5 Tips on Planning Your San Diego Vacation

Whether you’re planning your family vacation, or a romantic getaway for two, San Diego offers perfect weather, seemingly endless beaches, shopping, dining and sizzling nightlife -- all of the ingredients you’ll need to ensure a good time is had by all. Planning for your San Diego trip ahead of time is the best way to enjoy all of the things you plan to do. These tips will help get you on your way to an experience you will never forget. Who knows -- you just might enjoy it so much that you’ll keep on coming back for years to come!

Use the Internet to Find Great Flight Deals

The Internet can be the key to creating your perfect San Diego vacation, and there are many different options available to travelers. Whether you are planning a vacation months in advance or jetting off for a spontaneous getaway weekend, searching online for flight information to San Diego can get you some of the best deals on ticket prices. Check out the incredible deals on last minute flights to San Diego for rock bottom prices.

Search the Internet for the Best Hotels and Packages

Finding the perfect San Diego hotel is a breeze. Consider all of your needs when conducting your search: How many people will be staying? Is the hotel centrally located to the places you plan to visit? What kinds of amenities do you need? Those who are planning a traditional family vacation will enjoy the homey feel of the Comfort Inn and Suites Hotel Circle. This hotel is centrally located to several San Diego attractions. It’s only five minutes away from Sea World, the San Diego Zoo, Old Town and downtown San Diego. This hotel has lots of family friendly features like full kitchens, family rooms, barbeque grills and a childrens' wading pool along with a large outdoor heated pool and hot tub. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast to its guest each morning. It is available with rates starting at only $79.00.

If you’re traveling alone or sneaking away for a romantic adventure, look no further than the ultra stylish Tower 23 Hotel located in the exclusive community of La Jolla. This sleek and urban beachfront resort is only minutes away from downtown San Diego. Each guest room is sparingly decorated with minimalist designed furnishings and a private balcony or patio. All rooms come with wall mounted flat screen televisions, luxurious 100 percent Egyptian cotton linens and plush towels, 24-hour access to in-room dining compliments of the hotel’s restaurant and in-room massages. Inquire about special hotel packages for couples. Mingle with other fashionable guests over drinks at the Tower Bar, or under the stars on the Tower Deck. This four-star hotel is available at a starting rate of $229.00 a night.

Get to Know San Diego’s Metro Transit System

San Diego is California’s second-largest city. It is an expansive city that spreads out. San Diego’s Metro Transit System (MTS) is made up of buses, trolleys and coasters to provide reliable public transportation throughout San Diego County. It offers convenient travel to and from the San Diego International Airport, all area attractions, and beaches, shopping venues, hotels and even Mexico.

The North County Coaster travels 43 miles along San Diego’s coast making it ideal for accessing for accessing downtown San Diego, Old Town, Solano Beach, Encinitas, Carlsbad and Oceanside. There are other forms of transportation such as taxicabs, pedi cabs, gondolas, horse-driven carriages, ferries and water taxis. With so many unique options for moving throughout the city, getting around can be an adventure in itself!

Rent a Car And Enjoy the Sights

If you plan on showing your loved one you need a car to get around San Diego. Ideally, you should book your car rental at least 24 hours in advance to ensure that you receive the car you want and the best deals on San Diego car rentals with no hassle and no waiting. As soon as you land at the San Diego international Airport, you can take the shuttle to pick up your car. Lots of people drive in San Diego so the traffic can become heavy at times. Make sure to map out your route and allow plenty of time to arrive at your destination, especially during peak traffic times.

Enjoy Non-Stop Fun at Countless Local Attractions

Take time to plan ahead all of the sites and attractions that you plan to visit so that you don’t miss a thing. Once you have your list, you can decide where to go first. San Diego is home to over 30 pristine beaches. Visit Corona Beach, one of the most famous beaches in the U.S. and ranked among the top ten Beaches in Dr. Stephen P. Leather’s 14th annual ranking of America’s Top Ten Beaches. There is also Del Mar Beach just north of Torrey Pines State Beach. This is a great beach for families and tourists. Enjoy classic California days surfing, swimming body boarding – even seasonal grunion hunting!

There are a number of family attractions like Sea World San Diego and its grand re-opening of Penguin Encounter following a year hiatus. San Diego’s Penguin Encounter is the only place in North America displaying these emperor penguins. Visit the San Diego Zoo to catch a glimpse of its newest resident, a baby Giant Panda!

If shopping is more your speed, you’ll be in a shopper’s paradise when you visit the Historic Gas Lamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. You find a variety of trendy shops. Visit G.I Joe’s army surplus store for a treasure chest of cheap fashion gear. The Gas Lamp’s night scene can’t be beat. Once the sun sets, this area transforms! The Onyx Room is a prime nightspot featuring an incredible DJ, live music, and plenty of dancing.

A trip to San Diego is an unforgettable experience. The city’s laid back, relaxing atmosphere will send you home happily satisfied with that cool, California state of mind.