San Diego Travel Guide

 
by lmkluque
 
  •   The Cheesecake Factory
    by lmkluque
  • San Diego Bay
      San Diego Bay
    by Weaslebeee
  •   Things to Do
    by machomikemd
  •   The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel
    by kenHuocj
  •   USS Midway
    by lmkluque
 

Pro

Ed_G profile photo

 So many things to do and see and experiance. You can go swimming in the ocean and skiing in the mountains all in the same day if you choose. Plenty of shopping, site seeing, and the weather is THE... 


Con

csordila profile photo

 The heavy traffic and high cost of living. 


In a nutshell

Weaslebeee profile photo

 Whether you enjoy the beach, mountains, forest, or desert, San Diego has something for you! 

 

Explore San Diego

Things to Do  

Zoo

Zoo, San Diego

 136 Reviews  The San Diego Zoo is in my opinion one of the MUST SEE places in San Diego. The park is relatively large but is easily covered in a day. Surprisingly the restaurants are quite good. There are the typical "fast food" type venues, but there are also regular restaurants with pretty good menus. The zoo... 

SeaWorld

SeaWorld, San Diego

 80 Reviews  San Diego is a great place to visit and Sea World is a day full of fun. Sea World is very casual. Our tip was awesome, my boyfriend and I loved seeing all the animals. We took the train down to San Diego, so we used Prime Time Shuttle to drop and pick us up. That was a great decision,... 

Hotels  

Residence Inn San Diego Scripps Poway Parkway

 1 Review and 99 Opinions  If you want to stay at a place that's not right on the beach, but still close enough to get anywhere... 

Pacific Terrace Hotel

 2 Reviews and 1028 Opinions  This is a nice, comfy hotel on the bluff overlooking Pacific Beach. Great views. No restaurant, but... 

Restaurants  

Anthony's Fish Grotto

Anthony's Fish Grotto, San Diego

 11 Reviews  Anthony's has been a favorite in San Diego for many years. It is conveniently located on Harbor Drive, along the San Diego Bay near the Star of India, the Cruise Ship Terminals and the Habor Cruise kiosks. There are three restaurants rolled into one at this spot. The Star of the Sea Room is... 

Nightlife  

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

 35 Reviews  Backstage At Aubergine offered dinner and the popular play, "Forever Plaid" for many years and now the play has moved on. At the moment the theater is dark. However, Aubergine offers more than theater and you might find the charming dining room, the hip bar or the very casual café worth a... 

Pacific Beach

Pacific Beach, San Diego

 10 Reviews  This place is great because of the atmosphere and the huge amounts of good looking young people partying, dancing and havinga great time. Within 6 or 7 blocks are about 50 different bars and clubs and the streets are packed with people partying until early in the morning. Best nights are Thursday to... 

Transportation  

By Trolley

By Trolley, San Diego

 37 Reviews  San Diego has a light rail system with plans of expanding. The Blue Line runs south to north, from San Ysidro (At the Mexican boarder) to the San Diego Mission de Alcala. The Orange Line runs west to east, from downtown San Diego to Gillespie Field in El Cajon. On 10 July 2005 the Green Line... 

The Coaster

The Coaster, San Diego

 7 Reviews  The Coaster is basically a comuter train that connects Oceanside to downtown San Diego. It offers a few morning trips from San Diego to Carlsbad and Oceanside with stops in between. It is economical and a great solution for those who would like to see these destinations and who must rely on public... 

Shopping  

Horton Plaza

Horton Plaza, San Diego

 17 Reviews  Pictured here (4th & Broadway) is the front of Horton Plaza (North side.) Sam Gooddy is a huge and popular music store, Planet Hollywood Restaurant is no longer here, but just in front is the original Horton Plaza Park. Horton Plaza is more than a shopping mall. About 1985 the city decided to... 

Fashion Valley / Mission Valley

Fashion Valley  / Mission Valley, San Diego

 11 Reviews  There are four Macy's in San Diego that are convenient for tourists to reach, Horton Plaza downtown, Fashion Valley mall which is service by the SD Trolley Fashion Valley station and two Mission Valley locations also near the SD Trolley Mission Valley station. Macy's is a large chain throughout the... 

Local Customs  

Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter

Downtown/Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego

 8 Reviews  Every year, usually in July, San Diego is host to the surreal world of Comic-Con International. The world's largest comic book and pop art convention. It is the biggest convention held in this city and partially for this reason, our Convention Center was expanded, about double it's original... 

Warnings and Dangers  

Beware of...

Beware of..., San Diego

 15 Reviews  East Village (Petco Park etc.) is fine, just try to stay out of there after dark. Same with the gaslamp quarter. Do NOT go north of the 5 freeway up to the 8 except for Hillcrest, Mission Valley etc. Although you will probably not venture into these areas, try tobstay out of Chula Vista, Imperial... 

Driving / Traffic

Driving / Traffic, San Diego

 13 Reviews  (SAN DIEGO, CALIF. July 17, 2012) – The low prices at the gasoline pump are keeping Americans on the road this summer. The American Automotive Association estimates around 34.8 million Americans will be traveling by car 50 miles or more away from home between now and the Labor Day holiday. This is... 

Tourist Traps  

Tijuana

Tijuana, San Diego

 9 Reviews  Everyone should go to "TJ" at least once in their lives. It is incredible that so many people can be crammed into a space so small. ALWAYS haggle with the shop owners. Don't be too cheap - but they will always drop the price, especially if you are buying more than one item from them, e.g. "I'll give... 

Too Expensive

Too Expensive, San Diego

 10 Reviews  This place used to be a place to view marine animals. It still is, but you have to look for them. There are lots of games which really belong in an amusement park, which SeaWorld has become. It is WAY over priced. If you want to see fish, go to an acquarium. UPDATE: Anhauser-Busch, which owned Sea... 

What to Pack  

Cool / Casual

Cool / Casual, San Diego

 6 Reviews  On the VT Gear website the question is asked, "Ever wonder who you're standing next to?" Well, that is one reason to wear VT gear, but I have another reason. To easily keep track of my grandkids while we are on an adventure! As you can see from the photo, they each have their own style, yet,... 

Chilly Evenings

Chilly Evenings, San Diego

 6 Reviews  Even though San Diego is warm and sunny, it's right on the water and can still get chilly. If you go to the baseball game, bring a blanket or warm clothes! It was a hot and sunny day here, but we were sitting in the shade and freezing because of the breeze. I might just be a big wimp, but I think... 

Off The Beaten Path  

Downtown San Diego

Downtown San Diego, San Diego

 36 Reviews  Between 1927 and the 1950's the El Cortez Hotel was the tallest building in San Diego. Today, it is the 28th tallest. Over the years it has changed occupations and declined in repairs. To protect this iconic landmark when the El Cortez Hotel was threatened by demolition the San Diego Historic Site... 

Point Loma/Ocean Beach

Point Loma/Ocean Beach, San Diego

 26 Reviews  San Diego has lots of bakeries, but one that is just a slight bit different, is one that only sells cupcakes. Oh, and they are square, not round, so that you get more topping. Yummy. This business is open and the cupcakes are a sensation. The name of the bakery goes right with the product,... 

Sports & Outdoors  

Pro Sports

Pro Sports, San Diego

 18 Reviews  Just in time for the 2004 Baseball Season, Petco Park opened it's gates April 2004. Creating this downtown ballpark was rather controversial and there were many delays, but all that's over now and San Diego has a beautiful, state-of-the-art home for the San Diego Padres and their fans. The outside... 

Favorites  

Beaches

Beaches, San Diego

 18 Reviews  If it is the beach you're looking forward to, I'd suggest that which one you spend most time at would depend upon your income level and tastes. Ocean Beach is a "funky,""let it flow" type of place and the main street, Newport Avenue is full of restaurants and bars, and the Ocean Beach Hotel is... 

Comments (6)

  • lmkluque's Profile Photo
    Jan 27, 2013 at 8:59 AM

    Sweethearts Sail on the Bay
    Guests will board the official tall ship of California, the Californian, for a four hour scenic tour of the bay, marine wildlife and local attractions. Ticket prices include keepsake photos, champagne, chocolate covered strawberries and other delicacies. Event takes place on Saturday, February 9 and Sunday, February 10 from 12:30pm-4:30pm. Tickets are $60 for adults and $35 for children and can be purchased online through the museum’s website at www.sdmaritime.org.

  • lmkluque's Profile Photo
    Jan 10, 2013 at 9:57 AM

    January 13-18 2013 is a fine dining opportunity for all. 180 restaurants in San Diego offer reduced priced meals for lunch and dinner to any who stop by during this week. This event happens twice a year and many of the participating restaurants are located in and around the Gaslamp Quarter. Ch
    eck the Restaurant Week website for specific information about this event. http://www.sandiegorestaurantweek.com/

  • lmkluque's Profile Photo
    Dec 4, 2012 at 9:27 AM

    San Diego Maritime Museum holiday celebrations:

    SAILOR DAYS: December 15-31 the museum will have Sailor Days for the kids from 9am-3pm. Knot tying, sail raising, scavenger hunts and prizes are all included with a child’s admission.
    BOAT RIDES WITH SANTA: For just $5 added to admission, guests can take a 45 minute historic bay cruise on San Diego Bay with Santa Claus aboard the1914 Pilot boat. Parents are welcome to take pictures of their kids with Santa at no cost. Check website at www.sdmaritime.org for details.

  • lmkluque's Profile Photo
    Nov 25, 2012 at 9:24 AM

    The Parade of Lights on the Bay. This parade consists of boats that have been decorated for Christmas, with lovely lights blaring as they sail along the coast of the Bay.
    December 9, December 16, 2012, 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM. San Diego Bay
    The theme this year is, U.S.S. Santa Claus.

    The best place to see the annual Parade of Lights on San Diego Bay is from the historic ferryboat Berkeley at the Maritime Museum of San Diego. There will be a holiday buffett and no-host bar during the Parade and this is where the Judges will be stationed. Check the S.D. Maritime Museum's website at www.sdmaritime.org for details.

    Another option is to gather at the park behind SeaPort Village for a free view of the Parade as well as other spots along the Harbor's coast.

  • lmkluque's Profile Photo
    Oct 31, 2012 at 10:31 AM

    Star of India Celebrates 149 years
    The world’s oldest active ship, Star of India, is celebrating her 149th birthday on November 10 & 11, 2012. In honor of this memorable occasion, the HMS Surprise and the Californian will be sailing out of the bay and into the ocean. Tickets to sail on the Californian are available on the website at www.sdmaritime.org for $100 per person for museum members and $125 for non members.

    Also, a special display and demonstrations from the Navy Diving Heritage Symposium will be shown. A special presentation about Navy diving helmets will occur on the ferryboat Berkeley on November 11 from 9:30am-12:30pm and is included with normal museum admission

  • lmkluque's Profile Photo
    Oct 25, 2012 at 7:15 AM

    New Haunted Tales of the Ship
    October 26 & 27.
    6pm-10pm
    Creepy treats will be given to all who dare attend and kids are encouraged to wear costumes. Tours of 45 – 60 minutes will be held fromAll activities will take place on the ship Star of India. Tickets are $8-$15 for admission to the museum; which includes ghost stories. Advance tickets are available on the museum’s website at www.sdmaritime.org. Tickets include same-day admission to the Maritime Museum so arrive early as the museum closes at 8pm.

Map of San Diego