There is more to San Diego than just 'San Diego'. With attractions, beaches and shopping stretching from the San Diego/ Mexico border in south to Oceanside in the coastal north to Valley Center in the north inland and south inland to El Cajon/ Spring Valley. One could write a book on things to do in Southern California, and they have! We're going to try zeroing in on San Diego.
First stop, Old Town (Historic Park) where one can get a glimpse of early San Diego life; recreating life from 1821- 1872. Here you will find La Casa de Estudillo adobe home which now acts as museum; La Casa de Bandini which was restored in 1910 and became the social center of Old Town. There are other adobe homes on the grounds, in addition to the first public school building, a blacksmith building and the San Diego Union Museum – the first office of San Diego Union Newspaper. Just a couple blocks south of Old Town you can find the world famous Whaley House, possibly the most haunted house in America. After Old Town catch the train to the Santa Fe Depot, with its classic Spanish Mission-Colonial Revival architecture. Built in 1915 and now a stop for Amtrak, the Coaster and various county trolley systems. Walk a couple blocks west to the coast and have a bite to eat at Anthony's Fish Grotto, dine right over the ocean. [Pick the grotto as it's most friendly for small children and least expensive.] Before heading south along the wharf, there are a couple historic ships docked here. Even if you don't board the ships they are formidable to just look at. Watch for outdoor sculptures and exhibits all along the wharf. As you cruise south, you'll pass the historic USS Midway [$8-15] – yes, the actual carrier brought to dock and made into an interactive museum, tribute and educational center. You'll find Seaport Village, 14 acres of coastal shopping, dining and amusements, a little farther along. Weekends one can find an assortment of entertainers and artists along this 4 mile stretch of tree lined paths. Before you leave, take a ride on the 1895 Antique carousel with hand carved animals.
Downtown is the historic Gaslamp Quarter with shopping, music and nightlife, best seen late afternoon to evening, do a little shopping and then dinner and dancing. Just northeast is Balboa Park- plan to spend the day in this large urban cultural park. Modern art to fossils, sport memorabilia, photographic arts, trains and more; there are over a dozen museums, and outdoor exhibits. Just next door is the World Famous San Diego Zoo [admission $15.50-22.75]. Admission to museums vary from $2- 6 with Tuesdays being free days at rotating museums. After Balboa Park head east on I-8 to Fashion Valley and Mission Valley Malls for shopping and eats.
One can't visit San Diego without some beach time- Mission Bay is great family spot! With walking and jogging paths, playgrounds and swimming it is one of San Diego most popular locations. This man-made aquatic park of 4,235 acres houses a sports center and visitors center as well. Across from Mission Bay at Mission Blvd and Pacific Beach Dr. there's Belmont Park – a beach front amusement park with rides such as the Giant Dipper Roller Coaster and the Vertical Plunge as well as an indoor children's play area. From Belmont Park head north for such sights as the Crystal Pier Cottages in Pacific Beach; Ocean Beach Farmers Market (Wednesdays 4pm-8pm) and the Antique District on Newport Avenue; and before long you'll find yourself in La Jolla- look for The Children's Pool, the tide pool and Seal Rock, home to over a 100 seals that rest and breed here.
A few notable mentions: The Flying Leatherneck museum at MCAS Miramar and the USMC Command Museum at MCRD. San Diego County is also home to two of the historic California Missions. Cruise across the Coronado Bridge to Coronado Island and the Hotel Del and check out Cabrillo Lighthouse at Point Loma. Oh, don't forget Sea World! There is just so much to see and do in San Diego, that it's hard to pick just a few.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Comments: 6
I definitely agree witht he article and Lauren R. You can't go wrong with the beaches and great nightlife either.