San Diego Beach Travel Guide

San Diego Beach Travel Guide

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View from behind Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California (Bob Yarborough/courtesy, San Diego CVB)
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San Diego Beach Travel Tips

By Ludmilla Alexander

  • Play on San Diego's rich beaches—four recreational areas stretch from southern Border Field State Beach to northern La Jolla.
  • Catch a ride on a surf board, bike, rollerblades, or best of all, rollercoaster.
  • Sunday cyclists and training triathletes pedal the coast of Moonlight State Beach, accessible by Amtrak just five blocks away.
  • Head inland to Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park art and space museums, and historic Old Town.

San Diego Travel Guide

Over the past 2 decades, San Diego has evolved past its old reputation as a slow-growth, conservative Navy town graced with 70 miles of fabulous sandy coastline. Of course, the military link is still present today, with a handful of large bases throughout the county. But the city—California's first and the nation's eighth largest—now hosts a diversity of neighborhoods and residents to rival Los Angeles. San Diego reflects its Spanish-Mexican heritage in every corner; you won't forget that bustling Tijuana is just across the border, less than 30 minutes away. San Diego also boasts one of the nation's priciest housing markets and a biotech/tourism/telecom economy that's firing on all cylinders. A full-fledged building boom is transforming formerly seedy downtown neighborhoods and architecturally rich suburbs into upscale wonders. And the stylish young residents and shop owners they attract are, in turn, updating and enriching San Diego's dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Read More

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13 Questions | 18 Answers
  • Going to be in San Diego Nov 14 thru the 16th for our sons graduation at Camp Pendleton, husband and I are looking for some romantic things to do for 3 days, like dinners, possibly boat rides, a nice dinner theater would be nice, any suggestions? And possibly the zoo?
    Know the answer? Answer this question
  • We are planning a family trip to San Diego in the spring with two kids (4 and 2), but we don't travel much, and never have with the kids. The zoo is definitely on our list, but I'm not sure what else should be. Thinking maybe 4 days...
    Know the answer? Answer this question
  • Husband and I are visiting san diego, staying at the marriott in mission bay. Wanted to know what activities we can do. We have tickets to sea world already. Husband wanted to do something with the sea, cruise, dinner etc. We will be visiting from October 23rd till October 28th 09. PLease help with ideas,I want to make it a relaxing, fun and mostly romantic trip!! Thanks!!
    Read 1 answer or Answer this question
  • Read all questions and answers »

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Hotels

from: $295

Hotel del Coronado, a KSL Property

Best Resorts & Lodges
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118 Map

Distance: 2.7 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
5.0
from: $99

Hilton San Diego Resort

1775 East Mission Bay Drive
San Diego, CA 92109 Map

Distance: 5.6 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 4 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
2.0
from: $179

The Grande Colonial La Jolla

910 Prospect Street
La Jolla, CA 92037 Map

Distance: 11.4 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 3 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0
All San Diego Hotels »
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Attractions

Silver Strand State Beach

expert favorite attraction
Coronado
5000 Highway 75
San Diego, California

Distance: 5.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: Silver Strand State Beach is a popular spot for camping, swimming, surfing, boating, water-skiing, fishing, and picnicking. There are 130 campsites and fire rings for cookouts.... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

expert favorite attraction
Chamber of Commerce Visitor Services: 138 Encinitas Boulevard
West of I-5 on Manchester Avenue
Encinitas, California 92024

Distance: 22.8 mi. (from destination center)
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0

La Jolla Shores Beach

expert favorite attraction
8200 Camino del Oro
La Jolla, California

Distance: 11.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description: La Jolla Shores is a sandy beach approximately one mile long, adjacent to a residential area. In... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
All San Diego Attractions »

Airports

Major Airports near San Diego

Distance (mi.)
San Diego-Lindbergh Field Airport 2.0 map
Santa Ana John Wayne Airport 77.6 map
Ontario International Airport 96.1 map

Other Smaller Airports near San Diego

Distance (mi.)
Palm Springs Municipal Airport 86.1 map
El Centro/Imperial Imperial County Airport 92.8 map
Long Beach Municipal Airport 95.5 map

Flight Deals to San Diego

Originating From
San Francisco (SFO) to San Diego (SAN) $106
Phoenix (PHX) to San Diego (SAN) $124
Las Vegas (LAS) to San Diego (SAN) $124
San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN) $145
Salt Lake City (SLC) to San Diego (SAN) $157

Feature Articles

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Trip Ideas

San Diego Vacation Rentals

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Mission Bay Vacation House

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 8
Amenities: BBQ, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Laundry, Microwave, Patio, Phone, Pool Table, Refrigerator, Stove, TV, VCR
check rates
from: $175

Mission Bay Hideaway - Brand Spanking New

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 2
Sleeps: 5
Amenities: BBQ, Ceiling fans, DVD Player, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Laundry, Phone, Stereo, Stove, TV, VCR
check rates
from: $125

PACIFIC BEACH

Bedrooms: 2
Bathrooms: 1
Sleeps: 5
Amenities: BBQ, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, Dishwasher, Full kitchen, Internet Access, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Phone, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Utensils, VCR
All San Diego Vacation Rentals »

San Diego Beach Travel Guides

Sailing | Surfing
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