San Diego is a modern city on the Southern California seacoast known for its ideal climate, miles of beaches, and location on the Mexican border, right across from Tijuana. It has a rich heritage built around sailing and is home to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy. It is also well known for its part in the wildlife conservation movement, being home to a SeaWorld theme park and the "world-famous" San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park. San Diego is an excellent place to escape from the hustle and bustle of nearby Los Angeles.
The area had long been inhabited by the native Kumeyaay people (also known as the Diegueño by the later Spanish settlers), who lived off the land and had created a proud culture. The first time a European visited the region was in 1542, when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, sailing under the Spanish Flag, claimed the bay for the Spanish Empire and named the site San Miguel.
In November of 1602, Sebastián Vizcaíno was sent to map the California coast. Arriving with his flagship "San Diego", Vizcaíno surveyed the harbor and what is now Mission Bay and Point Loma, renaming the area for the Spanish Catholic Saint, St. Didacus (More commonly known as San Diego).
San Diego was established in 1769 as the first Spanish mission in California, at the present site of Old Town. However due to the poor nature of soils in the Old Town area, the mission was eventually relocated about five miles up river in Mission Valley.
PLACE TO VISIT
Children's Museum of San Diego, Th-Th 9AM-4PM (closed Wednesdays). $10 adults/children, $5 senior/military.
Chinese Historical Society and Museum, Tu-Sa 10:30AM-4PM, Su Noon-4PM. A museum dedicated to Chinese history, culture and art. Includes exhibits on the Chinese experience in America. $2 adults, children under age 12 free.
Gaslamp Quarter, Home to a number of historic Victorian-era buildings, such as the Louis Bank of Commerce, the Backesto Building, the Old City Hall, the Yuma Building, and a whole bunch of other beautiful old structures. The Gaslamp Quarter Historical Foundation, headquartered in the William Heath Davis House at 410 Island Avenue offers information for self-guided tours of the district as well as a guided walking tour of the district that leaves from the Davis House every Saturday at 11AM. Tours cost $10 adults, $8 seniors/students/military. Admission to the William Heath Davis House is $5 adults, $4 seniors. The Davis House is open Tu-Sa 10AM-6PM, Su 9AM-3PM.
Maritime Museum of San Diego, Daily 9AM-8PM (open until 9PM in the summer). Home to a number of historic sea vessels, including the Star of India, the world's oldest active sailing ship, the Berkeley, an 1898 steam ferryboat, the Californian, a replica sailing ship, the Medea, a 1904 steam yacht, the HMS Surprise, another replica sailing ship, and a B-39 Soviet Attack Submarine. $12 adults, $9 seniors/military, $8 youth, free for children 5 and under (packages which include sailing excursions are available).
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 11AM-6PM Sa-Tu, 11AM-9PM Th-F. Located in One America Plaza, San Diego's tallest building, this museum holds a part of the museum's collection over 4,000 works. $10 adults, $5 seniors/military, 25 and under free (free admission the third Tuesday of the month).
San Diego Firehouse Museum, Th-F 10AM-2PM, Sa-Su 10AM-4PM. Dedicated to the history of firefighting in San Diego. $2 adults, $1 seniors/military, $1 teens, free for children under 13.
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum, Daily 10AM-5PM. Take a self-guided tour of the USS Midway (CV-41), a former aircraft carrier of the US Navy. The Midway is home to a collection of former naval aircraft housed on her expansive flight deck. Guided tours and displays offer a unique look into the life aboard and of a powerful old warhorse. $15 adults, $10 seniors/students/military, $8 youth, children 5 and under and active duty (in uniform) are free.
Villa Montezuma, Located just outside of Downtown, on the other side of I-5, Villa Montezuma is a gorgeous yet bizarre historic home, built during the boom years of the 1880's and furnished with towers, a dome, and art glass windows. At the moment, it is temporarily closed to the public.
Marston House, 3Operated by the San Diego Historical Society, this historic residence is open for guided tours. Tours take place F Sa Su at 11AM, 12PM, 1PM, 2PM, and 3PM, with an additional tour at 4PM during the summer months. $5 adults, $4 seniors/students/military, $2 youth, free for children under 6.
Spruce Street Bridge, in south Hillcrest at the end of Spruce Street, west of First Avenue. Something of a neighborhood secret, this steel-cable suspension footbridge dates back to the 1910's, and connects to a nearby residential neighborhood. There's not a whole lot to it really, but it is very scenic as you walk right through the treetops on the sides of the canyon.
San Diego Model Railroad Museum, Tu-F 11AM-4PM, Sa Su 11AM-5PM. If you have kids or know a train buff, a visit to this fantastic museum should be high on your list. Just like the name suggests, this institution is dedicated to model railroading, with some of the largest model railroad layouts in the world. There are also some interactive exhibits and displays on the history of railroads in San Diego. $6 adults, $5 seniors (65+), $3 students, $2.50 military, free for ages under 15.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, Opens daily 9:30AM, closing times vary. This popular science museum is filled with dozens of well-done interactive exhibits of interest to children, young adults and grown-ups too. There's also an IMAX theater in the building, one of the world's first. $8 adults, $6.75 seniors/children, free for children under 3 (theater admission separate).
San Diego Air and Space Museum, Daily 10AM-4:30PM (open until 5:30PM in the summer). You may notice the museum as you fly into San Diego, the circular building is centered around a navy PBY flying boat, and features exhibits detailing the history of manned flight, from the first planes to space travel, with lots of full-scale models of aerodynamic craft. There is also an exhibit on San Diego native Charles Lindberg, whose famous flight on his Spirit of St. Louis began in San Diego. $15 adults, $12 seniors/students, $9 teens, $6 children, free for children 5 and under
San Diego Zoo - 9AM–4PM (extended hours in the summer). $35 adults, $26 children, free for children under three (includes Guided Bus Tour and Aerial Tram rides). An absolutely enormous and world-renowned institution, the San Diego Zoo showcases many exotic animals from all over the world, including apes, giant pandas, hippos, polar bears, tigers, bears, lions, elephants, koalas, kangaroos, zebras, reptiles, hundreds of species of birds, and a whole lot of species of animals that are less well-known. The many expansive and well-designed exhibits throughout the park provide a natural setting for the zoo's animals, such as large bird aviaries, Polar Bear Plunge (a large arctic area), Ituri Forest (an African rain forest), Tiger River, Absolutely Apes, a Children's Zoo (with a lot of farm animals), and many more specialized areas. The terrain of the park, with plateaus, steep canyons, and wide flat areas, creates an expansive setting with many hidden corners and less-beaten paths.
San Diego Museum of Man, Daily 10AM-4:30PM. Located beneath the majestic California Tower near the Cabrillo Bridge, the Museum of Man is an institution devoted entirely to anthropology. The museum's permanent collection includes exhibits on the Mayan, ancient Egypt, the Kumeyaay Indians of San Diego County, Human Evolution, and the Human Life Cycle, with some incredible displays such as mummies, ancient artifacts from prehistoric cultures, and replicas of ancient monuments. $8 adults, $6 seniors/students/military, $4 children, free for children under 6.
Mission San Diego de Alcala, Daily 9AM-4:45PM. The first of the California missions, today Mission San Diego is an active Catholic Parish and a museum dedicated to the history of the mission. Tour the site, with its gardens, museum, and the original chapel. $3 adults, $2 seniors, $1 children.
Whaley House, Winter: M-Tu 10AM-5PM, Th-Su 10AM-10PM. Summer: Daily 10AM-10PM. The most famous haunted house in San Diego. Come during the Halloween season for special night tours. Daytime admission $6 adults, $5 seniors, $4 children, free for children 2 and under. Nighttime admission $10 adults, $5 children, free for children 2 and under.
Fort Rosecrans is north of Cabrillo National Monument. Fort Rosecrans is a former WWII military outpost, situated on Point Loma to protect the Naval Base on Coronado from attack by sea. The fort contains bunkers, weapons emplacements and the Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery which holds a number of monuments including the USS Bennington Monument. An exhibit in Cabrillo National Monument displays some of the history of Fort Rosecrans.
Cabrillo National Monument - Located at the tip of Point Loma, Cabrillo National Monument commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who led the first European exploration to what is now the west coast of the United States, in 1542. Point Loma was the one of the places he stopped, and the first contact Europeans made with what would one day be California. The monument has a statue of Cabrillo and exhibits on his expedition in the visitor center. Being over 400 feet above the ocean, the views from Cabrillo are marvelous, overlooking the Pacific Ocean to the west and San Diego Bay, Coronado, the airport, and Downtown San Diego to the east. Mexico and several off-shore islands are also visible from this vantage point on a clear day.
Sea World, Hours vary by season and day of week; typically 10AM-5PM in winter, 9AM-11PM in summer. A massive (200 acres) marine animal theme park with rides, lots of sea animals (dolphins, sea otters, arctic creatures, sharks, penguins, rays, manatees, etc.) and of course, shows of killer whales like Shamu. $65 adults, $55 children under age 10, free for children under age 3 (parking $10 for cars, $15 for RVs and campers, and $6 for motorcycles).
Birch Aquarium at Scripps, Every day, 9AM-5PM. The public center for the renowned Scripps Institution of Oceanography (of University of California, San Diego), this award-winning aquarium has many fantastic exhibits, with oceanic species from all over the Pacific Ocean displayed, as well as sharks, a tide pool, a large kelp tank, and a coral reef (with actual living coral). The museum also has some spectacular views of the ocean and La Jolla as well as some nifty tide pools where you can touch tide-pool animals. $11 adults, $9 seniors, $7.50 children/teens. Free for children age 2 and under.
Children's Pool Beach, This beach is a favorite breeding spot for harbor seals. The beach is closed Dec 15-May 15 during breeding season, but you can still observe the seals from a safe distance. This beach used to be the children's beach, and there is an ongoing dispute between animal rights supporters and others who disagree about who should own the beach. Depending on the current turn of events, swimming may or may not be permitted. Occasionally, the seals vanish, but move a few hundred feet to the right, close to the cove itself
San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sister park to the San Diego Zoo in Balboa Park, the Wild Animal Park is a massive (1,800 acres) zoo with large, naturalistic free-range enclosures containing animals from all over the world. Highlights include the huge Africa area, the California Condor exhibit, and a tram ride which takes you past some of the large free-range areas (extra admission required). Winter: 9AM-4PM, Summer: 9AM-8PM. $35 adults, $26 children, free for military and children under 3 (Parking is $9/vehicle, $14/RV).
San Pasqual Battlefield State Historic Park, Sa-Su 10AM-5PM. On December 6, 1846, one of the bloodiest battles of the Mexican-American war took place here. The visitor center on-site has displays on the history of the site. Free.
The Chula Vista Nature Center in Chula Vista is a quiet and rather scenic attraction, situated in the midst of a wetland under restoration.
WHAT TO DO
Beaches – Along San Diego's coast one can find miles of beaches for swimming, surfing, and general beach-going. In the San Diego area, one can find good beaches at Imperial Beach south of San Diego, Coronado, the beach towns of Ocean Beach, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla, and up the coast of Northern San Diego County. Each beach is unique, ranging from popular white sand beaches to harsh surf spots to the clothing-optional Black's Beach in La Jolla.
Surfing – San Diego's miles of beaches provide excellent opportunities for surfing. Conditions vary by beach. There are also numerous surf schools throughout the San Diego area.
Sailing – Mission Bay and San Diego Bay offer ample opportunities for sailing, windsurfing, boating, and jet skiing.
Whale-watching – California gray whales migrate south along the coast each February. There are some great places along the coast to view the migration, such as the overlook in Cabrillo National Monument (in Point Loma), and several private companies offer sailing tours during the migration season that bring you much closer to the whales.
Scuba diving – San Diego features some great dives including the Yukon, Ruby E and others in Wreck Alley. You'll see kelp beds and much more. In addition, several dive boat operators have regular runs to the Coronados Islands off the Mexican coast where you can dive with sea lions. Please be aware that diving here is usually considered cold water diving and the visibility is not always the greatest.
Hangliding – At the edge of cliffs towering above the Pacific Ocean, the Torrey Pines Glider Port in La Jolla allows anyone to soar over one of the most pristine sections of coastline in southern California. Training and tandem glides with an expert are offered.
Golfing – There are many public and private golf courses scattered throughout San Diego. The Torrey Pines Golf Course in La Jolla hosts the PGA Tour Buick Invitational annually in Jan or Feb.
Hiking & biking - San Diego’s near perfect climate, unique landscape, and low-crime rate make it one of the most pleasant places in the country to enjoy outdoor exercise. Because of this, visitors and locals alike will have no trouble finding a biking, hiking, or walking trail to suit their needs. There are numerous hiking trails and bike paths to choose from - big and small, highly visible or hidden. Information on some of the most popular individual trails can be found in the district articles.
Rock climbing - San Diego offers some unique opportunities for rock climbing both outdoor and indoor. Although San Diego is really considered a destination climbing area, specialist climbing companies offer guided rock climbing from professional climbers for the beginner to the experienced climber. All the climbing companies provide all the required equipment such as helmets, shoes and harnesses, and usually require an orientation meeting the week of the climb for all participants. Most good climbing spots are located either in Northeastern San Diego or Inland San Diego County.
HOW TO REACH
By plane - San Diego International Airport is less than 10 minutes from downtown San Diego. The descent into the airport from the east is remarkably close to downtown buildings, which can be a bit alarming for first-time visitors. It is served by legacy carriers such as American Airlines Delta Airlines, Continental Airlines, Northwest Airlines, United Airlines, and US Airways, as well as major low fare carriers including JetBlue and Southwest Airlines. Beware that even discounted coach airfares between San Diego and Los Angeles (about 120 miles/190 km) can cost nearly as much a trip to the east coast. Many Angelenos, making San Diego a weekend get-a-way, opt for Amtrak. Detailed Amtrak data is below. (Flying will usually be greatly discounted or even free for connecting flights if it's part of the overall routing, but you must leave LAX within four hours for domestic flights or 24 hours international.) The only international flights from the airport go to Mexico and Canada. Visitors from other countries would most likely travel through Los Angeles or San Francisco. Fixed point ground transportation between LAX and San Diego is extremely limited and taxi/van service is more costly than flying (except for groups of about six or more). If arriving at Los Angeles Airport, always know the method and cost of how you're getting to San Diego in advance.
By train - Amtrak, operates from the historic Santa Fe Depot, located in downtown at 1050 Kettner Blvd. The station is the southern terminus of Amtrak's frequent Pacific Surfliner route, which runs north to Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo. The depot is within walking distance of downtown hotels and situated near San Diego Bay. The city operates a bus line (Route 992, the "Airport Flyer") between the train depot and San Diego International Airport.
There is also a secondary rail station located at the Old Town San Diego Historic Park. It is used mainly for travel within San Diego County, although Amtrak also serves it on weekends and holidays.
By car - San Diego is easily accessible by car using any one of the three major interstate roadways, the 5, 8, and 15 Freeways.
I-5 begins in San Ysidro, at the US-Mexico border crossing, and continues northward through Los Angeles and Central California to Oregon and Washington, terminating in Blaine, Washington at the US-Canadian border crossing.
I-8 begins near the coast in Ocean Beach and continues eastward through eastern San Diego and Imperial Counties into Arizona, where it connects with Interstate 10.
I-15 begins in southern San Diego County and continues northward into the California deserts, through Nevada, Utah, and Idaho, eventually terminating at the US-Canadian border in northern Montana.
By bus - GotoBus, sells tickets to and from Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas, Nevada for a variety of bus companies.
Greyhound, has a station in downtown San Diego on Broadway Street. Private charter lines operate service between other California cities (especially Los Angeles) and Mexico.
LuxBus, offers four daily trips to and from Anaheim, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas.
By boat - The Cruise Ship Terminal in downtown San Diego currently only services excursions departing from San Diego to Baja Mexico and Los Angeles. These include dinner cruises, three-day gambling cruises and 'party excursions' to the Mexican coastal ports of Baja.
