Vacations in San Diego

San Diego vacations are all about variety. The second biggest city in America is home to one of the top zoos found anywhere and other family-friendly attractions. The sophisticated set will find restaurants and a thriving nightlife, while nature buffs will revel in the scenery. No matter who you are, the wonderful weather 365 days a year will make a vacation even more enjoyable.

When planning a San Diego family vacation, you have many choices of what to include. Many younger visitors—and the young at heart for that matter—enjoy visiting one of the theme parks. In the scenic coastal community of Carlsbad, Legoland offers more than 50 thrilling rides and attractions that people of all ages enjoy on a vacation in North County San Diego. SeaWorld is another popular choice for families, as are the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.

There are many other things you could include on your vacation in North County San Diego. Along with Carlsbad, this scenic region is home to Oceanside, Escondido, and other interesting communities along the coast and further inland. Here you could take a tour of one of the historic Spanish missions or go for a stroll along Oceanside Pier, all while soaking in the distinctly Southern California vibe.

If you wanted to add cultural tours to your vacation in North County San Diego, you'll find the California Surf Museum is located in downtown Oceanside and a Buddhist temple in Vista. Nearby, the Antique Gas and Steam Engine Museum is an interesting place to connect with the past.

Disneyland is not much farther north of these cities, as are Hollywood and Los Angeles, making it easy to turn your San Diego vacations into truly memorable vacations. With a trip over the border, you could see what Tijuana and Baja California have to offer, including excellent shopping opportunities. With so much within a few hours' drive, you could easily use the town as your base and return again in the evening. If you've found one the cheap hotels, you'll have more money left for the rest of your San Diego vacations and beyond.

Even travelers on the tightest budgets can enjoy a cheap vacation to San Diego. Many of the beaches have free parking and are free to enter. Even if you have to pay a few dollars, you still get a lot for a very little. And it doesn't cost a thing to watch the kites fly at Mission Beach Park or stand on the shore for some whale watching during the winter season. You also could visit one of the many parks, spending time watching wildlife or going hiking. Torrey Pines State Park, home to breathtaking cliffs and ocean waves, is a popular place watch birds and see hang-gliders brave the winds.

A long list of other free and low-cost things to do help turn a cheap vacation to San Diego into a well rounded and satisfying getaway. The U.S. Olympic Training Center offers free tours of the place where world-class athletes are training to be at the top of their game. Many of the museums and art galleries are free to visit in the evening or on certain days of the month.

Strolling through the Gaslamp Quarter is another fun way to explore without spending a lot. This thriving neighborhood is home to restaurants, shops, and Victorian architecture.

One of the biggest attractions in the city doesn't charge any kind of entry fee; nearly 30 miles of waterfront connect San Diego with the bay. You can go for a walk, take a bike ride, or simply sit and watch the sailboats and cruise ships head out to sea. All this goes to prove that a cheap vacation to San Diego has to be boring. No matter what your budget, you'll be sure to find a lot of cool things to do.