San Diego, California
San Diego, with more than 70 miles of coastline, is a friendly metropolis offering prime surfing and a harbor teeming with pleasure craft and sport boats. San Diego is sure to deliver a delightful vacation. Animal lovers won't want to miss the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and San Diego Wild Animal Park. Shoppers will enjoy the unique shops of Old Town and the trolley that runs from downtown to Tijuana, Mexico.
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San Diego, California
San Diego, with more than 70 miles of coastline, is a friendly metropolis offering prime surfing and a harbor teeming with pleasure craft and sport boats. San Diego is sure to deliver a delightful vacation. Animal lovers won't want to miss the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, and San Diego Wild Animal Park. Shoppers will enjoy the unique shops of Old Town and the trolley that runs from downtown to Tijuana, Mexico. Package Includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Families and Singles
The Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town are both designated National Historic Districts. Restaurants, bars, and galleries occupy restored buildings dating back to the 1800s.
Animal Lovers
The world-famous San Diego Zoo® features more than 3,000 species and its sister park, the San Diego Wild Animal Park features animals from Africa and other places in the world. Plus, don’t miss SeaWorld®, the home of Shamu the Killer Whale and other marine creatures.
What's the climate like?
| Average High |
66° F |
68° F |
75° F |
73° F |
| Average Low |
49° F |
55° F |
64° F |
59° F |
| Average Rainfall |
1.6" |
0.9" |
0.1" |
0.7" |
San Diego’s weather has been considered perfect by many travelers. Most of the year is sunny and warm, but not hot.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers are not included with vacation packages to San Diego. From the airport to hotels, there are shuttle vans, buses, and taxis. The most economical is the San Diego Transit, red and blue-striped buses that go between the airport and most downtown businesses and hotels. Shuttle vans, Cloud 9, and Premier Ride can be found at the islands in front of the terminals. Taxis can also be found here.
Trolley
The San Diego Trolley is one of the most fun ways to travel around this city blessed with beautiful weather. Service runs between downtown, Mission Valley, Old Town, South Bay, East County, and all the way to Tijuana. They operate seven days a week; tickets can be purchased from machines at each stop. Passes can also be purchased for one, two, three, and four days, which give unlimited rides on the trolley and the buses.
Bus
The buses connect with the light rail and trolley routes and transfers between the three are free.
Taxi
You can get a taxi at your hotel and at most shopping centers. If you are elsewhere, it is best to call for a taxi.
Car
A rental car is highly recommended for visitors. To get to the areas of La Jolla and down toward the Baja, a car is the easiest way to get there. There is plenty of parking around town.
Ferry
A ferry runs from the harbor to Coronado Island. It departs from Broadway Pier every day, every hour on the hour. Bicycles are allowed on the ferry as well.
Foot
Walking around the Gaslamp Quarter and La Jolla are highlights for any visitor. The Gaslamp Quarter is full of historic buildings that now house trendy restaurants, charming shops, and hip galleries. La Jolla is a beautiful town located along the ocean. Its downtown is filled with elegant shops, innovative restaurants, and darling architecture.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
From elegant oceanview dining to ethnic takeout, San Diego offers more than 6,000 restaurants with everything from new taste sensations to traditional favorites.
- Café 222
A great place to start your day at a sidewalk table and a plate of pumpkin waffles or scrambled eggs with pesto. Gaslamp Quarter.
- Croce’s
Restaurant and jazz club owned by Ingrid Croce, widow of the singer-songwriter, Jim. A landmark on the main drag, Fifth Avenue. Gaslamp Quarter.
- El Fandango Restaurant
Mexican and continental fine dining served in a festive atmosphere. Enjoy live music every Wednesday through Sunday, including troubadours and a piano. Old Town.
- Jack’s La Jolla
Tony DiSalvo, former chef of New York’s acclaimed Jean Georges, is in charge of this outstanding combination of grill, wine bar, sidewalk café, oyster bar, and fine-dining restaurant. La Jolla.
- JSix
Part of the Hotel Solamar, and home to Deborah Schneider, reigning queen of San Diego chefs, who combines coastal California ingredients and Baja Mexican cuisine. Gaslamp Quarter.
- The Linkery
Sausage rules at this ingredient-driven neighborhood restaurant where the cuisine is global with Latin American influences. North Park.
- Yard House Restaurant
A diverse menu including typical pub fare and many other entres are accompanied by more than 250 types of draft beer. A great place to stop after a Padre baseball game. Downtown.
Nightlife in San Diego is extremely varied. There are three casinos — Barona Casino, Sycuan Gaming Center, and Viejas Casino and Turf Club — within 40 minutes from downtown. For music lovers, there are dance clubs and bars highlighting classic rock to alternative experiments. The Gaslamp Quarter, Old Town, La Jolla, and Pacific and Mission beaches tend to be the most happening places. You’ll also be able to find jazz clubs and piano bars for a quieter night out on the town.
For the latest in entertainment, get a copy of the San Diego Union-Tribune. The Reader and San Diego Magazine also have listings of restaurants, movies, and reviews.
Where should I go shopping?
For the most concentrated shopping districts, head to downtown and the Gaslamp Quarter. Trendy shops and boutiques are scattered all over. More casual shops can be found in the Mission Bay area. For real upscale shopping, head to La Jolla, where shopping seems to be a major pastime in this affluent community. Girard and Prospect Streets have the most options and even if things are beyond your budget, window-shopping is always free. Other great shopping areas include Ocean Beach and along Park Boulevard, north of Balboa Park, for antiques; and Hillcrest for unique shops, along with more familiar stores, bakeries, and cafés. For souvenirs, head to Old Town Historic Park and its many shops catering to tourists.
Farmer’s markets are a great way to get a feel of a community, and San Diego is no different with several markets scattered throughout the area. The Hillcrest market is on Sundays from 9am - noon. Ocean Beach has its market on Wednesday evenings from 4-8pm in the summer and until 7pm in the autumn and winter. On Saturdays, from 8am - noon, Pacific Beach is the place to be. And on Tuesdays, the Ferry Landing Marketplace in Coronado has a produce and crafts market from 2:30 - 6pm.
When are the local events?
For the latest events, pick up a copy of The Reader on Thursdays, or a copy of the San Diego Union Tribune. Here are some annual events happening throughout the city:
Easter Bonnet Parade and Hat Contest
Saturday prior to Easter. Wear your Easter bonnet with all the frills upon it and it may just win you a prize. There is also a hat making shop and an Easter egg hunt.
Shamrock
March. A celebration of Celtic proportions.
KiFM Jazz Festival
Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. Great music and top-name performers.
Taste of Gaslamp
First Tuesday in June. Restaurants from the area serve up their specialties.
Street Scene
Weekend after Labor Day. Gather for fun and festivities.
Christmas on the Prado
First Friday and Saturday in December. A tradition since 1977 with Balboa Park’s museums decked out in their holiday best and offering free admission.
What are my golf and recreation options?
Golf
Golf Digest named San Diego "One of the Top 50 Golf Destinations in the World." There are over 90 courses located throughout the San Diego region, from seaside settings to desert mountains to inland valleys.
Sportfishing
Fishing is free off of any municipal pier in California. In San Diego, piers are located on Shelter Island, Ocean Beach, and Imperial Beach. If you want to head out to sea for fishing, Harbor and Shelter Islands, Point Loma, the Imperial Beach pier, and Quivira Basin in Mission Bay, all have boats for hire. Anyone over 16 years of age needs to buy a license.
Bass, bonito, and barracuda can usually be found around Point Loma. Abalone, yellowtail, yellowfin, and big-eyed tuna are out towards the Coronado Islands. Freshwater fish, such as bass, catfish, and trout, can be found in the area’s many lakes and rivers.
Outdoor Activities
Given San Diego’s near perfect climate, it’d almost be a shame to do anything inside. Get your fill of the outdoors, and exercise too, when you hike, bike, and run.
Spectator Sports
Like many other major metropolitan cities in the United States, San Diego has it’s share of professional and college sports teams. In the NFL, the San Diego Chargers compete, while Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres play in a beautiful new ballpark located in the Gaslamp Quarter.
Snorkeling/Scuba Diving
For snorkelers and scuba divers, the San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Ecological Park is a dream come true. All the sea life is protected and enthusiasts come from all over to see large lobsters, giant sea bass, and other large fish. In the summer, there are often schools of leopard sharks on the north end of the cove.
Scripps Canyon lies in 60 feet of water and is located off the south end of Black’s Beach. The canyon drops to more than 900 feet in some areas, offering spectacular dive opportunities.
Off of Mission Beach there is a submerged warship that was sunk intentionally. The wreck is on its side, so extra caution is advised as to not get disoriented.
Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma offers fun diving close to shore but also some strong currents to be aware of.
Travel tidbits
World-Famous Zoo
Study a map of the zoo before you arrive so you can plan a route that will take you to the attractions and shows in an efficient manner, since the many twists, turns, and hills can make navigation difficult. Also, arrive early; the best time to visit the Giant Panda Research Station is right when the park opens and the pandas are the most active.
Free Music
Head to Balboa Park on Sunday afternoons for free concerts on the 4,518-pipe organ.
Not Just for Baseball
The playground, Wiffle ball field, and picnic areas in the Park at the Park, behind center field at Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, are open to the public year-round.
Navy Pier
The decommissioned carrier U.S.S. Midway, has been converted to a museum with interactive displays, flight simulators, and more. Also, don’t miss the 12 restored aircraft ondeck.
Good to Know:
San Diego International Airport
SAN |
| March – October |
| November – February |
| U.S. Dollar |
| English |
| San Diego is on Pacific Time, two hours behind Central Time |
| None needed for U.S. citizens |
| Tip 15-20% at restaurants and to taxi drivers |
| Extremely casual along the beach, casual just about everywhere else, and extremely fashionable in La Jolla. |
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San Diego, California
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to San Diego:
Car Rentals
We feature rental cars from both Alamo Rent A Car and National Car Rental, offering you the flexibility and convenience to travel when and where you want. Plus earn 50 bonus miles per rental day with every qualifying paid rental at participating locations.
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Transfers - Airport/Hotel shuttle - San Diego Airport (SAN)
Save time and money by pre-purchasing your roundtrip airport transfers. Ride in comfort from San Diego Airport (SAN) to your San Diego area hotel with SuperShuttle, the nation's leader in airport ground transportation. SuperShuttle service may not be available for all hotels. Arrival Instructions: After claiming your luggage, take the sky bridge or crosswalk to the ground transportation islands. Look for the island with a blue sign overhead, which reads 'Shuttles for Hire'. Contract the airport customer service representative. Request Cloud 9/ShuperShuttle and give your destination location. The representative will call a van for you. All handicap transfer requests must be processed through our reservations center on a special request basis to confirm availability of handicap van prior to arrival. For your return to the airport: Call 1-800-258-3826 at least 24 hours in advance for reservations. Luggage Restrictions: Maximum luggage allowance of one (1) carry on and two (2) suitcases per person. Additional luggage or oversized pieces (bikes, surfboards, large boxes, etc.) will be charged an additional $10 per piece. Recommended driver gratuity of $1 per bag not included. Hours of operation: 24 hours, 7 days a week. Service is provided by SuperShuttle. No refunds for unused services.
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Theme Park - 1-Day LEGOLAND California Resort Hopper Ticket
Enjoy 1 visit to LEGOLAND California, SEA LIFE Aquarium, and LEGOLAND Water Park within 1 day. LEGOLAND® California is built for fun with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions sure to thrill the whole family. Transport to 1920s Egypt in the Land of Adventure and ride through the Lost Kingdom, become a knight in training on the spine-tingling adventure Knights' Tournament, or find your own adventure on one of the other many rides. SEA LIFE is LEGOLAND's interactive children's guide to life under the sea, located next door to LEGOLAND, More than a standard aquarium, SEA LIFE aquarium provides an educational and interactive dynamic experience unlike any other. SEA LIFE features play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, a lost ancient city, and a sunken shipwreck, along with a wide range of sea creatures. LEGOLAND Water Park is a 5.5-acre Water Park is a splash-filled interactive fun time for the entire family. The imagination really flows with the You–Build-A-Raft River, where everyone floats on his or her own custom-built LEGO raft. There are also 6- person raft slides, single-person tube slides, body slides, and hands-on toddle areas so there's something for everyone. Open seasonally from May 29, 2010 to September 6, 2010.
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Theme Park - 2-Day LEGOLAND California Resort Hopper Ticket
Enjoy 2 visits to LEGOLAND California, 2 visits to SEA LIFE Aquarium, and 2 visits to LEGOLAND Water Park within 9 days of your first visit with this 2-day park hopper ticket. LEGOLAND® California is built for fun with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions sure to thrill the whole family. Transport to 1920s Egypt in the Land of Adventure and ride through the Lost Kingdom, become a knight in training on the spine-tingling adventure Knights' Tournament, or find your own adventure on one of the other many rides. SEA LIFE is LEGOLAND's interactive children's guide to life under the sea, located next door to LEGOLAND, More than a standard aquarium, SEA LIFE aquarium provides an educational and interactive dynamic experience unlike any other. SEA LIFE features play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, a lost ancient city, and a sunken shipwreck, along with a wide range of sea creatures. LEGOLAND Water Park is a 5.5-acre Water Park is a splash-filled interactive fun time for the entire family. The imagination really flows with the You–Build-A-Raft River, where everyone floats on his or her own custom-built LEGO raft. There are also 6- person raft slides, single-person tube slides, body slides, and hands-on toddle areas so there's something for everyone. Open seasonally from May 29, 2010 to September 6, 2010.
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Theme Park - LEGOLAND & SEA LIFE Aquarium 2-Day Park Hopper
Enjoy 2 visits to the all-new SEA LIFE Aquarium, as well as 2 visits to LEGOLAND within 9 days of your first visit with this 2-day park hopper ticket. SEA LIFE is LEGOLAND's newest interactive children's guide to life under the sea, located next door to LEGOLAND, More than a standard aquarium, SEA LIFE aquarium provides an educational and interactive dynamic experience unlike any other. The SEA LIFE experience focuses on a child's voyage to the depths of the oceans, presenting the wonders of the underwater world to them in a way specially designed for a child's understanding. SEA LIFE features play zones, fun facts and quiz trails, a lost ancient city, and a sunken shipwreck, along with a wide range of sea creatures. Adults and kids alike will marvel at the unique atmosphere putting families in touch with the aquatic world in an unforgettable way. LEGOLAND® California is built for fun with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions sure to thrill the whole family. Transport to 1920s Egypt in the Land of Adventure and ride through the Lost Kingdom. Become a knight in training on the new spine-tingling adventure Knights' Tournament, as cutting edge robotic technology meets medieval LEGO fun. Cross a medieval moat as you embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure aboard one of six passenger-carrying robotic arms. This unique track-free ride leaves you in suspense as you encounter unexpected twists and turns. It even allows you to select the intensity of your own ride experience.
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Theme Park - LEGOLAND®
LEGOLAND® California is built for fun with more than 50 rides, shows, and attractions sure to thrill the whole family. Transport to 1920's Egypt in the Land of Adventure and ride through the Lost Kingdom. Become a knight in training on our new spine-tingling adventure Knights' Tournament, as cutting edge robotic technology meets medieval LEGO fun. Cross a medieval moat as you embark on a one-of-a-kind adventure aboard one of six passenger-carrying robotic arms. This unique track- free ride leaves you in suspense as you encounter unexpected twists and turns. It even allows you to select the intensity of your own ride experience. Also, check out our other exciting attractions. Join a hilarious race to hose down a burning building at Fun Town Fire Academy. Dig for fossils at Dig Those Dinos. And put your kids in the driver's seat at Volvo Driving School. Plus, there are action-packed live shows and great restaurants. Get in on the fun. One-day admission.
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Theme Park - SeaWorld®
Discover SeaWorld® San Diego, a 150-acre adventure park on Mission Bay. Come mug to muzzle with manatees, rub noses with polar bears, and get splashed by Shamu. SeaWorld® the best place to kid around. One-day admission.
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GO Card San Diego
You will receive a voucher in your travel documents to exchange for your Go Card. You must present your voucher at the designated Voucher Redemption location. Location details are provided in your travel documents. The Go Card has a 10 day nonrefundable cancel fee. Go San Diego Cards is a multi-attraction pass that gives you the most choices - over 45 attractions - at the best value! Create your own ultimate San Diego experience based on what you like to do while enjoying tremendous savings and VIP access. Visit as many attractions as you want each day! Your GO San Diego Card includes FREE admission to the following top area attractions (some are seasonal): ** Please note that the 3 day and 5 day card include Sea World San Diego - 1 Day and 2 day card does NOT. Attractions:- San Diego Zoo Best Value Ticket
- San Diego Wild Animal Park (Good for one day admission, Journey into Africa, Conservation Carousel ride, all exhibits and shows)
- Legoland® California
- Birch Aquarium at Scripps
- Knott's Soak City USA - San Diego
- Knott's Berry Farm
- San Diego Wine & Culinary Center Wine Tasting
- Miramar Speed Circuit Race Ride (available on weekdays only and Fridays until 2pm)
- Japanese Friendship Garden
- PeDels 1-hour bike rental, departs from Hotel del Coronado
- Belmont Park unlimited ride wristband
- Ice Town La Jolla
- Wild River Waterpark (Irvine, CA)
- Chula Vista Nature Center
- Coronado Ferry (departing from downtown Coronado)
- The Wavehouse San Diego Flowrider Session, free use of locker rooms, and free swim
- Boomers San Diego - Full day unlimited attraction pass
- Hop on - Hop off Double Decker All Day Pass by City Sightseeing, Old Town Departure
- La Jolla Bike and Kayak - one hour bike rental and your choice of the following: Leopard Encounter - full day snorkel adventure (includes mask, fins, and snorkel) OR a 2 hour kayak rental (minimum 2 GO Card customers per kayak)
- Sea World San Diego - 3 and 5 day cards only (beginning March 1, 2010)
Tours:- Whale Watching Excursion by San Diego Harbor Excursions
- Choice of one Bay Tour by San Diego Harbor Excursion per day (North Bay or South Bay or both North and South Bay Tours)
- Temecula Wine Tasting Tour - Grapeline Tours (no Saturdays)
- Petco Park Guided Tour
- Tour to Tijuana, Mexico with Contactours (9am departure)
- Gaslamp History Guided Tour
- 60 min Coronado Walking Tour with Guidebook
- Brewery Tour at Rock Bottom Brewery
- The Kodak THEATRE guided tour in Los Angeles
- Red Line Tours (choice of Hollywood or Downtown LA)
- Soho Historical Foundations Walking Tour of Old Town San Diego
Museums:- Reuben H Fleet Science Center and IMAX movie
- Museum of Photographic Art
- San Deigo Aerospace Museum
- San Diego Museum of Art
- San Diego Museum of Man
- Museum of San Diego History
- Junipero Serra Museum
- Museum of Making Music
- San Diego Natural History Museum
- Mingei International Museum
- San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
- Hall of Champions Sports Museum
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum
- Hollywood Museum in the Historic Max Factor Building
- Museum of History and Art, Coronado Historical Assoc.
- Museum of Contempporary Art La Jolla
- Firehouse Museum
- Museum of the Living Artist
- San Diego Automotive Museum
- San Diego Air and Space Museum General Admission (special exhibits may require an upgrade)
- San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum (USS Miday Museum) Express Entry
Note: GO San Diego Cards are activated on the first day of use and are valid on that day through each consecutive day after activation. Some attractions are seasonal or may require a minimum age for participation. Please consult the GO San Diego Card guidebook for more information. Tickets are not valid for return service on a future date. You must redeem your GO San Diego Card for service at the time you intend to use the service, not the day before. Child Policy: Child rates are available for children 3-12 years of age
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Theme Park - San Diego Wild Animal Park
The park began more than 20 years ago as a breeding facility for the San Diego Zoo's large animals. Today, the 2100-acre sanctuary is open for visitors to view the large animals roaming in settings similar to their natural habitats. The park may be toured via monorail or by hiking out on the Kilimanjaro hiking trail. The park is located approximately 30 miles north of San Diego. A minimum of four hours is recommended to fully enjoy the park. Transfers are not included.
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Theme Park - San Diego Zoo
Visit the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The zoo has a 4000 bird sanctuary, and mammals and reptiles housed in enclosures that closely simulate their natural environment. Explore the zoo on a three-mile guided bus tour or take a ride on the Skyfari Tram. The zoo is renowned for its conservation efforts and natural habitats. The zoo recommends at least a full day to enjoy. Transfers are not included.
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Tour - USS Midway Museum 1-day admission
Imagine experiencing life at sea aboard America's longest-serving aircraft carrier. Visitors to the USS Midway Museum, located in downtown San Diego, step from a familiar world to the alien universe of life at sea. You'll walk in USS Midway sailors' footsteps along a path from 1945 when the Greatest Generation commissioned the Midway, to the liberation of Kuwait in 1991. You'll be awed by the logistics of a floating city at sea that was home to 225,000 Americans. Every admission includes a self-guided audio tour to 25 restored aircraft and 60 exciting exhibits from the powerful engine room to the captain's bridge. Self-guided tours are narrated by former Midway sailors and are available in English, Spanish, and Japanese. Tour includes a variety of films and interactive activities for the entire family, interactive story-telling docents throughout the ship, and elevator access to 75% of all exhibits. The ship is very large with many exhibits so please allow a minimum of 4 hours to complete the self-guided tour. The museum is open daily from 10am – 5pm, stopping admittance at 4pm daily. The museum is closed on Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. Access to some exhibits require stair and ladder access. Not all areas of the ship are wheelchair accessible. To accommodate guests who are in wheelchairs, a video is shown continually on the hanger deck. Gift shop, flight simulators, café, photos boards, evening event admission, and guided tours are not included in the daily admission. Any additional admissions should be paid directly to USS Midway Museum.
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