Surfs Up in Sunny San Diego

Tour the parks, beaches and botanic gardens that still make the "birthplace of California" special.
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Photo By: SeaWorld San Diego

Photo By: The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

Photo By: Geographer, Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: By Antoine Taveneaux (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: The Decipher via Flickr Creative Commons 2.0

Photo By: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo By: bobosh_t, flickr

Photo By: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo By: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo By: San Diego Convention & Visitors Bureau

Photo By: By Visitor7 (new crop by Manuelvbotelho) (File:Cabrillo National Monument-1.jpg) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: By http://flickr.com/photos/allotrope/ [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: By Philkon (Phil Konstantin) (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: By Tony Webster from Portland, Oregon, United States (Black's Beach) [CC BY 2.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: By Djh57 (Own work) [CC BY 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Photo By: By Service Depicted: NavyCamera Operator: PH2 DUTKIEWICZ (ID:DNSC9000754) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

SeaWorld San Diego

Everyone knows the star here is Shamu, the world-famous killer whale, but there are plenty of other attractions vying for your attention. Get up close with polar bears, feed dolphins or take the plunge on the Journey to Atlantis.

The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch

For the first time in more than 15 years the vibrant color pattern of Flower Fields has been changed, but the 50 acres of hillside overlooking the Pacific Ocean will still take your breath away.

Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia

Founded in 1798, Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia is the largest California mission and aptly dubbed the King of Missions. The National Historic Landmark is still home to a community of Franciscan Friars today.

San Diego California Temple

The exterior of the San Diego Mormon Temple, marble chips in stucco, give the building a beautiful white glow. A major landmark, you can't miss the temple driving to or from San Diego on Interstate 5.

Ocean Beach Pier

People walking along the pier on Ocean Beach are in for a real treat as major surfing competitions have been held at the end of Newport Avenue since the 1960s.

Old Town San Diego

With the founding of the first mission in 1769 and the Mexican community of adobe buildings that sprung up in the 1820s, San Diego is full of rich history. This history is preserved in Old Town State Historic Park's plaza, museums, historic buildings and demonstrations.

San Diego Zoo Safari Park

With more than 2 million visitors each year, the Zoo Safari Park is one of the largest tourist attractions in San Diego. Tourists can choose from the Behind-the-Scenes, Jungle Ropes and Africa Tram safaris to see more than 2,000 animals at the park.

LEGOLAND California

The first Legoland outside of Europe, the park is made up of more than 30 million LEGO bricks and is divided into 9 sections including Pirate Shores, Fun Town and the newest addition, Land of Adventure.

USS Midway

The USS Midway was a Naval aircraft carrier and is currently housed at the USS Midway Museum. Built in 1945, it's one of America's longest-serving aircraft carriers and also the first US warship unable to pass through the Panama Canal due to its size.

Balboa Park

Minutes from downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is an urban cultural park home to the San Diego Zoo, 15 museums, various theaters and over 1,000 acres covered in shady groves and seasonal displays of flowers.

The Cabrillo National Monument

The Cabrillo National Monument was built in honor of Juan Rodriguez, who explored the West Coast of the US. Located on the southern tip of the Point Loma Peninsula, the 14,000-pound sculpture looks out over the bay.

La Jolla Village

Tourists can shop, relax on the beach or enjoy fine dining in La Jolla Village, a popular neighborhood in San Diego. More adventurous visitors can kayak, snorkel or scuba dive in the La Jolla Underwater Park.

Mission Bay Park

Mission Bay, located south of the Pacific Beach community, is home to the largest man-made aquatic park in the country, and is a popular spot for sailing, flying kites and picnicking.

Black's Beach

Black's Beach is a beautiful, secluded area beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines on the Pacific Ocean known for nude sunbathing. A submarine canyon attracts surfers to Black's beach, but makes it dangerous for inexperienced swimmers.

Hotel del Coronado

Hotel del Coronado is the oldest and largest example of a wooden Victorian beach resort in California. The luxurious beachfront property has hosted presidents, royalty and served as the backdrop for Some Like It Hot.

Point Loma Lighthouse

The Point Loma Lighthouse, located at the mouth of the San Diego Bay, was built in 1855. It is no longer in service, but visitors can still tour the lighthouse and its living quarters.

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