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What to do in San Diego for the day??


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We are coming to San Diego on P&O UK Aroura. We have never been to San Diego before.

 

I was wondering what did you do there for the day / What would you recommend doing there for the day?

 

Also is San Diego a tender port? Or can the cruise ships dock in San Diego?

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A little reading on the West Coast Departures board would give you a lot of info. Google search San Diego, and perhaps get a guidebook. The zoo is world famous- actually has a lot in common with Sydney's. Plus a great safari wildlife park associated, but that is 30 miles away. Balboa Park. The water front, with various vessels to tour. Many other things to do.

 

No, San Diego is not a tender port. As it is a departure port for a number of cruise lines, it can't realistically be a tender port. Shuttling a couple thousand pax off and on, with their bags, and all the supplies for the ship? Ain't going to happen. Logistically impossible.

Edited by CruiserBruce
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I'd be inclined to check Tripadvisor and see how many of the top sites look like something you'd enjoy. Check the prices, and compare to a GO Card - if you think you can pack in several sites it's likely to save you a lot. While the zoo & safari park are great, the latter means you're probably 'one and done' between travel time and several hours on-site.

 

The zoo is easier to get to, but still needs 3 hours to see even if you hustle around it. Balboa Park also has TONS of arty/cultural things - museums of various types, art galleries - and also a special explorer ticket just for the 'in the park but not the zoo' attractions. Air & Space museum is easily a 2 hour+ visit, most others can be seen in an hour or less each if you don't spend too long in front of each painting/exhibit.

 

The USS Midway is also a thoroughly entertaining visit, but even without doing any of the movies/extras like a bridge tour likely to burn through 2 hours or more. If you like ships or planes, very worthwhile.

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The Midway is very interesting. It's about a 10 minute walk south (to the right) of where your ship will dock. Hint---do the Island (Control Tower) first thing, it gets crowded as the day goes on.

About a 10 minute walk the other way is the San Diego Maritime Museum. https://sdmaritime.org SDMM has a replica Tall Ship (used as a movie set), ferry, yacht and a 100+yo pilot boat. We toured the harbor in her.

 

Could check out Old Town. Old Town Mexican Cafe is very good.

Edited by SadieN
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  • 3 weeks later...

Been there several times and always take the Hop On and Off Trolley -- it has 10 stops and a great way to see the 25 mile circuit -- if you stay on it is a 2 hour narrated tour....but get on and off at your leisure. It includes Balboa Park and Old Town -- Little Italy and Gaslamp Quarters as well as Coronado Island -- lots to see and do!

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  • 1 month later...

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