SAN DIEGO (KGTV) -- We live in one of the most beautiful cities on the West Coast and when family and friends come to visit you definitely want to share the 'San Diego Experience' with them.
We've put together a list of 5 great places to take your holiday guests this year, and we've thrown in some honorable mentions as well.
And since we know the holidays can be tight on the budget, we're focusing on places where you can play 'tour guide' and it won't cost you a dime to get in (although there are some costs for particular attractions, and of course if you want to eat or shop).
BALBOA PARK
This is San Diego's crown jewel - Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre expanse of gardens, walking paths, museums, shops, restaurants and theaters.
SEAPORT VILLAGE
Seaport Village is the perfect place to take guests to see beautiful San Diego Bay, and perhaps do a little dining and shopping.
OLD TOWN
Considered the birthplace of San Diego, Old Town is steeped in rich history. Did you know that San Diego is the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California? Old Town takes you back in time to that era.
CORONADO
The historic Hotel Del Coronado is one of the most iconic hotels on the West Coast and the perfect photo opportunity for your guests. While you're there, take them for a casual stroll along the 1.5-mile stretch of sand on Coronado Beach.
SUNSET CLIFFS
Sunset Cliffs is aptly named - it's arguably one of the best places in San Diego to watch the sky light up with color as the sun goes down. Every evening, folks flock to the cliffs to end their day on a serene note.
Honorable Mentions
- Mission Bay
- Children's Pool in Jolla Cove
- Mt. Soledad
- Torrey Pines State Natural Preserve
- Gaslamp District
Worth the Drive if You Have Time
- Mt. Laguna - 1 hour
- Julian - 1 hour, 15 minutes
- Palomar Mountain - 1 hour, 30 minutes
- Anza-Borrego - 2 hours
- Joshua Tree National Park - 2 hours, 40 minutes
