San Diego Free Travel Guide and Information

San Diego: Sights and Places of Interest

	Leah has put together some suggested itineraries for you. You will find details of each of the highlighted sights by clicking on the highlighted link. Feel free to print this information and take it with you!

1st Day Tour Includes San Diego Zoo Balboa Park Ocean Beach La Jolla The Embarcadero Maritime Museum Gaslamp Quarter	San Diego Zoo, La Jolla, Ocean Beach. On you first day in San Diego, you should devote the majority of your time to one of the city’s major attractions, the world famous San Diego Zoo (click her to get your free zoo guide): a wonderful way to begin your San Diego adventure! The San Diego Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species and is open year-round. This one hundred acre haven, nestled in Balboa Park, is also home to 6,500 species of tropical and semitropical plants. This is the perfect spot for adventurers, families and animal-lovers alike. For the best use of your time in the city, try to get to the zoo when the gates open (hours depend on the season). If you want to add some variety to your first day, allow time to have lunch at an ocean view restaurant in Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach or La Jolla. After lunch, shoppers may want to stroll the boutiques of La Jolla, or do a little antiquing in Hillcrest or Ocean Beach. If you are not a fan of shopping, try to spend time walking along the Embarcadero, (maybe stopping for a tour of the Maritime Museum or other great museums along the way). Whatever your preferences, make sure to end you day in the Gaslamp Quarter, which always guarantees an exciting evening street scene! There are dozens of wonderful restaurants to choose from, and if you aren’t exhausted, you should make sure to stick around for live music when you’re finished!
2nd Day Tour Includes Sea World Balboa Park Museum of Man Museum of Art Firehouse Museum Aerospace Museum Natural History Museum Belmont Park	The other most popular attraction in San Diego is Sea World, home to the famous killer whale, Shamu. Filled with interesting aquatic animals, shows, and rides, Sea World San Diego is sure to make memorable memories for your whole family. In addition to Sea World and the zoo, think about exploring the rest of Balboa Park, home to great architecture, beautiful galleries and more than a dozen fabulous museums Consider visiting the Museum of Man, The San Diego Museum of Art, the Firehouse Museum, the Aerospace Museum, or the Natural History Museum. If the weather is too good to be true, why not try renting recreational gear (such as bikes, in-line skates, or kayaks) and spend your afternoon enjoying beautiful Mission Bay or Belmont Park?
3rd Day Tour Includes San Diego Wild Animal Park Legoland Coronado Maritime Museum	Plan your first days as above, reserving your third day for an adventure to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, or Legoland (both great excursions for a day of family fun). If Legoland is not your style, try one of the many tours that run around San Diego County. There are tours ranging from sightseeing around the county, to a motor coach excursion to Mexico, to wine tasting tours, which take you to world famous California Wineries. In the afternoon, why not ride the ferry to Coronado for a tour of the majestic Hotel del Coronado, a sunset walk on the beach, or dinner at one of the many fine restaurants on this enchanting little island? If you’re in the nautical mood, try to stop back at the Maritime Museum on summer evenings for Movies Before the Mast—a special presentation of marine movie played on a special “sail screen.”
4th Day Tour Includes Cabrillo National Monument Tijuana	On your fourth day, we suggest visiting the Cabrillo National Monument in the morning and then spending the rest of your day soaking up the sun in the great outdoors San Diego is famous for. Try to enjoy a picnic on the beach, or a game of golf at one of the 92 courses in the county. Since you will be visiting one of the sunniest cities in the world, golfing (like many other activities) is a year-round treat. Another option for your fourth day would be a trolley ride to Tijuana to spend a day shopping and indulging in south-of-the-border flavor. During the winter months, you may want to go on a whale watching expedition with one of the almost two-dozen charter companies offering whale-watching tours. No matter your personal preferences, you are bound to find an endless number of opportunities to make this a vacation you’ll never forget!
Other Side Trips	Being so close to Mexico adds a variety of other opportunities. South of the border, you will find small towns and beaches full of local color. If you want to stay near to the city, try to visit the Carlsbad flower fields. If you are interested in local history, stop off at the old town state historic park. Science-lovers may want to check out the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre/Science Center. Whatever you enjoy, you’re sure to find an exciting time in the magical world of San Diego!

Balboa Park	Balboa Park With perhaps the most to offer of any area of San Diego, the beautifully landscaped acres of Balboa Park include museums featuring world class collections, the San Diego Zoo, the Starlight Bowl outdoor theater, the Spreckels Organ Pavilion, the Old Globe Theatre complex, rose and cactus gardens, and the Japanese Friendship Garden, where the occasional traditional tea ceremony can be observed. If you are in the mood for a walk or a picnic, this is the area for you Even the open areas feature entertainment with both artists and street performers being common sights during the weekend. adress:2125 Park Blvd phone: visitor's center (619) 239 0512 hours: 24 hours admission: Free!
Belmont Park	Belmont Park Located directly on the Mission Bay Boardwalk, this park features a beautifully restored wooden roller coaster guaranteed to delight enthusiasts of classic amusement park rides. address: (Mission Bay Visitor's Center) 2688 Mission Bay Dr. phone: (619) 276 8200 admission: Free!
Cabrillo National Monument	Cabrillo National Monument With over 1.2 million visitors each year, the Cabrillo National Monument is one of the country's most visited national monuments. Dedicated to Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, who arrived in the San Diego area in 1542, the monument consists of a statue that sits at the tip of Point Loma. Visitors can also view the restored lighthouse (circa 1855), or visit the nearby Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery. Visitors are invited to partake in guided tours of the Cemetery or view one of the hourly films on Cabrillo, the history of San Diego, and the California gray whales, whose yearly migration can be seen from Point Loma from December through March. address: 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., Point Loma phone: 619-557-5450 hours: 9-5:15 everyday (winter),9-6:15 everyday (summer) admission:$3.00 (7 day pass); Under 17-Free!; Golden Age, Golden Access, or National parks pass accepted.
Coronado	Coronado If an interest in getting away from it all has led you to San Diego, let upscale shopping and beautiful white sand beaches bring you to Coronado, where many residents live in gorgeous Victorian homes handed down for generations. Spend a few hours strolling or shopping, explore the yacht harbor or visit the Imperial Beach, then relax and enjoy one of the many excellent restaurants located on this beautiful island. address:1100 Orange Ave., San Diego, CA 92101 phone: (619) 437 8788 admission to the Hotel del Coronado tour: Free!
Embarcadero	Embarcadero The Embarcadero is the primary departure point for many of the city’s famous harbor and dinner cruise ships. The Embarcadero runs along the edge of the beautiful San Diego Harbor and is a paved pedestrian path leading to a wide variety of fish markets, restaurants and cafes, boating tours, and miscellaneous shops and boutiques. address: Harbor Drive and the Port of San Diego admission: Free!
Firehouse Museum	Firehouse Museum Complete with shiny fire engines, hand and horse-drawn engines, a turn of the century steam pump, and historical memorabilia such as antique alarms and fire hats, the Firehouse Museum is a complete collection of firefighting artifacts. In fact, the only thing missing is the Dalmatian. address: 1572 Columbia St phone: (619) 232 FIRE hours: 10am -2 pm Wednesday thru Friday, 10am-4pm Saturday & Sunday admission: Free!
Gaslamp Quarter	Gaslamp Quarter The Gaslamp Quarter is one of the most beautiful sections in town where you can tour historic streets filled with San Diego charm. San Diego prides itself on being a big city with a small town feel, and this part of town certainly lives up to that reputation. Enjoy fine dining in one of the many restaurants in this segment of the city, and stick around for live music in one of the many cafes. address: (Gaslamp Quarter Association) 614 Fifth Ave., Suite E phone: (619) 233 1744
La Jolla	La Jolla A morning stroll around La Jolla Cove will lead you to the palm-lined Ellen Browning Scripps Park: one of most beautiful spots in the entire world. If you set out early it will be easy to find a parking spot along the cove, where you will be able to watch the sea lions California is famous for lounging on the rocks, basking in the sun. Then head inland one block to Prospect Street, home of the famous pink La Valencia hotel and rows of tiny, elegant shops. This is a wonderful spot for a walk or a lunch from one of the many restaurants over looking the ocean. Practically paradise! address: (La Jolla Town Council) 7734 Herschel Ave., 92038 phone:(858) 454 1444
Legoland California	Legoland California Created by the Danish toy manufacturer, it is the only park of its kind in the United States. The 128-acre park is designed to stimulate the imagination of youngsters ages 2-12 and promises to be full of fun and surprises. Six distinctive play areas feature unique attractions, family rides, restaurants, opportunities to build and areas to explore. About 30 million LEGO bricks were used to create more than 1,000 colorful LEGO models that decorate the park, adding to its charm. It's the perfect addition to this North County paradise. For more information visit www.legolandca.com address: One Legoland Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008 phone: (760) 918 LEGO hours: 10am-5pm daily (extended seasonal hours on occasion) admission: Adults-$39.00; Senior and Children 3-16; $33.00
Maritime Museum	Maritime Museum 1306 N. Harbor Dr. Phone: 619-234-9153 Consisting of three uniquely historical vessels, the Maritime Museum exhibits the variety of naval architecture and function of the 19th and early 20th century. Visitors can board each vessel and explore for themselves or view movies on-deck (April - October). The vessels that comprise the Museum are the full-rigged merchant vessel Star of India (1863), whose impressive masts are an integral part of the San Diego cityscape, the gleaming white San Francisco-Oakland steam-powered ferry Berkeley (1898), which worked round-the-clock to carry people to safety following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake, and the sleek Medea (1904), one of the world's few remaining large steam yachts. address: 1306 N. Harbor Dr. phone: (619) 234-9153 hours: 9:00am-9:00pm everyday (9:00am-8:00pm in the winterer) admission: Adult-$7:00,Jr.,Active Military 9with I.D., and Senior Citizens-$5.00, Children under 6-Free!
Mission San Luis Rey	Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Avenue Phone: 760-757-3651 View a piece of the early history of California, as well as look through a window into the lives and culture of the early Californians. Beautifully maintained and restored, Mission San Luis Rey is the largest of California's missions. The main sanctuary is of particular interest, while the well cared-for grounds offer the opportunity for a picnic. address: 4050 Mission Ave., Oceanside, CA 92057 phone: (760) 757 3651 hours: 10:00am-4:30pm daily
Old Town State Historic Park	Old Town State Historic Park The six blocks of San Diego's first settlement is a pedestrian-only zone that preserves the original site and Mexican influence of California's oldest city in its reconstructed and restored 1800s structures. address:2510 Juan phone: (619) 298 3317
Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre/Science Center	Reuben H. Fleet Space Theatre/Science Center With activities both entertaining and educational, the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center has something for every member of the family. With the latest technology, giant OMNIMAX films treat visitors to a variety of entertaining, educational topics. From the comfort of their seats, visitors can go on exciting adventures or view planetarium shows. The Science Center portion of the facility is definitely a hands-on experience, where visitors are both invited and encouraged to experience the variety of exhibits firsthand. address: 1875 El Prado, Balboa Park phone: (619) 238 1233 hours; 9:30am-5:00pm Monday, Tuesday, Thursday; 9:30am-7:00pm Wednesday; 9:30am-9:30pm Friday; 9:30am-6:00pm Sunday. admission: prices vary
San Diego Aerospace Museum	San Diego Aerospace Museum Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Aerospace Museum is the place to be for aviation enthusiasts both young and old. Whether it is an interest in historical flight or merely a child's fascination with the wonders of flying that brings one here, there is plenty here to view, entertain, and educate. address: 2001 Pan American Plaza phone: ((619) 234 8291 hours: 10:00am-4:00pm everyday (winter); 10:00am-5:30pm (summer). admission: Adults-$8.00, Seniors and Students (with i.d.)-$6.00, Active Military (with i.d.) and Under 6-Free!
San Diego Museum of Art	San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park Phone: 619-232-7931 The largest museum in San Diego, the Museum of Art features works by Old Masters from several continents address: 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park phone: (619) 232 7937 hours: 10:00am-6:00pm Tuesday Sunday; 10:00am-9:00pm Thursday; closed Monday. admission: Adults-$8.00, Students, Active Military, Young adults(18-24) and Seniors-$6.00, Children (6-17)- $3.00, Under 5-Free!
The Museum of Man	San Diego Museum of Man Those interested in the early history of American Indian, Mayan, and Egyptian art and culture can view exhibits here. The exhibits vary from American Indian art to early Egyptian mummies. The museum also features a Children's' Discovery Center for younger museum patrons. This anthropological museum is located in beautiful Balboa Park, in one of San Diego's numerous historic landmarks: the California Tower. Exhibits of all kinds are designed to explore the ever changing culture of mankind. address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park phone: (619) 232 3821 hours:10am-4:30pm admission: Adults-$6.00,Seniors-$5.00,Jr.s(age 6-17)-$3.00,Children (6 and under)-Free!
San Diego Natural History Museum	San Diego Natural History Museum In Balboa Park Phone: 619-232-3821 For those who enjoy the collected works of nature more than the collected works of man, the San Diego Natural History Museum presents to its visitors a variety of environmental habitats. These include desert, ocean and shore habitats, as well as displays of a variety of gems and minerals. address: 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park phone:(619) 232 3821 hours: 9:30am-4:30pm admission: Adults-$8.00, Senior, College Students, Active Military-$6.00,Children (3-17)-$5.00, Under 2- Free!
San Diego Wild Animal Park	San Diego Wild Animal Park Highway 163/I-15 to Via Rancho Parkway (in Escondido) Phone: 619-234-6541 For those wishing to see nature in an uninterrupted state, the Wild Animal Park is the place to go. With two animal shows, a quiet monorail, and unobtrusive paths, this 851 hectare (2,100 acre) preserve dedicated to the preservation of endangered species strikes a balance of preserving nature while still allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of the animals and exotic plants found within its grounds. For More Information, visit www.sandiegozoo.org address: 15500 San Pasqual Valley Rd. phone: (619) 718 3000 hours: 9:00am-4:00pm Daily (hours vary seasonally) admission: Adults-$26.50, Children (3-11)-$19.50, Seniors-$23.85, parking-$16.00 per vehicle (ticket price includes shows, exhibits and bus transportation).

San Diego Zoo	San Diego Zoo (YOUR FREE ZOO GUIDE!) The San Diego zoo is as well known as it is huge. To see all of the exhibits would take an entire day, so if you’re interested in hitting many of the exhibits in a shorter amount of time, we suggest this schedule. Try to be at the gates by the time the zoo opens (9:00a.m.). There will be maps around the zoo-which will be greatly beneficial. There are two different ways you can decide to go, one being a bus tour that hits most of the attractions in about 40 min. his option will at least give you an idea of what the zoo has to offer so that afterwards, you can hit the exhibits that most interest you. These tours cost $10 for adults and $5 for children3-11. The other option is the “hoof” it, making your way around the grounds at your own pace. For bird lovers, we suggest moving west from the entrance toward Scripps, Parker, and Owens Rainforest aviaries. Along the way you can also visit the Gorilla Tropics. For families, head south to visit the Wedgeforth Bowl, which spotlights animals from our national parks. Here you can watch free shows featuring the famous California seals! After the Wedgeforth bowl, head over to the hummingbird aviary and then stop by the children’s zoo: a special zoo that features exhibits at children’s eye view and an area where kids can interact directly with all sorts of cuddly creatures. After all of the exploring we suggest that you rest your feet and enjoy a picnic at the Rainforest Grove picnic area, or head to one of the zoo restaurants. If you head north, you will come across animals from the African savannah, and an array of Australian cuties including kangaroos, wallabies and everyone’s favorites—the koalas. There are many options that will fit your own preferences and favorites, but these ideas should help get you started on your tour through the animal kingdom! For more information, and maps to the park, check out www.sandiegozoo.org address: Park Blvd at Zoo Place phone: (619) 718-3000 hours: 9:00am-4:00pm (hours vary seasonally) The San Diego Zoo will stay open, through the summer season (6/22/03-9/1/03), daily until 9pm (guests may stay on the grounds until 10pm). Special programs and entertainment will be offered. 619-234-3153 or 619-231-1515 admission: Adult-$19.50, Childe-$11.75 (prices subject to change; other packages available)
Sea World	Sea World One of San Diego's premier attractions, Sea World gives visitors the opportunity to view impressive performances by Shamu the killer whale, be amazed and amused by the acrobatic antics of dolphins, and come face to face with fearsome looking sharks in the Shark Encounter. Those who wish to keep nature at a slightly greater distance can view one of the bird shows occurring periodically throughout the day. Other featured attractions include the Penguin Encounter, Manatee Rescue, Wild Arctic and Shipwreck Rapids ride. For more information visit www.seaworld.com address: 500 Sea World Dr. phone: (619) 226 3901 hours: open daily at 10:00am (hours vary seasonally) admission: Adults: $41.95, Children (3-11)-$31.95

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	If you have any questions, comments or if you have any full or half day trips you would like to add, we would be very happy to share them with the world! Send all the details to Leah, your Travel Guide, at info@destinationcoupons.com