Located in Southern California, not far from the Mexico border, San Diego is the oldest town in California. Mission Beach, which begins at Belmont Park going south, is the calmer of the two.We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( ) While they both share the same boardwalk, sand and ocean, Pacific Beach and Mission Beach share key differences. The difference between the two is discernible. When lunchtime rolls around, head to one of the many beachside eateries that flank the boardwalk or Mission Boulevard (the area's main thoroughfare), or have a picnic at Bonita Cove, the bayfront park located across the street from Belmont Park. You'll findВ numerous water sports equipment rental shops strewn around the neighborhood, offering everything from Jet Skis to kayaks.В Belmont Park, which acts as the border between the two beaches, is a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster вЂ“ a more than 100-year-old National Historic Landmark. The beach is a popular spot in San Diego for surfing as well, offering swells both high and low, perfect for beginners and seasoned surfers. This miles-long stretch of sand fits the SoCal stereotype to a T: throngs of surfers and bikini-clad sunbathers crowd the shores every summer, while the nearby boardwalk is usually packed with inline skaters and bicyclists. While not as pristine as Coronado Beach, the area is just as popular thanks to all the nearby attractions and amenities. Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are one giant, connected shoreline in San Diego. There's also an automotive museum and the San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, dedicated entirely to San Diego's sports history. If you're traveling as a family, take some time to check out the San Diego Air & Space Museum or the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the world's largest operating model railroad museum. Art lovers will enjoy the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts and Mingei International Museum while science enthusiasts will enjoy the Fleet Science Center and the Museum of Man. Museums are just as aplenty, with enough to suit all types of interests. Take in a show at the Tony Award-winning Old Globe Theatre, visit the Spreckels Organ Pavilion to see one of the world's largest outdoor pipe organs, or the Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater if you got the kiddos in tow. The park also features a cactus garden, rose garden, a Japanese-style garden as well as a palm tree canyon, among many others.Д«ut if you find yourself growing antsy just walking around and smelling the roses, there are plenty of attractions located here (many of them free). The famous botanical building features more than 2,100 permanent plants, including striking collections of tropical plants and orchids. The building is one of the most photographed places in Balboa Park and is one of the largest lath structures in the world. The Botanical Building is a great starting point in Balboa Park. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the House of Hospitality). Located in downtown San Diego (about 2 miles north of the city center), Balboa Park is a great place for a stroll, bike ride or picnic. this 1,200-acre park is the city's cultural hub. For a view of the city from the water, a boat tour, Jet Ski outingВ or fishing charter is your best bet. And for a local's perspective, consider signing up for a guided tour. Though it's tempting to spend your whole vacation exploring, don't forget to carve out some time for a San Diego history lesson: America's Finest City proudly shows off its military and maritime heritage with two well-regarded (and highly interactive) museums. Spend a day at Balboa Park вЂ“В the city's definitive culturual hub вЂ“В and soak up the stunning setting while exploring the many museums, theaters and gardens that call this 1,200-acre park home. Whether you're hiking along the sandstone cliffs of Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, walking through the frothy surf of Coronado BeachВ or admiring the postcard-worthy scenery at La Jolla Cove, you'll find little reason to stray far from the city's natural wonders. San Diego's coastal seat makes it an ideal destination for adventurers and sun seekers.

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