Know All About Major Attractions in San Diego

San Diego has lots to offer. On the one hand it is home to state-of-the-art amusement parks and museums and on the other hand, the place boasts of first Spanish mission in California. Whether you are on a family vacation in San Diego, or a beach vacation with your beloved, make sure you don’t miss the following attractions to make your trip exciting.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is America’s largest urban cultural park. It contains diversified museums ranging from horticultural to astronomical. The place is home to Botanical Building's sublime lily pond, El Prado etc. Balboa Park is also home to Children's Museum, and the Fleet Science Center.

Sea World

Sea World is home to the famous killer whale named Shamu and several other stunning marine animals. Watch the acrobatic skills of Shamu and her buddies. There are various exciting and spine-tingling rides too like Journey to Atlantis, Shipwreck Rapids, and many more.

San Diego Zoo

The world-famous zoo has two parks in San Diego: one located in Balboa Park is a traditional Zoo, and the other is Wild Animal Park located north of the city. Spare one full day to explore the zoo. The entire San Diego zoo accommodates more than 4000 creatures ranging from giant pandas, kangaroos, and gorillas all housed in natural environments.

La Jolla

The charming seaside town of La Jolla has lots to offer. The town is expensive, and filled with stunning mansions. Shopping malls and dining restaurants are situated along Prospect Street. Stroll along Coast Boulevard or the La Jolla Cove for the most scenic views.

Old Town

If you are a history lover then head to Old town. It’s full of traditional Mexican restaurants and shops. Enjoy the mariachi players strumming the sounds of Mexican music.

The Gaslamp Quarter

Enjoy the nightlife of San Diego at Gaslamp Quarter. It is lively and always buzzing. Enjoy live music after dinner at restaurants which are mainly housed within restored Victorian commercial buildings.

Cabrillo National Monument

A restored lighthouse and the statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first Portuguese explorer to land in San Diego rest here. It’s an amazing vantage point to see migrating gray whales or enjoy magnificent views of San Diego's harbor and skyline. During winters you can also spot Mexico in the distance. Mission Beach Boardwalk

Check out Belmont Park, an amusement park at the Mission Beach boardwalk. It features two major landmarks: the Plunge and the Giant Dipper.

Coronado Beach

Take a leisurely walk along Coronado Beach and enjoy the sunset.

Embarcadero

Roam around the Embarcadero, home to watercrafts, aircraft carrier, Seaport village, and a maritime-themed shopping area.

San Diego is full of activities and thrills. When planning a trip to San Diego rest assured, it has something for both adults and children alike. You can check out online the hotels which provide affordable vacation packages. It’s best if you check into San Diego motel or a hotel which is near by to all these attractions, so that you don’t waste much time in commuting.

I'll also add:

The historic town of Julian which is about 30-45 minutes east of San Diego. It's an old mountain mining town famous for it's apples.

Inside Old Town is Old Town Historic State Park. This is free and it's the original town of San Diego.

Also, in Old Town is the Whaley House, one of the original residences of San Diego. It's also listed as one of the most haunted houses in the country. Guided tours are available and they happily tell ghost stories.

Down by the Embarcadero is the aircraft carrier Midway, which offers self guided tours. On the other side of the cruise terminal is the Star of India, one of the oldest sailing ships still afloat in the US.

In Carlsbad: Lego Land and the Flower Fields.

We have top of the line shopping at Fashion Valley Mall with stores like Tiffany & Company, Betsey Johnson, Burberry, etc.

You can take a gondola ride through the canals at the Coronado Cays or take a whale watching cruise during the winter months with Hornblower Cruises.

Also, Little Italy is full of great restaurants and art galleries.

The Red Bull Air Races are here May 3rd and 4th. We saw them last September and it was a blast.

And last, but not least:

The Padres play at Petco Park in the Gaslamp Quarter. You can do behind the scenes tours ($9 for adults) or catch a game. The park really is fantastic.

In Mission Valley is Qualcomm Stadium where the Chargers play. It has it's own Trolley stop and is home to all sorts of events.

Hey,

I love to travel to San Diego.Thanks for sharing worthy information.I really love light houses.After reading your post I feel like going on a vacation now.Thanks for sharing this.........