BlogSan Diego Staff Picks

What to Do When Exploring The Embarcadero

Found along San Diego Bay, San Diego’s Embarcadero has everything from shops to restaurants to attractions. During your getaway, be sure to leave a day open to explore everything this area has to offer.
● For the history buffs in the group, stop by the USS Midway Museum or Maritime Museum of San Diego. Both of these museums showcase maritime history through stunning exhibits and historic vessels.
● If you’re looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic lunch, there are a few different parks to choose from. San Diego County Waterfront Park has a grassy lawn to spread your blanket out on and a playground to let the kids burn off some energy. Embarcadero Marina Park North and Park South are other great options.
● Your visit to Embarcadero isn’t complete without wandering the shops found in Seaport Village. With more than 50 shops, enjoy a bit of retail therapy while soaking in the California sunshine. Don’t forget to go for a ride on the historic carousel.
● An adventurous way to take in the sights is on a harbor cruise. Both Hornblower Cruises & Events and Flagship Cruises & Events offer a range of tours, including narrated harbor tours and brunch cruises.
● While wandering, keep an eye open for the public artwork scattered throughout. One of the most well-known art pieces is found near the Midway Museum. Grab a selfie with the Unconditional Surrender/Embracing Peace statue.

Soak in the Sunshine on a California Getaway
Staying at InterContinental San Diego puts you within 30 minutes of top attractions like Embarcadero Park. Spend your day exploring everything that makes up this popular area attraction before relaxing in luxury. Our downtown San Diego hotel takes advantage of its waterfront location, with every room featuring full-length windows. Make the most out of your stay by using our on-site amenities like two restaurants, three bars, concierge services, and a relaxation pool. For more information, call 619-501-9400.

The Top 5 Walking Tour throughout San Diego

It’s not difficult to stumble upon top attractions in San Diego, but with so much to see, booking your spot on a walking tour ensures you don’t miss anything.

1. You’ll have your pick of tours if you choose Another Side of San Diego Tours. Explore their seven different options, including tours of La Jolla, Old Town, and Little Italy, to find one that fits your needs.
2. For a unique take on a walking tour, solve clues on a scavenger hunt. Scavenger Hunt Walking Tours has put together a search that has you solving 24 puzzles and challenges as you explore four different regions of San Diego.
3. If you’re feeling brave, discover the city’s haunted side with Haunted San Diego Tours Gaslamp walking tour. You’ll see over 30 haunted and true historical crime spots throughout the Gaslamp District and downtown.
4. Select from a range of tour options provided by I Walk San Diego. Wander the Gaslamp District, one of the oldest neighborhoods in San Diego, or learn about the history of Balboa Park. You can also book a private tour.
5. There is a self-guided tour option for those looking to enjoy a tour at their own pace. GPS My City created 12 self-guided walking tours that’ll take you all over San Diego. Simply download the app to your mobile phone and set off exploring.

Discover Everything That Makes San Diego Unique

Whether this is your first or fifth time visiting San Diego, there is always something new to discover, and that’s why walking tours are such a great excursion. Let knowledgeable guides show you around as you learn about the history of this coastal California town. After an adventure-filled day, unwind in luxury at InterContinental San Diego.
Our downtown San Diego hotel has everything you need to enjoy a relaxing escape with the perfect blend of modern luxury and contemporary coastal decor. Take in the views from your sophisticated room’s floor-to-ceiling windows as you rest up for another day. Be sure to dine at one of our world-class restaurants. To learn more about the hotel, its amenities, or special offers, call 619-501-9400.

A Checklist of Museums near Our Downtown San Diego Hotel

With more than 90 museums, you won’t have any trouble finding a museum that fits your interests. When planning what to do during your time in San Diego, consider adding one or two of these California attractions to your list.

USS Midway Museum
The most popular naval warship museum in the county is less than a mile away from InterContinental San Diego. Explore the longest-serving aircraft carrier as you wander over 60 exhibits showcasing the carrier’s history.

Museum of Contemporary Art
Art lovers will enjoy viewing more than 4,000 pieces of work created after 1950 at this museum that’s only a five-minute walk away. Found inside one of the Santa Fe Depot’s wings, view everything from paintings to photography and more.

Maritime Museum of San Diego
See the world’s oldest active ship and other historic vessels at this maritime museum. In addition to the on-land exhibits, you can sail the seas on one of the museum’s cruises, including a four-hour sail on a tall ship.

The Museums at Balboa Park
Taking up 1,200 acres, Balboa Park has a little bit of everything, including 17 museums. Visit the San Diego Air & Space Museum to learn about space, aviation, and science history. Comic lovers will have a memorable experience visiting the Comic-Con Museum, while car enthusiasts will enjoy the San Diego Automotive Museum.

San Diego Children’s Discovery Museum
If you’re visiting with children, a must-visit is this fantastic children’s museum. Since it opened in 1999, visitors and locals alike have loved bringing their children to this hands-on museum to experience programs and exhibits focused on art, science, and world cultures.

Any time of year is a great time to explore the museums throughout San Diego. However, those visiting in February can visit more than 40 museums at a discounted rate.

Take a Break from Life with a San Diego Escape

Every once in a while, you need to treat yourself to a break from everyday life. If you’re ready for your next getaway, book your stay at InterContinental San Diego. Our downtown hotel is close to some of the best museums, restaurants, and attractions in San Diego.

Book your stay in one of our luxurious yet comfortable accommodations, which all feature floor-to-ceiling windows and modern amenities. Call 619-501-9400 to learn more about our luxury hotel or how to save on your stay.

Los Peñasquitos translates to “little cliffs” in English. Situated between Sorrento Hills in the north and Mira Mesa in the south, Los Peñasquitos Canyon is renowned for its natural beauty. Along the trail, visitors will see a fresh waterfall flowing through volcanic stone. Closer to the water, California oak and sycamore trees can be found along the rocky landscape.

With its ease of navigation, Los Peñasquitos Canyon Trail can be explored by foot, by bike, or even on horseback. Since much of the trail is in the sun, we recommend bringing a water bottle for the trip to stay hydrated. Also, please note that dogs must be leashed on the trail.

Featuring 16 and a half blocks of refurbished and lofted warehouses, colorful shopfronts and galleries, breweries and taprooms, the Gaslamp quarter highlights some of the top tourist attractions in San Diego. The best part is, guiding yourself along the avenues on foot means you can go at your own pace, pose for a photos, and try to imagine a San Diego of old. Access the district between Broadway and Harbor Drive from 4th to 6th avenues. It's packed with 94 Victorian-style buildings that were refurbished during a period of focused urban renewal in the 1980s and 90s. Early evenings are the perfect time to explore.

Guided by a trained Birch Aquarium naturalist, you'll learn what thrives in these shallow puddles, how they co-exist, and why they're so important to the larger marine habitat.

Since Tidepool Adventuring can only happen when the tide is out, we've listed the three different times and dates here: March 7th from 1 pm to 3, March 8th from 3 pm to 5, and March 21st from 2 pm to 4. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, where you'll find details on where to meet and what to expect. Want more seaside fun? Check Birch Aquarium's website for an event calendar full of great ideas.

But get your discount coupon first! Just stop by any one of 75 San Diego's public libraries to pick up your Museum Month discount pass and you'll be on your way. What to see, you ask? Sure there are the more obvious collections of inspiring paintings and ancient artifacts, but there is also a treasure trove of museums you've probably never heard of. Take, for example, the Whaley House Museum, McCoy House, or the Museum of Man--curiosity piqued? Whether you're an art enthusiast, history buff, or lover of the untraditional, San Diego Museums are guaranteed to have something for everyone. 

Build a snowman and go sledding down the snow hill, then roast marshmallows by the fire. Capture it all on camera under a shower of fresh 'powder' or while spinning 'round the synthetic 'ice' rink. Just imagine your favorite old Christmas song come to life, plus delicious sweet and savory specialty food options. So bring your appetites and your leftover holiday spirit! The event has made getting there easy, with free shuttle rides available from Poway City Hall parking lot and the Boys and Girls Club parking lot on Bowron Road. And no tickets required—the festival is free of charge and full of fun!

Participants in this year’s Parade of Lights will decorate their boats to the theme: Comic-Con on the Bay. The parade, made possible by the Port of San Diego, boasts around 80 elaborately decorated and lighted boats and has become one of the most iconic, well-loved events in the region. This year, for the 4th time in its 48 years, the parade will pause at the pier off of Cesar Chavez Park. This is the perfect place for the boats to float so spectators can get a closer look. When they leave the pier they'll turn to the Ferry Landing in Coronado. Prizes are up for grabs!

More than 350 plant species thrive in the manicured landscape, each having been carefully selected and nurtured by renowned botanist Kate Sessions. There's a zoo tucked inside, too, that is arguably one of the best in the world. And live shows are scheduled every week for visitors who prefer a bit of stimulation after their stroll. Check the park's website for a calendar and ticket information. But it's the park's Botanical House that's become somewhat of a San Diego icon. Built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition, it now houses more than 2,000 exceptional plants with lily ponds and palms framing its arched exterior. Come and be inspired by all the natural beauty in bloom!

So make a day of it, or a week, and be inspired by the hard work of more than 200 filmmakers from the world over. You'll have the unique opportunity to ask them questions at Q&A sessions after screenings and again more informally at a variety of scheduled events and parties for guests 21+ after hours. Catch the opening film reception on the 17th, pay tribute to Hollywood stars of old on the 18th, and taste your way through a cinematic culinary journey on the 20th. Purchase your badge online and reserve your seats today, before they sell out!

With eight miles of trails, you choose your adventure, selecting the Beach Trail to scramble down to the practically private stretch of sand below. It's a perfect place to catch a glimpse of gray and blue whales during migration season. If you prefer company, guided walks leave from the adobe visitor center at 10 am and 2 pm every weekend.

On the edge of the state reserve is a public platform for hang gliding and paragliding. If you’re keen to get airborne but lack the experience, sign up for a tandem hang gliding or paragliding flight. Otherwise, stay grounded and look up to capture the fearless flyers in your photos.

Bodysurfing is the sport, and San Diego is playing host to the 43rd annual Bodysurfing World Championships this month. Beginning at 6:30 am August 17th and 18th, just off Oceanside Pier, you can watch 350-400 bodysurfers from around the world compete (in their respective age divisions) for trophies and prizes. Winners will be announced Sunday afternoon after the final heat. Speaking of heat, come back and cool off in the comfort of our calm reflection pool and dine with us at Vistal Bar + Restaurant, where the menu features a fresh catch from the sparkling seas you just watched. This summer, celebrate the best of coastal San Diego in style.

Seadragons & Seahorses boasts one of the most expansive seadragon habitats in the world, holding enough water to fill 70 bathtubs! Weedy and Leafy Seadragons, seahorses and pipefish and their babies swim inside, all under careful observation by Birch Aquarium’s renowned Husbandry Team. They're looking to breed the Leafy Seadragons, something that has never before been done in captivity. The aquarium has successfully bred seahorses for almost 25 years.
Lighting, larger-than-life imagery, and breathtaking underwater photography enhance visitors' experience by making you feel as if you're underwater, too! Trust us when we say that this is one opportunity you don't want to miss! And don't forget the kids—Seadragons & Seahorses is included in the cost of Birch Aquarium admission.

Whether you come to see it or to buy it, the event is sure to inspire. And when you're looking to feed your creativity, follow your nose to the food trucks and tents, offering fine wines and craft beers as well as tantalizing menu selections from many of your favorite San Diegan restaurants.
The Festival is brought to you by Torrey Pines Kiwanis, a non-profit organization that raises funds to support adaptive sports and recreation programs for San Diegans’ with disabilities. That means your ticket proceeds benefit your fellow San Diegans. So bring the kids and splash through the ankle-deep pools, play some yard games, and make some new friends!

Propped on the side of a hill above Scripps Pier, by the University of California San Diego, is a set of hidden swings with a spectacular ocean view. 

Here's how to get there to the La Jolla "secret swings." Beginning at Birch Aquarium, walk to the back of the parking lot in the opposite direction from the aquarium entrance. (Yes, the aquarium is worth a visit after the swings!) Look for a small, rather non-descript trail marker. Cross over a small footbridge and follow the path up. It’s a short trek that curves left just before reaching the top, and trust us when we say it's picture-worthy! Get some wind in your hair, a sparkling view through your shades, and check this well-kept secret off of your bucket list.

Since 1989, the vintage-style orange and green trolleys have taken tourists along a 25-mile loop with visits in 10 neighborhoods at 10 destinations, giving riders a variety of sights and sounds all to the tune of a conductor's narration.

It's a great way to take your mind off the road and focus your attention on what's around you. And if you want to linger longer, you're in luck. The trolley tour is designed so that you can hop off (and back on again) to explore at your own pace. Trolleys pass by all the time, so just hop on the next trolley when you're ready to go.

And when the tour is over, take advantage of free entry into 10 museums, compliments of your trolley admission!

Today, thousands of visitors have made a tradition out of the visit. For six to eight weeks, the prized blooms dazzle the senses and ranch staff schedule all sorts of events and activities before the petals drop. Take a ride through the flower fields in the wagon hitched to an antique tractor, find your way through the fragrant sweet pea maze, visit the Cymbidium Orchid greenhouse, tour the artists' garden and salute the stars and stripes with a long look at our flag of flowers. Or just pack a picnic and stroll through the rainbow. Learn more online!

Winter is the time when an estimated 20,000 gray whales swim through the waters off of the San Diego coast, from the Bering Sea to the shores of Baja, California. Lucky for you, captains steering San Diego Whale Watch guarantee you at least one whale sighting during their three-and-a-half-hour cruises. And that's not all. Chances are good you'll have the opportunity to see dolphins, sea lions, and migrating birds too. But keep an ear open while you look, it's easier to spot the marine life if you hear them first. Take the kids, celebrate an anniversary, or make it like 'dessert to your day' by hopping aboard for a sweet sunset-timed cruise. Some weekday specials are available on their site.

We'll take this opportunity to guide your sky gazing. You must make a point to watch the sunset over the Pacific Ocean one evening when you’re in San Diego. We suggest getting over to Sunset Cliffs National Park for a pre-sunset walk along the coastline and one of the best twilight views the region has to offer. Then, drive up to Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial to see the famous landmark and watch the sunset with a view of the San Diego skyline. Have two nights with us? On your second, take a drive out to Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve for classic, sweeping oceanside panorama – you'll thank us later! 

If museums are your thing, you’re in for a treat. Choose from 17 museums featuring an array of exhibits. Explore the world of dinosaurs at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Head to the San Diego Air & Space Museum to get close to historic aircraft and spacecraft from around the world, plus see artifacts from the Wright Brothers, Amelia Earhart, Neil Armstrong and more.

This is just a part of what you can experience. Take in a ballet, puppet show or musical in one of 10 performance spaces. Stroll through more than a dozen gardens, each with a unique story to tell. And if the kids still have some energy, choose from multiple playgrounds throughout the park. The possibilities for family fun abound in Balboa Park.