Top 5 Things Near Each San Diego Military Base
Just received orders to San Diego? Before diving into what's nearby, check out my [guide to PCSing to San Diego] for an overview of the best military-friendly neighborhoods and resources to get you settled.
Naval Base San Diego (32nd Street Naval Station) – near the Barrio Logan/South Bay area
Top 5 Things to Do Nearby:
Balboa Park – Just north of the base, this massive urban park offers museums, gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Chicano Park – Located right in Barrio Logan, this National Historic Landmark is known for its vibrant murals and cultural significance.
Gaslamp Quarter – A short drive away, this nightlife hub is packed with restaurants, rooftop bars, live music venues, and theaters.
Coronado Beach via Ferry – Hop on the ferry from Broadway Pier and spend the day enjoying one of California’s most pristine beaches.
Waterfront Park – Perfect for families or relaxing solo, this bayfront park has splash fountains, picnic areas, and killer views of the harbor.
Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD San Diego) – near Point Loma and Old Town
Top 5 Things to Do Nearby:
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park – Experience San Diego’s early history with preserved buildings, Mexican cuisine, and live entertainment.
Liberty Station – A redeveloped naval base turned into a trendy hotspot for food halls, breweries, art galleries, and waterfront paths.
Harbor Island – Offers some of the best skyline views in San Diego, plus fine dining and casual seafood spots right on the water.
SeaWorld San Diego – Family-friendly attraction offering marine life shows, roller coasters, and interactive exhibits.
Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – One of the best places in the city to catch a sunset, just a few minutes west of MCRD.
Naval Base Point Loma – Sprawled across several sites near Ocean Beach and Cabrillo National Monument
Top 5 Things to Do Nearby:
Cabrillo National Monument – Stunning panoramic views, tide pools, a historic lighthouse, and hiking trails with rich military history.
Ocean Beach (OB) – A laid-back, surfer-friendly neighborhood with a classic California beach vibe, farmer's markets, and local breweries.
Point Loma Seafoods – A must-visit spot for fresh seafood with harbor views and an open-air market.
Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery – A peaceful and poignant place to honor fallen service members with sweeping views of the ocean.
Famosa Slough – Ideal for birdwatchers and a quiet nature walk tucked away from the usual crowds.
Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI) – north end of Coronado Island
Top 5 Things to Do Nearby:
Coronado Beach – Wide, flat, and incredibly scenic—frequently ranked as one of the best beaches in the U.S.
Hotel del Coronado – Explore this historic and iconic beachfront hotel, with shops, restaurants, and beachfront bars.
Silver Strand State Beach – A lesser-known gem perfect for picnics, paddleboarding, and quiet beach days.
Coronado Golf Course – Affordable and well-kept public course with unbeatable bay views.
Tidelands Park – Family-friendly park great for jogging, biking, or just relaxing by the water.
Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Miramar – northern San Diego near Mira Mesa and Sorrento Valley
Top 5 Things to Do Nearby:
Miramar Reservoir – Great for kayaking, fishing, or a scenic 5-mile walk/jog around the water.
Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum – Free and open to the public, this museum honors Marine Corps aviation history with aircraft displays.
AleSmith Brewing Company – One of San Diego’s top craft breweries with a large tasting room and the Tony Gwynn Museum.
Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve – Hike or bike through this expansive nature preserve featuring a waterfall and historic adobe ranch house.
Convoy District – A nearby hotspot known for its diverse Asian cuisine, from ramen and Korean BBQ to boba and late-night eats.
