Take a trip back in time at Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, an approximately mile-long and half-mile-wide area contained stretch of preserved or reconstructed shops and houses on the grounds of the first European settlement in California. The waiter and waitress were really nice and professional, also the host was always playing good music, and would also play what other people requested. The 12 Best San Diego Tours. Jambo! The gliderport is one of the top spots in California for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. Keep that in mind when planning a visit. Located at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography at the University of California San Diego, the Birch Aquarium overlooks the Pacific Ocean, the source of the fish and invertebrates housed in its more than 60 habitats. If you don't want to experience this side of Pacific Beach, take a walk along Crystal Pier or stick to the beach north of this pier (a popular area for families). The interactive institution has outdoor pools that allow visitors to have hands-on experiences with young sharks, rays and sea cucumbers. If you're visiting San Diego in March, don't miss Busker Fest a free event showcasing street performers from all over the globe. If youre staying in downtown San Diego, you can easily walk to many of the attractions. Make sure to arrive early though, as lines can get long. In Californias Beach City, you can dance the night away in the vibrant Gaslamp, Thanks to its location along the sunny Southern California coast, San Diego is an amazing place to try delicious, fresh seafood. 15%* off Valentines Day Cruises with code: VDAY15, Embark on an unforgettable Father's Day Celebration. Pacific Beach one of the top San Diego beaches is popular with college students thanks to its lively atmosphere and proximity to bars and restaurants. The southernmost tip of Point Loma is where you'll find the Cabrillo National Monument. If you do drive, you can park at Horton Plaza Park or one of the other structures in the area (where rates vary by day of the week, time of day and length of your stay). experiences around the world Top Destinations New York City Statue of Liberty, sightseeing and dining cruises, walking tours, and more London Sightseeing and dining cruises, walking tours, food tours, and more San Francisco Alcatraz Island, sightseeing and dining cruises, walking tours, and more Boston Job Function Administrative Arts & Design Business Consulting Customer Services & Support Education Engineering Finance & Accounting Healthcare Human Resources Information Technology Legal Marketing The Gaslamp Quarter also hosts many annual events year-round, including San Diego Comic-Con. The USS Midway is one of these affiliated sites that offers an insider's look into what is normally closed off to the public. Seaport Village is also a popular entertainment venue. It also offers daily behind-the-scenes tours. They also confirm that it's a popular spot for RV camping. Along with a massive cross, there are also a series of 11 walls displaying more than 3,500 granite plaques devoted to individual military persons and their accomplishments. Though you may spot wildlife at any one of San Diego's beaches (especially Pacific and Mission beaches) none put on quite as good a show as the performers at SeaWorld. You are about to leave City Experiences site. Very friendly staff and overall a great experience for me and my son! What's more, it's the jumping-off point for one of the best California tours within San Diego: the San Diego Seal Tour. One-Hour Harbor Cruise & Sea Lion Adventure in San Diego Hornblower Cruises & Events is a treasured attraction on San Diego Bay. (Indeed, it was adapted from the former SeaWorld Aquatica San Diego water park.) Though a few reviewers express disappointment with the amount of walking involved and the high prices of admission and concession, visitors say the experience is worth it. Just across the bay from San Diego, Coronado Beach is popular with families and couples alike thanks to its long shoreline (affording plenty of room for beachgoers), clean sands, peaceful atmosphere and idyllic location in the "Crown City" (in Spanish, "Coronado" means "crowned one"). In operation for almost a century, this unique adventure hub allows visitors to witness the beautifully preserved California coastline from above. Whatever youre looking for, youre sure to find it in San Diego! Sesame Place is a kid-oriented destination inspired by the "Sesame Street" TV series. Do not ignore these flags. Here, you can view some of Africa's most beloved animals including lions, elephants and cheetahs roaming free (well, relatively). Spanning 100 acres in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is not only one of the largest zoos in the country, it's also home to one of the largest collections of rare and endangered animals in the world (more than 12,000 animals in total). San Diego is a big military town. With more than 70 courses and temperate weather year-round, the San Diego area ranks as a top destination for golfers. Previous visitors enjoyed simply strolling through the streets, relaxing on the green spaces and listening to mariachi bands. Cruises depart from various ports within the harbor. You'll find the most action here, especially at night. Imagine a Renaissance cathedral: dark, polished redwood molding and woodwork. Some stalls have more specific products, such as Baker & Olive, which sells premium olive oil and balsamic vinegar, or Old Town Soap Company, which offers natural self-care and wellness products. 85 Fun & Unusual Things to Do in San Diego February 7, 2023 Showcasing world-class beaches, craft breweries, theme parks, intriguing museums and some of the best Mexican cuisines on this side of the border, San Diego is jam-packed with fun things to do. In fact, many said a daylong visit isn't enough time to see everything. Our no cost platform provides substantial savings on . City Hall | City of San Diego Official Website Visitors acknowledge that it is an inconvenient trek from San Diego, but the unique habitat created for the animals is very fascinating to see. Cabrillo National Monument at Point Loma is another historical site that's popular for its San Diego Bay views and whale watching. The site is an ecologically protected area that is home to vibrant wildlife both in and out of the water. Widely considered the "birthplace of California," Old Town San Diego shows visitors what it was like to live through different eras of California history, from the time of Spanish explorers to the California gold rush. Then, there are cruises for thrill-seekers: Complete with whipping winds and splashing water for a 30-minute ride, boat adventures like the high-speed Patriot Jet Boat ride are not for the faint-hearted. Silver Stand takes its name from the iridescent oyster shells that cover the sand and make it a popular destination for shell collectors. La Jolla Cove is the jewel of La Jolla. Meanwhile, science enthusiasts should plan a visit to the Fleet Science Center, the Natural History Museum and, inside the California Building, the Museum of Us (formerly the Museum of Man). Even so, many say that if you enter knowing what to expect, and with companions of the appropriate age in tow, you can have a magical time here. There are plenty of things to do in San Diego. The area stretches from L Street all the way up to Broadway, including Sixth, Fifth and Fourth avenues as well as out to First Avenue at G Street. Explore Arts & Culture in San Diego | Official CA Travel Guide In addition to its approximately 2-mile-long boardwalk, the beach is also home to Belmont Park, a beachfront amusement park featuring arcades and numerous rides, including the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster a nearly 100-year-old National Historic Landmark. Prices and tour availability vary by boat, so make sure to check the website for more information. If you want more of the San Diego Zoo, head about 35 miles north to its Safari Park in Escondido. City Experiences is seeking Boat Captain for our City Experiences operation in San Diego About You: This person will be adaptable, dynamic, and embody City Experiences' RESPECT Service System. Unless the city's famous Comic-Con is the reason for your trip, avoid visiting during the convention, which typically takes place in July. You can also take boat cruises on the harbor taking in the sights of San Diego from a different perspective. - Theodore W, Nice, relaxing 1-hour ride around the bay. Wander around the park's many gardens while admiring the intricate Spanish-Renaissance architecture that permeates the grounds (the best examples are the California Building and the reconstructed House of Hospitality). True to its name, the park offers a variety of different safaris, including a zip line safari and a wildlife safari in an open-air truck. While you won't have access to a bustling boardwalk (like that at Mission Beach), you will have plenty of picturesque scenery to admire (besides the surf): magnificent mansions sit behind the beach on Ocean Boulevard. Travelers frequently describe the staff as very friendly and knowledgeable. With the salt air, cool breeze, and unrivaled sunsets, you cant help but fall in love with San, Brunch is a big deal in San Diego. You can also rent a car or use Uber or Lyft. reCAPTCHA helps prevent automated form spam. Often considered one of the top baseball stadiums in the country, Petco Park is a must-visit for San Diego Padres fans or for anyone who wants to witness a baseball game and take in the striking San Diego skyline. You are about to leave City Experiences site. Some are whale watching focused, as San Diego is one of the top places for whale watching in the country. Hornblower Cruises and Events - SanDiego.com $30 off City Experiences Coupons, Promo Codes - June, 2023 Some important stops include the adobe Casa de Estudillo, a house built in the 1820s that is one of the oldest surviving Mexican-Spanish-style structures of its type in the state. The Gaslamp Quarter Association, the city of San Diego and other groups devised a plan to transform some of these streets into car-free plazas collectively called the Gaslamp Promenade. At the end of every day, I strive to be proud of what we have accomplished. Verified Exclusive Used 71 times. Animal lovers are sure to enjoy Children's Pool beach in La Jolla. San Diego Zoo Safari Park. A Safari Adventure in San Diego. San Diego's notoriously sunny and dry weather also makes Petco Park an ideal baseball stadium: The Padres rarely see home games rained out, so it's highly unlikely visitors will need to worry about their plans getting canceled. Sunset Cliffs has no opening or closing hours, though it's best to go when there's light for maximum visibility. Many people rely on public transportation, including the bus system and the trolley. Away from the protected refuge, surfers and boogie boarders come to catch waves in designated zones. Dolphins are toothed whales in the Delphinidae Family. If you want to avoid the crowds at dusk, try to plan a mid-week trip rather than a weekend visit. If you aren't an advanced snorkeler but still want to see the caves, you can take a kayak tour, or visit the Cave Store, which is home to a human-made tunnel that goes directly inside the Sunny Jim Cave. With its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and diverse cuisine, San Diego is the perfect destination for your next vacation. Whether you want delicious breakfast staples like pancakes, a local specialty like a hearty breakfast burrito, or even something avant-garde like breakfast, Along with visiting the seal and sea-lion colonies in La Jolla, one of the best wildlife-spotting activities for people visiting San Diego is a whale-watching tour with City Cruises.