SD Tourist Spots - Another Look

Our Local Expert Says:

You can easily devote at least a whole day to wandering around this huge urban park. Package deals are available for museum entrances, and can include the San Diego Zoo, at the north end of the park, as well.

Description:

The world-renowned San Diego Zoo is only one part of this magnificent 1,200-acre city park that was built for the 1915-1916 Panama-California Expo. California's Hispanic roots were celebrated as the city erected breathtakingly ornate Spanish-style buildings, which were eventually permanently restored. So much more than just an urban park, it is home to the zoo, 14 museums, a pipe organ pavilion, botanical gardens, international cultural centers, theaters and performance venues, an antique carousel, off leash dog parks, sports fields, hiking trails, a tennis center, municipal pool, and a miniature-scale train. The December Nights Celebration is held the first weekend of December annually and this popular event is an opportunity for the whole family to enjoy pageants, plays, food and music all in the tradition of the Christmas holidays.

Description:

Presented to the citizens of San Diego in 1914 by brothers John D. and Adolph Spreckels, the ornate, curved pavilion houses a magnificent organ with 4,530 individual pipes. They range in length from the size of a pencil to 32 feet, making it one of the largest outdoor organs in the world. With only brief interruptions, the organ has been in continuous use. Today visitors can enjoy free hour-long concerts on Sundays at 2pm, given by civic organist Carol Williams; free concerts are also held in the evening during the summer months. There's seating for 2,400 but little shade, so bring some sunscreen.

Our Local Expert Says:

The zoo isn't just for the kids - home to some of the most engaged species in the world, the San Diego World Famous Zoo is always welcoming new guests into its home!

Description:

This world-famous establishment is clearly no ordinary zoo. Walk or ride a double-decker bus throughout this expansive park, home to over 4,000 rare and exotic animals exhibited in beautiful garden habitats. More than a park, this zoo is a major research facility although it is cleverly disguised with entertaining shows and inspiring exhibits like Polar Bear Plunge and Hippo Beach. General Admission required.

Our Local Expert Says:

While it's known for hosting some Broadway specials, the best show is the annual Christmas special How the Grinch Stole Christmas.

Description:

Modeled after Shakespeare's own theaters, this San Diego establishment is actually part of a complex of three theaters also including the Cassius Carter Centre Stage and the outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre. Sadly, the 1935 original Globe has been replaced since it was destroyed by fire, though it appears that the renovation is a success. In 1984, the 581-seat replica won a Tony award for best regional theater. Predictably, the theater is home to an annual Shakespeare festival, but it is open year round. It also hosts much more than the classics. Its focus is actually the opposite - opening new plays.

Our Local Expert Says:

This place is tucked away in North Park's 30th Avenue and is the perfect place for a casual, romantic evening

Description:

Besides serving dishes complete with locally and regionally grown ingredients, North Park's Sea Rocket Bistro has a little known secret - special events offer fans a "movie night," where their family style dining offers up special screenings of classic flicks via a large screen and projector. End of the week specials are typically themed (National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation in December) and is perfect playing in the background with a large group or party. With a friendly staff and a small bar that familiar faces habitually inhabit, Sea Rocket Bistro's local perspective is a perfect jumping point for your night in North Park.

Description:

The Disneyland of shopping malls, Horton Plaza is the heart of the revitalized city center, bounded by Broadway, First and Fourth avenues, and G Street. Covering 6 1/2 city blocks, the multilevel shopping center has more than 130 specialty shops and kiosks -- there are clothing and shoe stores, fun shops for kids, and a bookstore. There's a performing arts venue (the Lyceum Theatre, home to the San Diego Repertory Theatre), a 14-screen cinema, two major department stores, and a variety of restaurants and short-order eateries. Horton Plaza opened in 1985 to rave reviews and provided an initial catalyst for the Gaslamp Quarter's redevelopment. It's almost as much an attraction as SeaWorld or the San Diego Zoo, transcending its genre with a conglomeration of crisscrossing paths, bridges, towers, and piazzas.

Anchor stores are Macy's and Nordstrom, while name outlets such as Abercrombie & Fitch, Victoria's Secret, and Louis Vuitton are also in the mix; the top-level food court has a good variety of meal options. Three hours of free parking are available from 7am to 9pm; there are machines scattered throughout the mall where you can self-validate (validation in food court offered until 11pm)....

Our Local Expert Says:

Not just for the vegetarian - though it's famous for its Mexican dishes without the typical carnitas - all their dishes are excellent, but try something new via tofu

Description:

Pokez Mexican Restaurant serves a variety of vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes, however it is more known for the veggies it cooks up. The restaurant offers more than 30 varieties of tofu and vegetarian Mexican delicacies and has a casual environment. It claims to cook its delicacies in vegetable oil and not lard, making it a good option for vegans. This one is easy on the wallet and must be tried if one wants to taste some excellent Mexican food.