San Diego is California's top beach destination, thanks to miles of manmade
beaches and bays that were created simply for man's pleasure.
From the long arm that spreads down the coast to Tijuana, Mexico and includes
Coronado Island and Imperial Beach, to the city's favorite beach destinations
such as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach and La Jolla, this is a
city that loves the ocean, the beach and nearly every place you stay or
everything you do as a visitor or local is near the ocean or in it.
San Diego is one of California's oldest cities, and a monument on Point Loma
pays tribute to the explorers credited with finding San Diego and spreading the
word, Juan Cabrillo. The national monument at an overlook allows visitors to see
the entire city and miles beyond...it's a great photo opportunity and best way
to get an overview of all the places you are going to or where you have been.
Next to the Cabrillo Monument is the Cabrillo Lighthouse and interpretive
center, open to the public for touring.
For vacations in San Diego, you quickly learn that seniors love to retire
here, but it is actually a kids vacation paradise that draws tourists. Four
theme parks focus on sea life and animals of the world--San Diego Zoo, San Diego
Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California's new Aquarium all
pay tribute to nature. All are worth a visit during a trip to San Diego. The zoo
contains some of the world's finest diplomats and favorite creatures to visit
and see--the Giant pandas from China.
In addition to the theme parks, the shining glory of the city for anyone who
loves art, history, trains, sports, airflight, geology and natural history is
Balboa Park with around 14 world class museums all in one park, and all accessed
in an easy walk. You can purchase the Balboa Park Pass to see quite a few, or
take in an a la carte approach and stroll the grounds, just visiting one or two
instead on a pay-as-go. Several museums offer free admission days. Inside the
park is the Tea Pavilion with a Japanese garden where you can relax, or at The
Prado at Balboa Park you might want to enjoy a delicious lunch in a lush
setting. There are around a dozen places to eat inside the park. Admission to
Balboa Park itself is free, as is the Botanical Building and most of the gardens.
If you hear a glorious sound, head for the outdoor Spreckels Organ Pavilion in
the park where free concerts are sometimes featured. balboapark.org
Balboa Park Visitors Center i
Museums
Centro Cultural de la Raza 30
Marston House and Gardens 29
Mingei International Museum 8
Museum of Photographic Arts 14
Museum of San Diego History 14
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center 11
San Diego Air & Space Museum 25
San Diego Automotive Museum 24
San Diego Hall of Champions 32
Sports Museum
San Diego Model Railroad Museum 14
San Diego Museum of Art 10
San Diego Museum of Man 7
San Diego Natural History Museum 16
SDAI – Museum of the Living Artist 8
Timken Museum of Art 12
Veterans Museum & Memorial Center 39
WorldBeat Center 31
Performing Arts
Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater 23
The Old Globe 6
San Diego Civic Youth Ballet 15
San Diego Junior Theatre 15
San Diego Youth Symphony 15
Spreckels Organ Pavilion 18
Starlight Bowl 26
Attractions
Carousel 2
House of Hospitality i
House of Pacific Relations/Cottages 21
Miniature Railroad 1
San Diego Zoo 5
Spanish Village Art Center 3
United Nations Building 20
Gardens/Horticulture
Alcazar Garden 33
Botanical Building 17
Casa del Rey Moro Garden 35
Desert Garden 37
Inez Grant Parker Memorial 38
Rose Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden 28
Lily Pond 9
Moreton Bay Fig Tree 4
Old Cactus Garden 40
Palm Canyon 34
San Diego Botanical Foundation 15
San Diego Floral Association 15
Veterans Memorial Garden 41
Zoro Garden 36
Restaurants
The Prado Restaurant i
Buildings
Balboa Park Club 22
Casa del Prado 15
Hall of Nations 19
Municipal Gym 27
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