» posted on Thursday, July 22nd, 2010 at 05:31
Things to do in San Diego
San Diego is alleged to be the “World’s Finest City”, perhaps said so only by those of us who live here. True or not, it is a great place to be with many fun things to see and do. A few of them are presented here for your consideration and enjoyment.
BALBOA PARK – Balboa Park remains the centerpiece of much of what is to be seen and done in San Diego. It is the largest of the nation’s urban cultural parks – home to fifteen museums, renowned performing arts venues, beautiful gardens, and of course, the famous San Diego Zoo. The park was originally built for the 1915-16 Panama-California Exposition. It has now grown into a trendy, historical Mecca of culture and entertainment on its 1200 spacious acres. Some of the attractions are:
San Diego Air and Space Museum (619) 234-8219 – The museum presents the history of flight from De Vinci’s experiment to the exploration of Mars. It is a great place for an Airman’s Holiday.
The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center (619) 238-1233 – San Diego’s only Dome Theater with IMAX films and 100 Plus hands-on exhibits for visitors of all ages. Call for current IMAX features.
The San Diego Model Railroad Museum (619) 696-0199 – Features scale model railroad layouts and an interactive toy train gallery. It has the largest permanent operating model railroad and toy exhibit in North America.
San Diego Museum of Man (619) 239-2001 – Showcases world cultures, mummies, scientific achievements and archaeological discoveries, including ancient Egypt and Mayan artifacts. Weapons of the world and the history of human evolution are also high-lighted at the museum.
San Diego Natural History Museum (619) 232-3821 – Provides fascinating exhibits of dinosaurs, birds, reptiles, insects, plants and much more. If you like dinosaurs, this is the place for you. It also has a giant screen theater with 3D films.
Other Balboa Park attractions include:
The San Diego Automotive Museum (619) 231-2886
San Diego Museum of Art (619) 232-7931
The Museum of Photographic Art (619) 238-7559
The San Diego History Center (619) 232-6203
GARDENS IN BALBOA PARK
Balboa Park is one of the most lushly planted urban parks in the world, and is a horticultural paradise offering a magnificent backdrop for many of its cultural attractions. Its gardens include:
The Alcazar Garden – A formal garden with vibrant floral displays and ornate fountains.
The Botanical Building – A wooden lath structure built in 1915 which houses more than 2000 tropical plants.
Old Cactus Garden – Has some of the largest and oldest cactus and succulents in the park.
The Desert Garden – Houses 1300 succulents and drought-resistant species from around the world.
Palm Canyon – A tropical oasis with more than 450 palms, some dating to the early 1900’s.
The Inez Parker Memorial Rose Garden – One of the nation’s top public rose gardens.
THE SAN DIEGO WILD ANIMAL PARK (760) 747-8702
Located just 32 miles north of the zoo, you will find yourself in the middle of Africa and Asia where more than 3500 rare and exotic animals roam at large. You can see rhinos, elephants and giraffes, as well as other wild and rare species while enjoying an exciting safari tour. Take I-15 north to the Via Rancho Parkway exit and follow the signs six miles east to the park.
THE MARITIME MUSEUM OF SAN DIEGO (619) 234-9153
This was the site of our 2005 Kickoff Reception. Only 10 minutes from our hotel, the museum has one of the world’s finest collection of historic ships, including the Star of India, first launched in 1863, and it continues to get underway for special events. The HMS Surprise from the motion picture “Master and Commander, The Far Side of the World” is also available for boarding. The display also includes a Russian Foxtrot Class submarine, which should be of interest to so many of us who have spent years looking for Russian submarines. The museum is located at 14902 North Harbor Drive.
SEA WORLD ADVENURE PARK (619) 257-4268
“Day or night, Shammu’s star burns bright”. Believed to be the most ambitious killer whale show in the world with giant screens, inspiring music and the amazing relationship between trainers and these glorious creatures. Recent accidents may have altered some of this relationship, however. In any event, don’t go in the water! When driving to Sea World, take I-15 north to Sea World Drive, and then west to the park.
BIRCH AQUARIUM AT SCRIPPS (858) 534-3474
The aquarium features the world of sharks, living coral reefs, seahorses, and much more. It also brings to light the wonderful discoveries of the famous Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
USS MIDWAY MUSEUM (619) 544-9600
Tied up at the Navy Pier on Harbor Drive, another great Airman’s Holiday. This is certainly the Flag Ship of all the retired U.S. Navy ships now serving as museums throughout the country. Our Tail Hook friends have done an outstanding job in preserving the ship much as it was during its long and celebrated service to our Navy and our country. Many of our friends serve as docents on the ship.
CABRILLO MONUMENT (619) 557-5450
In 1542 Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo accidentally hit paradise, or as we now know it as Southern California. The Cabrillo National Monument stands in his honor at Ballast Point in San Diego Bay. The old Point Loma lighthouse, which was built to guide ships into the bay, is also located on this site. For the most spectacular view of San Diego and the surrounding area from its best vantage point, you must go to the monument. North Island, Ballast Point, the national Cemetery at Fort Rosecrans, and the City of San Diego are all spread before you. The monument is located at the tip of Point Loma.
MISSION SAN DIEGO DE ALCALA (619) 281-8449
Founded on July 16, 1769, it was here that Father Juipero Serra established the first of twenty-one missions that were to be the cornerstone of California colonization. The mission remains a very active parish to this day, with frequent masses on Saturday and Sunday. Easiest access to the mission is from I-8, proceeding north on Mission Gorge Road; turn left on Twain Avenue, which becomes San Diego Mission Road after one block.
CORONADO
The Coronado Ferry, (619) 686-8700, leaves from 1050 North Harbor Drive on the San Diego waterfront. The Coronado Ferry Landing is the perfect place for a day trip whether you come by car or aboard the ferry. Shops of every kind and some spectacular dining are available at the Landing. Shops open at 10:00 AM.
HOTEL DEL CORONADO (619) 435-6611
A National Historic Landmark and a classy San Diego icon, the “Hotel Del” is the perfect place to spend an afternoon. Built in 1888, the Del has a remarkable history. It was the site for the first state dinner outside the White House, as well as the location for the honorary banquet for Charles Lindberg after his first transatlantic flight. Many Hollywood celebrities have wined and dined here, as have so many of our Navy friends who have lived in Coronado or were station at North Island.
HARBOR CRUISES (619) 234-4111 or (619) 725-8888
There are one and two-hour cruises available throughout the day every day. See the best of San Diego in just two hours to include aircraft carriers, 32nd Street Naval Station, North Island, the Cabrillo Monument, the Coronado Bridge, and Ballast Point Submarine Base. The Bay may well be San Diego’s most popular attraction.
TROLLEY TOURS (619) 298-8687
You can experience an exciting two hours of San Diego’s most comprehensive tour covering over 100 points of interest while riding the trolley. There are many on and off stops where you may select your favorite sights for dining and shopping.
SEAPORT VILLAGE (619) 235-4014
This is San Diego’s landmark for waterfront shopping and dining. Shops are open 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily. From your hotel, take Hwy. 163 south to Ash Street; turn left to Pacific Highway, which terminates at Seaport Village.
THE SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (800) 745-3000
The Chargers are at home against the New England Patriots on the Sunday of the reunion at Qualcomm Stadium at 1:15 PM. If you enjoy exciting football, the Chargers usually provide it. The Charger Girls are not too bad either!
CASINOS
We now have almost as many gambling places in San Diego County as there are in Las Vegas! If you are feeling lucky and have not as yet spent y our last COLA money, you might want to try one of the following:
Barona Resort and Casino (619) 443-2300 – They say “Where the Real Players Play”. Located at 1932 Wildcat Canyon Road, Lakeside, CA 92040. Take I-8 East to 67 North; then right on Willow Road and left on Wildcat Canyon Road; then 5 miles to the casino.
Sycuan Resort and Casino (619) 445-6002 – “San Diego’s Hometown Casino”. 5469 Casino Way in El Cajon, CA 92019, located just 20 minutes from your hotel. Call the casino for driving instructions.
Harrah’s Rincon (760) 751-3100 – “Las Vegas Action San Diego Style”. Take I-15 north; exit right on Valley Parkway/CR-56 to Valley Center Road.
Viejas Casino (619) 445-5400 – “Your Best Bet for Getting Lucky”. 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901. Take I-8 east; exit at Willow Road. Directly across the street from the casino, on the same side of the highway, is the Viejas Outlet Center. Here the ladies can shop and save and recover all the money you’ve lost in the casino. A perfect arrangement for a perfect day.
Pala Casino Spa Resort (877) 946-7252 – “Southern California’s most Spectacular Playground”. Take I-15 North to Highway 76 and travel four miles east to the casino.
La Posta Casino (619) 824-4100 or 1-800-257-4268 – “The Perfect Place to Play”. Only one mile north of I-8 East at the Crestwood exit.
Have fun!