Thanksgiving in San Diego

Thanksgiving in San Diego - Things to Do in November & More

By Katie Sagal

Thanksgiving is a very special time of year in San Diego. It marks the beginning of the holiday season and for lots of people, it's their favorite family holiday. It’s a time to spend with loved ones, indulge in the best traditional foods, and perhaps watch some football with the family.

Making plans for a fun-filled Thanksgiving celebration in San Diego? Check out these suggestions for local activities and more seasonal things to do in November. Exciting attractions and things to do for Thanksgiving in San Diego, include...

  • San Diego Zoo
  • Thanksgiving Day Camps at Living Coast Discovery Center
  • San Diego Natural History Museum
  • Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel del Coronado
  • Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza
  • Santa at Seaport Village

1. San Diego Zoo

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If you're looking for someplace to take your out-of-town relatives after Thanksgiving, then a visit to the San Diego Zoo will be perfect. As one of the city's top family attractions, you know kids and adults alike will love the chance to explore this massive zoo. Plus, with hundreds of animals scattered across engaging exhibit spaces, you'll be able to spend an entire day here.

If you're considering visiting on Thanksgiving itself, you might be interested to know that they offer special Thanksgiving meals at a few of their restaurants. These meals are typically priced separately from zoo admission. A visit to the San Diego Zoo would make it a Thanksgiving to remember!

2. Thanksgiving Day camps at Living Coast Discovery Center

What better way to entertain the kids during their Thanksgiving break than with an exciting natural venture at the Living Coast Discovery Center? It’s the perfect opportunity for your kids to uncover the wonders of nature as they learn to track wildlife, use a microscope, and interact with many fascinating creatures, from feeding sharks to petting sea turtles.

Sea turtles

Of course, you can also visit the Living Coast Discovery Center without plunking down for the day camps. With up to ten different habitats and exhibits to choose from, including the Shark and Ray Experience, Eagle Mesa, and the Native Plant Gardens, the whole family can enjoy exploring the flora and fauna of the coastal ecosystems.

The Turtle Lagoon is a particularly popular destination for the little ones. Here you can peek at giant green sea turtles from an underwater, face-to-face perspective. You can even feed the turtles for a small upgrade fee.

3. San Diego Natural History Museum

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This fall, take advantage of a new season of special exhibits at the San Diego Natural History Museum, one of San Diego's most popular museums. Known affectionately to the locals as the NAT, this educational institution offers permanent exhibits alongside rotating exhibitions that cover a wide range of topics. For one, their Fossil Mysteries exhibit showcases the rich paleontological history of the San Diego region.

Visitors also get to interact with real archaeological tools. With a more modern focus, the Coast to Cactus in Southern California exhibit highlights the diversity of plant and animal life across the diverse ecosystems of the region. Families looking for Thanksgiving things to do in San Diego are bound to enjoy the exhibits.

4. Thanksgiving Dinner at the Hotel del Coronado

We like to enjoy our Thanksgiving dinners at home, but sometimes it’s just marvelous to have someone else cook for a change. So why not luxuriate in a Thanksgiving meal prepared by the expert chefs at the Hotel del Coronado? You’ll have an oceanfront view for your magnificent meal, complete with live musical performances and seasonal decorations.

Thanksgiving at Hotel Coronado

If you fall in love with picturesque Coronado, pay a visit to the Coronado Museum of History & Art while you're there. This small but diverse museum showcases the fascinating history of this tiny little island through artifacts, photographs, and works of art.

Please note that reservations are required for Thanksgiving dinner at the Hotel del Coronado. Be sure to make them early, as this is a very popular event.

5. Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon

Is there a more appropriate way to celebrate Thanksgiving than with a parade? Anyone in San Diego for Thanksgiving has to see the Mother Goose Parade in El Cajon. This vivacious parade is a wonderful spectacle of festive holiday fun, with over a hundred floats, performing groups, equestrians, clowns, balloons, and more. You’ll also see special guests like celebrities, musical artists, and the big man himself, Santa Claus.

This is a wonderful alternative to big commercial parades like the one in NYC, and you’re much more likely to get a great spot along this parade route to enjoy all of the fun and excitement without worrying about crushing crowds or oppressive traffic. The annual Mother Goose Parade has free admission, and everyone is welcome.

6. Thanksgiving Dixieland Jazz Fest & Swing Extravaganza

Dixieland Jazz and swing

San Diego’s annual jazz festival is a favorite with the locals. Known as “the crown jewel of jazz festivals,” this annual Thanksgiving-time tradition is the perfect event for music lovers. The festival is held every year at the Town & Country Hotel and Convention Center in the Mission Valley neighborhood of San Diego.

This is not only is it a fun way to enjoy your vacation time. It’s also an opportunity to expand your musical knowledge and take in high-quality performances by artists from around the world. This event is not one to be missed. Admission is ticketed with options for single or multi-days available in advance.

7. Santa at Seaport Village

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It doesn’t get any more Californian than this. Picture a flip-flopped, surfing Santa disembarking from his Christmas ship right onto the boardwalk at Seaport Village. The ultimate way to kick off holiday celebrations in San Diego. A visit to this truly unique Santa experience is a distinctive holiday tradition the kids will love. Where else can you get your photo taken with a tanned surfer Santa?

Plus, USA Today considers this one of the ten best Santa sightings in the entire country. Seaport Village, of course, has much to offer beyond Santa Claus (though we mean no offense to the big man). After the kids get to pass along their holiday wishes, you can shop, dine, and stroll to your heart's content.

If you head a bit farther north on the waterfront, you can also pop by the USS Midway Museum. The museum is typically closed on Thanksgiving Day itself. But you can enjoy a visit to this inspiring institution for the rest of the month.

Happy Thanksgiving from the folks at Go City!

Whatever you choose to do to celebrate Thanksgiving in San Diego, remember to treasure the time with family and friends.

Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® 

With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off.  

☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 –  ✈️ Buy a pass ✈ 

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Katie Sagal
Go City Travel Expert

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10+ Romantic Things to Do in San Diego

Spending time in sunny San Diego around Valentine’s Day and looking for some ideas on how to spend this special day? If you’re looking for romantic things to do in San Diego, whether that's for Valentine's Day or for a romantic date night any time of year, check out our a few of our suggested activities. Wander Balboa Park San Diego is one of the most temperate cities in the country, and is likely to be pleasant even in mid-February. So there’s no reason why you can’t spend an afternoon or an evening walking with your loved one through the nation’s largest urban cultural park. In addition to its beautifully cultivated gardens and striking architecture, Balboa Park also features some of the region’s premier museums. So whether your love’s deepest desire is to visit the pandas at the San Diego Zoo, or gaze upon the stars at the Fleet Science Center, you will find plenty to do indoors and out. Stroll the Japanese Friendship Garden Part of the pleasure in Valentine’s Day is the personal time spent with the one you love. For a uniquely romantic setting for your personal time this year, take a stroll through this one-of-a-kind garden. Nearly 100 years old, the Japanese Friendship Garden, San-Kei-En is designed to offer Zen serenity and peace. It was originally created as a gesture of friendship between the U.S. and Japan, and now attracts visitors from all over the world with its simple design and classic features. A visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden will cultivate the perfect state of peace and harmony for you and your partner. Explore the Art World Since the dawn of time, man has turned to art to express his love. In fact, some of the most famous pieces in history were inspired by this universal emotion. To soak up some of that passion yourself, stroll through the galleries of San Diego’s nationally renowned fine arts museum – the San Diego Museum of Art. Collections feature everything from the European old masters, 19th and 20th-century paintings, and new works of modernism to sculpture, artifacts, and multi-media artwork. Over Valentine's 2020, you could stop by the Art After Hours for only $5 after 5:00 p.m. on Fridays, experience exhibitions and the Museum’s 20 galleries while live music plays at Panama 66 in the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court. Alternatively, on the 15th from 9AM - 1PM, drop in to their Valentine's Workshop where you will join Museum Educator Sheena Dowling for an interactive workshop that takes its inspiration from the many forms and expressions of love depicted in the Museum’s works of art. Learn about traditional printmaking techniques and use them to create your own embellished prints or card sets. Other artsy options in the San Diego area include the San Diego Art Institute and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Hit Up a Ball Game For the sporty couples out there, there are plenty of San Diego sports activities to enjoy. One of our favorite sporty date ideas is an afternoon or evening at the San Diego Padres Stadium, PETCO Park. You can take a tour of the park most days, or take in a home game when they're in town. There are few things as fun and date-like than a good, old-fashioned baseball game, complete with beer and hotdogs! Of course, this won't be available as Valentine's date idea -- you'd need to wait until March 26 for the 2020 MLB season to begin. If you're still interested in exploring PETCO Park, take a course of this beautiful establishment to see its unique architecture and the perfect situation. These tours are available in the off-season, so you could make it part of a larger Valentine's day plan. Reflect on Your History Valentine’s Day is not only a time for romance but also one of a reflection when we think about our personal histories and how we came to be with the people we love today. San Diego’s unique Museum of Man is on a mission to help answer questions about that quintessentially human quality. It’s the only institution in the region devoted to the celebration of diversity, and one of the only in the world that’s all about the human experience. Nestled in the heart of San Diego’s historic Balboa Park, the Museum of Man brings together beauty, history, anthropology, art, and artifacts from ancient and contemporary cultures. It’s a great way to learn something about our past as you plan for the future. After all, what is more essential to mankind than the idea of love? Adventure Through La Jolla Views don't come much more striking than this. If you’re the outdoorsy sort of couple who would love nothing more than to enjoy the fresh and beautiful weather of a San Diego winter, then some time spent in La Jolla sounds like the perfect date idea. Whether you want to hike, bike, snorkel, or swim, there are plenty of options to keep everybody happy. Plus, it's easy to rent the necessary equipment and gear, so no need to bring your own. Even better? You don't need a lot of (or any!) experience to enjoy these activities, so why not take the opportunity this Valentine's Day to try something new? Take a tour of the area, or explore on your own – there’s no shortage of beautiful vistas and stunning ocean scenery to keep you happy. Hop Aboard a Romantic Cruise Another tried-and-true option is the romantic cruise. There are several options floating around for your enjoyment (pun intended), like the champagne brunch cruise or the weekend cruises offered by Hornblower Dinner Cruises. Or, if you’d prefer something a little less formal and overtly lovey-dovey, then a regular cruise might do the trick, like a scenic one-hour Harbor Tour. This thoughtful cruise is an excellent sight-seeing option, too, so it's good for those of you who have come to San Diego for a special getaway trip. Indulge in a Romantic Dinner Call me old-fashioned, but to my mind there are few things as enjoyable as a good romantic dinner. Fortunately, San Diego has some of the most amazing food in the region for you and your Valentine to sample, whether you’re interested in high-end seafood or street-side Mexican. If you’re looking for ideas for great romantic restaurants, explore areas like the Gaslamp Quarter/Banker’s Hill, Downtown, La Jolla, and Del Mar. We recommend using a service like OpenTable to book your free reservations - just do it early! Take in a Show If you want to really impress your culturally-inclined date, then a musical performance or theatrical show is a reliable option. This time of year, San Diego has plenty of great shows in town for you to choose from, although there isn't necessarily a lot on the holiday itself because it falls in the middle of the week this year. If you can be flexible in your dates, the Civic Theatre has a performance by the San Diego Opera, and the Balboa Theatre is hosting the California ballet. Sweetheart Sail at the Maritime Museum Hop on board the Californian or San Salvador and enjoy a three-hour scenic tour of San Diego Bay on a special 'Sweetheart Sail.' You'll get to see native wildlife, the stunning San Diego skyline, and landmarks along the way. Enjoy chocolates and champagne while onboard your romantic cruise. Remember to Save on Attraction Admission From the classical to the quirky, and everything in between, we’ve put together some of our favorite romantic things to do in San Diego and we just know you’ll find something to help you put together that perfect date. Remember, some of these great options are included on the Go San Diego pass, where you can save up to 55% on combined admission vs paying at the gate. Please note, the special events taking place at some of these attractions may be separately ticketed and not included with the Go San Diego pass.
Katie Sagal
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10+ Fun Things to Do in San Diego for 4th of July Weekend

San Diego, "America's finest city," has some of the best 4th of July events around. Whether you're looking to spend the day at a nearby theme park or lounging on the beach with a picnic and friends, there are lots of great things to do during the July 4th weekend. If you’re looking for San Diego 4th of July Weekend ideas, check out some of these local activities and fun things to do including... Annual "Big Bay Boom" Fireworks Show Red, White, and Boom! at LEGOLAND® California SeaWorld® San Diego's Electric Ocean Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove and more... 1. Annual "Big Bay Boom" Fireworks Show Be sure you don't miss out on the largest display of fireworks in the city in the annual Port of San Diego's Big Bay Boom Independence Day Spectacular. Fireworks are launched simultaneously from four barges strategically located throughout San Diego’s North Bay starting just after 9 PM. The fireworks show can be seen and heard from anywhere along the waterfront. The display is orchestrated to originally produced music selections and broadcast by MAX FM 105.7 and THE MIGHTY 1090 AM. Pack a picnic, grab your lounge chairs, and head over to one of these top places to watch the show: Shelter Island: This intimate spot, located on Point Loma's bayfront, offers excellent views. Get there before 1pm, when it typically reaches capacity. It’s strongly advised that you walk or take the free shuttle, and make sure to have your lawn chair and a picnic basket in tow.   Harbor Island: This peninsula between downtown San Diego and Shelter Island offers a stunning view of the fireworks with the skyline in the background. The small “island” has limited parking, so take advantage of the free shuttle service offered by the Port of San Diego.   North Embarcadero and the Marina District: On the east side of San Diego Bay, these two options provide a hassle-free way to see the show. Parking is available in various lots and on many streets, but you’ll still want to secure your spot early. Gourmet seafood restaurants and fish markets line the coast in this neighborhood.   Seaport Village/ South Embarcadero: This waterfront shopping and dining complex on the southern end of the Embarcadero is another popular spot to watch the fireworks. Head there for dinner and drink at a restaurant with a bay view and then stay for the show.   Coronado Ferry Landing: Head over to Coronado for unique views of the Big Bay Boom fireworks. Coronado Island also has its own 4th of July celebration, including a parade, a concert, and fireworks over Glorietta Bay. 2. Red, White, and Boom! at LEGOLAND® California The LEGOLAND® California star-spangled 4th of July celebration is one of the best ways to celebrate the holiday with kids. Don't miss the impressive fireworks display timed to patriotic music. Kids of all ages can enjoy live music performances and participate in family-friendly games, like water balloon toss, burlap sack races, LEGO® Hamburger relay and a family build challenge. All events are included with regular admission to LEGOLAND® California. 3. SeaWorld® San Diego's Electric Ocean & Fireworks Spectacular Show Celebrate Independence Day with SeaWorld® San Diego's "Electric Ocean," with extended park hours, nighttime shows, and fireworks spectacular on select dates. Enjoy eight energizing experiences, including two different animal shows, a dance club with a DJ, live performances, and your favorite SeaWorld® San Diego experiences lit up in the glow of the dazzling lights. 4. USS Midway Museum Annual 4th of July Celebration The 4th of July in San Diego doesn't get much more patriotic than watching the spectacular Big Bay Fireworks show from the flight deck of the USS Midway. The Midway is one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers and the closest venue to the four barge locations where the fireworks launch. The USS Midway Museum event features family activities and live entertainment Guests are invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs, and small coolers. If you want to take a tour of the Midway beforehand, pop by during the day or during the weekend following the holiday, which is when many other festive events will be occurring.  Insider tip: Buy tickets in advance, as this event sells out every year! 5. San Diego Zoo: Nighttime Zoo The San Diego Zoo, is a classic family-fun destination for July. This iconic attraction boasts some of the most exciting animals from around the globe. We especially recommend checking out their extended evening programming during the Nighttime Zoo, which has longer park hours, specialty music and dance performances, and much more. 🦒Can't decide whether to go to the San Diego Zoo or Safari Park? Check out our helpful guide comparing San Diego Zoo vs Safari Park to help you choose. 6. Coronado Island Independence Day Celebration Coronado Island takes Independence Day celebrations very seriously. The town puts on a road race, an Art in the Park show, a rough water swim competition, an Independence Day Parade, live entertainment, fireworks over Glorietta Bay, and more.  If you plan to watch the parade, people head out there before 5am to claim spots for the 10am parade!  Insider tip: Take the ferry over so you don't have to worry about parking and make the most of your time on the island by going on a bike tour or kayaking in the bay. 7. Belmont Park Soak up the sun with some old-fashioned summer fun at Belmont Park. After all, what could be more quintessentially summer than an afternoon spent at the boardwalk? From classic roller coasters to charming merry-go-rounds, Belmont Park has all the signature rides you could want at a beachfront amusement park - there are bumper cars, arcade games, laser tag, a zip line, and plenty more. Insider Tip: You can see the fireworks from Mission Beach, so be prepared for busier crowds than usual that evening if you go on July 4. 8. Historic Old Town Celebrations For traditional 4th of July San Diego celebrations (we're talking 1800s-style), head to Old Town Historic Park. Enjoy a classic parade, crafts, and kid-friendly activities such as wagon rides, period games, music, a pie-eating contest, and more. If you'd like to explore this historic neighborhood a bit more, check out the Whaley House Museum. This nineteenth-century restored mansion has been a home, a general store, a theatre, and the county courthouse.  9. Ocean Beach Fireworks Strictly called "OB" by the locals, Ocean Beach offers a fun-filled day of 4th of July magic with a spectacular fireworks display right off the OB Pier. Pack a picnic and head to the beach for a day of swimming, lounging, playing in the sand, and shopping along Newport Ave. Bring a radio to tune into the fireworks soundtrack.  Insider tip: Main Beach Parking Lot and Pier Parking Lot will have free parking all day. 10. Fourth of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove Celebrate the 4th of July in beautiful La Jolla. Pack a picnic and bring a blanket to Ellen Browning Scripps Park for the best views of the 4th of July Fireworks at La Jolla Cove. Make the most of your day in La Jolla and hop in a kayak. Or, throw on some snorkel gear to explore the coastal caves and popular sea lion spots and check out the sea life. Grab a bite to eat with a view at one of the seaside restaurants. Insider tip: Head to the park early to get one of the best views in the city of the sunset and to scope out a good spot for the fireworks show. 11. San Diego County Fair While the fair is a long-running event with dozens of attractions, performances, and things to do, it typically culminates on July 4. Families enjoy the Fair for its excellent combination of exhibits, activities, and kid-friendly games, while adults can take advantage of tailored events like wine tastings, beer samplings, design exhibitions, and a gem and mineral show. The Fair adopts a theme each year - check their site for info. Visitors can expect games, demonstrations, and even a winged monkey DJ dance party in keeping with this theme. Can't choose? No need, see it all with Go City® With an All-Inclusive Pass from Go City, you can visit both attractions for a fraction of the cost. Plus, you could save up to 50% on all your San Diego must-sees. Or pick an Explorer Pass, if you've chosen your fave and have a specific bucket list you're dreaming of ticking off. Please note that special July and 4th of July weekend events may be separately ticketed and not included on San Diego passes. ☀️ Compare San Diego passes ☀️– 🌏 Explore other destinations 🌏 – ✈️ Buy a pass ✈
Katie Sagal
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One Week in San Diego - 7 Day Itinerary for Your Vacation

Spending one week in San Diego but aren’t sure what to do to make the most of your time? Check out our week-long, 7 day itinerary for some suggestions on what to see and where to go. This San Diego 7 day itinerary is filled with a wide variety of attractions and activities, from theme parks and zoos to museums and tours. Visit these attractions with a 7-Day All-Inclusive Pass and save on combined admission costs vs. paying at the gate. This 7 day itinerary includes: SeaWorld San Diego Belmont Park San Diego Zoo San Diego Natural History Museum San Diego Air & Space Museum Fleet Science Center San Diego Zoo Safari Park USS Midway Museum Coronado Island LEGOLAND® California Museum of Making Music Birch Aquarium Speed Circuit: All Access Whale Watching Tour Knott’s Berry Farm DAY 1 Stop #1: SeaWorld San Diego What better place to begin your explorations than SeaWorld San Diego? Part amusement park, part conservation center, and all fun, SeaWorld has been a great family destination for decades and is adding new and exciting attractions every year. Some of the highlights of your SeaWorld experience include unparalleled animal shows, behind-the-scenes feeding demonstrations, animal encounters, thrilling amusement park rides, and so much more. Don’t forget to visit the interactive “Explorer’s Reef” exhibit! We recommend reserving between 4-5 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Belmont Park After you finish at SeaWorld, treat yourself to some old-fashioned amusement park fun with a visit to Belmont Park. Filled with classic rides and arcade games that the whole family will love, this popular San Diego attraction is a great mellow way to round out the rest of your afternoon. A few of the available rides at Belmont Park include the Giant Dipper roller coaster, a few wave rides, the Vertical Plunge, Krazy Kars bumper cars, and the Coconut Climb. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: Seaport Village (free!) Leave La Jolla and take a quick ride back down to San Diego proper for a chance to explore the popular Seaport Village area. This waterfront locale is filled with shops, restaurants, and attractions that you won’t find anywhere else. From bookstores to cafés and everything in between, you can window shop to your heart’s content in this quirky neighborhood. Or, stop in a few places in search of that perfect souvenir. This is also a great place to have dinner, if you're in search of some fun culinary options. DAY 2 Stop #1: The San Diego Zoo This popular San Diego destination is truly the heart of Balboa Park. It spans about 100 acres of the park, and is home to more than 3,700 animals from over 650 different species. Filled with creatures great and small, from the adorable Giant Pandas to the tiniest of little fish, the San Diego Zoo is the perfect destination for animal lovers. The San Diego Zoo is also one of the leaders in global conservation, rescuing and rehabilitating hundreds of animals each year. In fact, admission fees goes right back into their rescue efforts! We recommend reserving between 3-4 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: San Diego Natural History Museum With its particular focus on the history and culture of Southern California and Baja California, the San Diego Natural History Museum is a unique cultural destination in Balboa Park. The NAT (as it’s known by locals) is filled with fascinating exhibits and ancient artifacts that will delight and inspire the whole family. Some highlights of their offerings include dinosaur fossils, a collection of 200 animal skulls from their research lab, and special exhibitions on everything from whales to Mayan culture and civilization. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: San Diego Air & Space Museum This one is a must-see attraction for all space lovers. San Diego, after all, is the home of modern aviation and particularly naval aviation. Another Balboa Park stand-out, this museum is perfect for space geeks of all ages. The San Diego Air & Space Museum is filled with immersive exhibits and real restored aircraft spanning all of aviation history – truly a treat for any fan of flight. The kids will love the scope and variety of the available exhibits, and you’ll love how educational everything is. Some of the exhibits you and your family can enjoy feature a variety of mint-condition historical aircraft, including a Navy F6F Hellcat and the A-4 Skyhawk Jet, as well as the Wright EX Vin Fiz (from 1911!). We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #4: Fleet Science Center The Fleet Science Center is one of the most important scientific complexes in the region. It's also conveniently located in Balboa Park, so you don't have to travel too far from your previous attraction to explore this fun option. It’s both a museum and an active research facility, offering the best of both worlds to curious visitors. Although their collections are vast and diverse, a few of the most popular exhibits include “Cellular Journey,” “Kid City,” So Watt,” and more. Don’t forget to check out the world’s first IMAX Dome Theater. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. DAY 3 Stop #1: San Diego Safari Park This magnificent animal park is like nothing you’ve ever seen before and is probably unlike anything you’ll ever see again. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park is a truly unique institution, filled with animal encounters and experiences that go way beyond your typical zoo visit. For example, the Cheetah Run exhibit allows you to watch a cheetah go from 0-60 miles per hour in just seconds – an intimate glimpse of what their lives are like in the wild. You can also get up close (behind glass!) to lions, tigers, and many other majestic Saharan creatures. We recommend spending your entire day here. Plan on having lunch at one of their many delicious on-site restaurants. DAY 4 Stop #1: USS Midway Museum The USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum is one of the most-visited attractions in all of San Diego – for good reason! Its historic significance alone makes it worth exploring and its modern reincarnation as a world-class museum makes it worth spending plenty of time here. You’ll learn all about the battle that gave the ship its name, about aircraft carrier participation in U.S. Naval battles, and about the lives of sailors during WWII. Don’t miss their popular movie, “Battle of Midway: Voices of Midway.” We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: Coronado Bike & Kayak Rentals If you’ve got one full week to spend in San Diego, it’s definitely worth taking the time to explore Coronado, with its totally distinct culture and vibe. Hop aboard the ferry to come over. While you’re enjoying the sun in Coronado, why not be a little more active with your outdoor time with a bike, kayak, or stand up paddle board rental? This is an excellent way to explore the great outdoors in style, by land or by sea. Some of the sights you may see include Petco Park, the Embarcadero, the USS Midway, Naval Station North Island, the Silver Strand, the Convention Center and Glorietta Bay. Stop #3: Explore Coronado Island & Centennial Park (free!) There's also plenty more to see in Coronado, so you might as well spend the rest of your day here. There's the historic Hotel Del Coronado, today a resort with popular dining options (which you can enjoy without being a guest). Then, there's a golf course, multiple parks, and beaches to enjoy. As for Centennial Park, this cute little garden space is located just near the ferry landing. It provides stunning ocean views and amazing views of the San Diego skyline – the perfect photo opportunity. We recommend reserving between 30 minutes to 1 hour for this attraction. DAY 5 Stop #1: LEGOLAND® California Every kid’s favorite toys come to life at LEGOLAND® California! This fun-filled wonderland has enough exhibits, attractions, rides, and slides to keep the whole family busy for practically the entire day. The little ones will love the DUPLO® play area, and the older kids will enjoy exciting roller coasters and the famous Miniland USA. Did you know there’s also a water park and an aquarium that make up part of the larger LEGOLAND® complex? If you want the complete experience, why not check out the new LEGOLAND® hotel? We recommend reserving between 5-6 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: The Museum of Making Music The Museum of Making Music is a specialty museum dedicated to studying the art of how humans create, distribute, and enjoy music. It's also located in Carlsbad, so you don't have to drive too far from LEGOLAND to enjoy this attraction. Immerse yourself in over a century of musical history in interactive and exciting exhibits that cover all of the major developments in American musical history. With over 500 vintage instruments and hundreds of audio and video examples, the Museum of Making Music is a comprehensive portrait of the kinds of music that Americans have enjoyed and produced over time, from the player piano to the invention of modern digital music. We recommend reserving about 1 hour for this attraction. Stop #3: Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall (free!) Explore downtown Carlsbad by strolling around the Carlsbad Village Art & Antique Mall, a great hidden gem. It’s a shopper’s paradise with more than 15,000 square feet and over 100 sellers at the Art & Antique Mall itself, although there are also more shopping options in Carlsbad Village as a whole. You are also close to the Carlsbad Premium Outlets, should you be craving a more intense shopping experience. Depending on how much shopping you feel up to, we recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. DAY 6 Stop #1: Birch Aquarium Your San Diego itinerary wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Birch Aquarium at Scripps. This highly interactive oceanographic institute is the perfect destination for anyone who loves sea creatures. From various special exhibits to several marine habitats and the opportunity to interact with select sea creatures, there’s so much to do and see here that you’ll never want to leave. Some exhibits you'll find at the Aquarium of the Pacific include "Boundless Energy," "There's Something About Seahorses," and "Coral Displays." You also won’t want to miss the beautiful, unforgettable view of the Pacific that you’ll see from inside the Aquarium! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Stop #2: La Jolla Beaches What better way to take advantage of the natural beauty of La Jolla than with some good old fashioned beach time? Sun, swim, or just wander these beautiful beaches to your heart’s content and feel like a real Californian. If you’re looking for something specific to explore, check out the fascinating Shell Beach Tide Pools, located at the south end of Ellen Browning Scripps Park. We recommend reserving between 1-2 hours for this attraction. Stop #3: Speed Circuit: All Access Transition from water-bound fun to some totally awesome indoor adventures at the Eastlake Speed Circuit. Feel like you’re a real race car driver as you speed through hairpin turns and long straightaways. The state-of-the-art equipment offered at this establishment is thrilling to observe and even more exciting to drive. Advanced technology will allow you clock your lap times, aim for specific speeds, and more. It’s one of the best indoor kart tracks in the country! Make sure to pay a visit to the Thrill Park too, equipped with wipe-out trampolines, a human hamster ball arena, 50-foot zip lines, and more! DAY 7 Stop #1: Whale Watching by Newport Landing Another attraction you won’t want to miss is an informative and exciting Whale Watching and Dolphin Tour by Newport Landing. With several daily departures available, you’ll be able to enjoy one of these great cruises any time you visit. A few of the fascinating and majestic species you may see on your adventure include the California Gray Whale, Giant Blue Whales, Orcas, Minke Whales, Humpback Whales, and other sea creatures including dolphins, seals, sharks, and more. Stop #2: Knott’s Berry Farm For your last attraction of the vacation, take a short drive up north to Knott’s Berry Farm. This classic theme park attraction is both a historic establishment in California (the very first theme park) and an exciting modern destination. Enjoy dozens of thrilling rides and slides, plus other fun attractions. There are breathtaking rides for the adults and gentler rides for the little ones, so there’s something to appeal to all visitors. Some of the popular rides are coasters like GhostRider and Boomerang, thrill rides like La Revolución, and rides for the little ones like those you'll find at Camp Snoopy. Don’t forget to pick up some Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Pie! We recommend reserving between 2-3 hours for this attraction. Save on Attraction Admission So there’s your fun-filled San Diego 7-Day itinerary. It’s packed with every variety of attraction and activity you could imagine, complemented with delicious meals and fun free activities. So make the most of your one week in San Diego! Visit each of these above attractions with the 7-Day All-Inclusive Pass with Go City and save on combined admission costs. Plus, get additional discounts on shopping, dining, and more attractions. Go City® gives you the flexibility to create your own itinerary, so you can choose from dozens of top attractions and create a vacation tailored to your interests. Only have a few days in San Diego? We’ve also put together a 1 day, 2 day, and 3 day San Diego itinerary.
Katie Sagal

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