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Archive for the ‘San Diego’ Category

Romantic San Diego Vacation

Wednesday, August 2nd, 2006

Going to California for a vacation? Then you should really consider the San Diego area. There is multitude of activities and sights to see; you probably won’t have enough time to do it all! To make your San Diego vacation is one to remember, be sure to start plenty ahead of time. It’s possible to purchase tickets online for such attractions as Sea World and the San Diego Zoo, which are usually available at a discount when purchasing in advance. There is something for everyone, depending on what you have in mind. Torrey Pines State Park offers room to run with viewing of wild rare birds and a stately abundance of pine trees, which of course, gives the historic park its name.

With such a wide variety of activities, events, restaurants, and lodging, you can plan your trip on a budget or spend lavishly, whichever you prefer. Such historic sites as the Hotel del Coronado, offer upscale shopping, dining, and informative tours as well as fine overnight accommodations. Many festive occasions take place at this ocean side historic landmark; grand weddings being the most popular. There are many family friendly activities also available, such as bike rentals, swimming, and sand toys to rent. This grand old hotel is also rumored to be haunted, something for those who enjoy the paranormal!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the most popular attractions. It is considered to be America’s best, and one of the most famous zoos also, with many of the rarest animals on display. According to Frommer’s, a well respected travel publication, the zoo serves as residence to over 4,000 different creatures and is operated by the Zoological Society of San Diego. Plan on spending a whole day and then some meandering through the many paved walkways of the park, or you can take the popular tramway for a wonder aerial overview. There can sometimes be a wait for some of the zoos newest and most popular exhibits, but all well worth it! Bring your camera and take lots of pictures, the animals love the attention!

Another must see attraction is Sea World, home of Shamu and as of December, 2004, Baby Shamu, the killer whales. These spectacular creatures put on shows daily exhibiting their unique relationships and many talents. Watch out for the big splash if you’re sitting in the front rows! Brrrrr! When the killer whales make their dives, they splash chilly 55 degree salt water on the closest fans; an exciting, wet experience!

Where ever you stay, or what attractions you see, you won’t be disappointed by the over abundance of things to do or experience in San Diego. Fine dining on the wharf, or shopping in Gaslamp Quarter, the possibilities are endless. Bring the kids or leave them with the grandparents for a romantic trip for two, you can’t go wrong! Either way, you will get to enjoy a unique San Diego vacation.

La Jolla Kayak Tour at San Diego

Wednesday, July 12th, 2006

My friend was telling me there’s nothing to do in San Diego. Nothing? You can be sure I set him right! If you’re visiting San Diego (or even if you live in San Diego and haven’t done it already), a La Jolla kayak tour may be one of the best ways to spend an afternoon in the San Diego area. Kayaking from La Jolla beach has been a popular pastime for years, and for good reason.

Imagine, you head down to the beach with your kayak, your life jacket, and your paddle. You sit on your boat and slide it into the water; since it’s a sit-on-top your feet aren’t trapped in the boat and if you want you can just swim off of it. You charge out into the surf and you’re soon off of the breakers. Heading away from the beach, the sounds of the waves breaking over the beach are replaced by a deeper boom up the coast. Soon you see the sea caves as well as hear them. Showing up as big openings in the side of the cliff, huge sea caves have been eaten into the cliff wall by years of pounding surf. Depending on the size of the waves that day, the character of the sea caves can range from quiet, echoing churches to thundering maelstroms (though if it’s a big surf day you’ll probably be advised not to go anywhere near the caves. Though they’re completely safe on a calmer day, big waves can make the caves extremely dangerous).

These gorgeous caves are only a ten or fifteen minute paddle from the beach, and if you’re lucky you’ll see seals and sea lions lounging about on the warm rocks or going for a playful swim around your kayak. You can even paddle through some of the arches and around the caves if you’re comfortable with it. If you’re not a very strong paddler, you can always rent a tandem kayak with a friend, as these are more stable and easier to paddle than the singles. It’s also possible to hire a guide for the afternoon to show you around the caves.

La Jolla kayak tours aren’t only limited to the caves. Though most La Jolla kayak rental companies run trips or rentals to the caves, another option is to hire a kayak, either with or without a guide, to go kayaking fishing off of La Jolla beach. La Jolla kayak fishing can get you into places you could never reach with a conventional fishing boat, and since you’re quieter and less conspicuous in a kayak than you are in a big fishing boat, kayak fishing usually translates to better fishing.  Which ever route you go, kayaking La Jolla is a great way to spend time in the San Diego area. I always enjoy my regular kayaking session at San Diego.