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Famed attractions, a rich history, bountiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife are the high points of this beautiful seaside city.

Sun, sand and sea make San Diego a vacationer’s dream come true. Famed attractions, a rich history, bountiful beaches and a vibrant nightlife are the high points of this beautiful seaside city. San Diego boasts some of the most famous tourist attractions in America. The San Diego Zoo houses more than 4,200 animals, all in a cageless environment. There are bioclimatic habitats for hippopotamuses, polar bears, gorillas and tigers. Next door the San Diego Wild Animal Park has an exciting Photo Caravan Safari and other tours to help visitors interact with exotic animals in their natural habitats. Next, meet Shamu, the famous frolicsome killer whale at SeaWorld San Diego. This 189-acre park features marine life exhibits, shows and aquariums.

Stand at Cabrillo National Monument and imagine the landing of Juan Cabrillo, the leader of the first European expedition to set foot on the west coast of the United States in 1542. Visit the Junipero Serra Museum to learn about Spanish Missions. Browse through the many museums at Balboa Park, including the Fine Arts Gallery, the Natural History Museum, and the Aerospace Museum. Explore the historic district of Gaslamp Quarter, which was the center of Old San Diego. There are many Victorian-style buildings here, including the William Heath Davis house, now a visitor information center, the Horton Grand Hotel and the Tudor-style Keating Building.

You cannot visit San Diego without going to the beaches. One of the popular beaches is the La Jolla Cove, where the sea is calm and there are many protected wading pools for children. Other well-trodden beaches include the Silver Strand State Beach and Torrey Pines City Park Beach. You can swim, scuba dive, surf, snorkel, and enjoy many other marine sports. If you enjoy fishing, then be sure to go to the Embarcadero, a waterfront walkway lined with seafood restaurants. Take a harbor cruise to see the navy installations and ships or appreciate the city’s skyline from afar.

Evenings are full of entertainment options at San Diego. Take in a play at the Old Globe Theatre, which usually presents Shakespearean drama or go to the La Jolla Stage Company for a lavish Broadway production. Enjoy music, dance and good food at the numerous bars, comedy clubs, piano lounges and dance clubs. Better still take one of the many entertainment cruises along the Mission Bay while dancing to a live band and enjoying cocktails and dinner. This big metropolis has a wonderfully small-town feel. When you pack your bags for a trip to San Diego, remember to pack a few extra sets of clothes, you will definitely want to stay longer than you planned.