San Diego Vacation Rentals

Getting to San Diego

San Diego International Airport is served by flights from several major airlines, including Delta, United Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Getting from the airport to your San Diego vacation rental is easy, as downtown can be reached in a mere 10 minutes. Catch a taxi or opt for the convenience of a car rental. Buses to various local destinations can also be found at the airport bus station, next to the main terminal building.

Dining in San Diego

Whether you choose to cook or dine out, you're sure to have access to wonderful, fresh food during your vacation. Being so close to the sea, it is perhaps unsurprising that San Diego has many great seafood restaurants. Among these, El Pescador Fish Market in the upscale La Jolla neighborhood stands out for its relaxed ambiance and seriously fresh fish. Marine Room is a great choice for a romantic night out, boasting views onto the incoming surf, while Oscar's Mexican Seafood offers a rustic setting and favorites such as shrimp ceviche and fish tacos.

If you choose to cook, then head down to The Fishery market or Catalina Offshore Products. In both markets you can find an enormous selection of fish and seafood, all fresh out of the water.

The Ideal Climate

San Diego boasts an appealing climate, with low humidity and warm coastal temperatures year round. This moderate and sunny climate means that relaxing by the beach or sightseeing in town are both great options; however, it is worth bearing in mind that May and June tend to be rather cloudy, so if you want to work on your tan, plan your trip for later in the summer.

San Diego's Coastal Attractions

It would be impossible to mention San Diego's sights without mentioning the miles of beaches, perfect for swimming, surfing, sunbathing, and beach sports. Several surf schools are on hand to help eager but inexperienced surfers.

For more water activities, consider whale watching. Several companies offer private trips to get up close to the majestic creatures. The best time of year for a whale watching trip is February, when gray whales migrate south along the coast, although it is possible to catch a glimpse of orcas, minke and fin whales all year round. The Cabrillo National Monument, the Birch Aquarium at Scripps, and the hiking trails of the Torrey Pines State Reserve are popular sites for whale watching along the coast.

Another thrilling activity is exploring the Seven Caves of La Jolla on a guided kayak tour. La Jolla Underwater Park is rich with marine life, including sea lions, leopard sharks, and garibaldi.

San Diego with Children

Although adults are sure to enjoy it too, the little ones are especially likely to enjoy a trip to San Diego Zoo. Regarded as one of the world's best, this zoo is located in Balboa Park and houses around 3,700 animals of over 650 species. Even more impressive is the fact that this is the only place outside of the wild where you can see rare animals, such as the giant panda and more. The open-air, cageless enclosures also help to give the impression of seeing the animals in their natural habitats. Fun and educational events such as the KinderNights, KinderTots, and Animal Encounters allow children to learn about the animals they see, while rental strollers help to make your visit a bit easier.

If your kids fall in love with wildlife during your vacation, consider taking them to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where you can witness lions lounging in leafy glades and tigers prowling in the grasslands. Explore extensive climate-controlled areas and discover the park's 2,600 plus inhabitants as you tour around on a trolley bus.

For guaranteed thrills and old-world charm, take the kids to Belmont Park. Opened in 1925 and looking over the ocean, the amusement park includes several original attractions such as the Giant Dipper, a wooden rollercoaster. After a fun-filled afternoon here, the whole family will be glad to return to your San Diego vacation rental to rest and share stories of the day's adventures.

San Diego Explored

SeaWorld San Diego California

Family-friendly SeaWorld includes theme park rides, an oceanarium, aquarium, and marine mammal park. The sea lion and otter shows will leave you in splits.

La Jolla Cove

Come here to catch families of sea lions creating a spectacle. Enjoy the cliff views, ice cream, and quirky souvenir stalls, and consider kayaking, snorkelling, or diving.

Balboa Park

America's largest urban cultural park houses 15 museums, the San Diego Zoo, performing arts venues, gardens, and a handy Visitor's Center. See it all using the free open-air tram.

San Diego Zoo

Spend a day at this sprawling zoo, which pioneered the idea of open-air, cage-free exhibits. Home to over 3700 animals, the internal trams and free bus tours are indeed useful.

USS Midway Museum

Located in downtown San Diego at Navy Pier, this maritime museum is best enjoyed via self-guided audio tour. Brace yourself for a few steep stairways and narrow passages as you navigate California's military history.