: 43 Foot Base
- Costs: Free to Visit
One of the more striking panoramic views of the city, Mount Soledad National Veterans Memorial offers visitors the opportunity to sit upon one of the city’s highest elevation points. Especially enchanting at sunset, when the city is bathed in a spectacular golden light, this unique destination allows visitors to enjoy unobstructed views of San Diego’s stunning skyline, its amazing coast and the Pacific Ocean.
10. Little Italy
- Location: Little Italy, San Diego, CA
- Size: 48 Square Blocks
- Costs: Free to Visit
One of the city’s most vibrant and charming communities, Little Italy offers visitors phenomenal urban views along with a rich cultural history that has helped make it one of the most popular neighborhoods in San Diego. Inspired by the beautiful blending of art, culture and even cuisine brought to the city by Italian immigrants, this delectable destination is filled with wonderful photo-ops and is an experience all its own.
Exploring the Most Scenic San Diego Attractions
San Diego is filled with a diverse variety of viewpoints just waiting to catch your eye. Between historic communities, breathtaking beaches and monuments with a bird’s eye view, the perfect shot can be found around every corner. Keep these AAA-favorite spots in mind and you’re sure to see some of the very best of this iconic city during your stay.
What are you waiting for? Join the over a million people who are AAA members and start planning your sight-seeing trip to San Diego today. Dream up the perfect trip with our Trip Canvas research tool and use your membership to get the best discounts on hotels, rental cars and entertainment tickets.