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Traveling in San Diego
Posted on July 30th, 2009 No commentsKnown for its miles upon miles of brilliant and sandy beaches, warm climate, and moderate weather, San Diego has become one of the most desirable places to live or visit in the United States and in the world. San Diego and the surrounding area has an interesting geography, ranging from the snow-capped mountains in the northeast to the Sonoran Desert in the east and the Cleveland National Forest in the central portion of the county. Traveling between these geographical extremes is quite simple thanks to the extensive local interstate system.
For many visitors who find San Diego vacation rentals, exploring San Diego can be a lot of fun. In fact, some of Southern California’s best attractions are based in the area. San Diego Zoo’s, the San Diego Zoo Wild Animal Park, Legoland California, the Birch Aquarium, Sea World, and the Wave Waterpark are some of the region’s biggest landmarks and absolute must-sees for any vacation to San Diego. For those who don’t wish to visit some of the area’s theme parks, a simple beach day may be in order. San Diego is home to some of the best sunsets and cleanest strips of white sand beach for sunbathing, surfing, and other water sports.
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San Diego Vacations
Posted on March 22nd, 2009 No comments
Are you searching for a metropolitan coastal town to take your family on an adventure? Look no further than San Diego. With miles of golden beaches and sun almost everyday, you can find an adventure for each day of your vacation. There are tons of attractions that everyone can enjoy within the city.
This city is home to the famous San Diego Zoo, where visitors can see over 4,000 different animals. A gondola lift called the Skyfari offers visitors an aerial view of this zoo located in Balboa Park. This park is home to a number of animal-centric attractions, with exhibits that house up to 30 different animal species. In fact, four rare giant pandas currently call this zoo home. For safety reasons, however, these sections are separated by a moat. These barriers are not a hindrance to your park experience as you won’t notice they are present. Another section of the San Diego Zoo is the Wild Animal Park, where animals of different continents, many of which are endangered, live in an expanded and open zoo. You can also visit Monkey Trails and Forest Tales where monkeys and other animals from the rainforests of Asia and Africa are showcased.
Sea World is another spot that animal lovers may enjoy. This marine park takes up 22 acres that frame the shores of Mission Bay. Shamu, the world’s most famous killer whale makes this park home, and so do many other exotic marine animals. While here, you will definitely need to get wet, especially if you’re planning to enjoy the many dolphin shows that are performed throughout the day. With over one million visitors annually, Sea World is easily one of San Diego’s most beloved attractions.
The kid in you, and also your children, will definitely enjoy Lego Land. This park has many structures made out of the tiny blocks from your childhood, as well as roller coasters that appear as though they are completely composed of this magical bricks. While the target ages are children 2 to 12, all ages can have fun. The child in you may enjoy the Lego blocks available for purchase by the pound, which will be held at the front desk until you’re ready to depart this childlike wonderland.
While in San Diego, the beaches are a must-see. Coronado Silver Strand Beach is extremely accessible, with four parking lots, and the sloping shoreline makes it safe for children. Another great location is the Del Mar, which has a grassy area and large playground, perfect for picnics. Lifeguards are always present at this site, making it perfect for swimming throughout the day.
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Things To Do In San Diego
Posted on February 10th, 2009 No comments
With a treasure trove of adventures waiting for you in San Diego, you’ll definitely want to visit them all efficiently. Without a great guide, you know you’re going to need help. That help comes in the form of Old Town Trolley Tours.
These trolley tours are the only scheduled on-and-off, narrated tours of San Diego and Coronado. Anecdotes and humorous stories as well as historical information will color your tour, that will both entertain and entertain you. The trolley tours go through San Diego and Coronado in a loop, making it easy to being your tour at any stop at any time of the day. The round trip takes about two hours, and you could listen to riveting stories while aboard the trolley. You could also hop off, visit a few sites on your own, and board the trolley once more. The earlier you start, the more you’ll be able to see.
You only have one full trip around the route, so plan your stops to make the most out of it. It is possible to see all of San Diego’s best stops in one day.
There are ten stops around the city:
Old Town State Park
Cruise Ship Terminal
Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Seaport Village
Marriot Hotel and Marina
Horton Plaza
William Heath Davis House
Coronado
San Diego Zoo
El Prado
Beach lovers will enjoy the island of Coronado, that has a beautiful beach and a hotel immortalized in many movies. Consider the trip over the bridge to this island, as the view is spectacular.
The El Prado stop brings you to Balboa Park, and you could spend many days here roaming through the many museums. The weekends bring street performers and vendors to this unique destination. Within the park, there is a free trolley tour provided to all guests, and is not connected to the Old Town Trolleys. You may especially want to stop here if you want to visit the San Diego Zoo.
Those interested in shopping will want to visit Horton Plaza, where you can find both large stores and small boutiques. You can experience San Diego’s Mexican heritage by visiting Old Town State Park, where there are great restaurants, shops, and cantinas.
My tour experience began at the Cruise Ship Terminal stop, as free parking is offered here on the weekends. You’ll be able to tour the waterfront before your tour’s beginning. At the end of my day, my party was able to enjoy a sunset bay cruise, making this stop very convenient. There are great seafood restaurants in this area, so this spot is perfect for starting your tour.
Tour guides are often fountains of information, but the tour guides on this are also entertainers, with many jokes and stories that are sure to amuse. The trolley tours promise to be more entertaining than a typical coach ride.
This is the tour to take if you want to make the most of a day in San Diego. Not only is it cheap, but it hits all the city’s hotspots. The best part is that where the tour begins and ends is all in your hands.
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Oceanside a Good San Diego Starting Point
Posted on August 26th, 2008 No comments
Oceanside is a community with a great beach that is quickly becoming one of California’s newest hotspots. This community is located near San Diego and Camp Pendleton, a massive Marine Corps base. The 20 miles of shoreline that separate Pendleton from the other cities prevent southern California from being seen as one gigantic city that would begin in Santa Monica and end in San Diego.The community of Oceanside was once a very large military town, and while it has diminished it is still possible to see many young military members throughout Oceanside. As for the houses, the tiny beach bungalows have been transformed into luxurious beachfront homes. Oceanside is becoming a great place to invest as this city is attracting many businesses and resorts and 17 percent of visitors hail from Europe. Vacationers will find all sorts of accommodations while in Oceanside, including vacation rentals.
My recent visit to Oceanside took place in early 2008, where my party stayed at the Wyndham Ocean Pier Resort. This resort has the best location, right across from the Oceanside Pier. While this resort rents units, it is generally easier to find units available for purchase. The Wyndham resort has spectacular ocean views and a wide range of beach activities, where you can see swimmers and bicyclists equally enjoying the shore. From my sixth floor-unit, I could see everything.
My unit had two bedrooms, and was decorated with playful colors like aqua and lime green, and was equipped with three flat-screen televisions and a complete kitchen. The furniture that filled our unit was fun, and fit with the vacation motif. Each of us enjoyed the views from our unit, while reading the paper and enjoying a cup of coffee over this fantastic California beach.
Oceanside has a reputation as an amazing surf town, and while on vacation, my party witnessed a competition underway near the Oceanside Pier. Judges were situated on a platform on the beach, analyzing each move while awarding points. All the visitors on this beach watched in awe as the surfers executed daring moves upon the ocean waves. Instead of finding soccer or baseball camp in Oceanside, you’ll find surfing camp offered by Oceanside Parks and Recreation.
Oceanside Harbor is just a short distance from the beach, and is where private boats are kept and visitors can find a way onto the water in a variety of ways. Visitors can find a variety of fishing charters here; when my visit took place, there was a shark fishing trip priced for $70 a person. Kayaks tours around the harbor are available through OEX Kayak. The lighthouse that also calls this harbor home houses Old Skull Rentals, where surfboards, body-boards, wetsuits are available for your ocean adventures. Once you’re ready to take a break and replenish your energy, stop at the many harbor restaurants that each have unique ocean views.
History buffs will enjoy the Mission San Luis Rey, also known as the “King of the Missions.” This mission is a National Historic Landmark, and is currently undergoing improvements. Spanning over 56 acres, some new additions to this landmark include walking trails and interpretive gardens that seek to replicate the plant life that was present during the mission’s early years. Artifacts are also here for perusing.
As mentioned before, Camp Pendleton is located near Oceanside, and it is possible to tour this military base. Tours are available when the threat level is low. Call 760-725-5569 for more information.
Oceanside Museum of Art is a relatively new addition to this attraction available in this city. Designed by modern architect, Frederick Fisher, this building is a two-story, 16,000 square-foot pavilion that hosts both art exhibitions and special events in the area.
Don’t forget to get a taste of the local culture, and visit Highway 101 Café, the oldest continuously-operating restaurant on the eponymous highway. This is perfect for those who enjoy 50s themed diners, as the food and vintage photos scattered throughout this restaurant are sure to make you reminisce. The Sunset Market is a local event that takes place every Thursday night through the year. Four city blocks are shut down so any intrepid visitors may enjoy live music, and purchase fresh produce and art from local vendors.
San Diego is 38 miles from Oceanside, making it perfect for anyone who wants to get some air away from the city, but definitely close enough to visit some famous attractions such as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo.
Wildlife enthusiasts may like the Rancho Buena Vista Lagoon, where the Buena Vista Audubon Nature Center and Museum is located. Visitors can walk scenic paths along the lagoon and observe different waterfowl. This is the only fresh-water lagoon in California, as well as San Diego’s only Audubon nature center.
Legoland is south of the Oceanside city limits, and is a theme park designed around these treasured childhood toys. Geared towards 2-12 year olds, there are dozens of rides here. You’re sure to see as many as 10,000 people scattered throughout this 128 acre park. Locals also enjoy this park, as 70,000 residents have annual passes. Kids aren’t the only ones who have fun, as parents and grandparents are invited to join in. Everyone can participate in building model racecars or participate in pirate ship water fights. Legoland features more than 15,000 lego creations in the park, ranging from cars to cities and animals. These toy building blocks certainly have made a name for themselves so check them out!
AT A GLANCE
WHERE:
Oceanside is one of several beach communities in North San Diego County. It is a 30 minute drive north of San Diego on Interstate 5, and many vacations based in this county utilize day trips to San Diego.
WHAT:
Oceanside is a “bedroom community” that has quickly become a tourist destination with great beaches, shopping and restaurants.
WHEN:
Anytime of the year, but keep note that it is slower in the spring and fall seasons.
WHY:
Oceanside has a very unique local culture, and is slower when compared to other beaches in the San Diego area. This city is very close to San Diego, and is perfect for having lodgings outside the busy city life.
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Great San Diego Attractions
Posted on June 26th, 2008 No comments
Imagine relaxing on a sunny beach while your children giggle as the waves tickle their toes. Maybe you’ll want to head over to Mexico by the next day or visit pandas at noon. The myriad of activities available may make choosing one very difficult, but visiting San Diego makes all of this possible. If you choose to vacation here, be sure to plan ahead. Following are some of the must-see locations while on your trip.
1. Hit the Beach
San Diego’s beaches are perfect throughout the year, and even in the cold winter months, are the essence of this city’s culture. You can visit Mission Beach or ride the Belmont Park rollercoaster. Whether you’re surfing or soaking up the sun, the beaches of San Diego are the best place to be.
2. Shuffle off to Mexico
Tijuana is just across the border from San Diego. Visiting this Mexican city is both easy and safe, just be mindful of the laws, and bring your passport. This international paradise is waiting for you to explore it.
3. Catch a Fish Taco
Visitors to San Diego often rave about the fish tacos, making it imperative that you try at least one while on vacation. They are pieces of battered and deep-fried fish wrapped in a corn tortilla. These delectable delights may just be enough to bait you into returning to San Diego and eating them again.
4. Take a Trolley Ride
San Francisco is infamous for having a trolley system, but a little known fact is that San Diego has one as well. The San Diego trolley serves as a public transit system, and visitors can purchase an all-day pass to utilize this highly efficient system. The San Diego highway system and roads may hinder your San Diego adventuring.
5. Visit the Pandas
Balboa Park is home to the San Diego Zoo, a very popular tourist destination. They are home to a variety of animals, particularly the rare giant pandas. If you’re looking to see gentle giants like baby Su Lin, plan your visit in the morning since they are most active. Sea World and Legoland are also great for your children as well.
6. Balboa Park
Balboa Park is also an attraction in itself. The nation’s largest urban park, it houses fifteen museums, performing arts venues, beautiful gardens, and the aforementioned zoo. Whenever you choose to visit, you will be dazzled by the amazing sights here. If you do choose to stop here, visit on a Tuesday, as most museums offer free admire on this day. Once you’re done exploring be sure to visit any of the fantastic restaurants in this area.
7. Nightlife
Downtown San Diego is home to the Gaslamp Quarter, the center for all nightlife activities. There are numerous places where you can eat, dance, and people-watch. Take in the elegant architecture during the day, and be prepared to dance the night away. There are more than 90 restaurants, so you may find yourself eating more than anything. There is also a live theatre that you can visit.
8. Old Town
Old Town State Historic Park is perfect for enjoying a blast of San Diego’s past. While you can see San Diego’s history scattered throughout the newer parts of the city, you’ll have an authentic experience if you visit here. Also, be sure to visit the Old Town Mexican Café, as it serves the best Mexican food in San Diego.
San Diego has it all, from exciting excursions to historical ventures, you can experience everything in one vacation spot, start planning your vacation today.
