National City isn't the biggest town in San Diego County, but there's more than enough there to supply a good time. Here are some ideas:

Family Fun

1. ANVIO Virtual Reality Park
   ANVIO is a leader in VR playgrounds. Strap on ther fully wireless head and body gear and immerse yourself in virtual worlds while you play shooting games set in concrete jungles or amid the zombie apocalypse, or take on quests through ancient cities with a team.
   
   Address: 3030 Plaza Bonita Road Westfield, Plaza Bonita, suite 2530, National City, CA 91950
   
2. Pepper Park
   This is no ordinary park. There's a sandpit playground and a picnic table, sure, but there's also a boat ramp and fishing pier. The park also caps the city's 1-mile art walk. A large parking lot, bike racks and a public bathroom make getting there, and staying there, easy.
   
   Address: 3299 Tidelands Ave, National City, CA 91950
   
   
3. Lowrider Cruising
   If you have a low-low of your own, high-side down Highland Avenue with the long line of hydraulic classic car drivers. The pastime was banned in the city for more than three decades but was recently legalized, so there's a lot of makeup cruising to be done. The next cruising night is slated for the first Friday in October.
   
   
4. Niederfrank's Ice Cream
   They've been making ice cream over at Niederfrank's for 75 years, so it has to be good. They have the staples like vanilla, chocolate and strawberry, but don't miss the avocado-pistachio, coconut-strawberry, or sorbets all made with real fruit.
   
   Address: 726 A Ave National City, CA 91950

Date Night

1. Waterfront Grill
   We're not saying you can't take a date to Pepper Park or out to ice cream downtown, but if you're looking to sit down at a place with a view as good as its menu, try Waterfront Grill at Pier 32.
   
   Address: 3201 Marina Way National City, CA 91950
   
2. Cafe la Maze
   Go back in time to mid-1900s Hollywood for a meal in leather-clad horseshoe booths under dim chandeliers. Cafe la Maze's first location sprung up in Tinsel Town and was a hangout spot for all of the big stars.
   
   Address: 1441 Highland Ave. National City, CA 91950
   
3. Hannegan's House Beer Co. and Creamery
   National City's only brewery features Irish and Mexican-inspired beer paired with beer-infused ice cream. Need we say more?
   
   Address: 1535 Tidelands Ave. Ste. C, National City, CA 91950

Get Active

1. National City Golf Course
   Adults and juniors can swing away here for as little as $8 with a membership. Club rentals are available and there's a driving range if you're just looking to practice.
   
   Address: 1439 Sweetwater Rd. National City, CA 91950
   
2. Art Walk
   This 1-mile self-guided track brings you before sculptures, murals and even decorative benches. The Port of San Diego calls the Art Walk a "singular experience, unique to each person who happens by."
   
   Map: Click here
   
3. Bayshore Bikeway
   This 24-mile loop takes you from the Embarcaddero, down Tidelands Avenue through National City and back through the Silver Strand to Coronado. There are plenty of restaurants, watering holes, viewing spots and photo opportunities along the way. You can even stop off at Hannegan's House.
   
   Map: Click here
   
4. El Toyon Recreation Center/Park
   A full turf field, basketball and tennis courts, grass galore, a fenced in dog run with an agility course, and an indoor event space that hots everything from esports to ballet folklorico.
   
   Address: 2005 E. 4th Street National City, CA 91950

Learn and Explore

1. Stein Farm Family Farm
   This living history farmhouse takes you back to the 1800s. The Victorian-style farmhouse is currently undergoing renovations, but the orchard and expansive outdoor space are perfect for educational tours or even weddings.
   
   Address: 1808 F Ave., National City, CA 91950
   
2. National City Train Depot
   If you love trains, you have to check out this museum operated by the San Diego Electric Railway Association. The main station building was built in 1882 and still stands proud (thanks to a restoration 25 years ago). Yes, there is a sweet model train inside. Not only will learn a ton at the museum, but there's a good chance you'll see trains chugging by on the tracks outside.
   
   Address: 922 W. 23rd St. National City, CA 91950
   
3. National City Heritage Square and Brick Row
   A fall photo shoot at this city square, built in the late 1800s, would do numbers on Instagram. Thank us later. Frank Kimball spent $30,000 to build Brick Row, and had originally planned to rent the homes out to railroad executives.
   
   Address: 909 A Ave., National City, CA 91950
   
4. Walton House
   This Queen Anne-style Victorian beauty was built in 1896 by wealthy businessman Oliver Noyes. John Walton, son of Wal-Mart founder Sam Walton, bought the house in the 1980s and made some pretty significant improvements.
   
   Address: 2525 N Avenue
   
5. Paradise Creek Educational Park
   This is a great place to take a stroll and admire plant and wildlife thriving in open space, but you might want to wear boots.
   
   Address: Access from Pier 32 Marina
   
6. Frank Kimball House
   If you ever wanted to pay your respects to Kimball for his influence on affordable housing, or for founding National City, stop by his old crib. Bricks from the chimney were shipped from San Francisco, and Kimball was later inspired to start his own brick kiln which supplied the bricks for Brick Row.
   
   Address: 921 A Avenue, National City CA 91950