San Diego travel tips
December 3rd, 2007 by susan j
Bear at the San Diego Zoo
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TripAdvisor’s for 2007 features some of the country’s most awe-inspiring and intriguing places like the Grand Canyon and Central Park. We’re especially proud to note that the San Diego Zoo also made the cut. With more than 4,000 animals from 800 species, the zoo has something for every type of animal lover. Check out the to read more about their animals and special exhibits.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 30th, 2007 by amy c
One of many Mission style homes in San Diego
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Remnants of California’s colonial history still remain today in the Mediterranean flourishes and adobe stucco houses, buildings, and churches that speckle San Diego. Mission style architecture not only offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past, but combined with the palm trees and warm breeze, can make you feel as if you are a world away from a modern city.
Personally, I conjured up my dream home when I visited San Diego for the first time and took in the spacious architecture that seamlessly blends the outside with the inside, the paint jobs that age with increasing beauty, and the mosaic tile adorned rooms that make it easy to imagine you are in a Spanish villa. For all the architecture buffs or those of you wanting to see history through buildings that are more like art, check out these prime locations for glimpsing brilliant architecture.
A stroll through alone will transport you to another time with its Cal-Mex culture. The outside markets, mariachi bands, countless restaurants with authentic Spanish and Mexican food feel at home among a back drop of artfully aged arch ways, individually placed red curved brick, and sun-kissed stucco flanked by luscious bougainvillea.
Father Junipero Serra can be partially credited for bringing this beautiful architecture to the states when he established his first California mission. , built in in the mission style, commemorates Native America, Spanish, Mexican, and American time periods through 1929 with artifacts, featuring housewares, tools and furniture.
Uptown and La Jolla are still home to the work of prolific architect, Irving Gill, who, around the turn of the century, integrated the desert-like landscape into his designs. Some of his homes are on the list. Soon local architects followed in his footsteps, modeling city buildings, such as the County Administration Center, the , and the , after Spanish/Mexican influences, according to Frommer’s.
A wonderful aspect of the San Diego experience is that an adobe church can be found next to a modern office building which could neighbor a Victorian home, showcasing San Diego’s diverse history and influences. If the mission style architecture has drawn out the designer in you, perhaps take the that showcases preserved Victorian homes and office buildings, another famed style of architecture in California.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 29th, 2007 by amy c
Saturday, December 1
La Jolla YMCA Surf Series: Surfers of all ages will compete at Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. Free for spectators.
Sunday, December 2
: Dancers, massive floats, a marching band, and live entertainment lures 20,000 participants and viewers in this beloved tradition. A Christmas tree lighting will take place at the end of the day.
Sunday, December 2
: Check out upcoming Spring fashions and enjoy music and food at this year’s trunk show, happening at the San Diego Air and Space Museum.
Now through December 30
: Don’t miss this holiday and Dr. Seuss classic as it lights up the stage with new songs at the Globe theater.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 28th, 2007 by carrie t
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San Diego is a great spot to take a trip by RV. The is first class with wonderful amenities such as parks and a waterfront marina. On their site you can sometimes find last minute specials, particularly in the winter time (rates range from $18 - $50 a day). If you don’t want to tow a car behind your RV, you’ll find the car rental rates from Enterprise Rent a Car to be very low. Enterprise will also send someone to pick you up, so if you time it right, renting a car is a breeze.
From Chula Vista, you can easily access downtown San Diego, or even drive down to Baja, Mexico. The Chula Vista RV Resort also has community activities available for its guests. With such perfect weather year round, you’ll surely want to extend your stay in San Diego – many people will spend an entire season in our city!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 27th, 2007 by jamie a
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With the holiday season upon us, everyone’s scrambling for gift ideas for family, friends, and co-workers. Why not buy your favorite jetsetter something for their many journeys? Here’s some of our favorite picks for travel gifts this season from fashionistas to techies to kids.
For the techies…
If you know someone who takes all their gadgets on vacation with them, this charges up to three devices at once. This handy invention keeps all gadget chargers organized and easy to keep track of so nothing gets left behind.
For the fashionista…
With the , your fashionista won’t have to miss a minute of beauty sleep while she travels. The mask will keep light and distractions out, the comfy blanket will keep her cozy, and the disposable pillowcase will help keep the airline pillows germ-free.
For kids…
The is a perfect way to learn about historical landmarks and be creative at the same time! Kids can sketch on the black coated pages revealing rainbow colors and facts about places like Mount Rushmore and the Statue of Liberty underneath.
For the nostalgic…
With this vintage-inspired , you can relive the glory days of travel. Made of water resistant vinyl with a nylon lining, this bag is certainly durable enough for all those jaunts across the country.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 20th, 2007 by jamie a
The Aero Club is just one of the many San Diego places offering free wi-fi
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Wherever your travels take you, we know you love to stay connected. Here’s our list of San Diego Wi-Fi hotspots to help you out! From hotels to delis and cozy dive bars, you’ll find plenty of places to get your internet fix.
Lucky for you, the offers free wi-fi (unlike many airports) so no more waiting to find service when you arrive!
To begin your trip, here are some hotels that offer free wi-fi so you won’t have to stray very far at all if you need to be connected. There’s the , any of the locations, or .
If you’d like to grab some breakfast, coffee, or lunch, there’s a myriad of choices! There’s , , , and , which serve everything from coconut lattes to quiche and top-notch espresso. also serves breakfast burritos, paninis, signature sandwiches, salads, and soups.
If you like to treat yourself while you work, head on over to the , a fabulous dive bar with free wi-fi, pool and 20 beers on tap. is also a great choice with a cozy atmosphere and delicious comfort food.
For dessert, check out for fresh Korean-style fro-yo with eclectic toppings like pomegranate seeds and coco pebbles!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 16th, 2007 by carrie t
Legoland, California
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Yet another reason to visit San Diego: is investing more than $20 million dollars in an expansion project for LEGOLAND ® California. The park will be adding a new adventure area called Land of Adventure (set to open March 2008), as well as a separate interactive Aquarium experience called . This will be the 29th SEA LIFE aquarium to open in the world, but the first in North America. SEA LIFE will be geared to children, providing interactive and educational experiences much like LEGOLAND ® California. The expansion project should be finished in the summer of 2008.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 15th, 2007 by amy c
Saturday, November 17
: Balboa Park hosts this gala celebration of Mother Earth.
Saturday, November 17
: The powerful all-male dancer cast takes to the stage in a stunning debut of a dance show, entitled “The Ties that Bind.” Click for tickets.
Saturday, November 24
: Balboa park kicks off the holiday season with the tree-lighting ceremony and opening of the nativity scene.
Sunday, November 25
: Dr. Seuss’ classic opens for its 10th year at The Globe, revamped and re-energized in whimsical holiday cheer.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
November 8th, 2007 by amy c
Friday, November 9- Sunday, November 11
Fine Arts Festival IV: will be displaying fine and upscale art on sale. Browse jewelry, paintings, and sculpture and check out the museum.
Saturday, November 10
: Celebrating its 144th anniversary, the tallest and oldest active ship will sail from the . Watch from the Embarcadero or visit the ship at the museum.
Wednesday, November 14
: San Diego’s largest culinary festival! Enjoy hundreds of wines, take cooking classes, and savor the culinary masterpieces of celebrity chefs and local fine dining restaurants.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
October 30th, 2007 by susan j
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One of the (very few) downsides of going on vacation is trying to keep up your exercise and healthy eating habits on the go (just ask my abs after I took a week-long Caribbean cruise earlier this year, 24 hour buffets and $4 drink specials are tough to resist!). That’s why we’ve compiled a few helpful suggestions for keeping in shape on your trip to southern California:
If you’re up for an adventure, then you could rent a kayak and bike to go exploring. You’ll get a great workout as you see sights including the Gaslamp District, Mission Bay, and more.
For some lighter exercise paired with sightseeing, try the Hotel Del Coronado Walking Tour. This legendary seaside resort offers unique architectural charm and gorgeous views.
has even more ideas for keeping in shape on vacation. Their guides cover dozens of cities in the United States and Canada, and they even offer a as a free preview. Now you have no excuse for not staying active on your trip!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
