Travel to San Diego

Travel to San Diego

No longer a sleepy conservative Naval town, San Diego has blossomed into a cultural metropolis which completely deserves its reputation as one of the finest cities in America. Today, this thriving yet laid-back community boasts a wonderful diversity of ethnic neighbourhoods. Being so close to the Mexican border, Hispanic flavours naturally permeate the town, with amazing food, culture and shopping available at every turn.

Transportation to San Diego

San Diego International Airport handles all of the domestic and international flights into the area. Located just minutes from downtown, the airport is connected to the city by taxi and shuttle bus. San Diego also has regular Greyhound bus connections to nearly every American town, and Amtraks train network has a stop here. Driving to San Diego is also a snap since it lies at the southern terminus of several major interstate highways.

What to see

With such a bounty of natural beauty, many of San Diegos main attractions involve the outdoors. Its top three sights all involve animals: San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park and SeaWorld, but theres plenty of man-made diversion in this exciting city. The restored historic Gaslamp quarter is the hub of dining, shopping and nightlife, and will keep you busy throughout your trip. There are also a handful of interesting museums in Balboa Park and of course the 30-odd beaches which line San Diegos 70 mile coastline.

Daytrips

Due to the spread out nature of San Diego, many of the inner-city attractions are best accessed by car. Outside the city, there are even more possibilities. The Mexican border town of Tijuana is just 30 minutes drive south, offering one of the most colourful experiences youre likely to encounter in this part of America. The coastline also has natural beach areas and protected parks.

Activities and leisure

With year-round weather to rival any city in the world, the activities in San Diego naturally revolve around the sea, sand and fresh air. With over 30 beaches to choose from, you can do everything from lounge on the beach to surf quality waves. Sailing is also a big leisure activity in San Diego, as is golf, with some 90 courses to choose from in the area. For an inner-city adventure, simply head over to Balboa Park, Americas largest urban park. Or if you just want to watch, catch a professional baseball or football game played by one of the citys two teams.

Safety issues

San Diego has a reputation as a safe and orderly city. Visitors should be careful in Balboa Park and at the beaches after dark, but otherwise, there isnt much to worry about. During the peak summer season the number of tourists increase, offering an opportunity for the citys petty thieves to ply their trade. It is strongly suggested that you buy some travel insurance before your trip to ensure that any mishaps dont ruin your holiday.