3 Day Travel

San Diego, known for its year-round sunshine and beautiful beaches, also boasts more family-friendly activities than you can cram into a mere three-days.

Start Day One at Balboa Park. It is the country’s largest urban cultural park, and includes 15 museums, gardens, theatres and San Diego Zoo. Park passes are available that offer discounts to a group of attractions. Some days are even free, so check out the museum’s website for details. Links can be found at www.balboapark.org.The Natural History Museum is a great place to learn about ancient Southern California history. See fossils and dinosaur bones in a variety of exhibits. Grab a quick lunch at Cafe in the Park, a deli with fresh sandwiches, drinks and treats. Then visit the Botanical Garden. A lily pond with brightly colored lilys and pads is centered in front of the brown lath building.Thousands of permanent plants and seasonal flowers grow in the lush and tranquil garden.

Spend an hour or two at the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center. Simple “scientific tricks” including optical illusions, creating a tornado and brain puzzles keep both adults and children entertained.

For some dinner and shopping head to The Gaslamp Quarter. It is marked on the north by C Street, and by 12th Street on the east. Each corner is lit by an old-fashioned gas lamp which begins to burn at sun down. It is a lively, happening place with hundreds of shops, unique restaurants and hip clubs attracting a diverse crowd. The renovated Victorian architecture is also one of the attractions. With cuisine from every continent, there is something for everyone. Dining ranges from Thai to Irish to American to Persian. For some great Chinese, try Blue Ginger, (717 Fourth Avenue, 619-232-3888). The atmosphere is elegant, and the menu is traditional Chinese with a California twist. For more information visit www.gaslampquarter.org.

Day Two begins with Old Town San Diego. It is infused with the history and Mexican culture that makes Southern California unique. Dozens of restaurants–Mostly Mexican with women in colorful traditional dresses making fresh tortillas–dozens of specialty shops and tours make it a fun place to spend half a day.

On the eastern end of Old Town is the Mormon Battalion Memorial. The Mormon Battalion played a key role in settling California, as well as San Diego. The soldiers even helped build the original San Diego courthouse. Their moving and faith-filled story is well worth the visit. Coyote Cantina–a very popular restaurant on the edge of town–is home to the “Famous Grande Margarita.” As you enjoy the freshly made chips and salsa, a man dressed in white pants and a jacket with a red and silver shirt wanders between tables slowly strumming his guitar.

After lunch take a ride over the harbor into Coronado for a leisurely afternoon at the beach. A wide strip of dust-fine cream-colored sand skirts the southern edge of the popular island. Try to get a spot away from Hotel del Coronado so you’ll have to spread out and catch some sun, catch the waves or create sand sculptures without competing with two hundred other people trying to do the same thing.

After hours in the sun, a go for a simple dinner on Coronado’s Orange Avenue. For three or four blocks a bevy of shops and casual eateries line the street. Locals pick Alexander’s Pizza ( 849 Orange Avenue, 619-435-5747) as the best on the island. It’s both family-friendly, and easy on your budget.

Day Three is for the famed San Diego Zoo. This is a fun attraction even for people who don’t have kids. There are hundreds of creatures big and small, and exhibits that will occupy anyone who doesn’t even think they like animals. I’m not going to tell you how to explore this place–that’s up to your own tastes and interests, but here are a few tips–buy your tickets online before you go. Just visit . Your ticket includes the Guided Tour Bus, Express Bus, and Skyfari Aerial Tram. There you can also book hotel packages for reduced rates.

For more information about getting to San Diego, places to stay and other places to try, visit