Student Travel to San Diego, CA

High-end nightclubs. Adventurous dining. Hypermodern architecture. What happened to that nice little Navy town of San Diego? Well, that sleepy burg has woken up and it wants to party. Growth has been fast and furious over the past 2 decades and this Southern California city now finds itself with a glittering skyline and a fresh attitude. With its beaches and theme parks it's still one of the most family-friendly destinations in the United States, but the nearly nightly bacchanalia in the Gaslamp Quarter leaves no doubt this is not your father's San Diego.

Things to Do
San Diego's shining jewel is Balboa Park, a 1,100-acre oasis in the heart of the city. Featuring meticulously maintained gardens, hiking trails, and recreational opportunities, it's also the nation's largest urban cultural park, the setting for 15 museums. And if that's not enough, the park is where you'll also find the world famous San Diego Zoo. The city's rollicking downtown Gaslamp Quarter, highlighted by its dazzling Victorian architecture, is where both locals and visitors go for shopping, dining, and nightclubbing.

Active Pursuits
With weather that is almost always pleasant, San Diego is a year-round beach town (though water temperatures can be chilly in winter). With some 70 miles of coastline, there's most likely a beach that's just right for you. Looking for a nonstop party? Join the parade along the Mission Beach and Pacific Beach boardwalk. Family in tow? Coronado is just the place. Trying surfing for the first time? La Jolla Shores is forgiving. Au naturel sunbathing? Head to Black's Beach.

Restaurants & Dining
The locavore movement is in high gear here, with menus featuring generous portions of San Diego-sourced products, from seafood and beef to fruits and vegetables. Mexican food is a high priority, too, with the humble fish taco -- an immigrant from Baja California -- solidly entrenched as the city's favorite fast food. On the tonier side are the sumptuous restaurants of La Jolla, including two of the area's signature spots (both featuring stupendous views): The Marine Room and George's at the Cove.

Nightlife & Entertainment
San Diego is a capital of American theater, having originated numerous award-winning productions, some of which have ended up on Broadway. Leading the pack are the Old Globe Theatre and La Jolla Playhouse, both Tony Award winners for outstanding regional theater. Those who want to break a sweat on the dance floor need look no further than the city's nightlife nerve center, the Gaslamp Quarter. It offers glitzy dance and supper clubs, as well as bars (from dive to swanky) and live music venues.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1
Travel to San Diego. Spend time getting settled at hotel and exploring some of the destinations from Day 2 if time permits.

Day 2
To get an overview of San Diego in just 2 full days, you'll have to dart around town a bit. Begin with a taste of the area's Hispanic heritage, then embrace San Diego's dazzling beaches, and end the day in the spirited downtown Gaslamp Quarter.

1. Old Town

Old Town State Historic Park is the most visited state park in California. This is San Diego's original downtown, and history comes to colorful life here, especially at Fiesta de Reyes, a once-dilapidated 1930s motel converted into shopping and dining arcades, replete with mariachi players echoing the sounds of Mexico around an inner courtyard.

2. Hillcrest

Hillcrest, San Diego's equivalent of L.A.'s West Hollywood or New York's West Village, is an urban, pedestrian-friendly neighborhood. Its tolerant attitude fosters a large gay community and a hip, eclectic vibe. Pop into trendy boutiques, vintage clothing stores, and an array of restaurants and cafes. Check out the '40s-era Art Deco neighborhood sign dangling above University Avenue (at Fifth Ave.).

3. Breaking Bread

Bread & Cie., 350 University Ave., is perfect for a quick shot of java and a fresh scone or muffin. Lunch fare features hearty Mediterranean sandwiches served on delectable homemade bread, such as a rosemary and cheese baguette or olive focaccia. Relax at one of the bistro tables or take your bite to go for a picnic at your next stop, Balboa Park.

4. Balboa Park

Balboa Park, the nation's largest urban cultural park, contains a cluster of diverse museums and theaters, as well as San Diegans lolling about in the grass on any given pristine 70°F sunny day (which is pretty much every day). Wander past the Spanish Colonial Revival-style buildings along the pedestrian mall, El Prado, then take in the sublime beauty of the Botanical Building's lily pond or explore the meandering park trails.

5. The San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge

Drive across the 2-mile-long, curved San Diego-Coronado Bay Bridge with the wind whistling in your ears.

6. Hotel del Coronado & Coronado Beach

Nicknamed by locals as the "Hotel Del," this Victorian landmark, with its spiky red turrets and gingerbread trim, is a San Diego gem. Stroll through the elegant lobby (perhaps you'll meet the resident ghost, Kate Morgan), meander along the sprawling decks facing the Pacific, and take a leisurely walk along Coronado Beach. This is a great place to watch a sunset.

7. The Gaslamp Quarter

Finish the day in the historic Gaslamp Quarter, which always promises a lively evening street scene. Pick from dozens of restaurants (many housed in restored Victorian commercial buildings), and stick around for live music or dancing after dinner -- if you have the energy.


Day 3
Your second full-day tour starts with a famous San Diego theme park, but you'll need to choose which one: SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo. You could spend the entire day at either one, but if you need a change of scenery halfway through the afternoon, spend a few active hours at the public aquatic park, Mission Bay, or on the Mission Beach boardwalk. If you have no desire to bike or kayak, chill out on the beach and embrace a lazy afternoon under the sun.

1. Pick a Theme Park: SeaWorld or San Diego Zoo

You'll get a dose of animals at both places, but do yourself a favor and choose either SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo; don't try to do both in 1 day. Get there when the gates open to maximize your touring time, and spend a little more than half of the day exploring. Plan to leave by early afternoon for a late lunch.

At SeaWorld, Shamu may be the star, but there's a whole lot more to see and do here. You'll find Journey to Atlantis (a roller coaster), Shipwreck Rapids (a splashy river ride), lovable penguins at the Penguin Encounter, and, of course, animal shows. There's also a passel of Sesame Street-related attractions, and a "4-D" interactive movie experience.

More than 4,000 creatures reside at the world-renowned San Diego Zoo, known not only for its giant pandas, gorillas, and tigers housed in naturalistic environments, but also for its successful animal preservation efforts. The Children's Zoo petting area is perfect for little ones (and any adult who loves animals).

2. A Post-Theme-Park Break

If you're coming from SeaWorld and don't mind a little irony, try the fresh-off-the-boat seafood at the Fishery, 5040 Cass St. -- a casual Pacific Beach fish market. If you spent the morning at the San Diego Zoo, pick up a gourmet taco at colorful Mamá Testa, 1417 University Ave., a local favorite.

3. Mission Bay Park & Mission Beach

Outfitters such as Mission Bay Sportcenter and Cheap Rentals rent gear including bikes, in-line skates, kayaks, and catamarans to better make your way through and around Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic playground. You can also enjoy unparalleled people-watching along the Mission Beach boardwalk, which hugs the wide swath of sandy beach. Or just grab a blanket, plop down on the sand, catch some rays, and ponder the volleyball players' suntanned muscles.

Day 4
Travel day home. Pack and prepare to leave; spend time exploring any missed destinations if time permits.

 

OPTIONAL ADD-ON: La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club - One of California's most treasured beachfront resorts for more than 75 years, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club is a great San Diego tradition that still feels like a secret. Crafted in early California Hacienda style, the landmark oceanfront resort blends the charm of the past with the best in modern-day amenities and recreation. Home to one of California’s few private beaches, the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club provides guests the exclusive opportunity to enjoy the sand and surf without the crowds. Plus there are always the 12 championship tennis courts, par-3 golf, massage services, beach activities, full-service catering, unique meeting spaces, complimentary WiFi, convenient tennis shop and award-winning cuisine at The Marine Room – all just a few sandy steps away.