San Diego, California
San Diego, California
San Diego is one of my favourite places and has a fantastic year round climate. Winters in Southern California are cool at the worst which makes it a go-anytime destination. Those in search of some winter sun might well consider this destination although the flight is considerably longer than Dubai or Sharm.
Getting there
British Airways flies direct to San Diego on a daily basis but if you prefer to fly with another airline, you’ll need to make a change in Los Angeles. Taking a flight into LA and driving to San Diego may be an option as the flights may be cheaper, strictly due to frequency…there are as many as 10 direct flights per day from Heathrow to LAX. The drive to San Diego is about 2 1/2 hours and is quicker and more cost effective than taking the connecting flight.
Getting around
While a car is ideal, the public transit system will get you just about anywhere but If you wish to venture further abroad then the car will be a necessity and, quite honestly, will make your trip more enjoyable. Driving is the norm in California and the roads, while they seem intimidating, are easy to negotiate and are well marked. A lot of travellers will use San Diego as their base and take day trips to Los Angeles, Palm Springs and Mexico (Tijuana is just a few miles down the road). If you do choose to venture into Mexico, you can park the car at San Isidro and walk across to Tijuana or the more adventurous may consider a day trip to Ensenada. Please, check your rental car’s insurance as many car companies won’t cover a trip across the border…give me a ring to discuss the pros and cons.
What to do
San Diego has so much to see that it’s worth spending more than just a couple of nights. Shamu, the killer whale, is a big attraction and all the rest of Seaworld is fantastic as well and deserves an entire day to appreciate it. The San Diego zoo is one of the world’s best and one of the few places you can see giant pandas…this is truly a day out for all ages. Laguna Beach is just a short drive up the coast where the main attraction is the art galleries and amazing craft displays.
The dining options are incredible, as well, and some may like to spend a night here at the Surf ‘n Sand hotel…it’s built right on the beach. As I mentioned, before, Tijuana is right across the border and while it isn’t the ‘real Mexico’ it’s worth a trip to shop for trinkets, eat some tacos, and maybe wash it down with a cerveza or a licuado. One of the best things about San Diego is the beaches; numerous and clean, it’s a sunbather’s paradise
Where to stay
The hotel options in San Diego are very diverse and your choice will depend on what you want to do. Those whom don’t wish to drive will probably opt for downtown which will give full access to shopping and public transit while the drivers should consider something in the area of hotel circle at the north end.
This location will give easy access to the freeway (I5) and enable you to get off and going without too many twists and turns. Coronado Island is the third option and while it’s easy to get out and about (with a car), it’s more laid back and is the ideal location for those looking for more activities such as tennis and surfing.
So let’s go
San Diego should be a stop on everybody’s fly drive trip and should also be a consideration for single centre holidays, as well. If you’d to know more about San Diego or why I love it so much, please, drop me a line or give me a ring
