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.
One of the most important ballparks of Major League Baseball (MLB), Petco Park is a baseball fan's haven and the base of the San Diego Padres. Its unique architectural layout is an ode to the region's geography and its natural allure. The framework of the stadium resonates of the surrounding peaks while the steel edifice and enclosing structures are designed like canyons. Landscaped with indigenous plants and featuring a lush area picnic hill, this magnificent stadium boasts to have the best seats for not only sports lovers but also concert goers.
Near the man-made islands of Mission Bay, this beach runs along Mission Boulevard and boasts a fabulous boardwalk. One of the best places in San Diego to soak up the city's beach lifestyle, this is an unsurpassed area for people watching or building sandcastles. For a faster pace, rent a bike or in-line roller skates or better yet, take a ride on Belmont Park's world-famous wooden roller coaster. Whatever attraction you choose, be prepared for large crowds and limited parking at Mission Beach.
Known as the harbor for the first European voyageurs to ever step foot in California, Point Loma is an attraction of great historic importance. Often described as the place where California began, this seaside community of San Diego overlooks the San Diego River to the north, the Pacific Ocean to the south and the Old Town to the east. Today, Point Loma is home to two important military bases, a university and a national cemetery. Proximity to the bay attracts surfers, sport fishers and yachts from all around the world.
Self-exploration of the ocean waters is easier than you think. Tucked away in Coronado Island is this top-notch establishment renting watercraft to both novice and expert voyagers. Numerous boats are available for rent such as rowboats, motorboats, sailboats, pedal boats, and canoes. But don't leave the site with just a boat. Other necessities such as ice, fishing tackle, and water-skis are also available on the premises.
Manufactured by Nautica International, this R.I.B. is navigated by one of three U.S. Coast Guard captains through the waters of San Diego and Mexico. Along with the weekly excursions, Adventure R.I.B. Rides offers team-building and corporate events such as whale- and dolphin-watching excursions, naval heritage and wildlife tours, tours of the Coronado Islands, snorkeling, scuba diving and more. Adventure R.I.B. Rides also offers packages that include lunch on board or on a secluded beach. For the aquatic enthusiasts, the R.I.B. comes equipped with chart driver GPS, radar, video depth sounder, and more. For those who just cannot get enough, the three captains of this R.I.B. will rent it out by the hour.
San Diego Fly Rides has been a city tradition since the year 2011. Located in the heart of La Jolla, this electric bike ship is also made famous for its well-planned guided bike tours. Counted as one of the leading electric bike stores of San Diego, it also specializes in renting out electric bikes. Run by Megan and Ike Fazzio, the bike rental shop is a wonderful choice to see around the various landmarks of San Diego on on of their rented electric bikes. Fly Rides features a wide array of electric bicycles, some even capable to take rides through some steep uphills and craggy paths. The knowledge staff at San Diego Fly Rides also share some useful information about various biking routes in the city and how to navigate around these and cover maximum spots.
Set in San Diego Bay, Crown Cove is set on the east coast of Silver Strand State Beach. This beach is a long strip of land that runs parallelly opposite to the cities of Chula Vista and San Diego in mainland California. Located adjacent to the cove is the training and recreational center Crown Cove Aquatic Center. Over here tourists can indulge in a number of activities like kayaking and paddle boarding.
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.
One of only two places on the California coast where these gnarled, once nearly extinct specimens grow, visitors will witness more than 3000 Torrey Pines in this untamed 2000-acre (809 hectares) reserve. You will also see cliffs, mesas, canyons, beaches, and wetlands. Discover eight trails ranging from a 20-minute walk to a two-hour hike. Trail maps are available at the Visitor's Lodge, where you'll also find a modest natural history museum complete with a souvenir shop. Despite the shade, it can be hot in the summer, so bring your own water. See website for maps, online resources and more. Open daily from 8a