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San Diego has wonderfully mild winters, with average highs rising near 70 degrees and lows dropping into the 50s. The summer crowds are gone, and the spring vacationers haven't arrived yet. Add to the equation lower lodging rates, along with other great winter specials, and they all add up to a marvelous winter vacation destination.

You might find that the San Diego winter is a great time to enjoy some outside activities like hiking the scenic mountain and desert trails, cycling along wooded paths, or climbing a peak in the rugged Laguna Mountains. The cooler days are also perfect for riding horseback at one of the local stables.

The winter water might be a little too cool for swimming without a wetsuit, but the fishing's still great. Book an angling excursion on one of San Diego's charters from an outfit like Impulse Sportfishing. They'll take you out to the waters off the Channel Islands for some yellowtail, white seabass, calico bass, and halibut action.

Decemer through March are the months to take a whale-watching cruise. The gargantuan Gray Whales come to the area off the coast of San Diego to give birth before completing their annual migration. Seeing one of these majestic creatures up close is truly an awe-inspiring experience.

Golfing in the San Diego winters is a refreshing way to spend an afternoon, and most of the courses offer off-season rates. The area has over 90 well maintained, manicured courses. A great choice would be the world-famous Torrey Pines. Set high above the ocean on gently rolling green hills, the north course is perfect for novices, while the southern links offer a real challenge to the advanced golfer. Both courses have breath-taking views of the Pacific and lush landscaping.

San Diego also entertains visitors and residents with several spectacular festivals and events during the winter months. Go on a wine-tasting lark with the Baja Wine Tour on winter Saturdays; experience some great sounds at the All Star Music Fest; board a tall ship and be a pirate for the day, engaging in a cannon battle with an enemy, at Cannon Battles on San Diego Bay in January; see famous golfers matching strokes at the Buick Invitational Golf Tournament, held 1/21-1/28/08; or enjoy one of the unbelievable winter Restaurant Weeks, offering 3-course dinners at the area's top restaurants for $30-$40 per person. One of San Diego's most amazing events is their Mardi Gras festival, held in the Gaslamp Quarter. The colorful parade includes over 40,000 fabulously-costumed participants, making it the largest Fat Tuesday celebration east of the Mississippi.

If you've ever wanted to visit San Diego, winter is a great time to enjoy her mild weather. While you're partaking of all the activities the city has to offer, you'll be getting great deals, too, and you won't have to fight the crowds of summer. The catch? You may never want to leave!

Learn more about this author, Holle Abee.
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