San Diego Attractions

San Diego attractions can easily keep you entertained for a week or more. The downtown tourist attractions in San Diego are easily accessable and very urban.

So if you are planning a US vacation to San Diego, here are a guide to the top rated San Diego tourist attractions and activities and San Diego tours and events that even locals think are special attractions in San Diego.

Some of the most popular San Diego California attractions are mostly within easy reach, either by foot or trolley.

Although the most famous San Diego tourist attractions, such as the Sea World and the San Diego Zoo are best reached by car or public transportation.

San Diego is actually very visitor friendly, geographically. The train station, airport and bus terminal are all very close to the city center.

When I lived in Laguna Beach, I used to take the Amtrack train at the San Juan Capistrano station down to San Diego. It's a beautiful ride along the coast. I could then walk to the Holiday Inn at the Embarcadero. Everything I wanted to do and see was within walking distance from there. Very convenient.

The downtown San Diego attractions consists of the Gaslamp Quarters, Balboa Park, The Embarcadero, Little Italy, Horton Plaza and Seaport Village. All are within walking distance from the Union Station if you arrived by Amtrack from Los Angeles or any other Amtrack station.

The beautiful Balboa Park and The San Diego Zoo is just north of downtown San Diego. The north part of the Balboa Park is home to the Uptown and Hillcrest districts of San Diego.

View Of Downtown San Diego

If you go further north you will be in Old Town, one of the popular San Diego Attractions and the birthplace of San Diego.

The Coronado peninsula on the San Diego Bay can be reached by the Coronado bridge or by ferry at the Embarcadero. This is where the fabulous and famous Hotel Del Coronado is located.

A visit to San Diego wouldn't be complete without a visit to Hotel Del Coronado. I think you will agree, once you arrive.

If you go further north you'll arrive at Ocean Beach, and the Mission Bay with its wonderful parks and large lagoons with beaches.

View Of Mission Bay San Diego

Beyond Mission Bay is the popular Pacific Beach with its boardwalk and lively beachtown area. And then a bit further north you have the upscale and beautiful town of La Jolla. Home to many wealthy residents of Southern California.

La Jolla Coastal View

San Diego California

The picture above of San Diego was taken from the Coronado Peninsula. The most beautiful pictures of San Diego are taken from this vantage point. So if you take a ride over the Coronado bridge, take some pictures of the San Diego skyline while you are there.

Sea World San Diego

Sea World is one of the most visited tourist attractions in San Diego. It's the largest marine amusement park in the World, I am pretty sure. If you know of any larger ones let me know. It has amazing exhibits, fantastic live shows featuring trained Orca whales and dolphins.

Sea World is located in Mission Bay, near the west end of Interstate 8.
For park information: Phone (619)226-3815, or go to their website www.seaworld.com for ticket price information and hours.

Old Adobe Building In Old Town

This is the birthplace of San Diego and it reflects its Mexican and Spanish heritage. It was the earliest European settlement in California. My favorite Mexican restaurant El Fandango is in Old Town. It's worth a visit just to eat there.
The admission is free. For more information call this number, (619)220-5422.

Panda At San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo is definitely one of the best Zoos in the World, if not the best. Be prepared to spend at least 4-5 hours at this San Diego Attraction.

If you are traveling with kids, you should not miss this place. I have been here many times, with and without kids, and I still love to come here.

I'll guarantee it will be a highlight of you San Diego visit, and the kids will love it. Phone: (619)234-3154. The San Diego Zoo is located in the Balboa Park downtown.

Gaslamp Quarters In San Diego

This place has lots of history and it's known for its architectual beautiful buildings. Many are works of art and are a favorite with photographers.

The Gaslamp Quarters is also the center of San Diegos nightlife and entertainment. It's a fun place after dark with lots of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. If you are young, single and want action, this is the place for you.

Horton Plaza Mall San Diego

Just adjacent to the Gaslamp Quarters is the Horton Plaza shopping center. It's a grand shopping center and it's the focal point of the downtown San Diego attractions, with over 150 stores, restaurants, movie theaters and even a live performance theater.

The plaza is architectually unique, with very colorfully designed buildings that really look great among the century old historic buildings in this area of downtown.

San Diego Embarcadero

The Embarcadero is one of my favorite places to hang out in San Diego. It's also home to the best museum in San Diego, The Maritime Museum.

It is also the place where all the cruise ships take off from, as well as harbor cruises and ferry boats. The place is always full of tourists from all over the World. I enjoy this great harbor area a lot.

Seaport Village San Diego Ca

The picture above show the Seaport Village with the Coronado bridge in the background. This San Diego Attraction is situated on a wonderful stretch of waterfront on about 14 acres. It is a great place to stroll and enjoy the beautiful view of the San Diego Bay.

San Diego Little Italy

Little Italy was settled by Italian immigrants in the 19th century. Today little Italy San Diego is famous for the many wonderful Italian restaurants and Old World grocery stores and boutiques. It's a fun san Diego attraction.

Balboa Park San Diego

Balboa park is one of the finest urban parks in the USA. It's home to the World famous San Diego Zoo, along with museums, theaters, a velodrome, golf courses, flower gardens, swimmingpools and tennis courts.

Plan to spend some time at this one of the most popular San Diego Attractions. I know you'll enjoy it. For more information call: (619)239-0512.

Visit Sea World San Diego For Lots Of Information And Fun Pictures

Hotel Del Coronado San Diego, Californias Finest Beachfront Resort. Take A Look!

Del Coronado Hotel Review

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