United States Destinations

San Diego’s top attractions draw visitors

By Caroline and Steve Lake

Photo courtesy of Brett Shoaf

San Diego is known for many things, including a beautiful coastline, glorious weather, Sea World and Mission Bay. However, the crown jewel of San Diego is Balboa Park.

Balboa Park encompasses several museums in historic buildings – the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts and the San Diego Museum of Natural History.

The museums host touring exhibitions, creating everchanging themes. Lush botanical gardens surround the buildings.

Considered a San Diego landmark, the Old Globe Theatre is one of the most prominent theatres in the United States.

Two stages, the Old Globe and the Cassius Carter Center, present Tony-award-winning plays and popular Broadway musicals. There are new and inventive works presented as part of the theatre’s ongoing education program. Every year special matinee performances are given free for students as part of the continuous Globe’s education program.

The renowned San Diego Zoo is a must see. Take the tram that encircles the zoo, then pick your favourite animals to visit.

Every region of the world is represented. The large naturalistic enclosures display the animals in their natural habitats.

The endangered giant pandas always draw crowds. The San Diego Zoo is one of the few zoos that houses the giant pandas, successfully breeds them, and raises the cubs.

The zoo’s largest animal habitat takes you on an excursion into Asian and African forests. Here lives the mandrill, the largest and most colourful African monkey, which is also considered a threatened species.

There are many places at the zoo to enjoy a quiet snack. The Flamingo Café, at the zoo’s entrance, offers breakfast until 11 a.m., as well as lunch and dinner.

For a gourmet meal, make reservations at Albert’s. Located in the Treehouse, Albert’s features an open-air deck overlooking a waterfall and a menu with a wide variety of entrees, plus a full bar. During the summer months, Albert’s is open for lunch as well as dinner.

Seaport Village, on the waterfront near downtown and Gaslamp Village, is a fun place to shop and dine. On the weekends, free public concerts are performed in two plazas.

The Wyland Gallery here showcases some of California’s most well-known artists. You can also take a ride on the magnificent 1890's carousel, shop in the 50 unique shops that offer collectibles, jewellery and boutique clothing.

There are several places to buy a snack, and waterside full-service restaurants. Strolling musicians add to the experience. Take your camera and snap pictures of the San Diego Bay, the pier and Coronado Bridge.

The San Diego Marriott Hotel and Marina has a spectacular waterfront setting. The hotel is adjacent to the convention centre, Seaport Village and within walking distance of Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres.

The decor of the San Diego Marriott is comfortable California Coastal. The rooms and suites have awe-inspiring views of San Diego Bay or the downtown skyline. There are two heated pools, six lighted tennis courts, a fitness centre and a marina that offers boat rentals.

You can have a great vacation in San Diego. Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo and Seaport Village are the best of the wonderful attractions that the city has to offer.

For information:

The Old Globe Theatre
619-231-1941
www.theoldglobe.org

San Diego Zoo
619-658-3291
www.sandiegozoo.org

Albert’s (San Diego Zoo)
619-685-3200

Seaport Village
619-235-4014
www.seaportvillage.com

Balboa Park
800-719-8951
www.balboapark.org

San Diego Marriott
619-234-1500
www.marriott.com/sandt