I took this shot from our room on the 18th floor of the architectually beautiful Marriott San Diego Hotel and Marina. It was just about sunset and the water reflected the lush yellow of the sunset and it was framed at the bottom by the palm and eucalyptus trees that lined that side of the bay.That day we had seen several naval ships going in and out of the harbor there, but nothing seemed quite as picturesque as this shot of this lonely little sailboat gliding peacefully along this area.
There are way too many posts that could be done from one short week in San Diego. Of course there is always the Zoo and Balboa Park, with its many fine museums, the world's largest outdoor organ, trains, theatre, cafes, art, fountains, plants, flowers, trees and grass.
As another tourist's favorite place, I don't want to forget to mention Sea World either. But truly, some of the favorite things that we like to do while there are sort of the "off the beaten path" things like: Mission Beach -- Where there is Roller Coaster & Arcade; long white beach; unique places to eat (and drink); surf shops and just about the best people watching anywhere in the world.
Old Town San Diego -- Recreates early California, Its displays, historic buildings, shops and restaurants illustrate the changes that have taken place in San Diego since it was first settled in 1769. We especially love the Mexican restaurants when we are there. There are places where you can actually see tenured Mexican ladies making by hand the tortillas that you are going to eat. There is a real craft to the art of making a tortilla and those ladies are extremely gifted at doing just that.
Gaslamp Quarter --"The Historic Heart of San Diego" is just a short walk from the convention center. Fine restaurants, clubs, galleries and shops. Seaport Village -- Over 50 fine restaurants and shops along San Diego's sparkling bay. Just a short walk from the San Diego Convention Center. This one is literally a stone's throw from the Marriott and a place that no tourist would want to leave out.
Coronado Island -- Home of the historic HOTEL DEL CORONADO, and many fine shops restaurants and world-class beaches. The hotel is worth the visit to the Island itself. You can take the bridge (which is also spectacular in its design and placement) over to the island. But then, you may want to actually leave the island by the southern way. Because although connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of land, (the southern way off the island) Coronado is considered by many to be an island. Perhaps an island offering a different culture and tempo from the city across the bay, San Diego.
Horton Plaza -- 140 stores, restaurants in a 7 level, 6 1/2 city block mall that is a total delight to visit. You can also shop on-line. Also this is just a couple of blocks from the Marriott Hotel and Marina. It is sort of an outdoor / indoor Mall with about everything that anyone would want to purchase from a cup of coffee to an upscale luxury item.
Fashion Valley -- The most extensive collection of stores and restaurants in the entire region. Includes six department stores and over 200 distinctive specialty shops. Adams Avenue - Antique shops, bookstores, neighborhood cafés, shops and restaurants in the communities of Normal Heights and Kensington. Hillcrest - The village in the city. You can find almost anything you want along the tree-lined streets of Hillcrest. You can walk to restaurants, coffee shops, stores and entertainment.
University Heights - This great old neighborhood has many fine places to eat, shop, and just hang out. Books, coffee, art and antiques. Meet some new friends. North Park -- Located in central San Diego, this community is undergoing a renewal process that is preserving many fine old buildings, while adding new designs, shops and restaurants. The Boulevard -- One of the best places in San Diego to cruise in your convertible, (assuming you have one or rented one) and just hang out with friends.
For the very adventurous... you are only about an hour from Tijuana, Mexico. But if you've seen one Mexican border town... well you know. We preferred to go a little further south in Mexico to get rid of some of the T. J. hype. Places like Ensenada and Estero Beach. Don't forget to bring your Passport and expect a wait at the San Ysidro Border Station, in order to get back into the States.
All in all... San Diego is a nice place to visit, with a lot of things to do. Too much really to be able to do in just a week, but you can TRY!
"I haven't been everywhere, but it's on my list." - Susan Sontag
