10 Things Within 10 Miles of Mission Valley
Eat, shop, golf and play like a local with these ten things to do easily within reach of San Diego's Mission Valley. Family-friendly and affordable accommodations, easy transportation access and close proximity to almost all of San Diego's best attractions mean Mission Valley is positively in the middle of it all!
Join the Fiesta
Join the Fiesta
Cinco de Mayo, Dia de los Muertos, historical tours, ghost hunting, theater, unique specialty shops, and tequila tasting at the Old Town Tequila Factory are all part of the Old Town experience. Take in the area's history by visiting 17 museums and historical sites, including the Whaley House, a historical landmark on San Diego Avenue that has been named in the Travel Channel's America's Most Haunted list. Pick up a unique gift at Bazaar del Mundo's colorful shops from handmade items to books to sugar skulls. Follow the sounds of mariachi bands and the smell of fresh handmade tortillas to a variety of authentic Mexican restaurants, including the visitor and local favorite, Cafe Coyote. Make a night of your journey back in time by booking dinner and a stay at the historic Cosmopolitan Restaurant & Hotel, located in the heart of Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.
Experience Thrills on the Beach
Experience Thrills on the Beach
Cruise down to Mission Beach's Belmont Park, an oceanfront amusement park that first opened its doors in 1925. From arcade games to mini golf and rock climbing, Belmont Park is your playground for a day of fun in the sun. Throw your hands in the air and ride the Giant Dipper, the oldest wooden coaster on the West Coast. On the boardwalk, Draft offers over 60 brews, while restaurants such as Cannonball allow you to sip on a cold drink while you take in ocean views.
Return to San Diego Roots
Return to San Diego Roots
Enjoy a hike, picnic or educational journey atop the iconic hill once occupied by the first Alta California mission. Featuring displays about the city's founding, the Junípero Serra Museum was built in 1925 and is operated by the San Diego History Center. Today, the museum in Presidio Park houses artifacts of early California life and offers beautiful vistas where visitors can take guided tours to explore a plaza, stables, jail, chapel and commander's house of years past.
Discover Your Wild Side
Discover Your Wild Side
Just a few miles from the heart of San Diego, make it a play date and discover over 3,700 animals across more than 650 species and subspecies at the San Diego Zoo! Visit the habitats of animals from polar bears to tigers to alligators and more. Learn about Southern California's landscape millions of years ago through the Elephant Odyssey and take a bush walk with the koalas of the Australian Outback. Schedule a unique animal experience during Play Days and get a bird's-eye view of the zoo from the Skyfari. With popular seasonal events such as Jungle Bells, visit to find out why it's been named Tripadvisor's Best Zoo in the World.
Catch a Game in a World-Class Stadium
Catch a Game in a World-Class Stadium
The sleek, 35,000-seat Snapdragon Stadium is the center of sports excitement in Mission Valley. Not only is Snapdragon the home of San Diego State University's powerhouse football team (now part of the PAC 12 conference), but it also plays host to the San Diego Wave and San Diego FC expansion soccer clubs, along with concerts and other special events. The stadium's food and beverage options have a strong local focus, helping make this an ideal place for a full San Diego sports and entertainment experience. And there are plenty of great spots nearby for pre- and post-event revelry.
Embrace the Coastal Chic Lifestyle
Embrace the Coastal Chic Lifestyle
We hope you brought an extra suitcase! Treat yourself to a day in the sunshine at Fashion Valley Mall, featuring one of San Diego's finest collections of stores, from department to designer and everything in between. Fashion Valley is a popular San Diego destination, meeting every budget, style and taste. Apart from shopping, the mall also hosts community events, a movie theater and many restaurants.
Get on the Greens for Great Golfing
Get on the Greens for Great Golfing
Meet on the green! Riverwalk Golf Club's 200-plus acres, four lakes and the San Diego River make for scenic views and strategic diversity for golfers of all abilities. The 27 holes of magnificent golf, superb amenities and outstanding service have earned it recognition among the region's premier semiprivate golf courses. And it's conveniently located off Interstate 8 and near Hotel Circle.
Explore California's First Mission
Explore California's First Mission
Don't miss a trip to the first of California's 21 missions, nestled in the heart of Mission Valley. Home to San Diego's original Padres, Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded in 1769 by Father Junípero Serra. The beautiful site boasts tranquil gardens and fountains, a 46-foot-tall bell tower with its distinctive five bells, along with a museum and gift shop. Today, the rebuilt and restored mission stands as an active Catholic parish and a must-see when visiting San Diego.
Indulge in Tastes from Around the World
Indulge in Tastes from Around the World
With one outstanding restaurant after another sitting side by side, offering unique and memorable cuisine from different countries, India Street in Mission Hills is home to San Diego's International Restaurant Row! Dating back to the 1890s when it was called Five Points, International Restaurant Row is now a popular hub for foodies, with such restaurants as Blue Water Seafood Market & Grill, Shakespeare Pub & Grille and the famous El Indio Mexican Restaurant. End an evening with laughter at the National Comedy Theatre, where the audience inspires improv magic.
Reach New Heights on Cowles Mountain
Reach New Heights on Cowles Mountain
Cowles Mountain is no secret to San Diego hikers: It's the highest point in the city, and a 1.5-mile climb to the top rewards you with 360-degree views, including the downtown skyline and the Coronado Bridge. Or spend a morning or afternoon hiking along the wildflowers in Mission Trails Regional Park, where the mountain is located.