San Diego Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

San Diego Parks and Outdoors Travel Guide

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San Diego skyline, California
San Diego skyline, California (Ron Niebrugge/courtesy, California Travel & Tourism Commission)
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San Diego Parks and Outdoors Travel Tips

By Ann Marie Brown
  • Approximately 26,000 gray whales migrate each year to and from the Arctic Sea to their breeding grounds in the calm waters of Baja California. Prime time for whale watching in San Diego is late December through January during the southward migration, and from late February through March during the northward migration. One of San Diego's best spots for whale-watching is Point Loma at Cabrillo National Monument, a high point that juts out into the ocean.
  • To catch a glimpse of gray whales at eye level, take a kayak tour out of La Jolla Shores with Hike-Bike-Kayak San Diego. On these beginner-level tours, participants paddle about a mile off-shore using stable, sit-on-top kayaks. Wet suits and booties are provided.
  • San Diego is well known as a mecca for ocean sportfishing. In the summer months, anglers can travel just a few miles off-shore to catch calico bass, white sea bass, barracuda, mackerel, and dorado. Farther out, anglers can find a wealth of deep-sea fish such as albacore, yellowfin tuna, and yellowtail.
  • You don't even need a fishing license to drop a line in the water at San Diego's city piers. Crystal, Ocean Beach, Oceanside, and Embarcadero piers attract anglers every day of the year. Ocean Beach Pier has a fully stocked bait and tackle shop.

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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12 Questions | 18 Answers
  • 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
  • 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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Hotels

from: $295

Lodge At Torrey Pines

Best Resorts & Lodges
11480 N. Torrey Pines Rd.
La Jolla, CA 92037 Map

Distance: 14.0 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: 5 class stars

expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0

Crystal Pier Hotel

4500 Ocean Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92109 Map

Distance: 8.1 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
expert favorite hotel
Expert Rated & Recommended
5.0
5.0

Inn at Sunset Cliffs

1370 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard
Point Loma, CA 92107 Map

Distance: 5.9 mi.
(from destination center)

Hotel Class: Not Yet Rated
Expert Rated & Recommended
4.0
3.0
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Attractions

Cabrillo National Monument

expert favorite attraction
Point Loma
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr
San Diego, California

Distance: 5.4 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

Breathtaking views mingle with the history of San Diego, starting with the arrival of Juan... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
3_0

Torrey Pines State Reserve

expert favorite attraction
Hwy. 101, La Jolla
La Jolla, California 92037

Distance: 10.6 mi. (from destination center)

Description:

The rare Torrey pine tree grows in only two places in the world: Santa Rosa Island, 175 miles... Read More

Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
5_0

La Jolla Cove Beach

1100 Coast Boulevard
La Jolla, California

Distance: 11.5 mi. (from destination center)

Description: La Jolla Cove is a very small beach, tucked between adjacent sandstone cliffs near the commercial... Read More
Expert Rated & Recommended
5_0
4_0
3_0
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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

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

More San Diego Parks and Outdoors Feature Articles (5) »
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Trip Ideas

  • Backyard Playgrounds
    Whether it’s for a few hours or a few days, we’ve all got to get away sometime. Since we can’t always explore the Amazon after work or trek Tibet in a weekend, we bring you an inspired list of the country’s best city-centric, all-natural playgrounds—ones within city limits, and ones just beyond the suburban sprawl—tailor-made for bite-sized bursts of urban adventuring.
  • Pacific and Indian Oceans: Southern California
    Top 10 Spots for Experiencing Sharks

GORPtravel Adventure Trips & Guided Tours

See All Adventure Trips & Guided Tours from GORPtravel »

San Diego Vacation Rentals

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
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Mission Beach House

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 2.5
Sleeps: 8
Amenities: Garage, Laundry, Oceanfront
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VERONA COURT - Beachfront San Diego Home

Bedrooms: 3
Bathrooms: 3
Sleeps: 10
Amenities: Air Conditioning, BBQ, Balcony, Blender, CD Player, Cable/Satellite TV, Coffee Maker, DVD Player, Dishwasher, Fireplace, Full kitchen, Garage, Hot Tub, Internet Access, Jacuzzi, Laundry, Linens, Microwave, Oceanfront, Pets OK, Refrigerator, Stereo, Stove, TV, Toaster, Toaster Oven, Utensils
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San Diego Parks and Outdoors Travel Guides

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