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The Definitive Wellness Guide: San Diego, CA
Here's where to find your fix of wellness in sunny San Diego.
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While Southern California is just about as beautiful as any place on Earth, the local parks and green spaces in San Diego are hard to match. From city parks to ocean views and bayfront property, there’s a spot that everyone can enjoy.
The Central Park of San Diego, this place is 1,200 acres of museums, gardens, trails, and landscapes. You can travel from Amazonian-like jungles to rose gardens to the cacti-filled desert-scape all within 15 minutes of walking. Little known fact: There are a few places where alcohol is allowed, making this the perfect brunch park (we’ll bring the OJ)!
As the name suggests, this Adams Avenue park was once the site of a streetcar barn that housed trolley cars next to an ostrich farm (you guessed the part about the ostrich farm, right?). Currently, it’s home to a playground and some shaded grassy areas that are great for when you just want to lounge outside on a sunny day.
The “NTC” in this park’s title stands for Naval Training Center, where the Navy held much of its San Diego-based operations from 1921 until 1993. Pretty cool, right? Even better, there’s plenty to see and do. You’ll find charming boutiques, a public market, a golf course, and a 46-acre waterfront green space full of playgrounds, running trails, and historic markers. You could (and should) definitely plan to spend an entire day here.
The grassy knoll where Law Street runs into the Pacific Ocean in Pacific Beach is known for two things: surfers checking out the break both south at the pier and north at Tourmaline, and yoga. Every Saturday and Sunday at 10am, a donation-based yoga class is held on these bluffs. Join the 100+ other yogis for unobstructed ocean views as you namaste with Namasteve.
BirdRock is the small community between Pacific Beach and La Jolla, and it’s known for mansions that are true architectural masterpieces and its pristine coastline. But you don’t need to be a multi-millionaire to enjoy the view. Park it on a bench at Calumet Park and enjoy the coastline while the surfers take advantage of Rock Pile down below.
Nestled in Cuvier Park in La Jolla Cove is a great little stretch of green space known as the Wedding Bowl. If you couldn’t tell by the name, this tranquil spot is a super popular destination for—yup—weddings! So popular, in fact, that there’s a lottery process to get a permit to be married there. Luckily, no lottery is needed to simply enjoy the space and the surrounding park before, perhaps, heading up to the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, which is just across the street.
Just north of La Jolla cove is La Jolla Shores, which is capped off by the famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography and its perfect pier. And at this park, you’ve got options. Hang in the sand by the beach, lounge in the grass, play on the playground — it’s all at your fingertips. Fitt Tip: Go during late August or early September during leopard shark season. Hundreds of (harmless to you) leopard sharks take over the waters off the shores, and you can snorkel, kayak, or surf right next to them!
Tidelands Park has arguably the best view of any place on this list. From the magical crown jewel of Coronado, you’ll be gazing over the San Diego Bay at the Coronado Bridge and the San Diego skyline. But the coolest part? You can take the ferry from downtown there and back — a $4 well spent.
About two or three years ago, San Diego put a large chunk of change into revamping the bayfront Waterfront Park — and the result is pretty great. From a water feature for cooling off during hot summer days to a massive green park perfect for laying out your yoga mat or a picnic blanket, we can’t say enough good things about this outdoor oasis. You don’t even have to bring your lunch; there are some delicious spots to grab grub just across the street (try Carnitas Snack Shack as a splurge meal).
Shoreline Park is a hidden gem along the San Diego Bay. Come during the day to lounge on the perfectly-manicured grass, and stay until the evening — right across the way is Humphrey’s by the Bay, an outdoor concert venue. Fitt Tip: rent a kayak or canoe and paddle up to the venue to watch the show (for free!) from the comfort of your own vessel.
Name a place where you can run, bike, swim, and stand-up paddleboard all in the same day. If you guessed Fanuel Park in Pacific Beach, you’d be right on the money. This park sits on a picturesque stretch of beach along the bay, so whether you’re a land lover or can’t get enough of the water, you’ll have a variety of activities to choose from.