March 13, 2009, Newsletter Issue #85: (77) Sample Port for Easy Independent Exploration

Tip of the Week

San Diego is rapidly becoming one of the most popular cruise ports along the west coast of the United States and it is an easy port to explore on your own. Here is a sample of the activities available near the cruise ship terminal.

See San Diego highlights a day with Old Town Trolley Tours. Hop on the colorful trolley at the cruise terminal and ride the entire route passing dozens of are landmarks. Entertaining and informative trolley conductors provide a running commentary about lore and legends of Coronado Island, Old Town, the Gaslamp Quarter, Balboa Park and San Diego neighborhoods. Hop off and spend time at interesting locations along the route. Hop back on a later trolley. When your trolley makes a stop at Old Town, pay at the ticket office before continuing your tour.

Tour the San Diego Maritime Museum and the USS Midway. A stone’s throw from cruise ship docks, the USS Midway offers a behind the scenes look at life aboard the gigantic aircraft carrier. Volunteers share stories of life at sea. Step back in maritime history aboard the Star of India, the oldest active three-masted sailing vessel and a flotilla of six other historic maritime vessels. There will still be time to shop the one-of-a-kind stores at Seaport Village.

A third option: grab a metropolitan transit bus or taxi and take in as many of the 85 attractions at Balboa Park as time permits. It’s the home of the world famous San Diego Zoo and dozens of museums.

Heads Up: Purchase a Go San Diego Card in advance at www.gosandiego.com for big savings on local attractions.

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