by Stacey Zable
San Diego Coastline
SAN DIEGO TOURISM AUTHORITY/JOHN O'NELIO
Seeking a quintessential Southern California vacation destination? San Diego delivers. With an average year-round temperature around 70 degrees, low humidity and lots of sunshine, the climate here is just the start of what makes the city a good choice for travelers’ diverse interests. Then there are the beaches—31 of them dotting San Diego’s 70 miles of coastline. La Jolla is a top pick with its scenic, 300-foot-tall sea cliffs, secluded coves and wide strands. Swim, scuba dive, kayak and surf at the mile-long La Jolla Shores. Head farther north to Oceanside to watch surfers doing what they love, and pop into the California Surf Museum to discover more about surfing life.
"San Diego Fair" on display at MINILAND USA, Legoland California Resort
Mission Beach is where families can pair the sands with throwback amusement park fun. Choose from arcade games, bumper cars, a classic wooden roller coaster and other rides at Belmont Park, set to celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025. Within 30 miles of Mission Beach, families enjoy the new Lego-constructed Miniland San Diego, an addition to the Lego creations, shows and amusement park thrills at Legoland California. Another theme park, SeaWorld San Diego, plunges you into the underwater world of orcas, sea lions, dolphins and other marine animals while providing plenty of rides and attractions for a variety of ages.
Feeding the dolphins at SeaWorld
Discover more family fun at the 100-acre San Diego Zoo, with a host of tours and experiences that offer a glimpse into its collection of 14,000 rare and endangered animals. The zoo is located in Balboa Park, where you will find 18 museums, including the recently opened Comic-Con Museum. Visitors now get to embrace year-round what Comic-Con International, the San Diego-based, wildly well-known, annual comics and popular arts event, pays tribute to each summer.
Planning a trip to San Diego? Check out this AAA Five Diamond Resort!
Resort's expansive grounds
Fairmont Grand del mar
AAA Five Diamond Fairmont Grand Del Mar in San Diego sits on 400 acres alongside a canyon preserve only a short drive to the Pacific Ocean. With its coral-colored buildings, red-tiled roofs, scrolled iron work, arches and columns—all accented by palm trees—this estate-like hotel in the Carmel Valley could just as easily be set along the Mediterranean Sea. Each of the large guest rooms and one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, complete with marble bathrooms and deep soaking tubs, features floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies or terraces that look out at the canyon preserve, manicured golf course or resort gardens, creating a serene space for your stay.
For activities, the resort boasts all you could want in an active Southern California vacation, with hiking, horseback riding, archery, tennis, pickleball and golf. In fact, the private golf course is San Diego’s only Tom Fazio-designed course. It pleases any level of golfer, with the 18th hole’s cascading waterfall a pleasant way to end your game.
Resort pool
You also can say “no” to those pursuits and simply spend your vacation days focused on wellness within the resort’s spectacular spa. Pre- or post-treatment, enjoy the men’s and women’s lounges, relaxing beside stone fireplaces or in steam rooms, saunas and whirlpools. The hotel’s adults-only, heated swimming pool and hot tub are located just outside the spa and take full advantage of the beauty outdoors.
Dining, too, is something to note. Addison is San Diego’s first three-star Michelin restaurant. The menu emphasizes “regional ingredients and Southern California influences.” Amaya, with indoor and outdoor dining, offers “California-bistro cuisine.” Service at both restaurants is impeccable—a quality that extends across every aspect of this lavish property.