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CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU2215 India StreetSan Diego, CA 92101619-232-3101, Fax 619-696-9371

www.sandiego.org

For visitor information, call 619-236-1212 or email sdinfo@sandiego.org

Visitor Center LocationsInternational Visitor Information CenterDowntown San Diego WaterfrontWest Broadway at Harbor Drive

La Jolla Visitor Center7966 Herschel Avenue(at Prospect Street)La Jolla, CA 92037

Chairman James Oddo

President & CEO David Peckinpaugh

Executive Vice President & Chief Strategy Officer Christine Shimasaki, CMP

Senior Vice President of Marketing & Strategic Partnerships Kerri Verbeke Kapich

Senior Vice President of Sales Margie Sitton

Senior Director of Member Development Andrea McCarren

Senior Director of Tourism Development Jackie Williams

Director of Public RelationsJoe Timko

Director of Visitor Services Sue Mason

Advertising Sales Tricia Abruzzino, Brian Hilemon, Elaine Kady

Publications Manager Vickie Van Horn

Creative Services Manager Annie Pearson

Creative Services Ellen Goodwin, Sandi Whitaker

The San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau is a non-profit destination marketing organization that promotes the regional tourism and convention/meeting industries. Funded in part by our members, the San Diego Tourism Promotion Corporation with City of San Diego Tourism Marketing District Assessment Funds, the County and Port of San Diego.

© 2009 San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be reproduced without the express written permission of the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau. Every attempt has been made to ensure the accuracy of information as of press time. However, the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau assumes no liability for errors, changes or omissions.

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San Diego is famous for its sunshine, near-perfect climate and boundless recreational activities. But it’s far more than just a pretty backdrop for vacations, honeymoons and family reunions. San Diego is a vibrant, cosmopolitan city regularly included on all the “top lists” as one of the most exciting destinations in the world. It’s the United States’ eighth-largest city—big enough to attract attention without losing its enviable character.

San Diego County ranges over 4,269 square miles from the mighty Pacific Ocean to the Laguna Mountains to the Anza-Borrego Desert, California’s largest state park. On the same day, within this diverse region, snowflakes dust pine forests, cactus bloom in sand flats, rainbows arc over valleys and the sun beams down on sparkling waves. Nights bring meteor showers, bright full moons and city lights flashing above chic restaurants and classy nightclubs.

Nurturing and inspirational vibes reverberate throughout this multi-cultural region bordering Mexico and the Pacific Rim. Music, theater, literature, architecture and all the arts thrive in the generous climate and tolerant lifestyle. Scientists develop brilliant concepts while surfing the waves near some of the nation’s pre-eminent institutes. Athletes excel while training for the Olympics, competing in surfing tournaments or thrilling fans during major league baseball and football games.

International chefs and hoteliers develop innovative ideas while playing with their talents in desirable surroundings. Some of the country’s hottest new restaurants and hotels have recently opened around San Diego, drawing rave reviews from international travel and gourmet magazines. Downtown is the epicenter for the latest new trends, while several communities throughout the county are home to sophisticated resorts, spas and restaurants.

Given its abundant attractions, San Diego is a natural family vacation destination. Outdoor enthusiasts find endless hiking trails in urban parks and mountain wilderness. Cruise ship passengers find so much to explore they book several days in San Diego as the grand finale for their holidays. Shoppers act like they’ve reached Nirvana. Lovers of luxury linger in spectacular spas. And let’s not forget the beach — seventy miles of warm sand and an ocean of playtime possibilities. San Diego offers a vacation destination like no other in the world.

Visit www.sandiego.org for more information.

HAPPY HAPPENS IN SAN DIEGO

and the sun beams down on sparkling waves. Nights bring meteor showers, bright full moons and city lights flashing above chic restaurants and classy nightclubs.

Nurturing and inspirational vibes reverberate throughout this multi-cultural region bordering Mexico and the Pacific Rim. Music, theater, literature, architecture and all the arts thrive in the generous climate and tolerant lifestyle. Scientists develop brilliant concepts while surfing the waves near some of the nation’s pre-eminent institutes. Athletes excel while training for the Olympics, competing in surfing tournaments or thrilling fans during major league baseball and football games.

International chefs and hoteliers develop innovative ideas while playing with their talents in desirable surroundings. Some of the country’s hottest new restaurants and hotels have recently opened around San Diego, drawing rave reviews from international travel and gourmet magazines. Downtown is the epicenter for the latest new trends, while several communities

WHAT’S NEWAlways ready to up its fun quotient, San Diego

continues to come up with new attractions.

There’s downtown’s totally eco-green The

New Children’s Museum, SeaWorld’s Sesame

Street Bay of Play, and the new SEA LIFE

Aquarium, a two-story interactive aquarium

beside LEGOLAND® California. The San Diego

Zoo’s juvenile Giant Pandas and Malaysian tiger

cubs delight onlookers, and the zoo will open

its new Elephant Odyssey in summer 2009. The

San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park began a new

Rolling Safari tour on Segway X2 transporters,

allowing guests to scenic routes past herds of

rhinos, giraffes, Arabian oryx and more.

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Whether you are in San Diego for business or leisure (or a little of both), the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau has help available .Make your first stop of the day at one of the Bureau’s two Visitor Information Centers, one located in La Jolla and the other near the waterfront in downtown San Diego. With professional, highly trained staff members, the Centers serve as the region’s official sources of visitor information for a variety of activities, attractions, dining and lodging options.

THE VISITOR INFORMATION CENTERS OFFER:• Free booking and ticketing for activities, sightseeing, attractions and accommodations.

• Discounts to many of San Diego’s top attractions, tours and activities.

• Complimentaryvisitormaps and guides.

• Personalizedinformationfrommulti-lingual staff and volunteers.

• Public transit maps and information.

ACCESSIBLE SAN DIEGOSeniors, veterans and travelers with disabilities can receive valuable information with the Access in San Diego Guide, which highlights accessible transportation, lodging, shopping, dining, attraction offering, and more. To receive your copy of the Guide, call 619-325-7550 (10:00am-3:00pm) or visit www.asd.travel. The Guide is also available at the Bureau’s two information centers in Downtown San Diego and La Jolla.

WHAT TO WEARWith its great weather and perfect Southern California lifestyle, a trip to San Diego won’t demand too much when it comes to clothes to pack. The year-round average daily temperature is 70.5 degrees Fahrenheit (21.4 degrees Celsius), so comfortable light-weight clothes are an excellent choice. In the evening throughout the year, temperatures do cool off, so a sweater or jacket is a good idea. Only rarely are raincoats required and usually only in the winter months. Keep in mind that temperature extremes are found in the diverse terrain of the region, so if you are going to be visiting the desert or mountain areas, bring along appropriate clothing to get the most enjoyment out of your trip.

NEED TO KNOWThough San Diego is certainly a hang loose kind of new place, a couple of new laws are important to keep in mind while visiting. Drivers must use hands-free gear when using cell phones while driving; passengers can still chat away with hand-help phones. Alcohol is now banned at beaches throughout the county, and beachgoers imbibing beer and other prohibited beverages will be cited.

SIGHTSEEING ESSENTIALSWater is a key ingredient for comfortable

sightseeing in San Diego’s generous

sunshine. Keep a water bottle on hand

and discard any plastic containers,

soda cans and paper in the recycle

bins available at most attractions.

Ball caps, straw hats and visors help

shade your face and keep your nose

from burning. Sunglasses cut the sun’s

glare. T-shirts and shorts are acceptable

at tourist attractions. Stick with gym

shoes for serious walking and flip-flops

and sandals for casual strolls. Carry a

lightweight backpack or shoulder bag

stocked with lots of sunscreen and

snacks. And, smile at everyone you

see — San Diego is a family friendly

community.

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VISITOR INFORMATION

International Visitor Information CenterPresented by the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with the Port of San Diego

Downtown San Diego WaterfrontWest Broadway at Harbor DriveSan Diego, CA 92101619-236-1212Fax: 619-230-7084E-mail: sdinfo@sandiego.org

Summer Hours: (June-September) 9am to 5pm, daily.

Fall, Winter, Spring Hours: (October through Memorial Day)9am to 4pm, daily.(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day)

San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau 15

Daily High/Low (°F) 65/48 66/50 66/52 68/55 69/58 71/61

Daily High/Low (°C) 18/9 19/10 19/11 20/13 21/14 22/16

Humidity Average 63% 66% 67% 67% 70% 74%

Precipitation Average 2% 2% 1.8% .8% .2% .1%

JULY AUg. SEPT. OCT. NOV. DEC.

Daily High/Low (°F) 76/65 78/67 77/65 75/60 70/54 66/49

Daily High/Low (°C) 24/18 26/19 25/18 24/15 21/12 19/9

Humidity Average 74% 74% 72% 70% 65% 64%

Precipitation Average .02% .1% .2% .4% 1% 1.8%

WEAThER ChART FOR SAN DIEgO Average Year-Round Temperature 70°F

La Jolla Visitor CenterPresented by the San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau in partnership with Promote La Jolla, Inc.

7966 Herschel Avenue (at Prospect)La Jolla, CA 92037619-236-1212Fax: 619-230-7084Email: sdinfo@sandiego.org

hours: 11am to 4pm, dailyExtended hours during the summer and on weekends.(Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.)

Visit www.sandiego.org for more information.

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59-MILE SCENIC DRIVE Rent a sleek silver convertible and get into the Southern

California vibe for a magical ride guaranteed to be the most

memorable part of your San Diego vacation. San Diego’s

59-Mile Scenic Drive meanders around downtown, the

beaches, Mission Bay and La Jolla and passes right through

the heart of picturesque Balboa Park and the historic Gaslamp

Quarter. White seagulls point the way on blue and yellow

signposts every quarter mile along the drive, helping navigators

stay the course. There are 26 highlighted sights along the

route. Frequent photo stops are absolutely mandatory for

complete and utter enjoyment.

So, slip a Beach Boys CD into the stereo before departing

the International Visitor Information Center in downtown and

make certain to study your maps thoroughly before setting

off. The seagull signs will help you stick to the route but it’s

best to know the bigger picture in advance. Once you’ve got

your bearings straight, set off along the Embarcadero, where

gleaming white cruise ships, grey Navy carriers, historic

wooden sailing vessels and sleek yachts moor in San Diego

Bay.

Next up, Cabrillo National Monument on the tip of Point Loma

is a mandatory stop for an incredible view of downtown San

Diego and the open Pacific, where California gray whales

spout offshore during their winter migration. The park’s hiking

trails, tide pools, museum and historic lighthouse are worth

a half-day visit at least. The same can be said for nearly

every landmark on the drive’s itinerary. At Birch Aquarium at

Scripps, located in the hills above La Jolla Shores, bat rays,

barracuda and guitarfish swim about in a 70,000 gallon kelp

forest tank, just one of many sea life exhibits. The Giant Dipper

rollercoaster and popular boardwalk make it tempting to stop

in Mission Beach; museums galore can’t possibly be explored

on just a short visit through Balboa Park.

Let the 59-Mile Scenic drive serve as an overview of San

Diego’s main attractions while soaking up the region’s

beautiful scenery. You might get so hooked on driving about

in a sleek topless car with your hair blowing in the wind that

you’ll want to make a list of all the places you’d like to revisit

and explore them more thoroughly. And, you’re sure to end up

with a most memorable San Diego vacation experience.

Visit www.sandiego.org for a detailed route.

stay the course. There are 26 highlighted sights along the

route. Frequent photo stops are absolutely mandatory for

complete and utter enjoyment.

So, slip a Beach Boys CD into the stereo before departing

the International Visitor Information Center in downtown and

make certain to study your maps thoroughly before setting

off. The seagull signs will help you stick to the route but it’s

best to know the bigger picture in advance. Once you’ve got

your bearings straight, set off along the Embarcadero, where

gleaming white cruise ships, grey Navy carriers, historic

wooden sailing vessels and sleek yachts moor in San Diego

Bay.

Next up, Cabrillo National Monument on the tip of Point Loma

is a mandatory stop for an incredible view of downtown San

Diego and the open Pacific, where California gray whales

spout offshore during their winter migration. The park’s hiking

TIPS FOR THE ROADSouthern California driving can be a bit

overwhelming for first-timers. The 59-Mile

Scenic Drive avoids major freeways, but locals

commute on surface streets too and get caught

up in the daily rush. Stick with the slow lane and

pull off the road when the view is worth stopping

and photographing (also, bring plenty of film

and camera batteries). Don’t think about calling

home to share your wonderful adventures on

your cell phone. As of July 2008, driving while

using a cell phone without a hands-free device

is illegal in California. The 59-mile Scenic Drive

has plenty of beautiful distractions to keep you

fully occupied.

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FROM BEACHES TO DESERTWith 70 miles of coastline and near-perfect weather, San Diego is famous for its sun, surf and sand. But don’t stop at the beaches—there is plenty to see and do throughout San Diego County.

DOWNTOWNDowntown San Diego is one of the hottest addresses in the country. Its unique neighborhoods include the historic Gaslamp Quarter and Cortez Hill, colorful Little Italy, trendy East Village, and the Marina district. Late 19th-century Victorian buildings merge with new boutique-style hotels to create an exciting and eclectic visitor experience. Live theatre, nightclubs, a vibrant music scene, and wide array of restaurant options keep guests entertained throughout the day and into the late evening.

Gaslamp QuarterThe 161/2 blocks of the historic Gaslamp Quarter are the center of downtown’s dining and nightlife scene. Visitors enjoy a vibrant atmosphere within a turn-of-the-century neighborhood of Victorian, Western and Spanish revival buildings, gaslamp-lined streets, and brick sidewalks. Restored buildings house art galleries, theaters, boutiques, shops, restaurants, bars and nightclubs drawing thousands of admirers nearly every day and night. The neighborhood is a playground for fun-loving grownups—especially during Mardi Gras and other public and private celebrations.

EmbarcaderoThe Embarcadero offers spectacular views of ships in San Diego Bay, from the historic Star of India at the Maritime Museum of San Diego to the USS Midway Museum in a decommissioned aircraft carrier. Cruise ships arrive almost daily, ferries carry passengers to Coronado and harbor tours and seasonal whale watching excursions depart from one of the Embarcadero’s many piers. On land, Seaport Village is a relaxing waterfront marketplace with a variety of fine restaurants and unique shops. The San Diego Convention Center and several swank hotels edge the waterfront Embarcadero. Across the street, sculptures line the Martin Luther King Promenade, where the eco-friendly New Children’s Museum opened in 2008.

East VillageThe rapidly evolving East Village abounds with hip hotels, boutique stores and trendy eateries blossoming around one of downtown’s most popular attractions—PETCO Park. The Padres’ home field is architecturally magnificent and incorporates downtown’s best features with great views of the harbor and skyline. East Village is San Diego with a bit of SoHo, attracting young professionals and more mature urbanites with its new condo towers and converted lofts.

Little ItalyThe Little Italy neighborhood of downtown San Diego is in the final stages of a revitalization that has made it one of the most desirable urban communities in the nation. With a perfect mix of Old World charm and avant guard chic, it appeals to people of all ages. Visitors can find a wide array of restaurants, coffee shops, spas, bakeries, pubs, boutiques, specialty shops and entertainment venues and nestled among the fountains and colorful piazzas that give this historical ethnic neighborhood an undeniable Italian flair. It is also home to several major Italian and Sicilian festivals held throughout the year.

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UPTOWNAs its name suggest, the neighborhoods of uptown sit on the hills north of San Diego’s downtown. Once the residential center for wealthy San Diego entrepreneurs, Hillcrest, Bankers Hill and Mission Hills boast beautiful Victorian and Craftsman homes tucked away on quiet neighborhood streets. Hillcrest, the center of San Diego’s LGBT community, is a dynamic neighborhood full of eclectic restaurants, nightspots and shops. Uptown’s combination of history, culture and cosmopolitan ambience attract sophisticated and curious travelers.

Balboa ParkWhen it comes to urban cultural parks, San Diego’s Balboa Park is known to be one of the nation’s most romantic and impressive venues. Its 1,200 acres, located just minutes from the center of downtown San Diego, are home to numerous cultural attractions, including more than a dozen museums alongside art galleries and the Tony® Award-winning Old Globe Theatre. Balboa Park is the largest urban cultural park in the United States, and it is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West” for its impressive collection of cultural institutions.

San Diego ZooSet on 100 acres within beautiful Balboa Park, the world-famous San Diego Zoo has been enthralling visitors with its spectacular exhibits for more than eight decades. The Zoo is home to some of the rarest and most endangered animals on Earth, including several Giant Pandas, and their offspring, on loan from the Republic of China.

The Old Globe For more than 70 years, The Old Globe has been presenting world-class productions, including the celebrated Summer Shakespeare Festival. The Globe has also launched Broadway-bound hits such as The Full Monty and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels.

POINT LOMA/hARBOR ISLAND/ ShELTER ISLANDOne of San Diego’s oldest communities, Point Loma offers spectacular views of downtown, San Diego Bay and the open sea as far as Mexico on clear days. The peninsula features much of San Diego’s sport fishing fleet and the historic Portuguese fishing community. Spanish explorers landed at its tip in the 18th century, and the US Navy has long had a significant presence here. Between Point Loma and Downtown, Harbor and Shelter islands are actually man-made promontories with resort hotels and promenades for taking in the spectacular views of the harbor and marinas.

Municipal Sportfishing PierFishing boats depart from Point Loma’s marinas on half-day and full-day charters packed with anglers eager to hook a halibut or sea bass in nearby waters. Multi-day charters depart in search of big tuna and wahoo in the fishing grounds off the coast of Mexico. Some boat are used for whale-watching trips in winter.

Spanish Landing ParkThis park on Harbor Island commemorates the place where explorer Gaspar de Portola and Father Junipero Serra to establish a settlement on the shores of San Diego Bay in July 1769. This park, as well as the long stretch of grassy landscape on both islands, is the perfect spot to walk, jog, picnic — or simply sit and watch the comings and goings of the harbor traffic with the majestic San Diego skyline as a backdrop.

Cabrillo National MonumentNamed in honor of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the Portuguese explorer who sailed into port under the Spanish flag in 1542, the monument at the top of the peninsula was established in 1913. The monument is an ideal place to watch the gray whales as they migrate south along the coast in the winter to their birthing grounds in the Gulf of California. On the crest of the peninsula sits the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, built in 1854 to guide mariners into the harbor.

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Sports ArenaThis has been the major venue for concert and other live shows and sports events since 1966. Acts from Elvis to Pavarotti to U2 and Olympic champion ice skaters have performed here. It is also home every weekend to Kobe’s Swap Meet, San Diego’s largest open-air market.

Liberty StationThe former US Naval Training Center at the edge of San Diego Bay has been transformed into a new neighborhood with residential housing, a golf course, several shopping and dining areas and hotels conveniently located near the airport and downtown.

CORONADOThe landmark arcing San Diego-Coronado Bridge connects vibrant Downtown with the more genteel and gracious charming streets and beautiful beaches of Coronado. Often referred to as an island, Coronado is actually a peninsula attached to the mainland by the Silver Strand, a narrow strip of road and sand running past quiet lagoons and pristine beaches to the southern part of San Diego. You can reach Coronado by driving over the bridge or taking one of the ferries from downtown San Diego and biking or riding a trolley or bus around the community.

Hotel del CoronadoBuilt in 1888, the Hotel del Coronado (“The Del” to locals) is a National Historic Landmark and a San Diego icon. Today, its fine restaurants, Victorian architecture and oceanfront setting make it a “must-see” for residents and visitors alike. The stretch of beach fronting the hotel is often cited as one of America’s finest family beaches.

The Ferry LandingThis marketplace along San Diego Bay has shops, restaurants and galleries—everything to make your visit to Coronado perfect. Rental bikes are available for riding along the paths that wind along the waterfront.

Orange AvenueLined with shops, specialty galleries, bookstores and restaurants, Orange Avenue serves as the main drive through the village’s carefully preserved downtown. Located in Coronado’s historic Spreckels Building, Lamb’s Players Theatre is one of Southern California’s leading non-profit performing arts organizations. Nearby is Coronado’s Museum of History and Art, which explores the island’s rich and colorful history.

MISSION VALLEYOnce filled with bucolic dairy farms, Mission Valley has become a centralized, rapidly growing community with town homes and irresistible shopping and dining centers on the banks of the San Diego River. Shopping aficionados run amok at Mission Valley and Fashion Valley malls, where luxury shopping rises to a whole new level with Gucci, Tiffany and Bloomingdale’s. Nearby Hazard Center and other plazas entice travelers and locals with specialty stores, restaurants and movie theatres. The many hotels and motels along Hotel Circle offer value and a wonderful central location for touring other parts of the county.

Mission Basilica San Diego de AlcalaThe “Mother of the Missions” displays the lifestyle of early California with its beautifully restored church surrounded by landscaped gardens and pathways. Established by Father Junipero Serra in 1769, the Mission was designated a minor Basilica in 1976 and is an active Catholic parish.

QUALCOMM StadiumLocated at the east end of Mission Valley, the “Q” is home to the San Diego Chargers football team and hosts concerts, sports shows and various events throughout the year.

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Mission Trails Regional ParkLocated only eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, Mission Trails Regional Park, one of the largest urban parks in the U.S., encompasses nearly 5,800 acres of both natural and developed recreational acres. Mission Trails Regional Park offers something for everyone, with over 40 miles of trails, boating on Lake Murray, numerous informative hikes, and a state-of-the-art Visitor & Interpretive Center.

OLD TOWNAt the base of Presidio Hill, Old Town is a reminder of San Diego’s first days. Originally a Spanish fort and trading post, old San Diego catered to seamen and settlers alike. Several historic buildings have been restored in the main park, which sits in the middle of a neighborhood filled with excellent restaurants and moderately priced hotels just minutes from downtown.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park The Park recreates life in the Mexican and Rancho California 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. La Casa de Machado y Stewart is full of artifacts that reflect ordinary life of the period. Other historic buildings include a schoolhouse, blacksmith shop, San Diego’s first newspaper office, and a stable with carriage collection. Several of San Diego’s most precious Victorian houses line the lawns at the adjacent Heritage Park. Presidio Hill, rising over Old Town and Mission with 360-degree views of multiple neighborhoods and the ocean, was the site of the first mission church in California, built beside a Spanish fort.

MISSION BAY/BEAChESCool breezes, tranquil water and soft sand beaches attract recreational enthusiasts to Mission Bay throughout the year. Along its shore lie a variety of upscale resorts and family hotels, a popular bayfront camping and RV park and an 18-hole golf course. Funky Ocean Beach marks the western end of Interstate 8. Mission Beach is a popular stretch of sand with a boardwalk, while Pacific Beach’s two main thoroughfares, Garnet Avenue and Grand Avenue, are lined with stores, restaurants, nightclubs and surf shops.

Mission Bay ParkThe largest man-made aquatic park in the country, this 4,235-acre recreation area is roughly divided in half by water and land. This is the place for water sports such as jet skiing, waterskiing, swimming and kayaking. Landlubbers enjoy the 27 miles of paths for jogging and biking and the multiple playgrounds and picnic areas.

SeaWorld San DiegoThe SeaWorld concept started at this ever-growing park, a staple of San Diego recreation since 1964. The park features a wide variety of educational and entertaining shows (think Shamu) and exhibits featuring a first-hand look at many of the world’s aquatic creatures. Entertaining rides, nighttime shows and fireworks add to the excitement.

Belmont ParkA West Coast version of Coney Island, Belmont Park has been an oceanfront amusement center in Mission Beach for decades. Famous for its historic wooden roller coaster and heated indoor pool, Belmont Park also features the Wave House with man-made surf for pros and novices who want to hang ten all year-round.

Newport AvenueOcean Beach (OB) is an original—the quintessential California surfing town that marches to a ’60s beat. Newport Avenue, the main street leading through the community to the beach and OB pier, is the site of the Ocean Beach Antique District with stores and dealers offering everything from 19th-century armoires to ’50s kitsch. The avenue also hosts annual parades and a weekly farmers market.

KEARNY MESA/MIRAMARKearny Mesa and Miramar offer accommodations that are convenient for travel to downtown or the northern parts of San Diego County. Restaurants and affordable hotels can be found here as well as great parks and one of the biggest air shows in the country. The renowned University of San Diego is located nearby in Linda Vista.

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Tecolote Canyon Natural ParkA hidden treasure in a coastal valley, Tecolote Canyon once provided sanctuary for the Kumeyaay Indians. It continues today as a place to reconnect with nature as 6.5 miles of trails invite jogging and mountain biking.

Marine Corps Air Station MiramarWhen it belonged to the Navy, Miramar was home to the “Top Gun” flight school, made famous by the 1986 Tom Cruise movie. Even with the handoff to the Marines, Miramar continues another great San Diego institution—the annual Miramar Air Show, which features the Blue Angels, the U.S. Navy Flight Demonstration Team; the event attracts 500,000 spectators each year.

Miramar Speed Circuit With one of the finest indoor tracks in the United States, the Miramar Speed Circuit is sure to thrill visitors looking to test their racing skills.

LA JOLLASpanish for “jewel,” La Jolla lives up to its name and embodies everything beautiful about the California coastline—breath-taking landscape, luxury hotels, exquisite dining and gorgeous sunsets. The marine sanctuaries at La Jolla Cove and La Jolla Shores offer visitors a close encounter with a wide variety of fish and sea mammals such as the playful and prolific harbor seals. Further north, Torrey Pines is home to paragliding and

the internationally known Torrey Pines golf course, which hosts the annual Buick Invitational and garnered international attention as the site for the prestigious 2008 U.S. Open.

La Jolla VillageThe village of La Jolla dazzles visitors with its fine jewelry, antiques and designer clothing stores lining Prospect Street and Girard Avenue. Art galleries abound alongside restaurants with spectacular views and world-class cuisine.

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Del Mar Fairgrounds “Where the surf meets the turf” has been the slogan for this racetrack since the days when Bing Crosby visited on his trips from Hollywood. For several weeks in June, the San Diego County Fair takes over the grounds; racing season then reigns July through early September with celebrated jockeys and high stakes luring fans from all over the country.

CARLSBAD/ENCINITASQuintessential Southern California beach towns, Encinitas and Carlsbad attract visitors interested in history, nature and great surfing in a laid-back setting.

LEGOLAND® CaliforniaChildhood dreams of a LEGO world come true in this Carlsbad theme park based on the popular building blocks. The park features more than 50 rides, shows and attractions including Miniland USA, a replication of seven regions of the United States constructed with 20 million LEGO bricks. New in 2008, SEA LIFE Aquarium adds a two-story interactive aquarium to the mix.

The Flower Fields of Carlsbad For more than 60 years, the gently rolling hills of The Flower Fields have announced the arrival of spring with the blooming of the Giant Tecolote Ranunculous flowers. Beginning in March and lasting six to eight weeks, the annual flower show on nearly 50 acres of wondrous color attracts thousands of San Diegans and visitors. Biplane rides over the fields are popular.

OCEANSIDESan Diego’s northernmost beach city sits at the edge of Camp Pendleton the U.S. Marine Corps’ largest amphibious training base. Southern California’s longest wooden pier stretches over the sea from the city’s wildly popular municipal beach, where board and body surging competitions attract pros from around the world.

Mission San Luis ReyThe 18th and largest of California’s 21 missions, the “King of the Missions” in Oceanside sweeps visitors back to the late 18th century with arched colonnades and sunken gardens, where California’s first pepper tree still grows.

Museum of Contemporary Art San DiegoThe Museum’s permanent collection includes more than 3,000 works created after 1950 in all media from painting to film. Changing exhibitions showcase international and local artists.

Torrey Pines State ReserveThe Torrey Pine is the nation’s rarest pine tree, and this nature preserve is the only place on the mainland where it grows in its native setting. Hiking trails that wind through the stands of pines above spectacular rugged cliffs eroded by wind and water. Birding is extremely popular here. The beaches below the reserve are some of San Diego’s finest stretches of sand.

Birch Aquarium at ScrippsAs part of the University of California, San Diego, the Birch Aquarium is a world-class experience into the ocean’s realm. From coral reefs to seahorses, the aquarium’s displays of marine creatures are dazzling.

La Jolla PlayhouseLocated on the campus of the University of California, San Diego, the Tony® Award-winning La Jolla Playhouse enjoys a venerable heritage. It was founded in 1947 by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire and Mel Ferrer and has been the premiere site for such recent Broadway hits as Jersey Boys and The Farnsworth Invention.

DEL MAR/RANChO SANTA FEHistoric Highway 101 along the coast north of La Jolla embodies the California lifestyle the rest of the world dreams about — from funky beach towns to miles of sandy white beach to golden cliffs that take your breath away. Just north of La Jolla, Del Mar is a venerable enclave of affluence with fine restaurants and cozy, yet luxurious lodgings. Upscale Rancho Santa Fe is home to several celebrity actors, musicians and athletes living in mansions inside gated communities. Horse ranches and polo fields enhance the countryside.

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ESCONDIDOEscondido’s Main Street is filled with antique stores and restaurants. Queen Califia’s Magical Circle, a colorful, enchanting interpretation of California’s myths and history in Escondido’s Kit Carson Park, is the only American sculpture garden by acclaimed artist Niki de Saint Phalle. The California Center for the Arts offers a museum and year-round entertainment featuring national acts.

San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal ParkThe broad expanse of 1,800 acres and the magnificent vistas might lead visitors to think they are in Africa and Asia as they are transported past giraffes, rhinos and elephants. Nairobi Village offers visitors many shopping and dining options. Several unique tour options, including a unique “Photo Caravan Safari” and “Roar & Snore” overnight adventure, are also available.

SAN DIEgO NORTh INLANDWith its majestic hills and lush countryside, the northeast region of San Diego County offers the visitor a unique experience. Amidst avocado groves, roadside farm stands and picturesque vineyards are set a number of resort casinos, interesting restaurants, the Moonlight Amphitheater and top-notch golf courses. The north inland region is home to many of San Diego’s vineyards, all of which offer a host of fine wines amidst spectacular views. Grape stomps, wine tastings and special events are held throughout the year here. Visits to these wineries can be a first stop on the way to the Temecula Wine Country, 20 minutes up the road in Riverside County. This region, known as Southern California’s Napa Valley, is home to dozens of picturesque wineries that not only conduct daily wine tastings, but also offer overnight accommodations and a wide variety of special events.

Palomar ObservatoryPalomar Observatory is home to the historic Hale 200-inch and four other telescopes used in research by the California Institute of Technology. Visitors can go on self-guided tours and also enjoy displays of photographs of astronomical objects and discoveries made at the Observatory. Hiking paths with incredible vistas abound in the vicinity.

RANChO BERNARDO/CARMEL MOUNTAINOne of California’s first master-planned communities, Rancho Bernardo has grown into a major countryside town that’s home to several corporate headquarters along with excellent golf courses, lavish resorts, stellar restaurants and San Diego’s oldest winery. Its Mediterranean-style neighborhoods and bucolic climate make it a great escape for those seeking peaceful R&R. Nearby Carmel Mountain is a newer community with more golf courses and a wide range of restaurants and hotels.

Bernardo WineryThis 11-acre winery complex includes a dozen shops, a pleasant café and a wine-tasting room featuring wines from San Diego’s oldest winery.

EAST COUNTYIn stark contrast to the beach landscape to the west, East County is one of the most diverse areas in San Diego County. The region boasts a beauty of its own with majestic mountains, sparkling lakes, deep canyons and the breath-taking Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. In addition to this striking landscape, the region boasts casinos, resorts, annual festivals and historic sites.

Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkThe largest desert state park in the contiguous United States, this 600,000-acre park welcomes visitors with 500 miles of dirt roads, two huge wilderness areas and 110 miles of riding and hiking trails. In spring, the park bursts into bloom with desert wildflowers.

Cuyamaca Rancho State ParkThis beautiful park offers more than 100 miles of trails for biking, hiking and horseback riding through oak woodland forest and meadows. On clear days, the summit of Cuyamaca Peak (6,512 feet) offer views of Mexico to the south, deserts to the east, and the Pacific Ocean to the west.

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El CajonShadowed by the impressive El Capitan peak within view of the Cleveland National Forest and lying at the foot of the Cuyamaca Mountains, the city of El Cajon boasts an active arts and culture scene that includes the East County Performing Arts Center and the Olaf Wieghorst Museum. It is also is home to the annual “Wings over Gillespie” vintage air show that features WWII-era aircraft. Several first-class casinos featuring name entertainment are within a short driving distance from El Cajon.

JulianA former mining town, Julian sits high up in the Laguna Mountains and is one of the few spots in the county to experience all four seasons, from spring flowers to winter snows. The annual Julian Fall Apple Harvest draws locals and visitors hungry for fresh apple pies and just-pressed cider, and the mountain setting is a gorgeous destination year-round.

La MesaJust 12 miles east of downtown San Diego, the town of La Mesa has carefully preserved its historical legacy with the San Diego Railroad Museum’s La Mesa Depot, furnished with Victorian equipment and artifacts from the golden age of the passenger trains. La Mesa is also home of the Christian Community Theatre, where you can enjoy a professionally staged Broadway musical on an outdoor theatre stage located high atop Mt. Helix, offering a stunning 360 degree view of East County.

SOUTh BAYThe dynamic, thriving communities south of downtown San Diego are known collectively as the South Bay. Imperial Beach, National City and Chula Vista are the major centers. Farther south are sandy beaches and the gateway to San Diego’s neighbor to the south, Mexico.

Knotts Soak City U .S .A .Taking guests back to the 1950s surf culture of woodies and long boards, seasonal Knotts offers 32 acres of watery fun. A variety of slides are available for all age groups, from tiny tots to the more adventurous teens and adults.

U .S . Olympic Training CenterThe first master-planned training facility for U.S. athletes, the Olympic Training Center helps ready nearly 4,000 competitors for the famous games. The Center is open seven days a week and offers self-guided tours.

Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge and Chula Vista Nature CenterFamous among birders for the variety of bird species and other wildlife, the marsh is located right along the Interstate 5 freeway. More than 200 species of birds call the refuge home, either permanently or during migration. The Chula Vista Nature Center offers visitors interpretive information about the marsh as well as exhibits, gardens, aviaries and the Shark & Ray Experience.

Imperial BeachSome of Southern California’s best surfing and pier fishing can be found in Imperial Beach, a charming coastal town that hosts the annual U.S. Open Sandcastle Competition. Thousands of spectators watch as teams race against the incoming tide to create temporary masterpieces.

Tijuana Slough National Wildlife RefugeWith a vast 1,051 acres, the Tijuana Slough National Wildlife Refuge is the only Southern California coastal lagoon not split by a highway or rail line. Almost 400 bird species have been recorded here. The award-winning nature center offers interactive exhibits and guided nature walks.

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Sample ItinerariesThe San Diego region has so much to see and do that planning your visit here can be a little overwhelming at first. We’ve put the fun and ease back into your planning process by providing you some sample itineraries, based on a variety of interests and activities, from history to shopping to exciting casino action.

So just sit back and relax, check off your itinerary favorites and enjoy our recommendations for a fun-filled day (or two or three) in our wonderful destination. You can find more information on these itinerary highlights in the upcoming sections of this guide.

BALBOA PARK BLISS — Delight your senses with a tour of Balboa Park; photograph the unique architecture and fauna; explore the many museums; hear an organ concert; watch a fascinating IMAX film; take a stroll in the Japanese Friendship Garden; attend a performance of the Tony® Award-winning Old Globe Theatre.

DISCOVER ThE SEA — Walk along ocean tide pools and discover fascinating sea creatures; rent a kayak and explore La Jolla’s shoreline and caves; take a scuba diving lesson; put on a snorkel and discover the colorful world below the water; stay dry and explore the fabulous underwater world at the Birch Aquarium at Scripps.

DESERT DELIghTS — Hike the palm canyon in the Anza- Borrego Desert State Park; discover the badlands in a customized jeep tour; enjoy a first-class spa experience in the middle of the desert; play a round of golf surrounded by majestic mountains; stroll through the delightful desert flower fields in spring.

DINNER AND A ShOW — Savor a gourmet meal prepared by an award-winning chef; taste exquisite wines at an urban wine-tasting bar; enjoy a Broadway show, symphony, opera, comedy or dance performance; sip an after-dinner drink on a rooftop bar with a view over the sparkling San Diego skyline; enjoy a mystery café dinner theatre; sit back and relax to the sounds of classic jazz or Spanish flamenco guitar in a cozy nightclub.

FESTIVAL FUN — Experience one of San Diego’s 300 annual community, ethnic and holiday celebrations; watch the world’s largest balloon parade in December; experience the three-day LGBT Pride Celebration and parade in Hillcrest; dance in the streets of Little Italy at the Italian street festivals; enjoy live music festivals held year-round in San Diego’s colorful communities.

hIKE AND BIKE DELIghT — Hike the ocean view paths of the Torrey Pines State Reserve; ride your mountain bike down the face of Mt. Palomar; view the vistas of San Diego’s East County from Cowles Mountain; eat famous apple pie in the mountain town of Julian; bike endlessly around Mission Bay; ride on horseback through the Cleveland National Forest.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN hISTORY — Visit a 17th Century mission; go back in time in San Diego’s Old Town; learn about San Diego’s first settlers at the Serra Museum at the Presidio; admire the historical architecture of the Gaslamp Quarter; take in the breathtaking view at Cabrillo National Monument, where San Diego was discovered; visit an old gold mine in the Cuyamaca Mountains.

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LIFE’S A BEACh — Work on your tan on one of many glorious beaches; rent a kayak and paddle into the blue Pacific; take a surfing lesson; bike along the Mission Beach boardwalk; snorkel through blue waters; lay back in your beach chair and sip a drink while watching a glorious San Diego sunset.

LIONS AND TIgERS AND DOLPhINS, Oh MY! — Dine with Shamu behind the scenes at SeaWorld San Diego; overnight with the lions at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park; watch the baby Giant Panda play at the San Diego Zoo; stroll and sail through the miniature world of LEGOLAND California.

LOCAL EATS — Snack on guacamole and chips; order lime with your beer; devour fish tacos by the beach; savor seared ahi fresh from the sea; peel and orange or grapefruit straight from the tree; sample seasonal favorites at farmer’s markets in Ocean Beach, La Jolla and other tight-knit neighborhoods.

LUCK BE A LADY TONIghT — Try your luck Vegas-style at any one of several deluxe casinos; enjoy fine dining at first-class casino restaurants; play a round of golf in rolling green hills at a casino resort; pamper yourself in a full-service casino spa; watch nationally known entertainers perform in a chic casino lounge; shop in nationally-known stores at a casino outlet center.

MILITARY MAgIC — Go back in history onboard the USS Midway Museum; soar above the clouds in a WWII aircraft; dine at Camp Pendleton while witnessing marine coastal maneuvers; attend the boot camp graduation ceremony at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot.

MUSEUM MEDLEY — Immerse yourself at one of San Diego’s many museums; enjoy antiquities or contem-porary art; study antique planes, model trains and flashy automobiles; learn about the history of music; admire the work of famous photographers; expose the kids to science through interactive exhibits; enjoy public art works throughout the region.

NURTURE YOUR NATURE — Rejuvenate at a luxurious spa; indulge in an herbal wrap; make your skin glow with an instant tan; refresh your smile with a relaxing facial; float in a bubbling, milky whirlpool bath; unwind with a full body massage right on the beach.

PUTTIN’ ON ThE RITZ — Party the night away in a Gaslamp Quarter nightclub; attend a performance of the internationally recognized San Diego Opera or Symphony; fine dine at an elegant restaurant; hear your favorite band at the House of Blues; sip a martini and listen to great jazz in a romantic restaurant; stay at a hip downtown boutique hotel.

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TWO NATION VACATION — Grab your passports and discover a whole new world south of the border; dine at a luxury restaurant in Tijuana; play golf next to the blue Pacific in Baja California; tour and wine taste your way through Guadalupe Valley’s wineries; unwind at a luxury spa; shop till you drop on Tijuana’s famous Avenue Revolucion or neighboring Zona Rio.

TAKE ME OUT TO ThE BALLgAME — Have an early dinner in one of the many restaurants surrounding PETCO park in downtown San Diego; watch an exciting ballgame in one of the nation’s most beautiful ballparks; stroll through the streets of the Gaslamp Quarter and window shop; have an after-game drink and enjoy some late-night jazz at a cool hotel bar.

TOURINg ThE TOWN — Tour San Diego’s major attractions in a trolley or a double-decker bus; take a walking tour of Balboa Park; enjoy a scenic hiking tour on the cliffs above La Jolla; make a splash on a land/sea amphibious tour; discover the ghosts of San Diego’s past on a frightseeing tour; ride through the neighborhoods in a Go Car; tour the rugged Baja California coastline in the comfort of a luxury bus.

WIND, WINE, UNWIND — Glide through the air over th Pacific in a colorful hot air balloon; sail off the cliffs of La Jolla in a hang glider for the ride of your life; taste robust Merlot at one of our local wineries; tour the chateaus and vineyards of the neighboring Temecula wine country.

SAIL AWAY FOR ThE DAY — Grab the rudder, take a sailing lesson and steer a straight course to aquatic fun on San Diego Bay; be part of the crew on an authentic America’s Cup racing yacht; thrill to close encounters with California grey whales on a RIB boat or whale-watching cruise; race across the water in a sailboat or catamaran; go on an exciting sportfishing trip; savor a gourmet dinner on a harbor tour yacht while watching the sun set over the horizon.

ShOP ThE WORLD — Find colorful Mexican treasures in Old Town; stroll through the unique and colorful retail shops of Horton Plaza; discover Italian art in the shops of Little Italy; revel in the high-end designer shops of La Jolla; go bargain hunting in popular retail outlets; enjoy the souvenir shops of Seaport Village; uncover the many shopping experiences in Mission Valley.

SWINg IT — Play a round of golf high on the cliffs overlooking the Pacific; swing a tennis racket in a picturesque court; hit a volleyball barefoot in the sand; play another round of golf at spectacular locations throughout San Diego County; learn the intricacies of Disc Golf and Over-the-Line.

TRAIN ADVENTURE — Ride the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner to North County and beyond for breath-taking views of the coastline; rent bikes at each stop and have a picnic; take the historic train across San Diego’s backcountry from Campo to Tecate Mexico; marvel at the intricate setups at the model railroad museum in Balboa Park.

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