San Diego Natural History Museum
This museum focuses on the flora, fauna, and mineralogy of Southern and Baja California. Kids marvel at the animals they find here, including live snakes, tarantulas, and turtles. As a binational museum, research is done on both sides of the border and most exhibits are bilingual. You can see them all in about half an hour. Call or check the museum's website for a current schedule of special visiting exhibits. There's a 300-seat large-format movie theater, and two films are included in the price of admission.

Junipero Serra Museum
Perched on a hill above Old Town, this Spanish mission-style structure overlooks the slopes where, in 1769, the first mission, first presidio, and first non-native settlement on the west coast of the United States and Canada were founded (in 1774 the San Diego Mission was relocated 6 miles up Mission Valley; see below). The museum's recently upgraded exhibits introduce visitors to the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican people who first called this place home. On display are their belongings, from cannons to cookware; a Spanish furniture collection; and one of the first paintings brought to California, which survived being damaged in an Indian attack. Follow the stairs up the tower and notice the map mural which documents the arduous journey Father Serra made to San Diego. From the 70-foot tower, visitors can compare the view with historic photos to see how this land has changed over time. Designed by William Templeton Johnson in 1929, the stately building can be seen from miles around. (And incidentally, the Spanish revival structures on the opposite side of the valley are contemporary and part of the University of San Diego.)The settlement remained San Diego's only European village until the 1820s, when families began to move down the hill into what is now Old Town. An archaeological dig on the lower slopes is ongoing to uncover more of the items used by early settlers. The large cross overlooking the site is made of floor tile from the presidio ruins. Presidio Park, which was established around the museum, is a nice place for a picnic.

San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum
One of the country's few multisport museums, the slick Hall of Champions has been a destination for sports fans since 1961. The museum highlights more than 40 professional and amateur sports. More than 25 exhibits surround a centerpiece statue, the Discus Thrower. One particularly interesting exhibit is devoted to athletes with disabilities. You can see it all in under an hour.

Horton Grand Hotel
A Historic Victorian property located in the historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. All room accommodations include Victorian antique furnishings and a gas-burning fireplace. Upgraded accommodations include balcony rooms overlooking our New Orleans style courtyard and studio style suites. The Horton Grand Hotel is located in the heart of downtown, 3 blocks from the Convention Center and within 5 blocks of ...

Hilton Garden Inn San Diego/Rancho Bernardo
Centrally located in picturesque Rancho Bernardo, 24 miles north of downtown San Diego, the hotel is situated in the Mercardo Business Park, featuring a health center offices, restaurants and ...

Ramada Inn & Conference Center - San Diego
We know how important your hotel room is to you, therefore we would like to invite you to experience the best in hospitality and service whether you are on vacation, business travel, attending a sporting event or planning a conference! Our 135 oversized guest rooms and 15 suites are very comfortable and spacious, designed to satisfy and accommodate your every need. The hotel also features a large outdoor pool, a spa/jacuzzi and sundeck amid private, grassy expanses, away from the lobby and ...