There are many unique ways to enjoy San Diego that you won’t find in guidebooks.
Let’s Explore UCSD, a Prestigious University in San Diego
UCSD stands for the University of California, San Diego, a prestigious university that follows UC Berkeley in Berkeley and UCLA in Los Angeles. The campus is close to La Jolla Beach, exuding a beach atmosphere. Many UCSD faculty and alumni are Nobel Prize winners. It is renowned for its top-class medical school, engineering, oceanography, climatology, and environmental science research. Scripps Institution of Oceanography, one of the largest ocean research institutions in the world, is also part of UCSD.
When it comes to symbols of the campus, the “Geisel Library” stands out with its spaceship-like design. It makes a strong impression. Named after the famous American children’s author Dr. Seuss, whose last name is Geisel, this library has a unique presence. Nearby, you’ll also find the giant book sculpture “Read/Write/Think/Dream,” which is quite large up close.
Another popular spot is the art installation called “Fallen Star.” It is located on the rooftop of Jacobs Hall (Engineering Building). It has an unstable balance as if it had fallen from the sky! I haven’t been inside yet, but it is said to be furnished like a real house, and tours are available to go inside. I would love to see the inside next time.
The colorful sun god with large wings, known as the “Sun God,” is a popular spot where superstitions say passing under it will bring you good luck and help you succeed in exams. The annual large music festival is called the Sun God Festival, the most significant event on campus.
The UCSD mascot is King Triton, the Greek god of the sea, and the UCSD sports teams are affectionately known as the Tritons.
The UCSD campus is full of beach vibes. It’s home to eight distinct undergraduate colleges, each with its unique program, and the expansive grounds include cafes and restaurants open to the public. Black’s Beach and Scripps Pier are about a 20-minute walk away, and you can also reach the famous Torrey Pines Gliderport, known for its beautiful sunsets, in just around 15 minutes—perfect for a leisurely stroll.
UC San Diego
9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0021
*It’s about 10 minutes drive from La Jolla Shores Beach and La Jolla Downtown.
Here is the Campus Map
Visit San Diego’s Popular Skatepark
While many skateparks are around, a skatepark with a pump track is rare! That’s why San Diego’s ‘Pacific Highlands Ranch Pump Track’ is a must-visit spot for skateboarding enthusiasts. It had been on my bucket list for a long time, and I finally got the chance to go!
A pump track is a course with small, smooth bumps and dips, perfect for enjoying ‘pumping’ (a technique where you use only your body movements to propel the skateboard forward without pushing off with your feet. Once you’ve got it down, you can glide endlessly over flat ground!). Besides skateboarding, people enjoy using the track with BMX bikes and scooters as well. The looped layout makes it look like once you get in, it’s hard to want to get out (laughs).
Regulars gather here, smoothly gliding around with such natural coordination that they manage not to collide with each other! It’s amazing to see how they gracefully control their speed and angle on the curves. Watching them, you can really feel the joy and elegance of it all—just observing is so satisfying! One day, I’d love to skate like that, even if slowly… I was captivated entirely by watching them. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try it myself this time, so I’ll need to practice my pumping skills more!
There are two pump tracks: one for beginners and one for advanced skaters. The photo shows the beginner track, though, from my perspective, they both look equally challenging.
The park has parking available, and since there’s also a dog park and playground for children on the same grounds, it can get crowded in the evenings. The pump track, especially around sunset, seems to be a popular spot for regulars and locals alike.
Next time, I’d love to try it during a less crowded time. During this visit, I was satisfied just by taking a commemorative photo at the entrance (laughs). Watching the regulars’ impressive skating is also enjoyable for skateboarding beginners like me!
Whether you skate or not, visit Pacific Highlands Ranch Pump Track, a true skater’s paradise!
Pacific Highlands Ranch Pump Track
5977 Village Center Loop Rd, San Diego, CA 92130
（About 30 minutes by car from La Jolla and San Diego Airport.）
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