How to Enjoy San Diego when You Visit at the Beginning of the Year
San Diego is a Southern California coastal metropolis with a rich history, a diverse population, and a wide range of geographical features, all of which appeal to the millions of people who visit the city every year. A variety of museums tell the tale of the city’s culture and heritage. Terrain ranging from river valleys to mountain peaks welcomes outdoor recreation. Here are just a few of the things you can do in San Diego during the early part of the year, brought to you by the friendly team at Sunrise Inn San Diego, one of the most ideally located and affordable San Diego hotels.
Explore Historical Topics
The 1,200-acre Balboa Park contains 17 of the city’s museums, which explain a wide variety of subjects through exhibits. Learn about populations spanning thousands of years at the Museum of Us. The Natural History Museum displays examples of flora, fauna, and geology along with exploring human habitation. The Air & Space Museum enables visitors to gaze upon historic aircraft and spacecraft that demonstrate the country’s aviation history.
The ocean and inland waterways have long been vital for trade, transportation, and defense. Vessels used for these purposes throughout the years are on display at the Maritime Museum. Venture to the USS Midway Museum to tour the aircraft carrier and see a variety of military aircraft. The Eagle Mining Company provides a glimpse into the processes and equipment used during the famous Gold Rush era.
Encounter Animals
The city remains devoted to the rehabilitation, conservation, and care of numerous animal species. Visitors have the opportunity to see examples of these efforts by visiting the renowned San Diego Zoo. Inhabitants of the vast collection of exhibits include 3,500 endangered and rare animals. The San Diego Zoo Safari Park provides the chance to view animals in vast expanses that simulate their natural habitats.
Marine life enthusiasts might want to visit SeaWorld, where otters, sea lions, sea turtles, dolphins, and other animals are cared for. The Scripps Institution of Oceanography houses the Birch Aquarium, which contains approximately five dozen indoor and outdoor habitats.
Enjoy the Great Outdoors
San Diego’s coastal location enables water sports enthusiasts to enjoy deep sea fishing, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking, windsurfing, and other activities in the Pacific Ocean, even in the winter months. Tours take passengers to hot spots for whale-watching adventures. Mission Trails Regional Park welcomes bikers, walkers, hikers, and joggers to greet nature along the trails that range from one to more than seven miles in length. The paths wind through valleys and gorges to Cowles Mountain, and they range from easy to difficult. The Bayside Trailhead, Sunset Cliffs Coastal Trail, and the Tecolote Canyon Natural Park and Nature Center are other options.
Indulge in a Bit of Traditional Fun
Belmont Park at Mission Beach is a historic amusement park that offers a variety of popular rides and attractions. Ride the 1925 wooden roller coaster if you dare. Come face to face with local marine life in the submarine. Challenge each other in the bumper cars. Hone your surfing skills against the Flow Wave machine. Test your skills by playing some of the many arcade games, and feast on popular carnival treats.
There’s plenty to do in San Diego at any time of year, and you’ll definitely want to stay for at least a few days, so reserve a room today at Sunrise Inn San Diego. When they’re looking for comfortable hotels near downtown San Diego, visitors will be amazed by our affordable rates as well as our spacious rooms, stunning views of the harbor, and convenient location near many of the most popular tourist attractions in America’s Finest City. Call one of our friendly staff members today at (619) 223-5544.