The Buzz on San Diego Travel

The Buzz

With over forty miles of coastal beaches and a much less uppity atmosphere than Los Angeles , San Diego , California s second largest city, can be a fantastic destination for the California tourist. There are several districts in San Diego that are worth traversing. Old Town is the most popular district among tourists, home to the majority of the citys museums and theaters as well as many shopping, dining, and drinking establishments. Balboa Park is the home of the San Diego Zoo, the San Diego Air and Space Museum , the Museum of Man , and the Old Globe Theater. Gaslamp is an artsy district where youll find many art galleries, boutique shops, corner cafes, and over 90 restaurants. Little Italy is the home of the best Italian dining in San Diego , and also offers a terrific view of the harbor. Kenningston is a great place for relaxation, and, while youre there, you should take time to visit the Ken Landmark Theater, a theater that plays classic films. Mission Bay is the home of Sea World and is a great place for boating. Finally, for a day on the beach, the most popular locations are Mission Beach , Ocean Beach , and Pacific Beach .

What Not to Miss

San Diego is home to several museums, and each has its own appeal. However, for a classic San Diego experience, head out for Del Mar Plaza, an all-in-one plaza built with the scenery of the Pacific Ocean in mind. Within the plaza, visitors can eat, visit a spa, drink, shop in the upscale department stores, and even get their clothes dry cleaned. The San Diego Zoo, Sea World, the Wild Animal Park , and the Birch Aquarium are great destinations for animal lovers. Mount Soledad is also a beautiful natural attraction and a great place for mountain climbing and other outdoor activities.

Where to Cut Loose

San Diego is a great place for shopping, and the city is covered with shopping malls and districts. A few notable shopping centers include Seaport Village , the University Town Centre, Horton Plaza , the North County Fair, Plaza Bonita, the Mission Valley Center , Fashion Valley , Grossmont Center , and Del Mar Plaza. You wont have any trouble finding a good, affordable restaurant in San Diego , though both Mission Beach and the Gaslamp district have the best selection of fresh fish dinners. The Gaslamp district is also home to the largest selection of dining establishments within the city. However, for Italian cuisine, youll want to head to Little Italy. For the most part, San Diego locals tend to spend more time in theaters and museums than they do drinking; however, when they do go out on the town, they prefer nightclubs and live music venues to the more traditional bars and pubs. Many of these establishments are clustered along the beaches, though the Gaslamp, Old City , and Downtown districts are lively spots as well.

Stylish Lodging Options

Lodge At Torrey Pines

La Jolla , California

The Lodge At Torrey Pines is located in La Jolla - one of the most picturesque resort towns on the southern California coast. The hotel sits on six and one half acres overlooking the pacific ocean - immediately adjacent to the 18th green of the Torrey Pines Golf Course.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort

Coronado , California

Loews Coronado Bay Resort is situated within the seaside community of Coronado on Crown Isle, a private 15-acre peninsula.

Rancho Valencia Resort & Spa

Rancho Santa Fe , California

Rancho Valencia is a secluded hideaway offering privacy, relaxation and recreation on a very intimate scale. Tucked in a private canyon in Rancho Santa Fe, the resort is just minutes from the seaside towns of Del Mar and La Jolla .

The Ivy Hotel

San Diego , California

Buttoned up on the outside, but ready to come undone at any moment, Ivy's sophisticated plot is confessed slowly.