San Diego Shore Excursions
USS Midway Museum
Walk south for just 5 minutes on North Harbor Drive from the cruise ship terminal in the direction of the huge carrier ship, named the USS Midway, docked at the Navy pier. Visit the USS Midway Museum to experience the naval heritage of San Diego.
Embarcadero Marine Park
Beyond Seaport VIllage lies Embarcadero Marina park. Walk the path along the shoreline for great views over the bay.
Maritime Museum of San Diego
Visit the fascinating Maritime Museum, an excellent collection of historic ships, such as Steamship Berkeley, Medea, the Star of India, Californian and Pilot.
Coronado Beach
Take a half hour ferry ride across to Coronado island. A quick cab ride will take you to the island's beach, a wonderful sweep of sand on the ocean's coast. Tour iconic Hotel del Coronado, an unique example of a Victorian beach hotel.
Spanish Missions
San Diego is home to over twenty spanish catholic missions, founded over two centuries ago. The original task of the missions was to covert the American Indians to Catholicism. The first, known as the Mother of the Missions, is the Mission San Diego de Alcala. This was founded in the late 18th century by Padre Junipero Serra. Just 6 years after completion the mission was fired in a riot, but the building was speedily reconstructed.
Balboa Park
The growth of Balboa Park began in 1917, when several Spanish era buildings were planned and constructed for the Panama-California show. Today the park has become the biggest inner-city cultural park in the nation. Fifteen museums and galleries are situated in the 1200 acre area. The best known is the zoo, however further notworthy museums are the San Diego Museum of Art and the San Diego Natural History Museum. The park also showcases glorious greenery, such as the Japanese Friendship Garden and the Ineze Rose Parker Memorial.
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo, located in Balboa Park, is world-famous for its design and astonishing collection of fauna. The zoo features more than seven hundred different species, who live in an attracively built 100 acre park. Be sure to see the Polar Bear Plunge, the Gorilla Tropics and Tiger RIver. Youngsters will enjoy the animal baby nursery and petting zoo.
Gaslamp Quarter
San Diego's Gaslamp Quarter is possibly the city's most attractive section. Development of the Quarter started in 1867. Here you'll find a concentration of boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, sidewalk cafes, bars, jazz clubs and nightclubs with a charming Victorian feel combined with a modern liveliness. The quarter is also home to big city events, from music festivals and food fairs to St Patricks Day.
Cruising Resources
