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San Diego has such a lot going on that it can be difficult to plan the things to do in San Diego during your vacation. There are places to visit, activities to do, things to see and experiences to enjoy. There is such a variety that everyone will tell you something different, but here are ten top highlights we think you should make time for during your visit to appreciate what the San Diego lifestyle is about.

1. Hit the Beaches: The beach lifestyle attracts many people to San Diego, whether they are surfing enthusiasts, swimmers, life guards, beach walkers or just enjoy sunbathing and hanging out with the beach crowd. There are many beaches and many surf conditions to choose from in the San Diego region. You haven’t fully experienced San Diego until you have spent time on a beach or two.

2. Dining Out on a Fish Taco: Although it may sound a little odd, the fish taco is one of the best local dishes in San Diego. A fish taco is a deep fried, battered fish encased in a corn tortilla, and once you try it for the first time you’ll find yourself craving for it again whenever you return!

3. Visiting Mexico: It’s no secret that San Diego is a gateway to Mexico, with Tijuana just over the border, and another metropolis in its own right. Visiting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you may have heard. Keep in mind that Mexico has its own laws, and don’t forget to bring your passport - then, from San Diego you are just a short distance from enjoying everything that this “South of the Border” paradise has to offer.

4. Old Town San Diego: In contrast to the modern Downtown area, Old Town State Historic Park is a restoration of old San Diego from the early days of Southern California. The Mexican theme dominates the Old Town restaurants, in the menus and the music, none more so than the Old Town Mexican Cafe.

5. San Diego Zoo’s Pandas: You must include a visit to the San Diego Zoo in your list of things to do. Not only is it a great Zoo, but it has cute pandas! Your family will expect to see this unique display of everyone’s favorite animal. They are at their most active in the morning. Visiting the San Diego Zoo is a memorable family day out.

6. Balboa Park - the Jewel of San Diego: Near the Zoo you will find Balboa Park, one of the great public parks of the world and a center of cultural life in San Diego. There are around 15 fine museums to see, and cultural performances to enjoy, all set in attractive gardens and fine architecture.

7. The Gaslamp District: Downtown San Diego includes the Gaslamp Quarter, the entertainment, shopping and dining heart of the San Diego region. It is a vibrant part of town, with lots of activity and street entertainment to enjoy, especially in the evenings.

8. Spend a Day Using The Trolley: San Diego’s trolley is a great way to see San Diego. Try a day pass for a fun day getting around the city. Most people travel by car rather than the public transport system, and the San Diego roads can get crowded. Using the trolley gives a different perspective of the city.

9. Play a Round of Golf: San Diego has a great selection of golf courses to go with its great weather. Torrey Pines is a championship course with great ocean views to enjoy.

10. Go on a Harbor Cruise: San Diego is built round its busy commercial port and naval base, which has a rich maritime history remembered in its museum and historic ships you can visit. A harbor cruise is a great way to see all the activity.

There you go. Ten of the best places to visit and things to experience to get a good taste of what San Diego is about during your San Diego vacation.

Tags: Travel Tips

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