Imagine relaxing on a sunny beach while your children giggle as the waves tickle their toes. Maybe you’ll want to head over to Mexico by the next day or visit pandas at noon. The myriad of activities available may make choosing one very difficult, but visiting San Diego makes all of this possible. If you choose to vacation here, be sure to plan ahead. Following are some of the must-see locations while on your trip.

1. Hit the Beach

San Diego’s beaches are perfect throughout the year, and even in the cold winter months, are the essence of this city’s culture. You can visit Mission Beach or ride the Belmont Park rollercoaster. Whether you’re surfing or soaking up the sun, the beaches of San Diego are the best place to be.

2. Shuffle off to Mexico

Tijuana is just across the border from San Diego. Visiting this Mexican city is both easy and safe, just be mindful of the laws, and bring your passport. This international paradise is waiting for you to explore it.

3. Catch a Fish Taco

Visitors to San Diego often rave about the fish tacos, making it imperative that you try at least one while on vacation. They are pieces of battered and deep-fried fish wrapped in a corn tortilla. These delectable delights may just be enough to bait you into returning to San Diego and eating them again.

4. Take a Trolley Ride

San Francisco is infamous for having a trolley system, but a little known fact is that San Diego has one as well. The San Diego trolley serves as a public transit system, and visitors can purchase an all-day pass to utilize this highly efficient system. The San Diego highway system and roads may hinder your San Diego adventuring.

5. Visit the Pandas

Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo, a very popular tourist destination. They are home to a variety of animals, particularly the rare giant pandas. If you’re looking to see gentle giants like baby Su Lin, plan your visit in the morning since they are most active. Sea World and Legoland are also great for your children as well.

6. Balboa Park

Balboa Park is also an attraction in itself. The nation’s largest urban park, it houses fifteen museums, performing arts venues, beautiful gardens, and the aforementioned zoo. Whenever you choose to visit, you will be dazzled by the amazing sights here. If you do choose to stop here, visit on a Tuesday, as most museums offer free admire on this day. Once you’re done exploring be sure to visit any of the fantastic restaurants in this area.

7. Nightlife

Downtown San Diego is home to the Gaslamp Quarter, the center for all nightlife activities. There are numerous places where you can eat, dance, and people-watch. Take in the elegant architecture during the day, and be prepared to dance the night away. There are more than 90 restaurants, so you may find yourself eating more than anything. There is also a live theatre that you can visit.

8. Old Town

Old Town State Historic Park is perfect for enjoying a blast of San Diego’s past. While you can see San Diego’s history scattered throughout the newer parts of the city, you’ll have an authentic experience if you visit here. Also, be sure to visit the Old Town Mexican Café, as it serves the best Mexican food in San Diego.

San Diego has it all, from exciting excursions to historical ventures, you can experience everything in one vacation spot, start planning your vacation today.