San Diego travel guide: Do’s and Don’ts

Few people who have visited sparkling San Diego need convincing of its endless attributes. Beaches for every personality. Nearly perfect, if chilly at night, weather year-round. Marquee attractions including the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, Balboa Park and Legoland California. And a thriving dining and craft-beer scene.

Here are some tips to make the most of your trip:

1. Do splurge on a beachfront hotel or vacation rental if your agenda involves little more than sand and surf.

2. You don’t have to stay in Hotel Circle, a cluster of chain hotels lining Interstate 8 on the way into town. Check out the plethora of Airbnb listings throughout San Diego, home rentals that give families more room for their money.

3. Do take a sailing tour around the bay and enjoy a view of San Diego unlike any other.

4. Don’t buy all your groceries at a store. Pick up produce, select meats and seafood, snacks and desserts at one of San Diego’s many farmer’s markets. There are weekly markets in Little Italy, Hillcrest, Pacific Beach, Ocean Beach, La Jolla and Encinitas, among other areas.

5. Do visit happening downtown San Diego but don’t spend all of your time at the bars, restaurants and shops in the Gaslamp Quarter. Check out the East Village, which is home to Petco Park and a variety of restaurants. Just past the airport on Harbor Island Drive, you can find amazing harbor cruises through San Diego Sailing Tours (sandiegosailingtours.com) that showcase the gorgeous San Diego skyline, USS Midway Museum and Maritime Museum of San Diego.