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  • Destination: San Diego, CA
    Description: A long trip to San Diego with the kids.

  • Day 1 (7 schedule items)
    • Flight arrives in the morning

    • A San Diego, CA Save this

      • San Diego

        San Diego is a beautiful city on the Southern California coast known for its ideal climate, miles of beaches and location on the Mexican border. It has a rich heritage built around sailing and is home to the Pacific Fleet of the United States Navy. One of the top family travel spots in the country, San Diego also is well known for its part in the wildlife conservation movement, being home to a SeaWorld theme park and the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park.

        Visitors to the city can also enjoy activities from whale watching to scuba diving to rock climbing, or visit one of its many notes sites, including Balboa Park, the Old Globe theater, Legoland, the nearby resort town of La Jolla, the San Diego Maritime Museum or Old Town, with its preserved buildings and icons of the Spanish heritage of San Diego.

        [Full Description]

    • Pick up rental car at airport

    • B Hotel Del Coronado - A KSL Resort - Coronado, United States Save this

      • Hotel Del Coronado - A KSL Resort - Coronado, United States

        The Hotel del Coronado is a historic hotel, situated along 31 oceanfront acres on Coronado Island.A national historic landmark, the Del is considered one of America's most beautiful resorts. Built in 1888 and recently restored, the resort has a rich and colorful heritage. The Del is a fascinating American treasure. With year-round sunshine and classic Victorian architecture, the Del is a favorite for romantic getaways, family adventures and as a meeting and conference destination.Featuring a fully staffed recreation department, the Del offers childrens programs, sports and recreation, fitness classes, and seasonal activities. Guests can pamper themselves at the oceanfront Spa and fitness center with a variety of massage options and body treatments. Sailing and boating are offered at the marina and golf is available on the island. Resort charge is 25 and includes in room coffee and tea, daily delivery of the newspaper, in room hi-speed Internet access, 1-800, local and credit card phone calls, as well as access to the fitness center and pool area.The resort features a variety of dining venues offering award-winning cuisine, historic ambiance, and premier beachfront dining. Dont miss dinner at 1500 Ocean, the Dels fine dining restaurant, which offers Southland Coastal Cuisine as well as Sheerwater, which is a three meal a day restaurant. Both overlook the Windsor Lawn and Pacific Ocean. In addition, over 20 boutiques offer everything from jewelry and toys, to men's and women's clothing and accessories, as well as art and collectibles.
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    • C San Diego Zoo - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • San Diego Zoo - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        This world-famous establishment is clearly no ordinary zoo. Walk or ride a double-decker bus throughout this expansive park, home to over 4,000 rare and exotic animals exhibited in beautiful garden habitats. More than a park, San Diego Zoo is a major research facility although it is cleverly disguised with entertaining shows and inspiring exhibits like Polar Bear Plunge and Hippo Beach.
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    • D Little Italy District - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • Little Italy District - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        San Diegans of Italian ancestry are working hard to restore and revitalize this seaside district just off downtown San Diego and the results are fabulous. Visitors will enjoy the plethora of Italian markets and bakeries, may watch a game of bolla at the local park or light a candle at the Our Lady of the Rosary Church where Italian fishermen of San Diego's once-massive tuna fleet used to seek blessings. In October, a three-day festival brings 50,000 visitors to the area. Credit card acceptance varies.
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    • E Filippi's Pizza Grotto - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse Save this

      • Filippi's Pizza Grotto - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse

        Filippi's Pizza Grotto is one of the most beloved Italian restaurants in San Diego. Its pizza has been highly acclaimed since first being served more than 50 years ago. The front of the restaurant is an Italian shop selling dried pasta, wines, candy, canned goods and olives, and a deli selling Italian sausages and cheese. After passing through this aromatic area, one is led to the restaurant itself. The chefs here dish up all the classics including lasagne, spaghetti and meatballs, ravioli and more. Imported and domestic wine and beer is available.
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  • Day 2 (5 schedule items)
    • La Jolla Cove Save this
    • F Maritime Museum of San Diego - San Diego Attraction - Travel Save this

      • Maritime Museum of San Diego - San Diego Attraction - Travel

        Fun for adults and kids, this museum-on-water is the focal point of San Diego's historic Embarcadero Promenade. Comprised of several painstakingly restored historic ships, it is a tribute to the sea-faring age. One of the ships showcased at Maritime Museum of San Diego is the Star of India (1863), a stunning vision that graces the coastline as the world's oldest actively-sailed, square-rigged ship.
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    • The Midway :: San Diego's Aircraft Carrier Museum Save this
    • G Seaport Village - San Diego Shopping - TravelMuse Save this

      • Seaport Village - San Diego Shopping - TravelMuse

        Take a leisurely walk from the Gaslamp Quarter or Horton Plaza and escape the madness of the city for awhile. Stroll down miles of cobblestone paths taking in the greenery, ponds and fountains as you make your way around 54 one-of-a-kind shops, 13 casual dining eateries and four fine-dining restaurants. Unsurpassed views of the bay, its ships and the San Diego-Coronado Bridge surround the park. Complete with a carousel dating from the 1890s, this is a sight you will not want to miss. A monthly calender features live music featuring blues, jazz, country and swing bands as well as cast performers and artisans.
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    • H Rama Restaurant - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse Save this

      • Rama Restaurant - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse

        Stone walls, comfortable red couches, transparent curtains, typical Thai statuettes and authentic Thai cuisine are the elements that attract guests to Rama Restaurant. Both, San Diego Magazine and San Diego Reader have conferred this restaurant with the title of 'San Diego's Best Thai Restaurant'. Rama spicy rice, gai qua (a Bangkok specialty), Penang curry and masaman curry are hot options on the menu. Thai BBQ and seafood as well as wine and beer are available too. So, go ahead and enjoy your meal!
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  • Day 3 (2 schedule items)
    • I SeaWorld Adventure Park - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • SeaWorld Adventure Park - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        Venture beyond the ocean's surface at Sea World San Diego. Get close enough to touch a dolphin's fin, stare down a shark and connect with all the sea's creatures. 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. Just dive in. See website for full ticketing info.
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    • Dine With Shamu Save this
  • Day 4 (6 schedule items)
    • J Balboa Park - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • Balboa Park - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is only one part of this magnificent 1,200-acre city park that was built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Expo. California's Hispanic roots were celebrated as the city erected breathtakingly ornate Spanish-style buildings. The California Building was modeled after a Spanish colonial church and is topped off with a polychrome tile dome. Balboa Park is home to the zoo, 14 museums, a pipe organ pavilion, botanical gardens, a Tony award winning theater, an antique carousel and a miniature-scale train. Of particular interest is Balboa Park's Christmas on the Prado that is held the first weekend of December each year.
        [Full Description]

    • K San Diego Museum of Man - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • San Diego Museum of Man - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        San Diego's only anthropological museum is home to 70,000 artifacts, folk art and archaeological finds from all over the world. With mummies and ancient carved monuments, the treasures inside San Diego Museum of Man are abundant, but the building itself is also a San Diego treasure and city symbol. The California Building with its tile-capped tower was designed in 1915 by Bertram G. Goodhue and reflects a whimsical "California Mission" style of architecture. Exhibits inside explore the culture and lives of ancient civilizations of the Inuits, the Mapuche, and the Mayans, among others.
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    • L San Diego Model Railroad Museum Save this

      • San Diego Model Railroad Museum

        This museum houses the world's largest indoor model railroad (spread over an area of 24,000 square feet), along with many other exciting exhibits. The museum's aim is to preserve the history of model railroading and to educate the public on its varied aspects. There's a Toy Train Gallery, complete with interactive Lionel and Brio layouts. Another area of the museum is dedicated to four large-scale models depicting the main railroads of the Southwest. A gift shop offers T-shirts, overalls and books. The first Tuesday of the month is free for everyone. For school group tour rates and scheduling information, call the Education Coordinator.
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    • M Reuben H Fleet Science Center & Space Theater, San Diego Save this

      • Reuben H Fleet Science Center & Space Theater

        These hands-on science and technology exhibits open a window into the future. Take a multi-sensory simulated space mission and encounter a rogue comet. Also onsite, the world's first Omnimax Theatre is a dome 10 times larger than a typical movie screen. If all that activity and education makes you hungry, hop into the museum's Galileo Café for a snack or sandwich.
        [Full Description]

    • N Balboa Park Carousel - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this
    • O Old Globe Theatre, San Diego Save this

      • Old Globe Theatre

        Modeled after Shakespeare's own theaters, this San Diego establishment is actually part of a complex of three theaters also including the Cassius Carter Centre Stage and the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Sadly, the 1935 original Globe has been replaced since it was destroyed by fire, though it appears that the renovation is a success. In 1984, the 581-seat replica won a Tony award for best regional theater. Predictably, the theater is home to an annual Shakespeare festival, but it is open year round. It also hosts much more than the classics. Its focus is actually the opposite - opening new plays.
        [Full Description]

  • Day 5 (4 schedule items)
    • Mission Trails Regional Park hiking Save this
    • P Mission Beach - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • Mission Beach - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        Near the man-made islands of Mission Bay, this beach runs along Mission Boulevard and boasts a fabulous boardwalk. One of the best places in San Diego to soak up the city's beach lifestyle, this is an unsurpassed area for people watching or building sandcastles. For a faster pace, rent a bike or in-line roller skates or better yet, take a ride on Belmont Park's world-famous wooden roller coaster. Whatever attraction you choose, be prepared for large crowds and limited parking at Mission Beach. Specially, because there are a host of volleyball courts where you can spend your days enjoying in the sun with your friends.
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    • Q Gaslamp Quarter - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • Gaslamp Quarter - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        Vibrant, eclectic, and endlessly entertaining, the Gaslamp Quarter covers more than 16 city blocks of downtown San Diego, with hundreds of specialty shops and dozens of trendy restaurants, bars and avant-garde playhouses. Most of the shops keep late hours, so delightful shopping, drinking, and dining can occur virtually simultaneously. Cutting-edge women's fashions elbow up against exclusive art galleries, while nearby is a hardware store founded more than 100 years ago. The San Diego Convention Center is just steps away from the Gaslamp, and during major conventions the flow of souvenir-hunting attendees floods the area. For an upscale shopping mall experience, the adjacent Horton Plaza offers major department stores and a hundred or so mall shops set in an architecturally amusing maze of bridges, stairways, and intricately tiled walls. If you have just a few hours to devote to shopping - or San Diego itself - spend the time and the money here. Credit card acceptance varies by business.
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    • R Oceanaire Seafood Room (The) - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse Save this

      • Oceanaire Seafood Room (The) - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse

        Serving up the freshest seafood the ocean has to offer, the Oceanaire has been voted as San Diego's best seafood restaurant. With an interior reminiscent of a 1930s ocean liner, guests can comfortably savor more than 25 varieties of fresh fish from around the world. Featuring a fresh oyster bar and private dining room in addition to the comfortable, yet intimate main dining room, this is a great place to go with friends, on a date or for special occasions. The sashimi is excellent as well as the signature cocktails such as the trixi tini.
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  • Day 6 (2 schedule items)
    • S Legoland California - Carlsbad Attraction - TravelMuse, San Diego Save this

      • Legoland California - Carlsbad Attraction - TravelMuse

        Just 30 miles north of San Diego, you can spend an entire day at Legoland California living in the land of imagination experiencing more than 40 fun-filled rides, adventures and shows. 'Activity' is the word for the day with 128 acres of displays including MiniLand where replicas of famous sites (Hollywood Bowl, Washington, D.C.) are created from Legos. In the Imagination Zone, children under six can play with Duplos to their hearts' content. Kids over six can check out the 'Build & Test' center. Themed areas include Castle Hill and Pirate Shores.
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    • T Cafe 222 - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse Save this

      • Cafe 222 - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse

        Designed by a local architect, this informal cafe is a tiny, angular room located near Horton Plaza. The indoor area includes just six wooden tables. Most patrons eat outside on the sidewalk tables. The breakfast menu is the most popular, featuring Joe's Special (a Frittata with eggs, potatoes, spinach and peppers). Other breakfast favorites include home-baked scones and muffins, as well as Pumpkin Waffles. For lunch, the Cafe Burger is a hit, served with Goat Cheese.
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  • Day 7 (6 schedule items)
    • U Coronado Island - Coronado Attraction - TravelMuse, San Diego Save this

      • Coronado Island - Coronado Attraction - TravelMuse

        Connected by a thin sandy strip of land to the mainland, Coronado is technically not an island at all, but the island retreat attitude pervades every inch of it. It may be accessed by foot ferry, the toll-free Coronado Bay Bridge or up the Silver Strand peninsula. Leafy, quiet streets lined with perfectly appointed homes resembling gingerbread houses comprise half the island. The other half is home to the Naval Air Station North Island that provides carrier parking for most of the Pacific Fleet. Enjoy walking the broad, mile-long sandy beach crowned by the Victorian splendor of the Hotel del Coronado.
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    • Gondola Tours on Coronado Bay - TravelMuse Save this
    • The Gondola Company in Coronado, CA Save this
    • Coronado Beaches Save this
    • Silver Strand State Beach Save this
    • V Monsoon - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse Save this

      • Monsoon - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse

        This restaurant serves authentic North-Indian cuisine. It offers all—from pipping-hot pakoras to the mouth-watering chicken biryani and everything in between. You may have to wait a bit for your food as this place gets really busy during lunch. And the powerful aromas of exotic spices don't help the situation. Monsoon is affordable and if you don't know what to eat, the friendly staff will help you out.
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  • Day 8 (3 schedule items)
    • W Wild Animal Park, San Diego Save this

      • Wild Animal Park

        Animal lovers of all kinds will want to make the trek to this beautifully designed park and refuge for endangered species, including a renowned display of extremely rare California Condors. Thirty two miles north of downtown San Diego, you'll be transported to the wilds of Africa, Asia and Australia. Here at the park, more than 3,500 animals representing 260 species roam in habitats designed to simulate their natural environs. Ride the Wgasa Bush Line Railway for a five-mile, 55-minute guided tour or walk the trails that weave through the 1,800 acre park. Exceptional Botanic Gardens, gift shops, research information and restaurants can all be found here. Check out some gear for you or your own companion animals in the gift shop. It opens daily at 9a.
        [Full Description]

    • Mission Bay Park | Park and Recreation Save this
    • Red Pearl Kitchen | Domaine Restaurants Save this
  • Day 9 (3 schedule items)
    • X Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse - San D, San D... Save this

      • Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse - San D

        Part of the National Park Service, Cabrillo National Monument and Point Loma Lighthouse offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of the city of San Diego and far beyond. It was erected in honor of Captain Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the west coast. Also on the site is the original lighthouse, which was replaced in 1891 by the one that still steers vessels away from shore. Tidepools delight young and old, history buffs enjoy the museum, and hiking enthusiasts are challenged by the trails. Gift shop and snacks are available.
        [Full Description]

    • Y PETCO Park, San Diego Save this

      • PETCO Park

        Home to the San Diego Padres, this state-of-the-art baseball park is one of the league's treasures with world class facilities, beautiful views of the city and comfortable seats for 42,000 fans. Besides baseball, Petco Park is used for many civic events like fireworks, picnics, and concerts.
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    • Padres game at Petco Park Save this
  • Day 10 (4 schedule items)
    • Z Old Town - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • Old Town - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        History, food and fun are all within easy walking distance of the Old Town. Father Serra established the first mission here more than 225 years ago; Kit Carson helped to raise the first American flag in 1846. Now there are 37 restaurants and entertainment is abundant with artisans, dancers, galleries, hotels, mariachis, professional theatre and shops. Most restaurants and shops accept major credit cards. You can access this area from Interstate-5 by taking the Old Town Avenue exit, driving east and turning left on San Diego Avenue.
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    • Old Town San Diego | Plaza del Pasado Save this
    • a Casa de Estudillo - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse Save this

      • Casa de Estudillo - San Diego Attraction - TravelMuse

        A prime example of early Mexican architecture, this stucco dwelling, Casa de Estudillo was originally built as the home of Mexican Army Officer Jose Maria Estudillo. Abandoned in the 18th century, historians of San Diego restored the house in 1910. Located in Old Town near many other historic sites to see in this area where San Diego first began. There is no admission fee, so it makes a great place to take the children to learn about the city's history. Admission is free.
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    • b Corvette Diner - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse Save this

      • Corvette Diner - San Diego Dining - TravelMuse

        This bright, noisy, cheerful restaurant is not the place for a relaxing meal, but it is great fun. A popular venue for birthday parties, graduation celebrations and other family nights out, the restaurant also offers a full bar for the adults. You can get even enjoy chewable alcohol in the form of Jello shooters. The menu consists of hamburgers and retro home-style cooking, with a few contemporary choices. If Mom's meatloaf makes your mouth water, you can find a re-creation of it at Corvette Diner.
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  • Day 11 (5 schedule items)
  • Day 12 (5 schedule items)
    • d Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala - San Diego Attraction Save this

      • Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala - San Diego Attraction

        This mission is an artifact of North American history. California's first church, it was founded in 1769 by Father Junipero Serra himself. In 1775, it was burned down by protesting native Americans. Then after being subsequently rebuilt, it was once again severely damaged in 1803 by an earthquake. Guided tours are available and the mission frequently hosts events. Still an active Roman Catholic Parish, it now sits in the midst of busy Mission Valley.
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    • e Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Aviation Museum, San D... Save this

      • Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation and Aviation Museum

        If you are passionate about flying, this is definitely the place for you. Here, you will find everything there is to know about aviation. Famous jets like Douglas R4D 'Gooney Bird', Fairchild R4Q 'Packet', McDonnell Douglas FA-18 'Hornet', Grumman F9F 'Cougar', Mikoyan-Gurevch MIG-15 'Fagot', and F4F (FM-2) 'Wildcat' can be admired from close quarters. You can also become a member of the Flying Leatherneck Historical Foundation. All members receive a membership card, Decal and Lapel pin, discounts at the Museum Gift Shop and the Foundation newsletter called The Log Book. Admission to the museum is free.
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    • San Diego’s New Children’s Museum - TravelMuse Save this
    • The New Children's Museum Save this
    • f 1500 Ocean, San Diego Save this

      • 1500 Ocean

        1500 Ocean, located inside of the Hotel del Coronado, has dark wood accents, a signature glass wall, and warm lighting in a beach front cabana setting. The terrace offers pleasant ocean views and there is a great wine vault. Their menu is comprised of coastal cuisine such as Pan Roasted White Sea Bass, Roasted Shelton Farms Free Range Chicken, and natural certified Angus Beef Rib Eye. Their wine list features selections from local vineyards. The bar stays open until midnight.
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  • Day 13 (1 schedule items)
    • Flight departs in the morning

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