V is for Vacation!
(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge.
My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is V.)
San Diego is a vacation destination. Tourists from all over the world come to San Diego. ‘Zonies’ flee the heat of Arizona, and rent beach cottages in Mission Beach during the summer months. ‘Snow Birds’ fly down from Canada during the winter months to warm up. International travelers and conventioneers visit all year long.
What would a whirlwind three-day visit to San Diego include? You’ll have to make some choices, because there are just too many sites to see in only three days. San Diego is a vacation destination. But here’s a sample itinerary:
Day One – Downtown and Coronado
Start at Balboa Park, and wander under the trees. Check out the Lily Pond and Botanic Garden, sit by a fountain, watch some street musicians, and visit one of the many museums.
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Then head across the Coronado Bay Bridge to Coronado.
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Look over across the bay to the downtown San Diego skyline.
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Wander around the 1890’s luxury of the Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the fine restaurants at The Del.
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Day Two – Beach Hopping
Now you have a difficult choice! San Diego is all about beaches. It boasts 70 miles of beaches within the county. So you’ll have to pick one or two or three.
La Jolla Cove is justifiably famous for its gorgeous views. You can spot pelicans, harbor seals and sea lions, and even some cute little ground squirrels.
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Pack a picnic and take advantage of one of the quaint wooden picnic sheds that dot the La Jolla Cove area. The views along the La Jolla Coast Walk are stunning. Ask yourself, as I did, ‘Could Anything Be Prettier?’.
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If you choose to visit Mission Beach, be sure to catch a ride on the historic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper.
Traveling with your dog? Then San Diego has a beach for you. Or two. Below is Dog Beach in Del Mar.
Ocean Beach has a popular Dog Beach, as well.
Relax on the grass, or in the sand. Or get some exercise walking down the longest concrete pier on the west coast in Ocean Beach.
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Day Three – Visit the Mission and Pick a Park
Mission San Diego de Alcala represents the history of California. It was founded in 1769, the first of 21 missions built in California by Franciscan friars. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to wander around, trying to imagine what life was like almost 150 years ago.
Now it’s time to Pick a Park. You have plenty of choices! San Diego Zoo, home to two dozen adorable koalas.
Photo by Penny Hyde
San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with African animals in an expansive wildlife sanctuary.
Sea World San Diego, the first Sea World park, spread across almost 200-acres in Mission Bay, is home to whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and fish of all kinds.
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Legoland, in the north-county San Diego city of Carlsbad, is especially fun for elementary school age kids. And you aren’t even too far from Disneyland. It’s less than a two-hour drive up to Anaheim from San Diego.
‘Must-Try’ San Diego Foods
Be sure to try some Rubio’s fish tacos. They are uniquely San Diegan.
Jack in the Box is a favorite San Diego fast food spot. I love Jack Tacos – they are their own thing. Two tacos for ‘about a buck’. Can’t beat that.
And Julian Apple Pie makes a great end to any meal. A day trip to the old gold mining town of Julian is a lot of fun, too.
Have fun, and be sure to come back again for more adventures!
https://www.donnaamisdavis.com/san-diego-vacation/San DiegoSan Diego A to Z(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge.My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is V.) San Diego is a vacation...Donna Amis DavisDonna Amis Davis[email protected]AdministratorDonna Amis Davis
Wow! San Diego’s tourism director should hire you! 🙂
Smile.
Years ago we took our girls to the Zoo which was fabulous. With two youngsters in tow there’s wasn’t too much touring done but now, with a friend living in San Diego, I thin the time has come for another visit!
Yes, anything with the little ones is a bit different. But fun to see it all through their eyes. I love it both ways – slowing down with the kiddos, while keeping it active, and diving in deeper with adults.
Great tips. I didn’t really know where to go or what to do when I went a few years, well many years ago. I did go to the zoo!
Since reading your posts, I have asked my husband when he is next at a conference in San Diego. October, apparently. Hmm, thinking about it…….Anita above is right. You should be on commission!
Anabel, October is a GREAT month in San Diego. It can be quite hot actually, in the first half of the month – what we call ‘Santa Ana’ season, with hot, dry winds coming in from the desert. But low humidity makes for very cool nights. So you can do the beach during the day, but bring a sweater for the evening. The last week of October usually brings some cooler weather.
Definitely tempted! Will see how things go….
Oh Donna – You made me put San Diego on my want-to-visit-list now!! The beaches look great – well all of it actually – love your pictures, and saving your info:-)
It was a fun post to write, Eli. You can actually vacation in San Diego all year round. Thanks for the kind words.