Ever taken a trip and thought “I wish I’d known …?” We’re here to help ensure you have an encyclopedic-type knowledge before heading off on your San Diego vacation.
Pack Light
Packing light is among the top things travelers usually wish they’d done. San Diego has a wonderfully temperate climate where summer highs are in the upper 70s and winter lows are in the high 50s. No need for heavy coats, even this time of year. In fact, Santa Ana winds can make winter feel like summer.
Lots to Explore
The region is made up of a dozen neighborhoods, each with a unique cultural vibe. The upscale coastal area of La Jolla differs from the laid-back feel of Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Ocean Beach is a quintessential, flip-flop kind of California beach community. Coronado is practically an island. Point Loma is on a peninsula. Bankers Hill, Little Italy, Hillcrest and the Gaslamp Quarter are near downtown and the heart of tourist attractions like Balboa Park, the Children’s Museum, USS Midway and Seaport Village. Get to know the neighborhood where you’re staying to truly live like a local.
How to Get Around
No need to rent a car. Use Uber or Lyft, or take the San Diego Trolley, an easy way to get to many of the area’s tourist attractions. The Green Line goes to Petco Park, the Convention Center, Gaslamp District, Seaport Village and old Town. The Blue Line takes you to the San Ysidro station, which is just across the border from Tijuana. You can also get to the Gaslamp District, waterfront and Petco Park on the Orange Line. Head’s up: The Trolley does not go to Balboa Park.
Worth the Visit
Speaking of Balboa Park, some tourist attractions don’t live up to the hype. Balboa Park isn’t one of those. It’s the cultural heart of San Diego, home to 16 museums performing art venues, the San Diego Zoo, and beautiful green spaces. In fact, there’s so much to do you’ll want to plan a full day at least.
Souvenir Shopping
While at Balboa Park, pick up handmade souvenirs at the Spanish Village Art Center. The Center features working where more than 200 artists and craftsmen work in an array of mediums.
Something Old
While there’s plenty of trendy restaurants and boutiques, San Diego offers a look at the past as well. The city dates to 1542 when a Portuguese explorer sailed into San Diego Bay. If you dig history, check out Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, six blocks depicting an early Spanish settlement. Another site, the Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala, marks the location of the first mission church in California.
Make Reservations
The San Diego Zoo, Safari Park and even Sea World offer animal encounters and special tours that require reservations. It’s best to make reservations at San Diego restaurants for dinner as well.
What’s Included in Rentals
When you start packing for vacation, you’ll want to know what’s provided. Our luxurious vacation homes have just about everything you need: WiFi access, freshly laundered linens, bath towels and wash cloths, kitchen cleaning items like dish soap and paper towels, trash bags, hair dryer and even propane for the BBQ. Starter kits provide basics, but things like baggies, foil and extra toilet paper you might want to pick up.
Get Help
Bluewater has Guest Service Agents to assist with an array of tasks designed to make your stay hassle-free. We can help book restaurant reservations, in-home massages, spa treatments, pre-arrival grocery delivery, childcare and more. We’ve also partnered with several concierge and equipment rental companies that can provide any extras you need.
Something Extra
Go to the Cabrillo National Monument on the southern part of Point Loma. It has great tide pools to explore and there’s an old lighthouse that offers free tours.
