So Cal Travel Guru

Got Kids?

2009-12-08T08:33:00.000-08:00

San Diego For Kids
By: Shane Vinagre

Although San Diego has many things for grown ups to
enjoy, it hasa lot of activities for kids to enjoy
as well. Custom made for families, San Diego has
plenty of public parks, nice weather year round,
several museums, and many things for children of all
ages to amuse themselves with.

For kids who love animals, there's the well known
San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Animal Park. The zoo
is located in Balboa Park, while the park is located
a bit north of the city. If you have the time, you
should take a full day for your kids to enjoy the park
and the zoo. If the traditional zoo makes your kids
uncomfortable, the park is a great alternative.

Kids of all ages also enjoy the world famous Sea
World, which is home to Shamu the killer whale and
several other marine animals and exhibits. Sea World
has been a great attraction for kids for many years,
showing them the marine life like never before.

When it comes to the winter months, whale watching is
a very popular activity. You can watch them from
the coastline or take a cruise. Watching the gray
whale is very amusing to kids, openening their minds
to new possibilities.

Balboa Park is a great place to visit as well, as it
has a lot more than the San Diego Zoo. There are
places for kids to explore, with the children's museum,
the Fleet Science Center, and the Natural History
Museum.

Another popular park for kids is Legoland California,
which is located north of San Diego. There are a lot
of things to see in this park, with a majority of
the park being built from the popular Lego blocks.
Overall, this is one of the best and most quiet options
for younger children.

Hitting the beach is great as well, as San Diego has
many different beaches for kids of all ages. On the
beaches, kids can build sandcastles, rent boogie
boards, or just enjoy the swimming that San Diego so
proudly displays.

Older kids will enjoy the true recreation mode for
San Diego - skateboarding and/or rollerblading. Along
Mission Bay there are great spots, along with
playgrounds and parks. You can fly kites here as
well, which is a great break from the ordinary.

Amusement Parks are a great attraction in San Diego,
with Belmont Park being very popular. There are many
rides here, amusing kids for hours on end. The
Giant Dipper and the Plunge are among the best, for
younger or older kids.

If San Diego is on your family vacation list, rest
assured that there will be plenty for your kids to
do on your stay. They will feel right at home with
the many things to do - while you your mate are
occupied with plenty of things for you to do as
well.

A Taste Of The Past.....

2009-12-07T00:47:00.000-08:00

Old Town San Diego

The Old Town San Diego Park serves as a way to recreate
life in both the early American and early Mexican era
of 1821 - 1872. Perfectly situated in San Diego, the
park helps to recreate what was once San Diego. No
matter how you look at it, a trip to California isn't
complete without a visit to the Old Town.

Around the five adobes of the main complex, there are
shops, a museum, and several restaurants. Around the
garden courtyard, the La Casa mansion helps to bring
back a taste of the Old Town. Just a short hop from
there, the museum is full of artifacts that help to
reflect on the life that was once the Old Town.

The Old Town also has a blacksmith shop, schoolhouse,
and several other historic buildings, including the
first newspaper office in San Diego. This is truly
a place to visit, especially for those who are wanting
to learn more about the history of San Diego.

The city of San Diego was the first Spanish settlement
in California. This occurred when a fort and mission
were established in 1769. Back in 1769, California
was just beginning to get established, therefore it
wasn't near the state nor the size that it is today.

When visiting the Old Town Park, you should make sure
to visit the Robinson-Rose House Visitor Center. This
center is reconstructed now and displays a model of
Old Town and the way it looked back in 1872. The model
that is on display was created by Joseph Toigo.

The Old Town Park also offers exhibits of the way things
used to be, programs, and even guided tours. You can
get a personal tour of the park, with a guide who
will show you around and even explain things to you.

During your visit to the park, you can also enjoy a
picnic at one of the picnic areas or get something to
eat from one of many vendors. There are supplies here
as well, including restrooms.

Those living in San Diego can find the Old Town Park
on San Diego Avenue and Twiggs Street. Being close to
the main city, visiting the Park is easier than you may
think. If you live in the city but have never been to
the park, you should stop by and take a look.

On a vacation or a visit from town, the Old Town San
Diego helps to bring back a taste of the past. There
is a lot to see here and a lot of historical value. All
you need to do is stop by the park and see what you
think about the way things used to be.

San diego's Powerhouse island

2009-12-03T09:36:00.000-08:00

Coronado Island In San Diego

Everyone in California knows that the best beaches
in San Diego are on Coronado Island. Being linked to
downtown San Diego by the Island Bay Bridge, Coronado
is home to the SEALs training center and the Naval
Air Station Coronado. A military powerhouse, the
island of Coronado always has something going on.

One of the best features to Coronado is the world
famous Hotel Del Coronado. This Victorian style
seaside hotel was established in 1888, and was easily
one of the biggest and best hotels of that era. The
hotel was hosted in the past by the infamous Marilyn
Monroe and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor.

The Hotel Del Coronado has some of the best service
in California, along with breathtaking views of the
San Diego area. The restaurant here is one of the
best around, and even if you aren't staying here, you
can enjoy a great meal. Each and every year, thousands
of people visit Coronado just to stay at this world
class hotel - yes, it's that good.

The Ferry Landing is also a great addition to what
Coronado Island has to offer. The Ferry Landing
Marketplace offers you 30+ shops, restaurants, and
art galleries. You can walk around and check out
what the marketplace has to offer, or enjoy a
visit to the Tidelands Park.

There are great places to walk and bicycle here,
with awesome views of skyline San Diego. At sunset,
this is one of the best places to be. On Tuesdays, you
can find a farmers market here as well. If you are visiting
San Diego I would not suggest missing out on this place. Plan
to spend the entire day as there are many things to do.I
promise you will enjoy yourself.

Little Italy of San Deigo

2009-12-01T09:19:00.000-08:00

Little Italy San Diego
By: Shane Vinagre

Little Italy in San Diego is rapidly evolving as an
inner city neighborhood that's perfect to live in,
shop, dine, or visit. The Little Italy offers great
views of the bay, art and cultural festivities, and
great food.

The nearby street sign for Little Italy, created in
1999, signals that the area is the heart and soul
of San Diego's inner community. The sign is truly
a signal of peace, and can be found on India Street
between Date and Fir.

Each and every year, there are nearly a dozen festivals
held in Little Italy. There are tons of holiday
celebrations, music, and art expo's. During this
time, Little Italy comes alive like never before.

The heart of Little Italy is India Street. This
street has plenty of outdoor cafes, restaurants,
galleries, and specialty shops. Nearby Amici Park
offers a playground for the Washington Elementary
School and a community park that's complete with
a bocce ball court.

Bigger than the Little Italy neighborhoods in New
York and San Francisco, San Diego's Little Italy
keeps getting bigger and better. The waterfront
district of San Diego is bouncing back with Little
Italy, proving to be a great place for tourist
attraction.

Downtown San Diego Gaslamp District

2009-11-30T16:31:00.001-08:00

Downtown San Diego Gaslamp District

The Gaslamp Quarter of San Diego contains some of
the most extensive and dramatically designed
historic buildings in the area. Constructed between
1873 and 1930, these Victorian style buildings are
truly a sight to behold.

The Victorian era buildings found in the Gaslamp
Quarter are home to night clubs, restaurants,
theaters, and shops. A simple stroll down 4th
and 5th avenue will put you at the heart of the
Gaslamp Quarter.

Also found in the Gaslamp Quarter is the Horton
Plaza and Horton Plaza Park. The Plaza is the
first place in the United States to feature a water
fountain containing electric lights; a true
tribute to the designer Alonzo Horton.

The Gaslamp Quarter received its name from the
gaslamps that were used in the area around the early
1900's. During those times, gaslamps were the
main source of light for the area that is now
the vision of Modern Day San Diego.

Now days, there are more than 130 stores and shops
filling the Gaslamp Quarter. With everything from
Macy's to Mervyns, Gaslamp Quarter has plenty for
you to see and do. In Horton Plaza, you can find
a multi screen movie theater that is sure to please
movie lovers.

For a wonderful experience, the Gaslamp Quarter of
San Diego shouldn't be overlooked. There is a lot
you can do here, from fine dining to excellent
shops. For a family vacation, San Diego has a
little bit of something for everyone.

Seaport Village a hidden gem

2009-11-28T12:09:00.001-08:00

The Seaport Village of San Diego combines the best
of waterfront shopping, dining, and overall family
entertainment. While the Marina Park is here as
well, nearby is the small but popular San Diego
public park.

In Seaport Village you'll find 14 acres of pleasure
with more than 75 shops and galleries, restaurants,
and eateries on the sidewalk. Even though the area
is primarily targeted towards visitors, locals get
the best of the best with the restaurants and their
out of town company.

The San Diego Pier Cafe is also here, which is one of
the best known restaurants in the area. Located on
the bay, the cafe provides seafood with breathtaking
views.

The Seaport village provides a great place to view
Coronado and the Coronado Bridge, as it overlooks the
harbor. Just a short stroll from the village, you have
the San Diego Convention Center, Petco Park, and
the Gaslamp Quarter.

Providing plenty to do and plenty of things to see
nearby, Seaport Village has it all going on. A visit
here is unlike any other, as the city of San Diego
will always have something unique to offer you and your
entire family.

San Diego Harbor Bay Tour

2009-11-18T18:38:00.000-08:00

San Diego Harbor Bay Tour
By: Shane Vinagre

As vast as the San Diego harbor is, a simple walk
around it doesn't do it justice! To partake in the
beauty that is San Diego Harbor, you need to take a
tour of the bay. San Diego Harbor Excursion can
help you do that, as they are the most established
tour company throughout the bay.

As a guest, they will treat you with as one of them,
helping to bring your cruise to life. There are
a few parts to the tour, ensuring that you get the
most out of your time on the cruise.

Tour of the North Bay
On your tour of the North Bay, you'll see the North
Island Naval Air Station, Shelter Islands, and even
the Naval Sub Base. If you look closely, you'll
also be able see the Cabrillo National Monument as
well.

The tour of the North Bay is around 12 miles in length
and lasts about an hour. This is a fine tour for
anyone interested in the Navy as well. During your
tour the guides will explain everything to you as
you see it. This way, you'll always know what's going
on.

Tour of the South Bay
Your tour of the South Bay consists of the Star of
India, the Naval surface fleet, Coronado Bay Bridge,
and the shipyards. This is a very busy and hectic
area, which makes a tour excellent to see everything
that this area has to offer.

The tour of South Bay is roughly 12 miles in length
and also lasts around an hour. The guides will explain
things here to you as well, ensuring that you know
exactly what you are seeing.

Tour of the Bay
Those of you who are looking to see it all should go
for the deluxe tour of the entire bay. You'll see
everything covered in the North and South Bay, along
with everything else the bay has to offer. The tour
is around 25 miles in length and lasts around 2 hours.

To get started on your tour, all you need to do is
contact the Harbor Excursion. The price for the tour
is very reasonable, considering everything you'll be
seeing.

If you happen to live in San Diego, taking the tour is
easier than ever. Those of you who are visiting or on
vacation should give the tour a shot as well. This way
you'll get to experience everything that San Diego Bay
has to offer you without having to walk around. And
best of all - tour guides will explain the sights to
you - so you'll never miss a second.

Things to Experience in San Diego

2009-11-18T00:55:00.000-08:00

In a snap shot of things to do well in san diego... Here are a few basics tourist atractions well get more into detail in the coming days...

Visiting San Diego for the first time can be quite overwhelming,
especially when you consider that there are so many things you
can do. Deciding where to go and what to do can be quite time
consuming, which is where we can help. Below, you'll find the 8
best spots in San Diego - things you simply must experience.

1. Hitting the beach.
No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that
personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching
the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the
action is. From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park rollercoaster -
make sure you hit the beaches here.

2. Trying a fish taco.
Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one
of the best foods in San Diego. Deep fried, battered fish encased
in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the
first time - you'll crave anytime you come back!

3. Going to Mexico.
It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana
being a metropolis in its own right. Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico
is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard. Keep
in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then
enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.

4. Take a ride on the trolley.
San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet
they do have the well known trolley. The highways here can be quite
intimidating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel. If you
want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley
pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thought
possible.

5. Visiting the Pandas.
While Sea World and Legoland has their share of animals, the
San Deigo zoo is no stranger to Pandas. The zoo is a tourist attraction,
with the baby Su Lin, which is quite a feast for the eyes. When you
visit the San Diego Zoo, visit in the morning - when the pandas are
most active.

6. Balboa Park.
After you check out the pandas, take a trip to the jewel of
the city - Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter
when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that
most museums have free admission. After you visit a while, dine at the
Prado Restauraunt and experience great food in a great setting.

7. Gaslamp and the nightlife.
The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be
for dancing, eating, or just people watching. You can experience the
best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.

8. The Old Town.
While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the
Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past. There are snippets
of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here. Although there are many
fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as
it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.

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my home, my love, my San Diego

2009-11-17T15:38:00.000-08:00

I'll begin my first post of this blog with where i grow up. If you ever wanted to visit San Diego California. Here are a few facts one should know before venturing to one of the greatest cities in the country.

Facts About San Diego

Considering how San Diego is one of the best cities in
the United States, its really easy to tell how popular
the city is for tourists. Among the many accomplishments
behind San Diego, let's take a look at several facts behind
this amazing city.

Fact 1
Inside the city limits of San Diego, more than 1 million
people live there. This makes the city the second largest
in California and the sixth biggest in the entire United
States! For the city to be this big, the residents still
have that hometown experience - which is quite amazing!

Fact 2
No matter what type of year it is, it's never the wrong
time to visit. The weather is near perfect year round, giving
you the chance to experience everything to offer here. With
an annual high of 70 degrees and a low of 55 degrees,
you can pretty much go swimming year round.

Fact 3
If you visit between December - March, you can catch some
glimpses of the impressive gray whale. All along the coast
or on a cruise, you can catch this very amazing mammal.

Fact 4
If you travel just 23 miles south, you'll be in the beautiful
city of Tijuana. What was once thought of as dangerous,
happens to be an amazing place of Mexican hospitality,
with great restaurants, shopping, and a pleasing nightlife.

Fact 5
San Diego offers an amazing array of flowers and roses. With
the climate being dry, it's the perfect conditions for roses,
wild daises, and other exotic flowers. With different flowers
in the winter and summer months, avid flower lovers will fall
in love with everything San Diego has to offer them.

Fact 6
It's no secret that one of the biggest attractions to San
Diego are the beaches. Make sure you read the signs though,
as the beauty behind the beaches vary almost as much as the
rules do.

Fact 7
When it comes to nightlife, San Diego has something to please
everyone. From country dancing to singing in a bar, the city
has a very happening nightlife. No matter what you like to
do at night, San Diego has it all - and probably a bit more.

Fact 8
The most attractive feature to San Diego is the zoo. The 100
acre zoo here houses almost 4000 animals all of which who have
plenty of room to roam around. With pandas for everyone to see,
the San Diego zoo is reason enough to give the city a visit.

For more reasons than one, San Diego is the perfect city to
visit. You can visit here with family or friends and know that
you'll always have places to go and things to see. Winter or
summer, San Diego is the one place you'll never find boring.