If you’re born and raised in San Diego, of course, you know that this really is one of the most beautiful places on the planet. People come here from all over the world to lay on our beaches, breathe in the fresh salty air and enjoy the perfect weather all year round.

Whether you enjoy hiking to waterfalls or relaxing on the beach watching the sunset, San Diego is paradise.

Attempting to convince someone that San Diego is the most beautiful place on earth?

Here are some of the best views that the city that will surely take your breath away!

1. Meditation Gardens – Encinitas

The Meditation Gardens in coastal Encinitas is the perfect place to get a little peace and quiet while soaking up San Diego beauty. It’s perched right on the bluffs in Encinitas – so you can take a walk through the gardens and then find your spot to look out onto the Pacific Ocean.

2. Stonewall Peak Trail – Julian

If you’re willing to take a hike, you need to check out Stonewall Peak in Cuyamaca Rancho State Park. When you get to the top, you will have a 360-degree view of Lake Cuyamaca and all of the nature that surrounds it.

3. Torrey Pines Gliderpoint – La Jolla

Where else can you sit back and watch people fly over the ocean? The Torrey Pines Gliderpoint hangs over Black’s Beach (a clothing-optional beach FYI). The views are unbelievable and if you want to try paragliding, I can only imagine the view from the sky would be even more spectacular!

4. Powerhouse Park – Del Mar

Powerhouse Park in Del Mar sits right above the beach with a large grassy area and playground. If you look close enough, you may even spot some dolphins swimming off into the sunset!

5. Sunset Cliffs Natural Park – Point Loma

Quite possibly one of the most majestic places in San Diego is Sunset Cliffs’ 68-acre resource-based park stretching along the Pacific Ocean bordering the western edge of Point Loma. Make sure to watch out for California gray whales, which can sometimes be seen migrating annually from the Bering Sea to Baja California and back.

6. Cabrillo National Monument – Point Loma

At Cabrillo National Monument, you can explore the tide pools during low tide, check out the Cabrillo statue and see The Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which stood watch over the entrance to San Diego Bay for many years.

7. Embarcadero Marina Park – Downtown

The Embarcadero Marina Park borders Seaport Village. The bay and city views at night are something your eyes need to set their sites on every once in a while – and certainly views that you don’t want your out-of-towner to miss!

8. Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve – Rancho Peñasquitos

You may have to work up a little sweat to catch this view but it’s well worth it. Filled with natural beauty and lush plants, you can hike the trail at Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve and follow the sign to this beautiful waterfall!

9. Mount Soledad

Not only is this one of the most breathtaking views in San Diego, the Mount Soledad Natural Veteran’s Memorial honors all veterans from all branches of service. You will literally feel like you’re on top of the city!

See you there

It doesn’t take a world traveler to see that San Diego is one of the most gorgeous places on the planet with basically perfect weather, no matter the season.

Take your out-of-towner to see the hidden gems of SD and they will quickly learn that it doesn’t get any better than this! #paradise

See you there, San Diego!