Cruises from San Diego are always a wonderful idea because it means you can discover the wonders that Southern California offers. Due to its breezy, sunny environment and its laid-back beach-town atmosphere, this West Coast gem offers various unique experiences.
San Diego is nicknamed “America’s Finest City,” and it indeed lives up to that moniker.
Short trip in San Diego? No problem.
Numerous exciting sights and activities, including museums, historic buildings, excellent shopping, and lively neighbourhoods, can be found within a two-mile radius of the San Diego International Airport and the Cruise Ship Terminal.
Old Town Trolley Tour
The Trolley Tour is a guided tour of the Old Town historic district. It provides guests with an in-depth look at the city’s past and present. And it includes interesting facts about San Diego’s vibrant art scene, culinary pleasures, historic buildings and architecture, coastal lifestyle and natural beauty.
Along the tour, you’ll see these landmarks that define this city.
Balboa Park
This is a great stop for those looking for nature paths and horseback riding. Balboa Park remains an oasis of natural beauty in urban landscapes. There are museums, galleries, and gardens that you can go to within the boundaries.
Little Italy
Little Italy is a small community in San Diego, California. Its Italian culture and cuisine characterize the area. The area features an abundance of authentic Italian restaurants, from family-owned to celebrity chef-envisioned eateries.
Westfield Horton Plaza
The Westfield Horton Plaza is a beautiful open-air shopping destination that features some of the best designer boutiques and fashion stores. The place also has a food court that offers everything from brick oven pizzas to local edibles. There’s also a one-of-a-kind park with an iconic fountain for picnics or just relaxing on a bench.
Embarcadero
Embarcadero is the long Bayfront coast where the cruise ships dock, making it the perfect place to sightsee. If you merely have a short time in San Diego, this place is a great start. Below are things and places to try here.
Hang Out at the Maritime Museum
The Maritime Museum in San Diego features a wide variety of museums. This museum includes a naval destroyer and submarine. There is also model ships and figureheads. The model ships are made out of different woods, including oak, cedar, and mahogany boards.
Roll Over to North Embarcadero Plaza During Cruises From San Diego
You can stroll over to North Embarcadero Plaza in San Diego. The Park has a jogging lane, bird watching point, and picnic areas, among other things. It also has the USS Midway Museum and hosts many music events throughout the year.
Visit Seaport Village to Learn More About the City
The attractions available here include visiting the aquarium and taking tours of it, going on a Segway tour, surfing down Imperial Beach, shopping for souvenirs and art pieces at the shops located here, and participating in cultural events.
Gaslamp Quarter
In downtown San Diego, you can spend an entire day exploring the historic Gaslamp Quarter. The term “Gaslamp” refers to the gas street lamps installed in 1873 by the city government. These lamps have lit up San Diego streets since then.
The Gaslamp Quarter is a neighbourhood of art galleries, retail stores and restaurants in downtown San Diego. This area is a perfect place for tourists and locals to enjoy its many attractions such as shopping and dining. It’s also home to many of the city’s most notable landmarks, including Horton Plaza Park and Petco Park (San Diego Padres Stadium).
The Crown City (Coronado)
The San Diego Coronado Ferry (adjacent to the cruise ship terminal) offers guests a relaxing way to enjoy the sights of both Downtown San Diego and Coronado Island. The ferry departs every hour from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM (9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday).
Orange Avenue, the city’s charming main thoroughfare, was awarded the Great American Main Street Award in 2000. This award celebrates small-town America and is given to communities that exhibit strong community values. The village has a charming downtown which features quaint shops, gourmet eateries, and Lamb’s Players Theatre.
Below are some fun things you can do on the island.
Glorietta Bay Inn
Experience a walking tour of this historic house, which was the previous home of John D. Spreckels, the “Sugar Baron”. Explore the historical sites of Coronado, including “The Del,” the Duchess of Windsor residence, and the house where Frank L. Baum wrote the Wizard of Oz, and learn about more than 100 years of the city’s history.
Hotel de Coronado
This famous beachfront hotel, which was constructed in 1888 and is a National Historic Landmark, served as the setting for the 1959 film “Some Like it Hot,” which starred Marilyn Monroe, Jack Lemmon, and Tony Curtis.
Coronado Beach
Travel Channel awarded Coronado Beach as “America’s Top 10 Beaches” because of its golden sand and the nation’s best beach for families.
South of San Diego
San Diego is a place very close to Tijuana, Mexico, which is one of the world’s most visited cities, making it a popular tourist destination. Tijuana is a perfect day trip from downtown San Diego that is just 17 miles away, making it an attractive choice for anyone seeking an inexpensive foreign experience. Tijuana is a border town with something for everyone. You can shop duty-free, dine on authentic Mexican food, watchdog racing, or enjoy the arts and culture.
The easiest way to visit Tijuana is by taking the San Diego Trolley Blue Line. The travel time is approximately 40 minutes for one way.
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Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. He holds an academic degree in tourism management.
His touristic expertise has been covered in radio, newspaper and television.