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Guide to San Diego, USA - California
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Click to go to Flight Prices for San Diego
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San DiegoWith none of the glitz and spectacle of LA, and forgoing the searing heat that many southern-California locales experience, San Diego is perfect for those looking for a little west coast respite. You can surf the waves until your swimsuit is half-polyester/half-sea salt, or you can stroll through the Embarcadero and crash on the sand when the sun goes down; San Diego has everything in terms of easygoing entertainment and historic nuances with cultural diversity aplenty. Whether youre a museumgoer or a nature walker, youll find plenty to do here and there are always a few surprises up the citys sleeves thatll surely put a pleasant twist on your visit, no matter what you may have planned.
When to go:
The climate in San Diego is one of the best on the coast. Youll experience none of the burdening heat of other southern cities along with LA, and winters are mild, cool, and still as sunny as the days in July. Surfing conditions are optimal in autumn, and beachgoers will enjoy the sands (however crowded they may be) during the spring and summer seasons. If you happen to visit San Diego during the winter, standing by the shoreline will most-likely allow you to see gray whales swimming south. Businesses in the port area frequently offer tours of the coastal waters during this time, offering the chance for average Joes to get close-up views of these massive mammals.
Getting there and around:
Though San Diegos Lindbergh Field Airport does occasionally bring in international flights directly from their departure cities, chances are youll be flying into LA before you head over to San Diego. Travel between these two cities by air is just a half-hour flight, and when you arrive, youll love the proximity of the terminal to downtown (5km/3mi). Buses (municipal and shuttle) and taxis take you into San Diego speedily. Car rental agencies can be found inside the terminal, but youll be better off without your own vehicle, as parking can be a nuisance.
Most people take buses to get around, simply because they go everywhere. For short sprints downtown, locals tend to take taxis, but many a time you can go many places by foot or by trolley, especially in the coastal districts. During the warmer months, youll notice more and more cyclists taking to the designated bike routes, and we recommend opting for a set of wheels yourself while in San Diego. Bicycles are a great way to see the city from a different vantage point.
Attractions:
Many in the city, whether theyre locals or visitors, find Balboa Park a very attractive place to spend their days. Everyplace you could possibly find interest in is located inside the park grounds. Whether it's a museum or sports facility youre looking for, Balboa Park has it all, and the Spanish Colonial architecture of many of the buildings adds the parks luster.
The San Diego Museum of Art, located inside the park, holds a number of American and European paintings, but it tends to leave the viewer wanting more. A more impressive collection, albeit in a smaller space, can be found at the Timken Museum of Art, also situated in Balboa Park.
One of the biggest highlights of the city, San Diego Zoo, a massive 3000+ animal habitat is located inside Balboa Park too(we think you can now perceive its great size). Everything from simulated bioclimatic habitats to endangered species programs can be found here, and if you havent gotten enough of this animal kingdom, you can make your way 30 miles north of San Diego to the Zoos partner site, the Wild Animal Park.
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