Hotels in San Diego

Downtown San Diego is an unforgettable mix of ocean side beauty, cultural throwbacks, and bustling modernity. One of the most famous attractions is Balboa Park. This 1,200-acre cultural park is one of the country’s largest urban parks. It features a museum complex, themed gardens, walking paths, theaters, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. Seaport Village offers a waterfront boardwalk, fine dining, and a 19th-century carousel. The 100-year-old Japanese Friendship Garden plays host to the beloved Cherry Blossom Festival. The USS Midway Museum is actually on the giant aircraft carrier in the San Diego harbor. Looking for downtown San Deigo’s most happening neighborhood? Head over to the Gaslamp Quarter.

Mission Valley and Old Town are known as the birthplace of San Diego. The area is just minutes away from San Diego International Airport, the San Diego Zoo and more. This makes it a great home base. But Mission Valley also has tons to see itself. The 18th-century missions that gave it its name are historical marvels. Experiencing the Old Town Trolley is a must for any visitor. San Diego is known for its incredible Mexican cuisine. Arguably the best of them all is Mission Valley’s Café Coyote. The Old Town State Park features a wealth of Mexican heritage, so be sure to explore it. Fashion Valley and Mission Valley malls offer great shopping, as do many beautiful boutiques.

For the active traveler, Mission Bay is sure to be a favorite. This salt-water lagoon has created a unique, almost land-locked haven for watersports. Wakeboarding, jet skiing, and sailing are all popular here. Fishermen also enjoy the Bay and its excellent bass fishing. However, Mission Bay doesn’t only offer watersports. There is excellent golfing, dog walking, camping, and bird watching as well. A 1.2-mile cross country course makes it a beloved destination for runners. September visitors should make sure to enjoy the Bayfair Cup hydroplane boat race.

The San Diego Zoo might be the most famous zoo in the world. It’s also the most visited zoo in the U.S., and for a good reason. It pioneered the idea of humane, cageless exhibits. Now, it holds more than 3,500 animals. A guided bus tour can take you across most of the park, safari-style. For the more adventurous, the overhead gondola lift ‘The Skyfari’ provides an aerial view. The Australian Outback exhibit and ‘Africa Rocks’ are two of the zoo’s most popular. San Diego’s Parks are also legendary. In addition to Balboa, Mission Bay Park, Sunset Cliffs, and Waterfront Park are perfect for sunny San Diego days.

SeaWorld is likely the world’s most famous marine animal theme park. It is world-famous for its shows featuring killer whales, dolphins and sea lions. It is also an actual theme park, with adrenaline-pumping rides. The Bayside Skyride provides a stunning aerial view of the park. Sesame Street’s Bay of Play and Ocean Explorer, meanwhile, are playgrounds for the kids. The park offers education for the family as well with its many animal exhibits. Some favorites include Shark Encounter, Journey to Atlantis and Wild Arctic. Academics and animal lovers will love that the Hubbs-SeaWorld Research Institute is just next door!

San Diego is often pegged as the city with ‘the best weather in the United States.’ While it is sunny year-round like most of Southern California, it tends to avoid the blistering heat of Los Angeles. This makes it perfect for outdoor activities. Naturally, beaches are a popular activity. Coronado Beach is a family favorite, as is Pacific Beach. Meanwhile, La Jolla Shores is incredibly picturesque. Ocean Beach, Mission Beach and Tourmaline Surfing Park are surfer favorites. Mission Bay offers something for every fitness and activity seeker.