Last Minute Travel Deals to San Diego
- Last Minute Travel >
- Destinations >
- United States >
- California >
- San Diego
Weather in San Diego °F°CAverage monthly temperatures
San Diego Last Minute
Just minutes from the border of Mexico sits a sunny, relaxed destination in Southern California that last-minute travelers adore. San Diego, a coastal city located along the Pacific Ocean, is the second largest city in California and one of the largest in the United States. The city boasts a population of well over 1 million, and recent rankings place San Diego as one of the wealthiest cities in the United States.
A variety of industries flourish here and serve as the economic backbone of the city, including everything from agriculture and biotechnology to telecommunications and defense-related manufacturing. Tourism is, of course, a major industry that introduces many annual visitors to this gem hidden away in the tip of Southern California.
While there are endless choices in entertainment and attractions, one quality that makes San Diego the perfect pick for a spontaneous getaway is the incomparable weather. Warm, dry summers paired with cool, wet winters make the area sunny and bright about 260 days out of the year. Humidity is rare as well, and summer temperatures don’t usually rise past 80 degrees. That’s a major reason why millions of visitors a year choose San Diego as a destination.
Hills and canyons grace San Diego’s landscape, and the hilly scenery creates distinct sections of the city. It also contributes to the city’s natural parkland that can be found scattered within the city limits. There are also more than 70 miles of beaches in San Diego, and a stunning 52-mile-long Scenic Drive gives visitors a chance to take in the whole city and its charming neighborhoods, such as Old Town and La Jolla. Everywhere you look, the city’s Spanish and Mexican heritage is apparent, from the adobe houses to the famous Presidio fortress.
San Diego’s shining jewel is Balboa Park, a 1200-acre piece of paradise that offers not only wide open spaces but serves as the cultural center of the city with its world-famous zoo and a number of respected museums. Impeccably manicured landscaping adds to the park’s appeal, and a rose garden stands out among the other flora almost like nature’s jewelry. The park’s San Diego Zoo is home to nearly 4000 animals ranging from birds and gorillas to tigers and hippos, and everything in between. You can also pay a visit to the Japanese Friendship Garden, the Starlight Bowl outdoor theater or the Old Globe Theatre.
Classic wooden roller coasters will delight thrill-ride enthusiasts who make a trip to Belmont Park, which is located directly under the Mission Bay Boardwalk. Another famous attraction is Sea World, known around the world for its impressive performances by whales, dolphins and other sea creatures. Rides and shows will keep visitors busy all day.
Wildlife is abundant in San Diego, and this city has gone to great lengths to preserve and display the lives of indigenous animals. An exciting afternoon of whale watching at San Diego Harbor would be exciting, as would a visit to the San Diego Wild Animal Park, where visitors catch glimpses of nature in an uninterrupted state. Endangered species and exotic plants can be found within the 2100-acre grounds. If you’re more fond of the indoors, check out the Stephen Birch Aquarium Museum, the largest oceanographic exhibit in the US. More than 3000 fish can be seen swimming around in this stunning facility.
Culture is maintained and respected in this modern metropolis. San Diego’s love for art is exemplified not only in museums like the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego (MCASD) and the San Diego Museum of Art but also in the Art and Design District in Little Italy, which is home to a number of galleries and retail design stores. Music also flows freely through this spectacular city, and visitors will be awed by the talent of the San Diego Symphony and the San Diego Opera. Music, dance and theater performances are held at the Joan B. Kroc Theater, a state-of-the-art venue that holds 600 guests. It is easy to see that this city takes pride in its many cultural resources and not just its outdoors attractions.
Come to San Diego and soak in the sun, the breeze and all the character that makes this place one of the best destinations in the world!