San Diego California -USA
As if all that sunshine weren’t enough, San Diego is a waterfront city with top-notch restaurants, beautiful ocean-sprayed vistas, neighborhoods that are steeped in history and culture, and a centrally located urban park. Whether you’re spending a few days indulging in the city’s myriad of beaches and surf spots, visiting the aquatic attractions SeaWorld San Diego and Mission Bay Aquatic Park, or exploring the inland offerings of the city, San Diego will not disappoint.
Perhaps the best place to start is in Balboa Park, 1,200 acres of pristine emerald green in the heart of the city, home to 17 museums, the most populous koala colony outside of Australia, and the largest outdoor instrument in the world. Get a sense of this oasis’ many wonders by beginning the day at the San Diego Zoo. Next, stop for a photo at the stunning Botanical Building, overlooking a lily pond, and venture inside the free-entry Timken Museum next door. Enjoy a peaceful sushi lunch at the Japanese Friendship Garden before strolling to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion (on Sunday afternoons, you can hear the 5,017 pipes come to life). Or check out one of the many exceptional museums like Fleet Science Center or Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man).
Best San Diego Theme Parks and Amusement Parks
For families beginning the San Diego vacation planning process, researching the San Diego theme parks and amusement parks is an excellent start.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
Over 2600 wild and endangered animals from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia live at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. The new Lemur Walk, Tiger Trail, and Elephant Valley are some of the many highlights. Don’t miss the famous cheetah run and various animal interactions such as feeding lorikeets, petting goats in Nairobi Village and various shows.
Can you see the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park on the same day? Technically, yes, but it’s not advisable. These San Diego theme parks, without traffic, are 45 minutes apart and you simply won’t be able to enjoy the best of both with a jammed itinerary as both typically close around 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.
Address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd, Escondido, CA 92027, United States
LEGOLAND California
LEGOLAND California transports guests into the colorful world of LEGOs through shows, rides, displays and plenty of LEGO pits (play areas that are full of loose pieces) to play in. In addition to the LEGOLAND theme park, there is also a water park and SEA LIFE Aquarium in addition to the two resort hotels.
One day is usually enough unless you have an extreme LEGO fan, are staying in Carlsbad
Best for: This San Diego theme park is geared mostly toward kids who are ages 12 and younger (though you’ll want to visit at the peak of LEGO enthusiasm which usually happens younger than age 12).
Address: One Legoland Dr, Carlsbad, CA 92008, United States
SeaWorld
SeaWorld’s other San Diego theme park is a water park called Aquatica. Located in Chula Vista, it’s a bit off-the-beaten-path (about 25 minutes southeast of downtown San Diego). It’s worth the drive when it’s open during summer months if you have kids that love waterslides big and small.
They’ve made it part beachside resort with cabanas you can reserve and sandy beaches. Some of the waterslides are quite fast but small kids can splash around in heated pools, lazy river, and splash pads.
Best for: All ages who love water parks and tourists who have already seen the bigger San Diego theme parks on this list.
Address: 500 Sea World Dr., San Diego, CA 92109, United States
WaterfrontPark
Located right along the harbor, the Waterfront Park is a beautiful waterfront public space in Downtown San Diego with large grassy areas, interactive fountains for kids to play in, intimate garden rooms with distinct themes, jungle gyms and several picnic areas.
Waterfront Park holds many public and private special events, including festivals, farmers markets, and active and passive family recreation.
You can check it out at 1600 Pacific Highway!
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is San Diego’s most popular attraction . It is located in Balboa Park
Highlights include the pandas, koalas, Polar Bear Plunge, Children’s Zoo (temporarily closed for renovation), Skyfari Tram, Africa Rocks and more. A full day is advisable but some time spent here is better than none. Over 750,000 gorgeous exotic and rare plants decorate and shade many parts of the zoo as well.
Address: 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Open Daily from 9:a00m to 6 :00 pm
Balboa Park
After you visit the zoo, you would be missing out if you didn’t also take a walk around Balboa Park. It is one of America’s most iconic urban parks – at over 1,200 acres, you will find 17 museums, countless gardens and lots of history to explore. Museums inside Balboa Park include the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Museum of Photographic Arts and the San Diego Air & Space Museum, so there is truly something for everyone. You will also find a large assortment of restaurants and places to shop, so it’s definitely worth making a day of exploring.
Adress: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101, United States
Discover San Diego's Urban Side
The heartbeat of every city lives in its downtown, and San Diego is no exception. Located only minutes from the airport, San Diego's thriving urban center offers an abundance of options for accommodations, activities, dining and cultural attractions, all easily accessible by foot, bike, car or public transportation.
GASLAMP QUARTER
In the historic Gaslamp Quarter, where modern architecture and Victorian Age buildings stand side by side, you'll discover eclectic galleries, chic boutiques, trendy nightclubs, rooftop bars, gastropubs, craft beer haunts and fine dining restaurants lining the streets.
LITTLE ITALY
Once home to San Diego's flourishing tuna fishing industry and generations of Italian families who made their living on the sea, Little Italy is now a lively neighborhood with cozy patio cafés, international restaurants, craft brew stops, urban wineries, art galleries, sophisticated shops, boutique hotels, and the festive Piazza della Famiglia.
Craft Beer is also in the spotlight here with establishments such as Ballast Point Brewing and Bottlecraft Beer Shop & Tasting Room. And for wine lovers, Carruth Cellars Wine Garden and Pali Wine Co. are perfect places for local wine tasting.
NORTH & SOUTH PARK
Mix and Mingle with the Locals
East of downtown and bordering Balboa Park, you'll find the diverse and eclectic uptown neighborhoods of North Park and South Park. Catering to a local crowd, the streets here are lined with coffee shops, boutiques, art galleries, diverse restaurants and craft beer pubs.
Liberty Public Market
Liberty Public Market is a 7-day a week Public Market and event venue offering the best of what the region has to offer. Showcasing a rustic environment with prepared foods, beer, wine, specialty cocktails, produce, fish, desserts and pastries, pasta, arts and crafts, a test kitchen, pop up dinners, and educational driven events.
Bustling market in an old Navy building with hip eateries, bars & specialty food & craft vendors.
Address: 2820 Historic Decatur Rd, San Diego, CA 92106, United States
Explore San Diego's
COASTAL NEIGHBORHOODS
From quaint Coronado and family friendly Carlsbad to artsy Encinitas and posh villages of La Jolla Del Mar, along with the 20-something party havens of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach, each seaside town beckons with beautiful beaches and a taste of San Diego's SoCal lifestyle.
La Jolla
With a dramatic coastline boasting incredible views, it's no surprise that La Jolla is one of the most popular beach destinations in California.
Surrounded on three sides by the sea and backed by the steep slopes of Mt. Soledad, La Jolla's natural beauty, abundance of activities and upscale village lifestyle ensure that it lives up to its nickname as "the jewel" of San Diego.
Consistently voted one of the top beach destinations in the world, La Jolla offers a wide range of accommodations from luxurious hotels to casual coastal retreats, along with museums and art galleries, one-of-a-kind boutiques, great restaurants and a slew of outdoor activities.
Home to the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course and The Lodge at Torrey Pines, the scenic cliff area offers well-groomed hiking trails with spectacular views, and world-class golf. At Torrey Pines Gliderport you can soar out over the beach cliffs on a hang glider or just relax and watch the action above.
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Walking down to Ellen Scripps Park. The view on this grassy area above La Jolla Cove is world renowned for its breathtaking views and entertaining wildlife.
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Sipping cocktails on the Ocean Terrace of the world famous restaurant, George’s at the Cove – simply decadent yet the outdoor restaurant is also laid-back casual.
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We highly recommend reservations since it is popular all day and night.
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Dining on the rooftop patio at one of the fantastic restaurants at architecturally breathtaking La Plaza La Jolla. Here, we recommend visiting the rooftop patios of :
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Catania, which offers authentic Italian food and hand crafted cocktails.
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The Marine Room is by far one of the best romantic restaurants with an ocean view in La Jolla.
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Puesto La Jolla .The La Jolla outpost of Puesto was the first of what is now quite an empire. Though tacos are its calling card, the restaurant is also known for its excellent cocktails and housemade beer.
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Located just minutes from downtown is San Diego's water wonderland, Mission Bay Park. The 4,600-acre aquatic playground is the largest of its kind in the world. Surrounded by 27 miles of meandering shoreline, with a variety of waterways, inlets and islets to explore, Mission Bay is bordered by several beach communities, each with their own distinct vibe. You will quickly discover that this bustling bay area is action packed from sun up to sun down.
MISSION BEACH AND PACIFIC BEACH
With an ambiance of an eternal spring break, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are the gathering place of San Diego's 20-something crowd. Along the 3-mile oceanfront boardwalk, you'll find funky surf shops, beach bars, cafes and nightclubs. A variety of upscale resorts and family hotels are also scattered along the coast. Be sure to visit Mission Beach’s iconic Belmont Park amusement park and entertainment center for a ride on the Giant Dipper roller coaster or game of laser tag.
MISSION BAY
Coronado Beach
Situated just across the bay from downtown San Diego, Coronado is consistently voted best beach in the U.S. by Dr. Beach. With gentle surf, sparkling wide-sand beaches, charming main street and great hotels, including the famous Hotel del Coronado, this island paradise is perfect for a family vacation or romantic getaway.
Painted sunsets. Azure skies. Cerulean seas. And in the springtime, flower fields awash in vibrant hues. This is Carlsbad—the colorful San Diego County California coastal town that delights visitors year-round.
Located midway between downtown San Diego and Orange County, Carlsbad is one of those unique and charming coastal towns well worth a visit for so many reasons.
Where to Dine in Carlsbad
It’s delectable farm to table ocean view dining at Chandler’s, located at Cape Rey. The restaurant enjoys a stellar reputation with locals as well as guests staying at the resort. And for good reason.
Our breakfast entrees, the Lobster and Shrimp Benedict and Cinnamon Brown Sugar Challah French Toast, were both remarkable. Sharing to savor both was a must. Interior and exterior dining at this quintessential California eatery is available. The setting is beautiful, service is impeccable, and food quality is top-notch.
20|Twenty Grill is so-named for its picture-perfect panoramic views of the Pacific coastline. The restaurant, perched high on a Carlsbad hill, proudly sources from 12 featured San Diego County farms, enabling the eatery to serve up the freshest entrees imaginable. Though the menu isn’t expansive, it’s selective and creative.
Bruschettas are a hallmark of the menu and the Walnut Raisin with fig jam, melted Brie, prosciutto and arugula combination was absolutely outstanding. The Compressed Pear Salad was a delightful creation of arugula, goat cheese, pecans, cinnamon and star anise tossed in an apple cider vinaigrette dressing.
The wine and drink list is extensive and kids (big and little) love their handcrafted sodas.
Craft beer lovers delight in Carlsbad’s Draft Republic. It’s not just for the 101 beers on tap. Their creative craft cocktails are phenomenal too and the atmosphere is fun, festive and perfect for families and social gatherings.
Carlsbad
San Diego Attractions
La Jolla is more than just a beach; it is a long stretch of coastline known as “the jewel of San Diego” - and for good reason! You will find some beautiful beaches for swimming and snorkeling at La Jolla Shores and Torrey Pines State Beach, as well as lots of options for surfing and sea kayaking. Some areas in La Jolla are inaccessible for beach goers, but you can see some incredible sunsets from the top of the cliffs. The Children’s Pool is also a must-see – once meant as a safe swimming area for children, the pool has now been claimed by seals and sea lions and offers great views of these marine inhabitants.
La Jolla Attractions