10. Presidio Park. The first permanent European settlement and fort on the Pacific coast built in 1769 on top of Presidio Hill. It was built to protect the Spanish settlement from Indian attacks. Killer views. Bring your camera to capture the views, bring your dog, or have a romantic picnic in the park. Unlike other parks in San Diego this one is built on a hill and is the recreation areas are not flat. Parking is limited be prepared to walk up and down the hill.

9. Santee Lakes. 9310 Fanita Parkway, Santee. Famous for fishing, birdwatching and photography. The mandmade lakes were originally built to recycle wastewater from the growing town of Santee. Wastewater slowly moved from one lake to another in a row cleaning the water for reuse. Before the lakes were opened to the public a third natural cleaning process was added to ensure areas used for recreation passed Health Department standards. Today Santee Lakes offers camping, recreation & fitness areas, fishing, and special events like Summer Movies by the Lake.

8. Ellen Browning Scripps Memorial Park. 1133 Coast Blvd, La Jolla. Scripps Park is a small recreation area designated as a park in 1887 on the western coast of La Jolla. La Jolla Cove located within Scripps Park, is one of San Diego’s best beaches.

7. Soledad Natural Park. On top of Mount Soledad is a memorial cross and park dedicated to US veterans. Offers the best views of La Jolla, Downtown, and the coastline. Bring a date here on a clear night after dinner or see the spectacular daytime views of San Diego. Listed as one of the top tourist attractions in San Diego.

6. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park. Point Loma, San Diego. A 68 acre park located along the western end of Point Loma. The park is a favorite among locals. The largest and most secluded 50 acre section is accessible through an entrance on Ladera Street. The park offers a beach, sea caves, hiking, and more. This is my favorite place to get away from it all in San Diego and I never have a problem taking my dog off-leash.

9. Tidepools – La Jolla Cove. La Jolla Cove is a tiny beach that is known as the most beautiful beach in San Diego and one of the most photographed beaches in Southern California. La Jolla Cove offers views of widelife and is a popular spot for scuba divers and snorkelers. No surfing allowed at La Jolla Cove.

8. Exercising – Mission Beach. From the jetty in Mission Beach t0 the North PB runs a wide concrete boardwalk where you can run, rollerblade, skateboard, or ride your bike. For a more challenging run try the soft sand on the beach. Mission Beach is also home to Belmont Park and the famous Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Wave House Bar and Restaurant where you can ride a large artificial wave.

7. Locals favorite – Moonlight Beach in Encinitas. Old school concession stand, fire pits, and volleyball courts. Near pier and local seafood and other restaurants and shopping district.

6. Learning to surf – La Jolla Shores. This family beach in La Jolla offers consistent smaller waves to help beginners learn how to surf. See 10 Best Surf Spots in SD for other areas. Considered the #2 family beach behind Coronado Beach.

10. Swami’s, Encinitas. Swamis is known internationally throughout the surfing community for it winter right point breaks. Waves are always a little bigger which means a large crowd.

9. Ocean Beach Jetty, Ocean Beach. Waves coming off the jetty are decent and consistent The spot is always crowded and preferred by locals. OB is the seediest of the three main beaches, Mission, Pacific, and Ocean Beach.

8. Cardiff Reef, Encinitas. This break is full of locals and preferred by long boarders. All skill levels welcome. Winter has the best breaks at Cardiff Reef.

7. Windansea Beach, La Jolla. On this San Diego shoreline the surf is fairly consistent. It can get crowded and locals take surfing seriously.

6. South Del Mar, Del Mar. Surfing is best from 15th to 29th Streets with 25th, 23rd & 19th St. tending to have the best breaks.