San Diego is the second-largest city in California, with long sandy beaches, famous Zoo, surrounding natural attractions, and Mexican city Tijuana across the border. If you like surfing, diverse cuisine and American navy former and present warships it might be worth visiting. All kidding aside, San Diego is a major tourist hotspot with loads of attractions and millions of visitors every year.
For foreign tourists, US ESTA approval is necessary. ESTA documentation is a way to get into the US for 90 days if your country is in the Visa Waiver program. All you need to do is apply online, fill in your personal data and answer a detailed questionnaire. The administration will determine whether you are eligible to enter the US. Make sure you apply on time, although the process should be over in 72 hours. Once you get ESTA, it is valid for two years.
One day in San Diego
If you have only one day to go around San Diego, it might be challenging to see all the attractions thoroughly. San Diego Zoo is among biggest world parks with an extensive collection of endangered animals like Giant pandas, polar bears, koalas, and elephants. The Zoo is relatively close to the city centre, but for a full tour, you will need a couple of hours at least.
The downtown has a nice skyline for taking pictures. Its coastal parts are home for many ships including USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum of San Diego.
The area is full of cafes, bars, and restaurants. Visit nearby Seaport Village and enjoy art galleries and Looff Carousel from the 19th century.
Instead of classic bus tours, San Diego offers Old Town Trolley Tours that will drive you through multiple attractions like Old Town, Mt. Soledad, Mission, Windana and Pacific Beach and La Jolla. Another excellent tourist tour is San Diego Harbour Cruise.
Is it warm enough to swim in San Diego
One of the best things to experience in San Diego and elsewhere in California is the Beach. San Diego lies on the coast of the Pacific Ocean. We already mentioned some of its best beaches and coves and you can add Ocean Beach, Children’s Pool and Bonita Cove to the list. The ocean is too cold for swimming most of the year, but from mid-July till September you can go for a quick swim and the water is around 21 degrees Celsius. With strong ocean currents, the temperature can quickly rise and fall, and it is warmer in secluded coves along the coast.
Weather Mission Beach
Although it is not pristine, one of the most famous spots for beach activities in Mission Beach, together with more vibrant Pacific Beach, it is the classical California sight. Long sandy beach with lots of sunbathers, surfers, and other beach-loving crowds. Mission Beach is calmer and more suitable for family day at the ocean. There are places for swimming and beginners and intermediate surfers. Besides boardwalk for romantic sunset walks, there are plenty of amenities, shops, and restaurants in the area.
Mission Beach restaurants
It is hard to decide which are the best restaurants among hundreds of excellent street food and high-end joints near Mission Beach. Some of the best places to eat include popular steakhouse Saska’s, Cannonball sushi rooftop restaurant or Miss B’s Coconut Club.
For more casual American traditional snacks, try burgers at the Draft. Other notable restaurants in the area Taco Surf, Bulls Smokin’ BBQ, The Mission Restaurant, Olive Café, Luigi’s at the Beach, and many others.
More great things to visit
Before you pack your bags for San Diego city break, make routinely esta visa check. Once you get the green light, it will shine for two years. You can visit the US for up to 90 days, so you might choose to delegate a little freer time for San Diego.
There are so many other things to see in the southern Californian city. If you do not like Mission Beach, Coronado offers fewer crowds and calmer ocean, while La Jolla Cove has warmer temperatures of the water.
Cabrillo Monument celebrates the Spanish explorer that first navigated the coast, but it is mostly famous for its incredible views. Next to the monument are the Sunset Cliffs that stretch around 1.5 miles along Point Luma peninsula.
Torrey Pines State Natural reserve offers excellent hiking trails, and the oceanfront reserve has original flora of the area with Torrey Pine and specific topography and great views.
Back in the town, you can visit Gaslamp Quarter with many bars, clubs, shops, galleries and famous for its Victorian-style buildings. For sports enthusiasts, a visit to Petco Park, one of the best baseball stadiums in the country and home for San Diego Padres MLB team is a must.
Bottom line
The short answer to the title question is yes. San Diego is definitely worth visiting. With plenty of natural attractions, Spanish and modern architecture, naval attractions and long sandy beaches, everybody can find something for themselves.
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