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Gaslamp Quarter, CA 92101 Back to top
The Gaslamp Quarter is a vibrant area of downtown San Diego. If something fun is happening in the city there's a good chance it's happening here. The quarter is home to numerous local festivals including "Mardi Gras in the Gaslamp", "Taste of Gaslamp", "St Patrick's Day extravaganza", and "ShamROCK". For day-to-day entertainment there are 94 historic buildings to visit and numerous bars and clubs, including Croce's Restaurant & Jazz Bar. Plus, Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, is only a block away.
Current Coupons in Gaslamp
Driving Directions
From I-5 South
Drive past the airport toward Downtown. Take the Front Street/Civic Center exit. Continue down Front Street twelve blocks to Market St and turn left (east). The intersection of 5th and Market is the center of the Gaslamp Quarter.
From I-5 North
In Downtown San Diego, take the 6th Ave. exit. Go left (south) on 6th Ave. In nine blocks you will cross Broadway to enter the Gaslamp Quarter.
From Highway 94 West
The highway ends and becomes F Street in Downtown San Diego. Continue west down F Street twelve blocks to enter the Gaslamp Quarter at Sixth Ave.
From Highway 163 South
Drive south through Balboa Park and the highway becomes 10th Ave. Continue south on 10th Ave six blocks to F Street. Turn right (west) on F Street and go four blocks to enter the Gaslamp at 6th Ave.
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Seaport Village, CA 92101 Back to top
849 West Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 235-4014
http://www.seaportvillage.com
Overlooking the bay in San Diego, Seaport village is a charming shopping and dining complex housing more than 70 shops, galleries, and eateries. The main thing that strikes you about Seaport Village is the sheer number of specialty stores. The complex boasts stores devoted to hot sauce, music boxes, wind chimes, hammocks, kites, the world's largest selection of mugs and many other weird and wonderful products. When you're done browsing there are four bay view restaurants to choose from as well as numerous food stands for snacking.
Harbor Cruise, CA 92101
1050 North Harbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 234-4111
http://www.sdhe.com
If you want to learn about San Diego and the harbor area then you can't do better than taking one of the many cruises on offer. Whether you're looking for wildlife, history or just a relaxing dinner on the open waves, all tastes are catered for.
Driving Directions
North on I-5 to Downtown
Take I-5 North and exit 6th Avenue. Left on 6th. Turn right on Ash Street. Turn left on Pacific Highway which ends at Seaport Village.
South on I-5 to Downtown
Take I-5 to Front Street exit. Turn right on Ash Street. Turn left on Pacific Highway which ends at Seaport Village.
South on 163 to Downtown
Take 163 South to Ash Street. Turn left on Pacific Highway which ends at Seaport Village.
South on I-5 to Downtown
Exit at Front Street, go straight to Broadway and turn right. Take Broadway to Harbor Drive.
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Hillcrest, CA 92103 Back to top
Hillcrest is a laid back, diverse neighborhood just northwest of Balboa Park. The place is packed with independent businesses and makes you feel as if you've journeyed back in time to an age before Starbucks and McDonalds bought up every street in America. Attractions include restaurants, caf�s, bars, clubs, trendy thrift-stores and other great ways to while away your day.
Current Coupons in Hillcrest
Driving Directions
From I-5
Exit on Washington Street and go East.
From SR-163
If you are coming Southbound, exit on Washington Street West. If you are coming Northbound, exit on Washington Street (which will take you eastward), and then make a U-turn so that you are headed West.
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La Jolla, CA 92037 Back to top
La Jolla (pronounced luh-HOY-uh) is a wealthy seaside resort that is home to less than fifty thousand residents. It's an area of outstanding natural beauty and boasts the Torrey Pines State reserve as one of its major attractions as well as the world-class Torrey Pines golf course, home of the 2008 U.S Open. If the sea is your thing there are numerous scenic beaches to enchant visitors, many with ample opportunities for surfing.
La Jolla Cove, CA 92037
La Jolla Cove is probably one of the most beautiful beaches in southern California. It's popular with snorkelers and scuba divers though to protect marine life surfboards, boogie boards, inflatable mattresses etc. are prohibited. Its location just below Scripps Park, a great spot for picnicking, makes it the perfect venue for a quiet day at the beach.
Current Coupons in La Jolla
Driving Directions
From the north, take Interstate 5 to La Jolla Village Drive, westbound. Turn left on Torrey Pines Road at the signalized intersection. Follow Torrey Pines Road to the signalized intersection at Prospect Street and turn right.
From the south, take Interstate 5 north to La Jolla Parkway. Continue on as it becomes Torrey Pines Road. Follow Torrey Pines Road to the signalized intersection at Prospect Street and turn right.
From I-15 (either direction): Take the Highway 52 exit heading west as Hwy. 52 intersects with I-5, take the LA Jolla Parkway exit and follow the above directions from La Jolla Parkway.
Visitor Center
7966 Herschel Avenue
(Herschel & Prospect in the Village of La Jolla)
La Jolla, CA 92037
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Coronado, CA 92118 Back to top
Directly translated Coronado means "crowned one", which is why locals refer to it as the crown city. It certainly lives up it its regal billing � it's a beautiful city. Attractions include, numerous beaches and bays and an inviting par 72 golf course plus the famous Hotel del Coronado, the setting for the famous movie, Some Like it Hot.
Driving Directions
From FWY 5 just south of downtown San Diego, take the Coronado Bridge over the bay to Coronado Island (now toll-free). The bridge lets out onto to 3rd Street. Turn left on Orange Avenue and follow it down toward the Hotel Del Coronado. Heading right off Orange onto virtually any street will get you to the beach.
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Mission Bay Park, CA 92109 Back to top
Mission Bay is the largest man made aquatic park in the United States. The park offers energetic activities like wakeboarding, jet-skiing and sailing though, If dry land is more your thing, the park also offers ample opportunity for jogging, cycling, fishing camping or simply relaxing somewhere along the 19 miles of sandy beach. Other attractions include, SeaWorld, the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Belmont Park, which features the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster.
Driving Directions
To reach Mission Bay from the north or south, take Interstate 5 to the exit for East Mission Bay Drive, Grand Avenue, Clairemont Drive, or Sea World Drive.
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Old Town, CA 92110 Back to top
Old town is fascinating journey into the past. The area is littered with historical sites, now run as museums, that span the decades from Californio rule to the Mexican Period and finally to the American Period. The Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is the most visited historical area and all of its museums are 100% free. To get the most out of Old Town you might want to think about taking one of the many historic tours on offer. The area is also home to a diverse range of restaurants and the ever popular Art Festival.
Driving Directions
I-8 East exit Taylor St.
I-5 exit Old Town Avenue.
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Balboa Park and Museums, CA 92101 Back to top
Balboa Park
is one of the cultural centers of San Diego - it's one of the oldest public recreational sites in the U.S and to this day continues to attract the knowledge-hungry in droves. Attractions for resident and visiting literati include the San Diego Museum of Man, the San Diego Museum of Art, the Museum of Photographic Arts, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, the Natural History Museum, the San Diego Historical Society, the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center the Reflection Pond, the latticed Botanical Building (which is always free), the Bea Evenson Fountain and the Timken Museum of Art. There's also a zoo, a golf course, a working replica of Shakespeare's Globe theatre and several beautiful gardens perfect for reflecting on your newfound knowledge.
Driving Directions
Southbound from I-5 - Take the 10th Avenue Exit off I-5. Turn left on "A" Street and left again on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
Northbound from I-5 - Take the B Street/Pershing exit off I-5 to Pershing Street. Take Pershing and then left on Florida Dr. Turn left on Zoo Place to Park Blvd. Left on Park Blvd.
Southbound from Hwy 163 - Take the Park Blvd. exit off Hwy 163. Turn left on Park Blvd. Follow the signs to Balboa Park.
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MCAS Miramar Air Show, CA 92145 Back to top
The Miramar air-show is a major red letter day in the air-show calendar. The show features both military and civilian aircraft performing death defying stunts for huge crowds. Some of the highlights include the US Navy Blue Angels demonstration, the wall of fire, and the USMC demonstration team that demonstrates Marine tactics by simulating a battle situation.
Driving Directions
Main (East) Gate from the MCAS Miramar (Miramar Way) exit on I-15.
North or West Gates from the Miramar Rd. exit on I-15 or I-805.
Air Show calendar
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Mission Beach, CA 92109 Back to top
Mission beach spans nearly two miles of ocean. The beach offers all the usual fun of the coast including sunbathing, surfing and volleyball. Many of the beachgoers are local college and university students which gives the beach a vibrant atmosphere though consumption of alcohol is illegal as of this year.
Driving Directions
Take Interstate 5 to Grand Avenue. Follow it west to Mission Boulevard. Take Mission Boulevard south the roller coaster at West Mission Bay Drive.
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PETCO Park, CA 92101 Back to top
19 Tony Gwynn Way
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 795-5000
http://www.petcoparkevents.com
PETCO Park is the home of the San Diego Padres baseball team. It opened in 2004 replacing the Qualcomm Stadium. The stadium is modern in design and fans in the grandstands are treated to a br?athtaking view of San Diego Bay
and the San Diego skyline. Petco Park is thought of by many as the world's best ballpark and there are certainly worse ways to spend a day than cheering on the Padres.
Driving Directions
North:
Your best options are:
5 South, exit Imperial Ave., or
5 South, exit 10th Ave., or
163 South, exit 10th Ave.
East:
94 West to F St., and turn left on 14th Ave.
South:
Your options are:
5 North to B St., left on 10th Ave., or
5 North, exit J St.
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Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, CA 92101 Back to top
1875 El Prado
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 238-1233
http://www.rhfleet.org
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center was the first science museum to incorporate a planetarium and an IMAX Dome, setting a high standard that most U.S science museums have now adopted. All exhibits at the centre are interactive - another initiative pioneered by the center - which allows for a more rewarding overall experience, especially if you are with children.
Driving Directions
Traveling South on Interstate 5:
Take 10th Ave. exit near downtown. Turn left on A street at the first light. While turning get into one of the 2 right lanes, cross 11th Ave., then turn left on Park Blvd. Go through 4 lights and then make a left turn at Space Theater Way into our parking lot.
Traveling North on Interstate 5:
Take the Pershing Drive - B Street exit stay to the left. Turn left on B Street, then right at the first light on Park Blvd. Go through 4 lights and then make a left turn at Space Theater Way into our parking lot.
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Torrey Pines State Park, CA 92037 Back to top
A coastal state park located in La Jolla. It's known as one of the wildest stretches of land on the Southern California coast, despite the fact that it falls within San Diego city limits. It's home to a diverse range of plant and animal life and the eight miles of trails offer an irresistible attraction to hikers.
Driving Directions
From the 5 FWY exit Carmel Valley Road west to Torrey Pines Road south
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Spreckels Organ Pavilion, CA 92101 Back to top
Located within the picturesque surroundings of Balboa Park, Spreckels Organ Pavilion is home to the world's largest outdoor pipe organ. You can hear it play at two o'clock every day and, best of all, it's always free.
Driving Directions
Take Hwy 163 south to Park Blvd, go left at the stop light then left onto President's Way, which is the next stop light.
The Organ Pavilion parking lot is located directly behind the Pavilion on the corner of President's Way and Pan American Road East.
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Mission Beach Boardwalk, CA 92109 Back to top
Mission beach has two popular boardwalks on both the ocean bay side, which provide a great opportunity for roller-skating, cycling etc. as well as just strolling along enjoying the air. A local skating club, "Skate This," performs for free on weekends and there are beach volleyball and basketball courts available. When you're finished exerting yourself, why not retire to one of the area's laid back beach bars.
Driving Directions
Take Highway 8 west to the Mission Bay Drive exit.
Turn right at the stoplight and cross the San Diego River floodway bridge.
Continue past the Sea World Drive exit and watch for signs to the West Mission Bay Drive exit on the right.
Take the West Mission Bay Drive exit and continue to the second stop light (Gleason Road).
At Gleason Road, turn left or right into one of the large parking lots; both are convenient to the boardwalk.
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Mission Trails Regional Park, CA 92119 Back to top
Mission Trails Regional Park is the sixth largest municipally-owned park in the United States, and the largest in California. The terrain is mainly rugged canyons and hills which boast many cycling and equestrian trails as well as a rock climbing area. The most popular part of the park is the Cowles Mountain trail, which leads hundreds of people a day to the highest point in San Diego County and a breathtaking 360 degree panorama of the area.
Driving Directions
From Interstate 8 - Take Interstate 8 to the Mission Gorge Road/Fairmount Avenue exit. Turn north onto Mission Gorge Road and proceed for 4.2 miles. When you pass the Jackson Drive intersection, move into the left lane. Look for the large wooden Mission Trails Regional Park sign on the left side of the road, and turn left onto Father Junipero Serra Trail. The entrance to the Visitor Center parking lot is on the left, just before the pipe gate, off Father Junipero Serra Trail.
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Julian, CA 92036 Back to top
Julian is a quaint mountain town that offers a taste of the rural, mountain lifestyle. The place is covered in oak and pine forests and offers a great way to relax away from the hustle and bustle of San Diego. Fans of frontier history will also be interested to learn that Julian is the site of San Diego County's first and only gold rush.
Driving Directions
Take I-8 East to Highway 67 (toward Ramona). 67 turns into 78 in Ramona, follow to Julian, OR take I-8 East to 79 (through the Cuyamaca State Park) to Julian. From the L.A. and Orange County areas: take 5 or 15 South to 76 East to 79, turn right to 78/79 (Santa Ysabel) turn left to Julian, OR take 5 or 15 South to 78 East to Julian.
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Anza-Borrego Desert State Park, CA 92004 Back to top
Stretching across a massive 600'000 acres, Anza-Borrego is the largest state park in the continental United States. Just two hour's drive from San Diego are some of the most breathtaking vistas you're ever likely to see and the 110 miles of hiking trail should be more than enough to satisfy even the most ardent wilderness enthusiast. Visitors may also have the chance to see greater roadrunners, golden eagles, kit foxes, mule deer and bighorn sheep as well as desert iguanas, chuckwallas and the red diamond rattlesnake.
Driving Directions
The Park is located on the eastern side of San Diego County, with portions extending east into Imperial County and north into Riverside County. It is about a two-hour drive from San Diego, Riverside, and Palm Springs.
Many visitors approach from the east or west via Highways S22 and 78. From the coast, these highways descend from the heights of the Peninsular range of mountains with spectacular views of the great bowl of the Colorado Desert. Highway S2 enters the park from the south off of Interstate 8.
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U.S. Olympic Training Center 91915 Back to top
2800 Olympic Parkway
Chula Vista, CA 91915
(619) 656-1500
http://www.usolympicteam.com
The U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista, was a gift to the United States Olympic Committee from the San Diego National Sports Training Foundation, and what a gift! The 150 acre complex trains an estimated 4,000 athletes a year in nine different disciplines, archery, canoe/kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, and track & field. Why not join the thousands of daily visitors on an escorted tour and gain a little insight into what it takes to become an Olympic champion.
Driving Directions
Driving South I-805
Take The Olympic Parkway exit.
Travel eight miles east to the Copley Visitors Center.
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Tijuana (Mexico) Back to top
Why not take advantage of San Diego's close proximity to Mexico and join the 300,000 daily visitors who hop across the border for a day in Tijuana. Maybe try your luck at the Agua Caliente Racetrack, shop till you drop in one of the city's many malls, take in one of the city's diverse range of night clubs or simply relax by the beach.
Driving Directions
Directions Driving I-5 or I-805 south
The 5 and 805 merge into each other just before the border to the San Ysidoro border crossing.
Mission Bay Park
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Seaworld, CA 92109 Back to top
Venture beyond the ocean's surface at Seaworld San Diego. Get close enough to touch a dolphin's fin, stare down a shark and connect with all the sea's creatures. The parks feature Shamu, Orca, sea lion, and dolphin shows and zoological displays featuring various other marine animals. Experience Believe - the visually stunning Shamu show; encounter polar bears at Wild Arctic Interaction and brave the daring drop on the Journey To Atlantis water coaster. The energy and wonder of the sea surround you in the sights and sounds of SeaWorld.
Driving Directions
From Interstate 5:
Exit SeaWorld Dr. and head West one mile.
From Interstate 8:
Exit Interstate 5 North to SeaWorld Dr. and turn West towards park entrance.
Tickets and Park info
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San Diego Zoo, CA 92112 Back to top
Located at the heart of Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most progressive zoos in the world. It is home to more than 4,000 animals across 800 different species. The zoo offers a guided tour bus as well as overhead gondola lifts to make getting around the expansive site easy. Many of the animals are bred in captivity for eventual release into their natural habitats.
Driving Directions
Directions from the NORTH (southbound): From Interstate 5 (Los Angeles and Orange County), take the Pershing Drive exit and follow the signs. From Interstate 15 (Escondido and Riverside), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd. at Zoo Place.
Directions from the SOUTH (northbound): From Interstate 5 (Mexico), take the State Route 163 north exit, then the Zoo/Museums (Richmond Street) exit and follow the signs.
Directions from the EAST (westbound): From Interstate 8 (Imperial County and Arizona), take State Route 163 south to the Park Blvd./I-5 South exit. Exit at Park Blvd. Turn left on Park Blvd. and head north; Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd at Zoo Place. From State Route 94, proceed into downtown San Diego to 12th Avenue. Turn right on 12th Avenue (which turns into Park Blvd.) and proceed north. Zoo entrance is off Park Blvd at Zoo Place.
Tickets and Park info
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Wild Animal Park, CA 92027 Back to top
Located in the San Pasqual Valley area, the Wild Animal Park, owned and operated by San Diego Zoo, is one of the city's biggest attractions. The park's semi-arid environment allows the park to house an array of wild and endangered animals including species from the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, and Australia. Visitors get to see some of the world's most beautiful and dangerous creatures roam free-range in as close to their natural habitat as is possible in captivity. The park is also noted for its California condor breeding program, the most successful program in the country.
Driving Directions
Directions from the NORTH (southbound): From Interstate 5 (Orange County, Los Angeles), take the State Route 78 East exit at Oceanside, proceed east to Interstate 15 South, exit at Via Rancho Parkway and follow the signs to the Park. From Interstate 15 (Riverside), exit at Via Rancho Parkway and follow the signs east to the Park.
Directions from the SOUTH (northbound): From State Route 163 (downtown San Diego, Mission Valley) proceed to Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Go east and follow signs to the Park. From Interstate 5 or 805 (Mexico), proceed to State Route 163, then to Interstate 15 North, and then exit at Via Rancho Parkway. Follow signs east.
Directions from the EAST (westbound): From Interstate 8 (Imperial County, Arizona) take Interstate 15 North to the Via Rancho Parkway exit. Follow the signs east to the Park.
Tickets and Park info
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