San Diego Beach Travel Guide

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Aerial view of the cliffs at Coronado Reefs in San Diego, California

The cliffs of Coronado Reefs, San Diego (Glowimages/Getty)

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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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11 Questions | 17 Answers

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!!
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My husband, two kids, 10 and 4, and I are going to San Diego the day after Christmas for eight days. We have never been there before. We plan to go to Disneyland for the first time with a four day pass. We're renting a car at the airport and will be staying at one of our time-share condos. We are also getting a three day Go San Diego Card to see the zoo, Legoland, Seaworld, and maybe a few other smaller things. We will get some beach time in there somewhere. Although I plan, we are a laid-back family that does things of schedule too. That all said, do you think all that is do-able? I guess you're the expert for that area. I know it's a lot to do, but is it too much? Thanks, Amy T. Washington State
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Planning a family trip to california this December. the kids are 3, 12, and 9 years old. Wanted some advice from families on what to "not miss". What to avoid and any suggestions on where to stay. Thinking about San Diego, The Redwood Forests. We have about 10 days. Thanks for any advice
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Hotels

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Hotel del Coronado, a KSL Property

Best Resorts & Lodges

1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA 92118 Map

Distance: 2.7 mi.
(from destination center)

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Attractions

Silver Strand State Beach

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

San Elijo Lagoon Ecological Reserve

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

La Jolla Shores Beach

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

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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

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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

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Feature Articles

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The Sweetest Beaches
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October Family Travel Guide
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See All Feature Articles on San Diego »

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