Nov 10, 2013

San Diego Attractions, California

Sunny San Diego.. One of our favorite places in Southern California. You can grab a beach towel and head for the beaches, laze around building sand castles or sit in the amphitheater and watch a whale, dolphin pet show or just gaze in wonder at underwater sea creatures. And if that is just not enough you can go from viewing underwater creatures to viewing pandas, exotic animals and birds from around the world at the San Diego Zoo. How about visiting The Old Town of San Diego which will take you back in time. Sharing these adventures with you in our fabulous San Diego road-trip.

Location: 2 hours from Los Angeles and the last big city in Southern California before you head into Mexico.
  • LA JOLLA COVE:
  • This is one of those places that you would like to spend a great weekend. The location and the panoramic views drives people here to enjoy the sea, the views, birds and relax. Parking spots are in plenty if you know where to find it. Here is a website where you can find all the tips on parking in this gorgeous location. Parking in La Jolla

    Spend some time at the Scripps Park. Stroll along the waterfront or just sit and relax and enjoy the views. For more information on visiting this place click HERE.

  • CORONADO BRIDGE: Take a drive to the other side of downtown San Diego via the Coronado bridge. From the ramp of the Coronado ferry landing enjoy views of San Diego, the Coronado bridge and Seaport Village. 

Old Town, San Diego

Old Town is a state owned Historic Park and is considered the birthplace of California. Located just off highway I 5 ( exit Old Town ), sign boards guide you to the park. The address is 4010 Twiggs St and the intersection is San Diego Ave. We found free parking just opposite the Old Town sign board behind the Immaculate Conception Church. Parking is limited.

The Market place has tons of stuff to buy, restaurants, a leather Depot, Toby's candle soap shop. Visit the many museums and experience Old Town during yester years.

Tuna Harbor Park & Maritime Museum, San Diego

A quick stop on the last leg of our San Diego tour took us to The Maritime Museum and the Tuna Harbor Park. The Maritime Museum is located at 1492 North Harbor Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. 

Metered parking is available along the docks for 12 mins to 2 hours. Carry coins. Take pictures at the "Star of India " ship that was a three mastered bark and one of the oldest iron hulled merchant ship from Great Britain. This was used early as California's maritime commerce, circum navigating the earth 21 times stopping in San Francisco in 1873 and 1883 before being purchased by the Alaskan Packers Association. This is registered as one of California's registered landmark. Tickets can be purchased to go on board.  


star of india san diego
Star of India
HMS SURPRISE:

Take a picture of the HMS Surprise. It is a detailed re-creation of a 24-gun British frigate.


hms surprise san diego
HMS Surprise

TUNA HARBOR PARK:

Location: Tuna Ln, San Diego, CA 92132. It is located after the USS MIdway Museum on N. Harbor Dr.
Metered Parking is available here. Enjoy views of the USS Midway. Take pictures of the tall statue of the Sailor kissing the Nurse. The park gets its name due to the commercial fishing industry of San Diego. 


Unconditional Surrender San Diego
This above architecture is at the Tuna Harbor. Reviews about this classic piece of art history has been positive and negative on the internet. I do not know which story is true, however if you are in that area it is worth checking it out.


Sea World, San Diego

One Ocean Shamu Show
Get the family together and go and have fun at the fun, amusement theme park that features orcas, dolphins, pets, aquariums, dolphin viewing, rides, and much more. Located in beautiful sunny San Diego this is a very popular attraction which will require a day to see the shows and the exhibits. 


Blue Horizon

"SAVSMICH THOUGHTS
  • Get there early. 
  • The lines get long at the bag check. NO food is allowed except for water. 
  • Lines for popular shows open about 15-30 mins before the show starts. Get there early and grab your best spot. 
  • Some shows have the splash zone. If you intend to get wet, carry ponchos and an extra pair of clothing\ shoes and protect your Cameras and other electronic gadgets.
  • Various stalls are located within the park for a quick bite.
  • Don't miss Shamu the Orca show.   
  • Check the flamingo exhibit. Carry coins if you would like to purchase a tray to feed them.
  • Feed the sea lions. View them from a close distance and enjoy their company when feeding them. They are super cute and have an attitude when you have food in front of them. They are really cute to hear. Watch for the birds surrounding them who vie for the fish in your hand.
  • Catch the Blue Horizon show. Much more appealing and attractive with dolphins, birds, aerialists and dancers performing to music. 
  • Check the timing before you book your tickets. Some weekends ( specially in summer have extended hours and fireworks ).
  • Have toddlers and kids? I highly recommend strollers. It is a blessing to have it around as they may tire after walking the long distances within the park or if they fall asleep after a few hours. 
  • Click on THIS LINK for Know before you go details to Sea World.
  • Take pictures/video to capture the memories.
  • Enjoy and have fun !!
Soak Zone at Shamu Show
POPULAR SHOWS TO SEE:
  1. One Ocean
  2. Blue Horizon
  3. Sea Lion Live
  4. Pets Rule
  5. Shamu Rocks ( Night show viewing with lights and sound )
  6. Dolphin Point
  7. Penguins Encounter
  8. Turtle Reef
  9. Shark Encounter
  10. Sesame Street Bay of Play for Kids
MUST SEE ANIMAL EXHIBITS:
  • Shamu underwater viewing
  • Polar Bear
  • Sea Lions
  • Flamingos
  • Penguins
  • Overhead Shark walkway
  • Beluga whale
  • Walrus
  • Tidepool Area
Here are some of our pictures from our trip in August 2013. 

Flamingo Exhibit

Dolphin Encounter

Sea Lions

Pet Show
Exhibits
Exhibits

















Before you exit, remember to take a pic near the entrance with "Sea World" to add to your list of places visited \ diary.

San Diego Zoo, California

Enjoy viewing animals, birds, reptiles from the Amazon forest to the Australian outback koalas. See elephants, giraffes, pandas, meerkats, sun bears, experencce elephants, polar bears, apes, cats hippos and exotic birds, tapirs, jaguars, pronghorn, hornbills, porcupines and much much more. All at the San Diego Zoo located in Southern California.
Pandas