Things to do in Tierrasanta San Diego
According to Niche.com, Tierrasanta is rated #24 in Best Neighborhoods to Live in San Diego. Its population is around 30,000. Tierrasanta means “holy ground” in Spanish, but the neighborhood itself isn’t known for being religious. Originally, Tierrasanta was part of the first Franciscan mission in the area. For a few short years in the 1940s, it was home to a Marine Corps training facility. After World War II, the facility was deactivated. Today, Tierrasanta is a beautiful community known as “The Island in the Hills.” There’s no shortage of things to do in Tierrasanta.
1. Mission Trails Regional Park
Tierrasanta is home to Mission Trails Regional Park, an 8000-acre natural escape that is one of the largest urban parks in America. You’ll find 60 miles of trails with Ranger-led field trips or individual hiking and nature walks. When the Visitor Center is open, it offers many activities, including movies, art exhibits and a library.
2. Local Community Activities
Tierrasanta has the feel of a small midwestern community rather than a West Coast urban center. It’s recreational center offers multiple activities for children and adults, from sports and exercise classes to art and cultural events. You won’t have to drive for hours to find shopping and restaurants. Tierrasanta has excellent spots for eating without ever having to get on the interstate. The local community plans special events for holidays for its residents. The parks department maintains many small parks and recreation areas for families.
3. Enjoy the Beach
The San Diego area is known for its beautiful beaches and weather. In Tierrasanta, you’re only about 13 miles from La Jolla and only a few more miles from the Mission Hills district. Even in the coldest months, the beaches stay busy with activities for people of all ages. Children love to explore the tide pools. Adults can take part in water activities. Rent equipment from local shops if you haven’t made the investment yet. Take a bike ride along the beach.
4. Mission Trails Golf Course
San Diego also features some of the best golf courses in the nation. The Mission Trails Golf Course is just one of the dozens of courses in the area with stunning views along all 18 holes. This golf course hosted a tournament in which a young Tiger Woods established his golf legacy. Play 9 holes or complete the entire course. It’s a challenging course for golfers of all levels.
5. Museums and History
If you’re looking for more cerebral options, the San Diego Police Museum is just south of Tierrasanta. You’ll get a glimpse into how law enforcement has changed over the years. The JA Cooley Museum, just west of Tierrasanta, features over two dozen antique autos to let you step back in time to explore the early technology in car manufacturing. It also has many other exhibits from the past. East of the Police Museum is the La Mesa Depot Museum, the oldest building in the area. Its focus is on small-town railroading from yesteryear. If you’re into the history of Rock-n-Roll, you’ll want to check out the Museum of Recording Arts, which features memorabilia from some of the greatest stars in the genre, Ringo, Eric Clapton and the Rolling Stones, to name a few.
6. San Diego Is Your Oyster
Tierrasanta is just 15 minutes from downtown San Diego. You can eas. ily access the interstate when you’re in Tierrasanta to get just about anywhere in the San Diego area. As one of the biggest tourist areas in the United States, San Diego offers just about any kind of entertainment you can imagine. When you run out of things to do in the San Diego area, drive north to Los Angeles for a whole new set of attractions. Just south of San Diego, you can cross over to Tijuana for another cultural adventure. Tierrasanta is the center of a whirlwind of activities.