Welcome to beautiful San Diego—one of America’s premier destinations for fun in the sun and surf! If you’ve decided to make this sparkling seaside city your next vacation spot, here are some things to consider:
• San Diego enjoys a variety of climates. Inland communities experience some serious sun in the summer, so bring lots of sunscreen. Coastal regions can seem cool, especially to newcomers, so pack a sweater.
• If you plan to rent a car, the San Diego International Airport’s Website provides a thorough listing of available options at www.san.org. But don’t forget the San Diego Trolley (www.sdcommute.com ), serving many of the city’s most popular places.
• While the rest of the country may experience cooling, warm summer temps in San Diego can actually extend into October. If you plan to visit between January and early April, you could see some rain, so plan accordingly.
• Learn everything you need to know and more about planning your trip through the San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau at www.sandiego.org/nav/Visitors , or call 619-232-3101 for more information.
• Visit www.sdfmOUTandABOUT.com to discover more than 500 San Diego County attractions, events, parks, restaurants, museums and more!
BEACHES/OCEAN
Belmont Park
3146 Mission Blvd., San Diego, CA 92109
www.belmontpark.com ; 858-228-WAVE
Historic, scenic and loads of fun—Belmont Park in Mission Beach is San Diego’s premier beachfront amusement parks. Featuring such rides as the Big Dipper Roller Coaster, Beach Blaster and Flowrider—your crew will be riding an “endless wave” of excitement. Unlimited ride wristbands are available. Restaurants include the Wave House (www.wavehouse.com ), which offers BBQ cuisine with the ocean-themed ambiance of hammocks, fire pits and swaying palms. Canes Bar & Grill (www.canesbarandgrill.com ) enjoys the reputation as one of the best live music spots in town.
Birch Aquarium
2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla, CA 92037
http://aquarium.ucsd.edu ; 858-534-FISH
If you love the sea, visit the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Stretching majestically along the La Jolla coast, the aquarium invites you to get a good look at some of the sea’s most compelling creatures. Visitors are encouraged to roll up their sleeves and get a feel for the ocean themselves! Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, this coastal treasure offers tons of learning fun. Just a mile from the aquarium is Best Western Inn by the Sea (www.bestwestern.com ) with rates as low as $130.00 a night. Call 800-462-9732 for reservations.
Schedule your visit to coincide with animal dinnertime! Look for the Animal Feeding Schedule link on the Website for a list of times and locations.
Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106-3601
619-557-5450
For 144 years, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse has served San Diego Bay as a beacon and official greeter to sea-faring travelers from around the world. No reservations are required, unless you plan to check out the tide pools.
Because most visitors come for the panoramic views, it is recommended that you call ahead of time to 619-557-5450 then dial “0” for current visibility conditions.
Coronado
City Hall
1825 Strand Way Coronado, CA 92118
www.coronado.ca.us ; 619-522-7300
Rated by Travelocity as the one of the most romantic communities in the country, Coronado is a true oceanfront paradise, complete with stunning beaches, resorts, shopping, dining and much more. The ever-elegant, must-see Hotel del Coronado (www.hoteldel.com ) has an exciting history that spans more than a century. The look says it all—its rich red roof and striking white walls make for a vibrant backdrop against the ocean blue.
Thomas Edison, Babe Ruth, Marilyn Monroe, Charlie Chaplin and 11 U.S. presidents are just a few notables who have stayed at the Hotel del Coronado.
Sea World
500 Sea World Drive, San Diego, CA 92109
www.seaworld.com ; 800-25-SHAMU
Shamu and his entire crew are waiting for you to join them for a splish-splashing grand time! One-day admissions are $65 for adults and $55 for kids ages 3 to 9. If you plan to stay awhile and are hoping to stretch out your visit over a few days, be sure to check out their admission packages online. Crowne Plaza-Hanalei San Diego (www.cp-sandiego.com ) promises low rates and close proximity to Sea World. Call 800-2-CROWNE for reservations.
Feeling adventurous? Guests are invited to “Take a DIP” (Dolphin Interaction Program) and actually swim with the dolphins! Book your swim online to avoid the lines and the hassle.
INLAND
Legoland
1 Lego Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008
www.legoland.com/california ; 760-918-5346
Nestled among the strawberry patches and flower fields of Carlsbad just off the 805 freeway, Legoland is a place where kid-powered creativity reigns and parents rest easy. For nearby lodging, check out Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa (www.sheratoncarlsbad.com ) or call 760-827-2400 for reservations. The Holiday Inn Carlsbad-By the Sea at www.holidayinn.com is another option. Call 800-315-2621 for more information.
Family-friendly details will make your visit a pleasurable one—family restrooms, shaded seating and safely enclosed play areas. Even the community bins of LEGO bricks at The Imagination Zone are sanitized daily to ensure cleanliness. Bring a sweater to guard against those cool ocean breezes.
DOWNTOWN/CENTRAL
Balboa Park
1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101
www.balboapark.org ; 619-239-0512
Historic Balboa Park, lushly landscaped with towering palms and vibrant bougainvillea blooms, has long been a cultural hub of the arts. Featuring art and history museums, live theater and outdoor concerts, the park treats visitors to an experience that satisfies every sense and sensibility. Admission to the park grounds is free, as well as the Botanical Gardens and other outdoor attractions. A wide variety of dining options are available to visitors, including The Tea Pavilion at the Japanese Friendship Garden. The Prado at Balboa Park is a full-service restaurant that offers diverse cuisine and incredible ambiance.
Kids love Balboa Park, too! The popular Reuben H. Fleet Science Center and San Diego Model Railroad Museum are just a few of the child-friendly hot spots.
San Diego Zoo
In Balboa Park at 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101
www.sandiegozoo.org ; 619-234-3153
Majestic lions prowl, black bears growl and colorful peacocks strut their stuff at the San Diego Zoo. Don’t miss an opportunity to mingle with and view some of the world’s most exotic creatures. Tickets can be purchased online or at the front gates. For lodging, check out America’s Best Value Inn at Mission Bay for rates as low as $89 a night by calling 888-315-2378.
The San Diego Zoo is renowned for its many fun and informative exhibits, including the Polar Bear Plunge, Monkey Trails, Absolutely Apes, the Panda Research Station, Ituri Forest and a children’s petting zoo.
You can also visit the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park, 35 miles north of San Diego, in Escondido. This 1800-acre wildlife sanctuary and garden is home to more than 3500 animals. Youngsters will enjoy the petting kraal, play areas and carousel. Stretch your legs on the two-mile Kilimanjaro Safari Walk to see lions, tigers and elephants. Visit the Zoo Website or call 760-747-8702 for ticket information.
Old Town San Diego
2383 San Diego Avenue, San Diego, CA 92110
Strolling through Old Town San Diego is a great way to soak up this city’s rich and storied history. Attractions include the Mason Street Schoolhouse, Heritage Park Victorian Village, El Campo Santo Cemetery and scenic Presidio Park. Visitors are treated to a wide selection of unique shops and restaurants, including authentic Mexican cuisine at hot spots like Casa de Reyes, The Cosmopolitan and the historic Old Town Mexican Café Restaurant.
Founded in 1769, Old Town San Diego is considered the “birthplace of California.” It’s from this point that Father Junipero Serra built the first of what was to be a chain of 21 missions along the California coastline.
Petco Park
100 Park Blvd., San Diego, CA 92101
http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/ ; 619-795-5000
Jump into the local sports scene and watch as the San Diego Padres swing for the fences at seaside Petco Park. Seating prices vary, but one thing is sure—baseball fans in this park are guaranteed some breathtaking views! Check out the Website for information on policies for such things as bringing in banners, backpacks and, yes, brooms. You won’t miss any of the action when you lodge at the nearby Omni San Diego Hotel (www.omnihotels.com ). Call 619-231-6664 for more information.
If you’re celebrating a special event, consider signing up for a Scoreboard Surprise. It’s easy—visit the Website to learn more. Messages must be arranged at least 24 hours in advance.
Happy Campers!
What better way to enjoy San Diego’s beautiful natural landscape than to experience it first hand? Check out the following camping and RV resources for your trip:
• California Campgrounds (http://artmam.net/California_Campgrounds.htm )
• Campland on the Bay (www.campland.com )
• Camping San Diego North (www.sandiegonorth.com/camping.asp )
• County of San Diego: Parks and Recreation (www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks )
• RV Rentals (http://rvrentalstarterkit.com )
• RV Resources (www.rvresources.com/rv-parks-campgrounds/california-rv-parks5.php )
• San Diego Mountain Escapes (www.totalescape.com/active/campstuff/NF/clevelnd.html )
• Santee Lakes (www.santeelakes.com )
Kerri Mabee is a freelance writer living in Temecula, California.