March 29
After breakfast, our first stop is the harbour. We take a 2-hour harbour cruise — absolutely worth it, as you get a wonderful view of San Diego, the Coronado Peninsula, the bridge to Coronado, the many warships, the museum ships including the USS Midway, the sea lion colony, and the naval base itself, which is incidentally the second-largest in the United States.
After our harbour cruise we visit the charming Coronado Peninsula with its pretty houses and the spectacular crossing over the San Diego–Coronado Bay Bridge (great views and truly one of a kind). In Coronado we relax by the water and enjoy the sea and the wide sandy beach.
The absolute highlight of San Diego is the Gaslamp Quarter, a predominantly Victorian neighbourhood — especially in the evening it comes alive and has everything for the hungry and thirsty visitor. The biggest party strip is Garnet Street. But this district also shines with its historic buildings. Given the proximity to Mexico, you should of course eat a loooot of tacos and burritos here.
What we did not get to see in San Diego: SeaWorld, the San Diego Zoo, the buildings of Old Town San Diego, the various beaches, and the harbour district — all of which are said to be worthwhile destinations.
The Scenic Drive of San Diego is also said to be very impressive — if you want to drive the whole route you won't miss a single attraction, although you'll need plenty of time for that, which unfortunately we didn't have.
A game with the San Diego Padres might also be something for you. It's baseball, but just the atmosphere alone makes it well worth seeing.
If you haven't shopped enough yet: one of the largest outlet malls is located right on the Mexican border (about 1 hour south of San Diego). But Fashion Valley is much closer and, by all accounts, also excellent.
Further activities (bookable via Viator): the USS Midway Museum or a jet boat ride in San Diego Bay, whale watching, or a sea lion spotting tour in San Diego. For the romantics among you: a dinner cruise in San Diego harbour — just to name a few.
