Find Culture, Beauty, and Adventure in San Diego, California

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As America’s eighth largest city and near perfect weather, San Diego is a beautiful, cultural adventure waiting to be explored. Due to the many nature reserves, San Diego combines rugged beauty while also offering the best of city life. Here are eleven of San Diego’s most iconic spots.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Time stands still at the Old Town San Diego State Historic Park. The state protected park preserves a portion of Old Town as it was from 1820-1870. Learn about the town’s Spanish and Mexican heritage by visiting the park’s historic adobe houses, schoolhouse, and blacksmith. Be sure to watch one of the many historic demonstrations and take some time to peruse the small shops.

Cabrillo National Monument

Head south to the tip of the Point Loma Peninsula to see the statue commemorating Juan Rodríguez Cabrillo, the first European explorer to make it to the West Coast. You’ll also be able to take in fantastic views of the Pacific Ocean. Also worth seeing is the Cabrillo Tide Pools where you can see the unique eco-systems of crabs, anemones, snails, and octopus.

Coronado Beach

If you’re looking to relax on a sandy beach while watching the waves, look no farther than the spacious Coronado Beach. Located on the nearby Coronado Island, it stands as a small get-away from the bustle of the city. The island is perhaps best known for the Victorian-style Hotel Del Coronado and its iconic red-roofed turret. The hotel has hosted countless celebrities and presidents. Aside from soaking up the sun, you can also take surfing lessons, go swimming, or bike along the beachfront boardwalk.

USS Midway Museum

The highly interactive USS Midway Museum offers the unique opportunity to tour a 20th century U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. Self-guided audio tours will bring you through sleeping quarters, the admiral’s war room, and much more. Aboard the carrier, you’ll find over 30 restored aircraft. You can also hear first-hand accounts from the military veterans who serve as docents.

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve

Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve is one of the best places for a coastline hike. The miles of hiking paths bring gorgeous ocean views along with majestic sandstone cliffs and the rare Torrey Pine. Golfers will want to check out the beautiful Torrey Pines Golf Course. For a more daring adventure try tandem paragliding at Torrey Pines Gliderport.

Gaslamp Quarter

This quirky area of downtown San Diego is ideal for exploring. Streets are lined with boutiques, art galleries, and historic Victorian architecture. If you come during baseball season, catch a San Diego Padres game at the nearby Petco Park. The Gaslamp Quarter’s excellent nightlife also makes it the perfect place to enjoy some live music, theatre, or a comedy routine.

Whale Watching

San Diego’s coast is along the migration route of both Gray and Blue Whales, making year-round whale watching possible. While whale watching is possible on land, take a boat tour for a closer look. You may also get to see Orcas, Dolphins, and Sea Lions!

San Diego Zoo

This renowned zoo is considered one of the best in the world. Located within Balboa Park, the zoo covers 100 acres. Guests can enjoy a day of visiting the zoo’s 3,500 rare or endangered species in their conscientiously designed habitats. Don’t miss the Giant Panda or the Koala Bears! To see the animals in a more natural setting take a drive over to the zoo’s nearby Safari Park, which spans an enormous 1,800 acres.

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove is the favorite hangout for Sea Lions and Seals. It is also full of other interesting sea creatures as well as mysterious sea caves. The rustic beauty of La Jolla Cove can be experienced in several hands-on ways. The caves can be explored through swimming or kayaking. Another popular way to explore the cove is through snorkeling. If snorkeling, you’ll likely see stingrays, bright orange Garibaldi fish, and other sea creatures.

Balboa Park

A couple days could easily be spent exploring the famous Balboa Park. The park is full of history, culture, and art. Some of the highlights include the lovely botanical garden, the Old Globe Theatre, and several notable museums. Don’t miss the Spanish Village Art Center for the chance to see many galleries and local artists. If you come on Sunday, stop by the international cottages for music, food, and dancing from 34 different cultures.

SeaWorld

Whether it be rollercoasters, water rides or a tranquil skyride to view Mission Bay, SeaWorld has something for all ages. Of course, the dolphins, whales, walruses, sea lions, penguins and sharks are happy to keep you entertained too. For real adventure, you can get up close to most of the sea animals and maybe even touch or feed a bottlenose dolphin.

From viewing wildlife on a shoreline hike to perusing boutiques in the Gaslamp Quarter, San Diego will keep you busy with its endless options.

Need help planning a corporate meeting or incentive travel reward to San Diego? Contact Gavel International for more information.

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Jim Bozzelli

With over 34 years of experience, Jim is fluent in the ins and outs of the meeting and event world. His tenacity and creativity as a strategist have ensured that incentive programs and corporate meetings are highly polished while simultaneously achieving big-picture goals and objectives. Before focusing exclusively on corporate events and incentive programs, he enjoyed over 10 years of success managing and directing national and international sales. During this time, he worked closely with hotels and convention bureaus. His expertise was recognized with rapid promotions along the way. Over 18 years ago he joined the Gavel International team where he works tirelessly with clients to make their events shine by analyzing data, setting goals, negotiating contracts, as well as setting and managing budgets. He is currently the Vice President of Gavel International.