Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego

San Diego Activities

Your ultimate urban resort vacation awaits you at Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. Enjoy the perfect blending of a vibrant city with the pampering amenities of a world-class tropical destination. Gaze out at the brilliant blue waters of San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean as you swim, play tennis or soak in a hot tub. Lift your soul and rejuvenate your body with luxurious treatments at our full-service day spa. Swing your clubs on an exclusive course, surrounded by acres of natural beauty. Ready to explore? Just minutes from our luxury San Diego California resort you'll find a world of attractions, including Seaport Village, the marina filled with magnificent yachts – including the world-famous America's Cup "Stars & Stripes" and "Abracadabra" – beaches, San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, museums, Gaslamp Quarter, SeaWorld and much more. Whether you are on a family getaway, a romantic escape, or adding some playtime into your busy business travel schedule, allow our knowledgeable concierge to assist you in creating your most memorable San Diego resort vacation.

San Diego Family Entertainment

Belmont Park Scream your way through a ride on the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster. Make the rounds at the Arcade. Take a ride on classics like Tilt-A-Whirl or the bumper cars. Pretend you are on a deserted island and climb a 25-foot coconut tree. Buy a swimsuit at one of Belmont's shops before riding the wave pool. Indulge in old-fashioned amusement park food at a restaurant. Birch Aquarium Affiliated with the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Birch Aquarium promotes marine life conservation through education and research. Feel the hypnotic quality of The Hall of Fishes. Explore three tide pool displays containing such marine animals as sea cucumbers and hermit crabs. Try to spot the camouflaged animals in The Art of Deception exhibit. Hornblower Cruises & Events Join a Hornblower Cruise to see some of the 28,000 gray whales that traverse these waters on their way to Baja California during Hornblower's whale watch. Cap off a great vacation with a gourmet dinner on board. Celebrate your parents' 50th anniversary with the entire family on a champagne sail. Legoland A classic toy has become a top attraction in San Diego. This Lego-filled park delights all ages. The park offers visitors more than 50 rides and attractions. Cool off at Pirate Shores. Spin around in Bionicle Blaster. Become part of the action during a 4-D racing movie. Hit The Big Shop to purchase all of your favorite Legos. Be mesmerized by a ventriloquist conversing with his friends, Clyde and Matilda. Travel back in time on Coastersaurus. Treat the kids to an ice cream cone at The Market. Old Town Trolley Hop on and off this popular vehicle as it winds its way through San Diego. Well-informed guides add a healthy dose of humor to their narratives. Go ten minutes outside of San Diego to the charming island of Coronado. Set foot inside the famed Hotel del Coronado, where the movie, "Some Like It Hot" was filmed. Stop in the Gaslamp Quarter for a bite to eat. Reuben H. Fleet Science Center Choose from more than 100 interactive science exhibits designed to please visitors of all ages. Brave the 23-seat motion simulator. Have fun and learn at the same time in the Try Science! virtual zone. View The Alps from a comfy seat in the IMAX Theater. Identify the constellations in the Palomar Observatory. Foster the budding scientist in your child at Kid City. Wave House Hit the surf at Wave House. Flowrider is the next best thing to the ocean. Check your balance here before taking on Bruticus Maximus. Prefer a tamer environment? Head over to the pool for a leisurely swim, an aquatic workout or lessons. Try something new like Brazilian Boot Camp or Pilates at the fitness center.

San Diego Zoo & San Diego Wild Animal Park

Known for its animal conservation and education, San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned facility and is visited by millions each year. Arrange for a behind-the-scenes tour, or soar above the treetops on the Skyfari Aerial Tram. Pretend you are on an African savannah at the ENTCO Wild Earth Safari ride. Explore the rainforest aviary. Get a good laugh as Dr. Zoolittle 'talks" to the animals, a perennial crowd-pleaser. An extension of the San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Park offers a safari experience near the city. Make like a monkey and climb on the Samburu Jungle Gym. Listen to an animal keeper to talk about his or her responsibilities. Join a nighttime safari. See the incredibly fast cheetah in action on a Run Safari.

San Diego SeaWorld

Whales and dolphins are known for their intelligence and social nature. Get up close and personal with them and other marine species at SeaWorld San Diego. Recognized worldwide for its premier attractions, SeaWorld is equally committed to the conservation of marine life as well. Delight in the antics of Clyde and Seymour. Look on as Shamu darts, dives and shoots through the air and water. Be prepared to get wet too, since he loves splashing visitors. Brace yourself for a thrilling plunge on "Journey to Atlantis". Sign up the kids for an animal adventure camp. Quench your thirst at one of the park's snack bars or restaurants. Become a trainer for a day.

San Diego Balboa Park

Balboa Park is a 1,200-acre jewel in the middle of San Diego. It offers diverse and seemingly limitless activities. Begin a whirlwind tour of one or all of 15 museums on the premises. Stand back and watch the dancers, actors and magicians performing at venues throughout the park. Retreat to a serene garden for a rest or a leisurely lunch. Learn how to make sushi. Marvel at the detail of a four-acre miniature railroad. Try your hand at lawn bowling. Turn lemons into lemonade on a rainy day and hit the Activity Center, complete with volleyball, table tennis, badminton and more. Listen to the largest outdoor pipe organ known at the Spreckels Organ.

San Diego Bay Sailing

Dennis Conner's America's Cup Experience gives guests the unique opportunity to race on current generation America's Cup yachts on the San Diego Bay as well as experience Whale & Dolphin-watching sails on the Pacific Ocean. The sailing fleet includes two 80-foot International America's Cup Class (IACC) racing yachts, the Stars & Stripes / USA 34 and the Abracadabra / USA 54; plus a magnificent replica of the original 139-foot yacht "AMERICA" that started the America's Cup racing tradition back in 1851. Daily Sailing Options: Year Round-Sail or Race: Pitch in as a crew member or simply observe in awe as you participate in a 2.5 hour sail or match race as the 80ft race yachts, the "Stars & Stripes" and "Abracadabra" charge back and forth in their race for supremacy. (Races subject to a minimum number of guests) Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday at 11:00 am. Cost: Adults $99, Children (12 and under) $49; soft drinks included. Whale/Dolphin Watching Sail: Thrilling 4-hour whale and dolphin watching sails are available on the magnificent 139ft "America." A wonderful platform to 'picnic on the ocean' with the migrating Gray Whales and other local marine life. San Diego's only daily sailing experience also includes entrance to the Maritime Museum, a 'NO seasickness' guarantee, whale sighting guarantee, soft drinks & snacks and a narrator. You are invited to bring your own picnic lunch and/or adult beverages. Daily Sails from December 19, 2009-April 15, 2010 at 11:00am; check-in time is 10:30am. Cost: Mon-Fri; Adults $65, Children (12 and under) $34; Saturday & Sunday; Adults $85, Children (12 and under) $44 Entrance to the Maritime Museum included with every sail purchase. All sails depart from the Maritime Museum. (15 minute walk from the Manchester Grand Hyatt) Manchester Grand Hyatt guests receive a 10% discount from published rates. For reservations call 800.644.3454 or visit http://www.stars-stripes.com/. Yacht AMERICA, Stars & Stripes and Abracadabra are available for corporate or private charters.

San Diego Sports Fanatics

America's Cup Yachts Channel your inner sailor on one of these incredible racing yachts. The majestic sport of yachting has captured the hearts of Americans for years. The two fastest mono-hull sailing boats in the world - Abracadabra and Stars and Stripes - offer visitors a unique and exhilarating opportunity to enjoy San Diego Bay and its stunning scenery. Board one of these yachts for an exciting 2 ½ hour sail. Opt for a harbor tour or whale watch excursion. Snap photos of Coronado Bay Bridge as the yacht skates across the water. Enjoy a beverage and snack as you cruise along. http://www.sandiegotours.us/tours/tourDetail.cfm?tour_id=7713 Morley Field Shake up your usual golf game with a round of disc golf at Morley Field.. Instead of hitting the ball with a club, players throw a disc into holes around the course. Quench your thirst with refreshments and a snack. Pick up pointers by watching a league game. http://www.morleyfield.com/course/course.htm Petco Park Hold that glove high as you try to catch a fly ball from one of the San Diego Padres. This open-air stadium, built in 2004 at a cost of $450 million, is home to our own major league baseball team. Get there early and take a guided tour of the facilities. You can also develop your interest in rugby here, as thisvenue hosts games for seven different rugby unions. http://sandiego.padres.mlb.com Qualcomm Stadium Boasting a 70,551-seat stadium, fans can root for the San Diego Chargers. Tailgate before California State's opening game. Check out the latest models at an auto show. Leave a lasting impression by renting out the stadium for your event. http://www.sandiego.gov/qualcomm San Diego Sports Arena See your favorite American Idol in his or her first tour at this arena. Bring the entire family to the Ringling Brothers Circus when it comes to town. Find bargains at the weekly swap meet held here. Secure courtside seats to a basketball game. http://www.sandiegoarena.com

San Diego Outdoor Endeavors

Cabrillo National Monument Named for explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, this monument was established in 1913 to commemorate his sail into San Diego Bay in 1542. Look for gray whales on their migration south. Understand the loneliness and difficulties for those who guarded this stretch of coastline during times of war. Walk the 2 ½ mile Bayside Trail, spotting flora and fauna along the way. Spot marine life in the tide pools. http:///www.nps.gov/cabr Mission Bay Park Not into swimming in the ocean? No problem. Mission Bay Park claims status as the largest man-made aquatic park in the country. Over the 4,235 acres, visitors can partake in myriad activities. Sail your model yacht around a pond. Wade in the calm waters of Vacation Isle. Barbecue at Crown Point South. Jog, cycle or walk the various paths throughout the park. Launch your boat at Ski Beach. http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/missionbay/index.shtml Mission Beach Think of California and the beach will surely spring to mind. Mission Beach exemplifies that image. Known as The Strand, this two-mile stretch of sand extends from the mouth of the Mission Bay channel to the north end of Pacific Beach. Arrive early before the crowds. Pick up chairs or umbrellas at nearby rental facilities. Jog along the cement boardwalk. Peruse the shops that line the beachfront. Catch some waves on your boogie board. Cool off with lunch in a nearby restaurant. http://www.sannet.gov/lifeguards/beaches/mb.shtml Tijuana River Valley Regional Park Primarily known for the beaches and the bay, San Diego also offers a 1,638-acre park along the Tijuana River. Hone your photography skills by snapping the abundant maritime sage scrub at Spooner's Mesa. Pack a picnic as a reward for hiking the forest trails. Gallop your horse along equestrian trails leading straight to the Pacific. Extend your arm and see what will land at the new Bird and Butterfly Garden. Organize a softball game at one of the fields. Practice identifying one of over 340 birds by its call. Plant vegetables in the Community Garden. Host your wedding in this dramatic setting. http://www.co.san-diego.ca.us/parks/openspace/tjrv.html Torrey Pines State Reserve Located in northwestern San Diego, Torrey Pines State Reserve is a quiet refuge from city life. Bring your binoculars to spy the endangered bird species. Hike the pine forest trails. Capture a memory in front of the beautiful cliffs overlooking the ocean. Head a little farther to the glideport for a ride over the beach. http://www.nature.nps.gov/nnl/Registry/USA_Map/States/California/NNL/TRPS/index.cfm

San Diego Shopping & Retail Therapy

Bazaar del Mundo Celebrate Cinco de Mayo in style. Located in Old Town, Bazaar del Mundo began 35 years ago. It is quintessentially San Diego. Kick back with a tasty margarita and fish tacos at an outdoor café. Window shop first before purchasing that special item. Weave in and out of the stands at an art festival. Pick up a charming Mexican vase. http://www.bazaardelmundo.com Fashion Valley Shopping Center Discriminating shoppers will surely be pleased with the offerings at this retail center. Peruse more than 200 stores in a lively outdoor district. Splurge. You're worth it and Tiffany's will have just the item to fulfill your heart's desire. Replace your tattered luggage with a lustrous bag from Louis Vuitton. Discuss business over a hearty lunch at one of 18 restaurants. Mix up things with a new look from a well known make-up company. Ponder the ideas presented in a documentary at the 18-movie theaterplex. http://www.simon.com/mall/default.aspx?ID=765 Gaslamp Quarter This waterfront area was developed by Alonzo Horton in the late 19th century. It is a vibrant center of shopping, dining and entertainment. Add to your fine art collection with a watercolor from a gallery. Stay on the cutting edge of fashion, with styles from a couture shop. When shopping is done, plan a night out at one of the area's urban chic lounges, or partake in some of the delicacies offered at Taste of Gaslamp. http://www.gaslamp.org Seaport Village With its location on the water, it's not surprising that San Diego would have a seaport village. Pick up the latest styles or accessories at some of the 50 shops, just steps from our hotel. Take advantage of the Pacific's bounty at a seafood restaurant.. Stop along your travels to enjoy a magician or musical group performing throughout the village. Grab the brass ring on the village carousel. http://www.spvillage.com Westfield Horton Plaza Named for developer Alonzo Horton, bargain hunters and fashion plates alike can choose from more than 130 stores including Nordstrom and Macy's. Immerse yourself in an Oscar-winning drama at the multi-screen movie theater. Meet friends for drinks or a late lunch at a restaurant. http://www.westfield.com/hortonplaza Westfield Mission Valley Center Shop to your heart's content at this mall, featuring 151 stores. Satisfy your shoe fetish at an upscale designer store. Sample international cuisine at one of 22 dining spots. Quell the kids' boredom at Inflatable World. Slip into the 20-screen movie theatre to see the latest action flick. http://www.westfiled.com/missionvalley/

San Diego Art Scene

Mingei International Museum Mingei is Japanese for "Arts for the People" and that's what you'll get at this museum. Founded more than three decades ago, the museum contains over 17,000 objects from 141 countries. Peruse folk art items and toys from Romania and the United States, to name a few. Add to your collection with a Russian doll, available for purchase in the museum store. Witness the cultural differences in jewelry that spans five continents. http://www.mingei.org Museum of Making Music A constant throughout civilization, this Carlsbad museum pays homage to all forms of music. With over 500 instruments in five galleries, it celebrates more than 100 years of music. Let your inner rock star shine at "Hands on the Future", where you can play any number of instruments from electric guitar to bongo drums. Pretend you are the next Justin Timberlake or Britney Spears in the recording studio. http://www.museumofmakingmusic.org Old Globe Theater More than one Tony Award winner has come out of the Old Globe Theater. Founded in 1935 and comprised of three different venues, the Old Globe Theater includes the Cassius Carter Centre Stage and an outdoor site called the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Attend one of 15 plays and musicals produced here annually. Introduce a child to the world of Shakespeare. Revisit a favorite Sondheim musical. Dine in the style that suits your comfort level, whether it's an elegant restaurant or a laid-back hot dog stand. http://www.oldglobe.org San Diego Museum of Art Located in Balboa Park, the museum exhibits collections ranging from impressionist paintings to pop art. Be sure to visit the May S. Marcy Sculpture Court and Garden. Sit in on a poetry reading. Gather the family and attend the Sights & Sounds festival. Send the kids to summer camp to nurture their interests in the arts. http://www.sdmart.org San Diego Symphony Get lost in the sounds of this orchestra. The San Diego Symphony performs 100 times annually and has been a mainstay in the community since its first concert in 1910. Enjoy the summer concert series complemented by a lavish picnic dinner. Reserve tickets to a performance by your favorite musical act. Be proud to be an American as fireworks explode in the sky and the symphony plays "The Star Spangled Banner" on the Fourth of July. http://www.sandiegosymphony.com

San Diego History

Maritime Museum of San Diego Five galleries represent San Diego's maritime life, from sailing and commercial fishing to expeditions and naval missions, at this museum. It has one of the world's finest collection of historic ships including the oldest active one, Star of India. Board the historic 1914 Pilot, used to shuttle harbor pilots to the merchant ships in San Diego harbor for more than 80 years, for a cruise. Relive 1870 as an immigrant or crew member on the Star of India during the museum's Family Sleepover. Mission San Diego de Alcala Founded in 1769 by Blessed Junipero Serra, this Catholic mission was the first of 21 to be established in Southern California. The mission was most industrious, converting 1405 people to Christianity; baptizing 565; harvesting corn, wheat, barley, chick peas, kidney beans and grapes from its 50,000 acres; and raising 20,000 sheep, 10,000 cattle and 1250 horses. It is the oldest active Catholic Church in California. Old Point Loma Lighthouse Opened in 1855, this majestic lighthouse stood watch in San Diego Bay for 36 years. Join a ranger-led tour of the structure. Learn about the lighthouse keepers who managed it. Old Town San Diego Historical Park Bordering Mexico, it is only natural that the region would have a long relationship with Mexican culture. Visit five authentic adobes at this village that includes a museum, restaurants and shops. Take a load off and enjoy the garden surrounding La Casa de Estudillo. Step inside the schoolhouse. Peek into San Diego's first newspaper office. Take a guided walking tour to learn about the Spanish-American War and the Gold Rush. Observe a period demonstration. Chat with a docent in period clothing. San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum / U.S.S. Midway Learn about the U.S.S. Midway's 47 years of service, from World War II to Desert Storm. Go it alone and take a self-guided tour. Listen to a Midway veteran relay his experience aboard ship. Learn about naval life from the 60 exhibits and 24 vessels housed here. Try out one of three flight simulators. San Diego Natural History Museum Established in 1874, the San Diego Natural History Museum is located in Balboa Park. Wonder at the stone work of Zimbabwean Shona sculptors. Switch roles with the insects. Instead of peering down at them, they'll be looking down on you in the Backyard Monsters exhibit. Robotic bugs, 11 feet high and 22 feet long, loom over visitors. Appreciate how raw beauty can become highly coveted in "The Nature of Diamonds" exhibit. Whaley House Museum Up for a little folklore? Named for its owner, businessman Thomas Whaley, this mid-19th century Greek revival home has plenty of it. What began as a granary and later a courthouse, the Whaley House has undergone many transformations. Take a tour and learn about its storied past and rumored hauntings. Purchase a book in the gift shop to learn more about its legends. Enjoy lunch at the café. Take a break from sightseeing on the lovely outdoor patio.