DK Travel : San Diego

Blessed by a sunny climate that never varies ten degrees from moderate and a splendid setting along the Pacific Ocean, San Diegans can well boast they live the California Dream. Although non-stop outdoor recreation, a vibrant downtown, and world-class attractions keep the city’s spirit young, its heart lies in its Spanish beginnings as the birthplace of California.

101 Café

Since its 1928 beginnings as a roadside diner, celebrities and folks just passing through have enjoyed the home-style comfort food.
32nd Street Naval Station

This station provides shore support and living quarters for over 50 naval ships of the Pacific Fleet, and is one of only two major fleet support installations in the country.
A Bike Ride Around Coronado

Morning

Begin at Bikes & Beyond (see Cycling) at the Ferry Landing Market Place. Walk to the sidewalk facing the harbor and enjoy the city view. Pedestrians and joggers also use this sidewalk, so proceed cautiously. Around the corner, you’ll face the Coronado Bridge (see Coronado Bridge); the bougainvillea-covered walls on the right mark the Marriott Resort (see Marriott Coronado Island Resort). Information boards on the way depict harbor wildlife and a map indicates the various navy yards. Under the bridge, the path turns away from the water. At the street, bear left and cross over. There is no protected bike path, but traffic is light on Glorietta Bay Drive. At the marina, the road will fork; take the lower road to the left. Turn right at the stop-light and get off your bike; bike riding is forbidden on Orange Avenue. At 1025 Orange Avenue, Moo Time Creamery serves delicious homemade ice cream and smoothies. Walk your bike back to Hotel del Coronado (see Hotel del Coronado) and check out the shops on its lower level (see Shops at the Hotel del Coronado). Leaving the hotel, bear left to Ocean Avenue; the Pacific Ocean is on the left and several 100-year-old mansions on the right. Turn right on Alameda and ride through a typical Coronado neighborhood with Spanish-style houses and bungalows. At 4th, cross the street and walk one block; the Naval Air Station will be on your left. Turn right on 1st. It’s a straight stretch back to the Market Place.
A Day Walking Around Downtown

Morning

Start at the Santa Fe Depot. Walk right on Broadway, cross the RR tracks, and walk two blocks to Harbor Drive. Turn right and head to the Maritime Museum (see San Diego Maritime Museum). Check out the exhibits and climb aboard the Star of India . Walk back down Harbor Drive. to the ticket booth for harbor tours. A narrated harbor cruise brings you close to the naval facilities. Next, spend an hour or so aboard the USS Midway at the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum (see Aircraft Carrier Museum: USS Midway). Finally, it’s time for lunch at The Fish Market (see The Fish Market).

Afternoon

Continue down Harbor Drive to Seaport Village (see Seaport Village) and stay on the sidewalk until you reach a crossing. Turn left; walk up the street past the Hyatt Hotel, across Harbor Drive and the trolley tracks. Walk onto the Martin Luther King Promenade, which stretches past beautiful downtown apartment revitalizations. At the Convention Center trolley stop, turn left and then right on J St. On J and 3rd, stop by the San Diego Chinese Historical Museum (see San Diego Chinese Historical Museum). Turn left on 3rd and right on Island; you’ll pass the historic Horton Grand Hotel. At 4th, visit the William Heath Davis House (see William Heath Davis House). One block farther is the heart of the Gaslamp Quarter. After walking around, treat yourself to a sundae at Ghiradelli Soda Fountain at 631 5th Street.
A Taste of Gaslamp

A self-guided tour passes by restaurants displaying their kitchen samplings.
A Walk Around Old Town, Heritage Park, & Presidio Park

Morning

Begin at the Old Town Transportation Center. Cross the street and follow the path into Old Town State Historic Park. Just to the left is the Visitor’s Center, where you can pick up a map. Walk along the right side of the Plaza and peek into the U.S. Apothecary Shoppe. Follow the signs to the Casa de Machado-Stewart and the Mason Street School (see Mason Street School). Back at the Plaza, visit the La Casa de Estudillo (see La Casa de Estudillo) for the best insight into an upper-class home of early California. From the Plaza’s southwest corner, continue out of the State Park. Walk along San Diego Avenue, where you’ll find souvenir shops, galleries, and restaurants. Try the Old Town Mexican Café (see Old Town Mexican Café & Cantina) for lunch.

Afternoon

Cross the street at Conde and backtrack up San Diego Avenue to visit the haunted Whaley House. Turn right on Harney Street and walk uphill to Heritage Park. Backtrack one block to the Mormon Battalion Visitor’s Center. Turn right on Juan Street and walk to Mason. You’ll see a sign indicating “The Old Presidio Historic Trail”. Turn right on Mason, follow the golf course to Jackson, and look for the footpath across the street. You’ll parallel Jackson to the left and wind uphill to Presidio Park. Across the grass are the ruins of the original presidio, the Serra Cross, and the Serra Museum.
A Walk in La Jolla

Morning

Begin by looking out the front door of the landmark Hotel La Valencia (see La Valencia). Turn left onto Prospect Street and walk past restaurants and art galleries. Before you reach Coast Boulevard, a stairway to the left leads to the Sunny Jim Cave. Steps lead through a tunnel into a fascinating, ocean-carved cave, named by L. Frank Baum (see L. Frank Baum (1856–1919)). To the left of the entrance a platform overlooks the caves. Continue along Coast Boulevard, admiring views of Torrey Pines and Scripps Pier. Pass through Ellen Browning Scripps Park (see Ellen Browning Scripps Park). Beyond the end of the park is Children’s Pool (see Sea Lion-Watching at Children’s Pool). Check out the seals and sea lions. Turn left on Cuvier Street and left onto Prospect Street. You’ll now be at the Museum of Contemporary Art (see Museum of Contemporary Art). Check out the latest exhibit or have a snack in the café. Louis Gill designed the museum and the older architecture in this area. Walk back toward the village and peek inside John Cole’s Books; the cottage dates back to 1904. Cross Prospect at Fay but keep on Prospect. Pass through the Arcade Building to Girard Avenue. Turn right and window-shop along La Jolla’s main street. Of note is Warwick’s at 7812, a stationer and bookstore, and La Jolla Fiber Arts (see La Jolla Fiber Arts). Cross the street at Torrey Pines Road and double back on Girard. Time to enjoy delicious seafood sandwiches and light French entreés at My Place, 7777 Girard.
Adams Avenue & Park Boulevard Antique Row

Still untouched by San Diego’s urban renewal boom, antique stores, second-hand book and record shops, and retro-clothing boutiques are sprinkled along these streets in east Hillcrest and Normal Heights.
Alcala Gallery

Early Californian Impressionist art is well represented here by the landscapes of Charles A. Fries. This gallery also specializes in ancient pre-Columbian art, Oceanic and African ethnographic art, porcelain, and sculptures. A gallery across the street carries rare books and prints.
Almost Famous, 1999

Nothing much had to be changed from the Volkswagen and Birkenstock look of 1970s Ocean Beach (see Ocean Beach).

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Restaurant price categories

For a three course meal for one with half a bottle of wine (or equivalent meal), taxes and extra charges.
- under $20
- $20–$40
- $40–$55
- $55–$80
- over $80