San Diego is an amazing city and it can be hard to know where to start because there are so many attractions and events happening all the time. The best way to make the most out of your visit is by planning ahead what you want to see and do while you’re here. Whether it’s a guided tour or just exploring on your own, this article will give you some tips on how to maximize your time in San Diego.
Where Is San Diego And How Do You Get There?
San Diego is located in California on the Pacific Ocean coastline. You’ll find it south of Los Angeles, west of Phoenix and east of Tijuana, Mexico. There are several ways to get there depending on where you live. British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick Airport while United Airlines offers flights with a stopover in Denver or Chicago O’Hare International Airport.
If you prefer not to fly then take an Amtrak train which takes around 38 hours non-stop – it offers great views throughout its journey across America. This isn’t for everyone, however, and many people choose to hire a car instead.
The San Diego Natural History Museum
This is where you can witness the history of life on Earth, from prehistoric times to the current day. Your kids will love this educational journey while they are surrounded by realistic animal replicas providing a glimpse into the prehistoric era.
You can learn more about this attraction and others by visiting specialist sites on the internet. Some locals write articles about these experiences, whether they relate to snorkeling or kayaking at La Jolla Cove or watching the sunset from Point Loma. You can read online about Legoland or the Birch Aquarium, and even subscribe to newsletters.
San Diego Zoo
This is one of the best zoos in America and it is home to a wide variety of animals and birds. It’s located in Balboa Park where it houses more than 650 animal species from all over the world. Some exotic animals living here include polar bears, penguins, pandas, leopards, jaguars, and African lions. The zoo also has an amazing botanical collection featuring different types of plants spread across 100 acres of land.
San Diego Wild Animal Park is where you can roam through the forest amidst wild animals and birds, and your children will love to see lions, tigers, and elephants playing in a safe environment. They have different types of safari tours where tourists can get to view unique animal species living in their natural habitats. There’s also a deer park where people get a chance to feed alongside hiking trails.
The Old Town
This historic district is filled with restaurants, bars, clubs, shops, and hotels. You can spend an entire day strolling down the charming streets or you could visit one of the many museums. They include The Whaley House Museum which has been designated as both California Historical Landmark Number One and San Diego Historic Site No. 29. There are plenty of things to do in Old Town throughout the year including:
- art festivals like the Winter Wine Fest
- concerts like the Summer Pops series at Humphrey’s Concerts by the Sea
- outdoor movies during Cinema Under the Stars summer movie screenings
Whale Watching
If you enjoy whale watching and are interested in taking a special tour you can find several places around San Diego that offer this opportunity.
If you want to go on an evening cruise, Swell’s Whale Watching company provides information about the best times of the year and offers tours departing from both La Jolla Cove and Dana Point Harbor.
Belmont Park
This is a large amusement park located on the Pacific Beach boardwalk. It features more than 50 rides including roller coasters, bumper cars, and other thrillers for kids and adults. Some popular attractions include the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster, the Boomerang Bay Waterpark (seasonal), the Arcade Building with over 100 different games, and the Prize Counter where you can redeem your tickets earned by playing.
There are also many restaurants here offering great food, plus a stadium area to watch local sports teams play on their home field. The San Diego Trolley runs every 20 minutes from the station to a nearby location. It operates all day and night, providing easy access for party-goers.
These are some of the key places you should research before you visit. If you fill your time with some of these ‘must-see’ places and attractions, you’ll acquire some precious memories that you and your family will treasure for a lifetime.
