When visiting Southern California, consider using San Diego as your base camp. Almost everything you could need, and many attractions are within very easy reach of downtown San Diego. One of the local sayings is everything is within 20 minutes of downtown whether you are in your car, using the excellent public transport or simply enjoying the city on foot.
Downtown by Night Many people, both locals and visitors head downtown and particularly to the Gaslamp Quarter of the city for an evening of great food, drinking, dancing and entertainment. Within the Gaslamp Quarter there are several rooftop bars and clubs where you can enjoy outstanding views of the city while savoring a drink or your meal al fresco. There is the trendy and hip J6 Bar on the fourth floor of the Hotel Solamar but for those who really aren't afraid of heights, check out the Altitude Skybar on top of the 22 floors of the Marriott which has a mixed bag of locals and those passing through.
Going Wild at San Diego Zoo San Diego Zoo is a world famous home for a large collection of animals from all over the world, while the Wild Animal Park is only 30 minutes drive north of the city in the outlying town of Escondido. Here you'll find rhinos, giraffes, zebras and elephants amongst numerous others ranging over 1,800 acres and for $90 you can enjoy the Photo Caravan tour which will get you up close and personal with the wildlife but bear in mind you must book this in advance.
The main San Diego Zoo houses exotic creatures not accustomed to roaming over the savannah or plains such as polar bears, pandas, hippos and there is a key breeding program for endangered species of tiger run here in conjunction with worldwide conservation efforts. You can also enjoy the zoo together with Sea World more cheaply if you buy a combination pass - the Zoo/Passport Balboa Park Combo - which will set you back $59 per adult but also gives you admission to 13 other museums.
Hiking on the Torrey Pines State Reserve If you are looking to stretch your legs and stimulate your mind with the local scenery then you'll be heading out of the city to Torrey Pines State Reserve and in particular, hiking centers on the Guy Fleming Trail. Guy Fleming was a well known nature guide and extremely active in preservation and providing responsible managed access for every to enjoy. The trail is only over a half mile or so loop which will take you along the stunning cliffs bordering the ocean with a viewing area on the northern section of the loop. The cost of admission is only $8 for the park but an hour before sunset it is cut to $4 and sunsets are spectacular.
Mexican Food North of the Border
Mexico is just over the border but you don't need to cross over to get the very best Mexican food as you'll find it right here in San Diego. Take the trolleybus for the 45 minute ride from downtown to Old Town (costs $2.50) and a surprise is in store for you - Old Town is packed with excellent Mexican restaurants dishing out tortillas prepared by hand and fresh to order. Check out the Casa Guadalajara which is usually packed with tourists but the locals also focus on this eatery with free appetizers during happy hour and courtyard dining at its best.
You should also try out Tony's Jacal and Fidel's, which are neighbors on Valley Avenue, both packed with racing memorabilia from the nearby Del Mar racetrack and Mexicana.
Petco Park Fan Factory Baseball Stadium
This ultra modern baseball stadium was opened in 2004 and has revitalized downtown San Diego with record attendances as well as being the home of the Padres. The stadium is replete with bougainvillea, waterfall features and Rubio's is on hand for mouth watering tacos and food. There are two attractions to include which will make your visit really worthwhile; The Western Metal Supply building is a factory which was rescued from demolition and survived to form an integral part of the new stadium offering grandstand views which are dominated by business leasers so get one while you can. The second attraction is the Park at the Park and for $5 you can get a seat to watch the game from a Wiffle ball-field and it also has a picnic area.
Mark Fjord is a freelance writer. Johnson Storage & Moving has been a moving company for over 100 years. They are the San Diego movers of choice for local and long distance moving.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
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