San Diego Best Summer Vacations Spots for 2012

San Diego is definitely a big vacation hot spot during the summer, and we want to give you a round up of the top San Diego destination for your summer vacation! With perfect weather year round, there’s not really a bad time to check out America’s finest city (it’s named so for a reason), but the Summer season has its perks. Here’s a look at the top five vacation spots for tourists to stay in San Diego:

Coronado

Visit the  rich getaway known as the historic Hotel Del Coronado, and lounge at the gorgeous Hotel del Coronado. This beautiful area set away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of San Diego offers many things to do; cruise the waterways in an Italian style gondola, relax on the white sandy beach, enjoy out of this world dining, or explore the many quaint, upscale shops. And if you do want to take a break from the island, take a ferry from over to downtown (only $3 each way) or drive across the Coronado Bridge…each an attraction in itself!

Downtown

If you’re looking for a vacation in the city that’s not as fast paced as NYC, but still offers all the characteristics of a city, Downtown San Diego is your destination. The south side  harbors a little area known as Seaport Village. Beautifully located right along the water, you will find many shops, eateries, and local performances.  The Gaslamp District is where the most popular hotels, bars, restaurants, shopping, and clubs exist in downtown San Diego. Definitely take a day…or night, to check out this happening section of San Diego. And of course stroll through Balboa Park, the 1,200 acre park with an outdoor concert area, fountain, the San Diego Zoo, tennis courts, an arboretum, koi and goldfish ponds, several museums including the Museum of Man, dog parks, events and festivals, and more.

Del Mar

Del Mar is a beautiful little town on the coast north of San Diego proper. This small, seaside hideaway is approximately 20 minutes north of downtown San Diego. Defined by calm salt water lagoons on each end, this charming, laid back town is best known for it’s exceptional weather, world famous thoroughbred racetrack, the county fair, fabulous beaches, haute cuisine and unique shopping. With 2 miles of coastline and gently rolling waves, Del Mar’s famous beaches are an ideal destination for beachgoers, surf combers and surfers seeking the legendary California surf. There’s even a sliver of beach for dogs!

La Jolla

If you’re looking for one of the best beach spots in San Diego, La Jolla will be the go to for your Summer vacation. The La Jolla Cove is San Diego’s most desirable spot for swimming, snorkeling and diving. Most commonly known as the place with all the seals, this gorgeous cove provides fantastic scenery, and the perfect backdrop for a midday picnic in the Scripps Park, or romantic spot to spread out on the rocks and watch the sunset.  Drive up Mount Soledad and experience the most spectacular views in San Diego, on a clear day you will be able to see La Jolla, Downtown, Mission Valley, and maybe even Mexico. If living luxuriously is a must for this vacation, La Jolla is where you will want to be.

Oceanside

If you are considering heading up to North County San Diego this summer, Oceanside should be on your radar. With its warm sandy beaches, historic wooden pier and Cape Cod-style harbor village complete with unlimited water sports and recreation, Oceanside is a gem. Offering a quiet escape from the commotion, visitors still experience the casual spirit that made Southern California’s beach culture legendary!

If none of these San Diego areas float your boat, don’t worry, these are just our top five picks! There are so many different areas of San Diego, each offering their very own allure. No matter which destination you choose as your San Diego vacation spot, you will not be disappointed! So book your tickets now and check out what all the fuss is about… San Diego truly is America’s finest city!

Join our VIPs Community for FREE!
Stay tuned for the latest visitor guide and things to do in San Diego