With its laidback vibe, happy people, beautiful weather and pristine beaches, it’s no wonder San Diego has earned the reputation as ‘America’s finest city’.
From exploring the extensive waterways by Jetpack to brunching at ‘The Del’, we’ve rounded up some must-do San Diego experiences.
1. Head Downtown
You can spend an entire day Downtown in the Gaslamp Quarter, shopping at one of the many trendy boutiques or in the multi-level outdoor mall, Horton Plaza. But the real fun happens after dark when the hip area transforms into a cosmopolitan playground complete with rooftop bars, nightclubs, live music and restaurants.
La Puerta does tacos, tequila and tunes in a Mexican themed setting whilst the award-winning Altitude Sky Lounge offers views across the city amongst a chic crowd. As the ‘Craft Beer Capital of America’, you can also enjoy a vast array of locally crafted beers at pubs throughout the downtown area from one of San Diego’s enviable number of breweries.
2. Explore the Tiger Trail
The world-famous San Diego Zoo boasts over 4,000 animals and a 1,800-acre Safari Park where herds of animals roam in natural habitats. From cute sloth bears to a venomous white monocled cobra, San Diego Zoo has something all the family will love. Take the kids for a ‘Play Date’ where zoo keepers will share fascinating stories about the diverse range of animals they care for – from maned wolves to polar bears.
Or head to the Tiger Trail at Safari Parkwhere you will be see the majestic, mysterious and legendary Sumatran tigers up close. Witness the awe-inspiring power the tigers from the underwater viewing area as the big cats dive and swims right up in front of you or see how the felines start their day as you enjoy a buffet breakfast from the safety of Tiger Trail’s Sambutan Longhouse.
3. Culture at Balboa Park
Adjacent to the Zoo, Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in America and an art lover’s paradise. Known as the Smithsonian of the West, the park is home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues and beautiful gardens.
The diverse variety of museums in the area range from the San Diego Museum of Art to the USS Midway Museum and provide the chance to learn more about the history of San Diego and the surrounding region.
4. Fly solo at Mission Beach
Have an adrenaline pumping experience as you soar above the water and fly through the air on a water jetpacking adventure along one of the most famous boating waterways in the world.
With year-round good weather, Jetpack America at the Mission Bay Sportcenter on Santa Clara point is popular with locals and tourists, having hosted over 15,000 first-time flights.
Strap into your jetpack, put on the helmet with walkie-talkie communication and use the remote control throttle to navigate across the glistening California waters. For the less adventurous Mission Bay also has lagoons and parks to explore or head to the world-famous SeaWorld, which all the family will enjoy.
5. Create Major League memories
Watch San Diego’s professional baseball team, the San Diego Padres play their home games at PETCO Park in the Downtown region of San Diego. In an intimate setting, you can enjoy a unique baseball experience, whilst enjoying viewS of the San Diego skyline too.
Kids will love the Park in the Park, an interactive area complete with playground equipment and a Little League baseball diamond where aspiring heroes can take a swing and run the bases like their favourite players.
6. Hotel del Coronado
Affectionately known as ‘The Del’, the Hotel del Coronado conjures up images of the movie Some Like It Hot, which provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s 1929 setting. When The Del opened in 1888 it was the world’s largest resort and to this day remains a legendary seaside resort that still retains that Marilyn Monroe charm.
Located on the Island of Coronado just across from San Diego’s bay, the cultural landmark and adjacent village of Coronado are worth a visit. Even if you don’t stay, enjoy a taste of The Del with a lavish Sunday brunch complete with a Bloody Mary and eye-popping candy bar in the spectacular Victorian-Style Crown Room.