DK Travel : San Diego

Blessed by a sunny climate that never varies ten degrees from moderate and a splendid setting along the Pacific Ocean, San Diegans can well boast they live the California Dream. Although non-stop outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and world-class attractions keep the city’s spirit young, its heart lies in its Spanish beginnings as the birthplace of California.

El Cortez

This landmark was once the tallest building and most famous hotel in downtown San Diego. A glass elevator once led to the romantic Sky Room. Ornate Spanish details decorate the reinforced concrete structure, which is now a private apartment building.
Ellen Browning Scripps Park

Broad lawns shaded by palms and Monterrey cypress trees stretch the cliffs from La Jolla Cove to Children’s Pool (see Birch Aquarium at Scripps). Visitors can walk along promenades that offer a stunning view of the cliffs and beach of Torrey Pines.
Embarcadero

With its nautical museums, vintage ships, and superb views across a harbor busy with sailboats, ferries, and battleships, the Embarcadero links the city to its ocean heritage (see Embarcadero).
Embarcadero

For those arriving by ship or train, the Embarcadero is San Diego’s front door. Passengers disembark from gleaming white cruise ships tied up at B Street Pier or pass through a 1915 train depot, eager to enjoy the city’s attractions. But unlike most cities, the Embarcadero is an attraction in itself. Pedestrian-friendly walk-ways pass by historic sailing ships, museums, shopping centers, and parks. Serious and quirky public art works and a splendid harbor filled with maritime life define this lively district (see Embarcadero).
Embarcadero Marina Park

Join the downtown workers for some fresh air and sunshine. Wide grassy areas and benches give you solitude to enjoy the sweeping views of the harbor. During summer, concerts are held on the lawn.
Embassy Suites Hotel San Diego Bay

Guests enjoy spacious suites that have a living area and a separate bedroom. All rooms open onto a palm tree-filled atrium and a view of the bay or city. Ask for the complimentary airport transportation.
Emerald Chinese Seafood Restaurant

San Diego’s best Chinese restaurants are found in Kearny Mesa. The Asian community packs into this large dining room to enjoy lunchtime dim sum and fresh, simple but exquisitely-prepared seafood dishes at dinner.
Encinitas

Voted one of the “Top 10 Surf Towns in the US” by Surfer magazine, local highlights include the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat and Hermitage and the Quail Botanical Gardens.
Farmacias

The hundreds of pharmacies in Tijuana cater mostly to Americans forced over the border by obscene US drug prices. Technically, you must have a prescription and can only bring back a reasonable personal amount.
Fashion Valley

This ritzy shopping center contains six major department stores, including Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Nordstrom, as well as 200 specialty boutiques that carry just about everything. Tiffany & Co., MAC cosmetics, and Apple are among 40 stores found nowhere else in the area. The San Diego Trolley conveniently stops in the parking lot.

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Hotel price categories

For a standard double room per night (with breakfast if included), taxes and extra charges.
- under $100
- $100–$200
- $200–$250
- $250–$300
- over $300
Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80