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Traveling in San Diego

Known for its miles upon miles of brilliant and sandy beaches, warm climate, and moderate weather, San Diego has become one of the most desirable places to live or visit in the United States and in the world. San Diego and the surrounding area has an interesting geography, ranging from the snow-capped mountains in the northeast to the Sonoran Desert in the east and the Cleveland National Forest in the central portion of the county. Traveling between these geographical extremes is quite simple thanks to the extensive local interstate system.

For many visitors who find San Diego vacation rentals, exploring San Diego can be a lot of fun. In fact, some of Southern California’s best attractions are based in the area. San Diego Zoo’s, the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park, Legoland California, the Birch Aquarium, Sea World, and the Wave Waterpark are some of the region’s biggest landmarks and absolute must-sees for any vacation to San Diego. For those who don’t wish to visit some of the area’s theme parks, a simple beach day may be in order. San Diego is home to some of the best sunsets and cleanest strips of white sand beach for sunbathing, surfing, and other water sports.

San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park

San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular and famous zoo’s known throughout the world, but if you also wish to see the zoo’s “sister park,” check out the Sand Diego Wild Animal Park. Both attractions are operated by the not-for-profit Zoological Society of San Diego. The Wild Animal Park is a beautiful, expansive 1,800 acre property that is home to more than 3,500 animals of 429 species, including the largest population of rhinos in any zoological facility. The park is also home to one of the only California condor exhibits in the world. All animals live in large habitats designed specifically to mimic their own native habitat rather than in cages or behind glass.

Although the park offers many walking exhibits, similar to what you may see at a zoo, the most popular attraction at the park and by far the best way to see all of the animals living in this 1,800 acre park is by riding the Wild Animal Park’s Photo Caravan Safaris. These safaris take tourists through the numerous designed natural habitats, all of which cannot be accessed by walking. On these safaris you will be able to see the wide expanses of land that make up the Wild Animal Park and you will definitely come up close to animals such as rhinoceroses and giraffes. Some popular special experiences and events you may want to look into include Summer Evenings at the Park, Concert: Rockola, Summer Camp, Dino Mountain, Flighttline, Roar & Snore Sleepovers, and the Rolling Safari Tour-Offroad Segway X2.

San Diego Vacations

Things To Do In San Diego

Fishing Charters Of San Diego

The Beauty Of Visiting San Diego

With so many vacation spots it’s easy to see why California a popular state to visit. There is the elegant beauty of San Francisco and the allure of Los Angeles and Hollywood. While these are both great vacation destinations, you should also consider the shores of San Diego.

San Diego has a number of great places to see, historic and otherwise. One of these places is Balboa Park, an urban park that is home to fifteen art museums with constantly changing exhibits. One of the newer museums is dedicated to San Diego’s history. While here, you may see a variety of performing arts and beautiful gardens.

Ocean lovers will be happy to visit Mission Beach and the great boardwalk that calls it home. This beach is perfect for a sunset stroll or a dip in the water during the hot afternoon.

Those looking for an exciting nightlife will definitely want to visit the Gas Lamp Quarter. Sixteen blocks of trendy shops and great restaurants, you’re sure to be here until the wee morning hours. The Little Italy District is being revived by those who lived and worked there for years, and is also filled with great restaurants.

Sea World is one of San Diego’s best and most loved attracted attractions. Whether you’re just to one person, or a group of people, you will not want to miss a trip here. The marine life is exciting to watch, and you’re sure to spend much of your day here. The San Diego Zoo is another great animal exhibit in San Diego. You can find a number of exotic animals and see the rare giant panda on your visit.

San Diego is a must see destination if you’re taking a vacation to California. If you’re planning on stopping in major cities along California’s coast, this is a stop that you definitely should plan on visiting. You won’t be disappointed

Oceanside a Good San Diego Starting Point

The community of Oceanside was once a very large military town, and while it has diminished it is still possible to see many young military members throughout Oceanside. As for the houses, the tiny beach bungalows have been transformed into luxurious beachfront homes. Oceanside is becoming a great place to invest as this city is attracting many businesses and resorts and 17 percent of visitors hail from Europe. Vacationers will find all sorts of accommodations while in Oceanside, including vacation rentals.

My recent visit to Oceanside took place in early 2008, where my party stayed at the Wyndham Ocean Pier Resort. This resort has the best location, right across from the Oceanside Pier. While this resort rents units, it is generally easier to find units available for purchase. The Wyndham resort has spectacular ocean views and a wide range of beach activities, where you can see swimmers and bicyclists equally enjoying the shore. From my sixth floor-unit, I could see everything.

My unit had two bedrooms, and was decorated with playful colors like aqua and lime green, and was equipped with three flat-screen televisions and a complete kitchen. The furniture that filled our unit was fun, and fit with the vacation motif. Each of us enjoyed the views from our unit, while reading the paper and enjoying a cup of coffee over this fantastic California beach.

Oceanside has a reputation as an amazing surf town, and while on vacation, my party witnessed a competition underway near the Oceanside Pier. Judges were situated on a platform on the beach, analyzing each move while awarding points. All the visitors on this beach watched in awe as the surfers executed daring moves upon the ocean waves. Instead of finding soccer or baseball camp in Oceanside, you’ll find surfing camp offered by Oceanside Parks and Recreation.

Oceanside Harbor is just a short distance from the beach, and is where private boats are kept and visitors can find a way onto the water in a variety of ways. Visitors can find a variety of fishing charters here; when my visit took place, there was a shark fishing trip priced for $70 a person. Kayaks tours around the harbor are available through OEX Kayak. The lighthouse that also calls this harbor home houses Old Skull Rentals, where surfboards, body-boards, wetsuits are available for your ocean adventures. Once you’re ready to take a break and replenish your energy, stop at the many harbor restaurants that each have unique ocean views.

History buffs will enjoy the Mission San Luis Rey, also known as the “King of the Missions.” This mission is a National Historic Landmark, and is currently undergoing improvements. Spanning over 56 acres, some new additions to this landmark include walking trails and interpretive gardens that seek to replicate the plant life that was present during the mission’s early years. Artifacts are also here for perusing.

As mentioned before, Camp Pendleton is located near Oceanside, and it is possible to tour this military base. Tours are available when the threat level is low. Call 760-725-5569 for more information.

Oceanside Museum of Art is a relatively new addition to this attraction available in this city. Designed by modern architect, Frederick Fisher, this building is a two-story, 16,000 square-foot pavilion that hosts both art exhibitions and special events in the area.

Don’t forget to get a taste of the local culture, and visit Highway 101 Café, the oldest continuously-operating restaurant on the eponymous highway. This is perfect for those who enjoy 50s themed diners, as the food and vintage photos scattered throughout this restaurant are sure to make you reminisce. The Sunset Market is a local event that takes place every Thursday night through the year. Four city blocks are shut down so any intrepid visitors may enjoy live music, and purchase fresh produce and art from local vendors.

San Diego is 38 miles from Oceanside, making it perfect for anyone who wants to get some air away from the city, but definitely close enough to visit some famous attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.

Wildlife enthusiasts may like the Rancho Buena Vista Lagoon, where the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center and Museum is located. Visitors can walk scenic paths along the lagoon and observe different waterfowl. This is the only fresh-water lagoon in California, as well as San Diego’s only Audubon nature center.

Legoland is south of the Oceanside city limits, and is a theme park designed around these treasured childhood toys. Geared towards 2-12 year olds, there are dozens of rides here. You’re sure to see as many as 10,000 people scattered throughout this 128 acre park. Locals also enjoy this park, as 70,000 residents have annual passes. Kids aren’t the only ones who have fun, as parents and grandparents are invited to join in. Everyone can participate in building model racecars or participate in pirate ship water fights. Legoland features more than 15,000 lego creations in the park, ranging from cars to cities and animals. These toy building blocks certainly have made a name for themselves so check them out!

AT A GLANCE

WHERE:

Oceanside is one of several beach communities in North San Diego County. It is a 30 minute drive north of San Diego on Interstate 5, and many vacations based in this county utilize day trips to San Diego.

WHAT:

Oceanside is a “bedroom community” that has quickly become a tourist destination with great beaches, shopping and restaurants.

WHEN:

Anytime of the year, but keep note that it is slower in the spring and fall seasons.

WHY:

Oceanside has a very unique local culture, and is slower when compared to other beaches in the San Diego area. This city is very close to San Diego, and is perfect for having lodgings outside the busy city life.

Extended Stay Hotel for a Temporary Housing in San Diego

Great San Diego Attractions