San Diego, California – The City That Never Sleeps

Located along the Pacific Ocean in southern California, San Diego California is a popular tourist destination. It has a mild climate, beautiful beaches and an extensive selection of family-friendly attractions.

The city’s economy is diversified from its naval and military roots, with nondefense manufacturing, tourism and biomedical research leading the way.

Balboa Park

The crown jewel of San Diego, Balboa Park is a sprawling 1,200-acre urban oasis that offers a rich cultural and entertainment experience. Home to 17 museums, such as the Mingei International Museum and the Old Globe Theatre; a zoo; performing arts venues; numerous gardens; and more, this historic park will delight visitors of all ages.

A visit to Balboa Park should be part of every traveler’s itinerary. Many tourists opt to visit the park over several days, taking in all of the attractions that it offers. Others choose to pick one or two areas to explore.

SeaWorld

SeaWorld is a world-class theme park spread out on over 100 acres of beautiful Mission Bay Park. It offers one-of-a-kind animal encounters, topsy-turvy rides, world-class shows and exciting seasonal events.

The park is home to many different kinds of animals, from orcas and walruses to dolphins and California sea lions. It also boasts amazing water rides, including the Manta roller coaster.

In addition to the thrills of the rides, the park is dedicated to helping animals. Their team of experts rescue and care for marine mammals stranded along the shoreline and return them to their natural habitats.

The park also hosts some of the best arena-style trained animal shows in the world. Clyde and Seamore, an acrobatic comedy duo of hilarious sea lions, will make you laugh out loud. And don’t miss the mischievous, cuddly-cute Asian small-clawed otters who join them on stage.

San Diego Bay

San Diego Bay is one of the world’s largest natural deep-water harbors and a busy international shipping center. It is a major naval shipyard and home to numerous military bases and facilities.

The 34 miles of waterfront is lined with restaurants, hotels, shopping and parks. It is a bustling maritime destination that attracts more than two million visitors each year.

A short walk away from Old Town, San Diego’s downtown area, Seaport Village and Coronado Bridge, the Bay is a popular vacation destination for those visiting from around the country.

The waters of the bay are protected by a series of levees and the shoreline is covered with salt ponds, which are a breeding ground for hundreds of thousands of birds each year. Those looking to see wildlife can take advantage of bird watching tours offered through the San Diego Audobon Society.

Old Town

Old Town is home to a diverse collection of shops and restaurants, as well as a handful of museums that showcase San Diego’s unique history. With more than 27 historic buildings, it’s the perfect place to take a walk through time and immerse yourself in California’s colorful past!

A good plan is to spend two or three hours capped by a delicious meal in this quaint area of town. Whether you’re in the mood for Mexican cuisine at Casa de Reyes or European dishes at Twenty Five Forty, there’s something to please everyone.

You’ll also want to stop by the Old Town Market for an assortment of artisanal items from local artists. You’ll find a great selection of jewelry, clothing and trinkets.

Downtown

Located in the heart of San Diego, downtown is home to the city’s business district, popular tourist attractions, restaurants and entertainment. The area is also home to the Gaslamp Quarter, a historic district that features a mix of nineteenth-century buildings and modern architecture.

One of the best things to do when visiting downtown is to take a stroll through the Embarcadero, a long waterfront promenade that runs from Seaport Village on the south end of town to Little Italy on the north. It’s a pleasant way to see some of the most iconic landmarks in the city, and it’s free to walk along.

Another great thing to do when visiting is to get a behind-the-scenes tour of PETCO Park, home of the San Diego Padres baseball team. This is an excellent way to learn about the history of the team, see the dugout and the press box and hear some great music as you go.