Southern California has some of the best vacation weather in the country. San Diego, as well as the surrounding metropolitan area, has a lot to offer in the way of entertainment besides great weather and spectacular beaches. Belmont Amusement Park, Balboa Park, San Diego Safari Park, San Diego Zoo and Sea World San Diego are just a few. There is a definite Spanish influence in the old architecture of the area. If you just want to spend an afternoon viewing the most historical buildings, don’t miss Old Town San Diego State Historic Park and Mission San Diego de Alcala. Stay at a hotel or motel as your central location and then everyone in your group can go his own way during the day. Meet back at night and enjoy each other’s company as each of you shares the highlights of your day.

Old Town Trolley

The Spanish architecture in Old Town San Diego is something you won’t want to miss when you visit this city. Take a guided tour or go it on your own. The Trolley tour makes 11 stops. Besides historic Old Town San Diego, you’ll be offered stops at Seaport Village, Horton Plaza, Balboa Park, San Diego Zoo, Gaslamp Quarter and Little Italy. Visit the main trolley website for a trolley map and timetable to all the stops. Armed with this information, you can get off at an interesting location, enjoy it, and then get on the next trolley that stops. You can see pretty much all of San Diego and never deal with turning down wrong streets and street traffic. Choose a Mission Bay vacation rental, with two bedrooms that’s just a few steps from Mission Bay and the Pacific Ocean beaches. It is fully equipped with TVs and cable in both bedrooms and in the living area. Use the beautiful grill for a family barbecue after a morning on the trolley.

Fun in the Sun

There is no better place for the lover of the outdoors than San Diego. Beaches abound. Visit Carlsbad State Beach, Encinitas, Cardiff Beach, Del Mar Beaches, Pacific Beach or any of the other beautiful coastlines at the Pacific edge of San Diego and the surrounding areas. Rent a vacation home, with three bedrooms and three bathrooms, that is just steps from Mission Beach. Or, just sun your self on the extensive house deck. If you’ve always wanted to learn how to surf, now is your chance. There are a number of surf schools just waiting to give you your first lesson. Or, take a whale watching cruise, keeping your eyes pealed for the gray whales that migrate from the Bearing Sea to Baja each year. Spend the day sailing or jet skiing. There are over 90 golf courses in the San Diego area to choose from. The golfer of the family can head out and meet back up with the beach lovers, in the afternoon, at their San Diego hotel.

Dining and Nightlife

It’s great to know that you have a fully equipped kitchen in your San Diego vacation rental. Like the one in a historic downtown condo, which is a romantic one bedroom. It’s balcony overlooks Main Street. Enjoy a meal you’ve prepared yourself, while watching the nightlife you’ll be joining later on, from the balcony. But remember, you are on vacation. So, enjoy some of the many excellent restaurants in San Diego. For the best steaks in the down town area try Donovan’s Steakhouse, although their rack of lamb and North Salmon are equally as spectacular. If you find yourself in Old Town San Diego as it nears dinner time, enjoy Baci Restaurant. Start with the Insalata Caprese Antipasti, which is rich in Italian fair of sliced tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, olive oil and basil. Choose the Linguini Alle Vongole, linguine and clams, for your main dish.

If you are looking for one of the best nightlife clubs to fill out your evening entertainment, try Nobel Experiment. It’s located at 777 G Street in San Diego. They are open Wednesday through Sunday, 7 pm to 2 am. The handcrafted cocktails are visual art. Try the Dealer’s Choice cocktail for sweet luxury quencher. Tip: push the wall of kegs and it will take you into another room.

Sunsets

What can be a better end to a day than watching a magnificent sunset from one of the many spectacular viewpoints in San Diego. One of our favorites sunset spots is La Jolla. After the sun goes down, find one of the many fine restaurants and enjoy some fine Californian Cuisine.

Palm Desert, California is one of the best locations for snowbirds to vacation during their coldest weather. It’s located almost midway between Los Angeles and San Diego. As soon as you step into the lush, temperate dessert, you’ve all but forgotten about fog, snow and windstorms. Winter is the best time for a visit to Palm Springs, when it’s not too hot, but the coolest average temperature ranges between the upper 60’s and lower 70’s during the day. This area boasts 354 days of sunshine each year. With this kind of weather, you’ll find outdoor activity the most popular, but don’t miss some of the indoor education, fun and entertainment.

Golf

Snowbird golfers will find over 120 golf courses, in the Palm Springs area, to choose from. At first the passionate golfer will feel like a kid in a candy store. You’ll be thinking about the next course to play before you’ve finished the one you’re on. A central location of hotels and condoswill allow you to try as many courses as you like. If you are looking to play at some of the best public golf courses, don’t miss Mesquite, Bel Air Greens, Desert Dunes , Desert Springs or Desert Falls golf courses. For great last minute golf deals visit golfnow.com

Follies

Snowbirds won’t want to miss the Palm Springs Follies. You’d never guess that all the performers in this famous vaudeville stage show are over 50. There are afternoon or evening events, so choose to have a wonderful dinner before or after the two hour show. Enjoy the 30s, 40s and 50s inspired comedy, dance and music year round. That means it’s a perfect event for winter snowbirds. It’s located in the Plaza Theater, at 128 South Palm Canyon Drive in downtown Palm Springs.

Walk of Stars

You’ve, no doubt, heard of the Hollywood Walk of Stars. Well, Palm Springs has its own tribute on Palm Canyon Drive. Palm Springs resident, Dorothy Dale Kloss is the latest, and 330th star on the walk. She is a Guinness Book of Records Holder and famous tap dancer. See if you can pick out some of the more well known stars to be awarded a Golden Palm Star, such as Lon Chaney, Chevy Chase, Buddy Hackett, Donald O’Connor, Elizabeth Taylor, Rudy Vallee and Adam West. The star is dedicated to those that have lived in Palm Springs and contributed to the entertainment prominence of the area.

Don’t Miss Destinations

Don’t miss Villagefest, the weekly downtown street fair in Palm Springs. Do a little shopping from local vendors and enjoy the street performers. Regular downtown businesses stay open late that night, as well. This is a Palm Springs tradition you won’t want to miss. The Palm Spring Zoo, or “living desert” as it is sometimes called, is a must see with its desert exhibits and animals. The aerial tramway travels up to the top of the San Jacinto Mountains for a spectacular scenic ride. Enjoy the nightlife of gambling and entertainment at the Palm Springs Casinos.

For all snowbirds wanting to stay long term in Palm Springs, try renting out a vacation rental. Vacation Rentals offer great amenities and the benefits of having your own place and at a fraction of the cost of a hotel.

Enjoy your winter holiday and bring sunscreen.