Six Fun Outdoor Activities Not To Miss While Vacationing In San Diego

San Diego is the one of the world's best vacation destinations. The San Diego Bay teems with life and surprises - its near-perfect weather make exploring it fun and interesting. You can take a moonlight paddle in a kayak, watch every-evening fireworks at Sea World or visit seventy miles of palm tree lined beaches to swim, surf or just chill. Following are six activities and things to do in San Diego that should not be missed on your visit.

1. Stroll through the historic Gaslamp Quarter and view the renovated turn-of-the-century Victorian architecture, home to boutiques, art galleries and specialty shops. Historic buildings have been relocated to Gaslamp from other parts of the San Diego, their nineteenth century architecture restored to its former glory. Restaurants, shops and clubs occupy former brothels and saloons. The nightlife is throbbing and vibrant 365 days a year. The Quarter is home to many events and festivals, including San Diego's Mardi Gras, Taste of Gaslamp and the city's St. Patrick's Day events ensuring that the Gaslamp Quarter will remain one of San Diego's favorite travel destinations.

2. John D. and Adolph Spreckels donated the Spreckels Organ, one of the world's largest outdoor pipe organs, to the City of San Diego in 1914 for the Panama-California Exposition. This unique organ contains 4,530 pipes ranging in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet and is housed in an ornate vaulted structure with highly embellished gables. Since 1917, San Diego has had a civic organist who performs free weekly Sunday concerts.

3. At dusk on the first Wednesday of each month, following the monthly "Sky Tonight" planetarium show in the Space Theater of the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, members of the San Diego Astronomy Association set up big telescopes by the large fountain in Balboa Park for free public sky viewing. See Saturn's rings through a big telescope as well as the moon, planets, nebulae and globular clusters - up close and personal.

4. See things you never saw before at The Museum of Contemporary Art in LaJolla featuring an enormous collection of 4,000 works created after 1950. Here you'll find exhibits of all media and genres: painting, sculpture, works on paper, photography, video and film. Designed in 1916 by world-famous Irving Gill and originally the home of distinguished philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, the 60,000 square-foot Museum will thrill you with its breathtaking coastal views.

5. Explore the tide pools in Point Loma below Cabrillo National Monument when the tide is out and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman's fingers and many other cool sea creatures. Located on the western side of Point Loma, these pools lie in the rocky inter-tidal zone and offer a window into the ocean ecosystem. San Diego travel tip: Ranger walks are available during most low tides and a slide program is shown daily at the Cabrillo park visitor center.

6. How can we not mention the beach? With over 65 miles of coastline, this best part of San Diego is absolutely free - and all the beaches are just perfect for trying your hand at surfing or boogie-boarding.

Here are three resources with accommodation information and links for when you visit the San Diego area: Carlsbad Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels in Del Mar and Del Mar Bed and Breakfasts.