Now is the time to plan your visit to America's Finest City. San Diego welcomes you with a sparkling array of new family attractions- including a splashy visit to a "lost city" at SeaWorld, a walk back in history aboard the USS Midway, life-size robotic dinosaurs at the Wild Animal Park and more. Arts and cultural events dazzle with music, theater and exhibits all summer long. In addition, we have glowing hotel deals to fit any budget along with shopping savings, dining deals and major attraction discounts that are sure to make this a sunny summer to remember. Also don't forget to be here for our Fourth of July celebrations up and down our pristine coast. And about that coast — warm sands, shimmering waters, fresh air and golden sunshine abound. Come see for yourself!

Great May Getaways: MasterCard™ Hotel Deals, What's New at the Attractions, July 4th Celebrations

Thru Summer

Summer is the perfect time to explore San Diego's captivating arts and culture scene. Whether your visit includes the extraordinary opportunity to view an impressive collection of art and historical objects from the Vatican, listening to one of 57 timeless masterpieces performed at the Mainly Mozart Festival or spending an exhilarating evening under the stars to experience Shakespeare at The Old Globe, this is the place you'll find it all! For a complete listing of arts and cultural events visit the San Diego Art + Sol calendar.

Saint Peter and the Vatican: The Legacy of the Popes

May 15 - September 6
Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the largest collection of objects from the Vatican ever to travel to North America. On display at the San Diego Museum of Art, the only West Coast venue, the exhibition presents more than 390 historically significant objects. This extraordinary collection includes precious liturgical items, rare documents and spectacular works of art, many of which have never left the Vatican or been on public view. Highlights include drawings by Michelangelo, an exquisite terra-cotta sculpture by Bernini, a reproduction of the Tomb of St. Peter, and photographic architectural renderings of the Sistine Chapel.

Special Discount Ticket Offer
Save $3 off price of regular adult ticket. Click here to purchase discount tickets online from Ticketmaster. When ordering tickets, look for the "ConVis Special Offer," select the number of tickets and add the password SDMA. This offer is for online purchases of adult tickets only. Offer valid May 11 through June 10, 2004.

Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10am-6pm; Thursday, 10am-9pm. Open Mondays from July 5 through September 6 only, 10am-6pm.
Admission: $16-$18, adults; $9, children (6-17). Tickets available at the museum or through Ticketmaster at 619-220-8497 or www.ticketmaster.com.
Information: 619-232-7931 or www.sdmart.org.

Vatican Exhibition Packages
Radisson Hotel San Diego/Mission Valley - San Diego Museum of Art - Vatican Exhibition Package - rates starting from $159.00
Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter - San Diego Museum of Art - Vatican Exhibition Package - rates starting from $244.00
Loews Coronado Bay Resort - San Diego Museum of Art - Vatican Exhibition Package - rates starting from $340.00

Mainly Mozart Festival

June 2 - 27
Recognized as one of the finest annual classical music festivals in the United States and Mexico, the focus of this year's 16th season will be on new music and new venues. The all-star orchestra, composed of concertmasters and principal players from orchestras all over the country, will perform 57 timeless masterpieces for a total of 24 concerts. Performance venues range from downtown's Copley Symphony Hall to the Centro Cultural Tijuana (CECUT).

Performances: Most performances begin at 8pm.
Admission: Single tickets $18 to $78, depending on venue.
Information: 619-239-0100 or www.mainlymozart.org.

Hot Hotel Deals

La Jolla Festival of the Arts

June 12 & 13
This spectacular two-day festival will feature more than 190 award-winning artists from across the country along with music, food and non-stop fun. On display will be original works in ceramics, painting, photography, print making, sculpture, and glass. A Children's Area will offer hands-on activities, games, arts & crafts, entertainment and more! Oldies groups The Mar Dels and The Heroes will take center stage to provide lively entertainment.

Hours: Saturday & Sunday; 9am-5pm.
Admission: Adults, $8; free for kids 12 & under. La Jolla Country Day School, 9490 Genesee Avenue, La Jolla.
Information: 858-456-1268 or www.lajollaartfestival.org.

Hotel Offerings in La Jolla
Radisson La Jolla - rates starting from $96.00
Empress Hotel La Jolla - rates starting from $99.00
Hotel La Jolla - rates starting from $129.00

The Old Globe Shakespeare Festival

June 25 - September 26
The Old Globe ushers in the much-anticipated summer season with Anthony and Cleopatra (6/25-9/26), As You Like It (6/29-9/25) and The Two Noble Kinsmen (7/2-9/24). Darko Tresnjak, one of the country's most celebrated directors, will serve as the Festival's Artistic Director. All three productions are staged outdoors at the Lowell Davies Festival Theater, 1363 Old Globe Way.

Performances: Tuesday - Sunday, 8pm.
Admission: Single Tickets $30-$55.
Information: 619-239-2255 or www.theoldglobe.org.

Hot Hotel Deals

San Diego Symphony Summer Pops

July 2 - September 5
Delight in an evening under the stars as the Embarcadero Marina Park South comes alive for another season of nonstop music, fun, food and fireworks. From Tchaikovsky to Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, these outdoor concerts are just the ticket for young and old, classical fans and pop fans alike!

Performances: begin at 7:30pm; Embarcadero Marina Park South at the foot of Marina Park Way.
Admission: Single tickets $10-$62.
Information: 619-235-0804, 619-220-TIXS (8497) or www.sandiegosymphony.com.

Hot Hotel Deals

Hot Tip

Summer is the perfect time to take advantage of San Diego's warm days and temperate nights. Take a relaxing, one or two-hour narrated cruise on the scenic Big Bay and enjoy views of the spectacular Coronado Bridge, the breathtaking San Diego skyline, the historic Star of India, the decommissioned USS Midway, and more! Click here for discount tickets for San Diego Harbor Excursion.
Click here for discount tickets for Hornblower Cruises & Events.