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Weekend Getaways to San Diego

San Diego
Elegant and sunny San Diego is truly a city with something for everyone. In town, a whole day or more could be spent in Balboa Park playing golf, touring the world-famous San Diego Zoo or visiting a museum. Just outside of town, Torrey Pines State Reserve offers a somewhat wilder terrain where visitors can view rare birds and the stately trees the park is named for. Children, and in turn parents, will be delighted with the city's wide range of family-oriented activities. From SeaWorld to the historic Gaslamp Quarter, there are events and exhibits to keep even the most hard-to-please happy. San Diego boasts an array of fine and trendy restaurants covering a melting pot of cuisines, world-class shopping and hotels from lavish to budget.
 
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General Travel Info and Advice
Insider tipsInsider tips
Half price tickets to many of the city's cultural events can be purchased on the day of the show at ARTS TIX booth, downtown in Horton Plaza Park. Cash only.

Don't-Miss Attractions
TripAdvisor's editorial team reviewed our attractions database and selected the best local attractions to highlight in this itinerary. Some are popular, some are off the beaten path, but all are worth a visit.
Signature attractionSignature attraction
San Diego Zoo: Considered one of America's best, this famous zoo is home to some of the rarest animals in the world including giant pandas and koalas. Visitors explore animal habitats organized into 10 bioclimatic zones, from arctic tundra to rainforest.
Address: 2929 Zoo Drive, San Diego, California
Phone: 619 234 3153
Admission fee
Urban oasisUrban oasis
Balboa Park: One of the most popular urban parks in the country, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo, several museums and theaters, a golf course and more.
Address: 1549 El Prado, San Diego, California
Phone: 619-239-0512
Free
Family funFamily fun
SeaWorld San Diego: Home to a plethora of fabulously talented sea creatures including the famous killer whale Shamu.
Address: 500 SeaWorld Drive, SeaWorld of California, San Diego, California
Phone: 800 25 SHAMU
Admission fee
Outdoor recreationOutdoor recreation
Torrey Pines State Reserve: Although this park is located within San Diego's city limits, it remains one of the wildest landscapes along the Southern California coast, with miles of unspoiled beaches, chaparral, elegant Torrey Pine trees and a lagoon vital to many species of migrating birds.
Address: Coast Highway 101, San Diego, California
Phone: 858 755 2063
Free
For history buffsFor history buffs
Gaslamp Quarter: A 16-block national historic district that offers visitors a variety of restaurants and shops, as well as an eyeful of Victorian architecture.
Address: Fourth Avenue between Broadway and Market, San Diego, California
Phone: 619-237-1492
Free
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Historic site in downtown San Diego that recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872.
Address:  San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, San Diego, California
Phone: 619-220-5422
Free
RestaurantsRestaurants
Hodad's: Meat lovers flock to this beachside joint for burgers in all shapes and sizes. Super-thick shakes and a mountain of fries make for one filling meal.
Address: 5010 Newport Ave, San Diego, California
Phone: (619) 224-4623
Chive: This stylish eatery turns out contemporary Californian cuisine like coriander monkfish and crab mac 'n cheese. The sleek and modern dining room attracts those who like to be seen.
Address: 558 4th Ave, San Diego, California
Phone: (619) 232-4483
Things to doMore attractions
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San Diego goLists

goLists — Created by real travelers to give you ideas
on where to go and what to do on your next trip.
The Almond Board of California The Almond Board of California
 
Where to Stay
Our editorial team selected local hotels and resorts that have good reputations and good deals. Because we know travelers' budgets differ vastly, we chose hotels at different price points rather than listing the city's top five hotels, which might all be in the same price range.
Luxury hotelsLuxury hotels
Omni San Diego Hotel
Popularity index: #8 in San Diego
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Omni Hotels Book Direct for Best Value Online for an Omni Hotel!
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Hotel del Coronado
Popularity index: #4 in Coronado
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hotels.com Book today and get $50 for gas! Low Rates Guaranteed!
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Moderate hotelsModerate hotels
San Diego Marriott Del Mar
Popularity index: #31 in San Diego
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Courtyard San Diego Old Town
Popularity index: #78 in San Diego
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Budget hotelsBudget hotels
Holiday Inn Express Sea World
Popularity index: #73 in San Diego
HIExpress.com Free Breakfast & Internet. Book online or call 877-270-6397
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Travelocity Hotel rooms at up to 50% off.
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Quality Suites
Popularity index: #149 in San Diego
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QualityInn.com New bedding w/ Free Internet & Breakfast. Best Web Rate Guaranteed!
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Recommended Reading
"San Diego Helps You Beat the High Price of Gas"  TravelLady, May 1, 2008
The best ways to explore this scenic area are on foot and public transportation.
"San Diego, minus the surf and zoos"  Los Angeles Times (free registration required), Aug 7, 2005
San Diego boasts some of Southern California’s finest architectural specimens, provided one knows where to look.
"Simple Pleasures for the Sippy-Cup Crowd"  Washington Post (free registration required), Jun 1, 2007
San Diego offers plenty of activities for families with young children.
"San Diego is made for life outdoors"  canada.com / The Montreal Gazette, Mar 31, 2007
Discover the endless variety of travel experiences "America's Finest City" has to offer.
 View all articles, guidebooks and user reviews about San Diego