Last year I was determined to go to San Diego again as an adult. I vaguely remembered the trip my family took in my elementary years, but my memories were marred by a traumatic lorikeet encounter at the San Diego zoo (it's a long story).
Then two separate opportunities fell into my lap. The first was a roundtrip holiday cruise to the Mexican Rivera based out of the Port of San Diego. The second was a wedding for my friend, Brooke, in nearby Ramona, California. In that short amount of time I learned that San Diego is the perfect city for a quick California getaway. You're close to beautiful beaches and Southern California's iconic metros, including La Jolla, Long Beach and Los Angeles. Not to mention the predictably fair weather conditions.
In both trips I didn't have much time in San Diego, but was able to take in a few of the city's most iconic sights, which I've summarized below.
Hotel Del Coronado
The "Hotel Del" is an iconic American hotel. You may recognize it from "Some Like It Hot" (1959). Or perhaps it's faintly familiar in another way? The Wonderful Wizard of Oz writer, L. Frank Baum, lived on Coronado Island and was said to have based the Emerald City on the hotel. The shops, restaurants, original elevators and beachfront are open to the public, and make for a fun afternoon in the sand and sun. When visiting during the holidays be sure to go ice skating by the sea, or make s'mores on the beach.
There's more to Coronado Island than the Hotel Del. While on the island, check out some of the local restaurants and shops.
At MooTime Creamery you can get an ICE CREAM TACO! Yes, you read that right.
The streets are very walkable, and bicycling is quite common.
There are two ways onto Coronado Island. If you have a car, take the Coronado Bridge from San Diego. It's a 10-15 minute drive from the heart of San Diego to the island. If you don't have a car, or don't want to use a ride share service, you can take the Coronado Ferry to/from mainland San Diego.
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is world renowned, and in San Diego you have your choice of the zoo and the safari park. The two offer distinctly different experiences. The zoo is centrally located to downtown San Diego in Balboa Park, while the Safari Park is about an hour outside of the city. Both campuses are dedicated to animal research, species preservation, and are filled with animals from all over the world.
Need help deciding which park to go you? I found this video very helpful when planning my trips.
"Embracing Peace" (AKA "The Kissing Statue") and U.S.S. Midway Museum
Along the pier in San Diego you will find the U.S.S. Midway Museum. Visitors touring the decommissioned aircraft carrier can experience what life was like on the seas during wartime. Additionally, Midway has more than 30 restored aircraft and helicopters on display. Adjacent to the museum is the "Embracing Peace" statue - a larger than life recreation of the famous Life magazine photo taken in Times Square by Alfred Eisenstaedt. The juxtaposition of the overwhelming joy of peacetime set against the backdrop of a formidable war machine should remind us all of the sacrifices of generations before us to secure peace and prosperity to the nation and world.
Seaport Village
Seaport Village is a short walk away from the Midway. Here you will find souvenir shops, an indoor carousel, waterfront dining, and great views of the Coronado Bridge. Keep an eye peeled for seals and pelicans!
Time permitting, be sure to check out Mission Beach, Balboa Park and the Gaslamp Quarter during your visit to San Diego.
If you have a car, plan a drive up the coast to see the Old Point Loma lighthouse at Cabrillio National Monument. While I've not experienced it for myself, I've heard the views are spectacular.
Safe Travels!
AB
Comentários