Instant Access to Specific Things to See and Do

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Airports (7) & air line (19)

All Inclusive Resorts (3)

Asian Restaurant Row (80)

Banquets & Catering (55) 

Bay/Ocean View Dining (23)

Brewery Tours in City (3)

Calandar in construction

Casinos Explore all (8)

Churches + Missions (2)

City Map Tours (30)

EAT FREE B’dayS (72)

Eat in the Best Places (167)

Family Friendly Attractions

Farmer’s Markets

Eat in the Best Places (167)

Golf Courses Best (10)

Harbor Dinner Cruise (1)

Hotels: 12,500 Reviewed

Historical Museums (15)

Jobs: Major Employers (60)

kids eat freE DailY (72)

Kid Friendly Attractions

Restaurants: Eat in Best

San Diego Bay Tour (50)

Shop Antique Districts (3)

Shop Fashion Valley Ctr

Shop Kobey’s Swap Meet

Shop the Outlets (250)

Shop Fiesta de Reyes 

Shop Specialty Malls (9)

Sightsee City by Air Tour

Sightsee 27 by Land Tours

Sightsee by Sea Tour

Sports & Rec (46)

Tijuana & Outlets (185)

Tijuana Parking + Shuttle

Travel Getaways (26)

Wedding Venues (150)

Whale Watching Tour

‎Wine Tasting Tours (3) 

1000 FREE Things to Do

San Diego is a happy 10 airport county with the San Diego International Airport at Lindbergh Field being the busiest air travel destination. It’s just 2 miles from downtown San Diego. The second busiest airline destination is North County’s McClellan–Palomar Airport. The third major airport (while technically not in the U.S.A) is Mexico’s Tijuana International Airport. Travelers can actually get to the airport from the U.S. to Mexico and back via a short walking bridge. Not reviewed are two large military airports.

Travel to San Diego By Car

YOU DEFINITELY NEED A CAR to see the over 1000 Best things to do in San Diego. Preplan getting a car (if you didn’t arrive by car) at the airport or train station. A cheaper way is via Dirt Cheap Car Rental. They rent slightly used cars mostly to foreign exchange students and savvy visitors, who don’t need a brand new car to impress people they don’t even know. My 50 city and suburb self-guided map tours will quickly introduce you to the best of everything.

Travel via Cruise Ship

Dozens of cruise ships make scheduled stops in San Diego at the beautiful downtown San Diego Cruise Ship Terminal.

Old Venice Serves Italian Mediterranean Cuisine, 2910 Canon St., near Shelter Island in Point Loma (619- 222-5888).  Open Sun. – Thurs. 4 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.; Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.  (Happy Hour 4 p.m. – 6 p.m. $30– $50).

What’s not to like about this family-owned dining favorite with its popular cocktail lounge with a long bar and inviting fireplace on one side of the restaurant as well as cozy dining nooks and an outdoor garden setting with a canopy for a enhanced dining setting. It’s easy to see why diners love this place.

House specialties include baked artichoke, prosciutto, bruschetta topped with sliced tomatoe, onion, basil, parmesan and balsamic, magic mushrooms, stiffed shrimp, brussel sprouts, and walnut gorgonzola salad. Plus, memorable pastas, half and half, Fettuccini Alfredo. Plus,Honey Glazed Salmon, Seafood Risotto, Chicken Florentine, Osso Bucco and more. Ten Pizzas including a build-your-own pizza. No less spectacular are their desserts including theirCrene Brulee, Tiramisu and a scoop of Gelato.

Full Wine List and full liquir cabinet.

Credit cards:AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

A legendary seafood restaurant with its own lake and delicious tasting seafood is a must visit destination

Anthony’s Fish Grotto,  9330 Murray Dr., La Mesa (619-463-0368). [Gofishanthonys.com] Located at Interstate 8 at Severin Drive on Murray Dr. Open daily Mon. – Thurs. 11:30- a.m. – 8  p.m., Fri. & Sat. 11:30 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. ; Sun. 10:30 a.. –  8 p.m. Closed Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and New Years Day.  ($20 – $30).

Temporary closed.

Retail Fish Market open

Le Fountaine Bleu Sunday Brunch at the Westgate Hotel, 1055 Second St. Downtown (619-238-1818).  10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Cost over $50 per person. Expect to be served by Tuxedo clad waiters, and entertained by a live pianist performing on a baby grand piano or live music jazz, while sipping champaign, while enjoying a lavish buffet including crab claws, caviar , a chocolate fountain, crepe and waffle stations , carving stations, desserts galore and more. All this is presented in an elegant  17h century Renaissance setting with huge stunning crystal chandeliers. Arrivals and departures are no less spectacular via attentive underground parking attendants, who will park your car and retrieve it for your departure. It doesn’t get any better than this. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

`La Especial Norte, 664 N. Coast Hwy., Leucadia (760-942-1040). Open Tues. – Thurs. & Sun. 11 a.m. – 8 p.m. and  Fri. & Sat. 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. ($10 – $20).  Closed each January for Vacation.

This excellent Mexican restaurant is everyone’s favorite. While they do serve great tasting fish tacos, savory cheese enchiladas, savory tamales, crunchy tostados, great burritos, nachos, and chimichangas, they are best known for their delicious home-made central Mexico Soups. Their origin comes from many of the 32 states of Mexico. In fact they serve 14 favorites from this area of Mexico. The best part is the portions are served in a huge goblet and is best enjoyed with tasty tortilla chips or fish tacos.

Where you sit is also a treat be in a booth or at a long table especially if you can be seated with a view of the massive walls murals and festive art that makes this a cool dining spot.

Of course the beer is cold and the margaritas are excellent as is the lively Mexican music, Ole!

Credit cards: DISC, MC, VISA.

Mille Fleurs French Restaurant, 6009 Paseo Delicias, Rancho Santa Fe (858-756-3085). Price from $50 and up. CLOSED MONDAY. Open Tue. – Thurs. 5:30 p.m. –8:45 p.m., Fri. 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. for lunch and 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m.; Sat. 5:30 p.m. – 9 p.m. Sun. 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 5:30. – 8 p.m.

A must dining destination is Mille Fleurs restaurant featuring California cuisine with a French flait. This landmark French Restaurant is picturesquely located in the heart of Rancho Santa Fe.  Either dine here for lunch on the delightful courtyard patio of for dinner inside.

Featured entrees change daily depending of the local produce available with all of the cuisine prepared by Executive Chef Harrison Alexrod, with pomp and flair.  Papa Moussa is the Executive Pastry chef. So expect to have a memorable meal.

Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Benihana, Japanese & Sushi, Asian Cuisine 477 Camino Del Rio South, Mission Valley619-842-2692). Open Sun. – Wed. 11 a. m. – 10 p.m.; Thurs. – Sat. 11 a.m, – 1- p. m. Happy Hour 3 pm – 6 pm
($25-$50).

If you are celebrating your birthday go online and get their $30 off coupon. East meets West at Benihana as you’ll get the exotic flavor of the orient here. Featured is the Teppany-hibachi style of cooking, which means you’ll be seated with 8 other people at a hibachi table where the master chef will will prepare your meal with robust and flair right before your eyes! He’ll dazzle you with his theatrical dexterity as he cuts huge shrimp, steak & chicken into small bite sizes and once cooked he’s pop them onto your plate along with sizzling onions, squash and bean sprouts. Forks are available but you should try to use chopsticks. Enhancing your experience is the decore resembles a Japanese tea garden with intricate wooden cross beams, a bridged pond and traditional Tokonomas detailing. Added to the authenticity of your meal is a selection of oriental drinks including hot sake, plum wine and exotic cocktails. A great dessert is a scoop og green tea ice cream. They also offer a childrens menu. Full bar. Banquets and catering.

Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

High Dive Bar & Grill, 1801 West Morena Blvd. (619-275-0460). Bay Park. Open Wed, Thurs. 9–12 a.m. Fri.  Sat. 9 a.m. – midnight, Sun 9 a.m.–  midnight. CLOSED TUESDAY.

The High Dive they feature dozens of microbrews on tap and savory food while you hang with the locals. If you think you’ve had the best tasting hamburger in town, think again and order their delicious Gorgonzola Burger, smothered in caramelized onions with a TON of French fries.

Plus, they have the friendliest bartenders and patrons in town. It’s extremely difficult to sit at the bar and not make a new friend.

Credit Cards: DISC, MC, VISA.

Coyote Steakhouse, 2220 Hoberg Rd., Borrego Springs CA 92004 (760-440-6824) Open Friday & Saturday ONLY 4:30 p.m. – 8 p.m. ($50 – $100). Reservations are suggested.

You are in for a real treat when you dine at Coyote Steakhouse. A glance at their interesting menu and you’ll see great entrees like their FLAT IRON Steak touted as the best of the best on their PRIX FIX MENU. But don’t stop there as their appetizers are also show stoppers such as  their authentic Caesars Salad and their classic Wedge Salad.

If you were ever thinking about taking a road trip to enjoy a wonderful meal and memorable getaway, then this is the place. Yes, fine dining is featured in this mid-century modern hotel in the Borrego Springs desert resort community, which is 80 miles from downtown San Diego.

See Borrego Springs Chapter

Born & Raised Restaurant, 1909 India St., Little Italy (619-202-4577).

Open Mon –Thurs.  3 p.m. –midnight; Fri. 3 p.m. – 1 a.m.; Sat. 4 p.m. – 1 p.m.;  Sun. 4 p.m. –midnight. ($50–$100).  Credit Cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Being located in the heart of Little Italy and specializing in dry aged perfectly-grilled steaks cooked to perfection vs the other 50 plus Italian restaurants serve ONLY Italian cuisine speaks volumes as to the clout this restaurant boasts for being everyone’s favorite! As you might guess, it’s clientele are both young professionals and the young at heart, who come here to dine well. Very appealing is the second story open air seating with spectacular view of the surrounding downtown skyline. As are their delicious-tasting cocktails.

Their well-crafted menu features a host of can’t resist dining selections  featuring BEEF CLASSICS, DRY-AGED & ADD-ONS. Since Dry-Aged steaks are their specialty 5 house specialties are featured with the 20 ounce Bone-in Ribeye topping the list of 6 must try selections. An excellent solution for sampling multiple cuts of beef at one seating is to order thje the STEAK SAMPLER, which consists of the American and Dry-Aged Japanese Wagyu plus the wet-aged steak on one large platter.

Not to be overlooked are the 40 oz. Main Lobster(lobster risotto, pan roasted seasonal vegetables, caviar butter) the local catch, and roasted chicken. Great add ons are their savory sauces including delicious Bearnaise, Peppercorn, Creamy Horseradish and Bordelaise sauces

No less spectacular are their homemade desserts, which get lots of Ohs and Ahas! They are as colorful as they are delicious.The 8-Layer Carrot Cake  with eye catching orange frosting is a show stopper. and of course who can resist their Baked Alaska featurimg  strawberry ice cream, and toasted meringue flambeed at your table.

Enough can’t be said about this rising star in fine dining on the San Diego scene.

Addison Restaurant at the Grand Del Mar Resort Hotel, 5200 Grand Del Mar Way, San Diego (858-314-1900).[Reservations@fairmont.com] Open Tue. thru Sat. 5 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

Enjoy a ten course tasting  menu at ($385) per person, but expect to pay at least ($1,000) per couple to savor the ultimate dining experience of savoring the cuisine prepared by world renowned Michelin touted Chef William Bradley.

From the moment you pass through the sentry attended gate at the Grand Del Mar Resort Hotel the feeling is no less elegant as the entrance at the gates to the Grand Palace of Versailles near Paris, France with its impressive  long driveway and majestic tall trees,

The restaurant is an elegant free standing building sitting on a knoll overlooking the hotel’s magnificent golf course affording diners a picturesque view. And why not? This is where the Barons of Industry dine with their lady and special guests. A glance across the large dining room filled with tables and booths you’ll see many happy patrons. They are NOT here to eat, but rather they are here to dine on the world’s best prepared cuisine prepared by one of the world’s most highly regarded chefs as recognized by Michelin’s 3 Star award of excellence.

So expect to be pampered with multiple servers including your own sommelier. As you might imagine the world’s rarest and most expensive wines are served here to compliment your incredible 10 course meal. Most impressive is the impressive if not then the breathtaking presentation of each entree. Yes, as you might imagine, each entree is a work of art. As for the taste of this NEW FRENCH FLAIR CUISINE it’s delicious.

You definitely won’t be disappointed with your dining experience. .

Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Click on Churchfinder.com for an extensive and informative list of over 100 places of worship. Since San Diego is often referred to as Paradise on Earth, it should come as no surprise that locals love to worship God.

Unique to San Diego and the state of California are 21 Missions founded by Father Serra as the discovery of California went hand in hand with the establishment of the 21 missions. San Diego has two historic mission, which are still in use as historical sites and as churches

They are Mission San Diego de Alcala in the Mission Valley region of San Diego (See Mission Valley) and in Oceanside is the largest mission ever built). Both are fun excursions.

SAN DIEGO’S OLD MISSIONS

For a glimpse into the fascinating way of life of the Franciscan missionaries who first colonized San Diego back in 1769, visit the Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá (33), 10818 San Diego Mission Rd. (see map). Contact the Visitor Center (619-281-8449) or Parish Office (619-283-7319). An excellent mapped, self-guided tour of the grounds and building is available. Admissions are ($8) for adults 55 & over, ($5) for students and active military and ($3) for children 6-12 and  5 and under are admitted FREE.

North County’s major historic attraction is the impressive Old Mission San Luis Rey de Francia (14) at 4050 Mission Ave. (760-757-3651). Known as the King of the Missions, it is the largest of the 21 missions that flourished here in the 1700s and 1800s.

Tucked away in a quiet north San Diego County valley, it is just 4.6 miles from the Pacific Ocean. Here you will find this majestic jewel of early California history called Old Mission San Luis Rey.

The Mission provides both guided and self-guided tours. Discover the architectural beauty of the Missions museum, church, sunken gardens and cemetery. Historic Church Hours are 8 a.m.– 4 .m. every day. The museum features an extensive collection of early mission ­artifacts. The museum is open daily, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Prices are ($8) for adults, ($5) seniors (65+) and ($3) for youth 6–18, and free for active military and their dependents and children 5 years of age and under. Be sure to stop by the gift shop featuring unique and delicate religious artifacts, mementos and books. Closed New Year’s Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Credit cards: AE, DISC, MC, VISA.

Home Repair and Upgrades

If you’re NOT a fix-it man, the next best thing is knowing where to find the help you need, especially if you’re a newcomer. These recommendations are the result of actually using each one of these journeyman craftsmen. So saying YES TO RECOMMENDING THEM IS EASY.

Home Depot is unquestionably the best hardware store with multi-locations countywide.

Jack-of-All-Trades and Master-of-All. Chepy Flores is an excellent journeyman master carpenter with 45 years of experience and the skill and know-how to fix or build whatever you want. Skills include: cutting and laying saltillo tile, stucco, especially fogging, spray painting, & carpentery. Call Chepy Flores (707-298-0930). He’s a local, born and raised in San Diego and knows what quality is and isn’t. He is a hard worker & easy-to-work with. Reasonable rates. He can’t be overly recommended

Electrician Consider yourself Lucky when you when you can get the services of Bill Watt (1-619-398-7628). He’s an electrician with over 40 years of experience. His knowledge ranges from a standard fix it job to trouble shooting Solar. Of course, he’s easy to work and offers reasonable rates. He cannot be overly recommended!

Roof Repair, it’s Shake, Shingle & Roll Roofing. He’s the best! For low-priced

Junk Removal contact junkbustersinc.com or toll-FREE 1-844-464-586) Ask for the ($99) SPECIAL.

Tree Care Lucas Lemcke Tree Service (619-316-5242) [Lemckelucas@hotmail.com]. They are licensed and bonded and low priced for excellent professional service. It’s not uncommon for entire neighborhoods to use this same tree service.

Saltillo Tile Installer No less spectacular is the beautiful artistic tile work by Steve Cumper (858-292-0651) a 30 + year seasoned professional. With a business slogan that “No Job is Too Small” you can finally beautify your bathroom, kitchen and floors the way you have always wanted them to be. Steve is your guy! He is a great guy to work with, and his prices are fair and reasonable.

Garage Doors East County Garage Doors to the rescue (619-599-6866) [eastcogaragedoors@gmail.com]. Toby has 30 + years of experience and can spot the problem almost the minute he walks into your garage. Working with the owner of any business makes a big difference with the service you get.

Upholstery Call Sabino Galvan (619-864-3374). Sabino came highly recommended to me, and I couldn’t be happier. Get a low price for the highest quality. All you need do is go online and purchase the fabric you love, and take your desired furniture along with the fabric to him. Why not get what you want vs. buying something almost as good and paying more?

This introduction to San Diego represents 55 years of map creation and insightful map tour creation laid out in a table of Contents Page  format (below). It showcases all of the important San Diego city & suburbs with attractions and TONS of things to see and do in a handy self-guided do-it-yourself editorialized series of 50 chapters and maps. These next few paragraphs are also your essential introduction to San Diego whether you are going to be here for one day, three days or a lifetime.

We’re YOUR #1 Newcomer, Visitor & Resident City Guide – 57th Year

Being the #1 newcomer, visitor and resident city guide, we are most reliable city resource for newcomers, visitors and residents seeking to learn how to navigate the city. You should  begin your discovery of San Diego proper by viewing the panoramic view of San Diego Bay from historic Cabrillo Monument via the Point Loma Chapter. Directions can be found by reading the  Point Loma chapter and viewing the easy-to-use map. Each suburb chapter contains its own custom built chapter with map locators tied to the editorial content. Most maps contain a handy legend.

Besides being the most visited historic site on the west coast of the United States, Cabrillo Monument offers the most panoramic view of San Diego Bay, Downtown San. Diego, South Bay and all the way down to Tijuana , Mexico. Then to the East, you’ll view Cowels Mountain in East County and on a clear day you can see Mt. Palomar Observatory 50 miles away.

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Plus the 50 DIY City Map Tours

Day One is Touring #1’s 1, 2, 3 attractions || Day Two is touring #’s 4 & 5, 6 || Day Three is touring #’s 7 & 8 || Day Four is any combination of the other attractions, which fit logistically into a day long excursion || Day Five is individual selections of touring cities and suburbs by studying the county map and reading individual chapters. The appeal of the DIY suburb tours in conjunction with visiting an attraction such as Cabrillo National Monument is getting to or from the monument and discovering the less known but equally appealing discoveries of Shelter Island, Liberty Station, Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliff’s and at sunset seeing a Green Flash at Sunset as the sun sinks below the surface of the ocean. At that moment, literally a green flash can often be seen.

1. View from Cabrillo Nat. Monument
2. San Diego Zoo
3. Balboa Park Museums
4. Tour Embarcadero  & USS Midway + museums, dining
5. Dining at Top of the Market Seafood Rest.
6. Historic Museums 
7. Tijuana Day Trip
8. Outlet Shopping at U.S. Border. 
9. Old Town
10. La Jolla & view from Mt. Soledad.  
11. Coronado & Hotel del Coronado. 
12. Day at Del Mar Racetrack & Del Mar
13. Wine, Dine & Explore the Temecula Wineries.  
14. Sea World
15. LegoLand

50 suburbs & city walking & driving tours with maps. 

The SanDiegan.com Tour of the historic maritime museum is a must. It’s fun to climb aboard its fleet of ships. Then visit the USS Midway aircraft carrier, dine in fabulous bay front seafood restaurants, wander through fascinating shops at Seaport Village.