10 THINGS TO DO WITHIN 10 MILES OF TOWN AND COUNTRY

Cancel boring, book fun. San Diego knows how to pack in the good times and the great memories. When you stay at Town and Country Resort, you'll be right in the middle of the city with easy access to it all.

1. MISSION BAY AND BEACHES

   Just a few miles west of Mission Valley, you'll find Mission Bay and fun-packed beaches on the Pacific coast. Cruise the spirited, oceanfront boardwalk connecting Mission and Pacific Beach. Spend the day out on the water sport fishing, sailing or waterskiing in Mission Bay. Ride the Giant Dipper coaster at Belmont Park. Visit quirky shops and cafes in Ocean Beach, also home to a popular dog beach. Then head to Sunset Cliffs, stretch a blanket on the bluffs and watch the sunset.

2. BALBOA PARK

   Just 10 minutes from Town and Country, Balboa Park is San Diego's crown jewel of arts and culture. Expect 17 marvelous museums, ornate Spanish-Renaissance architecture, hiking trails, gardens, the 1,500-foot Cabrillo Bridge, and a gorgeous Botanical Building and lily pond that will have you clamoring for photos.

3. FASHION VALLEY OUTDOOR MALL

   Just across the bridge, you'll find Fashion Valley, where you'll cozy up to designer boutiques and stock up on your favorite luxuries. This open-air shopping retreat is home to 200 stores and restaurants, including luxury and couture brands like CH Carolina Herrera, Anthropologie, Jimmy Choo and Neiman Marcus.

4. RIVERWALK GOLF COURSE

   Adjacent to the resort, you'll find 27 holes of magnificent golf designed by Ted Robinson, Sr. and Jr. Enjoy an expansive golf practice facility and learning center, a full-service golf shop, picturesque water features and natural terrain.

5. SAN DIEGO ZOO

   Discover the wild wonders of the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, home to 3,500 rare and endangered species, like Sumatran tigers, African elephants, snow leopards, and the largest colony of koalas outside of Australia.

6. SEAWORLD SAN DIEGO

   Splash into fun and get up close to dolphins, sea lions, killer whales, walruses, penguins and more. Plus, enjoy heart-thumping roller coasters and spectacular shows at SeaWorld San Diego. 

7. MISSION TRAILS REGIONAL PARK

   Explore San Diego's rugged side at this 7,220-acre open space preserve. With more than 40 miles of hiking and biking trails, lakes and rock climbing opportunities, this natural wonder is the largest urban park in the United States. Be sure and stop by the Visitor Center for information on the park, maps and activities. 

8. OLD TOWN STATE PARK

   Nothing beats the charm of California's first settlement, where you can soak up Old West and Spanish history while exploring some of San Diego's first buildings, museums and quaint shops. Don't miss a chance to visit the Whaley House, dubbed the most supernatural home in the country by Travel Channel. Hungry? Stop into a colorful cantina, serving up refreshing margaritas and authentic Mexican food. Find more information about visiting the park here. 

9. MISSION BASILICA SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA

   This National Historic Landmark is a beautiful representation of, and the first of, 21 missions that line the California coast. Built in 1769 by Spanish friar Junipero Serra, the mission is now an active church and cultural center for people of all faiths. Take a guided tour, attend a Sunday mass or relax and enjoy the tranquil gardens. Find more information about visiting the mission here. 

10. SAN DIEGO BAY

    Known as The Big Bay, San Diego's harbor is teeming with waterfront adventures. Stroll or bike along the Embarcadero, relive military history aboard the USS Midway Museum, explore historic sailing vessels at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, or hop on a harbor cruise, a San Diego SEAL Tour, or the Coronado Ferry for a breezy, scenic jaunt in the waters.