Guidebook for San Diego
Getting Around
The Old Town Transit Center is an intermodal transportation station located in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, California. It is served by the San Diego Trolley, Coaster commuter rail, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, as well as numerous San Diego Metropolitan Transit System bus lines.
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Old Town Station
4005 Taylor StThe Old Town Transit Center is an intermodal transportation station located in the Old Town neighborhood of San Diego, California. It is served by the San Diego Trolley, Coaster commuter rail, and Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, as well as numerous San Diego Metropolitan Transit System bus lines.
Entertainment & Activities
Amusement park with the Big Dipper Roller Coaster. No admission cost, just pay per ride. Arcade, midway game, rock climbing wall, zip line, bumper cars, mini golf, and more. (15 min walk/5 min bike)
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Belmont Park
3146 Mission BlvdAmusement park with the Big Dipper Roller Coaster. No admission cost, just pay per ride. Arcade, midway game, rock climbing wall, zip line, bumper cars, mini golf, and more. (15 min walk/5 min bike)
Its only 2 miles away from the cottage. If you want to avoid the outrageous parking fees you can ride the bikes there or take the 8 bus which you can get on at Mission Blvd & San Juan (1 block away)
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SeaWorld San Diego
500 Sea World Dr.Its only 2 miles away from the cottage. If you want to avoid the outrageous parking fees you can ride the bikes there or take the 8 bus which you can get on at Mission Blvd & San Juan (1 block away)
Rent sailboats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis, water skis and boats, and so much more. Rentals are by the hour or by the day. Located less than 5 min walk away at Santa Clara Point.
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Mission Bay Aquatic Center
1001 Santa Clara PlRent sailboats, stand up paddle boards, kayaks, jet skis, water skis and boats, and so much more. Rentals are by the hour or by the day. Located less than 5 min walk away at Santa Clara Point.
They offer all the same aquatic equipment rentals as the Mission Bay Aquatic Center plus a few more like Jet Packs. Also hourly and daily rentals. Located less than 5 min walk away at Santa Clara Pt.
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Mission Bay Sportcenter
1010 Santa Clara PlThey offer all the same aquatic equipment rentals as the Mission Bay Aquatic Center plus a few more like Jet Packs. Also hourly and daily rentals. Located less than 5 min walk away at Santa Clara Pt.
Rent wetsuits, surfboards, boogie boards, bikes, and just about anything else you can think of. Its just 2-1/2 blocks from the cottage. 3 min walk.
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Cheap Rentals
3689 Mission BlvdRent wetsuits, surfboards, boogie boards, bikes, and just about anything else you can think of. Its just 2-1/2 blocks from the cottage. 3 min walk.
The owner Rick and his staff have been giving surf lessons for many years right out front of our house. They are very focused on teaching you to surf. (5 min walk)
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Surfari Surf School
3740 Mission BlvdThe owner Rick and his staff have been giving surf lessons for many years right out front of our house. They are very focused on teaching you to surf. (5 min walk)
If the kids want to go to a pool take them here. Day passes for pool & water slides. It is a tropical resort pool deck with a day spa. (15 min bike ride or free parking on street in front.)
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Hyatt Regency Mission Bay Spa And Marina
1441 Quivira RdIf the kids want to go to a pool take them here. Day passes for pool & water slides. It is a tropical resort pool deck with a day spa. (15 min bike ride or free parking on street in front.)
Go for a bike ride down the bayside boardwalk to the Bahia hotel (10 min) & see the seal exhibit they have in front of the hotel. Its free. Also offer a nightly steam ship cruise on the bay for $10.
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Bahia Resort Hotel
998 W Mission Bay DrGo for a bike ride down the bayside boardwalk to the Bahia hotel (10 min) & see the seal exhibit they have in front of the hotel. Its free. Also offer a nightly steam ship cruise on the bay for $10.
Voted Number 1 Zoo in the World, you will encounter rare and endangered animals in a lush and natural setting. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks and guided bus tours. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Read more about San Diego Zoo 2018 at: https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/San-Diego-Zoo/d736-3097ZOO_TR?pub=vcps
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San Diego Zoo
2920 Zoo DrVoted Number 1 Zoo in the World, you will encounter rare and endangered animals in a lush and natural setting. More than 4,000 animals representing 800 species live in this state-of-the-art zoo, including some that are rarely seen at other zoos. Admire the animals and go in-depth during daily keeper talks and guided bus tours. With mobile tickets, simply scan your phone for direct entry into the San Diego Zoo. Read more about San Diego Zoo 2018 at: https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/San-Diego-Zoo/d736-3097ZOO_TR?pub=vcps
The renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna.
Read more about San Diego 30-Minute Zoo Safari Park Tram Tour 2018 at: https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/San-Diego-Zoo-Safari-Park/d736-3097WAP_TR?pub=vcps
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San Diego Zoo Safari Park
15500 San Pasqual Valley RdThe renowned San Diego Zoo Safari Park presents more than 3,500 animals roaming in large enclosures that replicate their natural habitat. Go on a safari adventure unlike any other outside of Africa itself, with exhibits inspired by the African Serengeti and the Asian Savanna.
Read more about San Diego 30-Minute Zoo Safari Park Tram Tour 2018 at: https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/San-Diego-Zoo-Safari-Park/d736-3097WAP_TR?pub=vcps
Take a cruise on the Bahia Belle Sternwheeler Paddleboat at night. The Bahia Belle is a beautiful old 3 story Mississippi style paddleboat that cruises Mission Bay. $10/person. Boards hourly in the evenings starting at 6 pm on weekends and daily during the summer.
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Bahia Belle Cruises
998 W Mission Bay DrTake a cruise on the Bahia Belle Sternwheeler Paddleboat at night. The Bahia Belle is a beautiful old 3 story Mississippi style paddleboat that cruises Mission Bay. $10/person. Boards hourly in the evenings starting at 6 pm on weekends and daily during the summer.
It's a bird - it's a plane - it's a person hovering over Mission Bay? That's right! The Jetlev jetpack uses water propulsion to lift you up to 30 ft above the water!
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Jetpack America - San Diego
1010 Santa Clara PlIt's a bird - it's a plane - it's a person hovering over Mission Bay? That's right! The Jetlev jetpack uses water propulsion to lift you up to 30 ft above the water!
This whale watching tour never goes out of season! Not only will the friendly crew provide you with sightings of beautiful whales & dolphins, but you’ll also get an educational experience where you can learn about these animals that visit the ocean near San Diego harbor. The on-staff marine biologists will, of course, have a bunch of cool whale facts to tell you on your cruise.
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San Diego Whale Watch
1617 Quivira RdThis whale watching tour never goes out of season! Not only will the friendly crew provide you with sightings of beautiful whales & dolphins, but you’ll also get an educational experience where you can learn about these animals that visit the ocean near San Diego harbor. The on-staff marine biologists will, of course, have a bunch of cool whale facts to tell you on your cruise.
Petco Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.
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Petco Park
100 Park BlvdPetco Park is spectacular in every way, combining the best sight lines in baseball with breathtaking views of San Diego. Architecturally magnificent, it celebrates the sea, the sky, the natural beauty, cultural diversity and unique spirit of our region. Innovative design features evoke the timeless traditions of baseball in an intimate setting, with state-of-the-art fan amenities to suit every taste and budget.
Essentials
Closest laundromat. They offer drop-off service and an affordable rate per pound if you don't feel like waiting around to get your laundry done. (10 min walk/5 min bike)
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Beach Laundromat
3817 Mission BlvdClosest laundromat. They offer drop-off service and an affordable rate per pound if you don't feel like waiting around to get your laundry done. (10 min walk/5 min bike)
The liquor stores around here are also convenience stores so you can also get basic groceries and necessities here if in a pinch. They are open all day and late at night. (10 min walk/5 min bike ride)
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Hub Liquor
3757 Mission BlvdThe liquor stores around here are also convenience stores so you can also get basic groceries and necessities here if in a pinch. They are open all day and late at night. (10 min walk/5 min bike ride)
This is the closest full grocery store. They have a pharmacy and ATM inside. Free underground parking.
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Ralphs
8657 Villa La Jolla DrThis is the closest full grocery store. They have a pharmacy and ATM inside. Free underground parking.
This is the local health food store. It's way cheaper than Whole Foods Market and even cheaper than Trader Joe's. Big produce section, fresh meats, deli counter, and lots of vitamins and supplements.
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Sprouts Farmers Market
1260 Garnet AveThis is the local health food store. It's way cheaper than Whole Foods Market and even cheaper than Trader Joe's. Big produce section, fresh meats, deli counter, and lots of vitamins and supplements.
Pharmacy/Convenience store. Open until midnight. They sell sunscreen and beach supplies year round as well as basic groceries. (20 min walk/10 min bike)
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CVS Pharmacy
4445 Mission BlvdPharmacy/Convenience store. Open until midnight. They sell sunscreen and beach supplies year round as well as basic groceries. (20 min walk/10 min bike)
The only local convenience store open 24 hours. (15 min walk/5 min bike)
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7-Eleven
6953 La Jolla BlvdThe only local convenience store open 24 hours. (15 min walk/5 min bike)
If you break a nail and need to get it fixed or if its time for a pedicure this is the closest nail salon. (5 min walk)
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Mission Hair and Nails
3786 Mission BlvdIf you break a nail and need to get it fixed or if its time for a pedicure this is the closest nail salon. (5 min walk)
This is the nearest spa, which offers a beautiful view. They offer facials, exfoliating, body wraps, manicures, etc. It is just 10-15 minute walk from the cottage or 5 minute bike ride.
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Catamaran Resort Hotel and Spa
3999 Mission BlvdThis is the nearest spa, which offers a beautiful view. They offer facials, exfoliating, body wraps, manicures, etc. It is just 10-15 minute walk from the cottage or 5 minute bike ride.
This grocery store is super popular for convenient prepared food. They have great prepared salads and food that you just heat up. It's very affordable & everything is delicious.
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Trader Joe's
1640 Garnet AveThis grocery store is super popular for convenient prepared food. They have great prepared salads and food that you just heat up. It's very affordable & everything is delicious.
If you are sick or get injured while on vacation you can go here to get treated. There is rarely a wait and they take most insurances as well as cash pay.
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Marque Urgent Care
4490 Fanuel StIf you are sick or get injured while on vacation you can go here to get treated. There is rarely a wait and they take most insurances as well as cash pay.
Shopping
If you need a new swimsuit or board shorts this is the place to go. They have all the current surf brands.
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Beach & Resort Wear
4475 Mission BlvdIf you need a new swimsuit or board shorts this is the place to go. They have all the current surf brands.
A plethora of amenities, including a movie theater, six department stores, a newly renovated food court, water features and soft seating areas throughout the mall's common areas, serve a wide range of age groups and demographics.
Housing over 200 fine stores and restaurants, Fashion Valley is a popular San Diego retail and tourist destination, meeting every budget, style and taste.
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Fashion Valley
7007 Friars RdA plethora of amenities, including a movie theater, six department stores, a newly renovated food court, water features and soft seating areas throughout the mall's common areas, serve a wide range of age groups and demographics.
Housing over 200 fine stores and restaurants, Fashion Valley is a popular San Diego retail and tourist destination, meeting every budget, style and taste.
Arts & Culture
Great little library with A/C, WiFi, and computers. (15 min bike ride away.)
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Pacific Beach Taylor Branch Library
4275 Cass StGreat little library with A/C, WiFi, and computers. (15 min bike ride away.)
Take a trip through American naval history with admission to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. This enormous ship, known as the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now offers a range of interactive exhibits, a self-guided audio tour and numerous restored aircraft across its 4-acre (1.6-hectare) flight deck and sections below. It’s an essential piece of San Diego’s, and America’s, military history.
Read more about Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum 2018 - San Diego at: https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/USS-Midway-Museum/d736-5160USS?pub=vcps
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USS Midway Museum
910 N Harbor DrTake a trip through American naval history with admission to the USS Midway Museum in San Diego. This enormous ship, known as the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century, now offers a range of interactive exhibits, a self-guided audio tour and numerous restored aircraft across its 4-acre (1.6-hectare) flight deck and sections below. It’s an essential piece of San Diego’s, and America’s, military history.
Read more about Skip the Line: USS Midway Museum 2018 - San Diego at: https://www.viator.com/tours/San-Diego/USS-Midway-Museum/d736-5160USS?pub=vcps
Parks & Nature
This is a state park with some great trail for hiking. Pick up a trail map at the entry booth. Many of the hikes just take an hour and offer breath taking views of the ocean and cliffs.
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Torrey Pines State Reserve
12600 North Torrey Pines RoadThis is a state park with some great trail for hiking. Pick up a trail map at the entry booth. Many of the hikes just take an hour and offer breath taking views of the ocean and cliffs.
Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. With a variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, there is something for everyone.
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Balboa Park
Where culture, science, and nature collide, Balboa Park is home to more than 16 museums, multiple performing arts venues, lovely gardens, trails, and many other creative and recreational attractions, including the San Diego Zoo. With a variety of cultural institutions among its 1,200 beautiful and lushly planted acres, there is something for everyone.
From its breathtaking sunsets and majestic sea lions to seaside restaurants and kids activities, this beautiful setting offers a slice of the elegant yet laid back La Jolla lifestyle for all to enjoy.
Take ocean adventures to the next level with guided tours or private classes from experienced locals. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving is a great opportunity for those of any experience level. Kayak the 7 Caves! Explore beautiful sea cliffs and caves filled with marine life. Paddle to Sunny Jim’s Cave, the Arch Cave, the Clams’ Cave and other sea caves for amazing close-ups of sandstone formations. Witness sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks and shovelnose guitarfish.
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La Jolla Cove
1100 Coast BlvdFrom its breathtaking sunsets and majestic sea lions to seaside restaurants and kids activities, this beautiful setting offers a slice of the elegant yet laid back La Jolla lifestyle for all to enjoy.
Take ocean adventures to the next level with guided tours or private classes from experienced locals. Snorkeling or Scuba Diving is a great opportunity for those of any experience level. Kayak the 7 Caves! Explore beautiful sea cliffs and caves filled with marine life. Paddle to Sunny Jim’s Cave, the Arch Cave, the Clams’ Cave and other sea caves for amazing close-ups of sandstone formations. Witness sea lions, garibaldi, leopard sharks and shovelnose guitarfish.
Sightseeing
This is a historic state park, restored to resemble the old west when San Diego was first settled. There are wood sidewalks and dirt roads. Within the official park there are shopkeepers dressed in traditional period clothing. Check out the Mormon Battalion Museum for a free guided tour. Surrounding the park there are a lot of very popular Mexican restaurants and shops selling Mexican souvenirs (no need to travel to Tijuana.)
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Old Town San Diego
4002 Wallace StThis is a historic state park, restored to resemble the old west when San Diego was first settled. There are wood sidewalks and dirt roads. Within the official park there are shopkeepers dressed in traditional period clothing. Check out the Mormon Battalion Museum for a free guided tour. Surrounding the park there are a lot of very popular Mexican restaurants and shops selling Mexican souvenirs (no need to travel to Tijuana.)
Spectacular viewpoint on the top peak of La Jolla. You'll need a car to get here or take an Uber. Bring your camera or your binoculars. It's just a few miles up the road, driving through the ritzy neighborhoods of the wealthy of La Jolla.
Soledad Mountain Road
Soledad Mountain RoadSpectacular viewpoint on the top peak of La Jolla. You'll need a car to get here or take an Uber. Bring your camera or your binoculars. It's just a few miles up the road, driving through the ritzy neighborhoods of the wealthy of La Jolla.
This is a scenic lookout spot where you can watch the seals sunning on the shore.
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Childrens Pool Beach
This is a scenic lookout spot where you can watch the seals sunning on the shore.
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its nightlife. Clubs, dive bars and cocktail lounges draw a young crowd, while the Spreckels and Balboa theaters have diverse programs of music, comedy and drama. There's a mix of chain and independent restaurants in the area, with many global options. Horton Plaza Park has grassy lawns, ice cream and coffee vendors, and an interactive fountain.
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Gaslamp Quarter
The Gaslamp Quarter is a lively downtown neighborhood, known for its nightlife. Clubs, dive bars and cocktail lounges draw a young crowd, while the Spreckels and Balboa theaters have diverse programs of music, comedy and drama. There's a mix of chain and independent restaurants in the area, with many global options. Horton Plaza Park has grassy lawns, ice cream and coffee vendors, and an interactive fountain.