Tourism is San Diego’s third most important industry, and it’s little wonder why. San Diego has near-perfect weather all year, but especially in the summer months when people like to go on vacation. This makes the things you can do elsewhere even more fun. Add the ocean and you have an unbeatable getaway destination.

Many major cities have attractions like theme parks and museums. San Diego’s, however, are unique. Here are some of the top attractions you’ll find in San Diego.

The world famous San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park are amazing. The zoo, home to 4,000 animals, is located in Balboa Park near downtown San Diego. The Wild Animal Park in Escondido houses another 3,500 animals on 1,800 acres. In addition to beautiful exhibits and well cared-for animals, they offer educational programs and even summer camps for kids.

Balboa Park features 15 museums, with specialties such as air & space, trains, history, science, art and sports. There’s something for everyone here. If San Diego is your home, you can take advantage of free Tuesdays.
There are marine parks in many cities, but none hold a candle to Sea World. Sea World has exhibits and shows with all kinds of ocean dwellers, and a few land animals. They are renowned around the world for their expertise and rescue efforts. Kids, big and small, will love watching the animals and getting splashed. It’s a safe bet that you’ll learn something about conservation too.

The best attraction of all, of course, is the Pacific Ocean. With its miles of coastline, there are a variety of water related activities to enjoy. Those who live further inland come for the ocean. Even those who live further north come for the combination of water and sunshine. You can’t, or at least you shouldn’t, miss just going to the beach when you come to San Diego. Playing in the surf, building sand castles, exploring tide pools and having a beach bonfire are inexpensive and fun. These are experiences that everyone should have. If you’re a little more adventurous about the water, try surfing, body boarding, sailing, fishing, or kayaking. Whale watching cruises are available seasonally. If it’s not whale season, take a wildlife cruise and watch the dolphins play in the wild.

Of course the ocean lends itself to more upscale endeavors too. Take a sunset cruise or eat at a restaurant overlooking a harbor or beach. San Diego is also a popular departure point for cruises to Mexico.

The location of this paradise makes it easy to get to. Since it’s part of the continental U.S., it can be reached by car from much of the country. Not having to fly makes a San Diego vacation much more affordable than other destinations, especially for families. People frequently drive to San Diego from much of the western United States. Visitors from Orange County, Riverside and Los Angeles often go south for a quick weekend getaway, or even a day trip.

If you’re looking for a place to spend an entire week or just a couple of days, San Diego is ideal. More than one family has loved San Diego so much that they decided to move there and buy a home. You can never get enough of a good thing.

Author Bio: Hannah Valez is a Southern California resident who could not possibly live too far away from the ocean. San Diego New Homes New Homes San Diego New Homes Chula Vista

Category: Travel
Keywords: san diego, vacation, travel, beach vacation, weekend getaway, family vacation