If you are a resident of San Diego County you already know that it is a great place to live. But with the hustle and bustle of everyday life you may not get the chance to really enjoy or appreciate all that you have available to you right in your own backyard.
More than 33 million visitors a year decide to make San Diego their travel destination. Living in San Diego, you have the perfect opportunity to join them in a convenient and affordable way by staying local while taking advantage of activities your beautiful home town has to offer.
So now that summer is in full swing, here are our top picks for “staycations” to take in San Diego:
For Families with Kids
San Diego has a plethora of activities and destinations for kids – zoos, aquariums, etc., and you have likely visited them all before. But if you haven’t been to Legoland in Carlsbad lately, we think it is the ideal destination for your family-friendly San Diego staycation.
Carlsbad is like a hidden gem along the California coast, offering a little something for the whole family. There are zany water slides and theme park fun for the kids, outlet shopping, golf, and spa relaxation for mom and dad, and seven miles of beautiful beaches for everyone to enjoy.
There are several great options for hotels and resorts to choose from, including the new Legoland Hotel, which is a good choice if you just can’t get enough Lego craziness in your life.
Go to visitcarlsbad.com to get more info.
For a Romantic Getaway
It may seem a little clichéd for residents, but there is a good reason why Coronado Island is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. If you haven’t been, or haven’t been lately, it’s a great choice for a couple’s getaway.
There are many hotels and resorts to choose from to fit every budget, including the famous Hotel del Coronado. Spend your vacation on the many beaches throughout the island, rent bicycles to get around, or take the ferry across to walk around Seaport Village or other downtown areas. You can also take a harbor cruise, be inspired by the rich local art scene, or eat a romantic meal at any of the many great restaurant choices.
For more information visit http://coronadovisitorcenter.com/
For the Adventurous
One of the great things about living in San Diego is the variety in geography and climate, from beaches to mountains and deserts, and everything in-between. Outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, mountain biking, sky diving, off-roading and dirt biking can all be found within a reasonably convenient drive.
If this type of staycation sounds more like your speed, you could check out some of the natural wonders of the Anza Borrego Desert such as the Agua Caliente hot springs. To stay at the campsite requires a reservation, which you can make online. There, you can explore the local desert, go on hikes or enjoy the geothermal mineral water pools.
If you have a 4WD vehicle (recommended), you can also drive out to explore the Arroyo Tapiado Mud Caves from this location. Make sure you follow safety guidelines when exploring the caves! Other options include the Palomar Observatory campground, where you can visit Palomar Observatory and explore the cosmos. Or perhaps take a peaceful Sailplane ride over Lake Henshaw!
For Those Wanting to Get Away
If your goal is a luxurious staycation where you can relax and still feel like you’re “getting away from it all” then we recommend you take a look at the La Casa del Zorro resort in Borrego Springs. Located a little less than two hours from downtown San Diego in the Anza Borrego Desert, this historical and unique resort offers a quiet getaway where you can enjoy the splendors of the desert. Lounge in a pool-side cabana, book an opulent spa treatment, or play a round of tennis or golf.
In the evenings, enjoy dinner at one of the resort’s several dining experiences, from casual to elegant, or enjoy a cocktail at the bar. And make sure to look up and appreciate the night sky while you are there, as the town of Borrego Springs is a designated “dark-sky” community, restricting up-lighting in the evenings to cut back on light pollution allowing for breathtaking views.
For the Sports Fanatic
This final staycation idea is for those of you whose idea of the perfect vacation involves spending some quality time enjoying the games you love. Start by booking one of the many hotel options in downtown San Diego where everything is a short walk or trolley ride away. Then catch a ball game at Petco Park! You can get cheap seats or go all out.
Let the sports appreciation continue by moving the party over to any of the excellent sports bars located throughout the Gaslamp Quarter. There are literally too many to list — Yelp! will be your best friend, but we recommend All Stars BBQ.
Finally, close out your trip with a round of golf at the Coronado Municipal Golf Course. The ocean side course offers views of the historic Hotel del Coronado and the bay and was voted one the best public golf courses by Golf Digest.
