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American Airlines Flights from Chicago (ORD) to San Diego (SAN)
Orbitz is pleased to offer airline tickets on American Airlines, which operates 3 regularly scheduled daily non-stop flights from Chicago (ORD) to San Diego (SAN), departing between 8:20am and 5:55pm, and one additional non-stop flight regularly scheduled to depart at 1:45pm and arrive at 4:05pm, everyday except Saturday. Usually a McDonnell Douglas MD83 is flown for this route, with in-seat power sources available. The average travel time from Chicago, IL to San Diego, CA is 4 hours and 22 minutes.
During your San Diego vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcala
Established in 1769 above Old Town, this was the first link in a chain of 21 missions founded by Spanish missionary Junípero Serra. In 1774, the mission was moved from Old Town to its present site for agricultural reasons, and to separate Native American converts from the fortress that included the original building. The mission was burned by Native Americans a year after it was built -- Father Serra rebuilt the structure using 5- to 7-foot-thick adobe walls and clay tile roofs, rendering it harder to burn. In the process he inspired a bevy of 20th-century California architects. A few bricks belonging to the original mission can be seen in Presidio Park in Old Town. Mass is said daily in this active Catholic parish. Other missions in San Diego County include Mission San Luis Rey de Francia in Oceanside, Mission San Antonia de Pala near Mount Palomar, and Mission Santa Ysabel near Julian. Known as "the King of Missions," the San Luis Rey is the largest of California's missions and one of its most beautiful.
Maritime Museum
his unique museum consists of a quartet of classic ships, led by the full-rigged merchant vessel Star of India (1863), whose impressive masts are an integral part of the San Diego cityscape. The ship is a National Historic Landmark and the world's oldest ship that still goes to sea; in her day, the Star sailed around the globe 21 times, and carried salmon fishermen to Alaska and British emigrants to New Zealand. The gleaming white San Francisco-Oakland steam-powered ferry Berkeley (1898), worked round-the-clock to carry people to safety following the 1906 San Francisco earthquake; you'll find a museum with fine ship models on display. There's also the elegant Medea (1904), one of the world's few remaining large steam yachts, and Pilot (1914), which was San Diego Bay's official pilot boat for 82 years. You can board and tour each vessel; allow an hour for your visit.A new addition to the collection is the Californian, a 130-foot replica of the 1848 cutter C.W. Lawrence; the majestic ship is used for day and weekend sails. In July and August you can watch movies aboard the Star of India.
Spreckels Organ Pavilion
Given to San Diego citizens in 1914 by brothers John D. and Adolph Spreckels, the ornate, curved pavilion houses a magnificent organ with 4,518 individual pipes. They range in length from the size of a pencil to more than 32 feet. With only brief interruptions, the organ has been in continuous use, and today visitors can enjoy free hour-long concerts on Sundays at 2pm, given by civic organist Dr. Carol Williams. There's seating for 2,400, but little shade, so bring an umbrella on warm days.
Make your reservations for discount hotel rooms in the
San Diego area, including:
La Valencia Hotel
Within its bougainvillea-draped walls and wrought-iron garden gates, this bastion of gentility does a fine job of resurrecting golden-age elegance, when celebrities like Greta Garbo and Charlie Chaplin vacationed here. The blufftop hotel, which looks much like a Mediterranean villa, has been the centerpiece of La Jolla since opening in 1926, and a $10 million renovation in 2000 refined some of the details and added 15 villas and an enlarged pool, without breaking with its historical glamour. Brides still pose in front of the lobby's picture window (against a backdrop of the Cove and Pacific Ocean), well-coiffed ladies lunch in the dappled shade of the garden patio, and neighborhood cronies quaff libations in the clubby Whaling Bar (La Jolla's version of the power lunch). The latter was once a western Algonquin for literary inebriates as well as a watering hole for Hollywood royalty, who performed at the Playhouse at the urging of La Jollan resident Gregory Peck. One chooses La Valencia for its history and unbeatably scenic location, but you won't be disappointed by the old-world standards of service and style.Most rooms are quite comfortable, each boasting lavish appointments, and all-marble bathrooms with signature toiletries. Because rates vary wildly according to view (from sweeping to nada), my advice is to get a cheaper room and enjoy the scene from one of the many lounges, serene garden terraces, or the amazing pool, which fronts the Pacific and nearby Scripps Park. Room decor, layouts, and size (starting at a snug 246 sq. ft.) are all over the map, too -- take a few extra minutes with the reservationist to get the right match for you. If you've got the bucks, spring for one of the newer villas featuring fireplaces and butler service. The hotel's 12-table Sky Room is one of the city's most exclusive dining rooms.
Horton Grand
A cross between an elegant hotel and a charming inn, the Horton Grand combines two hotels that date from 1886 -- the Horton Grand (once an infamous red-light establishment) and the Brooklyn Hotel (which for a time was the Kayle Saddlery Shop). Both were saved from demolition, moved to this spot, and connected by an airy atrium lobby filled with white wicker. The facade, with its graceful bay windows, is original.Each room is utterly unique, containing vintage furnishings and gas fireplaces -- bathrooms are lush with reproduction floor tiles, fine brass fixtures, and genteel appointments. Rooms overlook either the city or the fig tree-filled courtyard; they're divided between the clubby and darker "saddlery" side and the pastel-toned and Victorian "brothel" side. The suites (really just large studio-style rooms) are located in a newer wing; choosing one means sacrificing historic character for a sitting area/sofa bed and minibar with microwave. With all the individuality, there's a room that's right for you, so query your reservationist on the different features (if you're lonely, request room 309, where the resident ghost, Roger, likes to hang out). The Palace Bar serves afternoon tea Saturdays from 2 to 5pm.
La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club
You're supposed to pack your best tennis whites for a stint at La Jolla's private "B&T" (as it's locally known), where CEOs and MDs come to relax and recreate. The location is unbeatable -- right on the La Jolla Shores beach -- and the physical property is attractive, in a Spanish hacienda sort of way. However, standard guest rooms are unbelievably plain and outmoded (think late-1970s Holiday-Inn styling); most have full kitchens that are appropriate for families or longer stays. Beachfront rooms are tiny -- the showers are tight enough to give broad-shouldered types claustrophobia -- but they're brighter, and the wide ocean panorama at the foot of your bed is undeniably splendid (if totally un-private). A variety of suites are available. The beach is popular and staff stays busy shooing away non-guests, in between primping the comfy sand chairs and umbrellas, and keeping guests stocked with fluffy towels, beverages, and snacks. Kayaks and watersports equipment can be rented; there's even a sand croquet court. There's no room service, but the hotel's distinctive Marine Room restaurant is one of San Diego's very best, and waves literally smash against its broad windows, inches away from diners.This historic property was founded in the 1920s, when original plans included constructing a yacht harbor (egad!); today it's known primarily for tennis, and for the $40,000 down payment it takes to become a member. You get better room value for your money at the club's sister hotel next door, the Sea Lodge , but you don't stay here for the quality -- B&T guests are chasing exclusive, old-money atmosphere and fawning service.
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