De bedste ting at lave i San Diego: Topattraktioner, gratis ting at lave og familievenlige steder

San Diego er perfekt til udendørs aktiviteter

San Diegos tempererede klima gør det til en ideel feriedestination året rundt. Det er sjældent for varmt eller særligt koldt her, og selv om januar og februar er de vådeste måneder, er det langt mere almindeligt med byger end med gennemblødt regn. Hvis du er på udkig efter solskin dag efter dag, kan besøgende i San Diego fra maj til oktober lade regntøjet blive hjemme. Temperaturerne er superbehagelige i højsommermånederne, hvor børnene har fri fra skole, og de når typisk op på omkring 70 grader langs kysten i juni, juli og august, mens de laveste temperaturer om natten kun når ned i 60'erne. Inde i landet ligger temperaturerne fra de lave til de høje 80'ere om sommeren, og når Santa Ana-vinden blæser, kan der endda være et par dage, hvor temperaturen nærmer sig 100.

De gennemsnitlige høje vintertemperaturer ligger normalt i 60'erne med kølige aftener og lave nattetemperaturer i 40'erne og 50'erne. Kølige briser langs kysten er forfriskende, og de fleste dage er solrige og behagelige. Du kan være sikker på, at der ikke er udsigt til sne, uanset hvilken tid på året du besøger os. Det kan være lidt køligt at svømme i havet om vinteren, men de fleste hotellers pools er opvarmede, så du kan tage en dukkert, når du vil.

Som man kunne forvente, er Californiens næststørste by (kun Los Angeles er større) med et indbyggertal på 1,4 millioner i selve byen og 3,3 millioner i metroområdet blevet en smeltedigel i årenes løb. Faktisk er næsten 50 procent af indbyggerne af spansk/latinamerikansk eller asiatisk afstamning. Det omfatter et stort antal mexicanske, mellem- og sydamerikanske immigranter og deres familier samt store grupper af filippinske, vietnamesiske, japanske, koreanske og kinesiske indbyggere.

En liste over "de bedste ting at lave i San Diego" kan være ret lang, så planlæg ud fra dine personlige interesser. Her er nogle anbefalinger baseret på vores mange besøg i dette vidunderligt naturskønne område:

"Lad os tage på stranden"

Det hører man ofte i San Diego og indikerer et ønske om at tilbringe et par timer eller en hel dag på de smukke og brede sandstrande ved Mission Beach (tre kilometer lang) eller Pacific Beach (fem kilometer lang). Disse afslappede områder ved Stillehavet byder på ægte sydcalifornisk stemning med strandpromenader, hvor man kan slentre og shoppe, spille beachvolley, leje en cykel, tage surfing- eller paddleboard-lektioner, svømme, leje en kajak, vælge et afslappet spisested og slappe af eller bare hænge ud, mens man nyder at se på mennesker.

Mission Beach er også kendt for Belmont Park's rutsjebane Giant Dipper og det gratis forlystelsesområde, hvor man betaler for at komme ind. Selvfølgelig er solnedgangene her også spektakulære. **BØRNEVENLIG!

Seaport Villag

Seaport Village er et sjovt sted til en afslappende spadseretur, til at tjekke nogle lokale butikker ud eller til en bid mad i San Diego centrum. Slap af og se de smukke skibe, flere butikker og spisesteder på det tilstødende Embarcadero. **BØRNEVENLIG!

Gaslamp Quarter

Gaslamp Quarter/Dette underholdningsområde i centrum er meget gangbart og fyldt med smukke bygninger fra den victorianske æra og det tidlige 20. århundrede, et væld af butikker og restauranter samt et sjovt natteliv. PETCO Park og den smukke havnefront ligger kun en kort gåtur væk. Besøg det om dagen eller om aftenen, så er der garanti for sjov.

Det kan være en god idé at tage en af de populære Old Town Trolley Tours, som har 11 stop i San Diego og på den anden side af broen i Coronado. Denne lærerige og naturskønne udflugt med fortælling tilbyder enkelt- og todagespas. Hvis du bare vil køre og se seværdighederne fra trolleyen, skal du regne med en time eller 45 minutter fra start til slut. Kvarteret er opført på det nationale register over historiske steder.

**FANTASTISK FOR ALLE!

Søfartsmuseum

Maritime Museum of San Diego/Museet ligger på Embarcadero i centrum og er hjemsted for Star of India, der blev bygget i 1863 og er verdens ældste aktive sejlskib. Museet består af adskillige skibe, der ligger til kaj i San Diego-bugten, og som er åbne for udforskning, så besøgende kan se, hvordan søfolk levede og arbejdede under lange sørejser. Vi var især imponerede over Royal Navy-fregatten HMS Surprise fra det 18. århundrede og flådens forskningsubåd USS Dolphin.

San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo/Denne 100 hektar store hovedattraktion i Balboa Park anses af mange for at være en af verdens største zoologiske haver og er hjemsted for mere end 12.000 dyr. I naturlige omgivelser uden bure slentrer de besøgende gennem udstillingerne Lost Forest, Elephant Odyssey, Polar Bear Plunge, Panda Ride og Africa Rocks.

**ET MUST I SAN DIEGO FOR ALLE!

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

San Diego Zoo Safari Park/Denne enorme dyrepark på 1.800 hektar ligger i forstaden Escondido 32 km nord for San Diegos centrum og er slet ikke som dens slægtning i den indre by. Med et åbent miljø lever dyrene i naturlige habitater, der næsten får en til at føle, at man befinder sig på asiatiske græsarealer og afrikanske savanner.

Hvis et besøg i begge zoologiske haver er for meget dyretid for dig eller din familie, kan du overveje, at mange onlinepostere siger, at Safari Park var den mest fornøjelige del af deres besøg i San Diego. Sørg for at tage den gratis Africa Tram Safari-trolley, hvor du kan se flokke af næsehorn, antiloper, giraffer, vandbøfler, zebraer og mange andre smukke dyr. En gåtur langs Tiger Trail er en anden favoritaktivitet for besøgende, ligesom man kan se parken fra oven via varmluftsballonsafari.

**EN FANTASTISK MÅDE AT TILBRINGE EN DAG PÅ.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park/San Diegos kulturelle centrum ligger lige øst for centrum, og denne utrolige park på 1.200 hektar er hjemsted for 17 museer, herunder San Diego Museum of Art, San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego Air & Space Museum, Timken Museum of Art, Mingei International Museum, Fleet Science Center + IMAX, Museum of Us, og for togentusiaster, San Diego Model Railroad Museum.

Hvis du foretrækker at bruge din tid i Balboa på at nyde naturen, er der dejlige haver, som er værd at se. Der er rosenhaven, kaktushaven, palmehaven, den japanske venskabshave og en bygning fyldt med botaniske planter og en liljedam.

Balboa Park er udnævnt til National Historic Landmark District og har bevaret flere arkitektoniske strukturer fra Panama-California-udstillingen i 1915-16. Sørg for at se El Prado-promenaden i spansk kolonistil, California Tower og flere Case del Prado-bygninger. Sidst, men ikke mindst, opføres der jævnligt shows i Broadway-stil på Old Globe Theatre, og der afholdes en lang række udendørs arrangementer lige fra koncerter til kulturelle sammenkomster og feriearrangementer.

**DER ER NOGET FOR ENHVER SMAG.

Sea World

Sea World San Diego in Mission Bay is a theme park based on marine life featuring animal presentations, educational exhibits, and rides for the entire family to enjoy. Some of the most popular activities include the Orca Encounter, Dolphin Adventures, a family-friendly show about sea lions and otters, and displays with penguins, sharks, walruses, beluga whales, sea turtles, and polar region animals.

Beyond the exhibits are fun rides including the Emperor, a fast diving roller coaster, the Manta coaster with twists and plenty of dives, and the Arctic Rescue coaster based on animal rescue. Kids of all ages (and their parents) will enjoy the Journey to Atlantis big splash flume ride and Shipwreck Rapids, a white-water ride on a highly active raft.

PREPARE TO GET WET!

San Diego Padres

San Diego Padres Major League Baseball at PETCO Park (39,860). The 81-game home schedule runs from late March through September.

FAMILY FRIENDLY!

San Diego FC

San Diego FC Major League Soccer at Snapdragon Stadium (35,000), SDSU campus in Mission Valley. The 17-game home schedule runs from early March to November.

FAMILY FRIENDLY!

USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum/One of the most population attractions in San Diego, this maritime museum is a favorite of first-time visitors to San Diego. Build aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier that is permanently moored at the downtown Embarcadero/Navy Pier, guests can explore the massive ship inside and out.

From the flight deck to the hangar deck and the multitude of fascinating inside spaces, the longest-serving U.S. Navy carrier (1945-92) will open your eyes to the life at sea experienced by more than 200,000 sailors that served on the vessel. A highlight of the museum, especially for kids, are the more than 30 restored Navy aircraft on the flight and hangar decks, including helicopters and fighter jets.

A GREAT EXPERIENCE FOR KIDS AND ADULTS!

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park/From the coastal bluffs high above the Pacific Ocean, visitors flock here to see the magnificent sunset night after night. Views are unobstructed, so many visitors an hour or more before sunset to follow the sun’s descent into the waters below.

MAGNIFICENT FOR EVERYONE!

Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Hike at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve/Incredible wide-ranging views of the Pacific Ocean are the main attraction from the hiking trails atop the coastal bluffs here. Depending on who’s in your travel party and your determination, there are short and easy walks to consider, as well as moderate hikes that include changes in elevation along the way.

Passing through rare Torrey pine forests is a terrific way to experience the native vegetation (think beautiful wildflowers) and geology, with some trails descending from the bluffs to the beach. The views from the beach skyward to the tops of the bluff are magnificent but remember, if you walk down to the beach, you will have to make the upward climb to the top of the bluffs to reclaim your car.

La Jolla

La Jolla/There’s so much to see and do in this beautiful town 12 miles north of downtown San Diego. The upscale community is located in San Diego County but feels like a world apart from nearby city life. The Mediterranean-style coastline is ideal to view and hear the local sea lions at La Jolla Cove, considered by some to be the most beautiful beach anywhere on the California coast. Other local activities include snorkeling and kayaking, browsing the side variety of local shops that cater to tourists as well as affluent locals. You will no doubt be awed by the amazing nearby cliffs and beaches and the colorful sunsets. Be sure to see the elusive little blue penguins, octopus, ocean fish habitats, coral reefs, and many other kinds of marine life at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps Institution of Oceanography (managed by UC San Diego). Scripps also houses one of the world’s largest seadragon and seahorse habitats that visitors rave about.

The Museum of Contemporary Art

The Museum of Contemporary Art is situated above the beaches on bluffs overlooking the ocean, within easy walking distance of La Jolla Cove. The highly regarded facility features paintings, sculpture, photography, and other art forms in rotating and permanent exhibits focused on 1950 until today. Hint: Whether you are touring the museum or not, you may dine at The Kitchen at MCASD, an ocean view full-service restaurant featuring a Mediterranean menu for lunch and dinner.

Coronado Island

A visit to Coronado Island, directly across San Diego Bay from downtown by bridge instantly transforms your location from a busy city to a slow going beach town vibe. With wide sandy beaches, fabulous views looking back at downtown, and its own residential feel with historic charm, Coronado is well worth a visit. You can drive here on your own or take an Old Town Trolley Tours excursion where you can hop off and back on when you are ready. Be sure to stroll through the grounds and public areas of the stunning circa 1888 Hotel Del Coronado, as well as the adjacent beach.

San Diego Is One Of The Best Food Cities In The U.S.

Whatever kind of food you’re looking for, you will find it in San Diego. The city’s food scene has been strongly influenced by its close proximity to Mexico, but San Diegans are a diverse collection of people from around the world who have thankfully brought their native cuisines to this sun-drenched locale.

Gaslamp Quarter:

The area can be touristy depending on where you choose to dine, but with rooftop dining, steakhouses, and an abundance of local restaurants with strong track records, the Quarter offers plenty of options for solo diners, couples, and families. It is especially busy at night in what is definitely an energetic urban area, making it a good lunch to and mid-afternoon choice.

North Park:

A favorite area with the locals. Discover trendy, chef-driven restaurants, creative cocktails, craft beers, and global dishes in this artsy, easy-going neighborhood. The area is especially popular with the young professionals crowd.

Downtown San Diego:

The bay and marina views along the waterfront make dining downtown worth considering. There’s no shortage of seafood spots, and some of them are actually casual and affordable. The Embarcadero is popular with first-time visitors who haven’t yet discovered the city’s other neighborhoods, and families with younger and toddler kids. Overall, better food can be found elsewhere, but the views are stellar.

Little Italy:

Casual and upscale dining options in a walkable neighborhood. You’ll find old-style Italian meals, modern takes on Italian recipes, with plenty of seafood and wine to make for a wonderful experience. The area is busy from morning to evening with outdoor patios with fabulous people watching, coffee shops, and of course, Italian bakeries where you can pick up a supply of amazing breads and desserts for home.

La Jolla:

Come for the ocean views, stay for the upscale California-style dining with seafood and tapas at the bar especially popular. La Jolla is also a great area to find a brunch to your liking. This is the place for a relaxed evening meal on the coast.

Pacific Beach:

Casual, fun, and less expensive than the trendy food neighborhoods, Pacific Beach is the place for a savory breakfast, tacos, fried fish, and fun bars to make your day at the beach complete. A younger crowd gives the area a distinct energetic feeling.

Different Strokes For Different Folks

Deciding where to stay in San Diego can be a challenge, with so many enticing areas to consider. San Diego is not an inexpensive hotel town, but by doing your research and being a bit flexible, finding the right place for you and your family or a traveling companion can be made easier. And made to fit your budget.

What we recommend is making effective use of the hotel booking website, Travelated. While not a household name, I’ve successfully found numerous times that Travelated’s hotel selection is second to none, and that includes all of the big name booking sites. Their pricing is also incredibly competitive, and navigating the site is super easy.

You can find hotels in whatever location you prefer including La Jolla, the Gaslight Quarter/downtown, or you may want to consider any of the 200+ San Diego area hotels that Travelated offers. You’ll find upscale properties in the swankiest neighborhoods and middle-of-the-road hotels that are comfortable, often with a free breakfast and swimming pool. Whatever your preferences, Travelated can fill your needs at the right price.

Good Day Sunshine

As one of the sunniest coastal cities in the U.S., a vacation in San Diego is something you may want to repeat several times. Comfortable temperatures with little rain, palm trees, wide sandy beaches, beautiful bluffs, fantastic attractions, superb dining, and beautiful sunsets are here for your year-round enjoyment. Make your plans soon for a memorable San Diego vacation.