For locals, the annual pass ($86 for first timers, $70 something for renewers, sometimes with a couple months thrown in as a bonus) is the best deal in San Diego County. Unlimited Zoo and Wild Animal Park visits, free zoo skyfari rides, monthly color magazine, two free guest passes, multiple coupon offers. I mention this only because tourists have been so struck by the deal that they’ve bought the pass, too.
This is my favorite place in all of San Diego. My recomendation for first (or second, or tenth) timers: Start the day early, and make for the polar bears. Get to them either via the SkyFari if the lines are short, or on foot.. (They’re located on the opposite end of the zoo from the entrance). Their exhibit is stunning, and because they’re most active in the morning, the opportunity to see the polar bears play in the water from a vantage point of being 10 feet below the water’s surface could very well be the highlight of your trip. They’re no guarantees though (this is a zoo, not a circus), but it’s fantastic to see.
Other must see exhibits: the monkeys/apes (the exhibit itself is a marvel), the hippos (another underwater vantage point), the giraffes (public feedings at noon), the pandas (as of now, you can watch the newest baby, Su Lin while you’re in line waiting to see her parents and brother – she’s the black and white fuzzball high in the tree), the koalas, the raptors (predatory birds) when active, and the row containing the brown bears, sun bears and lions.
Admission: $21 Adults, $14 Children 3-11, deluxe packages also available.

Exit I-5 near to Balboa Park, follow the signs.

Regarding where to eat – I really have no preference food wise. We usually end up at Canyon Cafe (next to the pandas) because of its midway point. Although the price point for food at the zoo is a little high, we figure it’s all going to support research and conservation. Hopefully.

University of California, San Diego is arguably in the top 5 public schools in the country. The campus is split up into six different colleges, some of which have certain specialties. In the center of campus is Price Center which is the main university hang out spot with the student theater, dining, arcades, atm machines, billiards room and much more. Directly next to Price Center is the Geisel Library named after the author of the infamous “Dr. Seuss” collection. The library is in the shape of a tree, the architectural design is phenomenal. Be sure to check out “The Cliffs” which is part of the UCSD campus.

From I-5 take Gilman Dr. exit and follow the signs

Directly west of UCSD campus, the cliffs are high above sea level and overlook the Pacific Ocean. Some of the most breathtaking views you will find in the San Diego are right here. A complete 180-degree drop-jaw, once of a lifetime sunset can be seen every evening. This place is a must see, if you’re ever thinking about proposing, consider this spot.

Right along the shores of La Jolla Cove, this area is lined with fine dining and top-notch brand shopping. The up-scale environment is a great place to walk around, window shop, and eat some great sea food. There are also unique desert and boutique shops. Be sure to checkout the cove which is located just off the main strip, Propect Street.

From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive, west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow it to Prospect Street and turn right.

This tiny beach nook is part of the San Diego La Jolla Underwater Park Ecological Reserve. If you’re in the downtown La Jolla area, this is a place to definitely stop by. Home to some of the clearest water in the San Diego area, the cove is a great place to snorkel and go scuba diving. A pleasant grassy area surrounded by palm trees makes a perfect picnic or sunbathing area. There are also a number of walking trails along Coast Blvd. where you can get a picturesque view of San Diego.

From the north, take I-5 to La Jolla Village Drive, west. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road and follow it to Prospect Street and turn right. Bear right on Coast Boulevard and look for signs.

Balboa Park was named after the Spanish explorer Balboa. It was originally established in 1868 as a 1,400-acre piece of land. This park is home to many of the best San Diego museums. A great place to walk around, enjoy the weather, open lawns, and classic Spanish style architecture. A must see for any San Diego visitor.

Balboa Park

Visitors come here to enjoy the numerous Italian dining spots as well as the scenic San Diego coastline. Enjoy delicious snacks from the numerous markets and bakeries. Shop Italiano style for souvineers and art work. Be sure to checkout the Our Lady of the Rosary Church, the place where Italian fisherman used to light a candle for good blessings. In October there is a massive festival that brings as many as 50,000 visitors to Little Italy.

Seaside District just next door to downtown San Diego

Pacific Gaslamp Theatre
701 Fifth Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

Coronado Beach across from “The Del” is my second favorite beach in San Diego (after the one at Torrey Pines). The almost white sand, spanning a football field’s width, make this a lounger’s paradise. And the view! The gleaming Pacific Ocean to your face, the beautiful, historic, Victorian hotel to your back…...you can’t go wrong. Take a break from the sun and walk through the classic hotel – the architecture is fantastic.

Check out the Star of India, Berkeley ferryboat, and Medea yacht all part of this Maritime Museum package. The Star of India has a long history, which include once sailing around the world. The hull is made of iron, and there are numerous wind-sails almost making this look like a classic ship from a pirate movie. Admission: $10 adult; $8 seniors, active miliary and children ages 13-17, $7 children ages 6-12, children under 5 are free.

The Gaslamp District is one of San Diego’s main downtown shopping, dining and night-life spots. This area stretches out over sixteen square blocks with countless dining locations of all types, bars, nightclubs, museums, galleries, music stores, souvineer shopping and much more. The once gas lamps have been replaced with mercury vapor lamps, while the restored Victorian-style architecture is a site to be seen not to go unnoticed.