A surprising destination in the United States: beaches, culture, nature, and excellent cuisine.

"I didn't make it to San Diego, is it worth it?" is a common question for travelers visiting California —from San Francisco to Los Angeles —when the southern US city comes up in conversation.

The answer is a resounding yes: San Diego, right next to Tijuana (Mexico), is a destination that stands on its own . And it dazzles with its wide range of attractions , its year-round good weather, its varied landscapes, and its cuisine. Difficult to appreciate in just a few hours (many take a tour from Los Angeles), it deserves at least three days, and ideally, five.

Strolling through its distinctive neighborhoods, like the culinary and trendy Little Italy, visiting the cliffs of La Jolla , hiking through Balboa Park, and crossing into Coronado for an unforgettable bike ride takes time. This time, in San Diego, takes on a relaxed, coastal-city pace .

For families, couples, friends, and even solo travelers, San Diego offers a wealth of outdoor activities that combine nature, culture, adventure, and fun. "We have ocean, mountains, snow, and desert. The greatest biodiversity in the United States," they boast.

Perhaps the most emblematic point of the city , this urban cultural park is the largest in the United States (480 hectares) and a nerve center where much of San Diego's cultural life converges.

It's ranked third among the best places to visit in the country according to BookRetreats, behind Central Park in New York and the National Mall in Chicago.

It is a park, yes, but not a traditional one: it houses walkways in a Spanish colonial style , 18 museums - with very diverse themes such as art, history, photography, natural sciences, aviation or trains -, theaters, rose gardens, a large nursery, a small lagoon and even a huge and very famous zoo .

The tower, the museums, the theaters, and the zoo deserve a special mention. The structure that houses the California Tower is one of the city's symbols and was built in 1915, featuring a blend of styles ranging from Baroque to Rococo with Gothic details, for the Panama-California Exposition. You can tour the interior to reach a viewing platform that offers beautiful views of San Diego.

The center, which houses theaters and performing arts venues, is another highlight. It's home to The Old Globe , one of the country's leading regional theaters and the oldest professional theater organization in California. It's a place where you can enjoy both classic and contemporary plays.

It's recommended to dedicate an entire morning or afternoon (the zoo is a full-day plan), as it's packed with places to stroll, have a drink, and/or sit down to eat.

Don't miss the Artifact restaurant , located in the Mingei (Folk Art) Museum, one of the most modern. It serves signature dishes in a relaxed yet curated atmosphere, with a view of part of the exhibition on the ground floor.

Admission to the park, the nursery, and the gardens is free . Of the museums, only the Timken (Putnam Collection of Art) has free admission; the rest require a fee, although several offer free admission on Tuesdays (balboapark.org/).

La Jolla stands out for its landscape , where large cliffs converge with the Pacific Ocean in a unique postcard.

The sea lions offer a unique spectacle. They live on the beaches as a community, interacting with each other and with the people who come to watch or take photos.

What can you do? From a very simple trek, which offers various vantage points for appreciating the landscape, to kayaking and a paid excursion to explore its sea caves.

La Jolla boasts delicious and unique places to eat and drink, plus the opportunity to stroll the streets that wind through this coastal district, browsing everything from art galleries and high-end watch shops to shops selling t-shirts, hats, and typical San Diego souvenirs.

For adventurers, about a 20-minute drive away, Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve offers several hiking options with different trails of varying lengths. And beautiful views of its miles of pristine beaches.

Those who prefer to stay for a drink and dinner can opt for the original Whaling Bar at La Valencia Hotel, which offers cocktails and gourmet dinners in an elegant and chic setting, including an original version of the Caesar Salad, and a dessert of caramel cake and vanilla ice cream, but in the form of a hamburger.

It's best to visit La Jolla on a weekday, as it tends to be very crowded on weekends.

Just 15 minutes from downtown, Old Town is the oldest populated area in San Diego: the first European settlement in present-day California.

Mexican culture is omnipresent and can be appreciated especially in its restaurants, where you can enjoy traditional tacos, fajitas, and burritos, among other delicacies. A classic that never disappoints is Café Coyote , located in the heart of the historic pedestrian district of Old Town.

Ideal after lunch, take a stroll through its picturesque streets. Highlights include shops ( Cousin's Candy Shops , filled with uniquely shaped sweets and candies, drive-thru, and nostalgic products), the famous Cosmopolitan Hotel, and the Whaley Haunted House Museum, with paid admission and a brief guided tour that unravels its mysteries.

Across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado boasts its own unique landscape, aesthetic, and pace of life . The same goes for its mansions and distinctive homes, which together give it a unique identity .

There's a bridge for crossing by car, but the ideal option is to take a ferry from the San Diego coastal promenade and rent a bike right there, once you get off, to explore part of the 38-kilometer bike route, which includes a coastal promenade. From there, you can see several must-see spots, including the San Diego coastline, which, viewed from the front, is a stunning postcard.

One of the must-see stops on this tour is the recently restored, $160 million Hotel del Coronado, built in 1888 and a film set featuring actresses such as Marilyn Monroe and a popular guest spot for classic figures such as Charles Chaplin. This luxurious and beautiful beach resort is considered a National Historic Landmark.

The walk has 21 km of pedestrian paths and dedicated bicycle lanes, and includes a stop along Orange, the main avenue, lined with places to have breakfast, lunch, a snack, or a drink.

It's best to arrive early to make the most of the day. Ferries depart and return frequently (US$9 each way). Another option is to arrive by car (rental or Uber).

A large open-air hall in a public park located on the water. That's the definition of the iconic Rady Shell , where the San Diego Symphony Orchestra performs.

Attending a concert by this great symphony orchestra is a must-see cultural and popular event: some of the audience settles into lounge chairs and blankets to enjoy the spectacle from the grass; others choose to dress up, reserving a table with dinner and wine; and some even enjoy the show from the water, on their boats.

The San Diego Symphony Orchestra is led by the talented and charismatic Rafael Payare and features 82 musicians on stage, who perform unique pieces with great passion.

If you're also there when the sun sets behind the large white structure surrounding the stage, the experience is perfect.

You don't have to be a baseball fan to take a guided tour of Petco Park, the home of the San Diego Padres . Because, like any good story, both the story of this team and the building itself are fascinating... and interesting. For example, it's said that the owner of McDonald's bought the club at a very low price in 1974 and refused to allow any franchise locations in order to boost local cuisine.

Also, during the stadium's construction, conservationists placed a brick with a hidden message that reads "boycott Petco" (due to what they considered the company's questionable treatment of animals), and that a spot in one of its prime areas can cost up to $40,000.

The tour includes a visit to the VIP lounges—which offer the best views of the field—the Hall of Fame, the visiting locker room, the press room, the bars, and even the bench where players wait to enter the game (it lasts 80 minutes and costs US$48).

The versatility of its outdoor offerings , the diversity of its landscapes, the quality of its cuisine, its cultural offerings, and its picturesque neighborhoods all define the comprehensive experience of San Diego, a destination worth returning to.