Welcome to the second-largest city in California, located close to the Mexican border.
San Diego has so much to enjoy: lovely architecture, the relaxed attitude of its inhabitants, the landscape, the good weather...
You'll really feel like you're on vacation!
GASLAMP QUARTER
The Gaslamp Quarter is a small neighbourhood with a great deal of architectural charm thanks to its restored 19th-century buildings. It is particularly lively on weekends and has a vibrant nightlife. People go there to browse the boutiques and enjoy the sidewalk cafés and restaurants. 5th Avenue , its main street, boasts many antique shops, cafes, restaurants, patios, nightclubs, theatres and trendy bars.
From Harbor Drive to Broadway, and from Union Street to 6th Avenue.
BALBOA PARK
Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States. It contains 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, lovely gardens, and the famous San Diego Zoo. Occupying 486 hectares, it is located in the heart of the city and admission is free if you do not intend to visit any of the museums. Why not enjoy a picnic lunch on its vast green lawns?
The park's most popular museums are the Museum of Man , the Air & Space Museum , the Museum of Art , and the Fleet Science Center.
SAN DIEGO ZOO
The famous San Diego Zoo has a reputation as one of the best zoos in the world, with its 50 hectares of wooded and hilly terrain and some 800 species of animals.
Pay a visit to the Children's Zoo if you're travelling with children, and don't miss the Skyfari, a gondola ride that offers spectacular aerial views of the zoo.
NEARBY
BEACHES AND SMALL COASTAL TOWNS NORTH OF SAN DIEGO
If you have time, you simply must drive just north of San Diego and explore some of the charming little towns there, like Encinitas , Cardiff and Del Mar. The seaside community of La Jolla , which is within the county of San Diego, is also worth a visit.
If you want to watch real surfers in action, go to San Elijo State Park de Cardiff. It must be nice to live there and end your workday riding the waves...
LEGOLAND
A must for LEGO lovers of all ages: a truly magical Lego-themed day! If it's hot, be sure to bring your swimsuits so you can enjoy Legoland Water Park, a huge 2.2-hectare water park, which you can visit for an additional fee.
The site also houses Sea Life Aquarium (separate admission), and a new addition to the park, Lego Movie World.