Dec
20
Dance, Music, Shops, Museums…….downtown San Diego Rocks
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David Miller asked:
The action and fun never stops in Downtown San Diego. Located on the San Diego Bay, this place is also referred to as the city center of San Diego, California.
From shopping centers, historical museums, to fine restaurants; there is something for everyone here. In 2004, the huge construction project Padres’ PETCO Park brought back some of the pristine glory of the demolished Downtown and the place is buzzing with activity today.
Here are few of the attractions in Downtown San Diego which you shouldn’t miss at any cost:
Gaslamp Quarter
This quaint area derived its name from the old-fashioned street gas lamps which lined the sidewalks in the earlier days. Even today, this place takes you back in time as its various historic buildings here have been restored to resemble their erstwhile grandeur.
The rocking nightlife of San Diego reaches its zenith in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is the Mecca of bars, casinos, dance clubs, sidewalk cafes, and live theaters.
Just one night is not enough to soak into the spirit of Gaslamp Quarter. You would like to make a few more visits to this unique place and hence, it is better to find an accommodation in San Diego which is nearby.
Horton Plaza shopping center
Horton Plaza is the place to shop till you drop. The building of Horton Plaza is an architectural marvel. It is a multi level mall housing numerous gift shops and boutiques of all sizes. When you get tired shopping around, all you need to do to re-energize yourself is to walk into one of the plush restaurants and enjoy some fine dining.
Seaport Village
It has more than 50 specialty shops, fine dining waterfront restaurants and a restored antique carousel. Savoring mouth watering sea food while watching the boats go by on the bay is an experience you will remember. There is always plenty to do here from enjoying the fine weather or riding on the carousal to listening to some live music shows by street art performers.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego recently expended its campus and added David C. Copley Building and the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building to its premises. The expanded area enables the museum to hold more exhibitions and serve more visitors.
The museum also hosts TNT (Thursday of the month); an evening dedicated to art, music, poetry and lots more. The first Thursday of the month is a good time to head to this museum and check out the events ranging from poetry reading, slide jams, DJ’s lessons, dance, live bands, exhibitions and lots more.
Firehouse museum
This museum is one of its kind. It houses fire engines, an antique steam pumper dating back to 1903, fire hats and antique alarms. Drop in at the nearby gift shop also.
Maritime Museum
This museum boasts of huge collection of historic ships including the Star of India, the world’s oldest active ship. Check out the imitation of the 18th-century Royal Navy frigate; the HMS Surprise.
Chinese Historical Museum
In this antique museum you can find the artifacts which were discovered from the old Chinatown in San Diego. Collect souvenirs for your friends and family from the gift shop here.
Little Italy
Located in the northwest end of Downtown, San Diego, it was formerly an Italian fishing neighborhood. But today it is a picturesque neighborhood consisting of Italian restaurants, art galleries, retail shops and amazing home design stores.
Visiting Downtown San Diego is an experience in itself. While in San Diego, do spare some time to visit this place which is always full of energy. And for lodging in San Diego, browse the web to zero for an affordable San Diego accommodation which offers good deals and packages. Make sure the lodging facility is located near to all the major attractions of San Diego so that you don’t spend time commuting.
NAGEOTTE
The action and fun never stops in Downtown San Diego. Located on the San Diego Bay, this place is also referred to as the city center of San Diego, California.
From shopping centers, historical museums, to fine restaurants; there is something for everyone here. In 2004, the huge construction project Padres’ PETCO Park brought back some of the pristine glory of the demolished Downtown and the place is buzzing with activity today.
Here are few of the attractions in Downtown San Diego which you shouldn’t miss at any cost:
Gaslamp Quarter
This quaint area derived its name from the old-fashioned street gas lamps which lined the sidewalks in the earlier days. Even today, this place takes you back in time as its various historic buildings here have been restored to resemble their erstwhile grandeur.
The rocking nightlife of San Diego reaches its zenith in the Gaslamp Quarter. It is the Mecca of bars, casinos, dance clubs, sidewalk cafes, and live theaters.
Just one night is not enough to soak into the spirit of Gaslamp Quarter. You would like to make a few more visits to this unique place and hence, it is better to find an accommodation in San Diego which is nearby.
Horton Plaza shopping center
Horton Plaza is the place to shop till you drop. The building of Horton Plaza is an architectural marvel. It is a multi level mall housing numerous gift shops and boutiques of all sizes. When you get tired shopping around, all you need to do to re-energize yourself is to walk into one of the plush restaurants and enjoy some fine dining.
Seaport Village
It has more than 50 specialty shops, fine dining waterfront restaurants and a restored antique carousel. Savoring mouth watering sea food while watching the boats go by on the bay is an experience you will remember. There is always plenty to do here from enjoying the fine weather or riding on the carousal to listening to some live music shows by street art performers.
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego
Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego recently expended its campus and added David C. Copley Building and the Joan and Irwin Jacobs Building to its premises. The expanded area enables the museum to hold more exhibitions and serve more visitors.
The museum also hosts TNT (Thursday of the month); an evening dedicated to art, music, poetry and lots more. The first Thursday of the month is a good time to head to this museum and check out the events ranging from poetry reading, slide jams, DJ’s lessons, dance, live bands, exhibitions and lots more.
Firehouse museum
This museum is one of its kind. It houses fire engines, an antique steam pumper dating back to 1903, fire hats and antique alarms. Drop in at the nearby gift shop also.
Maritime Museum
This museum boasts of huge collection of historic ships including the Star of India, the world’s oldest active ship. Check out the imitation of the 18th-century Royal Navy frigate; the HMS Surprise.
Chinese Historical Museum
In this antique museum you can find the artifacts which were discovered from the old Chinatown in San Diego. Collect souvenirs for your friends and family from the gift shop here.
Little Italy
Located in the northwest end of Downtown, San Diego, it was formerly an Italian fishing neighborhood. But today it is a picturesque neighborhood consisting of Italian restaurants, art galleries, retail shops and amazing home design stores.
Visiting Downtown San Diego is an experience in itself. While in San Diego, do spare some time to visit this place which is always full of energy. And for lodging in San Diego, browse the web to zero for an affordable San Diego accommodation which offers good deals and packages. Make sure the lodging facility is located near to all the major attractions of San Diego so that you don’t spend time commuting.
NAGEOTTE
Oct
3
Know What to Do in Magical Old Town in San Diego
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David Miller asked:
San Diego is studded with plenty of beautiful tourist attractions such as the wonderful Zoo, the Sea World, the shopping centers, the sunny beaches and so on. Tucked away from the modern, urbane San Diego is the mesmerizing and colorful Old Town, which has its own magnetic attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Whether you are a history buff, die-hard shopper or a food lover; Old Town has something for everyone.
Old Town is known as the birthplace of California. It was here in 1769, where Father Junipero Serra laid the foundation of very first Spanish mission; the Mission San Diego. Old Town gives you an opportunity to step back in time and relish the rich and colorful history of erstwhile California.
Old Town is home to at least 27 historic building and sites, 12 art galleries, numerous specialty shops and dozens of restaurants.
Historic buildings include State Historic Park, Heritage Park, Presidio Park, Sheriff’s Museum, La Casa de Estudillo, the first Church in Old Town, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Altamirno Pedrorena, Mormon Battalion Visitors Center, Mason Street School and lots more.
Some of its prominent landmarks that both old and young enjoy are:
State Historic Park - State Historic Park is the most visited park in San Diego and preserves the rich heritage of San Diego from the period 1821 to 1872. The best part is that all of the museums here are free of charge for the public. It preserves many historic structures such as
Casa de Estudillo
Casa de Bandini
Old Adobe Chapel
Wells Fargo History Museum
San Diego Union Museum
Serra Museum
Sheriff’s Museum
First San Diego Courthouse
Black Hawk Smithy & Stable
Light-Freeman House
Blacksmith shop
State’s first newspaper office
Wrightington House
Mormon Battalion Memorial Visitor’s Center
San Diego’s first school; the Mason Street Schoolhouse
Heritage Park - Heritage Park looks majestic with its cobblestone roads and beautiful archaic Victorian homes. Seven historic Victorian homes have been restored to their original magnificence here. It also consists of San Diego’s first synagogue, which now hosts weddings, receptions, and bar mitzvahs.
Whaley House - It is famed to be the most haunted house in America. In 1960, it was opened as a museum. Whether the place has ghosts or not, a visit to the Whaley house is not to be missed.
Shop, Dine and Enjoy in Old Town
Old Town is a perfect place for buying souvenirs for your family and friends. The place is packed with shops selling amazingly artistic handmade jewelry, books, sun-powered products, Mexican-style pottery, leather products and numerous other such unique ethnic items.
When in Old Town, you will never get bored. The place is full of life and buzzing with activity. Local artists here are a tourist’s delight. Plaza del Pasado in Old Town comes alive with Mariachi players strumming the sounds of Mexico, artisans demonstrating glass blowing and storytellers strolling around in period costumes.
Bazaar del Mundo is another spectacular landmark in Old Town and a visual delight for tourists. The place offers delicious Mexican cuisine, sea food, and the famous tequila-based cocktails called margaritas. Shops here are full of vibrant home décor, gifts and jewelry.
The exquisite and delicious cuisine of Old Town is another major attraction for tourists. Tourists flock to the restaurants serving authentic Mexican delicacies. Some restaurants have waitresses dressed in traditional Mexican attire. Apart from Mexican cuisine, tourists can also get a taste of variety of world cuisines ranging from Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, Creole and mouth-watering sea food. There are restaurants to suit all kinds of budgets.
A vacation in San Diego is incomplete without a visit to the colorful and vivacious Old Town. It is virtually a paradise for history lovers, shoppers and food enthusiasts. Just a single day is not enough to fully explore the town. It would be better for you to find an lodging in San Diego which is located near Old Town so that you can commute easily.
ANDROS
San Diego is studded with plenty of beautiful tourist attractions such as the wonderful Zoo, the Sea World, the shopping centers, the sunny beaches and so on. Tucked away from the modern, urbane San Diego is the mesmerizing and colorful Old Town, which has its own magnetic attraction for tourists from all over the world.
Whether you are a history buff, die-hard shopper or a food lover; Old Town has something for everyone.
Old Town is known as the birthplace of California. It was here in 1769, where Father Junipero Serra laid the foundation of very first Spanish mission; the Mission San Diego. Old Town gives you an opportunity to step back in time and relish the rich and colorful history of erstwhile California.
Old Town is home to at least 27 historic building and sites, 12 art galleries, numerous specialty shops and dozens of restaurants.
Historic buildings include State Historic Park, Heritage Park, Presidio Park, Sheriff’s Museum, La Casa de Estudillo, the first Church in Old Town, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Altamirno Pedrorena, Mormon Battalion Visitors Center, Mason Street School and lots more.
Some of its prominent landmarks that both old and young enjoy are:
State Historic Park - State Historic Park is the most visited park in San Diego and preserves the rich heritage of San Diego from the period 1821 to 1872. The best part is that all of the museums here are free of charge for the public. It preserves many historic structures such as
Casa de Estudillo
Casa de Bandini
Old Adobe Chapel
Wells Fargo History Museum
San Diego Union Museum
Serra Museum
Sheriff’s Museum
First San Diego Courthouse
Black Hawk Smithy & Stable
Light-Freeman House
Blacksmith shop
State’s first newspaper office
Wrightington House
Mormon Battalion Memorial Visitor’s Center
San Diego’s first school; the Mason Street Schoolhouse
Heritage Park - Heritage Park looks majestic with its cobblestone roads and beautiful archaic Victorian homes. Seven historic Victorian homes have been restored to their original magnificence here. It also consists of San Diego’s first synagogue, which now hosts weddings, receptions, and bar mitzvahs.
Whaley House - It is famed to be the most haunted house in America. In 1960, it was opened as a museum. Whether the place has ghosts or not, a visit to the Whaley house is not to be missed.
Shop, Dine and Enjoy in Old Town
Old Town is a perfect place for buying souvenirs for your family and friends. The place is packed with shops selling amazingly artistic handmade jewelry, books, sun-powered products, Mexican-style pottery, leather products and numerous other such unique ethnic items.
When in Old Town, you will never get bored. The place is full of life and buzzing with activity. Local artists here are a tourist’s delight. Plaza del Pasado in Old Town comes alive with Mariachi players strumming the sounds of Mexico, artisans demonstrating glass blowing and storytellers strolling around in period costumes.
Bazaar del Mundo is another spectacular landmark in Old Town and a visual delight for tourists. The place offers delicious Mexican cuisine, sea food, and the famous tequila-based cocktails called margaritas. Shops here are full of vibrant home décor, gifts and jewelry.
The exquisite and delicious cuisine of Old Town is another major attraction for tourists. Tourists flock to the restaurants serving authentic Mexican delicacies. Some restaurants have waitresses dressed in traditional Mexican attire. Apart from Mexican cuisine, tourists can also get a taste of variety of world cuisines ranging from Japanese, Italian, Peruvian, Creole and mouth-watering sea food. There are restaurants to suit all kinds of budgets.
A vacation in San Diego is incomplete without a visit to the colorful and vivacious Old Town. It is virtually a paradise for history lovers, shoppers and food enthusiasts. Just a single day is not enough to fully explore the town. It would be better for you to find an lodging in San Diego which is located near Old Town so that you can commute easily.
ANDROS
Jun
3
Going to San Diego…. Freak Out in La Jolla
Filed Under Exotic Locations | Comments Off
David Miller asked:
Just one look at the charming small seaside town of La Jolla and you would get to know why it is called ‘the jewel’ in Spanish. Renowned for its beautiful coastline and pleasant weather, this splendid place is pronounced as “La Hoya”.
Dotted with majestic mansions, art galleries, high-end boutiques, and restaurants; La Jolla has plenty to enthrall visitors trouping into it from across the world.
Art & Theatre
La Jolla is a paradise for any lover of fine arts. The place is always bustling with cultural activities. Head to Prospect Street and check out the historic Ellen Browning Scripps house which has now been turned into the Museum of Contemporary Art. Or visit the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. This library is almost 100-year-old and has a vast collection of music and art volumes.
Sightseeing highlights
Some of the landmarks include La Jolla Woman’s Club, La Jolla Recreation Center, Mary Star of the Sea, Spanish colonial-style structure - La Valencia Hotel, Mount Soledad Memorial.
History and architecture buffs can visit the four-storey historic building Grande Colonial Hotel which was built in 1900. Five million dollars were spent for its renovation work in 2000 to preserve this building. You can also study the famed architect Irving Gill’s Cubist-style architectural works at The Bishop’s School and the Bed and Breakfast Inn at La Jolla.
Beaches
Sun-kissed and miles-long sandy beaches of La Jolla, especially the La Jolla Cove are among the prime attractions in San Diego. Apart from this breathtaking beautiful beach, La Jolla is also famous for some other lovely beaches such as:
- Children’s Pool Beach
- Marine Street Beach
- Black’s Beach
- La Jolla Shores
- Windansea Beach
- Torrey Pines State Beach
Apart from wonderful beaches and art galleries, the place also boasts of some renowned institutions such as:
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Salk Institute
- Stephen Birch Aquarium & Museum
- Scripps Clinic
- And most importantly it is also home to the University of California, San Diego.
Dining
La Jolla is a haven for gourmet and the choicest ethnic cuisines. Prospect Street which is packed with restaurants serving mouth-watering delicacies from varied cuisines ranging from Mexican, Thai, Indian to German cuisine, not to speak of the delectable local pizza, hamburgers, and seafood.
Shopping
If you are a die-hard shopper, La Jolla is not to be missed! From high-end art galleries, jewelry stores to boutiques, the sheer variety of shops and wares is simply irresistible. Most of the famous boutiques and shopping malls are situated along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue.
Tee off at La Jolla
La Jolla is not just about beaches, art galleries and shopping malls. You can also enjoy golf at some of the world’s best golf courses such as the La Jolla Country Club, Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course, Spindrift, Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course.
La Jolla offers unlimited fun and adventure to the tourists. Explore the museums, revel in cultural activities, tee off on the outstanding golf courses, dine, shop, sunbathe or swim at the beaches or take a stroll along Coast Boulevard or the La Jolla Cove to get the most scenic views – there is so much to do in this quaint seaside town.
Clearly, La Jolla is definitely not a place which can be explored in just one day. So take your time and plan a trip to San Diego with La Jolla in your itinerary. It would be better to find an affordable lodging in San Diego which is near La Jolla, so that you find it easy to commute to the place. San Diego in fact, has a number of budget hotels offering good quality lodging and all you need to do is pick one with easy access to La Jolla.
STACHURA
Just one look at the charming small seaside town of La Jolla and you would get to know why it is called ‘the jewel’ in Spanish. Renowned for its beautiful coastline and pleasant weather, this splendid place is pronounced as “La Hoya”.
Dotted with majestic mansions, art galleries, high-end boutiques, and restaurants; La Jolla has plenty to enthrall visitors trouping into it from across the world.
Art & Theatre
La Jolla is a paradise for any lover of fine arts. The place is always bustling with cultural activities. Head to Prospect Street and check out the historic Ellen Browning Scripps house which has now been turned into the Museum of Contemporary Art. Or visit the Athenaeum Music & Arts Library. This library is almost 100-year-old and has a vast collection of music and art volumes.
Sightseeing highlights
Some of the landmarks include La Jolla Woman’s Club, La Jolla Recreation Center, Mary Star of the Sea, Spanish colonial-style structure - La Valencia Hotel, Mount Soledad Memorial.
History and architecture buffs can visit the four-storey historic building Grande Colonial Hotel which was built in 1900. Five million dollars were spent for its renovation work in 2000 to preserve this building. You can also study the famed architect Irving Gill’s Cubist-style architectural works at The Bishop’s School and the Bed and Breakfast Inn at La Jolla.
Beaches
Sun-kissed and miles-long sandy beaches of La Jolla, especially the La Jolla Cove are among the prime attractions in San Diego. Apart from this breathtaking beautiful beach, La Jolla is also famous for some other lovely beaches such as:
- Children’s Pool Beach
- Marine Street Beach
- Black’s Beach
- La Jolla Shores
- Windansea Beach
- Torrey Pines State Beach
Apart from wonderful beaches and art galleries, the place also boasts of some renowned institutions such as:
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography
- Salk Institute
- Stephen Birch Aquarium & Museum
- Scripps Clinic
- And most importantly it is also home to the University of California, San Diego.
Dining
La Jolla is a haven for gourmet and the choicest ethnic cuisines. Prospect Street which is packed with restaurants serving mouth-watering delicacies from varied cuisines ranging from Mexican, Thai, Indian to German cuisine, not to speak of the delectable local pizza, hamburgers, and seafood.
Shopping
If you are a die-hard shopper, La Jolla is not to be missed! From high-end art galleries, jewelry stores to boutiques, the sheer variety of shops and wares is simply irresistible. Most of the famous boutiques and shopping malls are situated along Prospect Street and Girard Avenue.
Tee off at La Jolla
La Jolla is not just about beaches, art galleries and shopping malls. You can also enjoy golf at some of the world’s best golf courses such as the La Jolla Country Club, Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course, Spindrift, Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course.
La Jolla offers unlimited fun and adventure to the tourists. Explore the museums, revel in cultural activities, tee off on the outstanding golf courses, dine, shop, sunbathe or swim at the beaches or take a stroll along Coast Boulevard or the La Jolla Cove to get the most scenic views – there is so much to do in this quaint seaside town.
Clearly, La Jolla is definitely not a place which can be explored in just one day. So take your time and plan a trip to San Diego with La Jolla in your itinerary. It would be better to find an affordable lodging in San Diego which is near La Jolla, so that you find it easy to commute to the place. San Diego in fact, has a number of budget hotels offering good quality lodging and all you need to do is pick one with easy access to La Jolla.
STACHURA