Adventure Tour

The Hotel del Coronado
This legendary landmark graces 26 beautiful oceanfront acres on Coronado Island. Built in 1888, this extravagant seaside vacation resort has hosted many dignataries and celebrities over the years. Today it is still one of the most popular locations for hosting special events or private romantic getaways.

Catamaran Resort Hotel - Mission Bay
The Catamaran Resort Hotel offers casual elegance in a tropical paradise with acres of lush foliage and sun-drenched beaches. Mission Bay, the world's largest aquatic park, is at your doorstep and the enticing waves of the Pacific Ocean are just 100 yards away. The Catamaran Tower commands a view from the shores of La Jolla to Old Mexico and over Mission Bay to Point Loma and the spectacular San Diego skyline. Sea World, the world famous San Diego Zoo and San Diego International Airport are just minutes away.

Shelter Island Vacation Resorts
Humphreys Halfmoon Inn - Shelter Island Vacation Resort
San Diego Bay Club Hotel - Shelter Island Vacation Resort
San Diego Shelter Pointe Hotel - Shelter Island Vacation Resort

San Diego Choice Hotels International
Follow this link to see a listing of all major affiliated Hotel Resorts in the greater San Diego region complete with online room search, special discount rates and online reservation booking service.

MainTour Vacation Cruise Central
Planning your next getaway? Whether you are looking for a last-minute three-day cruise to the Bahamas or a 21-day cruise through the Orient several months from now, we can help with savings of up to 70%!

Shelter Island Palms Resort - Best Western
MainTour Online Rates Special!
Beautiful waterfront hotel and marina resort overlooks scenic San Diego Bay. This excellent vacation getaway is close to many area attractions and recreational activities.

Red Lion Hanalei Hotel
2270 Hotel Circle North - San Diego, Ca, Us 92108
MainTour Online Rates Special!
The Hanalei is a first class, comfortable hotel located at Hotel Circle. All rooms feature a unique Hawaiian style decor, climate control and all the modern amenities that guests expect. Set amidst tropical palms and lush, inviting gardens, the Hanalei Hotel's intimate atrium setting is the perfect place for your stay in the heart of San Diego.

Sea World - San Diego
One of the most popular attractions in Southern California, Sea World San Diego is a giant marine zoological park with live animal shows, thrill rides, and aquarium exhibits. Home of Shamu the Killer Whale and other great adventures.

The San Diego Zoo
Located in beautiful Balboa Park, the 100-acre World-Famous San Diego Zoo cares for more than 4,000 individual animals representing 800 different species. Its collection, as well as its collection of over 6,500 species of plants, is acknowledged as one of the finest in the world.

Tour Legoland California - Carlsbad CA
Only themepark of its kind in America, over 40 major rides and attractions in the bright Legobrick colors.

Tour Flower Fields - Carlsbad Ranch
Carlsbad Ranch is a historic agricultural area renowned for its ongoing production of commercial grade ranunculas and strawberries.

> Knott's Soak City USA - Formerly Whitewater Canyon
Otay Valley Road, Chula Vista, CA 91910; (619) 661-7373; Waterpark Website;
Open: Daily Memorial Day to Labor Day and weekends in May and September; Hours 10AM-6PM;
San Diego's newest, biggest and wildest water adventure park.
22 of the most intense water rides and attractions imaginable - all themed to the longboards and surf woodies of the 1950s San Diego coast. 32-acres recreational water park with 16 waterslides, wave pool play tower and island, ballpark, volleyball pit, and picnic areas.

• Three 80-foot-high vertical chutes
• Balboa Bay - 500,000 gallon pool for waveriders
• Sunset River - Longest lazy river in California
• Colorado Express - Thrill ride with 688 feet of tube-raft ride
• Jack's Beach House - Three-story kids watersports playhouse
• Several restaurants and snack shops


Birch Aquarium at Scripps
Located adjacent to the world-renown Scripps Institute of Oceanography this facility has large salt-water aquariums primarily dedicated to the study of both cold water and tropical water marine life of the Pacific Ocean. Includes giant octopus, jelly-fish, garibaldi, kelp forest and live coral.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
Old Town San Diego State Historic Park recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and a museum. La Casa de Estudillo is a mansion built around a garden courtyard. This park covers a six block area (bounded by Wallace, Juan, Twiggs and Congress sts) re-creating the founding of the first European settlement in California. Presidio Park (located closeby) is the site of California's first mission and military fortress (1769).

Del Fairgrounds and Racetrack
This large facility is host to horse racing (July-Sept), the San Diego County Fair (June), the ScreamZone (October), and Holiday Lights (December).



Boomers - Family Fun Centers
Family Entertainment Centers featuring mini-golf, game arcades, bumber boats, batting cages, go-cart racing, laser tag, food and more. Popular destination for children's birthdays. Look for days with discount pass prices.
Boomers El Cajon - 1155 Graves Ave, El Cajon, CA 92021
Boomers San Diego - 6999 Clairemont Mesa Blvd, San Diego, CA 92111
Boomers Vista - 1525 W. Vista Way, Vista, CA 92083;

Ice Town Large indoor skating rink offers an extensive variety of ice skating programs. Daily public sessions are available for recreational skaters. Learn to skate with group skating lessons and private lessons, and progress on to both ISI and US Figure Skating competitive programs. The hockey program includes: In-House Youth Hockey, Jaguars Travel Hockey League, In-House Adult Hockey, clinics, and tournaments.



Coronado Cays Gondola Rides
4000 Coronado Bay Road, Coronado, Ca 92118-3290; (619) 429-6317; Venue Website;
Love floats along when you take a gondola ride thru the Coronado Cays Canals. Take a romantic one-hour guided tour in a genuine 36-foot-long Venice Gondola. Ask about special dinner and brunch packages. Hint some riders pack a plate of chocolate-covered strawberries.

San Diego Wild Animal Park - San Pasqual Valley
Cageless zoo lets you see major animals in their natural environment.

Tour Balboa Park - San Diego
Dozens of museums, art galleries, libraries, gardens, and many other attractions. Find out when to visit for free. Over 1400 acres of beautiful gardens, grassy picnic area and groves of exotic palm and eucalyptus trees

San Diego Harbor Excursion
1050 N. Harbor Dr., San Diego, CA 92110; 1-800-44-CRUISE; Venue Website;
Offers charters, ferry and water taxi service, harbor tours, dinner cruises and whale watching.

Other Attractions:
Carlsbad Strawberry Fields - - Giant commercial field that is visible from the I-5 Freeway at Cannon Rd (Legoland exit)
Balloon Rides - Del Mar Sunset Balloon Rides
Socal Seaplanes - Family fun guided adventure
Socal Helicopters - Family fun guided adventure

Old Town Hacienda Suites
San Diego Best Western Hotel
This secluded hillside vacation resort reflects the historic traditions of California taking you back two hundred years in time. Enjoy spacious comfort in your private vacation suite in classic style. This resort is located in the heart of San Diego's historic Old Town village and is close to famous attractions such as the Zoo, Balboa Park, Embarcadero, Sea World, Mission Bay, Presidio, Mission, Seaport Village and more.

Marriott Coronado Island Resort
This sixteen acre vacation paradise is an exotic island retreat located on the San Diego Bay near the bay bridge and downtown Coronado. Water taxi ferry service makes for a fun, easy trip to downtown San Diego. Hotel services includes banquet facilities and watersports equipment.

San Diego Beach Haven Inn - Pacific Beach -
Located on Mission Boulevard in San Diego's Pacific Beach area. Easy access to Sea World, La Jolla and Mission Bay area attractions, entertainment and restaurants.

Mission Valley Doubletree Hotel
Hotel Circle San Diego
Hop on the trolley to downtown San Diego or Petco Park Baseball Stadium. Love to shop? Within walking distance to the Doubletree Hotel is the Fashion Valley Shopping Mall with several popular restaurants and retail stores.

Mission Valley Radisson
Hotel Circle San Diego
Located in the Heart of Mission Valley.Minutes from Downtown/ Sea World/ the Zoo and Beaches. Come Stay For Business and Pleasure. Newly Renovated Hotel is Centrally Located Just Minutes from Gas Lamp District.Convention Center. Golf Destinations.

So. Calif. Wilderness Adventures
Order Free Travel Guides Here!
Discover California's natural wonders when you explore to a scenic backdrop of amazing desert, mountain, islands and coastal terrain. Southern California features many exciting high wilderness adventures opportunities for rock climbing, mountaineering, ocean sailing, camping, hiking and more.

Handlery Hotel and Resort -
950 HOTEL CIRCLE NORTH, SAN DIEGO, CA 92108 USA / View Map
A Modern First-class hotel - The Handlery offers a health club equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment. A shopping center is within walking distance. The hotel completed renovations in 1999 - updating all guest rooms. All of the guest rooms are comfortable and nicely equipped to give a feeling of being home while away from home. The hotel also has a variety of facilities and services that are sure to meet the needs of both business and leisure travellers. Full health club facility available.

Romantic Getaways of the Southwest
Lake Tahoe - Popular wilderness destination winter or summer.
Morro Bay - California Central Coastline resort destination.
Sedona - Famous Arizona red rock desert resort community
Lake Mead - Watersport recreation area located near Las Vegas
Park City - Hosted many wintersport competition venues during the 2002 Winter Olympics
Big Bear Lake - Southern California mountain retreat.

More Local Area Museums
See also the following Museums So California, La Jolla Museums, East San Diego Museums, North San Diego Museums, Imperial Valley Museums.

The Maritime Museum
1492 N Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-234-9153; Museum Website;
The Maritime Museum of San Diego features one of the finest collections of historic ships in the world, including; the world’s oldest active ship Star of India.


The Star of India - Historic 1863 three-masted vessel sailing ship that has completed many Historical attraction and floating marine museum. Summer features outdoor movies on-deck.
Berkeley> - an 1898 steam ferryboat that operated for 60 years on San Francisco Bay.
Californian - was built from the ground up in 1984 at Spanish Landing in San Diego Bay.
Medea - Steam yacht built in 1904 for a scottish tycoon.
HMS Surprise - The ship used in the academy award winning film, Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World found a permanent home at the Maritime Museum of San Diego in 2004. The HMS Surprise is a magnificent replica of an 18th century Royal Navy frigate.
Submarine B-39 - one of the largest conventionally powered submarines ever built for the Russian Navy.

Rueben H. Fleet Space Theater and Science Center
1875 El Prado, Balboa Park, CA 92101; (619) 238-1233; Center Website;
Open: Daily 9:30AM - 6PM (extended in summer); Free Admission on 1st Tuesday of each month;
Included here are:

• The IMAX Dome - World's first OmniMax Theater (1973) with 180 degree domed ceiling screen with multimedia planetarium and two continuous shows. Call for current times and prices.
• Exhibit Galleries - Natural phenomena learning centers with many "hands-on" interactive stations. Topics cover weather, planet earth, light, motion, human body, and illusions.
• Planetarium Show - Professional astronomy indoor astronomy display on first wednesday of each month 7PM.
• Summer Camps - Weekly half-day science summer camps

USS Midway CV-41 -
San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum
910 N. Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101; 619.541.9600 Museum Website;
Open Daily : 10AM-5PM (Exc: Christmas and Thanksgiving);
The USS Midway was the longest-serving carrier in the history of the U.S. Navy. Today she has embarked as a museum, tribute and education center. This museum features over 28 exhibits and excess to many important areas of this great warship. Midway is available for a variety of military ceremonies including reenlistments, retirements, change of commands, promotions, pinnings, and commissionings.

San Diego Model Railroad Museum - Balboa Park
Casa de Balboa; 1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101-1621; (619) 696-0199; Museum Website;
Open: Tues-Fri 11-4 / Sat-Sun 11-5;
Children under 15 are free with Adult; Free Admission on 1st Tuesday of each month;
Worlds largest operating model railroad museum. Besides four enormous scale model railroad layouts, there are many other exhibits and interactive displays. Includes Toy Train Gallery, working semaphore, and interactive Lionel layout for children. Great for train fans.
San Diego Model Railroad Club - Maintains exhibits at the museum.

San Diego Hall of Champions - Balboa Park
2131 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, CA 92101; (619) 234-2544; Museum Website;
Open: Daily 10AM-5PM (Exc: Thnksgvng, Dec 25, Jan 1);
Fourth Tuesday of every month is Free.
A must see for all sports fans with over 70,000 sq.ft. of display area on three floors. This exciting, entertaining and enthralling museum celebrates athletic accomplishments of hometown heroes.

Natural History Museum - Balboa Park
1788 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101; (619) 232-3821; Museum Website;
Open Daily 9:30-5:30;
Free Admission on 1st Tuesday of each month;
Photos and text provide great education for kids and adults. Located at east end of Balboa Park. Exhibits on plants, animals and geology of So. Calif.



The San Diego Firehouse Museum - Little Italy
1572 Columbia St., San Diego, CA 92101; 619-232-3473;
Founded in 1962, the Firehouse Museum occupies the former home of San Diego Fire Station No. 6, which now resides at First Avenue and B Street, the City Operations Building. The museum’s brick-and-mortar building in Little Italy features all manner of fire-fighting gear imaginable and pays tribute to firemen who have answered the call of duty.

San Diego Childrens Museum
New Facility Opening - May 2008
Museum Website
Since 1981 the museum has offered an assortment of dynamic, arts-based education programs and exhibits that cultivate creativity, originality and individuality, the Museum seeks to uncover hidden talents, raise new questions, and encourage creative thinking. Frequented by elementary schools and family visitors, the Museum is designed to engage all ages — including toddlers, teens, parents and grandparents.

Museum of Unnatural History
530 Market Street, San Diego, CA 92101; Museum Website;
The Museum of Unnatural History features a variety of cursed and mysterious artifacts from around the world. These treasures help to unfold stories of the past—from Europe’s oldest documented literature to the unknown origin of crystal skulls that some say predict the end of mankind to well-known Egyptian curses.

Museum of San Diego History - Balboa Park
San Diego Historical Society
1649 El Prada, Casa de Balboa, San Diego, CA 92101; (619) 232-6203; Museum Website;
Open Thur-Sat : 10AM-4PM; Free Admission on 2nd Tues of month.
presents . This museum offers permanent and changing exhibitions on the colorful and diverse history of the region. Public lectures, workshops and educational programs are presented in the museum's 100-seat Thornton Theatre.

Museum of Man - Balboa Park
El Prada, (619) 239-2001; Museum Website;
Open: Daily 10-4:30 (exc: holidays); Third Tuesday of every month is Free;
Explore the mystery, beauty, and excitement of San Diego's only anthropological museum. One of the nation's best collections of artifacts, folk art, and archaeological finds that tell the heritage of mankind and ancient cultures. Museum is located in the California Building (1915).
GigaPixel - Museum of Man Photo Gallery - Building Architecture

San Diego Automotive Museum - Balboa Park
2080 Pan American Plaza #12, Balboa Park, CA 92101; (619) 231-2886; Museum Website;
Open: Daily 10AM-5PM (Exc: Thanksgiving, Dec 25, Jan 1);
Located at south end of park, this museum is a showcase for over 80 classic and historically significant vehicles. Exhibits range from horse carriages to 50's favorites, muscle cars and motorcycles. Several futuristic inovactive designs also on display. Email about upcoming special exhibits.

San Diego Aerospace Museum - Balboa Park
2001 Pan American Plaza, Balboa Park, CA 92101; (619) 234-8291; Museum Website;
Open Daily: 10AM-5:30PM (Exc: Thanksgiving, Dec 25, Jan 1);
Ask about special Behind The Scenes Restoration Tours;
The museum brings to life aviation's rich heritage through dazzling collection of over 65 U.S. and foreign aircraft and spacecraft. Exhibits range from the down of powered flight thru both world wars and into the modern jet age.

California Journal
Magazine Subscription
Brings its readers lively, non-partisan reporting on politics, people and issues on the cutting edge of the nation's leading state. The award-winning Journal contains articles on issues, profiles of state decision makers, and intelligent columns, all presented in an inviting and readable format.

Museum of Making Music - Carlsbad Ranch
Exhibits date back to 1890 to trace this history of innovations in popular music. Over rare 450 musical instruments on display in a 6,500 sq. ft. exhibit space divided into five major themes. Research library and archives are also available. Their goal is to preserve, exhibit and promote the history of the music products industry. Ask about guided tours.

Flying Leatherneck Aviation Museum - MCAS Miramar
The museum is expanding onto a 8-acre plot at the military airfield at Miramar. Exhibits include over 25 original combat aircraft and helicopters on public display. The best time to visit is on "Open Cockpit Day" when visitor can explore the interior of some of these famous planes.

MCRD San Diego Command Museum
Marine Corps Recruit Depot, 1600 Henderson Ave, San Diego, CA 92140; 619-524-4426; Museum Website;
Open Mon-Sat : 8AM-4PM; Free Admission;
Located at the historic San Diego Marine Corps Recruit Depot is one of the most extensive and comprehensive displays of Marine Corps historical items in the Nation.

San Diego Railroad Museum - Campo CA
Large collection of vintage locomotives and railcars. Public tours of work shops available. Train rides run twice a day on Sat/Sun (and some holidays) departing at noon and 2:30PM on a 16-mile loop pulled by a vintage diesel or steam locomotive.

Coronado's Art in the Park
Spreckles Park (Orange & 7th), Coronado, CA; 619-435-3555; Show Website;
1st & 3rd Sundays : 9AM-4PM;
Over fifty quality artists working in oil, acrylic and watercolor painting, etching, photography, wood and metal working, stained glass, ceramics and a variety of other unusual and distinctive art forms.



More Local Museums
Scripps Institution of Oceanography
San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park;
Coronado History Association - Museum promotes the appreciation, knowledge, and understanding of Coronado's unique art, architecture, history and other historical resources.

More Local Libraries

Timken Museum of Art
Plaza de Panama, Balboa Park; 1500 El Prada, San Diego CA 92101; (619) 239-5548; Gallery Website;
Guided Tours Tues-Thurs. Open Tues-Sat 10-4:30 and Sun 1:30-4:30 Only for Oct-Aug;
Located in San Diego's beautiful Balboa Park, the Timken Museum of Art houses the world-class Putnam Foundation Collection of European old masters American art, and Russian icons. Artworks in the collection range from 13th-century altarpieces through 18th-century portraits to 19th-century still lifes, many by European Old Masters.

San Diego Museum of Art
1450 El Prado, SD 92101. (619) 232-7931;
Open: Tues-Sun 10-4:30; Tours daily at 10,11,12:30,1:30;
This facility is world renowned for its sophisticated collection of Italian Renaissance and Spanish Baroque Art collections. Over 10,500 permanent piece collection ranges from early Eqyptian to the 20th century. Many frequent cultural exchange exhibits. Museum was established in 1915 as a result of the Pan-American exposition of that year.

Mingei International Museum
Traditional and Contemporary Gallery of Folk Art, Crafts and Design;
1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, CA; (619) 239-0003; Gallery Website;
Open: Tues-Sun 10AM-4PM;
Mingei is a special word increasingly used throughout the world for "Arts Of The People." Within a contemporary, architecturally designed setting, exhibitions are composed of the finest examples of creative expression.

San Diego Chinese Historical Museum
404 3rd Ave, San Diego, CA 92101-6803; Museum Website;
Since opening in 1996, the museum has presented more than 39 exhibits highlighting the rich tradition of Chinese culture and history in San Diego and the world. The Museum also features a library of books on Chinese culture and a tranquil garden with koi pond.

Museum of Photographic Arts
Casa de Balboa; 1649 El Prado, San Diego CA 92101; (619) 238 7559; Gallery Website;
Open: Daily 10-5.
Second Tuesday of every month is Free.
Since its founding in 1983, the Museum of Photographic Arts (MoPA) has been devoted to collecting, conserving and exhibiting the entire spectrum of the photographic medium.

Museum of the Living Artist
San Diego Art Institute, 1439 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101; (619) 236-0011; Gallery Website;
A new exhibition of works by talented Southern California regional artists opens every four to six weeks in this specially designed 10,000 square-foot, state-of-the-art gallery space, dedicated to the advancement of the visual arts through outreach, education, and exhibition.

More Local Art Galleries
Museum of Contemporary Art - La Jolla CA - Permanent exhibits of minimalist, conceptual and California Artworks. Many rotating exhibits year-round.

Glorietta Bay Inn
This historic Coronado Island landmark is the 1908 mansion home of sugar baron John Spreckles. Each of the eleven guestrooms in this famous mansion is a unique and one-of-a-kind vacation treat featuring luxury old world furnishings and decor artwork.

Southern California Bookstore
This site features the best regional magazines, roadmaps, guidebooks, local history, folklore, fiction, recreation, adventure and more.

Tour Pasadena California
Best known for the Tournament of Roses Parade and Bowl Game. Tourists may also enjoy visits to Old Town Pasadena which features a huge variety of choices of restaurants, shopping centers, night clubs, bars, and movie theaters, and 'Paseo Colorado,' which features a unique collection of retail stores, fine and casual dining and garden promenades.

Cabrillo National Monument - Point Loma
Located on the tip of Point Loma - this major landmark offers the best scenic views of the San Diego skyline and a host of other great features. It is also a great vista to watch the big ships sail in or out of San Diego Bay. The monument includes a tall statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who is credited with the discovery of San Diego Bay on Sept 28, 1542 and the first European to ever set foot on what is now the US West Coast.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
California's First Church
10818 San Diego Mission Road, San Diego, CA 92108-2429; (619) 281-8449; Church Website;
Visitor Center : Museum and Gift Shop Open Daily : 9AM-4:45PM;
First of the 21 missions and known as the Mother of the Missions, Mission San Diego de Alcala was founded on July 16, 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra. It was designated as a Minor Basilica in 1976 by Pope Paul VI. The Mission today is an active Catholic Parish in the Diocese of San Diego.
Tour Old California Missions - Special Adventure Feature



San Diego Mormon Temple - La Jolla CA
Although admittance is restricted to members of the LDS church, the exterior grounds are open to free public guided tours daily. The best time to visit (but also most crowded) is on Saturdays when an average of over two dozen wedding parties are passing through to solemnize marriage vows and to take pictures on the lawns and gardens.

Mt Soledad Veterans Memorial - La Jolla CA
Six concentric walls will hold 3,200 black granite plaques make up this reverant and unique memorial that honors veterans and active military - living and deceased - from all USA wars and conflicts. Landmark includes large hilltop cross and flagpole.

Mission San Luis Rey de Francia - Oceanside
Known as the "King of Missions" - Mission San Luis Rey was founded in 1787 and is the largest of the California missions and a national landmark. Franciscan friars at the mission conduct regular tours. This church still holds regular worship services and hosts special functions during the week.

Marston House
3525 7th Ave, San Diego, CA 92103; Balboa Park; 619-298-3142; Mansion Website;
Open weekends 12-4. Fri-Sun.
Great mansion located in the northwest coroner of Balboa Park, that was built 1905 by George W. Marston - an early affluent San Diego pioneer and department store magnate. Today it functions as an Arts and Crafts Mansion. Furnished in the style of the American Arts and Crafts Movement of the early 20th century, the interior reflects the architects' commitment to function and simplicity of design. Five acres of landscaped grounds offer a picturesque blend of English Romantic themes with California influences. The Marston House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is available to rent for meetings, parties or weddings.

Villa Montezuma
1925 K St. (20th and K streets) San Diego CA; 619- 239-2211; Mansion Website;
Built in 1887 for internationally-celebrated author and musician Jesse Shepard, this Victorian house offers an exotic exterior, ornate interior and art glass windows.

Veterans Museum and Memorial Center
2115 Park Boulevard, San Diego, Ca 92101; (619) 239-2300; Museum Website;
Located at the former San Diego Naval Hospital Chapel at Inspiration Point in Balboa Park, part of a complex of architecturally significant buildings with rich historical connections to the San Diego region's naval heritage. Museum group was formed in March 1989 to create, maintain and operate an institution to honor and perpetuate the memories of all men and women who have served in the Armed Forces of the United States of America.

More Area Historic Landmarks
La Jolla Women's Club - La Jolla CA - Historic building in La Jolla Village available for weddings and receptions.

Cabrillo National Monument
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106; (619) 557-5450; NPS Website;
Open Daily : 9AM - 5PM; Admission is Free;

Located on the tip of Point Loma - this major landmark offers the best scenic views of the San Diego skyline and a host of other great features. It is also a great vista to watch the big ships sail in or out of San Diego Bay.

The monument includes a tall statue of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who is credited with the discovery of San Diego Bay on Sept 28, 1542 and the first European to ever set foot on what is now the US West Coast. A statue sculpted by Alvaro DeBree, a Portuguese sculptor, was dedicated in memory of Cabrillo in Sept. 1935.

Access from I-5 or I-8 Freeways, follow SR-209 (Rosecrans Exit) to Canon St to Catalina Blvd and to the end. There is a $4 entrance fee to the parking lot. Everything else is Free . Start your tour from the Visitors Center.

• Monument and Visitors Center.
• Old Lighthouse open to public.
• Aquatic Tide Pools open to public (located along bottom of cliffs on the oceanside).
• Bayside Hiking Trails.
• Whale Watching - Catch the annual migration of the California Gray Whale - Late Dec. to Late February.


Old Point Loma Lighthouse
This landmark has been restored to be its original appearance. Housed in the reconstructed Assistant Keepers’ Quarters building adjacent to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, a new museum exhibit offers numerous hands-on and interactive features telling the story of lighthouse activity here since the 1880's. A nearby historic military building, the exhibit They Stood the Watch presents the history of Fort Rosecrans.

Bayside Trail
The 1.2 mile trail begins at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and descends 300 feet through endangered native coastal sage scrub habitat, passing remnants of World War I and II coastal defense systems. Wayside panels tell about wildlife and fire ecology, and the park benches are scenic places to stop and take in the views.

Coastal Tidepools
Some of the best coastal tidepools of California are located on the ocean side of the Cabrillo Monument. The very best time for tidepooling is during the winter months, when those good negative low tides occur during daylight hours when the park is open. In the summer months, the negative low tides generally occur in the middle of the night.

Loews Coronado Bay Resort
Located south of the famous Silver Strand on a private 15-acre peninsula in the romantic Coronado Cays area. This vacation resort features 440 waterfront guestrooms with view to either the San Diego Bay and Pacific Ocean. Many first-class recreation amenities are available including three swimming pools, modern health club, watesports, tennis courts and much more.

Hawaiian Island Getaway
One of the most popular tourism destinations in the world is the Hawaiian Islands. Local attractions include touring royal palaces, miles of beautiful beaches and polynesian cultural entertainment venues.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park
San Diego Avenue at Twiggs Street, San Diego, CA, 92110; 619-220-5422; State Park Website;
Open: Daily 10AM-5PM / All buildings closed Dec 25 and Thanksgiving;
Free Admission; Tour Brochure ($2) at Seeley Stables;
Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce - directory to over 150 restaurants, shops, and historical sites in Old Town, the Birthplace of California.
San Diego History Association - Profiles on many local historic sites in Old Town.
Save Our Heritage Organization - Saving San Diego's past for future generations.

This park covers a six block area (bounded by Wallace, Juan, Twiggs and Congress sts) re-creating the founding of the first European settlement in California. Several of San Diego's original buildings are located here. Presidio Park (located closeby) is the site of California's first mission and military fortress (1769).

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park recreates life in the Mexican and early American periods of 1821 to 1872. Five original adobes are part of the complex, which includes shops, restaurants and a museum. La Casa de Estudillo is a mansion built around a garden courtyard.

Old Town is a thriving community with over 10,000 residents. There are many shops, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues here. Begin your tour at the Park Headquarters, parking is limited - consider using the S.D. Trolley to get here.

Bazaar Del Mundo
South-of-the-border style shopping and dining village. Special attractions include mariachi bands and hand-crafted gifts from around the world.

Heritage Park
Located adjacent to Old Town Historic Park 619-291-9784 - includes beautifully restored Victorian homes and other buildings that today house shops, offices, restaurants, and innhouses.



Serra Museum - Presidio Park
2727 Presidio Drive, San Diego, CA 92110; (619) 297-3258; Museum Website;
Includes 120 acres atop Presidio Hill, overlooking Old Town. Active archeological dig continues to make many noteworthy discoveries. Marks the site of the first California Mission built by Father Serra in 1769. Museum exhibits cover Indian, Spanish and Mexican historical periods.

Mormon Battalion Visitors Center - Old Town San Diego
2510 Juan St., San Diego, CA 92110; 619-298-3317; Museum Website;
Open Daily : 9AM-9PM; Free Admission.
LDS Church operated museum commerating the 1847 completion of the longest infantry march in US History, over 2000 miles from Council Bluffs, Iowa to San Diego. The Mormon Battalion consisted of five companies that totaled over 500 men. Multimedia presentations, historic artifacts and paintings.
US Mormon Battalion Association - Includes history, rosters, galleries, companies, and links.
US Army of the West - Includes history, rosters, galleries, companies, and links.
Southern California Mormon Adventure - other LDS Landmarks and Festivals in this area
Mission San Luis Rey de Franca - Historic Catholic Mission in Oceanside, California was an important stopover for the Mormon Battalion.
Mormon Battalion Commemoration [4th Sat of Jan] - Annual Military Parade and Dutch Oven Bakeoff in San Diego Old Town State Park - Children's crafts and games, pioneer music, living history reenactments, wagon rides.

More Old Town Historic Museums & Landmarks
The Whaley House - California's oldest brick structure built in 1856 by Thomas Whaley, who established the first brickyard in San Diego for its construction.
Wells Fargo History Museum - historically refurnished Wells Fargo Agent's office with pioneer exhibits.

Coronado Hotel Del Vacation Resort
Located on 31 beachfront acres is this legendary vacation getaway built in 1888.

Romantic Getaways of the Southwest
Lake Tahoe - Popular wilderness destination winter or summer.
Morro Bay - California Central Coastline resort destination.
Sedona - Famous Arizona red rock desert resort community
Lake Mead - Watersport recreation area located near Las Vegas
Park City - Hosted many wintersport competition venues during the 2002 Winter Olympics
Big Bear Lake - Southern California mountain retreat.

San Diego Grand Hyatt Resort
Standing at 40 stories with 1625 waterview guestrooms, the Hyatt Regency San Diego is the tallest waterfront building on the west coast.

San Diego Campground Directory
CampClubUSA save 50% off published rates!
Choose from our ever-expanding network of campgrounds. Check our online directory for the most current listing of hundreds of choices nationwide. With all of our campgrounds inspected and rated by Woodall's, it's easy to feel at home away from home.

Quail Botanical Gardens
The only botanical garden in San Diego County, this park has one of the world's most diverse plant collections. Scenic trails take visitors to 20 unique gardens, a 60 foot waterfall in a tropical rain forest and North America's largest display of bamboo.

Cabrillo National Monument - Point Loma
Located on the tip of Point Loma - this major landmark offers the best nature trails and scenic views of the San Diego skyline and a host of other great features. It is also a great vista to watch the big ships sail in or out of San Diego Bay.

San Dieguito River Park
Partially completed Coast-to-Crest wilderness trail follows the path of the San Dieguito Rivier. The Park will someday extend from the ocean at Del Mar to Volcan Mountain, just north of Julian and may even connect with the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park just beyond. It will wind past Rancho Santa Fe, Fairbanks Ranch, Escondido, Lake Hodges and Lake Sutherland.



Scripps Institution of Oceanography - UCSD
Scripps Institution of Oceanography (founded in 1903) is one of the oldest, largest, and most important centers for marine science research, graduate training, and public service in the world. Ongoing investigations include the topography and composition of the ocean bottom, waves and currents, and the flow and interchange of matter between seawater and the ocean bottom or the atmosphere. Scripps's research ships are used in these investigations throughout the world's oceans. As many as 300 research projects may be underway at any time under that guidance of the 1300 staff members.



Chula Vista Nature Center
1000 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910; 619-409-5900; Center Website;
Located on Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge on beautiful San Diego Bay, the Chula Vista Nature Center is an internationally recognized zoo/aquarium exhibiting plants and animals native to San Diego Bay and marsh/wetland habitats. Exhibits include endangered Green Sea Turtles, shorebirds, hawks, sharks, stingrays, and jellyfish.

Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego - Balboa Park
2215 Pan American Road, San Diego, CA 92101; 619-232-2721; Garden Website;
The garden expansion will complete the nine acres in the lower level and include an Herb and Tea Garden with walking trails and viewing pavilion, a waterfall and lily pond, a traditional Tea House and a contemporary Tea House, each with its own garden, a cherry tree grove and an outdoor amphitheater.

Border Field State Park
Tijuana River Refuge
Historic beach front site contains much of the Tijuana River National Estuarine Research Reserve, an important wildlife habitat. The salt and freshwater marshes give refuge to migrating waterfowl and resident wading birds, such as black-necked stilt, avocet, teal, American widgeon and pelican. The park offers hiking, horse trails, surf fishing and birding.

Glen Abbey Memorial Park
3838 Bonita Rd., Bonita, CA 91902; 619-498-4600; Cemetary Website;
Cemetary memorial park located along the south of the Sweetwater River in Bonita.

Fort Rosecrans National Cemetery
P.O. Box 6237, San Diego, CA 92166; Phone: (619) 553-2084; VA Website;
Visition : Mon-Fri 8AM-4:30PM / Sat-Sun : 9:30AM - 5PM;
This 77.5 acre hillside plot is the final resting place for 86,000 former service members of our country. Many Fort Rosecrans interments date to the early years of the California Territory, including the remains of the casualties of the battle of San Pasqual fought near San Diego at the height of the Mexican-American War. Another notable monument here commemorates the deaths of 62 sailors in a boiler explosion aboard the USS Bennington while anchored in San Diego Harbor on July 21, 1905. A number of other monuments commemorate the fallen of several major battles of the Pacific Fleet in WWII.

San Diego Bay National Wildlife Refuge Sweetwater Marsh
1080 Gunpowder Point Dr, Chula Vista, CA 91910; 619-691-1262; FWS Website;
The refuge, comprising 316 acres of salt marsh and coastal uplands and includes the Sweetwater Marsh wildlife habitat - More than 200 species of birds have been recorded on the refuge.

More Area Gardens and Nature Parks
Self Realization Fellowship - Encinitas CA - Retreat and Hermitage Grounds. Yoga and meditation center founded by Paramahansa Yogananda.
San Diego - La Jolla Underwater Park;