Visiting San Diego for the first time can be quite overwhelming, especially when you consider that there are so many things you can do. Deciding where to go and what to do can be quite time consuming, which is where we can help. Below, you'll find the 8 best spots in San Diego - things you simply must experience.
1. Hitting the beach.
No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the action is. From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park rollercoaster - make sure you hit the beaches here.
2. Trying a fish taco.
Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one of the best foods in San Diego. Deep fried, battered fish encased in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the first time - you'll crave anytime you come back!
3. Going to Mexico.
It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana being a metropolis in its own right. Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard. Keep in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.
4. Take a ride on the trolley.
San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet they do have the well known trolley. The highways here can be quite intimidating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel. If you want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thought possible.
5. Visiting the Pandas.
While Sea World and Legoland has their share of animals, the San Deigo zoo is no stranger to Pandas. The zoo is a tourist attraction, with the baby Su Lin, which is quite a feast for the eyes. When you visit the San Diego Zoo, visit in the morning - when the pandas are most active.
6. Balboa Park.
After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the jewel of the city - Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that most museums have free admission. After you visit a while, dine at the Prado Restauraunt and experience great food in a great setting.
7. Gaslamp and the nightlife.
The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be for dancing, eating, or just people watching. You can experience the best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.
8. The Old Town.
While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past. There are snippets of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here. Although there are many fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.
You can easily pass a whole day in the zoo. It is so large that walking the whole zoo is not an option for most people. That is why the zoo has two great ways to get around. First is the zoo bus. These double decker buses take you around the whole zoo. The driver also tells you about the San Diego Zoo and the great animals they have there. Once you complete a circuit on the bus, you can decide which areas you want to study in detail and you can easily go back.
The second method of seeing the zoo is from overhead. The zoo also has a ride that takes you above the zoo and slowly transports you to the other end of the zoo. This saves a ton of walking and it is a ton of fun to see the animals and habitats from above.
San Diego Zoo is famous for its Panda Bears. Very few zoos have them, and San Diego Zoo is one of the ones that does. When we went they actually had three. Two adults and a newborn cub. The best time to see them is during feeding time. While they are eating they are active. Otherwise the bears pretty much sit around or sleep. If you want to see them, make sure you ask the employees of the zoo when feeding times are so you can see them in action. It is worth the wait.
Another attraction that is rare is the giraffes. The giraffes themselves are not rare, but the zoo allows visitors to actually feed the giraffes by hand. This is another treat that only happens at feeding time. But if you or your kids love giraffes, this is a once in a lifetime experience that should not be missed.
One item that did disappoint was the lions. They did not exactly seem to be in the best of health. Instead of tough and large, they looked weak and skinny. Perhaps they do not get enough exercise or food. Whatever the reason, the zoo should do something about it. Lions are one of the main attractions of any zoo.
Another type of bear that we really got a kick out of were the Polar Bears. My husband has always wanted to see a polar bear and this was his favorite part of the zoo. They had two polar bears inside their own habitat. As you stand behind the thick glass you can watch them eat, swim, sleep, and play with each other. Being so big, they are alarmingly quick. While we were there, there was a small bird that kept bothering one of the bears. When the bear got sick of the bird, he jumped up and gave the bird such a scare that he never came back.
The San Diego Zoo is a great place, and a wonderful zoo. If you are in San Diego you must stop by for at least a few hours. There is so much to learn, see and do, that everyone in your party will enjoy it.
Both Burt Cotton & Ameen Kamadia are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
Burt Cotton has sinced written about articles on various topics from Vacation, Bed and Breakfast and Skin Care. Burt Cotton . Burt Cotton's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.
Ameen Kamadia has sinced written about articles on various topics from Home Buyers Guide, Foreclosure Help and Home. Mrs. Kamadia is currently traveling the country while working as a travel nurse. Most of her expenses are paid for and she only works 3 days a week. To learn how visit her. Ameen Kamadia's top article generates over 60500 views. to your Favourites.