While the economy may have dampened your vacation spirit this summer, dont rule out family daytrips! Just a couple of hours away from Los Angeles, San Diego has a world of sun, fun, and lots to do for everyone.
Here are 10 cheap stops for your family's San Diego summer trip:
1. San Diego Fair Since 1880, this fair has grown to become one of San Diegos most beloved annual summer events. This years theme, Taste the Fun, promises more than just a few sweet treats. Rides, music, farm animals, games, exhibits, contests, concerts, and lots of food, this event promises good stuff for even the pickiest fair-goer (make sure you grab a cinnamon roll or two theyre famous for em!). Kids ages 12 and younger who have read 10 books and have them verified by a teacher or librarian can bring this certificate to the fair for free admission on any day of the fair so get reading, kids! Open from June 12 through July 5, check out the website for more info about daily events, specials, and more.
2. Torrey Pines State Reserve is a fantastic, free day trip for the whole family offering 8 miles of trails overlooking the ocean, nature lectures, and guided nature walks on weekend and holidays. Fresh, pine-scented seabreezes, sunshine, spectacular ocean vistas, and acres of trails to let you stretch your legs and get movin' make this daytrip is definitely worth doing.
3. Balboa Park's museums, international houses, organ pavilion, Screen on the Green 2010 (free outdoor evening movies throughout July and August, sponsored by the San Diego Museum of Art) and more offer something for anyone. Check out the the parks website for coupons. Locals secret: different museums are free admission each Tuesday.
4. San Diego Zoo A new baby giraffe, new Elephant Odyssey , and the ever-popular Park at Dark June 27 Sept. 7, 9AM to 9PM make this trip worth a couple of extra bucks. Check website for specials on best-use passes, hours, etc. Make sure to pack a lunch park food can be a bit pricey. Save your pennies for their refreshingly cold soft-serve cones in vanilla, chocolate, or swirl.
5. Seaport Village Complete with their famous original 1895 Loof Carousel, with 54 hand-carved animals and two horse-drawn carriages, and for just $2 a ride, this attraction is a must-do. With lots of shops, boardwalk, and face-painting clowns, great memories will be made at Seaport Village.
6. Point Loma Lighthouse Pack a lunch and plan to spend the afternoon. For just $5 per passenger vehicle, your whole family can enjoy this famous 16th Century lighthouse, beautiful ocean vistas, and tide pool discoveries. Check the website for more detailed information re. hours of operation and special events.
7. Coronado This peninsula is home to the historic Hotel Del Coronado (where movies such as Some Like It Hot were filmed and Wizard of Oz author, L. Frank Baum, was inspired to pen the classic novel). Stroll through the hotel's corridors, enjoy the sun along the ocean boardwalk, and see if you can feel the ghosts of guests past. In the summer, the peninsula (dont call it an island!) also offers its famous Sunday concerts in the park. If you have Fido with you, Coronado boasts the cleanest and best dog beach in San Diego (high tide is the best time for Fido's ocean-romping game of fetch). Should you feel a bit melty in the heat of the day, head to MooTime Creamery on Orange Avenue for your shivery scoop of sorbet or home-made ice cream (you can't miss 'em - just look for the lifesize Elvis statue). Locals secret: MooTime is also located in the Hotel Del, but it's cheaper on Orange Avenue.
8. La Jolla: Childrens Pool (locally known as Seal Beach) - Grab a cup of coffee at the local shop and head down the boardwalk in La Jolla to watch the seals do their thing (which is usually sunning and sleeping). If youre looking for a little culture, stroll up to the Museum of Contemporary Art. Visit the third Thursday of the month from 5 to 7 PM and youll get in free. La Jolla Shores This beach is great when it comes to family time: lots of families, easy surf break, grassy areas for picnics and volleyball, fire pits on the sand (just make sure you arrive early to snag a fire pit), close to downtown La Jolla and not too far from the rest of San Diego.
9. Old Town San Diego Take a fun and free trip down San Diegos memory lane. Restored, historic buildings including the Mason Street School (CAs first public schoolhouse), San Diego Union Printing Office (site of the citys oldest surviving newspaper office), the first brick courthouse, and Seeley Stables Museum with one of the finest wagon and carriage collections around are just some of the fascinating finds youll discover. A working blacksmith shop, historic games, music, animals, and staff dressed in period costume make the place really come alive, and living history and activities happen Wed. and Sat. from 10 AM to 4 PM. Tours are daily at 11 AM and 2 PM. If you're feeling brave, visit the Whaley House, one of only a few Congressionally certified haunted houses in the United States (TV host Regis Philbin is said to have visited and had a ghostly encounter!). Visit the house's website for admission and hours of operation. Free parking, entrance, and admission to museums and visitors center, makes this spot a hit for both your family and your wallet.
10. Belmont Park (home of the Giant Dipper) Located in Mission Beach, this historic roller coaster is more than just an amusement park. Come for the thrill, stay for the day. Complete with rides and games, grassy picnic areas, barbeque pits, and of course, the ocean Belmont Park is a great family day and not too straining on your budget. Belmont is open late in the summer, so stick around until 9PM to catch the free fireworks show over Sea World.
Dont let your budget keep you and your family from enjoying the summer together. Pack a picnic and hit the road! Memories can be made no matter the budget and San Diegos got a lot of dollar-stretching adventures just waiting for you.
For more info: San Diego Fair, Torrey Pines State Reserve, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Seaport Village, Point Loma Lighthouse, Coronado, Hotel Del Coronado, Childrens Pool, La Jolla Shores, Museum of Contemporary Art, Old Town San Diego, Belmont Park, Giant Dipper, Sea World, Whaley House
San Diego Vacation, Family Vacations on a Budget
www.san-diego-family-vacation-deals.comPlanning a San Diego vacation? Get insider tips for discount tickets to Sea World, San Diego Zoo, Legoland and more, plus best attractions, reviews, and $$$ saving ...
San Diego: Summer/Fall Giant Blue Whale Watching - TripAdvisor
www.tripadvisor.com/Travel-g60750-c109883/San-Diego:California:...Jul 09, 2013 Inside San Diego: Summer/Fall Giant Blue Whale Watching - Before you visit San Diego, visit TripAdvisor for the latest info and advice, written for ...
San Diego Family Magazine
www.sandiegofamily.comSan Diego Family Magazine - is a free, monthly magazine, that keeps parents up to date on family events, current trends in education and useful info to help ease the ...
Fun Things to Do in San Diego: San Diego Attractions, Family ...
sandiegofun.orgDiscover San Diego Attractions, Beaches, Activities and Great Travel Packages. A great source for travelers and seasoned locals.
San Diego Vacation Packages: Book Cheap Vacations, Travel
www.expedia.com/San-Diego.d178304.Destination-Travel-GuidesBook a San Diego vacation package. Create the perfect San Diego vacation by comparing prices, reading reviews and finding great deals. Book your next trip with
Plan a San Diego Family Vacation Official CA Travel Resource
www.sandiego.org/plan-your-trip/travel-guides/family-travel.aspxSan Diego offers an endless array of activities of the whole family including 70 miles of beaches, world class attractions and a year-round mild climate.
San Diego Attractions Things to Do, Beaches, Guides
www.sandiego.com/attractionsCheck out all of the best attractions in San Diego to plan your next vacation! Learn details and insider tips about San Diego attractions at SanDiego.com.
Day Trips From San Diego Things To Do
www.daytrippen.com/sandiego.htmlSan Diego Day Trips, attractions and things to do. Over fifty day trips that can be made in one day or less from San Diego.
San Diego - San Diego Hotels Things To Do, Activities, Tours
www.sandiego.comSanDiego.com is the best source for all your San Diego vacation needs from deals on hotels and attractions to exciting nightlife and fun things to do around town.
Travel - How To Information eHow
www.ehow.com/travelTake your career to new heights. Our expert advice will help you land a job, navigate complicated work situations, get a raise or promotion or jumpstart a new career.
0 comments:
Post a Comment
Click to see the code!
To insert emoticon you must added at least one space before the code.