Get Away to San Diego

     
     Sometimes we just do not have the time to travel far for an exotic vacation, but if you look around there may well be places undiscovered in your own backyard. Take San Diego for instance, this military town really does have a lot to offer if you take the time to explore it. San Diego is a bustling bay offering many exciting things to do including shopping, dining, sightseeing, boat rentals, jet ski rentals, world class museums, world class zoo’s, and amusement parks. You can tour a US navy aircraft carrier, or just spend a day relaxing by a resort style pool or beach. Whatever you choose San Diego has it.

Star of India at the Maritime Museum

     Lets start at the waters edge by exploring Seaport Village. This collection of shops and restaurants has a lot to offer and more ways to explore. You can go shopping and dining at unique places. You can even rent a boat or jet ski and take a self guided tour of the bay and do some tubing. A short distance north of Seaport village is the USS Midway Museum. The Midway was a fully functional aircraft carrier and served the US navy from 1947 to 1991 and saw action in three different military campaigns. Now this floating city sits as a museum where you can explore the entire ship including the flight decks where there are military aircraft on display. After touring the Midway head north 2 blocks to Anthony’s Fish Grotto and enjoy some of the freshest seafood around. When you go ask to be seated by a window overlooking the bay. After lunch head next door to the Maritime Museum of San Diego. Home of the Star of India,  built in 1863 it is proclaimed to be the oldest active sailing ship in the world. There is also a Russian submarine and several other ships you can go through.

Gaslamp Quarter downtown San DIego

     If seafood is not your thing, head downtown to the historic Gaslamp Quarter where unlimited dining and entertainment options await. This is where San Diego was transformed into a premier shopping, dining, and entertainment district with over 200 restaurants, bars and lounges. There are countless shops and museums to browse around in. A few of the restaurants include Fleming’s Steakhouse, McCormick and Schmick’s, Hard Rock Cafe, then there’s the famous Gaslamp Strip Club where you can grill you own premium steak. Gaslamp Quarter even has their very own Ghirardelli Chocolate and Ice Cream shop where they make awesome sundaes.

San Diego Zoo

      If you are looking for family friendly activities there are several in San Diego. These include the world famous San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, and San Diego Safari Park. Of these the San Diego Zoo and Sea World are located closest to downtown with the zoo located in the wildly popular Balboa Park. Here you can not only visit the zoo but also one of  the 17 museums located inside Balboa Park. These include the Reuben H Fleet Science Center, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Museum of Man, Natural History Museum, Museum of Photographic Arts, and the Timken Museum of Art only to name a few. They also have 19 gardens inside Balboa Park including the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Rose Garden.

Hotel Del Coronado (click to enlarge)

      If you are looking for an all out experience where money is not a concern, there are a number of world class resorts to choose from. For starters there is the world class Hotel Del Coronado beach resort. This hotel offers everything you could want and more. With their stunning turn of the century architecture, world class restaurants, pools, spa, and beach front amenities. Even if you are not planning on staying over night, I recommend you take a visit. Inside you will find the Del gift shop, as well as high end boutiques to browse around in. Then you can take a stroll through the Del’s immaculate gardens and go out onto the boardwalk for terrific views of the beach. For more world class resort choices in San Diego see Paradise Point, Loews Coronado Bay, and Kona Kai.

USS Midway Museum