San Diego is California's top beach destination, thanks to miles of manmade beaches and bays that were created simply for man's pleasure. Beach Digs Holiday Deals in San Diego are sure to please, but keep checking as the prices fluctuate.
From the long arm that spreads down the coast to Tijuana, Mexico and includes Coronado Island and Imperial Beach, to the city's favorite beach destinations such as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and La Jolla, this is a city that loves the ocean, the beach and nearly every place you stay or everything you do as a visitor or local is near the ocean or in it.
San Diego is one of California's oldest cities, and a monument on Point Loma pays tribute to an explorer credited with finding San Diego and spreading the word, Juan Cabrillo. The national monument at an overlook allows visitors to see the entire city and miles beyond...it's a great photo opportunity and best way to get an overview of all the places you are going to or where you have been. Next to the Cabrillo Monument is the Cabrillo Lighthouse and interpretive center, open to the public for touring.
For vacations in San Diego, you quickly learn that seniors love to retire here, but it is actually a kids vacation paradise that draws tourists. Four theme parks focus on sea life and animals of the world--San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California's new Aquarium all pay tribute to nature. All are worth a visit during a trip to San Diego. The zoo contains some of the world's finest diplomats and favorite creatures to visit and see--the Giant pandas from China.
In addition to the theme parks, the shining glory of the city for anyone who loves art, history, trains, sports, airflight, geology and natural history is Balboa Park with around 14 world class museums all in one park, and all accessed in an easy walk. You can purchase the Balboa Park Pass to see quite a few, or take in an a la carte approach and stroll the grounds, just visiting one or two instead on a pay-as-go. Several museums offer free admission days. Inside the park is the Tea Pavilion with a Japanese garden where you can relax, or at The Prado at Balboa Park you might want to enjoy a delicious lunch in a lush setting. There are around a dozen places to eat inside the park. Admission to Balboa Park itself is free, as is the Botanical Building and most of the gardens. If you hear a glorious sound, head for the outdoor Spreckels Organ Pavilion in the park where free concerts are sometimes featured. For plays and stage performances, be sure to check out The Old Globe (theater) in Balboa Park, as well. balboapark.org
Things to see, things to do in San Diego:
Balboa Park includes 14 museums, 13 restaurants, and a day filled with fun. One of the biggest civic celebrations, Pride Festival & Parade, is held in July each year in Balboa Park
Belmont Park is an old-fashioned amusement park with The historic Plunge swimming pool.
Hotel del Coronado is one of the most sought after hotel stays, rekindling the early days of San Diego with its opulent, high ceilings, elegant decor, film location lore, and even ghosts. Best of all, it has a wonderful public beach.
Bahia Belle sternwheeler boat takes visitors around the bay for evening rides. Inside is a cocktail bar and sometimes live bands perform.
Pacific Beach is a region of the city with the famous Crystal Pier. Tourists love the beach vibe, the sports, ocean views and of course the amazing San Diego beach people!
Seaport Village fronts the bay and convention center, and is filled with shops and restaurants to entertain you, feed you and provide opportunities to buy souvenir gifts.
Old Town San Diego is an historic portion of the city with actual buildings from the late 18th and early 19th century. Mariachis perform around the plaza, and there are some unique restaurants, shopping, and museum tours, plus ghost tours.
Little Italy encompasses many city blocks and includes its own community group that hosts the annual Sicilian Festival, a free street fair with music, dancing, entertainment and food vendors selling Italian taste treats.
Horton Plaza is a downtown San Diego shopping mall with everything you could want...clothes, shoes, sunglasses, food, cosmetics.
Waterfront ships & museums along the bay include the Star of India Cement Ship and historic USS Midway guests can tour.
Petco Park is home to the San Diego Padres baseball team and Qualcomm Stadium is where the San Diego Chargers football team plays.
Torrey Pines Golf Course is a public two-course golf destination where the US Open was hosted.
Gliderport in La Jolla next to the Torrey Pines Golf Club teaches hang-gliding and provides a launch point for the sport.
San Diego Harbor Cruises include narrated boat tours, fishing boat trips, dinner cruises, special events cruises and the public ferry boat to Coronado Island.
Gaslamp Quarter includes a vibrant dining and shopping district with a lively night scene. Among its restaurants is Croce's, owned by the wife of famed singer/songwriter Jim Croce. Gaslamp is home to annual events that include Mardi Gras.
Theme Parks include SeaWorld, San Diego Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park and Legoland California (in Carlsbad)
San Diego Mission includes beautiful grounds and a replica building of the original mission (one of 21 in California) located there.
Sports Activities include Jogging Paths, Bicycling, Surfing, Volleyball, Hiking, Wind, Kite and Paddleboarding, and professional and regional sports games to participate in and/or watch.