San Diego Travel

The city of San Diego is the setting for the very first Spanish mission in California.  Its numerous tourist spots will never fail to elicit positive reactions from the guests.

These are the top tourist attractions in the city of San Diego:

1. San Diego Zoo: This world-renowned zoo has two parts. One is the traditional zoo situated in Balboa Park.  The second is the Wild Animal Park in the north part of the city.

The zoo includes some rare and endangered species which brings the total to 4,000. The place is divided into 10 bioclimatic zones that house the animals.  You can see different zones from rainforest to arctic tundra which serve as the natural habitat of the animals. It is definitely unique and one of the best zoos there is.

2. La Jolla – a town by the seaside.  The wealth high end mansions in the neighbourhood will not fail to impress.  You can also find malls and restaurants in this area.  The Coast Boulevard and La Jolla Cove offers the most fantastic views of the scenery around.

3. Sea World San Diego : a large collection of marine life, known particularly for its famous but dangerous resident the killer whale Shamu.  You also get to enjoy the thrilling rides also such as the Shipwreck Rapids, Journey to Atlantis and many others.

4. Balboa Park is the nation's largest urban cultural park. The park is home to 15 major museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and the zoo.  Balboa Park is where the Children’s Museum, Botanical Building, El Prado and the Fleet Science Center and many other attractions are located.

5. Coronado Beach – a famous beach in the city of San Diego.  It offers an unobstructed view of the sunset.

6. Historic Old Town – the town is in the central part of San Diego. It boasts of various  entertainment structures such as shops, historic spots and more than 150 restaurants.

7. The Gaslamp Quarter – these are actually restored Victorian buildings which house various restaurants.  It is a popular destination at night.  Live music is often played after dinner.

8. Maritime Museum of San Diego:  the museum displays various historic ships such as the Star of India.

9. Little Italy- the oldest neighborhood residential and business community dating as far back as the 1920s.

10. Cabrillo National Monument – a preserved lighthouse and a statue in honor of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first Portuguese explorer to visit the place, are all found here.

11. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center: The center located in Balboa Park has exhibits and houses a theater called Omnimax.

12. Old Town Trolley: This is a bus tour that takes you to must see sites including Balboa Park, Gaslamp Quarter, Seaport Village, Coronado and the Embarcadero.

13. Mission Beach Boardwalk -  this houses an amusement park called Belmont Park.

14. Mingei International Museum: This is a museum featuring various crafts coming from the place such as paintings, sculptures, toys, textiles and many others.

15. Torrey Pines State Reserve:  you can see a long stretch of land in this park complete with lined Torrey Pine trees, beaches, lagoon and numerous species of migrant birds.

Other well-known tourist destinations are: Embarcadero, Legoland, Mission San Diego de Alcala, Mission Bay, Birch Aquarium and the Lighthouse at Point Loma.

The city of San Diego provides a great place for relaxation and excitement as well.  You get to know the culture of the place and come to appreciate its amazing wildlife and peaceful surroundings.