DK Travel : San Diego : Places of interest

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Chula Vista Nature Center

The center is located in the Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge, one of the few salt marshes left on the Pacific Coast. Rent some binoculars and climb to an observation deck to see how many of the 200 bird species that inhabit the refuge you can spot. Or you can also take a self- or ranger-guided tour along interpretative trails. Children will enjoy petting bat rays and leopard sharks. The parking lot is located near the Baysite/E Street Trolley Station; a free shuttle will take you to the center.
Coronado

In the 1880s, two wealthy businessmen, Elisha Babcock, Jr. and Hampton Story, purchased Coronado and set out to build a town. They sold lots, laid streets, and constructed the landmark Hotel del Coronado (see Hotel del Coronado). John D. Spreckels (see John D. Spreckels (1853–1926)) soon bought them out and turned Coronado into a haven for old-money gentry. The military permanently took over much of the peninsula during World War I. The old mansions, resorts, and military base exist harmoniously and give Coronado its unique identity (see Coronado).
Del Mar

The wealthiest community among North County’s beach towns, Del Mar is filled with sidewalk cafés, restaurants, and boutiques.
East Village

Formerly a Victorian village that fell into neglect but survived as a warehouse district and artist colony, this is downtown’s newest redeveloped area. Petco Park, the 2004 state-of-the-art baseball stadium and home to the San Diego Padres (see San Diego Padres), is the neighborhood’s latest focal point. Check out the 1909 Western Metal Supply building: architects incorporated the vintage building into the stadium’s structure. A new Children’s Museum of San Diego, a new main library, shops, restaurants, artists’ lofts, and 4,000 new dwellings are currently under construction.
Embarcadero

For those arriving by ship or train, the Embarcadero is San Diego’s front door. Passengers disembark from gleaming white cruise ships tied up at B Street Pier or pass through a 1915 train depot, eager to enjoy the city’s attractions. But unlike most cities, the Embarcadero is an attraction in itself. Pedestrian-friendly walk-ways pass by historic sailing ships, museums, shopping centers, and parks. Serious and quirky public art works and a splendid harbor filled with maritime life define this lively district (see Embarcadero).
Encinitas

Voted one of the “Top 10 Surf Towns in the US” by Surfer magazine, local highlights include the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat and Hermitage and the Quail Botanical Gardens.
Gaslamp Quarter

In the mid-19th century, Gaslamp Quarter was the heart of a new city, but within 50 years it had fallen prey to gambling halls, opium dens, and houses of prostitution, and within another 50 years, had become a broken-down slum. Now the Gaslamp Quarter sparkles as it looks to a brilliant future. During the day, the gloriously restored historic buildings, each an architectural highlight, attract history buffs and shoppers. By night, crowds line up to dine in fashionable restaurants, listen to music, or sip the latest martini concoction (see Gaslamp Quarter).
Harbor Island

Created from 3.5 million tons of mud scooped from the bottom of San Diego Bay, this recreational island is another peninsula that extends into the bay south from the airport. Hotels, restaurants, and marinas take advantage of the gorgeous views across the bay of downtown, Point Loma, and Coronado. Facing the island along the waterfront is Spanish Landing Park, which commemorates the 1769 meeting of the sea and land expeditions of Gaspar de Portolá and Junípero Serra (see Mission San Diego de Alcalá) which permanently brought the Spanish to California.
Heritage Park

Downtown’s rapid expansion after World War II almost destroyed several Victorian heritage houses and San Diego’s first synagogue. The Save Our Heritage Organization rescued and moved these architectural treasures to this specially-created park. Of notable interest is the Sherman Gilbert House, once home to art and music patrons Bess and Gertrude Gilbert, who hosted luminaries such as Artur Rubinstein, Anna Pavlova, and the Trapp Family Singers. Bronze plaques describe the houses’ former lives.
Hillcrest

Considered San Diego’s first suburb in the 1920s, Hillcrest slowly developed into a residential area, offering a quiet alternative to the bustle of downtown. A trolley stop opened the neighborhood up to thriving businesses, restaurants, and theaters; in the 1940s merchants proudly erected a sign that spanned University Boulevard, proclaiming “Hillcrest” to the world. But fortunes changed, neglect followed, and the sign came down. In the 1970s, the gay and lesbian community took up the revitalization challenge and transformed the community into a hip destination with fabulous restaurants, nightlife, and avant garde shops. And the sign is back – in neon.