Last weekend we drove to San Diego, California to attend the annual December Nights celebration at Balboa Park. We do not go out in the evening very often so this was a big thing for us. We had attended this event several years ago…Read More

Last weekend we drove to San Diego, California to attend the annual December Nights celebration at Balboa Park. We do not go out in the evening very often so this was a big thing for us. We had attended this event several years ago and had fond memories so wanted to go back. We were not disappointed.

San Diego has the best weather of any city in the USA. Many people wonder how we can feel like it is the holidays when we do not have snow. Ask those people on the other side of the equator. Also see how we enjoyed the spirit of the holiday season with thousands of other people in San Diego.

All 17 of the museums at Balboa Park are open these two evenings for free. We managed to go into only one. There were too many things to distract us. There were musicians playing all over, carolers singing here and there. Food vendors tempted our palettes at every turn.

Of course the decorations and the lights made it all magical. It was a wonderful evening. The rest of the weekend was lovely as well.

Just when we started to forget the holidays, something like this tree would be there to remind us.

Or these wreaths.

These were at Old Town State Historic Park, one of our favorite places. Then there was the tree in our hotel lobby.

I was really getting into the spirit by this time. Then we took a ride up to Point Loma and Cabrillo National Monument. From there we could overlook the sea meeting the city. The Pacific was dotted with sailboats on this fine December day.



As we entered the restaurant where we had dinner, we were treated to a show by the original Silverman of San Diego.

He moved so well that of course he got a tip.

Here's a nighttime view of downtown. And another

These are taken with my digital camera. I am unfamiliar with taking photos at night, so bear with me.

So that was our sojourn to San Diego. I hope you can visit there some day, if you haven't already. It is a wonderful city that we have loved for many years.

Happy Travels and Happy Holidays!



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My husband & I planned a short road trip which included spending 2 days in San Diego for the 4th of July. We found a hotel on the Internet called the Old Town Inn which was inexpensive but clean, comfortable and within walking distance…Read More

My husband & I planned a short road trip which included spending 2 days in San Diego for the 4th of July. We found a hotel on the Internet called the Old Town Inn which was inexpensive but clean, comfortable and within walking distance of Old Town and the trolleys to take you to other parts of the city.

The day we arrived we walked to Old Town where they were having a Old Time Picnic with square dancing, a cake walk and pie eating contest. We had to give it a try at the square dancing and ended up going left when we were supposed to go right. We visited all the shops in Old Town and bought a ceramic statue at one of them and a bag of tea at another. The buildings were interesting with little museums and memorbilia from the past. The shops and restaurants surrounded a beautiful park where you could sit and enjoy the festivities along with a demonstration in black powder anvil explosions...a lot of noise but fun.

Back to the hotel and a walk to catch the trolley to Seaport Village. Wish we would have had more time there as there were museums and many shops to explore. The views of the harbor were beautiful in the setting sun. Seaport Village was busy with thousands of people staking out a place to enjoy the fireworks. We actually found a great place out on a little pier. Three barges shot fireworks from the water so we didn't know which direction to look with our "ohhhs and ahhhs." Amazing display!

Next day we drove to Cabrillo National Monment which sits on a peninsula and separates the harbor from the Pacific Ocean. It was about a 15 minute drive from the hotel. There are so many places to visit in San Diego so we chose a few that would fit into our time slot. Cabrillo was a good chioce...views of the San Diego Harbor and the skyline. The hiking trails took us past tide pools and remnants of WWII buildings. The scenery was spectacular and included the historic Point Loma Lighthouse.

On the drive back we stopped at the Fort Rosecrans Cemetary...a military cemetary situated on the peninsula and located between the Pacific and San Diego Bay. There were graves dating back to the Battle of San Pasqual shortly after the U.S. declared war on Mexico in 1846. Fort Rosecrans Cemetary became a National Cemetary in 1934.

In the evening we returned to Old Town and had dinner at a small outdoor restaurant named "The Living Room." Food was good and we visited some of the shops in Old Town.

Last day in San Diego before heading home so we decided to take a drive north to visit San Juan Capistrano. Less than an hour drive from our hotel, we reached the walls of the mission. This was the 7th of 21 missions built when the Spanish financed expeditions to expand their empire. When entering the complex you are faced with beautiful gardens and fountains. They supply an audio tour for each visitor in English, Spanish, German, Italian and in Vietnamese. As you walk the grounds at your own pace, you can listen to the history and stories of San Juan Capistrano.
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If you are anywhere close to the San Diego Zoo, take a day and visit this animal sanctuary. Ed and I enjoyed our day watching the animals engage in their favorite activities – eating, playing, sleeping, and grooming. Years ago someone asked me,…Read More

If you are anywhere close to the San Diego Zoo, take a day and visit this animal sanctuary. Ed and I enjoyed our day watching the animals engage in their favorite activities – eating, playing, sleeping, and grooming.

Years ago someone asked me, "What would be your wildest dream?" I answered, "To lasso a giraffe while on an African safari." Now, I will admit that my dreams have changed from that flippant comment made ages ago. Can anyone, even the best rodeo team lasso, a giraffe? Doubtful. Will my RV roll through Africa on safari? Doubtful. So admittedly, the closest I will get to any giraffe for now is in the zoo.

During my visit to the San Diego Zoo, I came around to my favorite animal the giraffes several times. Each time they were eating. Their long necks stretched to reach the high basket of food at what would be tree level in their natural environment. Later, they bent their longs necks to a trough of food raised thigh level from the ground. They seemed content to constantly graze. Occasionally, they stopped eating to walk about. You would think their lanky build would make them awkward, but they move about gracefully and slowly on their elegant long legs. They hold their head high with an attitude of confidence and wellbeing. They looked gentle and peaceful.

By contrast, the grizzly bears looked gentle and peaceful at first glance, but that would change. When we first approached their zoo home, one grizzly lay resting on the ground and the other lounged in a pool of refreshing water. "Ah, how nice," I whispered to Ed. As we stood watching, I remembered seeing two grizzly bears in a distant field last summer along the Icefields Parkway. Back then, I wished to get a close up view but knew better than to approach them in the wild. Now, here safely, I could watch these magnificent, powerful bears.

Eventually, the swimmer emerged from the water and gave a predicted shake sending water flying off his brown coat. Then, he pranced a bit as if debating what he should do next for some fun. He approached the other bear and gave him a startling swat. He began to torment his resting companion with more swats until his agitating behavior pushed the other one to rear up in retaliation. Their play began. The grizzlies stood on hind legs and began to wrestle, claw, and growl. The crowd grew and the match continued until the instigator had enough and plunged back into the pool of water. There was no chase. The grizzlies resumed their places - one resting on the rocks and the other swimming as if they had been ignoring each other all along.

The gorillas put on a show too. The center of their activity was a baby gorilla. One moment the baby would be cradled on the lap of an adult who was grooming it with gentle strokes. And then, another adult would quickly pass by, fling the baby on its back with a one arm motion, and take off at a fast run. The baby did not seem to mind this repetitious game of steal the baby as it held on tight for the piggyback type rides from gorilla to gorilla.

The least active animal was the koala. A guide told us koalas sleep sometimes as much as 22 hours a day waking only to eat. They nestle between the tree trunk and branches curled in tight sleepy balls. They never moved when we made our first walk through their habitat. Before leaving the Zoo, I revisited the koalas. All but one was still asleep! I watched the awake one nibble on eucalyptus leaves; and when the koala finished his meal, he curled up and went to sleep.

The San Diego Zoo is famous for the rare species of giant pandas and the Panda Research Station. The Zoo is one of four in the U.S. who have giant pandas on display. It is the most successful zoo for panda reproduction. Since 1999, four panda clubs have been born to the resident giant pandas Bai Yun and Gao Gao. We got a short glimpse of the pandas from a two tier walkway through the exhibit. The crowd was asked to be quiet so as not to disturb these precious animals and everyone respectfully obliged. What a marvelous animal, what a marvelous opportunity to see these pandas.

When we left the San Diego Zoo, I felt a great sense of appreciation and cultural indebtedness to the non-profit Zoological Society of San Diego. As operators of the Zoo, the Zoological Society deserved commendation for it dedication to the conservation of hundreds of species and for the provision of the specialized animal habitats so people like Ed and me can watch the animal eat, play, sleep and groom.


Planning Hints:

The San Diego Zoo offers 35-minute guided tours on double-decker buses. If you have never been to this Zoo, the tour gives you an overview of the Zoo animals and property. The tour proves to be a helpful orientation. I recommend hopping on the tour bus as soon as you enter the gate. Sit on the upper deck for the best view and try to grab the back seats. From there you can sometimes stand up or move left or right to get a better view of the animals. Otherwise, sit on the left side of the upper deck – the traditional driver’s side of a vehicle. Most of the animals were best viewed from this position. The tour is included in the Best Value Admission price.
Wear comfortable walking shoes. There are pathways through 100 acres to meander as you explore the elaborate animal habitats. Use the Express Buses to shuttle you through the Zoo.
The Skyfari Aerial Tram gives visitors a gondola ride over the treetops from the Zoo’s main entrance (east terminal). This is a quick and scenic way to reach the summit instead of walking uphill. The ride takes you to the Polar Bear Plunge (west terminal). Access to the Tram is included in the Best Value Admission price.
The line to view the Panda bears can be long so plan to visit this exhibit before visitation peaks in the later part of the day. Also, be aware that the viewing area closes from time to time for keepers to tend to the pandas.
Commentary:
I really cannot compare the world famous San Diego Zoo to any other zoo because the only other zoo I ever visited is the Pittsburgh Zoo. Back in 1978, I lived in Highland Park. It was a Pittsburgh neighborhood so close to the Zoo that from the tiny porch balcony of my North St. Clair Street apartment I could hear the lions roar and elephants trumpet throughout every day. I visited this Zoo often simply because of the close and inexpensive entertainment.*
Now, the San Diego Zoo happened to be close because our RV was parked in Sweetwater Summit Regional County Park, less than a 30-minute drive away. But the Zoo was anything but cheap entertainment: $35 for adult admissions, $26 for children (online prices 3/09). Nevertheless, I recommend you budget for the experience. There’s wildlife from regions around the world – more than 4,000 animals representing 800 species. Save up and go!
*Pittsburgh Zoo admissions still are affordable - $9 for adults and $8 for children (online prices 3/09).
March 11, 2009
San Diego Zoo
www.sandiegozoo.org
2920 Zoo Drive in Balboa Park
San Diego, CA 92112
619-231-1515
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It is always nice to travel and enjoy a wonderful meal with colleagues, friends or family. San Diego has many outstanding options for visitors. This review is on two that I had the opportunity to experience first hand while attending my ASAE Conference.Oceanaire…Read More

It is always nice to travel and enjoy a wonderful meal with colleagues, friends or family. San Diego has many outstanding options for visitors. This review is on two that I had the opportunity to experience first hand while attending my ASAE Conference.

Oceanaire Seafood Room
400 J Street
San Diego, CA 92101
PH: 619-858-2277
Web: http://www.theoceanaire.com/Location/Default.aspx?id=6
Reservations Recommended

A friend and I chose this restaurant based on a recommendation from someone working at the Marriott on Harbor Drive. We were definitely NOT disappointed.

As you enter the building and ascend the open air staircase, you can feel the ambience of a first class establishment. Our table was ready at our reserved time, and we were promptly seated. Service was immediate and attentive throughout the evening.

With water glasses filled, it was time to take a look at the extensive menu for the evening dining. Each night the menu is prepared based on the fresh ingredients available to the chef. My choice was easy . . . crab cakes. My friend has an encrusted halibut. All sides and salads are ala carte and large enough to share. We opted for a fresh strawberry and pecan with crumbled blue cheese salad and the garlic mashed potatoes with our entrees. A wonderful loaf of piping hot fresh bread was served before our salad, along with a small relish tray.

Our food was prepared perfectly and simply awesome! Pricing was a bit on the high side, but as a first class restaurant, it was well worth the price paid. My dinner including gratuity was just under $60, with ice tea to drink and no dessert.

Speaking of beverages, they did have a very expansive wine list and a full service bar. I would highly recommend the Oceanaire Seafood Room for anyone visiting San Diego and the Gaslamp District.


Peohe's
1201 First Street
Coronado, CA 92118
PH: 619-437-4474
Web: http://www.peohes.com/home.html
Reservations Recommended

Peohe's is located on Coronado, right at the water taxi dock connecting it to San Diego for an easy $12/person (round trip) ride across the San Diego Bay. It is a wonderful experience that is enhanced by the wonderful view of the San Diego cityscape. Inside, Peohe's takes you to the Polynesian tropics, much like many of the outstanding restaurants in Hawaii.

We were here on a very busy Saturday night. Many arrived disappointed to learn it was a 90 minute wait for anyone without reservations. It was easy to see why this place is so popular. Between the wonderful exotic cocktails and outstanding view, not to mention the gourmet meals, Peohe's was well worth the $50+ price for dinner.

I started my dining experience with their Peohe's Salad that featured orange slices and candied walnuts with a light orange-ginger vinaigrette.

Specializing on seafood, all meals are prepared with only the freshest fish available. For those look for meatier choices, prime steaks are also on the menu. I thoroughly enjoyed my shrimp trio (grilled, coconut and teriyaki) served on a nice bed or wild rice.

While I had no room for dessert, they did have a wonderful offering providing choices that included a fun hot chocolate lava cake prepared with Godiva chocolate liqueur and topped with macadamia nut ice cream.

Peohe's is an experience that I would also highly recommend!
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San Diego is a beautiful city with perfect weather. Many of the restaurants and bars throughout the Gaslamp District are open air, no windows, no doors . . . just open space and fresh air. It is really nice to sit outside, whether…Read More

San Diego is a beautiful city with perfect weather. Many of the restaurants and bars throughout the Gaslamp District are open air, no windows, no doors . . . just open space and fresh air. It is really nice to sit outside, whether you are enjoying a beer with a friend, as I did at The Field . . . or grabbing a bit to eat, which was how I spent my first afternoon in town at Bare Back Grill. Not only can you casually drink or dine, there are several very nice restaurants that offer outdoor cafe dining . . . like Lou & Mickeys.

In the Gaslamp District, the choices are almost endless. I don't think that in just a few days you can really to the area justice. But I thoroughly enjoyed my "Average Joe" burger at the Bare Back Grill. Complete with cheese, toppings and condiments, along with a generous portion of fries and a diet coke, you're looking at $15. There are some discount coupons available in the hotel's restaurant recommendation rack if you're looking to save a couple of bucks.

Nothing is really inexpensive in San Diego. I guess it is the price you pay for the great weather! The night we stopped for a beer at The Field, I was a bit shocked at the $6 price tag on my pint of New Castle. That's OK . . . the great open air and friendly local folks was worth the extra buck (or two). The Field also offers bar food if you're interested in snacking, as well as a traditional Irish pub menu.

As I walked by Lou & Mickeys, I remember my night out with Susi back in 2005. That night it was exotic cocktails after the Hall & Oates concert. On this night, it was more a fond memory as I walked by because it was too early to eat supper . . . and definitely too early in the evening to be drinking wild drinks served in "monkey" mugs.

When you go to San Diego, be sure to get out into the street and experience the Gaslamp District. It really has a hip, urban feel that is exhilarating.
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San Diego is a remarkable city and very easily navigated without a car. It's amazing to me to observe all of the ways people get around this place. I should say that at night, while out and about, I felt very safe.…Read More

San Diego is a remarkable city and very easily navigated without a car. It's amazing to me to observe all of the ways people get around this place. I should say that at night, while out and about, I felt very safe. The city is clean with lots of people out and about.

As I walked down the hill to meet a friend for dinner, I thoroughly enjoyed watching the mix of what appeared to be locals and tourists. Many of my ASAE cohorts were out and about, as noted by their "convention badges" worn proudly around their necks. Walking is a great way to get some exercise in a climate that almost creates the need to be outside!

But after a few days of walking the hard floors of the San Diego Convention Center, it is easy to want to find an easier way to do things, especially at the end of a long day of standing and walking. This review is written in honor of all of the vendors who bring fun alternative ways to getting around San Diego.

Perhaps the most unique that I saw was the group of segway riders. Looking more like a tour than a mode of transportation, it still looked like a great way to get around. Since all of America has probably seen the video of President Bush wiping out on a segway, I guess we are to assume it does take some amount of coordination to navigate on the stand-up two wheelers.

A more relaxing and even romantic way to see the city is by horse drawn carriage. Many cities offer this as a way to impress your lady or simply get from one place to another. I saw several carriages throughout the weekend, day and night.

Pedi-taxis are sorta like a rickshaw pulled by a bike peddler versus someone just pulling the cart along. After watching them for several days, I decided I would take one "up hill" to my hotel after an evening of dinner and adult beverages. The price was $15 for the seven block ride. While I felt very comfortable with my driver, I did see on cut across traffic resulting in horn blowing and brake jammin'. The most fun seen by travelers using this mode of transportation was this group of young women singing along with their dreadlocked peddler.

If you are down along the waterfront without a vehicle and interested in going over to Coronado, you really owe it to yourself to take the water taxi. At $6 each way for the seven minute ride, it really is a neat way to be on the water and getting to a change of scenery.

So much to see . . . so many ways to get there. No need to rent a car if you're planning a downtown visit.   Close

Surely, there must be more things to do in San Diego than in most cities of a similar size. Perhaps it is because of the near perfect weather that is enjoyed by San Diego that people often want to get out and do things around…Read More

Surely, there must be more things to do in San Diego than in most cities of a similar size. Perhaps it is because of the near perfect weather that is enjoyed by San Diego that people often want to get out and do things around the city and its region.

San Diego boasts far too many outdoor activities, museums, team sports, water sports, boating, golf, restaurants, shopping, beaches, gardens, amusement parks, clubs, and much more, to list here. Almost any interest will be catered for somewhere in San Diego, or in La Jolla or other places near the city. But there are several very popular and internationally renown attractions that almost all visitors to San Diego will want to include in their itinerary. They are the "anchor" attractions. Many people visit San Diego mainly drawn by these attractions.

The first is the San Diego Zoo, which has an exceptionally varied world class collection of animals on display, including the very popular and rare panda bears. The animals are housed in some of the best laid out enclosures of any zoo, within the limitations of the compromises that have to be made between a natural setting and access for viewing. The setting makes for a very pleasant entertaining and educational visit, requiring most of a day to do it justice. There are plenty of reasons to visit regularly, especially as a family outing, not just because events and features change, but also because the animals are always fascinating to watch. The San Diego Wildlife Park is a separate safari-like zoo that is a similarly themed and popular San Diego attraction.

The second major tourist draw card to San Diego is San Diego Seaworld. The unique collection of marine creatures and show performances, especially by the orca whales, have made Seaworld internationally famous. The educational value of being able to get up close to rarely seen marine mammals fish and birds, especially the dolphins, is highly valued by visitors. San Diego Seaworld has developed into a substantial entertainment park worth setting aside at least a day in a visitor's itinerary.

Continuing the marine theme, San Diego is well endowed with beaches and boating facilities, maritime museums, harbor trips, whale watching trips, La Jolla cave visits and many other maritime related activities. While there is no one dominant attraction to point to, as a group, San Diego's links to the sea attract a great deal of visitor and local interest. San Diego is also a major base for the US Navy.

A fourth major attraction of San Diego is its link to early Californian history and nearby Mexico and Mexican culture, which give San Diego a unique "flavor" that further distinguishes it from other large cities. The Old Town area has preserved the past, and Tijuana in Mexico is just a day trip away.

This focus on the bigger and most well known San Diego attractions overlooks the numerous other exciting things to do in San Diego that make this such a wonderful place to live and to visit on vacation.   Close

The red rocks of Isla Guadalupe blazed in the morning sun, a clear sky welcoming us after a stomach-churning 14-hour crossing from our home port of San Diego, California. Lapping waves and the cries of fur seals on the nearby shore were the only sounds…Read More

The red rocks of Isla Guadalupe blazed in the morning sun, a clear sky welcoming us after a stomach-churning 14-hour crossing from our home port of San Diego, California. Lapping waves and the cries of fur seals on the nearby shore were the only sounds to be heard 150 miles from the mainland. The water roiled as foot-high fins sliced the surface like a knife through cerulean silk. It was a perfect day for a dive.

"We've got a 16-footer," announced Patric Douglas, CEO of Shark Diver at www.sharkdiver.com, the outfit leading our expedition. From beneath his shades, Douglas beamed like a proud papa as he pointed out the great white circling the cages. Not wanting to miss the action, I hustled to join the other divers, who had already scurried to squeeze themselves into wetsuits before the great white disappeared back into the cobalt depths.

Moments later, after almost getting thrown into the water by the surge, I was safe within the 100-square-foot cage, the hookah regulator looping from between my clamped teeth to the deck above. The current tossed the cage—and us—only slightly more gently than a washing machine.

And then it appeared. Like a phantom shadow, the shark approached from below, slowly swishing its massive tail side to side as if it had all the time in the world. This was nothing like spotting a shark confined in an aquarium's tank. With our cage dangling over the side of the 88-foot MV Islander, my cagemates and I were well aware that we were but visitors in the shark's domain.

As the behemoth approached, we determined it was a female, and as she glided past just inches from our cage, her length was so great it seemed forever before she passed. I'd heard that great whites could reach such lengths—and longer—and for better perspective, I'd told myself I'd be seeing creatures roughly the length of a VW bus. What I hadn't counted on was the girth. I'd joked to landlubber friends that I was going to ride a shark, but after seeing how wide a female could grow, there was no conceivable way I could have saddled one, even had I been suicidal enough to try such a ridiculous (and illegal) feat. The six-foot-wide creature slid past, her black eye so close we could see the pupil, which made the shark even eerier than when she appeared to have two black, unseeing orbs.

When I emerged 45 minutes later, I had a grin as toothy as a great white's. Douglas slapped me on the back after helping me out of the cage and back on deck. "Pretty boring, eh?" He guffawed at his own joke as I racked my brain for an appropriate adjective. What emerged from my mouth cannot be printed in most publications of repute.

Only in the last few years have these waters, under the jurisdiction of the Mexican state of Baja California del Norte, earned fame for its white shark population. Other locations around the globe—Australia's Great Barrier Reef, South Africa's notorious Shark Alley, and even San Francisco's Farallon Islands—have long been renowned for their notorious aquatic residents, but Isla Guadalupe has quickly become a favorite, as much for its convenient location (an overnight sail from San Diego) as for its warm waters and astounding visibility, which can reach up to 100 feet. Such ideal conditions attract not only adventure-seeking divers such as my shipmates but also scientists in search of primo research conditions.

During shark season (September through November), at least 50 white sharks—and possibly as many as 100—patrol the waters, estimates marine biologist Mauricio Hoyos, who spends several months a year camped out in a tin shack a couple yards away from a fragrant fur seal colony. He and a couple dozen lobster and abalone fisherman comprise the whole of the population of the island, a desolate red rock long since made devoid of vegetation by a marauding pack of abandoned goats.

After dinner our second night, Hoyos presented his most recent findings to a galley of rapt shark aficionados. We felt special, privileged even. Not only were we among an elite few—a couple hundred a year at most—to visit these waters, but we were getting a first-hand account with the most up-to-date information on sharks available.

Shark Diver provides a great deal of aid—both financial and practical—to Hoyos and his project. The crew has provided almost all of the research photos of the sharks, duplicates of which exist in a massive binder in the ship's galley, each labeled with the shark's name and distinguishable markings so that passengers can identify underwater visitors. Divers, inspired by Hoyos' shipboard stopovers, often go on to send donations or even specifically requested equipment. Shark Trust Wines, which has graced the table of many a Shark Diver meal, donates a portion of its profits to both shark conservation and research. The combination of first-hand encounters, freshly caught scientific knowledge, and cultured respect for the creatures we came to visit was but one of the many aspects of the trip that made it unique.

As we entered the galley our final night at Guadalupe, we did so solemnly, well aware that our once-in-a-lifetime experience was drawing to a close. It was then we discovered that our congenial chefs had taken it upon themselves to whip up a farewell meal we wouldn't forget, which included the 60-pound yellowfin tuna that had been caught the day before. Divers and crew retold the tale of how we'd almost had two such tuna on our tables that night, and those who’d had the good fortune to be in the cages at the time shared their photos and video.

Unlike the tuna caught earlier that last day, the dinner yellowfin had been landed whole, without a shark-sized chunk missing. There had been quite a ruckus onboard—and below—as Melanie Marks, founder of Shark Trust Wines, began reeling in a yellowfin, much to the excitement of a patrolling white just below the boat. The occupants of the cages had a spectacular view as the great white circled slowly toward the fish struggling on the line then zipped towards its prey with astonishing speed. With a single chomp, the fish was severed just behind the gills, and Marks had no problem reeling in what remained of her catch. She shrugged, well aware that's what you get when you fish at the "sharkiest place on Earth."

For more info:
Shark Diver www.sharkdiver.com
Shark Trust Wines www.sharkstrustwines.com

Jenna Rose Robbins is a freelance writer and editor based in the Los Angeles area. She can be reached via e-mail at jenna@jennarobbins.com.
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This is a great trip, especially for a long weekend or alongside a business trip; there are tons of beautiful beaches, sunny skies, and lots of attractions for kids and romantics alike. First thing's first, and I would say that whether you have a computer…Read More

This is a great trip, especially for a long weekend or alongside a business trip; there are tons of beautiful beaches, sunny skies, and lots of attractions for kids and romantics alike. First thing's first, and I would say that whether you have a computer at home or not, after landing, check out the visitors office within the airport. They have several "San Diego This Week" guides. Those include highlights of the city for that week; they include coupons, maps, phone numbers, and must-see attractions. They’re free, so take 5 minutes and check it out.

There are no toll roads in San Diego, so enjoy the freeway system while in town BUT make note that their driving laws (on turning, for example) are very different from what you are probably used to. San Diego is comprised of several different neighborhoods—all allowing you to experience something different. There is downtown, which includes the six-block shopping mall; Horton Plaza; the Embarcadero waterfront; the Gaslamp quarter, which includes dining and shopping; Seaport Village; Old Town; Balboa Park; Mission Bay; Hillcrest/Uptown; and Coronado.

There is a restaurant here for everyone—fancy to casual and cheap to ultra-expensive. The same goes for types of cuisine—I challenge you to go here and leave saying that you couldn’t find a place to eat. Horton Plaza is in the heart of downtown San Diego, and it’s a must-stop for an afternoon of shopping or just walking around. There are over 100 shops, restaurants, art galleries, and arcades here—fun for everyone. For those who like antiques, there are tons of these treasures in the Seaport Village along Harbor Drive—about 75 shops, constructed to look like a small whaling village. It’s a nice, quieter place to walk around, and it’s close to downtown. The Gaslamp District is definitely the place to go for nightlife in this town. Every storefront is a bar or restaurant (or both), and regardless of the night of the week, people are out in full force here. Parking is tough, so take a cab or prepare to walk (more on Gaslamp in my other journal).

The Old Town Trolley is a real treat and one of the best bargains in town. It is an open-air tour bus that stops at several of the city’s tourist highlights. You can hop on and off, and the tour runs daily. Old Town focuses on just that—the historic beginnings of San Diego. Within Old Town, there is Heritage Park Row, which features seven original 19th-century homes that have now been converted to shops and inns. Balboa Park covers more than 1,400 acres of the northeast Downtown area. The park includes the zoo, many museums, gardens, restaurants, and historical buildings. The zoo, obviously one of the most famous in the world, is home to more than 3,000 animals and also boasts a botanical garden. There’s much, much more on both of those in my San Diego Zoo journal.

Sea World is located at the end of Mission Bay on Sea World Drive. Covering 150 acres, exhibits include sharks, penguins, whales, and dolphins. One of the big draws here is Shamu, the killer whale. They also offer some water rides and attractions that are Disney-esque, like "The Penguin Experience". As with any other theme park, the prices are high but worth it if you are looking for a good family outing. Although we did not stop here, there is another theme park called "Legoland". I guess if you use your imagination, you could figure out what type of park it is.

Although Tijuana is in Mexico, I would be remiss if I didn’t include it somewhere in this journal. Many people who visit San Diego visit Tijuana, as well, so here it is... Tijuana… it used to be for people looking for a good bargain, but now I would say it’s for the very brave, the very curious, and/or the very cheap. From the heart of San Diego, the drive is about 45 minutes. You can get to the border by either driving and parking in one of the many open fields (for a small fee), or you can take the San Diego Trolley to the end at San Ysidro and walk across. (Note: San Ysidro is home to a large outlet mall that you will pass when crossing the border—it is on the California side.) In general, this is a very dirty and seedy area. It’s nothing like any other part of Mexico you have ever been to or will ever go to again. Once you cross over (and it’s not very difficult), you will find vendors selling everything from Chicklets to prescription drugs to arts and crafts and leather. Everything is negotiable, and it is also important to mention that these people live in real poverty. I say that because I have seen people who go there and try to buy goods for next to nothing. Why barter over 50 cents when they clearly need it more than you do?! The buildings in general are very run-down, cracked, and just look like they are falling apart. There are children everywhere trying to sell you anything and everything, and it becomes sort of upsetting (to me, at least). This is a cash society. Although I’m sure some vendors accept credit cards, I would recommend paying with cash and walking away.

I have been told there is more then meets the eye the farther you drive into the city, but if you are like me, when you get there, you won’t want to stay long, basically for fear that you won’t get back across or that you’ll be mugged. People here get aggressive, and they don’t take well to nasty tourists, so mind your Ps and Qs, and remember: you are the minority, and they are not criminals, just poor. If you do choose to stay, there are bullfights, Jai Alai matches, the beach at Rosarito, and a new museum called the Museum of the Californias. Crossing back over is more of a hassle, and the lines get long—really long—so be prepared and go with patience. Although it’s not a big deal provided you have identification, it is time-consuming. You will see that many people drive across the border and park in Mexico, but I do not recommended doing that, since those lines are much longer, and often they want to search your trunk, etc. Plus, California insurance is not valid in Mexico, so if you get into an accident, it is possible for you to be thrown in jail for lack of insurance. The way to avoid that would be to get that clause added onto your rental contract when initially renting the vehicle, or, of course, don't drive over the border. Notes: DON’T drink the water, and Tijuana is not a place to be after dark. F.Y.I. - There is a $400 customs limit.

Overall, San Diego is a great city with warm people and beautiful surroundings. It’s a safe and fun trip regardless of the time of year. For business and pleasure it really is a must-stop city. Highly Recommended.

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Where to begin? This zoo is HUGE. Not being an avid zoo-goer, I can’t compare this to anything but the Bronx Zoo, but I think I am on the money with my assessment, and it’s obviously one of the more well-known. It’s…Read More

Where to begin? This zoo is HUGE. Not being an avid zoo-goer, I can’t compare this to anything but the Bronx Zoo, but I think I am on the money with my assessment, and it’s obviously one of the more well-known. It’s open every day except holidays from 9am until 4 or 5pm (depending on the season), and the grounds close at 6 or 7pm. Their "best-value" admission is $32 adult/$19.75 child, and that includes unlimited use of the express bus, guided bus, and the aerial tram. For just a ticket to get in, the cost is $21/$14, and then they offer two-park tickets, San Diego passports, group rates, etc. Obviously, the warmer the day, the more people there will be—same can be said for weekends versus weekdays. We went on a weekday morning and didn’t deal with any crowds or lines.

The park has many different paths that go throughout, enabling visitors to see everything in an organized fashion. The entire park, with breaks, stops, and lunch, will take less than half a day. With over 3,000 animals in and around 12 major exhibits, this is a stop not to be missed while in town. Exhibits include Ituri Forest, Scripps Aviary, Gorilla Tropics, Polar Bear Plunge, Giant Pandas, Children’s Zoo, Bonobos (chimps), Rain Forest Aviary, Tiger River, Sun Bear Forest, Absolutely Apes, and Reptile Mesa.

The Ituri Forest boasts an African jungle in the midst of San Diego. It includes buffalo, otters, okapi, hippopotami, Debrazza’s guenon, and Schmidt’s spot-nosed guenon. The Scripps Aviary is a lush African rain forest with exotic plants, waterfalls, and 200 native African birds. Located within "Gorilla Village", Gorilla Tropics is an 8,000-square-foot area, combined with the Scripps Aviary, that includes gorillas, bonobos, crowned eagles, and monkeys. The gorillas are huge, ah…hairy, and seem so loveable. They roll around, scratch themselves, and are very aware that you are watching them.

The Polar Bear Plunge is more then 2 acres large, with a 130,000-gallon pool. Complete with an underwater viewing area and a large sand area for the bears to lounge in, it is really an awesome sight. They glide through the water in an elegant manner, and they look so harmless. The giant pandas exhibit is probably the most popular, so my advice is to try to see this one first. There is a line, and later in the day, it is huge—so long that it almost makes you question whether or not you are willing to wait.

The Children’s Zoo was created especially for kids, but it’s interesting enough to maintain any adult’s attention. It includes special animal exhibits and children’s activities, like a petting zoo. There are also monkeys, rats, and wombats that are not found anywhere else in the park. Bonobos (chimps), located next to the Gorilla Tropics exhibit, is a 6,000-square-foot enclosure. Bonobos are considered the most intelligent primates on the earth, short of humans. The 4-million-dollar Rain Forest Aviary includes 60 species of birds, with simulated sights and sounds of the Southeast Asian jungle. The main focus are species from Southeast Asia and Australia, along with flowers and ferns of that region.

Walking along Cat Alley, you will see the Tiger River exhibit. Although under construction since 2003, it includes tigers, crocodiles, birds, and fishing cats. This exhibit is part of the "New Heart" of the zoo and is scheduled to be completed this year. The Sun Bear Forest has the smallest bear in the world, considered very agile and great tree-climbers with gold crescents on their chests. Absolutely Apes is covered by a 100-foot glass enclosure that has introduced a controlled-climate zone to allow the animals and plants to interact as they would in their natural home. This was the first phase completed for the New Heart part of the zoo. Reptile Mesa showcases cobras, boas, rattlesnakes, pythons, and tortoises. For no additional charge, there are three shows offered daily; the Sea Lions at 11am and 3pm, the "Wild Ones" at noon and 2pm, and the Dr. Zoolittle show (located in the Children’s Zoo). The Sea Lions show included swimming and tricks—a small-scale Sea World show, basically.

To me, the best way to see everything there is to buy the best-value ticket and take the guided bus around first. This gives you a birdseye view and an opportunity to get your bearings while making a mental note of what you’d like to go back and see. I mean, let’s be honest, not everything is going to be a bell-ringer. We sat on the top level, which was great but in the direct sun (there was a huge line for the top). We heard many people who sat inside, behind the driver, who said they were able to see everything as well.

The best-value ticket also gives you admittance to ride the aerial tram. This is a great ride! Although scary for some because you are literally riding on a wire, it gives you an unbelievable view of the city, the zoo, and nearby Balboa Park. It travels from one side of the zoo to the other, and you can ride it as often as you like, with the best-value or upgraded tickets. The park is a several miles’ up and downhill walk. That said, if you are not up for the task, it’s even more reason to buy the upgraded ticket and use the bus to your advantage. Sunscreen is a must here, since most of the zoo is uncovered. The food was overpriced and your typical theme-park fare, with about a half-dozen different locations and additional drink carts. Anyone who goes to these types of places and expects more is out of their mind. Pack ahead or suck it up when you get hungry.

The zoo is educational, beautiful, and a really fun day. Parking was in large supply and free. Balboa Park covers more then 1,400 acres of downtown San Diego. It includes the zoo, restaurants, museums, gardens, beautiful architecture, live music, plays, and historical buildings. Entrance to the actual park is free, but there is obviously a charge for the zoo and museums. Museums include Aerospace, International Aerospace Hall of Fame, Botanical, Museum of Art, Natural History, Automotive, Science (includes an IMAX theater), Museum of Man (illustrates the evolution of man and discusses the future), and the Reuben H. Fleet Space Theater. There is also a Japanese garden and tea room. Highly Recommended.

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