Visit to San Diego
Discover the ultimate San Diego visit with stunning beaches, iconic attractions, and outdoor activities. Explore San Diego, LA, and beyond for the perfect mix of sun, culture, and fun!
by Celeste Lipford and Terry Lipford - last updated on 9/12/2024
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.
Interesting facts about San Diego
- 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.
Where to stay in San Diego
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
Restaurants in San Diego
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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Top 10 things to see and do in San Diego
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
El Prado Balboa Park San Diego Map
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.
More Info for Balboa Park
- Balboa Park Website: here is a link to their website.
- Balboa Park Google Images Set: Here is a link to that Google Images Set.
- Balboa Park Wikipedia Article: Here is a link to that article.
- Balboa Park Map Here is the Google Map link.
- Google Reviews for Balboa Park
Image Credits:
All of the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Balboa Park Main Attractions
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
The park is home to 17 museums, each offering a unique cultural or scientific experience. Here’s a brief overview of each:
- San Diego Museum of Art: The oldest and largest art museum in the region, featuring works from Spanish old masters, Asian art, European art, and contemporary pieces.
- San Diego Natural History Museum: Known as "The Nat," it showcases the natural history of Southern California and Baja California, with exhibits on fossils, wildlife, and environmental issues.
- Fleet Science Center: An interactive science museum with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX theater, and a planetarium focused on science and technology.
- Museum of Photographic Arts (MOPA): Specializes in photography and film, featuring a rotating selection of contemporary and historical photographic works.
- San Diego Air & Space Museum: Highlights aviation and space exploration history, with aircraft displays, space artifacts, and a replica of the Wright brothers’ plane.
- San Diego Museum of Man: An anthropology museum exploring human cultures, from ancient civilizations to contemporary societies, with a focus on human evolution, the Maya, and the Kumeyaay people.
- San Diego Model Railroad Museum: The world's largest model railroad museum, showcasing intricately detailed model trains and railways, representing various eras and locales.
- San Diego Automotive Museum: Displays classic cars and motorcycles, highlighting automotive history and culture with rotating exhibits of unique and historically significant vehicles.
- Timken Museum of Art: A small but impressive collection of European and American art, featuring works by Rembrandt, Rubens, and other masters, with free admission.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: A cultural center celebrating Japanese art, culture, and gardening, with exhibits and peaceful landscapes inspired by Japanese design.
- Mingei International Museum: Dedicated to folk art, craft, and design from around the world, showcasing everyday objects transformed into art.
- San Diego History Center: Chronicles the history of San Diego and the broader Southern California region, with exhibits on local culture, influential figures, and historic events.
- Centro Cultural de la Raza: Focuses on Chicano, Mexican, Indigenous, and Latino art and culture, offering exhibits, performances, and educational programs.
- Veterans Museum and Memorial Center: Honors the military service of veterans, with exhibits on various wars, military artifacts, and stories from local veterans.
- San Diego Art Institute: A contemporary art space featuring works by local and regional artists, with rotating exhibitions that explore current themes in art.
- Marston House Museum & Gardens: A historic home museum showcasing early 20th-century architecture and landscape design, with period furnishings and expansive gardens.
- House of Pacific Relations International Cottages: A cultural center representing various nations through small cottages, offering exhibits and events celebrating each country’s heritage.
Balboa Park Historic and Architectural Sites
The park is a cultural and architectural gem, renowned for its historic landmarks and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture, largely stemming from the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
- California Tower and California Quadrangle: This iconic landmark, part of the San Diego Museum of Us, features Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The California Tower offers panoramic views of San Diego and is a symbol of the 1915 Panama-California Exposition.
- Casa de Balboa: Another Spanish Colonial Revival building, it houses multiple museums including the San Diego History Center and the Model Railroad Museum. Its ornate design and detailed facades are hallmarks of the park's architectural style.
- The Old Globe Theatre: A replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theatre in London, this venue is the centerpiece of the park’s performing arts community. It hosts a variety of plays and performances, contributing to the cultural richness of Balboa Park.
- El Prado and Plaza de Panama: The main promenade of Balboa Park, El Prado is lined with historic buildings featuring Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. The Plaza de Panama is a central gathering space surrounded by these architectural gems.
- Botanical Building: Built for the 1915 Exposition, this lath-covered structure is one of the largest of its kind and houses an impressive collection of tropical plants and orchids. The adjacent Lily Pond is a picturesque spot popular with visitors.
- Spreckels Organ Pavilion: Home to the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, this pavilion hosts free concerts and events. The pavilion’s design is a blend of classical and Spanish Colonial elements, making it a striking architectural feature.
- House of Hospitality: Another historic building in Spanish Colonial Revival style, it now serves as the visitor center for Balboa Park. The building’s courtyard, known as the Alcazar Garden, is inspired by the gardens of Seville, Spain.
- Marston House Museum & Gardens: A historic home built in the early 20th century, showcasing the Arts and Crafts architectural style. The Marston House offers a glimpse into San Diego’s past, with beautifully preserved interiors and gardens.
- Casa del Prado: Originally constructed for the Panama-California Exposition, this building is known for its ornate façade and serves as a hub for cultural and educational activities.
- Zoro Garden: A sunken stone grotto garden originally designed as a nudist colony for the 1935 California Pacific International Exposition, now a peaceful butterfly garden.
Outdoor Spaces and Gardens
The park is renowned for its beautiful outdoor spaces and gardens, each offering a unique environment for visitors to enjoy nature, relax, and explore. Here’s a summary of the park's key outdoor spaces and gardens:
- Alcazar Garden: Modeled after the gardens of the Alcazar Castle in Seville, Spain, this formal garden features colorful Moorish tiles, lush hedges, and vibrant flowers, offering a serene and picturesque setting.
- Botanical Building and Lily Pond: One of the most photographed spots in Balboa Park, the Botanical Building houses more than 2,100 plants, including orchids and palms, under its historic lath structure. The Lily Pond in front of the building adds to the tranquil atmosphere.
- Japanese Friendship Garden: A 12-acre garden symbolizing friendship between San Diego and its sister city, Yokohama, Japan. The garden includes koi ponds, bonsai trees, traditional Japanese architecture, and serene walking paths.
- Zoro Garden: A sunken garden originally designed as a nudist colony for the 1935 Exposition, it is now a butterfly garden, attracting various species of butterflies with its nectar-rich plants.
- Desert Garden: Adjacent to the Rose Garden, this space showcases more than 1,300 species of desert plants, including cacti, succulents, and drought-tolerant flora. It’s a striking contrast to the park’s more lush landscapes.
- Inez Grant Parker Memorial Rose Garden: A beautiful, award-winning garden featuring more than 1,600 roses of different varieties. The garden is in full bloom from March through December and is a popular spot for both visitors and weddings.
- Palm Canyon: A hidden gem with over 450 palm trees, including rare and exotic species. The winding trails and historic wooden footbridge create a tropical escape within the park.
- Cactus Garden: A smaller garden that highlights a variety of cacti and succulents from around the world. It’s a quiet spot with unique plant life that thrives in arid conditions.
- Grape Arbor: An enchanting spot near the Casa del Rey Moro Garden, this grape-covered trellis provides a cool, shaded retreat and is particularly beautiful when the vines are in bloom.
- Australian Garden: This area showcases plants native to Australia, such as eucalyptus trees and acacias. It’s a more naturalistic space, offering a different botanical experience.
- Veterans Memorial Garden: Dedicated to veterans, this garden is a peaceful space featuring a variety of plants and a poignant memorial honoring those who served in the armed forces.
- Bird Park: Located on the northeastern edge of the park, Bird Park is a grassy area with picnic spots, playgrounds, and views of downtown San Diego, popular for family outings and community events.
- Golden Hill Park: A more secluded area of Balboa Park, offering open grassy fields, picnic areas, and panoramic views of the city, perfect for relaxation and outdoor activities.
San Diego Zoo Map
The San Diego Zoo is a world-renowned wildlife sanctuary and conservation center. Home to thousands of rare and exotic animals, it offers visitors an immersive experience exploring diverse ecosystems. From towering giraffes to playful pandas, the zoo provides opportunities to observe animals in natural habitats. Beyond showcasing wildlife, the zoo is dedicated to conservation efforts, participating in breeding programs and education initiatives. With its commitment to animal welfare and environmental sustainability, the San Diego Zoo remains a leading institution in the field of zoological science.
The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in the United States, you can easily find just about any animal that you may want to see here! Here are just a few of the amazing zoo statistics;
- More than 12,000 rare and endangered animals.
- More than 650 different species.
- It's parent organization, San Diego Zoo Global, is one of the largest zoological membership associations in the world.
- It is the most visited zoo in the United States.
- It previously had the largest population of giant pandas in North America, they have all since been returned to China.
- It is famous for its breeding colony of koalas, the largest one outside of Australia.
This is a zoo that is fascinating in many respects, you should plan to spend at least a full day exploring! Be sure to wear comfortable walking shoes, as the zoo has some steep trails - or plan to ride one of the many zoo tour rides.
The Zoo was a pioneer in the concept of open-air, cageless exhibits that re-create natural animal habitats. It is one of the few zoos in the world that houses, and successfully bred the giant panda, although the pandas have recently been repatriated to China. In 2013, the zoo added a new Australian Outback exhibit, providing an updated Australian animal experience. Another new exhibit, called Africa Rocks, opened in 2017.
More Info for the San Diego Zoo
- San Diego Zoo Tickets: Here is a link to the Zoo Website Purchase Tickets Page.
- San Diego Zoo Google Images Set: Here is a link to that Google Images Results Page.
- San Diego Zoo Map: Here is a link to that Google Map Page.
- San Diego Zoo Website: Here is a link to their Website.
- San Diego Zoo Wikipedia Article: Here is a link to that Article Page.
- Google Reviews for the San Diego Zoo
Image Credits:
- All the above images (unless otherwise noted) are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
San Diego Bay Area Map
All of the above images were taken as we explored the Harbor Boulevard area from the hotel south to the Tuna Harbor Park - directly opposite the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum. The Fish Market Restaurant is located at the western edge (bay side) of the peninsula. We wound up having dinner there, and were glad we did - food was very good and the service was friendly & efficient.
For those of you who have visited Sarasota, FL - yes the Unconditional Surrender Statue in Sarasota is part of the Seward Johnson series. You too can own one, prices start at $542,500 for styrofoam, $980,000 for aluminum, and $1,140,000 for bronze. And just for the record, the Sarasota Statue was installed in 2005 and the San Diego Statue was installed in 2007.
More Info for San Diego Bay
Image Credits:
- Unless otherwise noted, all images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Liberty Station San Diego Map
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 ceremy 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.
More Info for Liberty Station
- Liberty Station Google Images Set: Here is a link to that Google Images Results Page.
- Liberty Station Map: Here is a link to that Google Map Page.
- Liberty Station Website: Here is a link to their Website.
- Liberty Station Wikipedia Article: Here is a link to that Article Page.
- Google Reviews for Liberty Station
Image Credits:
- Image # 2 above is the property of the U.S. Navy (Public Domain 1980).
- Unless otherwise noted, all other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Aliso Viejo California Area Map
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.
More Info for Aliso Viejo
- Aliso Viejo Wikipedia Article:
- Aliso Viejo Google Images Set:
- Open Table Best Aliso Viejo Restaurants
- Google Search Results List for "Aliso Viejo Restaurants"
- Google Search Results list for "Aliso Viejo accommodations"
- Sky Scanner Aliso Viejo Restaurants
- Open Table list of Restaurants for "Aliso Viejo"
- Top Hiking Trails near Aliso Viejo via Google Search
- Google Reviews for Aliso Viejo
Image Credits:
- Both of these images are the property of Hilton Hotels
- Unless otherwise noted, all other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Crystal Cove State Park Map
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.
Our plan was to trek the "moderate loop trail" because at 2.85 miles and a rise from 35 feet above sea level to 550 feet above sea level we could enjoy the hike and not expend an entire day's worth of energy there! The rise in elevation was indeed moderate but continous, and we enjoyed the scenic views of the surrounding area as well as the Pacific Ocean.
We initially thought that we could just walk down from the hiking parking area and cross the highway to reach the beach. Nope, no way to cross over. So we went back and got the car and drove 1/2 mile to the beach area parking lot. As you can see in the above images, the walk down to the beach is very steep but California thoughtfully provides a stout hand-rail all the way down.
Beach Access from the Parking Lot
Remember above where I described getting to the beach as "steep"? I do not know what this elevation is and admittedly the walk is only perhaps 100 yards long, but the descent is continuous and the hand-railing is very useful!
I could not locate any information regarding the height of the parking lot above the beach, but it had to have been perhaps 200 feet or so above sea level. This is the kind of beach that makes people want to visit California; edged by cliffs, beautiful view out over the Pacific Ocean and the occasional pile of rocks along the water's edge.
More Info for Crystal Cove State Park
- Crystal Cove Map: Here is a link to a Google Map.
- Crystal Cove Google Images Set: Here is a link to that Google Images Results Page.
- Crystal Cove Website: Here is a link to their Website.
- Crystal Cove Wikipedia Article: Here is a link to that Article Page.
- Crystal Cove visit Cost: Day use is $15 per vehicle and $20 on summer weekends and holidays. For annual, seasonal, veteran discounts and other pass descriptions see California Parks Website. Is there an hourly parking rate? Yes, $5 per hour parking is available year-round at the Los Trancos parking lot through the Yodel Parking app.
- Google Reviews for Crystal Cove State Park
Image Credits:
- Unless otherwise noted, all other images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Laguna Beach Map
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 estimate in 2017 was 23,174. 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.
More Info for Laguna Beach
- Laguna Beach Wikipedia Article:
- Laguna Beach Google Images Set:
- The Infatuation Site: The Best Restaurants In Laguna Beach
- Google Search Results List for "Laguna Beach Restaurants"
- Google Search Results list for "accommodations near Laguna Beach"
- Sky Scanner Laguna Beach Restaurants
- Google Search Results list for "Best Hiking Trails near Laguna Beach"
- Google Reviews for Laguna Beach
Image Credits:
All of the above images are the property of Just Traveling Thru, LLC.
Some Useful Links Map
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.
Suggested Further Reading for Southern California
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".
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