Visit to San Diego

This was a combined "business & pleasure" trip, as Celeste needed to be there for a technical conference at the San Diego Convention Center and I came along because I spent my first year in the Navy there (boot camp & Radioman "A" School) so naturally I was interested in visiting those places once more.

We flew into San Diego and took a taxi to our hotel. We did not plan to obtain a rental car until the following weekend, as we planned to restrict ourselves to those places we could get to by walking. From our San Diego planning we had selected the Homewood Suites by Hilton due to it's location near the harbor, close proximity to Balboa Park (and the zoo), adjacent to the Little Italy area, and reasonably near to the old Naval Training Center site. An added plus was that the San Diego Metro System was only a block away, so Celeste would be able to ride the Metro or take a taxi to the Convention Center each day.

For a fascinating look at the earliest days of San Diego & California, you should consider reading the history of Saint Junípero Serra y Ferrer. He founded 21 Catholic Missions from San Diego to San Francisco, starting this process in 1768 at the age of 55. On July 16, 1769, Junipero Serra founded Mission San Diego, the first within the present state of California.

NOTE: Click here to view the Wikipedia Article about San Diego.

San Diego is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. There are many reasons why people choose to visit San Diego, including the following:

• The weather is great year-round, with mild temperatures and plenty of sunshine.
• There are a variety of beaches to enjoy, from the popular Pacific Beach to the more secluded La Jolla Shores.
• The city is home to world-class attractions like the San Diego Zoo, SeaWorld San Diego, and Legoland California.
• There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, and kayaking.
• San Diego has a vibrant nightlife scene with bars, clubs, and restaurants to suit all tastes.
• The city is also home to a number of museums and cultural attractions, such as the San Diego Museum of Art and the Old Globe Theatre.
• San Diego is a great place to relax and enjoy the laid-back California lifestyle.

• The first ever drive-thru restaurant, Oscar’s, opened in San Diego in 1951. The restaurant owner (Robert O. Peterson) later went on to found Jack in the Box.
• The largest oceanographic museum in the USA is within the borders of San Diego. It’s the Birch Aquarium at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography.
• The San Diego Zoo, located within Balboa Park, houses over 3,700 animals and more than 650 species. The zoo is one of the few zoos in the world that successfully breeds the giant panda.
• San Diego produces more avocados than any other city in California.
• San Diego history is a long but interesting story.
• Father Junipero Serra founded the Mission San Diego de Alcala in 1769 - it is the oldest Mission in California.
• Balboa Park is the world’s largest urban cultural park.
• San Diego is considered one of the most temperate cities in the world. Its average year-round temperatures are 70 degrees Fahrenheit (21 degrees Celsius).
• Wyatt Earp the famous Wild West gunslinger, lived at the Horton Grand Hotel in downtown San Diego for seven years.
• Every May 29, the residents of San Diego celebrate Tony Hawk Day. The legendary skater was born in Carlsbad, a coastal city in northern San Diego County, and still lives in the area.

As of 9/10/2024 Google says there are 467 hotels in the San Diego area, this includes all types, price levels, amenities, etc. If you prefer to do your own research click here to view a Google Search Results list of all San Diego hotels.

There is almost always a rise in hotel prices in most U.S. Cities when a major convention is taking place, and San Diego was no exception. We wanted to be near the harbor, and secondarily I wanted to be within hiking distance of the old Naval Training Center.

While planning this trip, we had decided upon the Homewood Suites by Hilton San Diego/Bayside. This was an easy decision, first because we have a lot of good experiences with Homewood Suites and secondly because it fit our requirements perfectly, ie; one block from the nearest Starbucks, two blocks from Little Italy (where numerous good restaurants can be found), one block from the Harbor and a 3.2 mile hike to the old Naval Training Center grounds. I went through Navy Boot Camp there, and then attended & graduated from the Navy Radioman "A" school there - so I have a lot of old fond memories of that place. The fact that the hotel was relatively new was icing on the cake, as the rooms & facilities were good sized & very clean.

This particular hotel is a new concept that Hilton is trying - part of the hotel is a Homewood Suites with true suite setup and the other part of the hotel is a Hilton Garden Inn with standard hotel rooms. The hotel offers a small pool & fitness area, a complimentary breakfast and a small pub/restaurant.

While plotting our San Diego adventures, we discovered that Balboa Park & the San Diego Zoo were but a 2.1 mile hike from our Hotel - and since both of those sites were on our "to do list" that became our first outing.

NOTE: Both of these images are the property of Hilton Hotels

San Diego is a food lover's paradise, offering a diverse range of cuisines, from innovative seafood dishes to elevated Mexican fare. Here are five of the most popular and highly regarded restaurants in the city:

1. Addison: Addison is the only Michelin three-star restaurant in San Diego, located in the Fairmont Grand Del Mar resort. Chef William Bradley creates exquisite, multi-course tasting menus with an emphasis on French techniques and local ingredients. It’s a high-end, intimate dining experience with impeccable service, perfect for special occasions.
2. Juniper & Ivy: A favorite among locals and visitors alike, Juniper & Ivy, led by "Top Chef" star Richard Blais, offers a creative take on New American cuisine. The menu is seasonally driven, featuring innovative dishes like pork belly, duck, and imaginative desserts. The atmosphere is both fun and sophisticated, and it's located in the trendy Little Italy area.
3. Born & Raised: This Little Italy steakhouse is a visual and culinary delight. Born & Raised is known for its high-quality steaks, tableside Caesar salads, and indulgent bone marrow dishes. The rooftop dining area with skyline views adds to its appeal. The opulent interior, crafted cocktails, and luxurious service make it a top choice for steak lovers.
4. Trust: Trust is celebrated for its wood-fired cooking and inventive small plates that combine comfort food with modern elegance. Dishes like grilled octopus, pork shoulder, and chicken liver toast are crowd favorites. Trust emphasizes local and seasonal ingredients, creating a farm-to-table experience in a relaxed, yet refined setting.
5. Oscars Mexican Seafood: Known for some of the best fish tacos in San Diego, Oscars Mexican Seafood is a local institution. This casual spot offers fresh and flavorful seafood, including ceviche, grilled fish, and shrimp tacos. With multiple locations around the city, it’s a must-visit for those looking for a taste of authentic, no-frills Mexican seafood.

San Diego County is home to 4 restaurants that have been labeled as truly great fine dining experiences. Not only that but there are 9 more restaurants under the Bib Gourmand distinction, also given out by the MICHELIN inspectors. San Diego Michelin stars article.

San Diego is a unique coastal city known for its beautiful beaches, rich history, and diverse attractions. Here are the top ten things to do and see:

• Balboa Park: Balboa Park is a massive cultural hub home to numerous museums, gardens, and the world-renowned San Diego Zoo. The park offers attractions like the Museum of Art, Natural History Museum, Botanical Building, and serene walking trails. oogle Reviews 
• San Diego Zoo: Located in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in the world, housing over 3,500 animals. It features immersive exhibits such as the African Rainforest, Panda Canyon, and the stunning Elephant Odyssey. oogle Reviews 
• La Jolla Cove: La Jolla Cove is a picturesque coastal spot perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. The area is also famous for its sea caves, tide pools, and a colony of playful seals. A hike along the La Jolla Trail offers stunning ocean views. oogle Reviews 
• USS Midway Museum: The USS Midway Museum offers a unique experience aboard the longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. You can explore the ship, including its flight deck and hangar, and learn about naval history through interactive exhibits. oogle Reviews 
• Coronado Island: A short ferry ride from downtown, Coronado Island is home to the historic Hotel del Coronado, pristine beaches, and charming shops. Coronado Beach is often voted as one of the best beaches in the U.S., perfect for a relaxing day by the ocean. While there, stop at the Hotel del Coronado and visit this famous hotel, built in 1888 and right on the beach & Pacific Ocean. oogle Reviews 
• Gaslamp Quarter: This historic district in downtown San Diego is known for its lively nightlife, excellent dining, and Victorian-era buildings. The Gaslamp Quarter is also home to numerous bars, theaters, and events like Comic-Con. oogle Reviews 
• Old Town San Diego State Historic Park: Old Town is considered the birthplace of California, offering a glimpse into the city’s past with preserved historic buildings, museums, and traditional Mexican cuisine. It’s a great place to explore the rich culture and history of early San Diego. oogle Reviews 
• Cabrillo National Monument: Located at the tip of Point Loma, this monument commemorates the landing of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the West Coast in 1542. The park offers panoramic views of San Diego Bay, hiking trails, and the historic Old Point Loma Lighthouse. oogle Reviews 
• SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld is a marine-themed park featuring thrilling rides, shows, and interactive exhibits with marine life. Highlights include the Shark Encounter, Turtle Reef, and spectacular shows like Orca Encounter. oogle Reviews 
• Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve: Torrey Pines offers breathtaking coastal cliffs, hiking trails, and one of the last remaining stands of the rare Torrey Pine trees. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails with views of the Pacific, birdwatching, and the scenic Torrey Pines Beach. While there, check out the Torrey Pines Gliderport where local hang gliders launch from. Take a look at the "Fly Torrey" website, they have a good video of launching from the cliff edge over the beach. oogle Reviews 

With our hotel located on Hawthorne Street, our hike to Balboa Park started with a stroll to 1st Avenue where we turned north to Laurel Street, then turned east (right) again and walked into Balboa Park over the Cabrillo Bridge.

We hiked along El Prado and entered Balboa Park via Laurel Street (1.1 miles from our hotel) which brought us into the park on it's western side. The Cabrillo Bridge vista is very pretty, and there are large public park areas on both sides of the road - including a large dog park (Nate's Point Dog Park) on the southern side of the road.

Balboa Park, located in the heart of San Diego, is a vibrant and captivating destination that showcases the city's cultural and natural beauty. Spanning 1,200 acres, this urban oasis is home to a remarkable array of attractions, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. The park's crown jewel is the stunning Spanish Colonial-style architecture, which serves as the backdrop for numerous museums, including the renowned San Diego Museum of Art, the Natural History Museum, and the Fleet Science Center.

Balboa Park has 17 museums, including the San Diego Model Railroad Museum, which is the largest in North America, and the Spanish Village Arts Center, which features local artisans. See our section below about Balboa Park attractions.

Placed in reserve in 1835, the park's site is one of the oldest in the United States dedicated to public recreational use. Balboa Park is managed and maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of San Diego.

Laurel Street turns into El Prado once you walk into the Park entrance on Sixth Avenue. This is an interesting way to get to the Zoo, because you will walk through the Museums area, several restaurants and various other places of interest.

Balboa Park is a sprawling 1,200-acre urban oasis that blends lush gardens, historic architecture, and a treasure trove of cultural institutions. Established in 1868, this park is one of the oldest public spaces in the U.S., and it offers a diverse array of attractions for visitors of all interests. Below is a summary guide to the major highlights of Balboa Park.

 Balboa Park Museums

 Balboa Park Historic and Architectural Sites

 Outdoor Spaces and Gardens

Naval Training Center Site

I described earlier on this page how one of the "hotel selection criteria" was to be within walking distance of the Training Center site. It turns out that I picked perhaps "not the best day" of the week to hike over there from the hotel, as the high that day reached 90 degrees! What made the hike much easier, is that there are two parks along the way; "Cancer Survivors Park" and "Spanish Landing Park East" and both parks have frequent water fountains and rest rooms. I otherwise might have abandoned the hike and called an Uber to get back to the hotel, as the 90 degree day made it a sweaty walk!

One of the very few "Navy things" that remain on the old Naval Training Center Site is the USS Recruit, a cement & steel replica of a (a 2/3 scale model of a Dealey-class destroyer escort) WW2 era ship. New Recruits were brought here to learn various skills and to become familiar with what "port & starboard" meant. The rest of the site (over 361 acres) was acquired by the city of San Diego (through a master lease agreement) and is now a multi-purpose area. The site is now called "Liberty Station".

For anyone interested in the history of the Naval Training Center San Diego, a good decade by decade timeline can found here. The short version is that the base was authorized in 1921, took two years to construct and the opening ceremony took place on June 1, 1923. The base was included in the "Base Realignment and Closure Act" base closings announced on July 5, 1991. The city of San Diego began public discussions in 1996 to determine what the future of the base should be - and the result was "Liberty Station" as described above.

Part of the reason for visiting this area, was that we were on the way back from visiting some very good friends of mine in Manhattan Beach, CA. I had made arrangements to visit them once the technical conference concluded in San Diego, so on Friday morning we checked out of the hotel and drove north to the Los Angeles area. Although it was great to see old friends once again, I have to admit that the Los Angeles traffic is just as bad as it was when I lived there!

We had reservations at the Aliso Viejo Homewood Suites (another very comfortable hotel Mr. Hilton !) because it was adjacent to an area full of restaurants and 6.6 miles from Laguna Beach where we planned on doing some hiking and some nostalgia exploring.

So even though this hotel was very comfortable, it really just became a place for us to spend the night, as we had a lot of things we wanted to see and do while we were in this area.

Crystal Cove State Park is located 2.8 miles north of Laguna Beach on the Pacific Coast Highway (CA-1). The hiking area is on the right side of the highway, and the beach area can be entered just a 1/2 mile further north on the left side of the highway. There is a good sized public parking area on the beach side, but the hiking side has limited parking - so you have to arrive early if you want to park there.

The hiking area of the park is 2,400 acres with a total of 17 different hiking trails that branch off of 3 centralized routes, and visitors are allowed to use them for hiking as well as cycling and horseback riding. The “Perimeter of the Park” trail rises to over 1,000 feet above sea level from the parking lot at 35 feet above sea level.

After our hike and beach exploration, we felt that we had earned a snack or maybe even an early lunch. Since our game plan was to next explore Laguna Beach, we decided to lookup where we might get a coffee and a light lunch and we found the Blk Dot Coffee Shop. This was a great choice, the owner himself brought our food to our table and everything we had was excellent. When I decided to file a Trip Advisor review of this nice shop, I discovered that they did not yet have an entry, so I created one for them and sent them a message to let them know of what I did.

Laguna Beach is a small city, the population in 2023 was 22,322. As the city is located right on the shores of the Pacific Ocean with the coastal hills rising away from the shoreline, most homes are built either on the sides of the hills or on top of them. There are a number of artist businesses along Laguna Canyon Road, where the famous "Sawdust Art Festival" is held.

Our return route to Aliso Viejo required us to transit Laguna Canyon Road to El Toro Road, where we could return to the hotel. Our return flight to Florida was early Sunday morning, requiring us to depart Aliso Viejo very early so we could return the rental car and get checked in with United Airlines.

The following lists are comprised of restaurants and/or other information we found while planning this trip. Please note that each list is not limited to that exact city, but will include establishments within that general area.

California has a wide range of geographic diversity; deserts, mountains, miles of beaches, coastal hills, several very large cities and lets not forget that the agriculture industry is very large, ie; California grows over 200 different crops, some grown nowhere else in the nation. Crops include grapes, almonds, strawberries, oranges and walnuts.

The State changes culturally as you move north from the Mexico Border to northern California. It would be impossible to suggest that any single book could help you understand what California is all about, however some of these books will help you understand what California is comprised of, and how it came to be like it is today.

Note that each book image is linked to it's Amazon page to give you quick reference to the price and other information. Obviously you can purchase any of these books anywhere, and we are not Amazon affiliates.

Or you could click here to view an Amazon Search Results list for "California".