Strolling Through the Gaslamp Quarter--Victorian commercial
buildings that fill a 16 1/2-block area will make you think you've stepped
back in time. The beautifully restored buildings, in the heart of
downtown, house some of the city's most popular shops, restaurants, and
nightspots.
Renting Bikes, Skates, or Kayaks in Mission Bay.
Landscaped shores, calm waters, paved paths, and friendly neighbors make
Mission Bay an aquatic playground like no other. Explore on land or water,
depending on your energy level, then grab a bite at funky Mission Cafe.
Listening to Free Sunday Organ Recitals in Balboa Park--Even
if you usually don't like organ music, you might enjoy these outdoor
concerts and the crowds they draw--San Diegans with their parents, their
children, their dogs. The music, enhanced by the organist's commentary,
runs the gamut from classical to contemporary. Concerts start at 2pm.
Relaxing with Afternoon Tea--A genteel tradition in San
Diego, the custom of afternoon tea is dignified and old-fashioned at the
U.S. Grant, cozy and Victorian at the Horton Grand, and elegantly charming
at the grand Hotel Del Coronado. Take your pick.
Taking the Ferry to Coronado--The 15-minute ride gets you
out onto San Diego Harbor and provides some of the best views of the city.
The ferry runs every hour from the Broadway Pier, so you can tour Coronado
on foot, by bike, or by trolley and return whenever you please.
Driving Over the Bridge to Coronado--The first time or the
fiftieth, there's always an adrenaline rush as you follow this engineering
marvel's dramatic curves and catch a glimpse of the panoramic view to
either side. Driving west, you can easily pick out the distinctive Hotel
Del in the distance long before you reach the "island."
Watching the Seals at Children's Pool Beach--This tiny La
Jolla cove was originally named for the toddlers who could safely frolic
behind a manmade seawall. These days, the sand is mostly off-limits to
humans, who congregate along the seawall railing or onshore to admire the
protected pinnipeds who sun themselves on the beach or on semi-submerged
rocks. You can get surprisingly close, and it's a truly mesmerizing sight.
Riding on the San Diego Trolley to Mexico--The trip from
downtown costs a mere $2.50, takes only 40 minutes, and the clean, quick
trolleys are fun in their own right. Once in Tijuana, load up on colorful
souvenirs and authentic Mexican food.
Listening to Jazz at Croce's--Ideally located in the center
of downtown in a historic Gaslamp Quarter building, Croce's celebrates the
life of musician Jim Croce and showcases the city's jazz musicians.
Watching the Sun Set Over the Ocean--It's a free and
memorable experience. Excellent sunset-watching spots include the Mission
Beach and Pacific Beach boardwalks, as well as the beach in Coronado in
front of the Hotel del Coronado. At La Jolla's Windansea Beach, wandering
down to the water at dusk, wineglass in hand, is a nightly neighborhood
event.
Drinking Coffee at a La Jolla Sidewalk Cafe--San Diego
offers a plethora of places to enjoy lattes, espressos, and cappuccinos,
but the coffeehouses in La Jolla serve them up with special panache.
Purchasing Just-Picked Produce at a Farmers' Market--Markets
throughout the area sell the bountiful harvest of San Diego County.
Walking Along the Water--The city offers walkers several
great places to stroll. One of our favorites, along the waterfront from
the Convention Center to the Maritime Museum, affords views of aircraft
carriers, tuna seiners, and sailboats.
Visiting the "Lobster Village" in Puerto Nuevo--South of the
border, they serve lobster with rice, beans, tortillas, and freshly made
salsa; it's an affordable and deliciously filling meal.
Floating Up, Up, and Away Over North County--Hot-air
balloons carry passengers over the golf courses and luxury homes north of
the city. These rides are especially enjoyable at sunset.
Watching the Grunion Run--These tiny fish spawn on San Diego
beaches between March and August, and the locals love to be there. To find
the date of the next run, pick up a free tide chart at a surf shop or
consult the daily newspaper.
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