My Top Five San Diego Destinations
/This post is sponsored by Redfin. My thoughts and opinions are my own.
Most who plan a vacation in California visit either Los Angeles or Disneyland. As much as I love Disneyland California has more to offer than theme parks. This why I encourage those who are planning Disney vacations to spend an extra day and visit San Diego. This helps prevent Disney burnout which can happen pretty easily after being in the parks for days.
Believe or not even in traffic it only takes about an hour and 45 minutes to get from Disneyland to San Diego. People don’t know San Diego is close to Disneyland. San Diego is the perfect place for a family to visit. There are free and inexpensive experiences in San Diego. So here are my five favorite things to do in San Diego.
The first is to visit San Diego Zoo that houses over 3700 animals and 650 species and subspecies. Zoo tickets can get pricey but be aware discounts are available. Southern California City Pass gets you admission to Disneyland with magic morning. It will also get you into Legoland and Sea World. They offer an add on for the San Diego Zoo as part of the package.
The San Diego Zoo could be an all day adventure. It can take 4-5 hours it depends on you. If you skip the Safari Park, you can visit the zoo in a few hours if you walk fast.
The second place I love to visit is the Whaley House. We visited during the day. Then returned for the night tour. We had so much fun. A night tour is unusual and makes it more memorable. If you do not do the night, I still recommend that you visit the Whaley House.
Admission is $10 for an adult. Children five and under are free. The Whaley House is on the national register of historic places. What makes this house so interesting is the Whaley family built their home over a graveyard. The home’s history and uses were interesting. I think this is Southern California’s alternative to the Winchester Mystery House. I enjoyed visiting and will return to the Whaley House again. Every time you visit you discover something you missed the time before.
The third place I love to visit is Mission San Diego de Alcala. Steeped with history Father Junipero Serra dedicated Mission San Diego de Alcala in 1769. Mission San Diego de Alcala the first of the 21 Spanish missions in California. Within walking distance of Old Town the mission is a wonderful place to visit. Mission San Diego de Alcala is a beautiful and understated place.
The Maritime Museum in San Diego is something you will want to check out. Adults can visit all the ships for $18. Children 3 to 12 admission is $8. There are family packages. They have many ships such as the star of India the Californian. Besides the historic ships they have a B 39 Soviet submarine. How many times can you say you have been on a de-commissioned submarine?
The final place I visit is Old Town San Diego. Walk around and enjoy the gaslight quarter of town. There is so much to do in Old Town San Diego you could spend an entire day walking exploring. Old Town has amazing restaurants you can authentic Mexican food. I love to visit El Campo Santo Cemetery. There are shops that sell handmade jewelry. With all the artisans and food Old Town is charming and family friendly.
With San Diego being so close to Disneyland and Los Angeles, you can drive here and spend a sunny day outside. San Diego is full of history and has so much to offer. That is why I recommend spending at least one day here if you are ever in California.
With San Diego being so close to Disneyland and Los Angeles, you can drive here and spend a sunny day outside. San Diego is full of history and has so much to offer. That is why I recommend spending at least one day here if you are ever in California. If you enjoyed your time in San Diego, I’d even recommend considering moving to San Diego. Then look into some San Diego real estate for a deal on a house in the area.
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If you are planning a trip to Disneyland. I have many helpful posts to help you plan your visit.
Bringing preschool-aged children to Disneyland
How to avoid losing your kids at Disneyland
How to stay cool at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure when it is hot.