Top Sights In San Diego

San Diego is an amazing city and one of my favorites! There are so many diverse areas, each with it’s own vibe and appeal. With so much to do and explore, how do you decide what’s best? Here are some ideas. Plan to spend some time there.. A weekend is just not long enough to see it all in San Diego!

San Diego Area

The Manchester Grand Hyatt was my hotel of choice. It was a great place to stay. It’s a beautiful hotel, well maintained, with nice rooms, great views of the bay and all the amenities you need. The rooms are not awe inspiring, but have all you need. It’s in a great location!! Downtown, just outside of Seaport Village and across from the historic Gaslamp Quarter portion of the city.

Coronado Island Bridge, San Diego

Old Town Trolley Tours was a great way to get around the city. It hits all the stops you won’t want to miss. You can purchase multi-day passes with hop on/hop off service, a better choice than trying to find parking at the different venues around the city. There are always cabs for nighttime excursions.

Visit Seaport Village and walk the boardwalk along San Diego Bay. Meander your way through the shopping area. It’s a great place for an evening stroll with it’s pretty landscape, fountains and walkways. In addition to a variety of shops and casual dining places, there are a few waterfront fine dining restaurants. Try a Seal Tour! It’s a 90 minute land and sea tour. You’re driver will cruise you around the city streets before your amphibious vehicle splashes into the bay and cruises you around the Harbor. Now that’s something you don’t do every day!

Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego area

Just over the bridge, the Coronado peninsula is the home of the luxurious, beachfront Hotel del Coronado. If you’re a fan of old victorian architecture as I am, you will absolutely love it! Whether having a bite on the sprawling back deck or walking along the pristine beach, with it’s black and gold sand, you can’t help but gaze back and picture the old movie stars lounging around the hotel! Built in 1888, it is a National Historic Landmark. It’s on my list of places to stay someday!!

I didn’t have time to see the San Diego Zoo or the museums but it’s definitely worth it to work this into your schedule. The Zoo is located in Balboa Park which is considered an urban cultural park. In addition to the zoo, there are museums, gardens and other attractions.

Old Town has a Spanish ‘ghost town’ feel to it. There are plenty of restaurants, shops and hotels. Considered the birthplace of California, the main attraction of Old Town is it’s history. You’ll want to spend some time exploring this area.

The Harbor area is home to the USS Midway and The Star of India. Many of the dinner, sunset and whale watching cruises leave from this port. You can book one on viator.com.

Historic Gaslight Quarters, in the city, has numerous fine dining and nightlife venues. I tried Rama a Thai Restaurant and had a great meal!

If you have time for a day trip, drive along the Pacific Coast Highway to La Jolla. Enjoy the spectacular views along this hilly, seaside, coastal village. Both the food and view were incredible at George’s at the Cove!

Check out the concert schedule for Humphrey’s Concerts By the Bay. If you haven’t been to an outdoor concert venue, this is a must. (On the east coast, come visit the Jones Beach Theatre!) Humphreys is small enough that all the seats are good. Add in great acoustics and a view of the bay, what’s not to like?!!

If your time is limited, be sure to do some planning before you get there. Here’s a link to GoCard which can save you money on area attractions. You’ll be glad you did! Have a great time in San Diego!