San Diego is full of awe-inspiring views, from the ocean to the mountains to the bay––so whether you want to treat out-of-town guests to stunning vistas or you and the fam want to appreciate the beauty in your own backyard or find the perfect photo backdrop, we’ve got a sight for you. Click through our slideshow to feast your eyes on vantage points around the city that are nothing short of spectacular.
Where do you go for breathtaking views? Share with us in the comments below.
—Nikki Walsh
On warm summer evenings, when I was a little girl, my dad would sit outside in his brown metal chair, and say he was “watching the world go round.”
As he gazed out across our land, he possessed a perfect view of the sunset-as the pinks, oranges, reds, yellows, and purples danced across the sky, before retreating below the horizon.
Even more so than observing the sun set across his farmland, my dad enjoyed watching his three daughters play outside. My sisters and I spent countless hours riding our bikes up and down the circle drive, hula hooping, jump roping, and playing catch with each other. Because we lived on eighty acres in the country, my sisters and I spent as much time outdoors as indoors.
When I think back on my childhood, I see the silhouette of my dad sitting in his brown chair, drinking his Orange Juice and Vodka after a long day’s work in the city, and watching his little girls play outdoors.
Life moved slower back then. My sisters and I had no concept of time. Once the sun went down and the fireflies appeared, with their tiny lights twinkling across our lawn and pasture, we knew it was our cue to go inside for the night.
I can close my eyes and am transported back to those summer evenings on the farm. The smell of nature: of grass, dirt, and livestock, wafts by me once more. I can hear the chirping of crickets, grasshoppers, and the bullfrogs calling from the ponds. The rooster crows one last time before retreating to his roost, and the cows moo from the back pasture.
Twenty-five years later, and I sit outside once again, watching my own children play in the yard. I live in the city instead of the country, and my family’s little plot of land measures less than a half-acre. My kids are younger, so I am more hands-on with them, and cannot simply sit back and observe from a chair. My 9-month-old ambles across the driveway with the help of her walker. My toddler rides his toy car up and down the driveway. My preteen stepdaughter practices her soccer skills for Saturday’s game, as Dad plays goalie, and blocks her kicks.
When the sun is preparing to set, our family begins our short walk around the neighborhood. I push my toddler in his umbrella stroller, while my husband pushes our daughter in the travel system stroller that holds the infant car seat. My stepdaughter joins us, leading the way as she rides her streamer-adorned bicycle.
These sunset walks are my family’s own tradition. We wave at the neighbors as we pass by, our little family of five on an evening stroll. The sunset is still awe-inspiring, even if the view is more obscured now with city lights and nearby houses instead of the wide-open expanse of my dad’s farm.
The world keeps turning. The days become night as the sun sets in a final dazzling display before it sinks below the horizon. Fireflies flicker across our front and backyard. Soon enough, my babies will become toddlers, then preteens, then teenagers, then adults.
But for now, I sit on the wicker chair on the front patio, like my dad did many years ago. Slowing down and breathing in the fresh air. Watching my children play outdoors as I relax at the end of a long day. Living in the moment instead of rushing to multitask or worrying about the future. Taking time to stop and, as my dad once said, “Watch the world go round.”
Margaret Westhoff is a Reluctant Stay at Home Mom to 3 kiddos, including a 9-year old stepdaughter, a 1-year old son, and a 9-month old daughter. When she has a spare moment (which isn't often with 2 under 2) she enjoys writing for her blog, https://www.reluctantsahm.com/,
Spending quality time with your main squeeze can be a challenge for any parent. So why not change things up a bit and create a date night tradition for the entire family? Forget the sitter and head out to one of these parent-tested, kid-approved restaurants.
Pacific Coast Grill: Just steps from the Cardiff shoreline, this swanky seaside restaurant balances fine dining with a casual beach vibe. Your little surfers can kick back and enjoy the funky coastal décor while you take in sweeping ocean views and the sunset. Request a table on the ground-level patio to take advantage of the built-in entertainment: the beach! Kids can build a sandcastle in plain view, while you and yours sip on craft cocktails.
The whole family can share sizeable appetizers like the crispy calamari or white truffle and parmigiano house-cut fries. Pacific Coast Grill is known for creating delicious coastal cuisine using fresh, local, and free-range ingredients at affordable prices. Kid-friendly, simple preparations are no problem at all —just ask! After dinner, your beach babes can tickle their toes in water and sand amid a sea breeze only San Diego can offer!
Insider’s Tip: Get there early to get street parking or valet it for $4.
2526 S. Coast Hwy. 101
Cardiff, CA
Online: pacificcoastgrill.com
Waypoint Public: In the heart of trendy North Park, this eclectic hipster haven is a neighborhood mainstay. Known for simple, delicious food and beer from all over the world, Waypoint Public offers a family-friendly ambiance at reasonable prices. You and your plus one can raise a pint of your favorite brew while your Bohemian-in-training takes names in the play area. The vibe here is lively and energetic, so the little ones fit right in. Waypoint Public offers a monthly family movie night, and a Traveling Stories program for the kiddos. Every date night should be this easy!
3794 30th St.
San Diego
Online: waypointpublic.com
Panama 66: If your family loves art, live music and warm summer nights outdoors, check out Panama 66. This vibrant restaurant is nestled in the courtyard of the San Diego Museum of Art’s Marcy S. May Sculpture Garden. Definitely check out Ska-turdays, Soulful Sunday brunch and the other live music acts, and encourage your little musicians-in-the-making to rock ‘n’ roll under the San Diego sky. Panama 66 offers locally sourced, hand-crafted food and drinks, and features more than a dozen local craft beer taps. After dinner, take the bambinos on an evening stroll through Balboa Park to check out the beautiful architecture and historical buildings.
Insider’s Tip: Ride your bike, or show your membership card to receive 10 percent off. Make it an even bigger family affair With Fido as dogs are welcome on the front patio.
1450 El Prado
Balboa Park, CA
Online: sdmart.org/panama_66
Besta-Wan Big House: If your vibe is quirky and cool, lively and casual, Besta-Wan Big House is the place for you. Located just west of the Westfield Carlsbad shopping center, this charming place is both kid-friendly and dog-friendly! Just as laid back as the original location, Besta-Wan Pizza House in Cardiff, this location offers the same friendly and festive dining experience but better! Rugrats will love the eclectic and funky décor, and parents will love the variety of craft and local brews on tap. Besta-Wan Big House is the best when it comes to the fun stuff: hula hoops, pizza dough, a juke box and live music! Parents can bond over a plate of Jimi’s Sausage Nachos, while kiddos sculpt pizza dough into their very own creation. The menu is an expansive selection of salads, sandwiches, pizza, and pasta, all large enough to share!
Insider’s Tip: The restaurant has a super big, slightly secluded table that can accommodate large parties for birthday celebrations or other events.
1814 Marron Rd.
Carlsbad, CA
Online: thebestawanpizza.com
Thorn St. Brewery:Pairing a true craft beer experience with food truck cuisine makes for an adventure the whole family can enjoy. Your family will love this charming, rustic brewery, located in the heart of North Park. Thorn St. Brewery showcases a beautiful tasting room with a 7 barrel brew house in a large open space. You and your better half can toss back a few tasters while the kiddos enjoy truck food fare and play games. Dogs are welcome, too, so feel free to bring the furry kids along! Also, get this: patrons are more than welcome to bring their own food, or have it delivered! Some food trucks offer a Kids Eat Free deal; a schedule of food trucks can be found on their website.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re looking for a little adult fun, the brewery offers trivia nights and brewing classes, too.
3176 Thorn St.
North Park, CA
Online: thornstreetbrew.com
Here are 3 things you need to know for today, October 10, 2014.
1. The Blue Angels are back! Beat the crowds and watch their afternoon practice from noon to 5 p.m. from Inspiration Point in the Presidio. Bonus: While you’re there check out our list of 10 free or cheap things to do in the Presidio.
2. Catch a free screening of Hoppity Goes to Town at 8 p.m., part of the Mill Valley Film Festival.
3. Show your kids there’s no reason to be afraid of the dark on a just-after-sunset evening stroll through old St. Hilary’s.
What else is happening around town today? Fill us in below!
—Erin Lem
