Family Visit & Sightseeing San Diego, CA
Pre-Post Note/ LOVED the response to my last post on RV disasters! I particularly enjoyed that everyone shared their own “incidents” in the comments. You’ve given me some good laughs & some great company 🙂
I’ve been rather quiet on the blog lately mostly because we’ve been incredibly busy, social-wise that is. Around 10 days ago Paul’s sister Carmen decided to fly out from Miami for a visit and we’ve been doing the tourist-thing ever since. Between sis hanging with us in “the beast” and close RV friends parked nearby we’ve pretty much whittled away most of our remaining time here in San Diego. Can you believe we have less than a week to go now?
Where oh where did the weeks go????
And we really have been busy too. We may not have been out sightseeing everyday, but we’ve gotten darn close and have valiantly attempted to squeeze every ounce of city and beach life into our few weeks by the water. It helps that we used to live here before we started RVing of course, but I swear we’ve been to more sightseeing spots as RVers than we ever did as “locals”. Back then we hung mostly in our local area and only went sightseeing when we got guests. Now, we’re the guests and can openly enjoy the town like big city newbies. Go figure, eh?
So, what do you do when your sister comes for an impromptu visit for 10 days in San Diego? Here’s some ideas….
Beer Tasting At SD Breweries
As you know we’ve been on a beer mission here in the city, and our duties as hosts would not be complete without including Carmen in the experiment. So, we’ve been bringing her to some of our favorite breweries and diligently working to broaden her (still as yet woefully undeveloped) craft beer horizons.
Many of these breweries will be coming up in my highly anticipated SD beer drinking review (which we’re…ermm…selflessly “sacrificing” ourselves get finished), but suffice to say that we included several old-time favorites as well as a techno-bar and a few water-view options.
We’ll make a crafty beer drinker out of this gal yet….
Hanging Groovy In Ocean Beach
If Carmen had been born in any age other than the present, the 60’s would would have been her time. She’s really a hippy gal at heart and nothing speaks to the psychedelic inner soul as much as Ocean Beach. We took her over on Wed Farmer’s Market night with Russ&Todd and enjoyed an evening of strolling around and hanging with the alternative crowd. Highlights included watching acroyoga on the beach, going into the iconic The Black (a “must do”), music at the farmers market and Sushi dinner. Peace out, man….
Related Post -> An Alternative State Of Mind – Ocean Beach, San Diego CA
Kayaking & Snorkeling La Jolla Cove
No visit to San Diego would be complete without dipping your toes into the ocean and the 6,000 acre (24 km2) protected San Diego-La Jolla Underwater Park is one of the most interesting places to do it. Bounded by 75-million year old sandstone cliffs, the area boasts 7 natural Sea Caves, masses of underwater caverns, fish and seals as well as the crazy ocean weeds we call macrocystis pyrifera or, more commonly, Giant Kelp. You can book a tour to enter the Sea Caves, but they tend to be super-over-crowded and we much prefer to rent individual kayaks and just putz around on our own. Another inexpensive option is to rent snorkels and a wetsuit (don’t go without…that water is cooooold) and take the plunge into the water itself. We decided to do both, passing an afternoon on the kayaks with Todd&Russ and another morning in the water with just the three of us.
Related Post -> Sea Kayaking La Jolla, Taxes and Losing A Bike
Ghost-Hunting & Style at Hotel Del Coronado
The magnificent 1888 Hotel Del Coronado, known as “The Del” to locals is not only one of the classiest spots in the city, but is also home to some of her very best ghost stories. From the sad story of Kate Morgan who haunts room 302 (now 3312) to more than 37 abnormal readings taken by parapsychologists in a single day in room 502 (now 3502), it’s one of the ghostliest places in the city. Add onto that the crazy, golden-speckled sand on the beach (the only place I’ve ever seen this) and the sexy allure of Marilyn Monroe who filmed “Some Like It Hot” with Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon in this very spot in 1958 and you’ve got a place that will spark the imagination of even the most hardened realist. We didn’t see any ghosts, but we sure had fun imagining ourselves as pampered guests in this gorgeous place.
Related Post -> Ghosts, Style & Romance – Hotel Del Coronado, San Diego, CA
Animal-Spotting At The San Diego Zoo
We’d actually not really planned to hit the Zoo this time around but thanks to a very generous blog reader (Dave) we got free tickets to visit and just couldn’t pass it up. Now I admit I’m always a tad conflicted by Zoo’s especially when I see some of the more majestic wild animal’s in enclosures, but San Diego Zoo does some good conservation & restoration work and is definitely one of the better outfits out there. Together with it’s northern counterpart The Safari Park (which is really quite impressive) the parks cover 1,900 acres of land and house over 3,700 animals. We had a very pleasant day walking almost 6 miles around the various areas, once again accompanied by Todd&Russ (I swear those boys are everywhere).
Carmen is headed back home tomorrow so we’re now down to the wire and have less than 7 days remaining to pack-in a bunch of practical items (stock-up, carpet cleaning, storage check, repairs etc.) as well as finish off our brewery experiment. Then, we’re off….and we still have NO IDEA which route we’re taking north. All we know at this point is that we need to get out of the big city. We love it, we crave it and we lust after it when we’re gone, but when we’re here we can only take so much before we once again feel ourselves longing for space and nature. Methinks the wilds are calling…just exactly where I am not sure…
Other Sightseeing Stuff We’ve Done In San Diego:
- Frolicking In Nation’s Largest Urban Cultural Park – Balboa Park, San Diego CA
- Paddle-Boarding & Casino-Docking – San Diego, CA
- The Great Urban Escape -> Mission Trails Regional Park, San Diego, CA
- Discovery Of A Mission, And A Few New Friends – San Diego de Alcalá, CA
- “Where California Began” – Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego, CA
- Two Danes & A Week in S.CA
The sister exception to the rule: “Six for cocktails, four for dinner, sleeps two.” We have made the exception for both of our sisters.
I believe it was Edward Muir who said “The road is calling and I must go.” Or something like that 🙂
We’ve made exceptions for cousins too, but it does get tight after a while. Definitely time to hit the road…yet again.
Nina
You two certainly have been busy while in San Diego. I’ve seen you popping up with many others:) Sure looks like Paul’s sister was given the grand tour while in town…fun times:) Enjoy your last week in the big city!!
We did the whirlwind tourist tour. Only thing we didn’t manage this time around was surfing!
Nina
I’d vote for California 49 with history and beautiful country, but it’s crazy steep in a couple spots.
I wouldn’t want to travel north from Cool in my rig on 49. It was spooky going downhill (south) on my motorcycle!
I admit 49 does look cool, but is likely a bit rough for “the beast”.
Nina
We too met Dave and his wife during our San Diego venture… His kindness was indeed appreciated by us as well. It really is amazing how fast time passes in San Diego!
It was super sweet of him to offer us the tickets! We really enjoyed our day there.
Nina
I can’t believe how much you guys have squeezed into your stay in SD. We enjoyed seeing the two of you again. Looking forward to your craft beer review.
I’m so glad you guys made it down for the day! Can’t wait to follow your summer travels up north.
Nina
You two are going to miss San Diego when you head out, but suspect you’ll need to take a good rest after all of the activities!
It is such a fun place to have friends and family visit you in, so much to do and see. Sounded like a great visit!!
Sorry I missed getting to meet you both again, as The Beast was standing their proudly by itself when I stopped by after filling up our BBQ Propane bottle.
We’re going opposite of where you’ve come from. With my wife Deb just completing the RV Driving School in Yuma (Dan Sheppard does such a good job, and is ‘good people’.). And we’re now sitting in Benson getting ready to head out to see Katchner Caverns. Then on East to Carlsbad Caverns, Ice Caves, and then loop back towards the West via several of the indian ruins. A 6-7 week get away for us.
You two travel safe, and sure hope San Diego local brewing companies can replenish the hit you made to the supply, before we return:)!
Smitty
Sorry we missed you too Smitty, but sounds like you’ve got a great itinerary planned. We really enjoyed the caverns out there. Watch out for the guano LOL
Nina
We talked about having Mike’s son come down this winter but his plans didn’t coincide–it would have been tight in our no slide rig but Lonn is an easy keeper and I think it would have been OK. You guys have been way busy!
You end up doing a pretty tight “RV shuffle” with guests on board. Everyone goes to bed at the same time, everyone gets up at the same time etc. As long as everyone is flexible it works out, but there’s definitely not much room to spare!
Nina
Every time we return to Colorado, we see and explore more than we ever did during the 20 years we lived there. I guess now we have the time to play tourist. Looks like you’ve been having tons of fun but can relate to getting back to the boonies.
Yeah it’s funny how you can live in a place for years and never see some of the most interesting tourist sites “just around the corner”. I guess it’s because they’re so very close that you delay seeing them. At least that’s how we’ve always functioned. As tourists we see so much more!
Nina
I am so bummed that I am going to miss you guys by just a couple of weeks, but I have learned so many things about this area through your eyes that I can’t wait to do! Like kayaking and snorkeling! Who knew it would be warm enough, even in neoprene! I can’t wait to follow in your footsteps!
“Warm” is a relative term, but you definitely want to get yourself in the water here. It is sooo pretty from the ocean and there’s a surprising amount of marine life underneath.
Of course don’t miss the lighthouse at Point Loma. We went many years ago (see the blog post linked on Cabrillo National Monument) and it’s definitely worth the visit. Also the San Diego De Alcala Mission (also linked above) is awesome.
Nina
I suspect we will see more of this area when we return as visitors as well 🙂 Looks like Carmen had a great time – that was quite the busy visit!! Ocean Beach sounds more groovy every time you include it and I’m thinking we need to make a day trip for the Farmers Mrkt before we launch! Excited to see which route you choose :-)))))
I honestly can’t believe how much of San Diego we never saw as “locals”. I’ve rediscovered this city completely in the RV.
Nina
Ah San Diego…Love it, love it… On your run north,and if you haven’t been there already, which is unlikely, stop at Paso Robles for a couple days of wine tasting and see Hearst Castle on the coast…. but you’ve probably already done that…just sayin’…
Paso Robles is one of our jello routes. Still not sure yet, but we may well end up going that way. And yes…we’ve seen Hearst Castle many times. I love that coastline out there.
Nina
That’s one happy sister with her toes in the Pacific! A most excellent photo!
She sure loved it here!
Nina
You might as well face it… the beer experiment will never cease.
I think you might be right…..
If you come close to Santa Barbara, email me… would love to meet you two.
jalama beach Jalama Beach JALAMA BEACH !!!
Santa Barbara?
Another attraction at The Del is having a drink on the patio while watching seals frolic in the surf…US Navy SEALs (SEAL hopefuls, actually).
Pat
I think many people don’t visit the tourist activities in their own back yard until they have guests, or are the guest. Fun times with all that beer sampling and family. But I’m sure you’ll be more than ready to get some nature time.
Native here. Glad to see my town smiling in your faces. And yes, its visitors that get you out on the whale watching, Blacks Beach, Mt. Cowles, Adams Ave., Balboa Park, South Park, and places with smiling faces.
Off topic:
DANGER: disregard my lip balm recipe!!! I tried it and it needs a lot of refining! I also found a few more more natural oils for SPF.
Live and learn…
Will do. Cheers for writing back.
Nina
Ghost hunting and not visit The Whaley House Museum?
Just kidding.. and just discovered your fascinating and fun blog that is well written and illustrated.
Congratulations on your 5th anniversary of fulltiming in The Beast.
We agree that the San Diego area has lots to offer and has some of the best beach, mountain and desert spots for year round camping.
We are San Diegans and are now enjoying our 8th year of camping in San Diego’s beautiful parks with our Airstream travel trailer.
Best Wishes to you and your furry friends as you travel up the coast (I’ll be following your blog)!
Bill
If you haven’t finished your beer tasting, there is a new craft brewery called 32 North which has good reviews (from my kids). It’s a little North and just East of La Jolla in an industrial area which has other brewerys also.
You know that brewery was on our list, but we never made it. We did manage to taste one of their IPAs at Barrel Republic and really liked it. I think they’ve got good stuff going on.
Nina
Hi Nina and Paul
sounds like the San Diego vacay has been full of fun adventures. If you head up the coast try to include some time in the Central Coast. Avila, Pismo beach, Morro Bay, San Simeon … so much to explore up here. Unfortunately not that many boondocking options that we know about. We live in Cambria (for now) and were camp hosts at San Simeon State Park. It has no hook ups, but puts you in a central spot to explore: elephant seals colony near by, a lighthouse too, zebras at Hearst Castle, some decent breweries and lots of wineries, San Luis Obispo Farmers Market on Thursdays, etc. It does get pretty busy around here during Spring Break (around Easter), but if you are here after that, we’d love to meet you and give you the 50cent tour. We will be back from our two-week jaunt up to Oregon to pick up our travel trailer…yaay, two steps closer to being back on the backroads!