1. Try a Hot Air Balloon Ride
There aren't many places more beautiful to take a balloon ride in than San Diego. We suggest going out at either sunrise or sunset to make the most of the ride (and cost)! To make the adventure more magical, pack a speaker and some snacks so you can have a picnic in the air. Depending on the company, you will go up with a group so if you're claustrophobic, we suggest asking about the group size.
There are many companies to choose from such as:
-Compass Balloons
-California Dreamin' Balloon Adventures
-Magical Adventure Balloon Rides
2. Stargaze at Palomar Observatory
This is a fully-operational, national lab grade 200 inch telescope used by NASA and Caltech... meaning it's the real deal. You don't get to stargaze through the lens of the massive telescopes but you do get to see the telescopes being operated. You can stargaze outside where there's very little light pollution. There are also many beautiful hiking trails in this mountainous area.
For more information on the guided tours: http://www.astro.caltech.edu/palomar/visitor/tours.html
3. Pick Fresh Apples at an Orchard
There are many pick-your-own orchards out by Julian (you know, the town famous for its pies). We suggest making a whole day out of this and seeing Julian.
Here are some Orchards to choose from:
-Volcan Valley Apple Farm
-Apple Starr Orchards
-Peacefield Boutique Orchard
-Calico Ranch Orchard
-Apples & Art Orchards
-Corcoran Ranch Apple Orchard
-Apple Picking Tips
4. Camp on the Beach
Try to book ahead of time because there can long waits for a camp spot.
Here are a few to look into:
-Silver Strand State Beach
-San Elijo State Beach
-South Carlsbad State Beach
-San Onofre Bluffs Campgrounds
5. Go Bar Hopping in the Beer Capital of America
There are 226 breweries (!!!) officially recognized by the San Diego Brewers Guild making San Diego the official Craft Beer Capital of America. You can become a craft beer connoisseur in a single day by attending the San Diego Brew Festival happening in January or going beer hopping any day of the week.
See the interactive map of all the breweries here: https://www.sdbeer.com/locations
6. Go Paragliding
You can fly like the wind at Torrey Gliderport and get an insane view of Torrey Pines Reserve and San Diego's coast while you're at it. No experience is required since a skilled guide will pilot the two of you from start to finish. We suggest doing this in the summer months when it's warmer but also avoiding doing it during the cloudy months of May and June. This is really a treat.
Book a flight here: https://www.flytorrey.com/
We love living in San Diego and we want you to love it too! Find out more about San Diego living and the housing market by browsing our website and our other blog posts. Hope you guys check these off your bucket lists. Give us a call. We would love to help you find your dream home!
-Greg and Kim Williams
Please note: All right to the photos used belong to the individual owners.