San Diego / La Jolla
Hardly America’s biggest city, San Diego still offers an enormous range of attractions. Whether you come here to surf, shop, golf, play in the parks or dine al fresco, you won’t leave disappointed. San Diego is a city of surprising contrasts, where military ships cruise past luxury hotels, college students on skateboards share sidewalk space with wealthy retirees, and the golf courses have some unique visual hazards. In fact, the only thing predictable about San Diego is the 200+ days of warm sunshine per year.
Activities and Attractions:
San Diego’s natural beauty makes it an ideal place to enjoy the great outdoors. San Diego’s beaches vary widely along the city’s coast from the serene sand of Coronado to the boardwalk fun at Pacific Beach. Head south to Ocean Beach or Mission Beach to experience that casual San Diego-surfer atmosphere.
If you’re searching for great shopping and dining with a view, head to popular La Jolla, an exclusive enclave kept lively by the presence of UC San Diego. Shop at the charming downtown boutiques or play a round at cliff-side Torrey Pines, home to numerous PGA events. (Oddly enough, there’s a nude beach at the base of those cliffs. Don’t let it break your concentration.) Farther north, a short drive past Del Mar’s luxurious beaches you’ll find the Cedros district of Solana Beach, a haven for lovers of antiques, house wares, and one-of-a-kind garments. It’s a perfect spot for an afternoon of casual strolling and shopping.
Conveniently close to downtown, architecturally stunning Balboa Park is home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, as well as 15 museums, the Old Globe Theatre, Botanical Gardens, Organ Pavilion, and more. The perfect place to take a romantic stroll or picnic, Balboa Park provides plenty of parking and plenty to see, including a charming collection of international “houses” (cottages, really) where representatives of many cultures offer tastings of world cuisine on most Sundays.
When the sun goes down in San Diego, the Gaslamp District heats up. This historic downtown neighborhood is well-known for its nightlife and dining. Hungry for Thai? Mexican? Sushi? You’ll find it somewhere in the Gaslamp, most likely at a café with outdoor seating for excellent people watching. A hotspot for both locals and ballpark patrons -- the stadium grandly stands amongst the historic buildings -- the Gaslamp is San Diego’s prime downtown location for upscale fun.
One of the best parts of any vacation is feeling like a kid again, which luxury travelers can do in style at many San Diego attractions. When was the last time you rode a classic wooden roller coaster? You’ll find one at Mission Beach. Or visit the San Diego Wild Animal Park, about 40 minutes outside downtown. It offers special safari tours that bring you inside the animal habitats. Hold a starfish at Scripps Aquarium, see penguins up close at SeaWorld, or take off on a jet-ski ride at Mission Bay. Everything in San Diego is just a car-ride away, so rent a GPS-equipped vehicle and take off to explore the area’s many sights.
Insider Tip:
San Diego epitomizes a laid-back atmosphere, but the locals take great pride in their appearance. So when hitting the town at night, leave the Hawaiian shirt at the hotel and make sure to dress like a local with casual yet put-together flair. Don’t forget to dress in layers: Those beautiful sunny days often turn into cool breezy nights, especially near the coast.
-Exclusively for Perfect Escapes by Nicole Clausing |
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