Planning a trip to San Diego? Here’s a few tips

San Diego skyline

In 1542, when Portuguese explorer Juan Rodrigues Cabrillo discovered San Diego Bay, they only stayed four hours. Visitors to these beautiful Southern California shores today stay a whole lot longer – unless of course they are one of the many catching a cruise ship from the pristine port.

With almost 55 kilometres of waterfront, the Unified Port of San Diego boasts of marinas, parks, two cruise ship terminals, museums and plenty of nearby shopping. There’s also a number of hotels including the luxurious Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel and the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Both hotels are situated in San Diego Bay along the promenade overlooking both the Pacific Ocean and the city.  

Although Cabrillo, the first European to have set foot on America’s west coast, left San Diego in a hurry, the city still honours him with the Cabrillo National Monument on Point Loma. From Point Loma, visitors are afforded great views of the harbour and the city centre.   Make sure to check out the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. It functioned as the southern-most Pacific beacon of light in the United States from 1855 to 1891. Today, it attracts many newlyweds wanting to exchange vows surrounded by breathtaking scenery steeped in history.

Cabrillo sailed to the shores aboard the San Salvador, considered the Mayflower of the West.  In July of 2015, the San Salvador takes to the waters again. Thanks to the Maritime Museum of San Diego, a replica of this 16th- century Spanish galleon ship will sail the California coastline as a San Diego ambassador. Unbelievably, 80 per cent of this new ship was built by dedicated museum volunteers.

San Salvador replica

The Maritime Museum of San Diego is a must for those who enjoy nautical history. Climb on board the Star of India, the world’s oldest active sailing ship, or check out Soviet and American submarines, or the HMS Surprise from the Russell Crowe movie Master and Commander. Be sure to take a guided bay cruise on a 1914 Pilot boat offered by the museum.

The recently revitalized North Embarcadero is great to walk, or catch a pedicab. It is where you’ll find the brand new San Diego Visitor Information Centre, and the newest cruise ship terminal, Port Pavilion. Docked there are the Hornblower and Flagship Cruises offering sightseeing cruises along the harbour for the last 100 years. Also to be enjoyed is the almost five-hectare Waterfront Park.

If shopping is your thing, make sure to stop by the captivating Headquarters at Seaport, home to exclusive specialty shops and restaurants. Formerly the headquarters of the San Diego Police Department, the only steals you’d get these days is on fabulous quality merchandise from Kitson boutique, Seaside Paper/Home or at famed surf photographer Aaron Chang’s Ocean Art Gallery. 

Quite literally, one of the biggest attractions along the waterway is the USS Midway.  It celebrates the city’s long military history. The most visited ship museum on the planet, it was named for the WW II Battle of Midway, which served its country for 47 years. There is lots to do including interactive exhibits, flight simulators and 29 restored aircraft that you are encouraged to board.  Not to be missed is an incredible holographic documentary in the Battle of Midway Theatre.

The USS Midway

If you are mobile while in San Diego, journey south, 10 minutes from the Mexican border, to spend quality time at the Living Coast Discovery Centre.  Located on the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge this is zoo/aquarium with heart.  Visitors can touch a stingray’s silky back, or for an extra fee feed their turtles.

There are many once in a lifetime activities and attractions in San Diego including a private sail on the Stars & Stripes, the America’s Cup yacht raced by Dennis Conner in 1992. Take San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s “Ultimate Safari” for a behind-the-scenes animal encounter,  or go “glamping” at “Roar & Snore Safari” in large, decked-out tents surrounded by wildlife.

The Gondola Company offers authentic Venetian gondolas, and Corporate Helicopters will take you on a helicopter adventure. Other fun can be had horseback riding at Southern California’s most luxurious resort, The Grand Del Mar offering trail rides through Los Peñasquitos Canyon. For some of the most memorable tours of this magnificent area, take San Diego Seaplanes from Coronado Island or in a hot air balloon from Magical Adventure Hot Air Balloon Rides or Skysurfer Balloon Company.

Kosher dining can be had at The Place Café at the JCC. To plan your San Diego adventure, visit the San Diego Tourist Authority here