When describing San Diego, California, one word comes to mind -- pleasant. And that’s a great thing. With arguably the best weather in the U.S., picture-perfect waves, a steady stream of tourists, economic boom and some of the friendliest people around, visiting this sunny SoCal locale is nothing if not unrelentingly pleasant. San Diego’s downtown area may have skyscrapers and countless rows of bars and restaurants, but the majority of the city is made up of beautiful outdoor parks and sandy beaches. From Balboa Park to endless stretches of boardwalk, San Diego is both a good-time hotspot and a beach lover’s paradise.
Beaches in San Diego like Coronado, La Jolla, Mission Bay and Encinitas are considered among the best in the country. With the majority of tourism focused on the waterfronts, the city has a resort-like feel to it most of the year. The world-famous San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most progressive zoos in the world, with over 4,000 animals calling it home. For a little culture amidst the sunshine, check out the San Diego Museum of Art or the Museum of Man located in Balboa Park. At night, check out the best bar scenes in the Pacific Beach and Gaslamp Quarter located downtown.
With gastronomic influence coming from the city’s geography, ethnic mix and sustainable ingredients, San Diego cuisine is just as diverse as it is fresh. For a French, Mediterranean and Californian-style fusion restaurant located beachside at La Jolla Shores, The Marine Room is famous for its high-end dishes and dramatic ocean views. El Agave Tequileria is an authentic Mexican restaurant situated in Old Town, and famous for its Mexican nouvelle cuisine and tequila list of over 100 brands. A trendy hotspot in town is the Quarter Kitchen. Located at the Ivy Hotel, the restaurant receives rave reviews for the Kobe beef pot pie and caviar tacos.
Located less than 10 minutes from downtown, San Diego International Airport (SAN) is the area’s largest passenger airport, serving most major domestic and international carriers. McClellan-Palomar Airport (CLD), located in Carlsbad, Calif., is the other commercial passenger airport in San Diego County, and is used more for domestic commutes. The public transit system in San Diego includes the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), which is a series of bus routes that operate throughout all parts of the region, as well as the San Diego Trolley. The trolley serves mainly the eastern, southeastern and downtown sections of the city. The best and most efficient way to get around sprawling San Diego is by car, as it’s a large metropolis and easily navigable.
Characterized by warm, dry summers and mild winters, San Diego is split between a Mediterranean and semi-arid climate. Summer temperatures are generally warm, with average highs ranging from 71° F (22° C) to 77.7° F (24.6° C). Average winter temperatures are usually anywhere from 66° F (18.8° C) to 70° F (21.1° C). Because the city receives an average of over 200 days of sunshine and just nine to 13 inches of rain annually, San Diego is a perfect year-round vacation destination.
Across the bay from bustling San Diego and just a few miles down the road from the vibrant beach community of Coronado, Loews Coronado Bay Resort offers the best of both vacation worlds. It’s enough to the action, but far enough away to seem like a private, secluded...Read More
Located two hours east of Los Angeles, Palm Springs offers a desert getaway with a touch of glamour. Sunshine and blue skies 350 days a year, hot springs with healing waters, luxury resorts, world-glass golf and tennis, gaming and the promise of celebrity sightings draw some 3.5 million visitors...Read More
VIA Rail Canada’s Canadian is the only regularly scheduled train in North America included in the Society of International Railway Travelers 2008 “World’s Top 25 Trains” survey. Though Canada’s national rail service is often cited for convenient schedules, excellent...Read More
Even with the demise of Aloha Airlines, Hawaii offers plenty of inter-island service on commercial carriers, charter aircraft and ferries. Here’s a list of what’s available, in alphabetical order.
Expeditions: For more than 16 years, Expeditions has provided passenger...Read More
For a port that sees most of its cruise business only five months each year, Seattle has grown by leaps and bounds. In 1999, a total of 6,615 passengers used the Port of Seattle, sailing onboard six vessels that were primarily headed for Alaska. The passenger count jumped to 120,000 on 36...Read More
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Homewood Suites San Diego Airport - Liberty Station
Hotel
The Homewood Suites San Diego is a beautiful waterfront hotel. Enjoy the hotels outdoor fireplaces with a complimentary glass of wine and complimentary high-speed wireless internet while relaxing on the waterfront patio. Make yourself at home in the comforts of the spacious studio and one and two bedroom suites with fully equipped kitchens and 32" HD-LCD televisions. The hotel is located in Liberty Station and is a significant part of the urban redevelopment of the historic Naval Training Center. Restaurants, shops and a waterfront park surround the hotel and the historic Sail Ho Golf Course is just around the corner. You can enjoy pristine views of San Diego Bay, Coronado Island, Harbor Island and the skyline of downtown San Diego or spend a day at Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village and Balboa Park all within minutes of the hotel.(more)
The Lodge at Torrey Pines
Hotel
This hotel is ten minutes north of La Jolla proper and is the fantasy of local hotelier Bill Evans (of the Catamaran), who took his appreciation for Craftsman-style homes and amplified it into a 175 room upscale hotel. The Lodge brims with clinker-brick masonry, art glass windows and doors, Stickley furniture and exquisite pottery. Most rooms fall into two main categories, the less expensive are 520 square feet decorated with Tiffany-style lamps, period wallpaper, framed Hiroshige prints and lots of wood accents; views face a courtyard carefully landscaped to mimic the rare coastal environment that exists just beyond the hotel grounds.(more)
Homewood Suites San Diego-Del Mar
Hotel
The Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego-Del Mar Hotel is an upscale, extended stay hotel centrally located in beautiful San Diego. The hotel is conveniently situated near a number of upscale shopping and dining areas, beaches, golf courses and attractions in and around San Diego. This hotel offers studios and one and two bedroom suites featuring separate living and sleeping areas with fully equipped kitchens and plenty of work space. Guests will enjoy the complimentary Suite Start breakfast daily and the Welcome Home Reception that features a complimentary light meal and beverages served Monday through Thursday evenings.(more)
Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Suites
Hotel
Enjoy Southern California ambiance and charm when visiting the Best Western Lamplighter Inn and Suites. Situated in the heart of the college and business district near San Diego State University, this hotel offers easy access to Cox Arena, Qualcomm Stadium, Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. Hotel guests arriving by air will appreciate the easy drive to San Diego International Airport. Each room is fully equipped with complimentary high speed Internet access, cable satellite television with HBO, ample desk space, a coffee and tea maker and an iron and ironing board. For those guests looking to stay awhile, upgraded rooms with full size kitchens are available.(more)
Pacific Terrace Hotel
Hotel
This hotel overlooks the white sandy beaches of San Diego and is rated AAA four Diamond. The Pacific Terrace Hotel is conveniently located near some of the finest beach front dining, shopping and entertainment that San Diego has to offer. This hotel offers the perfect balance between luxury, serenity and inspiration. The Pacific Terrance Hotel is geared towards making every guests experience one to remember catering to the needs of both vacationers and business travelers alike.(more)
Balboa Park
Attraction
Balboa Park is an all encompassing park featuring 15 museums, performing arts centers, the San Diego Zoo and gorgeous gardens. The Park hosts a variety of activities and events throughout the year such as concerts, fairs and classes. The park also has great shopping, restaurants and recreation.(more)
Torrey Pines State Reserve
Attraction
With over two thousand acres of land, Torrey Pines aspires to provide a look at nature before San Diego was built up. It has miles of pristine beaches, a lagoon, eight miles of trails and other features appealing to the nature enthusiast. It is also home to various species of plants and animals; dolphins and whales are known to be spotted off the coast.(more)
Cabrillo National Monument
Attraction
Commemorating the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, this park offers amazing views of San Diego's harbor and skylines. During the winter it's a great place to whale watch and the park holds a number of activities and festivals throughout the year. It also hosts many uncommon species of birds and the park's west side provides the perfect spot to explore marine plants and animals.(more)
Gaslamp Quarter
Attraction
This historic neighborhood is home to shopping, dining and great entertainment. Consisting of 16 and a half blocks with 94 historic buildings, most built during the Victorian era. It's a great place for nightlife with tons of upscale restaurants and nightclubs line the streets.(more)
San Diego Zoo
Attraction
One of the largest, most progressive zoos in the world, the San Diego Zoo is home to over four thousand animals and 800 species. Its many exhibits are breathtaking and educational, providing insight into animal habitats and offering rare glimpses of animals in their own environments. It is also home to the giant pandas.(more)