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Sports in San Diego

Sports in San Diego

By Skip Davis

[caption id="attachment_6079" align="alignright" width="300" caption="A thrilling day at the Del Mar Racetrack. CC Image courtesy of Ewen Roberts on Flickr."][/caption] Be it the stillness of hitting tees at a Mission Trails golf course or the roaring crowds of a Chargers football game at Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego is a definite sports town. And San Diego's perfect weather makes attending a sporting event in the city a pleasurable experience almost every time. Other prevalent sports in San Diego include tennis events and San Diego Padres baseball. Let's not forget San Diego's bays, which hosts some of the country's greatest boating regattas.

Professional Teams

San Diego stands out in terms of its favorable weather and beachside location. However, San Diego’s residents are similar to other cities when it comes to taking pride in their local professional sports teams. San Diego has a representative in four major U.S. team sports, including National Football League (NFL) and Major League Baseball (MLB) franchises. (read more)

Golf

With over 90 courses, San Diego takes a back seat to no one when it comes to golf. Golf Digest magazine considers San Diego as one of the top 50 golfing destinations in the United States. San Diego also hosts the annual Farmer's Insurance Open, a major event in the PGA Tour. No matter where you are vacationing – Mission Valley, North County or downtown San Diego – chances are you are within close driving distance of a San Diego golf course. (read more)

Tennis

San Diego is home to some of the most beautiful and luxurious tennis clubs in Southern California. Most of San Diego's tennis clubs allow non-members to play, so you can hit the courts even when you are vacationing. The more well-known clubs in San Diego are the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club and Balboa Tennis Club, but clubs are also present in North County.

Boating Regattas

San Diego Bay is one of America's most revered locations for boating regattas. Whether it is a local competition or the internationally known America's Cup, San Diego hosts regattas on a year-round basis. Not only do boating regattas feature boating races, but these events also have games, food vendors and live entertainment making it enjoyable for people who are not familiar with racing.

Del Mar Racetrack

The Del Mar Racetrack is one of the most popular thoroughbred horse racing venues in San Diego County. This North County racetrack hosts races from July through September, including the revered Pacific Classic Stakes. Gaming activities are all part of the Del Mar experience, but you can go just to enjoy the races as well. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Sports in San Diego
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/san-diego/sports/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 12, 2012

Dining in San Diego: Eating by the Bay

Dining in San Diego: Eating by the Bay

By Skip Davis

San Diego's residents love to dine out for all meals of the day, which provides travelers with a wide variety of culinary choices. You can gaze at ships and yachts sail in San Diego or Mission Bays while dining at a waterfront restaurant, or watch shoppers go to and fro at one of the outdoor cafes in Gaslamp Quarter. For an elegant evening, try one of the upscale restaurants at one of San Diego's historic hotels or high-rise buildings. More importantly, San Diego has a restaurant for you, no matter the size of your budget.

Downtown San Diego

Gaslamp Quarter

The historic Gaslamp Quarter has one of the most diverse choice of restaurants in San Diego. The Quarter's early history as a Red Light District is responsible for the vibrant vibe that exudes from the district's restaurants. But do not worry, the practices that made the Gaslamp Quarter a Red Light District are long since past. Upscale seafood restaurants and steakhouses reign supreme in the Gaslamp Quarter, including the Gaslamp Strip Club, a steakhouse for patrons 21 years and older.

Little Italy

As its name suggests, Little Italy is home to an assortment of Northern and Southern Italian specialties. The revitalized Little Italy offers both historic value and modernization to bring you an enriching, yet trendy dining experience. Little Italy features mom-and-pop Italian eateries like you would see in the old country and hip supper clubs such as Anthology and Glass Door.

East Village

East Village is the largest neighborhood in downtown San Diego and a hub of the city's art community. Until the mid-2000s, East Village was primarily a warehouse district devoid of residential and commercial zones. However, a recent renaissance of East Village has made the area a popular attraction for dining due to its wide selection of casual eateries and sports bars.

Marina

Located on San Diego Bay, the Marina district of San Diego is a hotbed for upscale and casual seafood eateries. Some Marina restaurants provide views of ships sailing in the Bay, while all of the district's restaurants serve tasty seafood platters. Many of Marina's restaurants are signature eateries for the district's high-rise hotels.

Uptown

Bankers Hill

If you seek a romantic dinner in a serene setting, then Bankers Hill may be for you. Until recently, Bankers Hill was primarily a residential area. However, the insertion of fine dining establishments has made Bankers Hill a favorite spot for locals who want to take their loved ones out for an intimate date or anniversary celebration.

Hillcrest

Hillcrest is at the northern end of Uptown San Diego and one of the city's most colorful and jubilant communities. Many of the district's restaurants are located on the ground floors of gentrified Craftsman-style and mid-20th century buildings. Most of the restaurants in Hillcrest are laid-back and have casual or upbeat atmospheres.

Old Town San Diego

As the oldest area in San Diego, Old Town features restaurants in historic buildings, some dating back to the early 19th century. Get a taste of San Diego as it once was by visiting restaurants in adobe and terra cotta-roofed settings. Most of Old Town's restaurants serve Mexican or traditional American fare, but other ethnic cuisines are available.

La Jolla

The beachside community of La Jolla was made famous by the Beach Boys anthem, Surfin' U.S.A., but it also has a vibrant main street – La Jolla Boulevard – lined with upscale and voguish restaurants. American, Italian, seafood and Asian fusion are among the restaurant choices in this hopping, beachside community.

North County Coastal

When choosing at one of North County's coastal restaurants, you have access to upscale, seaside restaurant as well as casual, local favorites. Many of North County's coastal restaurants are located along Highway 101, or the Coast Highway. The vibe in North County is more laid-back than the restaurants found in the city, but some vibrant restaurants are also in areas's dining scene.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Dining in San Diego: Eating by the Bay
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/san-diego/dining/;

Author: Skip Davis

March 12, 2012

Touring San Diego: The Top Attractions

Touring San Diego: The Top Attractions

By Skip Davis

When in San Diego, make sure you see the “Best of the Best” when it comes to the city's attractions. San Diego is not only a beach town, but chock full of recreation areas, boat charter destinations and live entertainment. As California's oldest city, San Diego is also home to a wide array of historic sites with some dating back to the 18th century. Many of San Diego's top attractions are centrally located, making it possible to visit more than one site during the day.

Balboa Park

As San Diego's largest urban park, Balboa Park is the city's recreational epicenter. Walking trails and picnicking areas are only some of the recreation facilities at Balboa Park. The 1,200-acre Park is also one of the oldest city recreation areas in the United States and features some of the San Diego's oldest buildings and historic sites. (read more)

Point Loma

Point Loma is one of San Diego's crowning jewels and the landing place of the first European expedition in Southern California. As a result, Point Loma is often thought of as the “birthplace of California.” In the present day, this hilly peninsula is home to multi-million dollar homes and historic sites such as Cabrillo National Monument and the Point Loma Lighthouse. (read more)

Old Town San Diego

After landing on Point Loma, the first European settlers founded the City of San Diego at the present-day site of Old Town San Diego. Visitors flock to Old Town to see historic sites, recreation areas and annual festivals such as Cinco de Mayo and the Old Town Art Festival. (read more)

Gaslamp Quarter

The Gaslamp Quarter reminisces on the mid- to late-19th century life of San Diego, when the district was known as “New Town.” Much of the Gaslamp Quarter's décor and charm remains for tourists to see year-round. Pass by replica gaslamp streetlights while investigating some of San Diego's premier shops and restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. (read more)

Coronado Island

Perhaps San Diego's most extravagant tourism spot is Coronado Island. Connected to downtown San Diego via the Coronado Bridge, Coronado Island has been the subject of magazine covers, San Diego brochures and Hollywood movies. Coronado Island has something for everyone, ranging from recreation at the Island's beaches to visiting the Victorian-era Hotel del Coronado. (read more)

Islas Coronados

An adventurous day trip for San Diego vacationers is chartering a boat to the Islas Coronados. Not to be confused with Coronado Island, Islas Coronados belong to Mexico, but our neighboring country to the south does not mind tourists sailing around the islands. Snorkeling and scuba diving are common activities for tourists visiting the Islas Coronados. (read more)

Maritime Museums

Witness and board some of the world's oldest existing ships at San Diego's maritime museums. The city's two most prominent maritime museums are Maritime Museum of San Diego and the U.S.S. Midway Museum. Merchant sailboats and U.S. military vessels are among the ships at San Diego's maritime museums. (read more)

National Comedy Theatre

Need a night of constant hilarity during your San Diego trip? Be sure to catch a show at the National Comedy Theatre, home to San Diego's longest running theatrical show. Variety shows and improv comedy entertainment are the mainstays at the National Comedy Theatre. (read more)

59-Mile Scenic Drive

Why only go to a couple of San Diego's top attractions when you can see nearly all of them in one day? The 59-Mile Scenic Drive allows vacationers to see San Diego's top sites on the go and within three hours – if you do not make any stops. Regardless of how much time you spend in one location, the Scenic Drive serves as a great tour guide and for your San Diego expedition.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Touring San Diego: The Top Attractions
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/san-diego/attractions/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 27, 2012

San Diego Top Recreation Activities

San Diego Top Recreation Activities

By Skip Davis

Known for its waterfront location, San Diego's recreational activities center around the Pacific Ocean and the city's many water inlets and bays. Surfing and sailing regattas are available for those seeking energetic and thrilling recreation opportunities. If you want to relax on your vacation, though, San Diego also has multiple trails for hiking and fishing is abundant in America's Finest City. Whatever “floats your boat” is an apt description of all the recreation activities available in San Diego.

Surfing

The long stretch of coastline in San Diego County features some of the most revered surfing spots in the world. Even The Beach Boys knew about San Diego surfing when they mentioned San Onofre and La Jolla in their classic song, “Surfin' U.S.A.” Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, San Diego has a surf beach for you. (read more)

Fishing

Massive bays and the Pacific Ocean make San Diego a fisherman's paradise. Due to its oceanside location, San Diego is primarily a saltwater fishing destination. Know the ins and outs of fishing in San Diego before grabbing your rod-and-reel. (read more)

Sailing

San Diego is an ideal place for sailing, be it racing in a competitive regatta or mellowly cruising on the area's harbors. Sailing in San Diego allows you to see the city's downtown skyline in its entirety, all the while gazing at the serenity of the Pacific Ocean. (read more)

Swimming

Swimming sounds like a no-brainer when visiting San Diego, right? With the Pacific and Mission Bay at your disposal, all you have to do is hop in the water and swim until your heart's content. Most of San Diego's beaches have lifeguard stations, which is a major boon for the safety of the beaches' visitors. Also, the San Diego Parks and Recreation Department offers its Aquatics Program, which has inland swimming locations that may be more convenient to your vacation home. (read more)

Bicycling

Bicycling allows you to feel the breeze of San Diego's perfect weather rush past your body. San Diego is very accommodating towards bicyclists since most of the city's major roads have bike lanes. Also, bike trails exists at nearly every San Diego park. (read more)

Hiking

For those of you who want to enjoy sweeping ocean views without getting wet, hiking San Diego's trails may be for you. Many of San Diego's beachside parks have an abundance of hiking trails with unforgettable views of the Pacific. Mountain hiking is also an option with Mission Trails and the Cuyamonga Mountains at your disposal. (read more)

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) San Diego Top Recreation Activities
Retrieved from:

Author: Skip Davis

February 20, 2012

Top Surfing Spots in San Diego

Top Surfing Spots in San Diego

By Skip Davis

The long stretch of coastline in San Diego County features some of the most revered surfing spots in the world. Even The Beach Boys knew about San Diego surfing when they mentioned San Onofre and La Jolla in their classic song, “Surfin' U.S.A.” Whether you are a beginner or seasoned pro, San Diego has a surf beach for you. Be sure to know if a beach's waves are best during the summer or winter.

North County

San Onofre State Beach

Perhaps the most competitive surfing spot is San Diego County's northernmost surfing spot, Trestles. As part of San Onofre State Park, the primary competition at Trestles may not be the waves, but finding a place to park. Trestles is reserved for experts, but Old Man's – also located in San Onofre – is suitable for beginners and long boarders.

Swami's

Named after the Self-Realization Fellowship center on the beach's bluff, Swami's offers great peaks. Like San Onofre, though, this beach gets crowded in a hurry. Swami's is known for having better swells than its neighboring beaches.

Del Mar/15th Street

Since it receives swells from all different direction, Del Mar is perhaps the most consistent of North County's beaches. The long coastline of Del Mar is enough to handle even the largest summer crowds.

La Jolla

Black's Beach

Black's Beach has one of the greatest reputations for surfing, not only in La Jolla but all of San Diego County. This beach is in Torrey Pines State Park and is known for its fast moving swells and hollow peaks. At times, the waves at Black's Beach peaks out at 12 feet.

La Jolla Shores

One of San Diego's most popular beaches is La Jolla Shores. This beach is easily accessible and offers calm, easy waves that are perfect for beginners. As a result, many surfing clinics and instructors base their operations at La Jolla Shores.

Windansea

The waves at Windansea, located in southern La Jolla, are consistent, which makes this surfing spot overcrowded at times. When surfing at Windansea, be aware of the reefs at the northern end of the beach. Windansea is better left to intermediate and experienced surfers, while beginners should try their luck at La Jolla Shores.

Central Coast

The Central Coast comprises of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Ocean Beach all bordering one another. These surfing spots are the most convenient beaches to the majority of San Diego's populace. The waves and surf peaks at Pacific Beach and Ocean Beach are similar and relatively easy compared to other surfing spots in San Diego. Probably the most challenging surf is at Mission Beach's jetty. If you want to try out a novelty, check out Belmont Park's Wave House. This artificial surfing attraction allows you to try surfing without going into the ocean.

South San Diego

Sunset Cliffs

Sunset Cliffs comprises of rocky reefs and several access points at the base of Point Loma. This beach area is at its best during the winter, when waves can reach up to 10 feet. Sunset Cliffs requires you to take caution as you descend the cliffs into the water. However, you can only reach the shoreline when it is low to mid tide.

Imperial Beach

The southernmost surfing beach in San Diego is Imperial Beach, located in the city's South Bay region. Imperial Beach is rarely crowded and offers good waves during the summer. A major downside is the amount of water pollution in the area. Do not surf Imperial Beach near the mouth of the Tijuana River or after a rainfall.

Reference: Skip Davis (2012) Top Surfing Spots in San Diego
Retrieved from: http://www.goodliferetreats.com/san-diego/recreation/surfing/;

Author: Skip Davis

February 20, 2012