America's Finest City, San Diego offers year-round sunny skies and warm weather; many people consider it to have the best weather in the U.S. A visitor's paradise, San Diego has something for everyone, including great dining, entertainment and shopping; world-class attractions, miles of beautiful beaches, and plenty more. You can spend a whole day at Balboa Park's museums, party in the Gaslamp Quarter downtown or enjoy one of the places noted below.
The San Diego Zoo, considered one of the best in the world, is full of reptiles, birds, insects, spiders, mammals and amphibians from around the globe. Its pandas are one of the biggest attractions. Ticket prices as of October 2010 are as follows: ages 3 and under--free, ages 4 to 11--$27, and ages 12 and up-- $37. Every October is kids month, and children under the age of 12 are admitted for free. The ticket price allows you access into the zoo and all its shows, exhibits, guided bus tours, express bus and the Skyfari aerial tram.
San Diego Zoo
www.sandiegozoo.org
2920 Zoo Dr.
San Diego, CA 92112
(619) 234-3153
To browse one of the largest shopping malls in the U.S., visit Fashion Valley, which boasts more than 200 stores, restaurants and entertainment venues, providing a whole day's worth of entertainment in one place. Fashion Valley stores include Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Macy's, Sak's Fifth Avenue, Bloomingdale's, Tiffany & Co., M.A.C., Louis Vuitton, Coach, Juicy Couture, Gucci, Henri Bendel, The Apple Store and many more. Its restaurants include Bing Crosby's Piano Bar, The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang's, California Pizza Kitchen, and an outdoor food court that includes everything from fish tacos (a local specialty) to burgers and pizza. The mall also has an 18-screen AMC Theatre.
Fashion Valley Shopping Center
7007 Friars Rd
San Diego, CA 92108
(619) 297-3381
www.simon.com/mall/?id=765
Located two miles from downtown San Diego, across one of the world's most distinctive bridges, Coronado Island offers access to one of the most beautiful, crystal clear beaches in the world. Coronado has 17 hotels, including three world-class resorts, and more than 70 restaurants, shops, boutiques, art galleries, spas, yacht marinas, a golf course and other recreational activities. The most recognizable sight on the island is the Hotel Del Coronado, which has been featured in movies and on TV.
Coronado Island Visitor Center
(619) 437-8788
1100 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118
www.coronadovisitorcenter.com
If you travel to San Diego during baseball season, be sure to take in a game at PETCO Park, the San Diego Padres' beautiful downtown stadium, located right next to the Gaslamp Quarter. In addition to taking in a Major League Baseball game, you'll enjoy an amazing view of the city. Tickets to single games range from $10 to $61, with specials offered for senior citizens, children and members of the military.
To engage in a behind-the-scenes tour of the park, which includes the press box, club levels, dugout and bullpen, purchase tickets for a guided tour. You'll learn about the historic Western Metal Supply Co. Building, which is part of the park, as well as baseball player stats. Walk-up tours are offered seven days a week, but you can call ahead to plan a personal group guided tour. Tickets range between $8 and $11, and are an even better deal if you have a group of 25 or more.
PETCO Park
100 Park Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
(619)795-5000
http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com/sd/ballpark/index.jsp
