Activities for Kids

Sightseeing Ahead! Top Places to Take Visiting Relatives in San Diego

Got visitors coming to town? Show them a great time with this ultimate guide to showing off San Diego!

By Lenya McGrath October 30, 2015

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays and out-of-town visitors! Do you have relatives clamoring at your door ready to visit America’s Finest City? We’ll make sure you are the “hosts with the most” with this ultimate guide to showing off San Diego. From the post-airport pick up to lazy days enjoying the San Diego sun, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas to have your guests loving the sights. But be prepared for the guest bedroom to be fully booked. Click through the slideshow to see our picks for family fun.

Post Airport Stop at the Cabrillo National Monument

New visitors to San Diego will love to take up a scenic view once you've picked them up from the airport at the Cabrillo National Monument. Park in the large lot, then head down the small incline to the cliffs. Here you'll find the best views of San Diego looking across the Bay, back towards downtown and up to the hills. There's plenty of green space to enjoy the sunshine and bathrooms if a break is needed. If jet lag is a problem, head down to the tide pools below to splash some water on your face and breath in the sea air.

Fun Facts to Tell Your Guests:

The monument is named after Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to step foot in Californian close to this very spot in 1542
The opening and ending scene of "Saving Private Ryan" was filmed here
You can see all the way to Tijuana and Mexico's Coronado Islands on a clear day

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $5/car

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92106
619-557-5450
online: nps.gov/cabr

photo: Sunseeker Girl via TripAdvisor

Do you have any favorite spots to show off San Diego to your visitors? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Lenya McGrath