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San Diego Vacation

Located deep in the south of California, right next to Mexico, is beautiful San Diego. Originally one of the Spanish mission cities on the trail north towards San Francisco, today San Diego is an expensive, vibrant, fun place to live or visit. If you are planning a trip to San Diego, read our visitor guide below to get some ideas on the best sites to see and the best places to stay in San Diego. Of course the sunny weather and beautiful coastal location along the Pacific Ocean is what makes San Diego especially memorable. A number of tourist attractions have been built here as well, drawing not only tourist from the greater Los Angeles area, but also from all over the world. The San Diego Zoo is one such standout destination, as is San Diego Sea World, home of the famous killer whale Shamu.

san diego




San Diego Hotels - San Diego Lodging

Where should I stay in San Diego? What's the best hotel? We hear this all the time, but like most cities, there is no one "best" place to stay while in town . You can choose from high end spas and resorts down to simple seaside motels. Some of our favorite hotels in San Diego include:
  • The Lodge at Torrey Pines, if money is not object (11480 North Torrey Pines Road). This craftsman style lodge abuts the famous Torrey Pines Golf Course, and attracts many players. Situated about a half mile from the beach (busy and crowded on weekends), the Pines has a nice pool area, good service, and dark rooms. Rooms will set you back about $400 per night.
  • The Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter is more on an intown spot, located at 401 K Street. Rooms are $300-$400, but the location right next to the bay in the Gaslamp district makes it worth the price (also right next to the convention center if you are in town on business). Overall, what you expect from a Hilton in a great location.
  • Omni San Diego Hotel - also downtown and near the Gaslamp district, the Omni is at 675 L Street. The Padres play baseball right across the street, so this is a good location if you have tickets. We've heard some people got good rates on this hotel at Priceline - try it out if you know you want to stay here. Normal room rates are close to $300 per night.
  • For a cheaper hotel/motel in San Diego, try Homewood Suites San Diego Del Mar, 11025 Vista Sorrento Parkway. Rate start at about $175. While this property is about 30-40 minutes away from the San Diego Zoo and Sea World, it is still a good spot for families visiting San Diego.
  • For cheaper hotels closer to the San Diego Zoo, look into Days Inn Hotel Circle (from $75), Inn at Mission Bay ($59), Holiday Inn Express and Suites WAP ($76), Ramada Plaza Hotel Circle ($59), or the Holiday Inn San Diego Bayside ($99).


San Diego Site Seeing

There is alot to do and see in this city. Some people take a day trip to nearby Tijuana, Mexico -- Tijuana is not exactly a lovely tourist city, but if you want to check out Mexico and are in the mood for an adventure, consider it. Almost everyone returns alive! Two of the main kiddie attractions are Sea World (SeaWorld.com) and The San Diego Zoo (SanDiegoZoo.org). Not just for kids though, we recommend these parks for adults and all families. You can get Sea World hours and Sea World ticket prices on their website (usually open 9AM or 10AM, close by 7PM, though hours vary throughout the year and on weekends, while ticket prices are $54 for adults and $44 for kids -- look into the San Diego 3 for 1 ticket that covers 5 days use at the zoo, sea world, and wild animal park for $99). The whale and dolphin shows are always the highlights, but there are enough shows and rides to keep your family busy all day long, no problem. They are reached via Sea World Dr. off of Interstate 5, right on Mission Bay. Tickets to the San Diego Zoo cost $32 for adults, $20 for kids 3-11. We recommend one day at the zoo and one day Sea World if you are travelling with children in San Diego. The Zoo is on 2920 Zoo Dr. in Balboa Park, just north of downtown. The Zoo is open 9-4 in the Fall and winter, and usually until early evening in the summer. You can see a map to the San Diego Zoo below. The Wild Animal Park is another popular safari-like exhibit.
san diego zoo map

Best Restaurants in San Diego

There are alot of great restaurants in San Diego. Let's start with some restaurants with the best views. Try Azzura Point at Loews Coronado Bay Resort, and enjoy walls of windows looking out upon sailboats in the Bay (4000 Coronado Bay Road, (619) 424-4477). If you want rooftop panoramic views, go for Bertrands at Mister A's (2550 5th Ave,. (619) 239-1377) - this is the place to go for those special meals around sunset time - amazing. For beachside setting, go with Jake's Del Mar (1660 Coast Blvd, Del Mar, (858) 755-2002) -- waves even splash the windows here some days! Talk about beachfront dining. Go for the fresh seafood specials, and enjoy the sunset over the Pacific. If you are looking for romantic dining in San Diego, try The Sky Room at La Valencia Hotel (La Jolla), or Sante for Italian food (7811 Herschel Ave., La Jolla, (858) 454-1315).

What to do on a San Diego Trip

Apart from the animal parks, there is a lot more to see in San Diego. Other nearby attractions include LegoLand (Legoland.com/california.htm), La Jolla, Old Town, Balboa Park, Coronado Island, San Diego Harbor, Misson Bay Park, and of course southern California beaches. How much are LegoLand tickets? They are $57 for adults, $44 for children. Balboa Park features plenty of open space and more than a dozen museums, making it a center of activity just minutes from downtown San Diego - parking is free and plentiful most days. Taking a cruise on San Diego harbor is another great way to spend a morning or afternoon. The Coronado Bay Bridge frames the harbor, and the nightime ferry boat to Coronado is a great experience. Check out Bazaar del Mundo in Old Town, a great shopping and dining area. You'll feel like your back in the days of old Mexico. Casa de Bandini is a popular Mexican restaurant here - don't miss it. Be sure to visit the Old Town State Park right next door as well. La Jolla is a quaint artsy town about 15 minutes from downtown San Diego - stroll through streets of shops and eateries, enjoy the glorious California sun and warm weather. A few hours here is time well spent.

Do you have a quality site or product that belongs in this guide? We are always happy to evaluate or review new products and websites. Feel free to contact us at the email address below and let us know about you. If you have a demo product you'd like us to look at, please contact us before sending anything. Thank you.


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