Tour renowned attractions, world-class museums, and much more in San Diego County! Visit a thrilling seaside amusement park, cruise or bicycle along the bay, and explore an awe-inspiring naval aircraft carrier. Peer into delicate tide pools, meet endangered sea turtles and catch an ocean sunset. Learn about the Port of San Diego and tour Old Town, known as the birthplace of California. Toast to it all at hilltop and urban wineries, offering tastes, tours and a barrel of fun!
Balboa Park • map on page 63 Expanding more than 1,200 acres, Balboa Park features the world-class San Diego Zoo and 17 museums devoted to topics such as anthropology, art, aviation, science and the history of San Diego itself. A sampling includes the real capsule used in the Apollo 9 space mission at the San Diego Air & Space Museum and Louie Mattar’s fabulous car at the San Diego Automotive Museum. Just a stroll away, IMAX® films wow guests in the iconic Heikoff Giant Dome Theater at the Fleet Science Center. Nearby, the San Diego Model Railroad Museum features impressive operating model train exhibits. For sheer beauty, the Japanese Friendship Garden beckons visitors to see its ornamental plants, colorful koi pond and bonsai display. Other can’t-miss museums include the San Diego Museum of Man showcasing cultural anthropology, the Spanish Village Art Center with its colorful art studios, and the Veterans Museum at Balboa Park, honoring those who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and Wartime Merchant Marines. Take advantage of free admission on Tuesdays (for San Diego residents), and free public pipe organ concerts by the Spreckels Organ Society, presented on Monday nights in summer and Sunday afternoons yearround. View many of these venues and save up to 58 percent on general admission with a Balboa Park Explorer Pass.
Belmont Park 3146 Mission Blvd, San Diego • (858) 228-9283 • 29 map on page 65 Immerse yourself in San Diego’s ONLY premier beachfront amusement park with 20+ rides and attractions just steps from the sand. Nestled in the heart of Mission Beach since 1925, Belmont Park offers the quintessential San Diego beach culture experience from surf and sand to boardwalk brews and dining. Adventure seekers can take a dip on the historic Giant Dipper roller coaster and enjoy other beachfront fun like carnival-style games, an arcade, laser tag, mini golf, a zipline and more. Full-service beachfront restaurants and dining offer breathtaking ocean views for upscale and casual bites. Sports and beer lovers are welcome at Draft, where American fare and 100+ beers are served up all while enjoying a 31-foot TV screen for big games. Looking for a casual sand bar vibe? Head to Beach House and enjoy casual eats, drinks and sand games while soaking in the sun with beachfront tiki bars and cabanas. Elevate your experience at Cannonball, San Diego’s largest oceanfront rooftop, offering sushi and seafood options. Free parking and admission is always guaranteed. For more info, visit belmontpark.com [Coupon on page 61]
Birch Aquarium at Scripps 2300 Expedition Way, La Jolla • (858) 534-3474 • 9 map on page 65 Dive into the world of sharks, seahorses, and coral reefs at Birch Aquarium at Scripps. Perched on a bluff overlooking the Pacific and featuring more than 60 habitats with amazing creatures, the aquarium hosts daily animal-feedings and hands-on educational visitor activities. Not be to be missed are the tide pools where guests can touch local creatures, the two-story Giant Kelp Forest, and a rescued Loggerhead Sea Turtle. Seadragons & Seahorses features one of the largest seadragon habitats in the world! Learn all about these charismatic creatures and get a peek into the work the aquarium’s renowned husbandry team is doing to ensure their survival. Expedition at Sea: R/V Sally Ride Gallery showcases what it’s like to live and work onboard Scripps Oceanography’s newest scientific research vessel. Birch Aquarium also offers seasonal outdoor excursions such as whale watching, tidepooling, scientific pier walks and more. Open 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. year-round. aquarium.ucsd.edu
Cabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr., San Diego (619) 557-5450 15 map on page 65 About 10 miles west of downtown San Diego lies Cabrillo National Monument— San Diego’s only National Park! Named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on the California coast, this park is both rich in history and unspoiled nature, featuring stunning views of San Diego’s coastline from 400 feet above the ocean. Visitors can tour the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, or hike the two-mile Bayside Trail which offers breathtaking views of the harbor and the city of San Diego.
During low tide, search for sea life in some of the best protected tidepools on the West Coast. From the cliffs above, look outwards and scan the horizon for migrating Gray Whales from mid-December through April. The park’s elevated location also has military significance: History buffs will enjoy seeing searchlight bunkers and viewing the Military History Exhibit, which shows the park’s role in World Wars I and II.
Going further back in time, small museums offer a living picture of life in the both the 1500s and 1880s, the time of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo and the lighthouse keepers. Want to dive deeper? Go for a guided walk with a Park Ranger and explore the stories and beautiful landscape of this local gem. Visit Cabrillo—San Diego’s Only National Park—today! nps.gov/cabrillo or cnmf.org [Coupon on page 61] Carlsbad • map on page 64 Spend time in this beautiful North County coastal city, home to Legoland, a state beach, oceanfront boardwalk and an eclectic downtown scene. Savor homemade fare at Prontos Gourmet Market, a beloved deli and neighborhood market in Carlsbad Village, or enjoy Italian favorites at Gregorio’s Restaurant at nearby Village Faire, an outdoor shopping complex about a block from the beach. The center’s boutique shops include clothing, gifts, jewelry, a day spa and specialty services. A stroll away, relax at Paon Restaurant & Wine Bar with a glass of fine speciality wine paired with fresh California-French cuisine, all in an intimate setting. For entertainment, catch a concert at the Museum of Making Music.
Coronado • map on page 65 This seaside resort community features gorgeous beaches, spectacular bayside views, a lively downtown, and the best in fine dining and shopping. Tour the island on a bicycle or surrey with Wheel Fun Rentals located on the boardwalk at the historic Hotel Del Coronado. Satisfy your soles at Birkenstock of San Diego on Orange Avenue, home to charming shops, restaurants and eateries.
Downtown San Diego/Embarcadero • map on page 65 Locals and tourists often stroll along San Diego’s beautiful waterfront, known as the Embarcadero. Two of the city’s most treasured attractions are found here: the floating Maritime Museum of San Diego and the USS Midway Museum. The Maritime Museum is housed in an iconic collection of ships, with the magnificent Star of India as the main draw. Steps to the south, the awe-inspiring naval aircraft carrier USS Midway invites guests to explore its impressive 4-acre flight deck. Tour the waterfront on cruiser bikes or surreys from Wheel Fun Rentals, with locations at the Wyndham and Marriott hotels on Harbor Drive, and at the Sheraton Hotel on Harbor Island. For spectacular views of San Diego Bay, book a daytime or dinner cruise with Hornblower Cruises & Events, which boards near the Maritime Museum. In the mood to shop? Pick up eclectic gifts and souvenirs at Seaport Village, an expansive waterfront shopping and dining complex with lovely bayside views. Also find timeless treasures at India Street Antiques/Danish Modern San Diego. In the Gaslamp Quarter, try on a pair of iconic German sandals at Birkenstock of San Diego | Sole Concepts. Celebrate the day’s fun at Kansas City Barbeque, serving barbecue and beer and famous as the home to the 1986 hit film Top Gun. To lease the perfect home or condo, visit Stay San Diego.
East County • map on page 66 Visit this inland playground with fun attractions and delicious dining options. In La Mesa, have lunch by the lake at Anthony’s Fish Grotto; or celebrate at Mexican food favorites Marieta’s (with other locations in El Cajon, Santee and Alpine), and festive Casa de Pico in Grossmont Center, an open-air shopping mall. The center features Macy’s, Restoration Hardware, Target, and Walmart as its anchor stores, plus independent retailers, restaurants and a movie complex. Also in La Mesa, shop for sole-satisfying footwear at Birkenstock of San Diego. Northeast to El Cajon, journey through time at the Heritage of the Americas Museum housing four museums at one location, represented by natural history, archaeology, anthropology and art. Southeast to Campo, take an old-time train ride at the Pacific Southwest Railway Museum.
Living Coast Discovery Center • 8 map on page 64 On the Corner of E St. and Bay Blvd. in Chula Vista • (619) 409-5900 Get up close and personal with unique coastal wildlife at the Living Coast Discovery Center. Located within a National Wildlife Refuge on San Diego Bay, this non-profit zoo and aquarium offers an interactive and up-close nature experience for animal-lovers of all ages. Meet endangered sea turtles, octopi, sharks, rays, eagles, owls, hawks, snakes, lizards, and more! Also explore the Refuge walking trails to enjoy views of downtown San Diego, Coronado, and the Bay. Don’t leave without seeing Turtle Lagoon featuring Eastern Pacific green sea turtles. Feed them by booking a VIP Animal Encounter!
Visit thelivingcoast.org or Facebook.com/thelivingcoast [Coupon on page 57]
Mission Beach/Pacific Beach • map on page 65 Expect to find tons of land and water activities along the sandy shores of Mission and Pacific Beaches. Enjoy land and water activities at Mission and Pacific Beaches. The main action happens at Belmont Park—a beachfront amusement park with a historic roller coaster, games and restaurants. Have high-flying Mission Bay fun with San Diego Parasailing Adventures or explore the Bay’s scenery on a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or canopied Duffy boat with Aqua Adventures. The outfitter has a dockside location right on Mission Bay. Just choose your excursion, hop on and go! North to Pacific Beach, savor fresh fare at Lanna Thai Cuisine.
North County Inland • map on page 64 & 66 Wine-tasting, museums and historic sites are among the attractions in North County’s interior. In downtown Escondido, The Grand Tea Room provides an elegant tea service three times a day in a Victorian-themed salon. A few blocks away, EcoVivarium Living Museum offers animal encounters with exotic creatures like snakes, lizards and tarantulas. While in town, visit The Super Dentists’ newest location on West Valley Parkway. The practice is kid-friendly, and has been fighting cavities for over 20 years in San Diego County. Further east, visit San Ysabel and the Santa Ysabel Store & Backcountry Visitor Center, an iconic landmark dating from 1884, or The Warner-Carrillo Ranch House in Warner Springs, which served as a Butterfield Stage Stop and was California’s first regular overland stage connection with St. Louis. In Rancho Bernardo, experience The Cork & Craft, San Diego’s only restaurant, winery and brewery in one. At Swedish Royal Bakery in Poway, pick up a handcrafted wedding cake, pastry or savory sandwich. Sip artisan wines, especially signature reds and red blends, at Koi Zen Cellars, tucked away in a Carmel Mountain Ranch business park. In Ramona, a rural community with a charming downtown, taste estate-grown wines at Milagro, a gorgeous property in a pastoral setting, followed by a stay at Riviera Oaks Resort and Racquet Club nestled just outside of town. Farther north in Temecula Valley, toast to good times on the scenic De Portola Wine Trail, a collection of family-owned boutique wineries including Cougar Vineyard & Winery, Frangipani Estate Winery, Fazeli Cellars, Danza del Sol Winery, Masia de la Vinya Winery, Gershon Bachus Vintners, Leoness Cellars, Oak Mountain Winery, Robert Renzoni Vineyards & Winery and Somerset Vineyard & Winery.
Ocean Beach • 21 map on page 65 Groove to the beat of this eclectic California beach community, famous for its half-mile long fishing pier, OB Street Fair & Chili Cook-Off Festival, OB Oktoberfest, weekly OB Farmer’s Market (Wednesdays 4-8pm) and OB Holiday Parade. Start any visit to “OB” at the Ocean Beach MainStreet Association on Bacon Street (oceanbeachsandiego.com). Smiling staffers can recommend favorite eateries, tasting rooms, shops, entertaining events and specialty services. Looking to grab a bite? Pick up fresh Italian fare at Leucadia Pizzeria, a take-out and delivery eatery in nearby Point Loma. Celebrating a special occasion? Order a wedding or other special occasion cake from European Cake Gallery, originators of the now famous “Swiss Black Forest” cake. The shop also produces sweet treats like cupcakes, lemons bars and butter cookies. Down by the pier, enjoy OB’s endless sunsets along with a cool cone from Lighthouse Ice Cream, featuring 39 flavors of the sweet treat — both traditional hard scoop and soft serve. Looking for fun in the sun? Check out Dog Beach, where canines cavort in the sand and surf. Afterward, dog owners venture to the do-it-yourself Dog Beach Dog Wash to clean up their furry friends. Send out a postcard and take care of shipping and printing needs at Ocean Beach Business Center, then start a dream home search with Catrina Russell.
Oceanside • map on page 64 A picturesque New England-style harbor, miles of white sandy beaches, shopping and abundant recreational and cultural attractions beckon visitors to Oceanside, a charming beach city about a 30-minute drive north from downtown San Diego. Stroll down California’s longest wooden pier or explore Oceanside’s downtown, filled with restaurants and breweries, shopping and a year-round Farmers Market and Sunset Market on Thursdays hosted by MainStreet Oceanside. For more information visit mainstreetoceanside.com. The city is also the hub of the North County Transit District, whose family of services includes the scenic north-south COASTER commuter train, east-west SPRINTER hybrid rail and BREEZE bus network. Visit goNCTD.com to cruise past traffic and see the sights. Southeast of downtown, visit The Super Dentists, a kid-centered dental office with an Oceanside location on Vista Way.
Old Town San Diego Chamber of Commerce 2415 San Diego Ave., San Diego • (619) 291-4903 • 27 map on page 65 Step into history while exploring Old Town San Diego, known as the birthplace of California. Old Town encompasses a State Historic Park, which contains original adobe buildings and restored sites, recalling the Mexican-American period of 1821-1872. The Old Town Chamber of Commerce organizes many Old Town events, including the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration (May 2-3, 2020). Not to be missed is the chamber’s Old Town Harney Street Market, featuring handmade works from local artisans 9 a.m.-4 p.m. every Sat.-Sun. Visitors can also enjoy Old Town’s colorful shops and restaurants, such as Bazaar del Mundo Shops and the popular Casa Guadalajara, serving Mexican fare; and Fiesta de Reyes, a charming village marketplace. Steps away, stop in at The Cosmopolitan Hotel and Restaurant, serving American and Mexican cuisine in the hotel’s quaint dining room or on the outdoor terrace. At the Mormon Battalion Historical Site and other museums, docents provide tours dressed in period attire. Other historic sites include the Whaley Museum and Adobe Chapel Museum. Nearby, find stylish footwear at Birkenstock of San Diego. Learn more about Old Town San Diego at oldtownsandiego.org.
Port of San Diego 3165 Pacific Highway, San Diego • (619) 686-6200 • 57 map on page 65 Shop, stay, dine and play on San Diego’s waterfront, spanning 34 miles of San Diego Bay and seven picturesque locales: Chula Vista Bayfront, Coronado Bayside, the Embarcadero, Harbor Island, Imperial Beach Pier, National City Marina District, and Shelter Island. All surround the gleaming San Diego Bay, which is managed by the Port of San Diego, a special district that not only protects the environment and supports business on the bay, but also contributes to its character and culture with public art, events, parks and more. Visit charming boutiques and gift shops. Indulge in world-class restaurants and lovely cafés on the water’s edge, or savor the local flavors of traveling food trucks at scenic parks. Make a splash on a jet ski, enjoy a tranquil outing on a sailboat, go fishing or watch magnificent cruise ships dock by the boardwalk. Enjoy a concert under the stars and end the day with a stay at a stunning bayside hotel. It’s all waiting at the Port of San Diego. Learn more about what’s happening on and around San Diego Bay, as well as how to get to and park along the waterfront at portofsandiego.org See more on the Port of San Diego in Communities, pages 14-18
Ramona Chamber of Commerce 1306 Main St., Ste. 103, Ramona • (760)789-1311 22 map on page 66 Encompassing an area of 156 square miles, the town of Ramona offers a slow pace and much to discover! With a historic and charming downtown, more than 30 wine and beer tasting rooms, unique antiques and vintage finds, and dozens of pristine hiking trails, Ramona is the hidden gem of San Diego County. Serving the community since 1908, the Ramona Chamber of Commerce presents exciting happenings year-round, including the Ramona Artists Open Studios Tour (April 18-19, 2020), the Ramona Country Fair (July 30 - Aug. 2, 2020), the Taste of Ramona (Oct 2020), Ramona Motorcycle Rally and Oktoberfest (Oct 2020) and the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting (First Saturday of December). All are welcome. Events attract attendees from near and far to discover San Diego’s beautiful backcountry. Visit ExperienceRamona.org, brought to you by the Ramona Chamber of Commerce - RamonaChamber.com, which welcomes visitors to stop by or call.
