For the sports enthusiast, 4S Ranch Sports Park does all that it can to reach out to the community youth and give them the space desperately needed for group activities. This 25-acre park has five baseball/softball fields, five soccer/multipurpose fields, two tennis courts, two basketball courts and a roller-hockey rink. In addition to the sports facilities the park also has ample grassy areas for smaller group or individual activities, several playgrounds, a gazebo and a picnic area. It’s a great big park that can easily fill an entire day with activities.

Looking for a different sporting activity, something specific like BMX maybe? Then you’ve just got to familiarize yourself with Cactus Park in Lakeside, California. You don’t have to be a seasoned veteran at Cactus Park, just bring your BMX bike, about $35 and a reserve of bravery. The 1000 foot long dirt track features banked turns and jumps which can surprise you on a first run so its recommended that you spend a while watching other racers first. No one expects a beginner to be excellent but there are classes so you can at least smoke a few other racers on your first go-round. Check the park website for information on classes, clinics and race information.

For campers a trip outside the city of San Diego is necessary, but still within Riverside County is the incredible Agua Caliente . Like its name implies, Agua Caliente features geothermally heated springs which reside smack dab in the middle of a desert this oasis is sought as a therapeutic retreat. But beyond the pools are spectacular vistas and beautiful canyons and hillsides to explore. If you’re going specifically for the pools, you may want to avoid the high time, September through May, when the park is packed with visitors. The two pools are mineral water spring fed. The outdoor pool is a constant 90 degrees while the indoor one is heated to 102 and features some very man-made Jacuzzi jets.

As long as you’re in the Anza-Borrego Desert you may want to check out the campgrounds, or at least the park, at Vallecito County Park. Visitors to Vallecito Park consider it a green refuge in the desert sea. The stage station remains and once served as an army supply depot, a rest stop, and a stage line for mail and passengers. The stage station eventually fell to ruin, as did the pony express, but in 1934 the County rebuilt it using original materials. They also spent considerable time and effort bringing the natural area to its previous glory. This 71-acre park is so close to Aqua Caliente that campers can visit the springs and then retreat to Vallecito Park (where it’s always about 10 degrees cooler) for a peaceful night’s sleep.

If the history of the stage station at Vallecito Park has sparked your nostalgic curiosity then the San Diego area has several historic parks that can fill that yen. Rancho de los Panasquitos should be a first stop on any historical tour of San Diego. The Commandante of the San Diego Presidio once lived in this adobe ranch home and in 1846 it became noted as being a rest place for General Stephen Watts Kearney and his army after the Battle of San Pasqual. Since then many other notable and wealthy families lived in the home and expanded it. Now the home and the surrounding area are part of a National historic and Archaeological District. Nestled in a stunning 3700-acre park with a remarkable canyon, visitors can spend the day hiking, biking or riding horses.

The Whaley House Museum is another fascinating stop on any historical tour of the San Diego region. The Whaley House Museum is of the classic 19^th century Greek revival style and has been a public museum since 1960. Before then it began its life as a granary, a courtroom, a home, a theater and a general store. While the verifiable history of these buildings is fascinating and gives visitors a real glimpse into what San Diego was like about 150 years ago it’s the sidelong glimpses that have left a lasting legacy. With so many businesses and life activities occurring in the area, several violent events have left an impression, such as the suicide of Violet Whaley, the seizure of court documents and some public hangings. The Travel Channel’s America’s Most Haunted television program has listed Whaley House as the most haunted place in the United States. Stop by and stay after dark if you dare.

For a different sort of park and historical field trip, try Heritage Park. This almost 8-acre park is dedicated solely to Victorian architecture. These beautiful, antique homes were facing demolition after WWII and reaction from locals was great enough that the county along with private donors were able to save these buildings. Current residents rent their space and are obligated to maintain the interior and exterior in a truly Victorian manner. For romantics at heart, there is a Wedding facility at the Temple Beth Israel, an example of Classic Revival architecture.

These are just a handful of the multiple parks that are in and around the San Diego area. Whether you’re a visitor or a long term resident, a visit to the County of San Diego parks website will give you all the information you need on which park best suits your lifestyle and excursion desires. And don’t limit yourself to just one park or one activity. It’s possible to spend an entire day at any one of the parks and not run out of things to do or you could break up your day and hit several parks, taking in all that the San Diego region of California has to offer.

These are the best parks in San Diego, to find the best hotel deals in San Diego, check Hotels Cheap.

(cc: photo credit: davedit)

photo credit: Agathe B

San Diego is a city that is just jam packed with things to see and do, in fact it would be almost impossible to do it all in one trip, so pick your favorites and then come back again and again for additional sightseeing vacations or to visit your old favorites repeatedly.

San Diego Zoo

Known by animal enthusiasts the world over, the San Diego Zoo is so much more than just a zoo. The zoologists at the San Diego Zoo work tirelessly to research rare animals and devise captive breeding programs that will help ensure the survival of some of these precious creatures. This zoo is designed more for the inhabitants than the guests so you’re not always guaranteed a glimpse of each captive critter. You also may get a little tired walking through the extensive park so, if you can, arrange to join one of the many tours the zoo offers. Tours at the zoo will make the trip less tiring as you can spend much of it on a bus, and you’ll glean more knowledge than you would fumbling through on your own.

SeaWorld San Diego

For more animal adventures, SeaWorld San Diego is an excellent way to spend a day. There is so much more at SeaWorld than aquatic animals, in addition to the exhibits and life animal shows there is a Sesame Street Imagination presentation, Shamu’s SkySplash fireworks, Cirque de la Mer and Riptide, an acrobatic and music production. For those seeking a little thrill with their wildlife, there are no less than eight amusement park type rides at SeaWorld. And, just in case you actually came for the sea life, check out all that SeaWorld San Diego has to offer: Shark Encounter, Wild Arctic, Rocky Point Preserve, Shamu Close Up, Penguin Encounter, Forbidden Reef, Manatee Rescue, California Tide Pool, Pacific Point, Freshwater Aquarium, Aquarium de la Mer, World of the Sea Aquarium and Flamingo Cove.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is more than just a park, it’s an experience and it’s a vacation in itself as there is enough to do at Balboa Park to keep you occupied for days if not weeks. Balboa Park is the nation’s largest urban cultural park with 15 major museums, performing arts venues, beautiful gardens and it actually houses the San Diego Zoo. The roster of performances and exhibits changes regularly so it’s important that you check your calendar and their schedule so you can take advantage of your favorite activities. If you’re thinking about spending a lot of time exploring the Balboa Park area then consider purchasing a Passport to Balboa Park, it’s an economical way to see 13 of the museums with a one-time purchase pass.

San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum/ USS Midway Museum

When the USS Midway took her final voyage into San Diego Bay to moor at the Embarcadero it became the world’s largest floating naval-aviation museum. The aircraft carrier spent an impressive 47 years in service from the tail end of WWII in 1945 until 1991. It patrolled the Taiwan Straits, the Tonkin Gulf, was a flagship in Desert Storm and evaluated 1,800 from Subic Bay Naval Base in the Philippines. In its lifetime more than 225,000 people called the ship their home and work place. Tourists can take a self-guided audio tour which covers several levels of the ship, including the climb up to the bridge. But skip the self-guided tour if you happen to be lucky enough to arrive when there is a docent tour, many of these are given by Midway vets, a once in a lifetime experience to be sure.

San Diego Aerospace Museum

The San Diego Aerospace Museum’s main focus is on the history of flight, so if you’ve got any aviation buffs in the group then this is a must see attraction, but even if you’re not head over heals into things that fly, this museum is still and excellent distraction. The museum starts with a look at replica of the 1783 Montgolfier brothers’ hot air balloon, the first manned vehicle to rise above the earth, it continues through the storied history of man’s attempts to break free of the earth and soar into the heavens with an exhibit dedicated to space age technology. Pay attention to the traveling exhibits because they can be as exciting as the permanent ones.

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

At Old Town San Diego State Historic Park you can learn more about the history of the area from 1821 to 1872. The converging Mexican and American cultures greatly influenced the growth of San Diego and can be seen and felt in the city outside the park. Restored buildings from this period form the centerpiece of The Historic Plaza. This old gathering place consists of five original adobe buildings which now house museums, retail shops and restaurants. In addition to the modern conveniences, you can see a working blacksmith’s shop, hear traditional music, and interact with costumed hosts as they go about the daily activities of the time.

Torrey Pines State Reserve

Torrey Pines State Reserve is a remarkable look at how the land around San Diego once was before it was tamed and destroyed by city dwellers. More than 2000 acres of majestic Torrey pines and chaparral plants and unspoiled beaches remain largely untouched so you can enjoy the beauty that this region once was. If you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of some migrating sea birds who use the lagoon as a stopping point on their regular trips. There are eight miles of trails that you can explore on your own, or during the weekend you can join a guided tour to learn even more about the region and its natural wonders.

These are just a few of the sightseeing hotspots in San Diego. In addition to the sites listed above there is Cabrillo National Monument, Gaslamp Quarter, the Maritime Museum of San Diego, Coronado Island, Heritage Park Victorian Village, PetCo Park and many more exciting attractions all within a convenient distance from the San Diego Airport. Whether you want to learn more about the history of the area, the natural world around us, the incredible inventions of man or just explore and have fun, San Diego has everything you could ever want to see.

Visit us at Hotels Cheap to find great discounts on hotel rooms in San Diego.

( photo credit: tux96)

San Diego is sunny and dry through the summer and most of the rest of the year as well.  What a great location for a vacation or long weekend.  This town has great art, museums, the symphony and a world famous zoo, sea world and wild animal park.  While you are enjoying all of what San Diego has to offer, take time to learn the history of this great town and visit their many landmarks.

San Diego – Coronado Bay Bridge connects the town of Coronado and the Naval Air Station.  This toll-free bridge will give you the best view of the city and bay.  But, there is no stopping once you get on the bridge.  So all views are from your moving vehicle as there are no bike paths or pedestrian walking.  Opened in 1969, this 11,288 (2.12 miles) foot bridge sees 68,000 vehicles pass over it each day.  The bridge has been reinforced with special earthquake rods keeping any seismic damage at bay.  Four crew people maintain the bridge year round, protecting it from the corrosive salt water breezes.

Mount Soledad is reached through a windy road.  Take a picnic lunch and enjoy it at the top where you’ll find a grassy area and parking.  You’ll experience exquisite views.  Controversy has followed the mountain topped cross as the location is city owned.  Try to ignore the several television and radio transmitters at the top and enjoy the natural surroundings.  It is a popular cycling trek as there are many routs made for this purpose.  Dr. Seuss lived in an abandoned observation tower before his passing.  His wife still lives there on Mount Soledad.

Cabrillo National Monument represents the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in the San Diego Bay in 1542.  It is listed with the National Register of Historic Places.  Each October, at the Cabrillo Festival, there is a reenactment of his landing in the Bay.  A park surrounds the sandstone statue.  The Point Loma Lighthouse is erected at the highest point of the park.  The old lighthouse was built in 1854, but has been closed since 1891.  The new lighthouse was built in a lower location to avoid fog and low clouds that obscured the light at the higher elevation.  Hikers are asked to stay on the designated walkways and trails.  Bikers are asked to stay on the paved areas only.

Balboa Theatre, listed in the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1924.  The theater was recreated as housing during World War II for the U.S. Navy.  Once the war ended it was converted back into a movie house.  By 1959 it had been scheduled for demolition.  However, in 1985 it was purchased by the city with restoration plans.  It took until 2005 for that restoration to take place.  It then reopened in 2008 as a site for live theater and concerts.  Today, such shows as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Season Without Walls” can be enjoyed there.

Mission Beach Roller Coaster or The Giant Dipper was built in 1925 by famous roller coaster designers Prior and Church.  The popular ride was closed in 1976 due to disrepair.  It was designated an Historical Landmark in 1987.  The San Diego Seaside Company spent $2 million to restore it and on August 11, 1990 the Giant Dipper was reopened for public use.  As part of the Belmont Park, the roller coaster shares family entertainment with the Beach Blaster, the Vertical Plunge, Krazy Kars, Tilt-A-Whirl and many more rides.

Star of India is a sea worthy “museum” ship located at the San Diego Maritime Museum.  Built in 1863, the windjammer sailed from England to India and then to New Zealand.  She was retired in 1926 and restored in 1962.  This is the oldest merchant ship that still sails on a regular basis.  The current crew of the Star of India are volunteer museum members that sail her within a day’s distance of her home dock.  While visiting the Star of India at the San Diego Maritime Museum, take time to explore the other historic ships.

Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala was the first of a 21 mission chain founded by Father Presidente Junipero Serra.  Today it is called “California’s First Church.”  When built it was meant to be a self-sufficient mission with farming.  Mission bells were an important part of daily mission life as they announced births and deaths, called workers for meal time, announce religious services and approaching ships.  Today, the mission is an active church and parish.

Gaslamp Quarter Historic District contains turn-of-the-century architectural structures like the Grand-Horton Hotel, the Nesmith-Greely Building and the Louis Bank Building.  These three buildings were all built in 1888 at the start of  a changing time from Pioneer town to an urban commercial city.  Today, the Gaslamp District of San Diego still shows it’s roots while the population and visitors enjoy sidewalk cafes, jazz clubs, stylish hotels and galleries.

Museum of San Diego History is located in Balboa Park.  It is the home of the San Diego Historical Society.  The cities diverse history is depicted in a collection of exhibits containing costumes, textiles, decorative and fine art as well as tools from daily life of the past.  Countless documents and photographs document a timeline of San Diego history.  The research library is for public use and is open Wednesday through Saturday in the mornings.

Spruce Street Bridge, a 375 foot suspension bridge built in 1912, is also known as the “wiggly bridge” to local children.  This is a pedestrian only bridge built to provide passageway over the new streetcar lines of the early 1900s.  It sways among the treetops as the wind blows and people pass over it.  Edward Capp was the designer who was twice elected mayor of San Diego.

San Diego Landmarks

A city’s landmarks tell it’s story.  As you move from one turn of the century building to a suspension bridge to a mission, you can put together the pieces of the puzzle that reads like a biography, San Diego’s Biography.  When you are done, she seems more like a living, breathing entity than a modern town just dressed for the day that spans before it.

Find your own landmark hotel deal in San Diego at Hotels Cheap.

(cc: photo credit: Bernard-SD)

It seems a waste to spend the day inside when you’re in San Diego, after all it’s hard to find another city in the world with weather this consistently beautiful. But shopping must happen, whether you’re just picking up a souvenir or if you’re a seasoned mall veteran, there’s always a need and San Diego is able to provide you with ample shopping options.

For starters, there are the malls, scads of them in San Diego County, and you can probably find everything you need there, but for a more interesting shopping excursion there are specialty boutiques. And let’s not forget the frugal ones in the crowd, there’s always an outlet mall for deals.

For the best of everything in just one place, Fashion Valley is the place to go. The beautiful outdoor shopping center has more than 200 stores and restaurants with some pretty impressive big name anchor stores such as Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Macy’s, and Bloomingdale’s. With so many incredible stores in one location you would think that would be enough, but Fashion Valley ups the ante by adding such exclusive high end stores as Tiffany & Co., M.A.C., Louis Vuitton, A/X Armani Exchange, Coach, Max Studio, BOSS Stores, Burberry, and Gucci. On top of that, almost every flavor of food you want AND an 18 screen AMC Theatre.

How do you top Fashion Valley? Well, you probably can’t, especially if fashion drives you, but there are other things to look for when shopping for well…shopping. Westfield Horton Plaza offers good shopping with Nordstrom and Macy’s serving as the anchors an some specialty stores such as BCBG, Bebe, Louis Vuitton, and Levi’s. There is also a variety of food choices but most of them are fast food. But the one thing that really makes Westfield Horton Plaza so special is its architecture. Created in the 1980′s by someone who may possible have had a screw loose. This multi-level outdoor complex resembles a European villa with little hidden treasures around every corner. It’s considered a tourist attraction too many but it’s also convenient to locals, situated right in the center of downtown San Diego. Maybe it’s not the best place to find everything you need, but it’s definitely got quirky down pat.

For shopping and a little bit more, give Westfield University Town Center a try. Yes, it’s another mall in the Westfield group, but this one has its own attitude. Built in the late 1970′s this mall was designed to accommodate several different cities and host a spate stores that appeal to everyone. But the one real notable feature of the University Town Center mall is the ice skating rink. A fad in the ’70s the mall ice rink has all but disappeared across the country but this one not only holds its ground, its flourishing. Maybe it’s the outdoor mall venue, maybe it’s the climate, or perhaps it’s just because local kids need something to keep them occupied, but the ice rink is still a very popular hangout for the locals. The stores are typical and feature nothing special and the food court is similar. But if you’re not as interested in shopping as hanging out and enjoying the day, then Westfield University Town Center is for you.

For outlet shoppers, there’s Las Americas Premium Outlets a fairly new outlet center and a very impressive one, being the largest in the region. Holding to the Hispanic influences of the region, the mall actually sits very near the Mexican border. The architecture is strictly Mexican influenced but the stores are ones that are familiar to people across the United States. Look for big savings at Adidas, Banana Republic, BCBG Max Azaria, Calvin Klein, Coach, Gap, Kenneth Cole, Neiman Marcus and many, many others. Of course there are also the standard restaurants so you can reload and get right back out for more deals. If you’re headed to Tijuana for the day, make sure to take a few hours to pop in to Las Americas Premium Outlets for outlet shopping at its finest.

Still another way to go with your shopping excursion is to look for big box stores. Several years ago these stores would pop up on the outskirts of a town and pretty soon a couple more would join them but there was no cohesive theme. This is beginning to change as the big boxes are realizing the value of an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere that gives its customers more options. Fenton Marketplace is just such a big box concoction with popular stores such as Lowes, Costco and IKEA and a few very well known restaurants. And to make the environment more appealing, in addition to the stores, the public library rests in this area and the grounds are meticulously groomed with beautiful landscaping, trellises blooming with flowers, a bubbly water fountain and even a statue of Mark Twain.

But the real consummate shopper isn’t interested in malls or outlets, they’re looking for something a little bit special, something unusual that can’t be found by everyone in every city. That’s when San Diego residents and tourists alike head to Seaport Village Seaport Village is a piece of prime real estate, located on the waterfront in old town San Diego. And if the view isn’t exceptional enough, the grounds are beautiful and extraordinarily quaint, and there is often live entertainment to make the experience that much more enjoyable. For the shoppers there are more than 50 unique boutiques where you can find just about everything you need and a whole lot of things you simply want; this is a great place to go for gifts. Unlike the typical mall, Seaport Village offers some exceptional dining alternatives. If you can, try to get in to one of the four restaurants with a view of the San Diego Bay, but if not don’t despair, there are several more exceptional places to eat without the view. And to top it all off, Seaport Village has something you’d be hard pressed to find in another mall, a 1890′s carousel.

Save on San Diego hotels here.  The more you save, the more you shop!

San Diego, in Southern California, is known for its beaches, temperate weather, and high cost of living. However, you don’t have to spend a bundle to enjoy this delightful city. Below are just a few of the things you can do in San Diego without touching your wallet:

Old Town – San Diego’s Old Town celebrates the city’s Mexican heritage. Located just north of downtown, Old Town San Diego occupies the site of the first European settlement in the area. Today, the nine-block area includes many historic buildings, including California’s first schoolhouse. There are also several shops and restaurants. You can even take a free guided tour of the site.

Balboa Park and Museums – Located just outside of downtown, this 1200-acre park was constructed for the Panama-California Exposition in 1915. The cultural park was so popular that it remained after the expo was over. The park is home to eight gardens, 15 museums, a regional theater, and the San Diego Zoo. Admission to Balboa Park is free. On Tuesdays, a rotating selection of museums offer free admission.

The Beaches – San Diego has over 70 miles of sand beaches, none of which charge a fee. Some of the most popular of them are La Jolla Cove, Mission Beach, and Coronado Beach.

La Jolla – Located about 25 minutes north of downtown San Diego, the seaside enclave of La Jolla is a fun place to explore on foot. The area’s many unique structures, art galleries, and scenic vistas are hard to beat.

For incredible deals on hotels in the San Diego region, visit Hotels Cheap.

(Photo via flickr cc)

Here are our choices for the top 50 things to do in the city.

1. Explore the San Diego Zoo.
2. Listen to the world’s largest pipe organ at Balboa Park.
3. Have high tee at the Hotel Del Coronado Hotel.
4. Relive San Diego’s past with a stroll in the Gaslamp Quarter.
5. See Shamu perform at SeaWorld.
6. Take the trolley to Tijuana.
7. Watch a Padres game at the city’s new ballpark, PETCO Field.
8. Have an authentic Mexican meal in San Diego’s Old Town.
9. See how the beautiful people live in La Jolla.
10. Explore the Prado, the museum row in the middle of Balboa Park.
11. Enjoy cocktails and the view atop Bertrands at Mr. A’s
12. Take a cruise on Mission bay aboard the Bahia Belle sternwheeler.
13. Be a kid for a day at LegoLand.
14. Take a horse-drawn carriage ride through downtown.
15. Learn about ocean creatures at the Birch Aquarium.
16. Cool off at Knott’s Soak City.
17. Take a step-on tour of the city sights in a double-decker bus.
18. Enjoy one of the area’s more than 70 miles of white sand beaches.
19. Tour the Spanish Mission.
20. Go shopping by the harbor at Seaport Village.
21. Learn about San Diego’s sea-faring past at the Maritime Museum.
22. Visit Villa Montezuma, one of the city’s Victorian “painted ladies.”
23. See the flower display at Carlsbad Flower Fields.
24. Tour the ARCO Olympic Training Center.
25. Watch for whales, from December through May.
26. Go to the track at Del Mar.
27. Try your luck at the Barona Resort and Casino, just east of town.
28. Ride the rides at Belmont Park Amusement Park.
29. Visit the Old Point Loma Lighthouse at the Cabrillo National Monument.
30. Shop for bargains at Carlsbad Premium Outlets.
31. Learn about native southern California flora and fauna at the Chula Vista Nature Center.
32. Take a surfing lesson at the Coronado Surfing Academy.
33. Go back to the 50′s at the Corvette Diner.
34. Visit Jillian, San Diego’s historic “Gold Rush” town.
35. Greet the sea lions at La Jolla Cove.
36. Go fishing at Miramar Reservoir.
37. Picnic at Mission Bay Park.
38. Take an old-fashioned train ride at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.
39. Ride the ferry between downtown San Diego and Coronado.
40. Attend a performance of the San Diego Opera, one of the best opera companies in the United States.
41. Hear the San Diego Symphony at Copley Symphony Hall.
42. Take in a Chargers football game.
43. Enjoy theater under the stars at the Starlight Amphitheater.
44. See a Shakespeare play at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park.
45. Play golf at Torrey Pines.
46. Explore the USS Midway, an authentic Navy aircraft carrier.
47. Go luxury shopping at Horton Plaza downtown.
48. Tour Whaley House, said to be the most haunted house in the United States.
49. Learn about the environment, physics, and other disciplines at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.
50. Try a fish taco at Rubio’s.

In order to enjoy as many of these attractions as possible, book your discount hotels in San Diego at Hotels Cheap.

(Photos via flickr cc)