Welcome to my San Diego Page! I'm afraid I don't have any pictures here yet. I hope to sometime in the near future. If you have any non-copyrighted pictures of San Diego that you'd like to share, please feel free to E-mail them to me, and I'll be sure to put them on and give you credit for them!
San Diego is the birthplace of California, and it's second largest
city. It boasts one of the world's largest natural harbors, and has a county
line that extends from the coast to the desert.
It was first discovered by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, when
he landed at Point Loma and claimed California for Spain.
The first settlement was established in 1769 by Gaspar de Portolá
and a group of Spanish settlers who founded a military outpost on what is now
Presido Hill. Father Junipero Serra was with this group and was responsible
for founding Mission Basilica San Diego de Alcalá, the first of a chain
of 21 missions that run up the coast of California. In 1774 the mission was
moved further up the San Diego River where there was more water and better soil.
The original mission and fort sites can still be seen in Old Town San Diego.
Now that you've heard a little of the history of the city, I'm
sure you're anxious to get started on your tour! Well let's begin!
When you think of San Diego, the first thing that probably comes
to mind is the world famous San Diego Zoo and/or Sea World. But there's a
lot more to the city than just these two places, as wonderful as they are.
Let's start with Cabrillo, which sits atop of the cliffs of Point Loma.
There's more here than just the monument to Cabrillo.
Depending on whether you like to strike out on your own, or prefer a more
structured environment, the first stop should be at the visitor's center.
There you can find information about the park, interesting exhibits, and films.
If, like me, you prefer to strike out on your own, check out one of the other
offerings first.
The last time I was there, I found a path that ran
from a small parking lot overlooking the ocean to the main path leading up to the Old
Lighthouse by way of some small trees. This is a most pleasant little
interlude as the sun dapples most nicely through the branches. It's also a
nice place to take group or individual photos, rather than the usual one
of someone standing by the Cabrillo statue or the lighthouse. Partway up the
path, you will see a small radio building from WWII. There's Not much to
see of it really, but interesting none-the-less. Another nice thing about
this path, is that it's not near as steep as the main one going up from
the parking lot. True, you end up a ways away from the Visitors Center, but
you can always go back down to your car after you have seen everything on top
that you want to, and just drive over to the main parking lot, which is what I
did. If there is anyone in your party who is unable to walk far, there is
a very nice cement bench overlooking the Pacific Ocean that they can sit on and
enjoy the view until you return.
Okay, you've survived the steep climb up to the top. Now what?
You have four choices. The first, and obvious one, is of course the Old
Lighthouse. It's a small white building whose front faces San Diego Bay, and
whose back faces the Pacific Ocean. Inside, you can see what it looked like
in the 1800's, and climb the narrow stairs up to the second floor. Unfortunately, you are no longer able to go up the stairs to walk around the light.
(at least, you weren't when I was there!) There isn't really a lot to see
inside, but if you're interested in history and the way people used to live,
you'll find it worth your while.
The second thing to see is the whale overlook. If you have planned your trip for mid-December through March, you're in luck! You just might
see some migrating California Gray Whales! The web page for the monument has some good advice on how to spot them. Be sure to bring your binoculars.
If you don't have any, or have forgotten them, try the visitor's center.
Be sure to
get a picture of the nice statue of a gray whale and it's baby too.
Thirdly, you can walk the Bayside Trail, a two-mile long walk
descending 300 feet of the 400 foot high peninsula. I have never done this,
but I want to! You can also see the remnants of military installations from
WWII.
And last but certainly not least, is the spectacular! view
that you see everywhere you look. The rather barren looking land you see out
in the middle of the Bay is North Island, the Navy's installation. Below that
is the city of Coronado. (don't miss seeing the Hotel Del Coronado!)
Keep checking back for more information on various San Diego attractions.
I hope to have information on Balboa Park up soon.
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