(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 