A recent Travel + Leisure magazine poll, taken in conjunction with America Online's Travel Channel, ranked San Diego No. 1 in these categories:
- Parks and outdoor activities
- Destination for special holidays and seasons
- Ease of getting around by car
San Diego is also known for 70 miles of picturesque coastline, and of course San Diego Bay — the Big Bay® — home to 16 bayside parks, landscaped promenades and walkways adorned with eye-catching public art.
Check out all you can do in a half day or full day on your port stay in
San Diego.
Additional Attractions
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Driving map of San Diego (Google Maps)
Half Day Sightseeing
Select one or two of the following activities to create a special itinerary to see the beauty of San Diego.
Walk south on North Harbor Drive from the cruise ship terminal toward the big carrier ship, the USS Midway, docked at Navy pier. There at the USS Midway Museum you can experience San Diego unique military history.
2 hours
Take a self-guided tour at the Maritime Museum of San Diego — one of the world’s finest collection of historic ships, including the Star of India, Steamship Berkeley, Medea, Californian and Pilot. 3 hours
For something calming and colorful to do, stroll along the Embarcadero on the Big Bay to see the Urban Trees exhibit, a collection of 30 whimsical sculpture trees. 1 hour 
Catch a 30-minute ferry ride to Coronado and check out the unique shopping in Coronado Ferry Landing. If you have extra time flag down a pedicab driver and take a trip into downtown Coronado. When you’re finished in Coronado, take the ferry or a water taxi back to the San Diego side of the Bay and stroll back to your ship. 2-3 hours 
There's no better way to see the Bay than on the water. Take a harbor tour with San Diego Harbor Excursions or Hornblower Cruises for information about the Bay, unique views on the Bay and San Diego’s Working Waterfront. The dock for tours is located a walking distance north of the cruise ship terminal on Harbor Drive. 2 hours
Full Day Sightseeing
If you have six hours during your port-of-call in San Diego, in addition to the activities above pick from the fun ideas here and have a great day ashore exploring San Diego.
Visit one or more of San Diego’s historic districts: The Gaslamp Quarter —located downtown where you will find dining, shopping and entertainment, a truly eclectic blend of food, fun and culture; Little Italy — a San Diego residential community since the 1920's, Little Italy today represents downtown San Diego’s oldest continuous neighborhood business district; Old Town
San Diego — San Diego first settlement started in 1769 became the birthplace of California; or Balboa Park — where you’ll find 15 museums, performing arts and beautiful gardens.
Start with some sightseeing, then head to Horton Plaza for shopping and end the day with dinner at one of the wonderful restaurants in downtown or on the Bay.
Take a San Diego City Tour or Old Town Trolley Tour. If you never been to San Diego before this is a great way to cover a lot of ground and learn as much as you can about this great city.
Visit Shamu and his friends at SeaWorld or the lions and elephants at the World Famous San Diego Zoo.
- Gaslamp Quarter (six hours)
- Little Italy (two hours)
- Old Town San Diego (two – three hours)
- Balboa Park (three – four hours)
- Horton Plaza (two – three hours)
- San Diego City Tours (four – five hours)
- SeaWorld (six hours)
- San Diego Zoo (six hours)
