| Beautiful San Diego is about an hour and a half drive | | | | also some land animals, such as the Clydesdale |
| away from Disneyland and only about a thirty-minute | | | | horses. It is interesting for travelers of all ages to get |
| drive to the Mexican border. Notorious for its gorgeous | | | | close to some of these fascinating animals. Sea World |
| beaches, this city also has a lot more to offer. Some | | | | also offers many shows, the most famous being |
| people are well-acquainted with the options for San | | | | Shamu the killer whale. Among some of the others is |
| Diego vacations, but many others have not been | | | | the Cirque de la Mer show which has a little bit of a |
| exposed to the city's charms. Here are just a few | | | | Cirque du Soleil vibe, and Pets Rule!, which |
| brief highlights. | | | | demonstrates just what typical pets can do. |
| For those adventurers who appreciate history, San | | | | If you are looking for a more-dangerous beast, the |
| Diego is an excellent place to explore primarily | | | | Shark Encounter is for you, providing a close up look at |
| because it is here that California's first mission was | | | | live sharks. Sea World is not just exhibits and shows, |
| opened. For a little background, this mission also marks | | | | they offer a fun selection of rides, some leaving you |
| the first church in California and was responsible for | | | | quite drenched. If it is a warm day, go ride Shipwreck |
| bringing Catholicism to the West. Founded in 1769 by | | | | Rapids or Journey to Atlantis for a little relief from the |
| Franciscan Friars who were sent up from Mexico (or | | | | heat. A more relaxing but just as entertaining ride is the |
| New Spain as it was called), the mission housed the | | | | Bayside Skyride which offers an amazing view of the |
| Padres and the American Indians for decades. Mission | | | | San Diego Bay. Don't worry about having to provide |
| San Diego de Alcalá is now an active parish and | | | | food, there are restaurants available with different |
| open for tours. There are a couple of events | | | | types of cuisine. |
| celebrated here, the most notable being the Festival of | | | | There are also a lot of fun little excursions that do not |
| the Bells. This festival celebrates the opening of the | | | | require an entire day to be set aside from San Diego |
| mission, which was in July. | | | | vacations. A trip over Coronado Bridge will bring you to |
| Another historical site to include in a San Diego | | | | Coronado Island, a gorgeous little community with a |
| vacation, that is also rich in modern culture is San | | | | magnificent historic hotel. The Hotel Del Coronado is |
| Diego's Gaslamp Quarter. Tours are offered for those | | | | rumored to be haunted and is absolutely stunning; even |
| who wish to learn more and are probably the best | | | | if you aren't staying as a guest, it is fun to take a walk |
| way to see everything this district has to offer. If tours | | | | around the lobby. |
| are not your preference, simply walking around is | | | | If you are a sports fan, there is Petco Park, the home |
| enjoyable as well. There is a wide range of | | | | of Padres baseball, but there is also Qualcomm |
| restaurants available, making it easier to find something | | | | Stadium, which houses Chargers football. If these |
| that everyone will like. In addition to dining, Gaslamp also | | | | sports are in season, it would make a fun afternoon or |
| offers plenty of shopping, an energetic nightlife, and a | | | | evening activity. |
| professional baseball stadium for the San Diego | | | | In terms of transportation during San Diego vacations, |
| Padres. The Quarter also offers many hotels such as | | | | there is always the option of renting a car; however, |
| Hilton, Marriott and Westin. | | | | San Diego has an excellent public transportation |
| One of the most popular and well-known San Diego | | | | system. There are trolleys that run throughout the city |
| Attraction is Sea World. Here you will find aquatic | | | | and visiting many of the hotspots. It is pretty easy to |
| animals of all kinds, including the adorable penguin, and | | | | get around and there is a great deal to explore. |