People who visit San Diego often have to leave when there are still so many things to do and experience. If you've got a few days to spare in "America's Finest City," there are several spots you'll want to hit whether you're visiting town with the family or are on a romantic vacation for two. There are even some attractions that are perfect if you have an afternoon free during a business trip or are in town for just a day.
San Diego Zoo Safari Park
San Diego's Safari Park covers thousands of acres and is a zoo without borders, fences, and cages. You don't need to buy a Range Rover and get on a plane to the Serengeti to see giraffes, rhinoceroses, and tigers. Just head twenty minutes north of the city to San Diego Zoo Safari Park and you can take tours of habitats meant to look like remote African savannas and safaris.
Tip: The park caters to all ages and is a wonderful experience for kids or adults.
Old Town San Diego
The Mexican border sits just 20 miles south of downtown San Diego's Old Town. Spanish and Latin American influences are strong throughout Old Town where the Spanish initially settled in the 1700s. Today's visitors to Old Town will see that history in action with restaurants, theaters, and hotels modeled in classic pueblo and mission style architecture. A visit to Old Town is a terrific choice if you've only got a single day to spend in the city.
The Embarcadero
Not to be confused with the famous and similarly titled Embarcadero in San Francisco, the Embarcadero of San Diego is a beautiful park near the water that's popular for weddings and outdoor activities. Embarcadero means "landing place" in Spanish and was named for the area's proximity to the Port of San Diego.
Tip: Visiting the Embarcadero is an excellent option for travelers on a budget.
LEGOLAND California Resort
For anyone with kids, a visit to LEGOLAND is all but required. The resort features a hotel and a variety of discounts for members of the military and youth groups. LEGOLAND is around a half hour north of San Diego, so you'll want to have a car rental for the day you decide to visit. LEGOLAND is a perfect option for families with toddlers who might not yet be old enough to visit the Safari Park.
The Beach, Any Beach
There are 840 miles of coastline in California and 70 of those miles are in San Diego County. Visiting any one of San Diego's dozens of beaches is a frugal activity, yet a gorgeous view of the deep blue Pacific Ocean feels anything but cheap. Two of the best ocean-side areas to visit include Mission Beach, which is close to SeaWorld San Diego, and Coronado, which was voted as one of the Top 10 US Beaches by The Travel Channel.
San Diego features absolutely gorgeous weather all year long, so you can visit most of these attractions at any time. Whether your stay is brief or long, you'll find many things to do in this beautiful southern California destination.
