San Diego’s Best Views to Check Off Your Bucket List

From sandy beaches kissed by Pacific waves to towering cliffs offering panoramic vistas, San Diego is undeniably one of the most breathtaking cities in the United States. Between our miles of breathtaking coastline, loads of historic landmarks, and charming seaside neighborhoods, there’s simply no shortage of picturesque destinations to experience. Searching for the must-see spots to check off your travel bucket list? Here are some of our favorite views that perfectly capture why San Diego has been crowned the title of, “America’s Finest City”!

Sunset Viewing Spots

What is the first thing to come to mind when you think of San Diego? Beaches, of course! With 70 miles of coastline, there are seemingly endless spots to catch the sun dip below the horizon from the sandy shores. But, of course, there are some golden hour viewing locations that rise above the rest. Here are a few of our top choices — check out a full in-depth guide over on our Best San Diego Sunsets blog!

(Photo: @pacificbeachsunsets)

OCEAN BEACH PIER (5.8 MILES)

SUNSET CLIFFS (7 MILES)

CORONADO FERRY LANDING (8.4 MILES)

BIRD ROCK BEACH (9.1 MILES)

San Diego’s Stunning Skylines

Although beaches may be the first thing that comes to mind when you picture our coastal city, don’t forget it’s also the second largest city in California, with a breathtaking skyline worth seeing! Surrounded by mountains, beaches, bays, and skyscraping buildings, make sure to reserve some time in your itinerary to check out these must-see viewpoints of the city:

Kate Sessions Park (7.5 Miles)

(Photo: @andycosgrove)

Centennial Park (8 Miles)

Mount Soledad (9.5 Miles)

(Photo: @cali_drone)

Cabrillo National Monument (9.6 Miles)

Torrey Pines Gliderport (13 Miles)

Pssst… Locals secret spot: If you head to Point Loma’s hillside, on the corner of Trumbull St. and Bangor St., you will find one of the prettiest views of the San Diego Bay and sparkling downtown skyline. Bring a camera…and don’t tell them we sent you! 😉

Restaurants With a View

Looking for dinner and drinks with unbelievable scenery? Lucky for you, hundreds of restaurants offer memorable meals with some of the best views around! Here are a couple of our local favorites that are worth the visit for the cuisine, as well as the location:

George’s at the Cove (10.8 Miles)

Watch the Planes Soar

Since the San Diego International Airport is located right next to downtown, the airplanes will often fly so low over your head that you feel like you can almost reach out and touch them! Here are some of the best spots to watch them soar over the city and snag the perfect photo-op:

Laurel Airport Parking Garage (5.4 Miles)

Liberty Station NTC Park (4.3 Miles)

Balboa Park (2.2 Miles)

Nolita Hall (4.5 Miles)

With comfortable accommodations, amazing amenities, and a location right in the center of the city in Mission Valley, Days Inn San Diego Hotel Circle is the perfect spot to rest your head after a long day of exploring these must-see spots! Start planning your travel bucket list, and explore our offers and rooms today!