Catalina Island | Monterey | Palos Verdes | San Diego | San Francisco

San Diego - Phoenix's sister city, was rated the most 'family-friendly' in Pacific region by readers of Family Fun Magazine 2002. San Diego is the nation's seventh largest city and it is California's second largest city and is considered one of the top get-aways during our Arizona summers. There are many activities available to families and children of all ages in San Diego. Following are just a few:

Mission Bay
4,600 acre aquatic playground. Areas for sailing, swimming, power-boating, skiing and fishing. Paths for running, biking, kite flying and rollerblading.
3 islands, more than 20 miles of waterfront, 16 parks, 10 playgrounds, 16 marinas, 2 museums, 2 shopping centers, more than 50 restaurants and several hotels.

Sea World
On Mission Bay, Sea World features 6 major shows, many attractions and exhibits with marine life from around the globe. Kids love the Shark Encounter Wild Arctic and Penguin Encounter. The park's newest show, Pets Rules, is a crazy show where cats, dogs, birds and a pet pig wreak havoc on bewildered humans. These animals are adopted from shelters. The Cirque de la Mer show is a fantasy of half human/half sea creatures performing cirque-style acts on a water stage along side Mission Bay. "Fantasea" includes acrobatics, music and special effects and amazing fireworks.

San Diego Zoo
Truly a world class zoo known the world over. A 100 acre tropical garden zoo houses 4,000 animals of 800 species and is known for its many rare and exotic species. Also an exceptional and lush botanical collection. Bioclimatic exhibits include the Ituri forest, Rain Forest, Sun Bear Forest, Tiger River, Polar Bear Plunge and more. The children's petting zoo and baby animal nursery are always a big hit.

San Diego Wild Animal Park
30 miles north of downtown, is the 2,200 acre preserve where wild animals roam free as they would in their native lands of Africa and Asia. The park is best enjoyed by taking the guide narrated monorail at Nairobi Village. 1.75 miles Kilimanjaro Hiking trail takes you through botanical gardens and past the homes of elephants, cheetahs, lions and more. Many of North America's endangered species can be viewed here.

Legoland
30 minutes north of San Diego in Carlsbad. Fun and imagination for kids 2-12. Everything is "hands-on". 128 acre theme park with more than 40 interactive rides and attractions that kids can push, pull, pedal, steer, climb or build. One of the newest rides, Lego Technic Coaster is a wild roller coaster with dips, turns and top speeds of up to 26mph.

Balboa Park
A gorgeous horticultural park with 1,200 acres and 85 cultural attractions. 15 museums, art galleries, Globe Theatres, Starlight Bowl and more.

Cabrillo National Park
Old Point Loma Lighthouse on the coast of California provides excellent views of the harbor and views of the California gray what during migration season. Also offers rocky shoreline of tide pools where you can see flowery anemones, shore crabs, octopus and many other creatures. Visit during winter and spring low tides.

Gaslamp Quarter
Historic heart of downtown. 16 1/2 blocks of charming dining and entertainment with the spirit of a time gone by. Cuisine from all over the world, entertainment from almost any decade and stores with trinkets not found anywhere else and much, much more.

La Jolla
The "jewel" of San Diego. Luxurious resorts, upscale dining, picture perfect beaches. Just north of La Jolla are Torrey Pines State Park and Del Mar.

More Information
For more information about San Diego contact the Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-619-236-1212.

Hotel del Coronado
1500 Orange Ave.
Coronado, CA
1-800-468-3533
Hotel del Coronado

One of the best places to stay when your there is the Hotel del Coronado. The hotel is more than 112 years old. With 26 acres of beach, and an array of seasonal activities, it easy to see why The Del was named "One of America's 10 Best Family Resorts," by Family Life Magazine and "Tops for Family," by Gourmet Magazine's readers poll.

No matter where you stay, the activities in San Diego abound. Any type of water sport, golf, tennis, shopping, beachfront and poolside sunbathing. You can find information about Chamber Membership, The Chamber Business Directory, Visitors Information and Relocation Packets, Local Schools, Government and a Calendar of Events are all available here.