San Diego is a land of contrasts. Situated only miles away from Mexico, visitors can sample a taste the spicy border specialties without having to say Adios to the United States.
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San Diego is famous for many things. It has a wonderful, temperate climate that is neither too hot nor too cold. Near the beach, it has the historical founding San Diego Mission, world famous San Diego Zoo and highly acclaimed Marineland educational amusement park. The Santa Fe railroad arrives in the center of town so that visitors who wish to leave their cars at home are free to do so.
Its world famous zoo is considered one of the best Zoos in the entire world. There is a good chance that you can find what interests you at the San Diego Zoo. Take advantage of the useful open air tramway designed to give kids, elderly or regular visitors with aching feet an opportunity to view the park from a seated position.
There’s always something happening at Seaport Village, an open air type of mall with free entertainment. There is live music, great sites and photo opportunities from the picturesque San Diego Bay. Filled with restaurants, treat your family to a meal or share a drink from a wonderful vista point at the Village.
Downtown San Diego has its historical Victorian neighborhood, known as the Gas lamp Quarter. There are many creative boutiques filled with antiques and homemade creations. There, you can stroll along its 16 blocks, enjoying the architecture and maybe stop for a cup of tea and crumpets for a late afternoon snack.
San Diego’s Old Town contains some interesting old landmarks, like the blacksmith’s shop and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego.
Nearby Coronado Island is the filming site of “Some Like It Hot” with Marilyn Monroe, Tony Curtis and Jack Lennon. A beautiful stately mansion by the seaside, it’s filled with antique brass and wooden decor. Its country gardens are ideal for a spring time walk with seasonal floral gardens. If it’s cold, feel free to build a cozy bonfire on the Coronado State Beach and roast a few sausages for a beach picnic.
Speaking of beaches, while you are in town be sure to visit any one of San Diego’s many scenic beaches, a shade cooler than Los Angeles heat and less crowded. Visitors go walking, beach-combing for interesting shells, or bring a picnic to enjoy the fresh salty breezes while the sandpipers serenade their lady friends.
The Mission Beach Boardwalk is one of the last remaining wooden walkways along the California coastline. The three mile walk is just the right distance for an easy, afternoon stroll.
Balboa Park
There’s a free organ concert every Sunday at 2 pm in Balboa Park at the Spreckles’ Organ Pavilion. Come back on the first Wednesday of the month for the stargazing festival offered by the San Diego Astronomy Association to introduce the public to the wonders of star gazing in the night sky. The Park offers a lot – seven gardens to visit, all free of charge. Residents of San Diego may enjoy free admission to the Park’s 15 museums, and anyone at all can enjoy the majestic Spanish style architecture in the park.
If you feel like driving around a bit, consider the 59 mile scenic drive for all the “must see” attractions of San Diego. Take the route in the early morning hours or on a Sunday morning for maximum sightseeing potential. While you drive, you may want to take a photo of the historical El Camino Real, or Kings’ Highway, named by Father Junipero Serra when founding his network of Franciscan missions. Mission San Diego is just one pearl in this chain of Spanish adobe brick church settlements.
Just outside of town are is the Torrey Pines State Park, a great location for a day trip or an overnight camping trip. Those who dare try their luck at hang gliding from the steep cliffs facing the Pacific coastal breezes below – a tourist attraction in and of itself.
The town of Julian is located right outside San Diego, too. Known for its springtime floral synchronicity, it is a rugged gold mining town that never forgot its roots. Head on up there to get a different perspective and a slice of homemade apple pie – you’ll be glad that you did!
