A sailor's delight! Relax while a licensed captain takes you on the sail of a lifetime with Sail San Diego. Or for the more adventuresome, you take the helm! Cruise through the blue waters of San Diego Bay and see the city from a whole new perspective. During January and February, you can also board their 'Marine Biologist's' boat to get up close and personal with migrating whales.
The centerpiece of the blissful Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is a prolific destination for adults and children alike. Spread over 98.84 acres (40 hectares) of diverse landscapes, the zoo is home to an excess of 3,500 fauna that belongs to 650 species or subspecies. Established in the year 1916, it is one of the few non-profit wildlife conservation zones to nurture the highly-endangered Giant Panda. Laden with man-made habitats that emulate various topographies from around the globe, the park's most-visited exhibits includes the Monkey Trails, the Polar Bear Plunge, Elephant Odyssey, Tiger River, Koalafornia and the Panda Trek. Virtually every nook and corner of the zoo is made conveniently accessible by the beloved Skyfari, a gondola system that spans across nearly 75 percent of the property.
The United States' largest urban cultural park is also one of the world's most scenic, with a dazzling array of museums, entertainment venues, botanical gardens and architectural landmarks. The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is just one of the many treasures nestled within the verdant expanse of this 1,200-acre (490-hectare) park, set aside as a reserve for public use as early as 1835. The 1915-16 Panama-California Expo and the 1935–36 California Pacific International Expo left behind a wealth of architectural jewels strewn across the park, including the California Building fashioned after the typical design of a Spanish Colonial Church and now home to the San Diego Museum of Man. Fifteen museums, award-winning theaters, an antique carousel, a miniature railroad and the Spanish Village Arts Center come together at Balboa Park to celebrate the cultural diversity of the state and its inspiring natural landscape.
Located right along the Navy Pier in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway Museum lends deep insights into naval aviation and one of the important chapters of American history. The museum is home to the iconic USS Midway, which has been one of the country's oldest aircraft carriers. A famed naval museum in the United States, it also shelters an arsenal of other significant carriers, most of which were crafted in Southern California. The museum is complete with simulators, myriad deck exhibits and the stirring Battle of Midway theater. The museum has also been a host to an array of private, media and sporting events.
This club is a prime spot to hear new and cutting edge music in San Diego. Bands such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Alanis Morissette have been among the previous guests. Local bands play here as well, primarily featuring a punk-rock flavor. In addition to music, the club offers pool tables, an enclosed smoking patio, vintage pinball and video games. A stage and dance floor provides plenty of room to dance. Meanwhile, the full bar serves a long list of beverages.
Fun for adults and kids, this museum-on-water is the focal point of San Diego's historic Embarcadero Promenade. Comprised of several painstakingly restored historic ships, it is a tribute to the sea-faring age. One of the ships showcased at Maritime Museum of San Diego is the Star of India (1863), a stunning vision that graces the coastline as the world's oldest actively-sailed, square-rigged ship.
Tired of trying to see the true flavor of San Diego by freeway? Try a walking tour conducted by long-time local residents who volunteer their time to ensure you see the real city. Walking tours include in the Downtown Stroll, which explores the historic Gaslamp District and the Sunrise Series that meets at 5:45a. Times and routes vary, so call for more information. More than 100 free tours are offered each month. Check website for individual tour details.
Travelers get a warm welcome at these non-profit, volunteer group booths serving business and leisure travelers at all the major transport hubs of San Diego. Major sites include: Terminals 1 and 2 at the San Diego International Airport and the Santa Fe Depot (main train station downtown). While the Society can offer crisis and short-term assistance, most of the help goes to visitors who have arrived in town without hotel reservations. Volunteers find an available room in the right area and price range, actual booking is done through the hotels. There is no fee for the Society's services.
House of Ukraine exhibits the culture, history, and traditions of the Ukrainian people. It was founded in 1935 and is dedicated to furthering understanding between national groups in the United States. Along with hosting the Ukrainian Festival, it also participates in many other related events. These events include the Ethnic Food Fair (Memorial Sunday), the Lawn Program, Christmas on the Prado (first Friday and Saturday evenings of December) featuring Svyatij Mykolai (St. Nicholas), and a seasonal Ukrainian Christmas display featuring Christmas music and ethnic foods.
This is the dream tour for beer enthusiasts. The tours allow you to get a behind the scenes tour of local breweries were you can sample a wide range of drinks and after trying the drinks you can buy your favorite drink to have on the ride the next brewery or to take home. The tour includes transport by sober but not sobering drivers, pub grub, a commemorative beer glass and other souvenirs.
This unique gallery showcases original artwork from villages throughout the African continent. The gallery's owner travels in Africa for four months each year, forming relationships with various African communities and hand-selecting works of art to bring back to this gallery. A variety of works is offered here, including African jewelry and handwoven baskets. Yet, the most impressive artwork is likely the collection of stone sculptures. Representing unity, motherhood, wisdom and other valued traits, the sculptures convey the spirit of their motherland.
Solana Beach is always buzzing with activity, weekdays or weekends. There's no dearth of visitors despite the countless beaches lining the coast of Southern California. The chamber, which was started to promote tourism, provides visitors with information and updates. It also offers membership to those interested, even if not residing in Solana Beach. Community events take place from time to time.