(Museums in Balboa Park)
It is a funny thing, living in a vacation destination. Although I pass by the Sea World tower each day during my shuttle-ride to the lab, I am most often oblivious to the tourist attractions and natural wonders by which we am surrounded. In discussing how to spend our non-BBQ time during this Fourth of July weekend, The Bat and I got to discussing all of the San Diego attractions that, as residents, we have never taken the time to see and/or experience. Our list grew quite fast and the idea of a summer blogging project bloomed along with it.
(Looking out over the arid farm country of East San Diego county)
June was a hectic month – what with constant birthday parties, family gatherings, Whole30 restrictions and work schedule changes. I am very happy to put those days behind me. Luckily, July has opened full of sunshine and, thus far, much more relaxing. So, in the interest of living in the moment and soaking up what the city has to offer – I am officially declaring it The Summer of San Diego. I want to play tourist in my hometown and see what makes San Diego “America’s Finest City.”
(Beer tasting at AleSmith)
There is no time like the present to really explore the nooks and crannies of San Diego. After 7 years in Boston and 4 years in Paris, I can easily make lists of things I never took the time to see and do (Glass flowers, anyone? Or wine tasting in the French countryside?). I do not want to take this city for granted. To that end, no project of mine is complete without a list. So, without further ado – here are more things than I could possibly fit into the next 8-12 weekends. Of course posting them here holds me somewhat accountable and provides excellent blog fodder as the summer moves along.
(Sea Kayakers in La Jolla Cove)
Let the games begin!
Attractions:
Legoland (I want to go this summer, mainly for this)
Historical Landmarks:
Old Town San Diego – Food and Tours!
Parks/Beaches:
– Museums (so many, and free on Tuesdays)
– Botantical Garden
– Concert at the Organ Pavillion
– Play at the Globe Theater
– Japanese Friendship Garden
Picnic at Kate Sessions Park
Tidepools at Sunset Cliffs
Hiking at Torrey Pines
Anza Borrego Dessert (might have to wait for flower season next spring)
Camping/Hiking @ Idyllwild
Sports:
Watch San Diego Padres baseball game at Petco Park
Play Disc Golf at Morley Field
Surfing Lessons (?)
Sea Cave Kayaking in La Jolla Cove
Watch (do?) paragliding at the Torrey Pines Gliderport
Sailing in the San Diego Harbor
Food/Drink as motivators:
Beer Tasting (at one/some/all of the booming craft breweries in the area!)
Julian Road Trip and Apple Pie
Sunset cocktails at the beachside bar at the Hotel Del Coronado
@UCSD:
Beyond San Diego:
California Missions Road Trip
Wine Tasting in Temecula
Wine Tasting in Santa Barbara/Santa Ynez
Train to The Big A for an Angels baseball game
(“Bear” on the campus of University of California, San Diego)
San Diegans (and visitors), tell me what I have missed, but must see!
Friends (or other bloggers?), let me know if you want to get in on the fun and join me on any of these adventures!
The list is long (and somewhat overwhelming), but it is so exciting to realize how much fun there is to be had in my own backyard!
Researching San Diego 
Beautiful! I drove down to San Diego last month to celebrate my birthday at a famous dessert place there (you know which one) quite disappointing but then recovered by “Avec” in little Italy. Love San Diego!
I actually have a post lined up about the aforementioned dessert place – also not blown away (but boo for it providing disappointment on your birthday!). However, thanks for the ‘Avec’ recommendation – will definitely check that out. It is so nice to have more motivation (and a blog-gy excuse) to get out and explore my city 🙂
I want to read that. I think I just have too high expectation for the place. I was hoping to find French pastry place not another American basic desserts. You know what I mean right. The desserts that more mouse, sponge and pastry combine with complex flavors, took three days to put together rather than lemon bar, cake or brownies.
Anyhow, at Avec don’t miss the truffle egg toast and black pepper pasta (so simple but GOOD!) or even add the egg yoke ravioli that has egg yoke still liquid inside. They’re the best.
My dessert review is coming soon. I agree with you completely – I was expecting a bit more complexity… However, after your few comments (and mouthwatering descriptions) on Avec, it has moved to the top of my ‘nice meals out’ list… Yum!
🙂
What a beautiful buidling!
Balboa Park is gorgeous. I’m really looking forward to exploring it further!
I love San Diego! Almost always something to do, and going to the beach is always free! One of our favorite places to hang out is Coronado! We love going to the landing and having a cup of coffee and just sit and people watch. It’s also a great place to ride bikes – very flat and the scenery is amazing! The Hotel Del is a great place to take a stroll through, and take a step back in time as well.
There are so many great places – another great vantage point is Mount Helix – check it out! It offers a great view of the city!
Loved your list, can’t wait to hear more about them as you go about exploring. Have fun! 🙂
Thank you! I love it as well!! Funny – after I made this list, I went onto think of many more things to add to it (The Midway tour, The Star of India – now, Mt. Helix) 🙂 There really is so much here that there is no need to escape elsewhere. I will be writing about my first venture – to Cabrillo – in the next day or two… Talk about an amazing view!!!
Thats a pretty amazing place too! I can’t wait to hear what you think about it! We just recently went on the Midway tour & the Star of India. Really fascinating, both of them! So many cool things to do here!!!