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San Diego, California is a gorgeous place to visit any time of the year – and the perfect destination for a winter retreat. If you’re curious as to what this Southern Californian city has to offer, wonder no more. Here are 7 reasons you should visit San Diego in winter 2021.
1. The Weather Is Great
Southern California is known for its year-round sun, and San Diego is no exception. The area does cool off a bit in the winter compared to the summer months, however, this can make for the perfect getaway for those looking for some pleasant, but not overly hot weather. Daytime temperatures typically hover in the 70s to 80s from November through February. Even nighttime temperatures rarely drop below the mid-40s, meaning a visit here will require a light coat or cozy sweater at worst.
2. It Is Home To Stunning Beaches
One of the best reasons to visit San Diego? Its beaches! Summertime might be the most popular time to visit, however, there are some perks to a beach day in the winter months as well. To start with, it’s a great way to beat the crowds. The normally bustling beaches also turn into an excellent spot for some more serene activities in the winter, including a laid-back bonfire or a romantic stroll at sunset. Water temperatures in San Diego do get pretty chilly in the wintertime and might be too cold for a casual swim. Still, snorkeling (with a wet suit) and scuba diving are popular activities year-round. For some specific beaches, you’ll want to check out, consider Fiesta Island for a group bonfire. La Jolla Cove is probably the best to see sea life, whereas Coronado Beach is an excellent spot for bonfires and evening strolls (as well as being nearby a winter beachfront ice skating rink).
3. No Shortage Of Memorable Things To Do
San Diego truly has something for everyone. Animal lovers will enjoy a trip to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park (both run by the San Diego Zoo Alliance). If you’re looking for some memorable sightseeing opportunities, head over to the La Jolla Cove area. This gorgeous, ocean-front spot features sea caves, two beautiful beaches (La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Cove), and dozens of sea lions. It’s also a great place to potentially see the fabled “green flash” at sunset. Or, if you’re in the mood for some history – or frights – head over to Old Town. As well as being home to several historic buildings, Old Town also features self-guided tours of what’s been called one of the most haunted houses in the U.S. – the Whaley House. This is just a small sample of the various attractions and activities San Diego has to offer, and why a visit to this city is more than worth it.
4. There's Places To Stay That Are Perfect For Everyone
If you’re considering visiting this city, you might be wondering what lodging options San Diego has to offer. Not to worry – there are options for practically every possible need. If you’re traveling by RV or van, consider parking at Campland On The Bay, a beachfront RV resort that offers amenities such as a restaurant and two pools. If you’re looking for a luxurious stay, Coronado’s Hotel Del is the place to choose! Not only is it a gorgeous, historic resort, it also features its own collection of shops and eateries on property. You won’t have any trouble finding AirBNBs in the city either – some particularly nice areas to stay in include La Jolla and the previously mentioned Coronado.
5. There's Tons Of Great Shopping Opportunities
L.A. might boast some famous shopping areas such as Rodeo Drive, but San Diego has just as many great shopping areas. Thanks to the area’s year-round pleasant weather, it’s also become synonymous with outdoor malls. This makes it a great option for those worried about the pandemic in more enclosed spaces. Fashion Valley Mall, as well as Westfield UTC, offer a fantastic variety of shops. They also offer some additional attractions such as Westfield’s ice skating rink. You may also want to head over to Seaport Village, an oceanfront collection of stores ranging from locally-owned to mainstream brands.
6. It Has Something For Everyone
Another reason to visit San Diego? It’s perfect for vacationers of all kinds! Couples will be able to enjoy a romantic stroll along white-sand beaches before bonding at a beachfront ice skating rink. Families with children will love exploring a real-life sea cave at Sunny Jim’s. Even those traveling with pets will have no shortage of options of things to do in San Diego. There are several beaches that are pet-friendly all the time, such as the well-named Dog Beach. Even more, welcome dogs during limited hours or in the off-season.
7. It Is Full Of Gorgeous Nature Trails And Views
A final reason to visit San Diego is its unique proximity to nature. You might have to head a little outside of city limits to find trees, canyons, and peaceful rivers in many cities. However, this isn’t the case in San Diego. Some gorgeous outdoor areas are woven throughout the city, such as Torrey Pines State Reserve. If you love hiking, nature walks or running, it also might be worth it to check out what lesser-known trails are nearby, as the city is home to quite a few hidden gems. Westfield UTC, for example, is a bustling shopping center that’s also a few minutes away from Rose Canyon Open Space Park.
Read More:
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Top 10 Beginner Friendly Hikes Near San Diego
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Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.