San Diego Things to Do Tips by Pawtuxet

My son lives in San Diego and was born just across Balboa Park from where he lives today. We recently had an inquiry from a VT member about what would be some cool stuff to do in San Diego so I turned to the handsome young bachelor for the word .
Here are his suggestions.....

"I would recommend going kayaking in La Jolla, paragliding at black's beach or
taking surf lessons at pacific beach. In regards to restaurants I love Phills
BBQ on sports arena blvd. The better half restaurant on university is really
cool and locally owned, the "theme" is the wine is sold in half bottles hence the name of the restaurant.

Of course a day trip to Rosarita Mexico is always cool and there is a restaurant
called the Nest or "el nido" in Spanish that everyone really likes.

Hope that this helps! "

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If anything is authentic about SanDiego, it is their missions. Scattered throughout the region....they are wonderful examples of early Spanish architecture. Just beautiful. Pay a visit. Rest. Reflect.

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Kate Sessions is known as the "Mother of Balboa Park", altho casual visitors don't know that. She devoted her life to horticulture. She was the single largest influence in transforming the Park's barren mesa tops and canyons into the extensive botanical collection it is today. Her statue, was created by sculptor Ruth Hayward, and made possible through the support of the members of the community.
There is a self guided tour which you can take. Brochures are available near Kate's statue. Kate lived in the early 1900's. Bless these people who give to their community with such energy and devotion. Where would places like this be without them?

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Address: near Laurel St. & 6th. Street

The little shops at the Bazaar at Old Town have a wide variety of wonderful items to choose from. I love the colors. I found some neat gifts and yet another string of chili lights for my kitchen. All those bright colors make me feel good.

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Well worth the 20 - 30 minute drive to visit Del Mar while you are in the San Diego area. It's a sea side town with lots of little shops and restaurants....a very nice waterfront park and beach. We had lunch at a lovely restaurant on the beach where we sat at an outside deck with seagulls waiting for every scrap. Lunch was deliciious. Think the name of the restaurant was the Poseidon, but you are sure to find something you like. It was a sunny, wonderful day...even in January.
Of course we were happy to be with my son...we call him "Dutch".

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Heritage Park is dedicated to the preservation of San Diego's victorian architecture. It's a 7.8 acre County park where buildings were moved when threatened by demolition on their original sites. There is a bed and breakfast inn, craft store, gift shops, and a community meeting place. Also interesting is the early synogogue. (see in another tip) The area is beautifully maintained and a good study in architecture for those who would not otherwise have access to such places. Sadly the victorian architecture is gone from the rest of the city....replaced with malls and shopping strips....restaurants and tourist attractions.

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Phone: (619) 297-9327
Address: 2454 Heritage Park Row
Directions: Just east of the corner of Juan and Harney Streets.
Website: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/heritage_park.htm

There are many wonderful trees throughout the park. Many worthy of photographing. I don't want to bore you, so I've put a few extras into a travelogue for those who are interested. I noticed people stopping constantly to look at the odd varieties. Some were shedding their bark...many had been upturned in the heavy rains the preceding week.....some drooped lazily while others had trunks and roots like an octopus. I wish they had been marked. I know they come from all over the world.

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Phone: (619) 239-0512
Address: 1549 El Prado
Directions: North East of Downtown
Website: http://www.balboapark.org

Temple Beth Israel c. 1889 is a Classic Revival building which was constructed by the Congregation Beth Israel and later became home for many religious sects before they established churches of their own. The first services were held Sept. 25, 1889. The building is beautifully preserved. Simple clean lines....lots of light streaming in.

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Phone: (619) 297-9327
Address: 2454 Heritage Park Row
Directions: Just east of the corner of Juan and Harney Streets.
Website: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/heritage_park.htm

Have a look at the interiors of the synogogue. Surprisingly like many of the old Baptist churches of the era. Wood frame construction is my preference in houses of worship. So many churches, cathedrals and synogogues are built of stone and brick. Give me a small wooden community house of worship any day.

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Phone: (619) 297-9327
Address: 2454 Heritage Park Row
Directions: Just east of the corner of Juan and Harney Streets.
Website: http://www.sdcounty.ca.gov/parks/heritage_park.htm

Now here is a spot you will not find in your tourist guides. GOLDEN HILL My son has been studying these neighborhoods and watching the restoration of some of the jewels to be found here. South Park is the most recently restored and "found" neighborhood, which is just north of this one. It's interesting to drive through if you are an architecture buff. Many wonderful examples of bungalows abound here.

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