59 Mile Scenic Drive is the official city route for exploring San Diego's top attractions, including attractions along the city's Embarcadero waterfront district such as the Maritime Museum of San Diego and the Cruise Ship Terminal. Maps of the drive are available at the city's Visitor Information Center, with color-coded signs showcased throughout the drive at every quarter-mile marker. Major attractions showcased along the drive's route including Spanish Landing and Shelter Island, which are home to the Yokohama Friendship Bell, a monument symbolizing the city's relationship with its Japanese sister city. From there, the drive continues on to attractions such as Cabrillo National Monument, Mission Bay Aquatic Park, and Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, with public parking provided for attractions along the way. The route ends at the Embarcadero's Seaport Village after passing Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo, taking approximately three hours to complete without factoring in time for attraction stops.
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Step 1: Visit the website and book directly and/or call ahead to confirm their hours.
Step 2: If you are spending the night, search for Hotel Deals nearby. Read the reviews, then call the hotel directly to book and ask for a romantic, kid-friendly or pet-friendly amenity if you need it.
Step 3: If you are flying, compare Flights. Book directly with the airline, add your frequent flier number and reserve your seat.
Step 4: Estimate your driving time using Google Maps (click the blue 'Directions' arrow in the search box).
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Read our Reservations & Travel Planning Tips guide.