Exploring San Diego: Destination Spotlight

Southern California has so much for visitors to see and do! From great weather to incredible theme parks and so much more, it’s the perfect spot for a summer vacation. Let’s talk about exploring San Diego, as we put the destination spotlight on this incredible city!

Why Visit San Diego?

San Diego is located in Southern California and is a great spot for a family vacation. Whether it’s a stop on a longer trip or your final destination, there is so much to see and do here. With beautiful weather and fun for the whole family, it’s a great choice for a vacation!

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most well-known zoos in the country! It is located in the iconic Balboa Park and spans 100 acres. Over 12,000 call the zoo their home, with over 650 species from around the world. There is a guided bus tour to help guests get oriented and then walk through the zoo. The zoo is designed to show the animals in the most natural habitat possible. In addition, there are special tours that go behind the scenes, teach guests about conservation, and give them the opportunity to meet animal ambassadors!

Finally, don’t miss the new Denny Sanford Wildlife Explorers Basecamp. This 3.2-acre complex appeals to visitors of all ages and the goal is to build empathy for wildlife. With eight buildings, four habitat zones, and interactive play opportunities, this is a must-do for any family visiting the San Diego area!

Sea World San Diego

Located on over 100 acres in Mission Bay Park, Sea World San Diego features something for everyone! Whether you want incredible thrill rides, amazing animals, or seasonal events, you find them here! There are also animal encounters available but reservations are required so make sure you plan accordingly with your Key to the World Travel advisor!

Coronado Island

When you visit Coronado Island, it’s as if you’ve stepped back in time and are surrounded by the old Hollywood charm. Visit one of the many charming cafes or sit on the pristine beach and watch the sunset. Whatever you do, make sure that you stop at the Hotel del Coronado. Originally built in 1888, this iconic hotel is a National Historic Landmark. It has been visited by many celebrities over the years and was also the filming location for well-known movies. It is also reportedly the inspiration for Disney’s Grand Floridian Resort & Spa at the Walt Disney World Resort in Orlando, Florida.

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter is a charming area of the city that is home to a variety of restaurants and shops. During the day, it is the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat and just explore. At night, it is home to some great nightlife, with a variety of rooftop bars and clubs.

Beaches

San Diego is known for its beautiful beaches. Take a day and enjoy the water, go surfing, swim, or just relax in the sand. Did you know that you can also go scuba diving or snorkeling? Head to La Jolla Cove to take a peek at the underwater world too when you go snorkeling or diving.

Biking Around San Diego

Whether you are an experienced biker or like to do it for fun, there are plenty of trails to go biking around the city of San Diego. Popular options include the Bayshore Bikeway or the San Diego Bay Bike Route. The Silver Strand on Coronado Island is another popular option, spanning a 10-mile path. Mission Bay is another popular choice and is great for families to experience sightseeing with no cars to worry about as you ride.

Additional Places to Consider Visiting

The city of San Diego is in a great location in Southern California. You are not far from other popular travel destinations so it’s easy to take a drive and see even more of the great state of California!

Here are a few ideas:

1.) The Disneyland Resort – Located less than 2 hours north of San Diego, the Disneyland Resort is in Anaheim, California. Why not spend a few days in each destination and travel up or down the California Coast for some incredible views along the way?

2.) Hollywood – If you drive a little further north of Anaheim, you can also visit Hollywood! Whether you want a photo with the iconic sign, to walk along the Rodeo Drive, to see the Hollywood Walk of Fame, or any number of other attractions, it’s a fun addition to your California vacation! You can also visit Universal Studios Hollywood but don’t miss the legendary studio tour!

3.) Joshua Tree National Park – This is the closest national park to the city of San Diego. It is also extremely underrated! From nature walks to horseback riding and stargazing, there is so much to do at this national park! It’s worth a visit to see the serene desert and it is open year-round, with the busy season being October to May.

4.) Go on a cruise – San Diego has a cruise port and it is a popular destination for those looking to go to Baja Mexico. Many cruises from this port stop at Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, etc. It’s easy to spend a few days exploring the city and then hop on a ship to relax!

Are you considering a trip? Having a travel advisor means someone there to have your back in any occurrence. There is no additional cost to you and you have peace of mind knowing that your vacation is in good hands.

Contact your Key to the World Travel® advisor for your next trip, or send us a quote request to get started.