Top Reasons to Visit San Diego For Vacation
With its miles of glorious beaches, idyllic year-round weather and a myriad of cultural and historical attractions, San Diego is one of the most visited cities in the world. If you’re on the fence about where to vacation, here are some of the top reasons to choose San Diego.
70˚ All Year Round
San Diego’s magnificent weather means that you can enjoy the outdoors all year round. The average temperature on any given day of the year is around 70˚, meaning it never gets too hot and it never gets too cold. So exploring all of the city’s natural beauty is easy and comfortable.
Beyond Beautiful Beaches
San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the country. There are 70 miles of shoreline and a diverse selection of beaches to explore. If you like surfing, you’ll be in heaven; if you prefer getting lost in your thoughts on a secluded sandy stretch, you’ll also be in heaven. From La Jolla and Mission to Coronado and Pacific Beach, there’s a beach for you in San Diego.
Fascinating History
The first settlers to San Diego came from Mexico and Spain and established the first mission and fort in 1769. It was about a 100 years later that the city became a part of the United States and that California was granted statehood. It’s these facts that make San Diego the Birthplace of California and why so many historic buildings and sites intrigue visitors everyday. Visit Old Town State Park, El Prado in Balboa Park, Presidio Park and the Gaslamp Quarter to see numerous ancient structures that help tell the story of San Diego’s fascinating history.
San Diego Zoo
Not just any zoo, the San Diego Zoo is known worldwide for its array of rare and endangered animal species. There are nearly 4,000 animals living at the zoo including gorillas, sun bears, polar bears, leopards, giant tortoises, koalas, elephants, mandrills, birds of paradise, zebras and more. Explore the 100 acres that are home to more than 650 animal species and 700,000 exotic plants.
The Star of India
The world’s oldest active sailing ship, the Star of India was built in 1863 and is on display at San Diego’s Maritime Museum. Guests can explore the decks of this historic ship, learn about her important role in the maritime history of the United States and even witness her sailing once a year. The museum is also home to a variety of permanent and temporary exhibits and a collection of ancient ships.
Food, Glorious Food
Mere miles away from Mexico, San Diego serves up some of the country’s most sought after Mexican cuisine at a host of restaurants. But the culinary delights don’t stop there. The city is known for its eclectic assortment of great eateries, from hearty American favorites like burgers and fries to sushi, seafood, Italian, French, farm to table and much more. Whether looking for traditional or a modern take on legendary favorites, it’s not an exaggeration to say that you’ll never run out of new restaurants to try while visiting the city.
Shop Till You Drop
Like most big cities, San Diego has an assortment of exceptional shopping venues to indulge your retail cravings. From the scenic Seaport Village to Horton Plaza and the Gaslamp Quarter, you can find anything you’d ever wished for in San Diego. Browse antique stores, boutiques, major retail chains and local shops for clothing, collectibles, souvenirs and pretty much everything in between.
Adorable San Diego Seals
They’re chubby and lazy and seem to simply lounge around all day long soaking up the sun. Everyone who visits San Diego wants to catch a glimpse of these adorable creatures lying on the beach, and it’s a relatively easy mission to complete. The seals that inhabit the San Diego shores have no worries and no photo inhibitions, so feel free to watch them doing what they do and take a few pictures for your friends back home. Check out the San Diego SEAL Tour for a 100-minute, fully narrated tour of San Diego neighborhoods and the Big Bay.
Why settle for seeing just part of San Diego when you can Sea It All? Book your spot today and experience the best of sea and land in one unforgettable adventure! Discover both the vibrant cityscape and the stunning coastline, along with a great view of the adorable seals, all in a single tour.
Petco Park
The World’s Best Ballpark, Petco Park, offers stunning views of the San Diego Bay and some of the best amenities offered at a baseball venue. It’s known for its open-air design and unique architecture elements. The park, home to the San Diego Padres, the city’s Major League Baseball Team, also hosts a variety of other events including concerts, performances, and private celebrations. Tours are available during non-game times and provide guests an inside look at some of the park’s areas that are normally off-limits.
The Old Town Trolley Tour
The Old Town Trolley Tour has been entertaining guests to San Diego for more than 30 years. A lighthearted journey through history, the tour transports you to more than 100 points of interest (including all the biggies like Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter and Old Town) and allows you to hop-on and hop-off as much as you want. The conductor onboard shares fascinating stories and anecdotes, making the tour even that more amusing and interesting.
Tickets - Select Your Journey
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Splash into San Diego and Sea It All with our Ultimate SEAL Tour! Journey through both the city streets and the sparkling bay in our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles, which are Coast Guard-approved for safety and fun. This unique, one-of-a-kind tour allows you to truly see it all—from San Diego’s hidden gems on land to a spectacular splash into the water for a different perspective.
Book your ticket now and embark on an unforgettable adventure where the city’s vibrant life meets the tranquility of the sea.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Embarcadero
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Wind your way through picturesque San Diego streets
- Splash down for a cruise through the waters of San Diego Bay
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours (adult ticket)
- 4.5-star review rating
- 100% satisfaction guarantee
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO BY SEA AND LAND
Old Town Trolley Tours: As you explore the scenic coastal landscape, you’ll learn why San Diego is called “America’s Finest City.” Since 1989, Old Town Trolley Tours has provided sightseeing tours highlighting the best of San Diego.
SEAL Tour: Splash into San Diego’s most unique sightseeing adventure! Both tour bus and boat, the San Diego SEAL Tour journeys through San Diego by land AND sea. Our unique “Hydra-Terra” amphibious vehicles are Coast Guard approved, ensuring you a safe, one of a kind experience.
- Old Town Trolley Tours:
- 1 day of free unlimited re-boarding
- Hop on & off at 11 Old Town Trolley stops
- FREE discount coupons ($30 value)
- FREE Self-Guided Walking Tours
- FREE map brochure with day planner
- SEAL Tour:
- 100-minute, fully narrated SEAL Tour
- SEAL Tour departs from Seaport Village
- State-of-the-art U.S. Coast Guard certified Hydra-Terra vehicles
- Attraction tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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SEE THE WHALEY HOUSE BY DAY & NIGHT
Daytime Self-Guided Tour: Crossover to San Diego’s history by taking a self-guided tour through the prominent Whaley House Museum. Visit the exhibit rooms and enjoy this historical experience through the interior and surrounding grounds of the house.
Evening Guided Tour*: Crossover to the dark side of San Diego history in California’s Oldest Town and let us enchant you with spirited tales of the past.
- Daytime Self-Guided Tour:
- Self-paced tour through the interior and surrounding grounds of the House.
- Immerse yourself into the history that makes the property a unique legacy site.
- Discover the heritage that leads many to believe that the Whaley House is America's Most Haunted!
- Get an unparalleled peek into early California history.
- Evening Guided Tour:
- As seen on the Travel Channel, SyFy Channel and Discovery Channel.
- Be part of the historic legacy, mystery and legends of the Whaley Family, and hear of their myths and misconceptions.
- Approximately 30-minute guided tour through the historic Whaley House and the surrounding grounds.
- Regale in the tales of the spirits from the past and perhaps even experience the paranormal.
- Tour tickets do not have to be used on the same day
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Ghosts & Gravestones
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Dying to Take a Ride on the Dark Side? Travel back in time with us and learn of the spirits of the notorious wild characters like Gunslingers, Gamblers and Ladies of the Night who lived and died in San Diego. It is possible that their spirits live on in the dark recesses of our historic buildings and neighborhoods.
- Hop aboard the Trolley of the Doomed
- Join our spirited & entertaining tour built on stories, history, mystery and legends
- Travel back and hear about the spirits of characters who lived & died in San Diego
- Hear stories of how Pioneer Park changes to the darker side when the sun goes down
- Journey through Old Town, walking through El Campo Santo Cemetery
- Includes outside of the Whaley House and grounds. Tour does not enter the house.
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SEE THE BEST OF SAN DIEGO AT NIGHT
San Diego sparkles at night, and what better way to see it than with Old Town Trolley Tours! Hop aboard our trolley for a picturesque evening you won’t forget.
- Choose your own start and end point: Seaport Village or Old Town Market
- Open-air sightseeing perfect for taking pictures
- Approximately 1 hour and 40 minute tour
- See San Diego’s famous sights illuminated at night
- Take in romantic views of the city and cruise past notable landmarks
- Highlights include The Historic Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park, Coronado’s Ferry Landing, USS Midway and more
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