FEATURED LUXURY HOTELS & RESORTS San Diego

Luxé City Guide: San Diego

San Diego is comprised of several communities all offering a unique personality. Deemed an official U.S. naval city, San Diego is home to thousands of military personnel. In fact, one third of the U.S. Naval Pacific Fleet is stationed in San Diego Bay. The city's abundant access to water makes it an ideal location for our country's seamen. San Diego is a hub for recreational sailors, too.

LAUNCH SAN DIEGO SLIDESHOW

Seaport Village is home to several luxury yachts as well as a wide variety of charter services. Spend a day at sea whale watching or just kick back and enjoy San Diego's beautiful coastline.

Head to what is considered "North County" and pay a visit to the Del Mar Fairgrounds. From mid-July to early September, the fairgrounds are converted into the legendary Del Mar Racetrack. The horseracing venue once served as a stomping ground for some of the world's most influential entertainers such as Jimmy Durante, Ava Gardner, Pat O'Brien, and of course the legendary Seabiscuit. Another notable, Bing Crosby, not only frequented the track, but founded it in 1937. Crosby is the voice behind the famous "Where the Turf Meets the Surf" anthem. Opening day draws massive crowds, all adorned in the finest fashions and many participating in the infamous "Big Hat Day" festivities. With plenty of grandstand boxes available, a vast amount of local eateries and private clubs, the Del Mar Racetrack is the place to see-and be-seen.

LAUNCH DEL MAR RACETRACK SLIDESHOW

In the heart of the city you will find Mission Valley- a central haven for some of San Diego's best shopping. The outdoor Fashion Valley Mall features designer boutiques as well as premiere department store giants including Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Nordstrom and Bloomingdales. Just one exit away is Qualcomm Stadium, home to the San Diego Chargers.

San Diego's downtown Gaslamp District boasts plenty of boutiques, top-notch restaurants, five-star luxury hotels, and a whole street lined with some of the city's most popular nightclubs. A newer addition to the downtown area is the state-of-the-art San Diego Padre's stadium, Petco Park. The Gaslamp District caters to the swarms of tourists by offering activities such as sight-seeing charter buses, pedicabs and horse-drawn carriage rides. And with the city's trolley system in place the perils of parking are easily avoided. Luxury hotels in San Diego include the Manchester Grand Hyatt, Hotel Solamar, Horton Grand Hotel, The Omni, The Westin Horton Plaza, The W San Diego, the Hard Rock Hotel, the Westgate Hotel, and more. Take a closer look at luxury hotels in San Diego.

San Diego Travel Guide: Experience California's history while strolling through Old Town San Diego. As the first European settlement in what is now California, Old Town has been dubbed the state's birthplace. The cultural landmark- home to the first California mission showcases Spanish history through its Bazaar del Mundo. Another popular attraction is the oh-so-creepy Whaley house, which offers insight into what some people call "Haunted San Diego."

Check out the Del Mar Racetrack Slideshow

San Diego Beaches:
When people think of San Diego the thought of bikini-clad beaches is often what first enters their heads. San Diego has earned this reputation for good reason as its coastline offers some of California's best natural beaches. There are plenty of beach communities that seem to cater to every stereotype out there.

First off, there is the overcrowded (but fabulous) Pacific Beach, which offers party-goers a wide variety of hotspots all within walking distance from each other. Travel a little south and you will hit Mission Beach, which offers all the perks of P.B. with the added luxury of Belmont Park. Keep heading south and you will end up in Ocean Beach, a small community filled with vintage shops, dive bars, and some wonderful undiscovered little cafes and restaurants.

San Diego Bay is yet another popular destination, known mainly for its ample water-sports. And with neighboring mountain ranges in close proximity, San Diego is ideal for avid skiers and snowboarders alike. The kiddos will enjoy the famous San Diego Zoo, Wildlife Park, and Legoland. And adults will find a playground of their own as the county also offers several Indian gaming sites, casinos and luxury resorts.

With so many well-traveled attractions and tourist destinations, San Diego has experienced rapid growth. This means that those looking for investment opportunities will find a surplus of resources in its flourishing market. Some of San Diego's most prime real estate is located in the coastal community of La Jolla, as well as in the high-rising downtown condominiums and lofts.

Additional Information:

Why? Typical of California, San Diego is a city of freeways, spread out along stretches of magnificent Pacific beaches and choc-a-bloc with all sorts of attractions, which makes a holiday in sunny San Diego a series of seemingly endless adventures. The city's Spanish and Mexican roots add to its excitement, particularly downtown, which remains the tourist hub for those who travel to San Diego.

When? San Diego is a city for all seasons, so whenever you choose to take your San Diego holiday you will find something special to remember, whether it be the spring flowers, migrating whales, or autumn foliage cloaking the mountains. Weather-wise, all year round the city is blessed with sunny, mild days, so it is safe to plan to travel to San Diego at any time.

Who for? Whatever floats your boat, you will find the wind fills your sails in a holiday in San Diego, which offers everything from award-winning restaurants and fantastic shopping to historic and natural attractions. Do not hesitate to take the whole family when you travel to San Diego for the quintessential California experience, and then some.

Travel guide content sourced from wordtravels.com
Click here to see our San Diego Video Guide