San Diego - Week Vacation

San Diego is one of California's most popular tourist destinations. In recent years, San Diego has become a surprisingly sophisticated place, and it has something to offer almost everyone, from ballet to theatre to zoos. This itinerary is designed for a family vacation that spans a week and two weekends.

There are literally hundreds of things you COULD do while in San Diego, and if you have special interests, by all means indulge them. These suggestions are designed to give you a look at some of San Diego's many faces and a chance to visit some of the special Southern California places of interest.

Sometimes the best things on a vacation are the ones you find by surprise. Don't take this itinerary too seriously. If the roses are blooming, stop and smell them!

Day by Day

Day 1 - Animals!

• San Diego Zoo (or Wild Animal Park) or Seaworld

Day 2 - Historic Areas

• Old Town State Historic Park
• Gaslamp Quarter
• Horton Plaza

Day 3 - Water

• La Jolla
• Harbor Cruise
• Cabrillo National Monument
• Coronado Island and Hotel del Coronado

Day 4 - Mexico

• Tijuana - south of the border shopping

Day 5 - Side Trip

• Julian - gold rush country, apple pie and antiques

Day 6 - More water

• Spend the day at the beach or relax by the pool. Or play golf. This is a vacation - don't exhaust yourself!

Day 7 - More Animals!

• Wild Animal Park (or San Diego Zoo) or Seaworld

Day 8 - Side Trip

• California desert - visit Temecula, where the old west meets wineries, or upscale Palm Springs, with an optional stop at an Indian Casino

Day 9

• Relax. Rest. Pack. You have to go home today.

Substitutions

• Substitute Legoland for Sea World or the Wild Animal Park.

• If you object to visiting wild animals in captivity, substitute one or more of these for the animal days: a trip to Balboa Park's museums, a tour of San Diego's Spanish missions, or even a day trip to Disneyland in Orange County (about 2 hours away).