Exploring San Diego — beaches, sunshine and hotel specials

What comes to mind when you think of San Diego? Beaches. Sunshine. The world-famous zoo. Sea World. San Diego offers visitors all of the above and so much more. This Southern California destination has been a top vacation hot-spot for generations. If you’re planning a vacation to San Diego, be sure to visit the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® to find cheap San Diego hotels. You’ll get low hotel rates from Expedia or your AARP hotel discount, whichever saves you more.

Staying in San Diego — hotels in Mission Bay, La Jolla, Coronado

When it comes to finding a hotel in San Diego, this west coast tourist hot-spot offers a wide range of hotel options — from golf resorts to beachfront hotels to cheap hotels close to all of the city’s most popular attractions. For beach lovers, book a hotel in Mission Bay, Ocean Beach or Pacific Beach. The nearby town of La Jolla also offers a number of hotel options in a beautiful seaside setting. Or escape to Coronado Island, which offers visitors a small resort-town feel with access to one of the most pristine beaches in Southern California.

Other cheap San Diego hotel options — Old Town, Mission Valley, Gaslamp

Old Town and Mission Valley offer a variety of cheap hotel options just a short drive from the beach and major theme parks. Looking for a more urban feel? Try a hotel in the Gaslamp District, a hip new neighborhood in the heart of downtown San Diego. No matter where you choose to stay, be sure to book your hotel at the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia®.

Visiting the world-famous San Diego Zoo

San Diego offers visitors a never-ending list if things to do and see. At the top of that list is a visit to the world-famous San Diego Zoo, located in the city’s landmark Balboa Park. This massive property is home to 4,000 creatures, including Chinese pandas, Mongolian horses, rare tortoises from the Galapagos Islands and lowland gorillas from Africa. To experience animals in their natural habitat, then visit the zoo’s sister property: San Diego Wild Animal Park. Located 34 miles north of San Diego in Escondido, the park was originally a breeding facility for the San Diego Zoo. Today, this 1,700-acre zoo holds 3,500 animals representing 430 different species. For cheap hotel deals near the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Wild Animal Park, visit the AARP Travel Center.

Other must-see San Diego theme parks — Sea World and LEGOLAND

While the zoo is the top attraction in San Diego, it’s not the only place in the city to visit wild creatures. Located in Mission Bay, Sea World Diego features exhibits, rides and entertaining shows, like Believe starring Shamu, the killer whale. North of San Diego in Carlsbad, guest of all ages will enjoy LEGOLAND California, which features a city built entirely of LEGO blocks, plus kid-themed rides, special events and a sea-life aquarium.

Things to do in San Diego — Torrey Pines, Padres, Chargers and more

When you’re done with San Diego’s top theme parks, then it’s time to explore the rest of San Diego. Stroll along the city’s many beaches from Mission Beach to La Jolla. Take in a San Diego Padres baseball game or San Diego Chargers football game. Play a round of golf at one of San Diego’s many golf courses. Discover the nature and stunning beauty of Torrey Pines State Reserve. Or enjoy a Mexican dinner at one of the many restaurants in Old Town. Once you have your San Diego to-do list complete, be sure to book your activities and tours at the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia® to get the best deals and discounts.

San Diego vacation packages — book together and save

Save even more on your San Diego vacation when you bundle your hotel, airfare and car rental. By booking all of your travel through the AARP Travel Center, you’ll get the best travel deals on your San Diego vacation. With the AARP® Travel Center powered by Expedia®, you have the very best San Diego travel deals, all in one place.