San Diego Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Diego Travel & Tourism, Free San Diego Travel Guide Online
San Diego Travel Guide: Discount & Cheap San Diego Travel & Tourism, Free San Diego Travel Guide OnlineFrom its world-famous zoo and aquarium to its bountiful beaches, San Diego's vibrant and exciting lifestyle has plenty to offer visitors and their whole families. It's the kind of city where every day is a beach day, and where everyone is busy having as much fun as possible. A relaxed atmosphere pervades the city, probably one of the reasons that draw more than 30 million visitors a year to San Diego. Given the beautiful weather and outdoor activities abound, San Diego is probably one of the most pedestrian friendly cities in America. Families walk, skate, and bike their way to over 70 miles of beaches or any one of San Diego's numerous attractions. San Diego's natural beauty is one of the city's greatest attractions. An officially designated 52-mile long Scenic Drive brings visitors through the city and its many neighborhoods. From the Harbor Islands through Old Town and Balboa Park all the way to La Jolla, the Scenic Drive is a great way to see all of the city's beautiful districts and neighborhoods. Balboa Park itself is the 1,200 acre home to the world-famous Zoo and museums. This park is the cultural center of the city. The Rose Garden has more than 2,000 rosebushes, and the entire park is really one giant botanical garden full of beautiful flowers and trees. The Zoo, one of the best in the world, holds nearly 4,000 animals representing more than 800 species. The animal habitats are designed to replicate each animal's original ecosystem as closely as possible, down to the type of grass used. Birds, gorillas, tigers, bears, hippos and other animals have helped make this one of the most admired zoos in the world. In addition to the zoo, Balboa Park is home to over a dozen museums dedicated to history, science, art, cars, railroads, mankind, and of course, San Diego itself. Visitors who want to spend as much time as possible near the glittering Pacific Ocean will love the Mission Bay area and its greatest attraction: Sea World. The Mission Bay aquatic park covers 4,600 acres, and includes 27 miles of bay shore beaches and 17 miles of ocean front beaches. Admission to the beaches is free, and swimming, sunning, and windsurfing are the preferred activities. Playgrounds and picnic spots are found throughout the park, but the best place for kids has to be Sea World. Covering over 100 bay-front acres, this park features the world famous killer whale Shamu, as well as hundreds of other water animals, like penguins, fish, and sharks. Sea World is one of the most famous aquatic parks in the world, and kids and adults alike will love it. San Diego has it all: sunny weather, great beaches, wonderful museums, zoos, and aquariums, and history too. Old Town is the historical heart of San Diego, and a great place to finish up a visit to the city. The Spanish and Mexican heritage of the city is celebrated here, amidst the famous Presidio fortress, the historical park, and the adobe houses with Spanish tile roofs. San Diego has evolved immeasurably since those early days as a Spanish settlement on the Pacific, and that evolution has produced one of the most beautiful and happy cities in the world. Visitors to San Diego are always sorry to leave behind what residents know is heaven on earth. San Diego Attractions: San Diego Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Diego Travel & Tourism, Free San Diego Travel Guide Online Belmont Park 3100 block of Mission Boulevard Phone: 619-491-2988 Located directly on the Mission Bay Boardwalk, this park features a beautifully restored wooden roller coaster guaranteed to delight enthusiasts of classic amusement park rides.
Sea World World Drive off I-5 Phone: 619-226-3901 One of San Diego's premier attractions, Sea World gives visitors the opportunity to view impressive performances by Shamu the killer whale, be amazed and amused by the acrobatic antics of dolphins, and come face to face with fearsome looking sharks in the Shark Encounter. Those who wish to keep nature at a slightly greater distance can view one of the bird shows occurring periodically throughout the day. Other featured attractions include the Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, Wild Arctic and Shipwreck Rapids ride.
San Diego Harbor Excursion Whale Watching 1050 N. Harbor Dr Phone: 619-234-4111 Seemingly placid by comparison to the more widely known killer whale, the California gray whale is by no means less beautiful. Those wishing to observe the California grays during their southerly migration can do so by means of daily tours departing both morning and afternoon from the foot of Broadway (downtown).
San Diego Wild Animal Park Highway 163/I-15 to Via Rancho Parkway (in Escondido) Phone: 619-234-6541 For those wishing to see nature in an uninterrupted state, the Wild Animal Park is the place to go. With two animal shows, a quiet monorail, and unobtrusive paths, this 851 hectare (2,100 acre) preserve dedicated to the preservation of endangered species strikes a balance of preserving nature while still allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the animals and exotic plants found within its grounds.
San Diego Zoo In Balboa Park Phone: 619-234-3153 One of the most widely known zoos in the entire world, the San Diego Zoo is also one of the largest. Numbering among its eight hundred species of animals are some of the rarest and most exotic species in captivity. Most widely known for the animals it houses, the Zoo also contains a wide variety of tropical and semitropical plants. Its 40 hectares (100 acres) feature over 6,500 species of plants. Some of the featured exhibits at the Zoo include the Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Gorilla Tropics, Polar Bear Plunge and the new Ituri Forest and RainForest Aviary. Also available to visitors at no additional price are a guided bus tour and a skytram.
Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla Phone: 858-534-3474 The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum, associated with the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography, is the largest oceanographic exhibit in the U.S. With over 3,000 fish from waters cold to tropical, the museum features enough species to keep even Jacques Cousteau busy. The museum's bookshop sells a variety of works focusing on marine science and oceanography and includes teaching materials.
Balboa Park Phone: 619-232-2721 With perhaps the most to offer of any area of San Diego, the beautifully landscaped acres of Balboa Park include museums featuring world class collections, the San Diego Zoo, the Starlight Bowl outdoor theater, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Old Globe Theatre complex, rose and cactus gardens, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, where the occasional traditional tea ceremony can be observed. If you are in the mood for a walk or a picnic, this is the area for you. Even the open areas feature entertainment with both artists and street performers being common sights during the weekend.
San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park Phone: 619-232-7931 The largest museum in San Diego, the Museum of Art features works by Old Masters from several continents.
San Diego Natural History Museum In Balboa Park Phone: 619-232-3821 For those who enjoy the collected works of nature more than the collected works of man, the San Diego Natural History Museum presents to its visitors a variety of environmental habitats. These include desert, ocean and shore habitats, as well as displays of a variety of gems and minerals.
Old Town State Historic Park 2510 Juan Phone: 619-298-3317 The six blocks of San Diego's first settlement is a pedestrian-only zone that preserves the original site and Mexican influence of California's oldest city in its reconstructed and restored 1800s structures.
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park Phone: 619-238-1233 Fax: 619-231-8971 With activities both entertaining and educational, the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center has something for every member of the family. With the latest technology, giant OMNIMAX films treat visitors to a variety of entertaining, educational topics. From the comfort of their seats, visitors can go on exciting adventures or view planetarium shows. The Science Center portion of the facility is definitely a hands-on experience, where visitors are both invited and encouraged to experience the variety of exhibits firsthand.
San Diego Aerospace Museum 2001 Pan American Plaza Phone: 619-234-8291 Fax: 619-233-4526 Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Aerospace Museum is the place to be for aviation enthusiasts both young and old. Whether it is an interest in historical flight or merely a child's fascination with the wonders of flying that brings one here, there is plenty here to view, entertain, and educate.
Cabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., Point Loma Phone: 619-557-5450 With over 1.2 million visitors each year, the Cabrillo National Monument is one of the country's most visited national monuments. Dedicated to Juan Rodruiguez Cabrillo, who arrived in the San Diego area in 1542, the monument consists of a statue that sits at the tip of Point Loma. Visitors can also view the restored lighthouse (circa 1855), or visit the nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Visitors are invited to partake in guided tours of the Cemetery or view one of the hourly films on Cabrillo, the history of San Diego, and the California gray whales, whose yearly migration can be seen from Point Loma from December through March.
Firehouse Museum 1572 Columbia St Phone: 619-232-FIRE Complete with shiny fire engines, hand and horse-drawn engines, a turn of the century steam pumper, and historical memorabilia such as antique alarms and fire hats, the Firehouse Museum is a complete collection of firefighting artifacts. In fact, the only thing missing is the Dalmatian.
Maritime Museum 1306 N. Harbor Dr. Phone: 619-234-9153 Consisting of three uniquely historical vessels, the Maritime Museum exhibits the variety of naval architecture and function of the 19th and early 20th century. Visitors can board each vessel and explore for themselves or view movies on-deck (April - October). The vessels that comprise the Museum are the full-rigged merchant vessel Star of India (1863), whose impressive masts are an integral part of the San Diego cityscape, the gleaming white San Francisco-Oakland steam-powered ferry Berkeley (1898), which worked round-the-clock to carry people to safety following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the sleek Medea (1904), one of the world's few remaining large steam yachts.
San Diego Museum of Man 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park Phone: 619-239-2001 FAX: 619-239-2749 Those interested in the early history of American Indian, Mayan, and Egyptian art and culture can view exhibits here. The exhibits vary from American Indian art to early Egyptian mummies. The museum also features a Children's' Discovery Center for younger museum patrons.
Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Avenue Phone: 760-757-3651 View a piece of the early history of California, as well as look through a window into the lives and culture of the early Californians. Beautifully maintained and restored, Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of California's missions. The main sanctuary is of particular interest, while the well cared-for grounds offer the opportunity for a picnic.
Coronado 1047 B Avenue Visitor's Center Coronado, CA 92118 800-622-8300 If an interest in getting away from it all has led you to San Diego, let upscale shopping and beautiful white sand beaches bring you to Coronado. Spend a few hours strolling or shopping, explore the yacht harbor or visit the Imperial Beach, then relax and enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants located on this beautiful island.
San Diego Events: San Diego Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Diego Travel & Tourism, Free San Diego Travel Guide OnlineEvents January Annual Penguin Day Ski Fest Held in early January Location: De Anza Cove in Mission Bay 858-270-0840 Hours: 9am - noon Brave the cold water at De Anza Cove in Mission Bay and water-ski without a wetsuit to earn a Penguin Patch. Mainly Mozart Spotlight Location: Neuro Science Institute La Jolla Held January – April 619-239-0100 The annual spotlight concert series highlights chamber music.
San Diego New Year's Day Race
Held on New Year's Day Location: Shelter Island Yacht Club 619-221-8400 Traditional regatta with all classes and multi-hull boats. February Mainly Mozart Spotlight Series Held thru April Location: Neuro Science Institute La Jolla 619-239-0100 The annual spotlight concert series highlights chamber music. Whale Watching Season is mid December – mid March Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises 619-557-5450 Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California.
Buick Invitational
Held in early February Location: Torrey Pines Golf Course, La Jolla 800-888-BUICK Annual PGA Tour men's golf tournament. Buick Invitational Pro-Am with local and national professionals. Wildflowers Bloom Takes place in February, depending on weather conditions 760-767-4684 Call for additional information In the desert depending on rainfall in winter, the natural beauty of the Anza Borrego Desert State Park is enhanced by the almost magical appearance of desert wildflowers in the spring. Kumba Fest Held in early February Location: Lyceum Theatre, Horton Plaza, downtown San Diego 619-544-1000 A black history month celebration of African-American arts, creativity and cultural heritage. Co-produced with the San Diego Repertory Theatre's African-American Council. Showcases African American art and cultural heritage, with a variety of drama, song and poetry. San Diego Brazil Carnival Held in February Location: Downtown San Diego 619-224-4684 The annual Gala Event will be held at a downtown location. The Brazilian 'Mardi Gras' Ball features a samba show, Mardi Gras Beads, Cappeira (exhibit of dance with martial arts), carnival bands, parades and a costume contest with the first prize winner receiving a trip to Brazil. San Diego International Auto Show Held in mid February Location: San Diego Convention Center 619-525-5000 Features foreign and domestic cars, futuristic concept cars, never-before seen models and many others. World Golf Championships-Accenture Match Play Championship Held in late February
Location: La Costa Resort 800-918-GOLF The Accenture Match Play Championship returns to the La Costa Resort and Spa. The prestigious event features the world's top 64 players from the Official World Golf ranking in dramatic head-to-head, single elimination match play competition. Mon and Tues: practice rounds, Wed-Sat am: competition rounds, Sat pm: Semifinal Match and Sun: Championship March
Annual America's Schooner Cup Charity Regatta
Held most of March and April Location: San Diego Harbor 619-223-3138 Schooners compete in San Diego Harbor. San Diego International Film Festival Held most of March Location: Mandeville Auditorium, UCSD, La Jolla and Hazard Center 858-459-8707 Premieres of feature films from around the world. Also includes "Celebrating Animating" and the "The Short Night" featuring short subject films. April Butterflies & Orchids Held early – mid April Location: San Diego Wild Animal Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit 619-234-6541 Thousands of butterflies from around the world swarm the San Diego Wild Animal Park's Hidden Jungle exhibit. The Crevasse, adjacent to Hidden Jungle, features stick insects, leaf bugs and leaf cutters ants. More than 300 orchids are displayed during this two week spring fling and the horticulture staff gives daily presentations on orchid care and cultivation during park hours. Annual Jewish Film Festival Held the first two weeks of April Location: AMC Theaters at La Jolla and Hazard Center 858-457-3161 Annual presentation of American and International features, documentaries and short subjects that explore the Jewish experience. Annual Linda Vista Multi-Cultural Fair/Parade Held in late April Location: San Diego 858-560-0871 Call for exact location and further information Parade route travels from Levant to Comstock on Linda Vista Road. Fair is located at Linda Vista Road, between Comstock and Ulrich Streets, and features ethnic food and entertainment. Annual San Diego Adams Avenue Roots Festival Held in late April Location: San Diego 619-282-7329 Free vintage blues, folk, jazz, country and international music on 6 stages. Annual Union-Tribune San Diego A La Carte Festival Held in late April Location: Presidents Way & Park Blvd, Balboa Park 619-338-1726 Food from San Diego's best restaurants, unique micro beers, live music, entertainment, special activities for kids and celebrity chef demonstrations. Art Walk Held in late April Location: Little Italy, downtown San Diego 619-615-1090 The two day festival showcases visual and performing artists in their work environment and in stage areas. May Buds 'n Blooms Held all of May Location: Balboa Park 619-235-1100 The magnificent horticulture of Balboa Park is the centerpiece for this annual spring celebration. Features floral-themed activities, museum exhibits, tours, performances and free outdoor family activities. June Score Baja 500 Usually held in early May Location: Ensenada 818-225-8402 Admission Free Annual off-road car, motorcycle, truck loop race in Baja California, Mexico. Starts and ends in Ensenada. Annual Fiesta Del Sol Held in June Location: Fletcher Cove in Solana Beach 858-755-4775 Celebrate the beginning of summer with music, entertainment, children's games, arts and crafts. Del Mar Fair Usually held in mid June Location: Del Mar Fairgrounds 858-755-1161 San Diego's annual county fair. Annual Mainly Mozart Festival Usually held in June Locations: San Diego Baja California, Mexico 619-239-0100 An all-star orchestra performs the works of Mozart and other baroque, classical and romantic composers. Annual Temecula Valley Balloon and Wine Festival Usually held in mid - late June Location: Lake Skinner 909-676-6713 This festival features food, entertainment, wine-tasting, exhibits, kids fair and balloon launches. The balloons are launched at 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday at Lake Skinner, weather permitting. Old Town State Park Fourth of July Celebration Held on the fourth of July Location: Old Town State Park Plaza 619-220-5422 Free old fashioned 4th of July celebration with flag raising event, pony rides, hay rides, stage entertainment and family games. San Diego Balloon Association Hot Air Balloon Classic Held on the fourth of July Location: Del Mar Racetrack Grandstand 858-481-6800 Balloon Race begins at 6 p.m. Viewing is included in Del Mar Fair admission. Annual San Diego Lesbian and Gay Parade, Rally and Festival Held in late July
Location: Balboa Park 619-297-7683 Annual San Diego Lesbian and Gay Parade, Rally and Festival include a rally, parade, 5k run, and a 1.5 mile walk. Annual US Open Sandcastle Competition Usually held in mid July
Location: Imperial Beach Pier 619-424-6663 Saturday events include parade at 10am and children's sandcastle contest at 2pm with a fireworks display at dusk. Sandcastle competition is Sunday starting at 7:30am-12:30pm, with awards following the contest. Annual World Championship Over-The-Line Tournament Held in mid July
Location: Fiesta Island, Mission Bay Over-the-line softball is played on a small field and is unique to San Diego. There is free viewing of San Diego's original beach softball event at Fiesta Island, Mission Bay. California State Summer Games Held in mid July Location: Vary throughout San Diego County including Qualcomm Stadium, Balboa Stadium and University of San Diego 619-682-3436 California State Games create an Olympic style competition for amateur athletes of all age ranges and abilities to challenge themselves and excel their individual past performances. The athletes, from youth to adult will participate in twenty different sports ranging from archery to track & field. August Acura Classic Held in early August Location: La Costa Resort and Spa, Carlsbad A WTA Tour event featuring world famous tennis. Annual World Body Surfing Championships Held the entire month of August
Location: Oceanside Pier and Beach International and U.S. bodysurfers, equipped with swim fins, ride and perform on ocean waves. Open to all ages 12 and up. November
San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours
Held November – early January Location: Varies 619-232-6203 View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday. December San Diego Historical Society Holiday Home Tours Held November – early January Location: Varies 619-232-6203 View the period style decorations that adorn the ornate, historic Villa Montezuma & the historic Marston House. Tours are given Thursday through Sunday. Whale Watching Usually the entire month Location: Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises 619-557-5450 Annual migration of California gray whales to the warm breeding grounds off the coast of Baja California. Glimpse these peaceful "giants of the sea" from Cabrillo Nation Monument or on special whale-watching cruises. Arts and Entertainment:
San Diego Opera Civic Center Plaza 1200 Third Avenue San Diego, CA 92101
619-232-7636 Call for schedule of performances San Diego Opera, ranked by Opera America as one of the top 10 opera companies in the United States, is a widely respected member of the international opera community and an invaluable cultural resource to the San Diego community. San Diego Ballet 5304 Metro Street, Suite B San Diego, CA 92110 619-294-7378 Call for performance schedule Each year since 1996, the San Diego Commission for Arts and Culture has awarded the San Diego Ballet an arts-organization rating of "excellent". San Diego Ballet continues to enjoy growth and critical acclaim with original pieces. San Diego Symphony 1245 Seventh Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 619-235-0800 Call for schedule of performances The San Diego Symphony has become one of the leading orchestras in the United States. It is committed to providing musical experiences of superior quality for the greater San Diego community and beyond. Through a rich mixture of innovative and educational programming designed to appeal to all ages and cultures, the Symphony makes music an integral part of the cultural and intellectual fabric of the San Diego Region. The Symphony offers wide range of concert experiences and performs over 100 concerts each season. Broadway/San Diego 401 B St. San Diego, CA 92101 619-231-8995 Touring Broadway musicals.
La Jolla Playhouse 2910 La Jolla Village Dr La Jolla, CA 92093 858-550-1070
This Tony Award-winning San Diego theater presents musicals, comedies, world premieres and classics. Located on UCSD campus, La Jolla.
San Diego Civic Theatre 1100 Third Ave. San Diego, CA 92101 619-615-4000
Premiere venue for productions, presentations of San Diego Opera, California Ballet, La Jolla Music Society and Broadway/San Diego.
San Diego Junior Theatre Casa del Prado, Balboa Park 1650 El Prado, Suite 208 San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-1311
Provides engaging, innovative, high-quality theater education and productions for children of all cultural heritages, ages, abilities and levels of interest.
San Diego Repertory Theatre 79 Horton Plaza San Diego, CA 92101 619-231-3586 An established professional theater presenting a six play season. Dramas, musicals and four annual festivals. Season run September - June.
Spreckels Theatre 121 Broadway, #600 San Diego, CA 92101 619-234-8397 1,466 seat, historic theater, reminiscent of a London opera house, in the heart of Downtown San Diego.
Starlight Theatre, San Diego Civic Light Opera 1549 el Prado Balboa Park San Diego, CA 92101 619-544-7827 An established professional musical theater company producing large-scale Broadway- quality musicals at Starlight Bowl in Balboa Park under the stars.
The Old Globe 1363 Old Globe Way San Diego, CA 92101-1696 619-23-GLOBE
This Tony Award(r)-winning Theatre produces 15 works annually, from Shakespeare to Stoppard to Sondheim, at a 3-venue complex in Balboa Park.
Theatre in Old Town 4040 Twiggs St. San Diego, CA 92110 619-688-2494
Operated by Miracle Theatre Productions, intimate theater in the heart of Old Town that offers innovative and award-winning productions year-round.
Triple Espresso...a highly caffeinated comedy 444 Fourth Ave. Horton Grand Theatre San Diego, A 92101 619-234-9583
Every Wednesday through Sunday, this family-friendly comedy keeps audiences of all ages laughing from start to finish. Absolutely hilarious!
Sports
San Diego Padres Professional Baseball Games played at PETCO Park, San Diego San Diego, CA 92112 877- 374-2784 Season runs April – October San Diego Chargers Professional Football (NFL) Games played at Qualcom Stadium 4020 Murphy Canyon Rd. San Diego, CA 92123 858-874-4500 Season runs September – January
San Diego Gulls
Ice Hockey 3500 Sports Arena Boulevard San Diego, California 92110 619-224-GOAL Call for schedule and additional information Games played at the Sports Arena San Diego Sockers Indoor MISL soccer team
9606 Aero Drive San Diego, CA 92123 858-836-GOAL Call for schedule and additional information .
San Diego Facts: San Diego Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Diego Travel & Tourism, Free San Diego Travel Guide Online Population: 1,223,400 Elevation: 40 feet above sea level Land Area: 324.3 feet Location: San Diego sits at the southwestern-most point of California, just minutes from the border of Mexico Time Zone: Pacific Time Zone (when it's 9AM in San Diego, it's noon in New York City and 11am in Chicago). San Diego observes Daylight Savings Time from April - October Weather: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Average temp. (°F) | 57.7 | 58.8 | 59.8 | 62.5 | 64.6 | 67.5 | 71.1 | 72.7 | 71.8 | 67.6 | 61.7 | 57.5 | | High temperature (°F) | 66.3 | 66.9 | 66.9 | 69.3 | 70.0 | 73.0 | 76.7 | 78.5 | 78.0 | 74.8 | 70.5 | 66.8 | | Low temperature (°F) | 48.9 | 50.7 | 52.7 | 55.5 | 59.1 | 62.0 | 65.3 | 66.8 | 65.5 | 60.4 | 52.8 | 48.2 | | Precipitation (in) | 2.3 | 2.1 | 2.3 | 0.8 | 0.2 | 0.1 | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0.2 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.3 | Climate: | | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | | Days with precipitation | 7 | 6 | 7 | 5 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4 | 6 | | Wind speed (mph) | 6.0 | 6.6 | 7.5 | 7.8 | 7.9 | 7.8 | 7.5 | 7.4 | 7.1 | 6.5 | 5.9 | 5.6 | | Morning humidity (%) | 72 | 74 | 76 | 76 | 78 | 81 | 82 | 83 | 81 | 77 | 73 | 71 | | Afternoon humidity (%) | 58 | 60 | 61 | 60 | 65 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 67 | 65 | 62 | 59 | | Sunshine (%) | 72 | 71 | 70 | 68 | 59 | 58 | 68 | 70 | 69 | 68 | 75 | 73 | | Days clear of clouds | 12 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 8 | 9 | 13 | 15 | 15 | 14 | 15 | 14 | | Partly cloudy days | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 8 | 8 | | Cloudy days | 11 | 10 | 11 | 10 | 11 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 7 | 10 | | Snowfall (in) | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | Local Seasons: While summer may be slightly busier than the other seasons in this most-desired California city, there are not any real "slow seasons". With perfect weather year round and a host of attractions, adventures to be explored, as well as fine dining; any time of year is perfect for a visit. The afternoon humidity virtually never gets over 67%, making the climate ideal for any type of activity. Summer is the warmest time of the year yet the temperature rarely goes above 80 F in the day and stays comfortably near 60 F at night. And there really isn't much of difference during the other three seasons. Winters are mild with an average daily temperature near 60 F. Spring and fall bring the averages into the 60's F, making both day and night good times to see the sites and enjoy the variety of entertainment available. Whether for business or leisure, San Diego is waiting with warm sun and festive nights. How to Get There: By Car San Diego is easily reached via Interstate Highway 5 from the north (Los Angeles), Interstate 15 from the northwest (San Bernardino), and Interstate 8 from the east (Yuma). The Mexican border is just south of the city. By Air San Diego International Airport 619-400-2400 The airport is located just minutes from the center of the city as well as close to virtually all of the major attractions. It is served by many of the national and internationally known airlines as well as certain local and regional carriers. Ground Transportation: All of the major rental car companies, as well as taxis and limousine service are available at the airport. By Train Amtrak 1050 Kettner Blvd San Diego, CA 92101 900-USA-RAIL Greyhound 120 West Broadway San Diego, CA 92101 619-239-3266 How to Get Around: Like most southern California cities, the best way to get around is by car; either personal or rental. Rental cars are readily available at both the airport as well as throughout the city. There is also Trolley service as well as local bus service in and around the city. The trolley route is the 16 miles between the Mexican border and the Santa Fe Depot in town. 619-234-1060 Call for schedule and additional information National Holidays: New Year's Day, January 1 Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, the third Monday in January President' Day, the third Monday in February Memorial Day, the last Monday in May Independence Day, July 4 Labor Day, the first Monday in September Thanksgiving Day, the fourth Thursday in November Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, December 24 and 25 New Year's Eve, December 31 San Diego Kids Activities: San Diego Travel Guide, Discount & Cheap San Diego Travel & Tourism, Free San Diego Travel Guide Online Belmont Park 3100 block of Mission Boulevard Phone: 619-491-2988 Located directly on the Mission Bay Boardwalk, this park features a beautifully restored wooden roller coaster guaranteed to delight enthusiasts of classic amusement park rides.
Legoland California Legoland Drive off I-5 Phone: 760-918-5346 With 128 acres, 40 interactive exhibits, elaborate miniaturized cities, and millions of the multicolored plastic bricks for which it is world renowned, Legoland California has something to delight children of all ages. With areas specially tailored to appeal to children of various ages, Legoland California has become a popular site for visitors since its opening in March 1999.
Sea World World Drive off I-5 Phone: 619-226-3901 One of San Diego's premier attractions, Sea World gives visitors the opportunity to view impressive performances by Shamu the killer whale, be amazed and amused by the acrobatic antics of dolphins, and come face to face with fearsome looking sharks in the Shark Encounter. Those who wish to keep nature at a slightly greater distance can view one of the bird shows occurring periodically throughout the day. Other featured attractions include the Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, Wild Arctic and Shipwreck Rapids ride.
San Diego Wild Animal Park Highway 163/I-15 to Via Rancho Parkway (in Escondido) Phone: 619-234-6541 For those wishing to see nature in an uninterrupted state, the Wild Animal Park is the place to go. With two animal shows, a quiet monorail, and unobtrusive paths, this 851 hectare (2,100 acre) preserve dedicated to the preservation of endangered species strikes a balance of preserving nature while still allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the animals and exotic plants found within its grounds.
San Diego Zoo In Balboa Park Phone: 619-234-3153 One of the most widely known zoos in the entire world, the San Diego Zoo is also one of the largest. Numbering among its eight hundred species of animals are some of the rarest and most exotic species in captivity. Most widely known for the animals it houses, the Zoo also contains a wide variety of tropical and semitropical plants. Its 40 hectares (100 acres) feature over 6,500 species of plants. Some of the featured exhibits at the Zoo include the Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Gorilla Tropics, Polar Bear Plunge and the new Ituri Forest and Rain Forest Aviary. Also available to visitors at no additional price are a guided bus tour and a sky tram.
Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla Phone: 858-534-3474 The Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum, associated with the world-renowned Scripps Institute of Oceanography, is the largest oceanographic exhibit in the U.S. With over 3,000 fish from waters cold to tropical, the museum features enough species to keep even Jacques Cousteau busy. The museum's bookshop sells a variety of works focusing on marine science and oceanography and includes teaching materials.
Balboa Park Phone: 619-232-2721 With perhaps the most to offer of any area of San Diego, the beautifully landscaped acres of Balboa Park include museums featuring world class collections, the San Diego Zoo, the Starlight Bowl outdoor theater, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Old Globe Theatre complex, rose and cactus gardens, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, where the occasional traditional tea ceremony can be observed. If you are in the mood for a walk or a picnic, this is the area for you. Even the open areas feature entertainment with both artists and street performers being common sights during the weekend.
Plunge and Giant Dipper 3146 Mission Blvd Phone: 619-491-2988 Phone 858-488-3110 Perfect for entertaining families, the combination of the Plunge and Giant Dipper can either relax or excite the entire family. Located in Mission Beach, The Plunge, dating back to 1925, is the largest swimming pool in Southern California. The Giant Dipper is a wooden roller coaster featuring 13 hills, the largest of which is 70 feet in height.
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park Phone: 619-238-1233 Fax: 619-231-8971 With activities both entertaining and educational, the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center has something for every member of the family. With the latest technology, giant OMNIMAX films treat visitors to a variety of entertaining, educational topics. From the comfort of their seats, visitors can go on exciting adventures or view planetarium shows. The Science Center portion of the facility is definitely a hands-on experience, where visitors are both invited and encouraged to experience the variety of exhibits firsthand.
San Diego Aerospace Museum 2001 Pan American Plaza Phone: 619-234-8291 Fax: 619-233-4526 Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Aerospace Museum is the place to be for aviation enthusiasts both young and old. Whether it is an interest in historical flight or merely a child's fascination with the wonders of flying that brings one here, there is plenty here to view, entertain, and educate.
Children's Museum of San Diego 200 W. Island Ave. Phone: 619-233-KIDS A definite must for travelers with children, this interactive attraction, which encourages participation, is a home away from home for kids. Among the attractions are supervised activities, as well as a monthly special celebration recognizing important issues such as earth awareness or African-American history. Children are invited to take part in a variety of activities from the indoor-outdoor art studio to the theater, complete with a variety of costumes for actors to don. The observation walk above the exhibits gives children a birds-eye view of what the museum has to offer, as well as a playground feel when they exit it via a spiral slide. The museum also has a shop where toys, games, crafts, and books suitable for children of all ages are available.
San Diego Museum of Man 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park Phone: 619-239-2001 FAX: 619-239-2749 Those interested in the early history of American Indian, Mayan, and Egyptian art and culture can view exhibits here. The exhibits vary from American Indian art to early Egyptian mummies. The museum also features a Children's' Discovery Center for younger museum patrons.
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