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National City itineraries

Four routes through the city, written by people who live here. Skip what you don't like — nobody's checking.

3 hours

Bayfront morning

  1. 8:00 amCoffee to go, then park at Pepper Park while the marine layer is still burning off.
  2. 8:45 amWalk the fishing pier and watch the port cranes working across the channel.
  3. 10:00 amBike or drive the Bayshore Bikeway stretch toward Sweetwater Marsh.
  4. 11:00 amBrunch on Highland Avenue.

Half day

Highland Avenue food crawl

  1. 11:30 amStart with tacos or a burrito at a family taqueria.
  2. 1:00 pmFilipino lunch plate — lechon, pancit, whatever's hot on the steam table.
  3. 2:30 pmNiederfrank's ice cream, made here since 1948.
  4. 4:00 pmCarne asada fries to split. You'll regret nothing.

Full day

Family Saturday

  1. 9:00 amKimball Park playground and skate park.
  2. 11:00 amLas Palmas Pool or the aquatic center if it's hot.
  3. 1:00 pmLunch, then Kimball House Museum for the short version of city history.
  4. 4:00 pmWestfield Plaza Bonita for shopping and a movie.

3 hours

Car lover's afternoon

  1. 1:00 pmDrive the full Mile of Cars — the original auto row, signs and all.
  2. 2:30 pmStop at the dealerships you've been curious about. No pressure needed.
  3. 4:00 pmGolden hour photos of the neon and the bayfront.
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