Weekend in San Diego: Part 3.1: San Diego Zoo

Ok....let me start this off by saying that we are not Zoo people.  Oh I think I am a zoo person and then I get to the zoo and something happens to me....it is hot, the animals aren't out, the walk is too long, I feel badly for the caged animals...you name it....it happens and all of a sudden I am wondering why in the heck I ever went to the zoo in the first place!  My husband....now he doesn't even start out thinking he is a zoo person....he is NOT a zoo person.  So when the passengers on the plane said that I HAD to visit the San Diego Zoo...I cringed (just a little bit).  I'm thinking.....there is NO way I am going to get my husband to go to the zoo even if it is supposed to be the best zoo out there!  Me...I was open minded because of course I'm in the "I'm a zoo person" mode!

So I figured I had better take this slow with him...so I said, "Hey...what about going to Balboa Park (this is where the zoo is located).  I hear it's really a great place.  Lots of things to do."  He agrees that it would be nice to make a stop there and see it.  Well we stop and there is some huge event going on that afternoon and there is no parking to be found.  So the next day I bring up the possibility of going back to Balboa Park since we didn't get to see anything on the first attempt! He is agreeable to this so we head back.  The park by the way is beautiful and has lots of museums and things to see.  I would love to go back and spend some more time here seeing everything else.  As we are driving through Balboa Park, I say, "Hey look there's the zoo!"  He looks at me.  I say, "I hear the zoo here is amazing!"  Again the look....then...."I don't like zoos."  I try one more time, "But this isn't just any zoo...it's the San Diego Zoo and we might never get a chance to see it again!"  One more look and then I see the resignation come over his face....."Ok..fine we'll go to the zoo but we aren't staying long!"

Parking was free for the zoo.  This is a good start!  When we got to the entrance there was a kiosk where you could purchase your ticket with a credit card before you got to the turnstile. (Later we found that you can also purchase tickets ahead of time online but since this was a surprise visit...that wouldn't have applied!)  Tickets for 1 day are $42.00 per adult ($32.00 per child ages 3-11).  These prices got me another look and a "$84.00 for the zoo?? I don't like zoos." comment! I said "Yes, but look it includes unlimited use of the express bus and the Aerial Tram."  Another look.

Once we got through the turnstiles and into the Zoo itself...it was absolutely amazing!!  Make sure you get a map when you enter because you will definitely need it!  This was the most beautiful Zoo I had ever seen!  I felt as though I just entered the habitats of the animals.  It was more like taking a walk in the park with animals than it was "going to the zoo".  They have done a fabulous job of making sure that the habitats are just perfect for the animals.  The best part was that the animals were out and moving around (could be that the temperature is so consistent in San Diego) and they were wonderful to observe.  Even my skeptical "non-zoo" husband started to enjoy himself and run from exhibit to exhibit to see what the next turn might bring.  He started telling me to make sure I get a picture of this or of that and I knew then that he was "hooked"!

They have a wonderful variety of animals at the San Diego Zoo but the most popular are the Pandas.  They were so cute and so fun to watch.  Tip:  Be sure you go before late afternoon because the Pandas are put away and you may miss them.

We just couldn't get enough of the Panda's!  They were so much fun to watch!  Luckily they had a small gift shop outside of the Panda area so I could take home a stuffed version!

From water fowl to birds to mammals...this Zoo had everything!

The Koalas were soooo cute!!

I just loved this guy! He was so ugly he was cute!!

There is a lot of walking to get around the zoo so make sure that you take transportation when possible.  We were so anxious to see everything that we forgot that the transportation was included in the ticket price so we walked and walked and walked.  Then we got lost (you may be seeing a theme here!) and we walked and walked some more!  This is where picking up the map ahead of time comes in handy!

Needless to say...we both ended up LOVING the San Diego Zoo!  In fact I loved it so much that when I had an opportunity to go back the next day while my husband was working (during the business part of the trip) I said YES in a heartbeat.  Each day was different and offered new adventures and things to see!  

I would highly recommend going to the San Diego Zoo...there is something there for everyone.  There are places to eat, places to shop for gifts and lots and lots of restrooms.  It is a wonderful place to visit!

The End

Next up:  Final Thoughts on a Weekend in San Diego
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Weekend in San Diego: Part 3 San Diego

Well finally, our weekend in San Diego took us to San Diego itself! With so many places to go in such a wonderful city...what does one choose?  Well...again I listened to the advise of the passengers on the plane who were from the city.  It was our first time really spending any time there (other than a trip out to Coronodo for a quick drive on a previous trip) so of course we did the "touristy" things!

Cabrillo National Monument

A monument commemorating the landing of Juan Cabrillo in the San Diego Harbor in 1542.  He became the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States.

It was a little involved to get to the monument area itself but well worth the trip and the effort to get there. The first thing we did is get lost!  The monument is located on Point Loma.  We were trying to get to the actual monument area and the old lighthouse.  Well we picked the wrong fork in the road and ended up heading to Point Loma Light Station and the tide pool area instead of the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and monument area.  This normally wouldn't have been a problem except that roadway that we were on to get to the tide pool area was blocked by a film crew shooting a movie and they would only let a few cars pass at a time.  By the time we got down to the tide pool area, we realized that we had made the wrong turn and I was hoping to find a restroom.  There is no visitor's center in that area.  The only restroom facilities are porta-potties that are pretty full....so I would say:

1.  Check the map out before you head into the area.
2.  Use the restroom before you are stuck out in the tide pool area!!

Here is a link for the map of the area:  http://www.nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/upload/CABR%20Map.pdf

Make sure that you plan your route ahead of time!

After turning around and heading back to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse we made there in pretty short order.  Since we were there the first weekend in December they had a military tribute commemorating the 70th Anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor which took place on December 7, 1941.  This meant that parking was scarce and there were special events going on during the day such as air raids. The visitor's center had information and it was short walk to the actual monument.

 From the monument, it was only a short walk to the Lighthouse.  It was beautiful to see and the attached museum was very informative on how the lighthouse operated.

All of this was very nice to visit but perhaps the most compelling reason to visit Cabrillo National Monument is for the stunning views of San Diego and the Harbor area.  It is absolutely the most gorgeous view.  Sailboats were in the harbor and it made such a beautiful picture.

We ended up staying here for about an hour or so.  You could certainly spend more time than that but it is definitely a doable little side trip with a great upside!  On a clear day you can even see the coastline of Mexico.

I would highly recommend a stop here if you have time!

Next Stop:  San Diego Zoo

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Weekend in San Diego Part 2: La Jolla

The first place we visited during our weekend in the San Diego area was La Jolla.  We were staying at the La Jolla Torrey Pines Hilton so it was an easy little trek down to the city area and La Jolla Cove.  Here are a few things that we did and where we dined in the La Jolla Area:

La Jolla Cove

La Jolla Cove was one of the most wonderful and totally unique places I have ever visited.  It is a great place for a walk or to sit and look at the waves crash on the rocks or to watch the seals.  There is a bit of controversy about the seals being allowed to inhabit the Children's beach area so there are people set up there to promote the seals and watch for the safety of the seals.  When we were there it was just before the pups were to be born so there were many pregnant seals that were on the beach.  Visitors are sometimes not sensitive to the seals and in their excitement try to get very close to them which scares them and can cause them to miscarry.  It's an ongoing local political issue so be prepared to hear about it in some form when you visit.  Parking is a little difficult to come by so make sure that you grab a spot when you can.  You can walk the entire length of the cove area so it really doesn't matter where you end up parking.

The water is blue, the seals are amazing, sky is perfect....I really don't know of a more perfect place. I was actually able to visit twice during our few days there and each time was a different experience.  Well worth the stop!

George's At the Cove

1250 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

We ate at George's at the Cove for lunch.  We had heard such great things about this restaurant from personal friends and from reading all the reviews on Tripadvisor so our expectations were high.  George's did not disappoint!  We went during lunch and sat up on top on the patio where the views of the cove are unmatched!  We didn't have reservations and the wait for seat on the glass was about 30 minutes so we chose to be seated a little bit away from the glass.  Our view of the cove was still stunning. (I would say if you do have time to wait for a table next to the glass the views are definitely worth it!)  Our service was unbelievable.  As soon as my glass was empty I had a refill waiting for me!  The weather was a bit chilly the day that we were there and they did have heaters on the patio.  The wait staff even brought out a blanket for one of the customers who was cold.  Now that's service!!!  The food was excellent also.  All in all it was an excellent experience and a place that I would highly recommend.  

Tip:  Go for lunch when the views are amazing.  Evenings would offer a good view also but as it gets dark, there is no view.  Also make a reservation if you want to sit along the glass or be prepared to wait for a table to become available.

La Jolla Torrey Pines Gliderport

2800 Torrey Pines Scenic Dr, La Jolla, CA 92037

This is where speaking with the locals on the plane helps because I never would have found this place or thought to go there for an afternoon.  It was so unique and just an interesting way to spend a few hours.  My husband and I spent an hour or so here just watching the hang gliders and para gliders taking off and landing on the cliffs.  I have never seen anything like it. It was beautiful to watch. There are benches there to sit while viewing and a concession stand with many snack and food options. There are picnic tables and a deck upstairs that you can get a higher view if you so desire. Bathrooms are limited to portapotties in the parking lot area so just be aware of this before you head to the cliffs. The parking lot itself is dirt and uneven so make sure you wear appropriate shoes to walk to the cliffs. We did not take a flight ourselves but there are many different options and prices if you would like to do that. I would definitely recommend this if you have a few hours and you want something really different to do.

The Steakhouse at Azul La Jolla

1250 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA 92037


This was a terrific restaurant in La Jolla. My husband and I had dinner here with some friends and it was really a nice place to have dinner and conversation. The ambiance was very good.  Very comfortable to sit and relax. We had a later dinner so the sun was down by the time we arrived. I imagine that views of the cove during the day are fabulous. The service was fantastic and the food was just as good. It's a really unique place to dine and I would highly recommend it!

Goldfish Point

1255 Coast Blvd S, La Jolla, CA 92037

A friend and I had breakfast at the Goldfish Point Cafe while in La Jolla. You really can't beat the view from the tables by the windows. Ordering our food was a bit of a challenge. The language barrier was difficult to overcome but we were able to place our orders. One of the employees was late arriving for work and the one who was waiting on us was usually in the kitchen and had a difficult time taking our orders. The food was excellent once it arrived. I would expect this to be a favorite location but there were no long lines here. I suspect this is due to the service. As someone else mentioned if you go here make sure you don't have anywhere you have to be.  What a wonderful place to wake up to and enjoy your coffee!  It was one of the few restaurants with tables that were open to the air and an unobstructed view.  

Next up:  Cabrillo National Monument and the San Diego Zoo

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