| What’s not to like about San Diego? It is a picture-perfect, palm-fringed city perched on sparkling San Diego Bay. Nights are cool; daytime temperatures average about 70˚F with low humidity and abundant sunshine. San Diego is a casual and outdoor fun sort of city; leave your suit and tie at home unless your business requires them. Combine great weather with attractions and activities galore. There’s everything to like about San Diego!San Diego International Airport (SAN) is located almost downtown. Wave to the people working at their desks in nearby high rise office buildings as you land. Then, it’s a quick taxi ride to waterfront hotels and downtown business and cultural centers. Rental cars are reasonable and getting around San Diego if not difficult. If you don’t want to drive, the San Diego Metropolitan System (MTA) operates trolleys and buses along the waterfront, throughout the downtown district and to the border at Tijuana.
Best bet: purchase day tripper passes for one, two, three or four days for unlimited access to all city buses and the trolley.
Things to Do in San Diego
Get a jumpstart on things to do in San Diego with a Go San Diego Card and an up-to-date San Diego travel guide. Here’s a sample of Go San Diego Card admissions and tours: the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park , Legoland California , major museums in Balboa Park , the Firehouse Museum , the Hall of Champions Sports Museum and the Belmont Park .
There is also a choice of three San Diego Harbor Cruises, a whale watching excursion and walking tours of Coronado , PETCO Park and the Gaslamp Quarter. Day trips include narrated tours to Tijuana and Temecula Wine Country. Go San Diego Cards may be purchased for one, two, three, five or seven days starting at $55. (Purchase online for extra discounts.)
Plan to spend one or two days at Balboa Park. The 1,200 acre park is rated one of the Best Parks in the World by the Project for Public Spaces. Balboa Park is home of the San Diego Zoo, 15 world-class museums and a dozen lush gardens. There are performances in the park, diverse San Diego dining and a free inner-park tram whisks you from one experience to the next.
Take advantage of San Diego’s idyllic weather for outdoor adventures. If golf’s your game, tee off at one of the area’s 92 courses. Learn to surf or sail along 70 miles of scenic coast. Soar above the countryside with a sunrise or sunset hot air balloon ride. Watch the Padres play at PETCO or Mariners on the field at Qualcomm. Place your bets on the winning horses at Del Mar Racetrack. Give Lady Luck a whirl at Pala, Barona Resort & Casino or Harrah’s.
Places to Stay in San Diego
Like most major cities, San Diego accommodations are divided into diverse neighborhoods. Choosing the best San Diego hotel often depends on choosing the location that best meets your needs and budget as a business or leisure traveler.
The Core is the central business district centrally located for city government, the Civic Center and San Diego Theater. The elegant Westgate Hotel and historic U.S. Grant Hotel are popular lodging in this area. Most leisure travelers prefer to stay and play along The Marina waterfront. Several major hotel chains, including the San Diego Hilton and San Diego Marriott & Marina, are located along the Marina. Unique shops and top San Diego restaurants are only steps away. For family-friendly hotels at value prices, check out hotels on Hotel Circle near San Diego SeaWorld.
It is a quick ferry ride across the bay to the famous Hotel del Coronado, featured on the Condé Nast Hotel Gold List. And beyond the city, Mission Blvd. and Ocean Blvd. offer a choice of beachfront hotels and resorts. Most San Diego hotels honor AAA, AARP and corporate/military discounts.
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