Tourism is very much back on people’s agendas now the pandemic has gone into the background, and San Diego is one of the most popular destinations in the country.
Two of the reasons that San Diego attracts 35 million visitors by road, rail, and air, are the world-famous zoo, and Balboa Park.
When traveling anywhere new to you, it is always welcome to have some insider knowledge, or at least a few tips so you don’t miss out on certain things. Here are a few pointers that might bring some extra enjoyment to your trip.
Five tips for anyone traveling to San Diego
Buying a guidebook will certainly help you to plan an itinerary and give you ideas suitable for couples and families, and individuals can have a whale of a time exploring areas of San Diego also.
You could take a trip on the California coast road, or Pacific Coast Highway. The California US Route 101 runs in part along the San Diego coast and will allow you to take in about 70 miles of the best beaches in the state.
Below are 5 additional tips that may help you to get the most out of your trip, including a bit more about those beautiful San Diego beaches.
1. Choose your airline and mode of travel wisely
There are options for driving to San Diego, but why do that when you can choose speed and comfort by flying? One reason might be that you’re thinking of your budget.
Well, the US is home to a number of budget airlines today that are pocket-friendly, and one of the better ones is JetBlue Airlines. This particular airline operates flights to and from San Diego, and supposedly has the most comfortable seats on any low-cost airline.
If you can fly in comfort without breaking your budget, you might then want to pay a little more for a professional airport car service to deliver you and your family to your hotel in style and comfort, and more importantly, feel relaxed and ready to explore San Diego.
2. Don’t limit yourself to one cuisine
San Diego is home to all the different world cuisines you could hope for. Famous for fish tacos and wood-fired California-style pizzas you could happily live on those for days, but then you’d miss out on the great sushi and less common options such as sea urchins.
You will mainly find purple and red urchins along the west coast, and if you want, you can try them as the Japanese do, and eat them raw.
If you feel like splurging though, there is one Michelin-starred restaurant you can try. For $355 you can try a nine-course tasting menu at Addison on Fairmont Grand Del Mar. Not surprisingly don’t expect delivery or takeout, and if you’re coming from the beach lose the shorts and flip-flops.
3. If you’re planning a beach holiday then look for beachfront bargains
Speaking of the beach, San Diego has miles of beautiful coastline with wonderful beaches to enjoy. It also has some outstanding waves and attracts surfers in late summer and early fall.
If you’re considering taking beginner’s surf lessons in San Diego, then you will want a place nearby. While beachfront property demands a premium, there are some bargains to be found. Look hard enough and you’ll find rooms for $100 to $150 a night on the coastline. Compared to the average hotel price of $250 per night in San Diego this could make your beach holiday a little more affordable.
4. Visit Coronado Island
Coronado means crowned in Spanish, and this island deserves to be just that. It is a small resort town situated across San Diego bay, and home to just 20,576 according to the World Population Review.
It attracts many visitors due to its peaceful laidback way of life and its wonderful beaches, one of which is dog friendly. Surfers and sun worshippers visit the island, and others come for a little bit of history and culture.
There are several museums on Coronado Island including The Museum of History and Art, and also a rather famous landmark. The Hotel del Coronado featured in the movie Some Like it Hot and apparently inspired the Wizard of Oz’s Emerald City. This hotel is just one of the many reasons that make Coronado Island one of the best things to do in San Diego.
5. Don’t ignore the nightlife
The small-town vibes of Coronado Island help to make for a relaxing day, but you might fancy letting your hair down at night. And San Diego was in the US News & World Report’s top cities for nightlife.
The main area for nightlife is generally said to be Gaslamp Quarter, where you can walk from one venue to another without the need for transport. However, if you are returning home the next day you might want a San Diego Airport car service to get you to your flight in comfort while you nurse your sore head.
Summary
With budget airlines, beautiful stretches of coast that can be enjoyed on the beach or by road, and countless food options, your trip to San Diego promises much.
If you explore a little further then you will discover your own gems, but there is nothing wrong with just staying on the beachfront, and learning how to catch some waves.
