San Diego is a beautiful southern California city with 70 miles of coastline, fun activities, perfect weather and many attractions. Now that the state is opening up, San Diego has a lot to offer seniors at any activity level. Whether you’re seeking fun, independent afternoon activities, learning opportunities or looking to explore with family, San Diego has something for everyone. Here’s a list of activities to consider for seniors who are looking to get out and explore San Diego.
1) Visit Balboa Park and check out the Senior Lounge
Located just a few blocks from St. Paul’s Manor and St. Paul’s Villa in Bankers Hill is beautiful Balboa Park. It spans more than 1,200 acres and is the perfect spot for both San Diego residents and visitors. Discover amazing gardens, visit dozens of museums or take a picnic along to enjoy on one of the many green spaces! Balboa Park even has a senior lounge in the Casa Del Prado, where seniors can meet and enjoy coffee together. They offer additional activities such as Balboa Park walks, needle crafts, senior art programs and mahjong. The club is open from 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Saturday. This is a great way to enjoy the sunshine, learn new things and get involved in the San Diego community!
2) Take the ferry to Coronado Island
Just across the San Diego Bay sits Coronado Island. You can take the ferry across to the island to enjoy walking, biking, shopping, sandy beaches and delicious food. The ferry is $5 each way and offers amazing views of downtown and the San Diego Harbor. Once you are across, you stroll can over to the iconic Hotel Del Coronado where you can enjoy downtown Coronado and its many boutiques and restaurants.
3) Visit the USS Midway Museum
San Diego has deep ties to the naval community and this museum offers visitors the opportunity to see the United States longest-serving naval aircraft carrier. Just under two miles from both St. Paul’s Manor and St. Paul’s Villa sits the historic USS Midway Museum. This floating museum features more than 30 restored aircrafts including helicopters and jets. Enjoy getting an up-close look at the flight deck, the mess hall and incredible views of San Diego harbor. The museum has added several elevators, making 60 percent of the museum’s exhibits wheelchair accessible.
4) Enjoy the San Diego Zoo
People come from all over to visit the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. Perfect for animal-loving seniors and their families, this is one of the largest zoos in the world and is ranked as the best zoo in the United States. Located in Balboa Park, the zoo is home to more than 650 species and 3,500 animals. The park features many world-class exhibits, tours and educational programs. Seniors over 65 are eligible for 10 percent off their tickets, so be sure to ask for a discount. If you can’t make it out to the zoo in person, you can watch a live video feed of the animals on the zoo’s website.
5) Explore Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve
One of the most beautiful spots in San Diego is Torrey Pines Natural Reserve. This place is perfect for seniors looking to enjoy the San Diego sunshine and stay active. Torrey Pines is the ideal destination for a beach day, hike, picnic or scenic drive. This 1,750 acre park offers sweeping ocean views, open from sunrise to sunset daily.
6) Go Back in Time at Old Town San Diego
Located a few miles from St. Paul’s Villa and St. Paul’s Manor in Bankers Hill sits Old Town San Diego. This historic neighborhood is home to several preserved and replica buildings from the Mexican-American period of the 1800s, authentic Mexican food, museums, shopping and musical entertainment. This is the perfect place to enjoy dinner, music and Mexican culture.
Regardless of any activity level or interest, San Diego has many exciting destinations for all seniors and their families. Our senior residents at St. Paul’s Villa and St. Paul’s Manor in Bankers Hill enjoy exploring these sites on frequent group outings. We hope you will too!
About the Author: Leah Nagel
Leah Nagel is a marketing intern at St. Paul’s Senior Services. She is a rising senior at Point Loma Nazarene University, studying marketing. She has had a life-long interest in this work, having spent much time volunteering with seniors. Leah loves spending time with older adults, hearing their stories and learning how senior care can become more accessible. She is thrilled to be combining her passion for marketing with her compassion for working with ageing adults.