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.
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.
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.
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.
This historic venue was built in 1912 and since then has been host to a variety of shows including plays, musicals, comedy shows and concerts. The Spreckles Theatre has been a vaudeville house, a movie palace, and now a theater. This architectural masterpiece is considered as one of the finest theaters in the country.
A popular chain of concert venues, House of Blues is no foreigner to regular concert-goers. The San Diego venue offers pretty much the same experience as other HOBs around the country, but word is that the sound quality excels. The likes of Jakob Dylan, The Greyboy Allstars, The Fab Four, Switchfoot, and De La Soul, have performed here. Running up to 15 shows a week sometimes, the venue has garnered sufficient attention in spite of being around for barely one year.
This venue was built in 1929 and was the largest movie theater in California until 1985, when it was renovated for $6 million and became home to the San Diego Symphony. The symphony has been in service for the over 97 years. Many renowned conductors have led the symphony. Call ahead for exact timings.
This theater complex is a state-of-the-art, popular venue for unusual arts presentations, and is the primary home of the prestigious San Diego Repertory Theatre. Located under Horton Plaza, the complex is comprised of three stages: the medium-sized Space Theater; the larger, aptly-named Stage Theater; and the small Underground Stage, each offering different presentations. Each holiday season, the Repertory presents 'A Christmas Carol', which has become a tradition for San Diego families. Show your ticket for free all-day validated parking at the Horton Plaza parking structures. A practical tip would be to pay close attention to which painted fruit or vegetable symbolizes the level on which you have parked, so you can easily find your car later.
Vine Idea are wine excursions that visit various wineries throughout San Diego county, with the focus of introducing people to California's newest side of wine country. Each excursion includes a visit to at least two wineries in Escondido Valley, Ramona Valley, and Julian; and they usually include five to six one ounce pours of their most exclusive or award winning wines. For those who would like to book an all day excursion, they must do so months in advance to allow time for booking of transportation and at vineyards. Vine Idea is also able to accommodate private excursion or groups of up to 35, but they recommend the smaller the group the more intimate the experience.
This bar is housed in the oldest building in the Gaslamp Quarter. Come and mingle with beautiful people and groove to either live music or a DJ with tunes from the 1970s through the 1990s. Hardwood floors, soaring ceilings and a 40-foot long mahogany bar give a touch of elegance and class. There are three levels, all offering a large number of beers and delicious cocktails.