Local Wally's Guide to San Diego
The original locals guide to San Diego...since 1996
Jumping Killer Whales, Hungry Hippos, Suns of Beaches, it's Essential San Diego!
Unlike some towns where the marketing hype is due mainly to the overactive imagination of the Chamber of Commerce, San Diego actually lives up to its reputation. Don't believe me? Does your city have a zoo that's so big that they keep the hippos in a giant aquarium? When was the last time you got to pet a dolphin in your city or see actual whales swimming free in the ocean? Or how about a 1,200 acre park in the middle of the city filled with everything from classic art to electric trains? How about postcard perfect beaches with actual live seals lieing on the beach? See what I'm talking about? Look, I'm not bragging, this town just rocks!
Baby panda bears. Do I really need to say anything else? Need more convincing? How about hippos with their mouths wide open pressed against the side of the glass aquarium? Polar bears in a giant habitat swimming with ice cubes? Want to hand feed a rhino? You can with the Backstage Pass program. There's baby chicks, giant condors, majestic lions up close, orangutans smiling back, just about every animal you can possibly imagine is here.
The San Diego Zoo came to being after the 1915 Panama-California Exposition, a special event that was the impetus for the creation of Balboa Park. When the event was over the exotic animals needed a home and in stepped Dr. Harry M. Wedgeforth, a physician with a love of animals who led the efforts to create a zoo for the city. Set in Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo occupies over 1,000 acres of hilly terrain, landscaped with lush tropical plants and featuring over 4,000 animals. First time visitors are often overwhelmed when they first walk in, so make sure you take that map when you enter so you can find your way to your favorite animals - and your way back out!
Living in a Carlsbad apartment is every bit as nice as living in San Diego, but without the traffic.
And unlike other zoos where the animals are kept in cages or small enclosures, the San Diego Zoo offers animals in huge exhibits with natural surroundings. The new Elephant Odyssey exhibit covers seven acres and features nine Asian elephants, a condor, tapirs, camels, jaguars, and capybaras - the worlds largest rodent and possibly the cutest one as well. Along the way you'll learn about these creatures and the importance of conservation in the wild. Spend a few bucks to feed a giraffe and you'll not only get a once in a lifetime photo op but you'll be helping to save endangered species.
LOCAL WALLY'S PANDA TIP: If you're lucky enough to be visiting the zoo when there's a baby panda, go straight to that exhibit to avoid long lines later in the day. Here's a link to the Zoo's Panda Cam.
Walking the zoo requires good shoes but smart (and lazy) zoo-goers look for the Skyfari or escalators at the bottom of the park to get back to the entrance. Even lazier visitors can jump on the open air zoo busses which give a good overview of the main exhibits while letting you hop on and off to spend time at your favorites. It's actually not a bad way to see the zoo for first timers or those short on time. A visit to the Zoo can be an all day experience and serious zoo lovers can even spend the night with one of their sleep over programs. For a unique experience visit the Zoo during the evening hours during the Summer, a wonderful "only in San Diego" sort of experience!
So the bottom line is do not listen to anyone who tries to talk you out of going to the Zoo. It's the number 1 San Diego experience that will exceed your expectations. And if you haven't been in a couple of years, go again - the new Elephant exhibit is worth the price of admission alone.
THE LOWDOWN: Gigantic Zoo in Balboa Park, it's better than you could ever imagine!
LOCAL TIP: You can no longer bring food into the park but sneak a couple of water bottles in to avoid the $5 soft drinks
WALLY SAYS: Arguably the best zoo in the world, you can visit again and again and have a different experience each time!
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I know it sounds corny and I know you swear you won't, but I dare you not to tear up during the Shamu show when the music swells up and the killer whales jump high in the air in unison. It's like watching a heartwarming Hallmark TV special - you know you're not supposed to like it but dammit if this isn't the best show you've ever seen and hey, my allergies must be acting up cause I'm not crying, and, well, God Bless America!
The Shamu show is like that, but who can blame anyone for getting excited about trained Killer Whales. I mean, aren't they suppose to be dangerous? So why is the trainer guy sticking his head in its mouth? Why is he even in the same tank? And why are all those people sitting in the front rows when the sign clearly says "You Will Get Drenched!??" It's all part of the SeaWorld experience and even though it borders on manipulative tear jerking, it's quite the sight to see and guaranteed to melt even the most hardened cynic.
The park is really three adventures in one. Grab a map and schedule when you arrive and hit the first show available. Then if you want to see more shows just follow the schedule and the crowds as one show starts minutes after the last show ends. Besides the Shamu show, don't miss the dolphins and the Pets Rule shows.
For a more interactive visit stop by some of the exhibits - feed the dolphins and touch their skin, reach into the pool of rays and pet them as they swim by, visit the incredible shark tank where you walk through a tube underwater (anyone remember Jaws 3?) and by all means see the penguins!
LOCAL WALLY'S TIP ON GETTING PICKED TO PET A PENGUIN: Pay attention when the presenter speaks at the Penguin Encounter and push your way to the front and try to look really cute because when the presenter asks the crowd a penguin trivia question the winner sometimes gets to go in the back to meet a penguin! Ooooh, ooooh, pick me, pick me!
As if that wasn't enough, SeaWorld also offers rides, from the kid friendly Sesame Street rides to thrill rides like Journey to Atlantis and the Wild Arctic motion ride . And here's a tip - bring a poncho or a dry set of clothes if you plan on going on the "white water" Shipwreck Rapids raft ride as you most certainly will get soaking wet, if not by the splashing water by the people on the sidelines who shoot power water guns at you as you float by!
Yes, SeaWorld is a bit commercial but it's also a lot of fun, appealing to all ages. It's not every day you can swim with dolphins, touch and feed the white Beluga Whales or just take a picture of your kid or spouse standing next to a guy in a Shamu costume. Fireworks at night, what a great vacation this has been so far!
THE LOWDOWN: Water animal theme park with shows, exhibits, and rides, who can resist?
LOCAL TIP: Darn it, no more free beer now that Anheiser Busch sold the park :-(
WALLY SAYS: Just go with the flow and you will have the time of your life!
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In 1868 the City Planners got it right when they set aside 1,400 acres of scrub filled wasteland and declared it the site of a future city park. Fast forward to 1915 and this land became the site of our first World Fair, the Panama-California Exposition. What they thought would be temporary buildings were erected along the "Prado", the main walkway, in an ornate Spanish-Renaissance style.
All was well in San Diego until the Great Depression in the 1930's. As a means to boost the local economy, the city hosted our second Worlds Fair in 1935 called the California Pacific International Exposition and built even more buildings. By then Balboa Park had become more than a backdrop for events, it was the crown jewel of San Diego with its beautiful landscaping, inspiring architecture, impressive museum collections and overall beauty. The temporary buildings luckily are still standing, refurbished back to their original glory and now housing a variety of museums and other attractions.
Visitors to Balboa Park will find a pristine park that offers a variety of activities and enjoyments. Now I know what you're thinking - you think this is going to be some sort of boring 6th grade field trip, an educational experience versus a fun adventure, a place for brainiacs. Well flip off that TV and wake up to smell the coffee. Balboa Park is more fun than cable! Sure there are the museums with art you don't understand, but there's also mummy's and iMAX movies and hands on science exhibits and koi ponds and the actual Apollo 9 Space Command Module and classic cars and electric trains and more and more and more! And it's not only better than cable, it's better than HD cable because it's real and it's now and you're actually participating! Wow, wow, sensory overload!
LOCAL WALLY'S ALCOHOLIC'S TIP: Amazingly, you can still crack open a cold beer in certain areas of the park! Here's the lowdown on the areas and restrictions.
There are so many museums that you'll want to get a discount passport or better yet, the Go San Diego card, so you can pop into whatever museum you want. With so many museums you'll want to plan a full day in the park. Bring a picnic if you want to avoid the hot dog carts and overpriced soft drinks, or splurge with a meal at The Prado, a local's favorite that's not a tourist trap even though it's smack in the center of the park. Beautiful setting, outdoor dining, grab a table at the bar if it's too busy to wait for a table for some appetizers. Foodies and Wine-ies will want to check out the Balboa Park Food and Wine School to take a "class" on wine tasting or sushi making - oh yeah, this isn't like 6th grade at all!
LOCAL WALLY'S RESIDENTS FREE TUESDAY TIP : A lot of websites and guides will tell you about how some museums are Free on Tuesdays, but they fail to tell you that this is for locals only. Sorry, but someone had to tell you the truth. Of course if you're a resident of San Diego County you're going to want to be all over that schedule.
The museums will fill up most peoples days but if you have the time don't miss the free organ concert in the Spreckels Organ Pavilion every Sunday at 2pm featuring one of the worlds largest pipe organs. Also on Sundays you'll find local's favorite House of Pacific Relations Cottages where you can sample the various ethnic foods from around the world. On any given Sunday there might be dancing or displays of various cultures, but I go for the bites of unusual eats. There's also hiking trails, picnic grounds everywhere, a miniature train you can ride and a merry-go-round by the zoo.
Athletic types can take in a round of golf at Balboa Park Golf Course, the sister course of Torrey Pines and one of the best golf values in town, or better yet, a round of Frisbee Disc Golf at Morley Field, a cheap way ($4, including disc rental) to get in a "round" that's fun for the whole family, even if you've never played before. If you can toss a Frisbee, you'll love Disc golf.
LOCAL WALLY'S RAINY DAY TIP: It doesn't rain much in San Diego but if you find yourself in town when the skies are gray and cloudy, spend the day inside museums instead of pouting about the rain.
THE LOWDOWN: Incredible park packed with museums and activities, plan to spend a whole day here
LOCAL TIP: You have to get the Discount Passport or the Go San Diego Card you'll go broke museum hopping
WALLY SAYS: Something for everyone, don't miss!
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An offshoot of the San Diego Zoo, the Safari Park (formerly known as the Wild Animal Park) is an 1,800 acre "natural environment" zoo focused on the conservation and preservation of rare and endangered species. Animals roam the plains interacting with other animals while near extinct animals like the Northern White Rhino - only 7 known animals left in the world with 2 at the park - are given their last chance at survival. It's not better than the zoo, but different, and animal lovers will want to visit both parks for the full experience.
Located 35 miles north and inland from downtown San Diego, the San Diego Zoo Safari Park is huge! Wear comfortable shoes and get there early to avoid the crowds and often scorching Africa-like heat during the Summer. Think of the Wild Animal Park as less of a zoo or theme park and more of a natural habitat to explore. The main drag has the ice cream stands and petting coral, sure to be the highlight of every kids day, but wander off the promenade to explore and discover what the park is all about. You'll likely see baby elephants, come face to face with a lion (literally inches away through protective glass), monkeys swinging from the branches, all in a near cageless environment.
Kids and adults alike will love feeding the colorful parrot-like birds at the Lorikeet Landing, where a small cup of nectar brings on Alfred Hitchcock bird feeding frenzy. But the real attraction is the Journey into Africa Tour, a tram ride into to open plains. You'll get a narrated trip into Africa where you'll see everything from zebras to elephants to rhinos. It's like you're on a Discovery Channel "live" show as you see the animals in a near natural habitat interacting with each other and leave with a deep appreciation for our need to protect these animals in the wild.
LOCAL WALLY'S JOURNEY INTO AFRICA TIP : Don't mess up by buying the ticket at the gate that doesn't include the Journey into Africa Tour as it costs more once you are in the park - and you most definitely will want to go once you are inside. You can also get discounted tickets that include the Africa Tour ahead of time, highly recommended!
For the true adventure types consider a Photo Safari where you'll be taken deep into the plains to get right in there with the animals - feed a giraffe lately? - or even sleep overnight in the park in their safari tent cabins! During the Spring there's the butterfly aviary where you'll you'll be surrounded by hundreds of beautiful butterflies, and the famous bird show is still delighting visitors after all these years. There's also a tethered hot air balloon ride and a variety of activities for the kids.
Now a bit of warning - it can get so hot during the Summer that you'll actually thank them for selling you a $5 Coke! Wear shorts and sunscreen and check the weather before you go. If it's going to hit triple digits, take my advice and stay at the beach during the day and visit the park in the evening - trust me, 100+ degrees plus waiting in lines with tons of sweaty tourists is not going to be fun. Also, while the Safari Park is a great experience it's NOT as good as the San Diego Zoo. If you have to pick only one park to visit, stick with the San Diego Zoo for a more concentrated and kid friendly experience.
THE LOWDOWN: Gigantic open space filled with wild animals, fun to wander the trails and ride the tram
LOCAL TIP: Bring a picnic to avoid the overpriced hot dogs, go on tram early in the day to avoid long lines
WALLY SAYS: The Zoo is better, but the Safari Park is a great alternative for animal lovers who can't get enough!
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How can you not visit a place where there are actual live seals basking in the sun on the beach? This is La Jolla, the Jewel of San Diego and one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in the world. But while La Jolla is home to some of San Diego's most beautiful beaches, it's more than that - much more.
For beach lovers La Jolla offers everything from the quintessential Southern California suntanned bodies and tiny bikinis experience found at La Jolla Shores to a "From Here to Eternity" romantic beach experience found in the many small alcoves. There's snorkeling at La Jolla Cove in the crystal clear turquoise waters, scuba diving in the marine preserve and underwater park, and everyday adventure seekers will love taking a kayak into one of the seven sea caves. A short walk south from La Jolla Cove will take you past the tidepool area and to the picturesque Children's Pool, a protected cove that's become a seal habitat. Take a walk on the sea wall to get a closer look - go ahead, plant a kiss on someone special as the waves crash against the wall and spray you with mist (CAUTION: DO NOT KISS SEALS AS THEY CAN BITE AND OFTEN HAVE FISH BREATH!). Even suntanned-challenged and calorically enriched people will enjoy this beach scene, safely clothed from the wide walkways that line the bluffs - good wheelchair access, too.
LOCAL WALLY'S SAVE THE SEALS TIP : There's been a long battle by a small group of lawyer-happy La Jollans who actually want to rid the Children's Pool area of the seals, claiming the beach is for people, not seals. The seals have won the last battle but it's not over. If you'd rather see a cute seal pup versus a spoiled rich kid, then send the Mayor of San Diego an email! For the latest news of the seal eviction, visit the La Jolla Friends of the Seals.
The main drag that runs through this area is Prospect Place, but one of the best places to park is before you get to the shops and restaurants near Park Row. Park in this area and head towards the cul de sac and you'll find the Coast Walk, a trail that wraps you around the bluffs as you head towards town. This short walk will take you to the sea caves and the Cave Store, a shell shop where for a small admission fee you can walk down stairs into one of the actual caves. The hike is not too strenuous and offers views that will have you wishing you brought the bigger memory card.
LOCAL WALLY'S "TAKE MY PHOTO" TIP : Rent a kayak and get a professional shot of you tipping over with Beach Shoot San Diego, great action photographers who also rent activity gear.
Back on Prospect Place the streets are lined with Mercedes and plenty of beautiful people. If you want to at least pretend to be part of that crowd head over to George's at the Cove restaurant and go up the stairs to the Ocean Terrace, the quintessential al fresco dining experience. Perfect for lunch or a sunset dinner, reserve a table near the glass wall for the best views of La Jolla Cove below. Awesome California cuisine, somewhat reasonable prices, incredible fresh cocktails, I eat here more than I want to admit.
Across the street is one of my favorite Mexican restaurants, Alfonso's of La Jolla. It's downscale approach has appealed to me since the 70's when I first discovered this place while still in college. Back then the attraction were the carne asada tacos (grilled steak with guacamole, mmmm) and high octane margaritas (on the rocks with salt, no Slurpee for me). I'm happy to say that they still make 'em like the used to and I'd still choose a basket of their fresh crunchy chips and authentic spicy salsa over a piece of foie gras any day.
LOCAL WALLY'S LOCAL EATS TIP : Every Sunday from 9 to 1:00 is La Jolla's Open Aire Market, aka the Farmers Market, which features lots of great food stands, hand made crafts and clothing, as well as tons of fresh produce. Locals know this is the spot for great food for cheap.
While you're in the area you might want to jump back in your car and head over the the Torrey Pines Glider Port where you can jump off the cliffs and fly like a bird with one of their tandem flights. No experience required and all ages welcome, this will make your parasailing adventure look like child's play! Go ahead, you can do it! You'll be safely back in your cube at work before you know it so live it up while you can!
Golfers will love a stop in at the nearby Torrey Pines Golf Course and nudists will love letting it all hang out at Blacks Beach, San Diego's unofficial nude beach. (WARNING: Access to Blacks is treacherous and camera phones are not appreciated. Local Wally recommends the 24 hour adult channel back at the hotel if your only goal is to see nude bodies!)
Whether you come to La Jolla for the beaches, the activities, the shopping or the restaurants, no one leaves without falling in love with the area.
THE LOWDOWN: Beautiful beach town with some of the best beaches in the world
LOCAL TIP: La Jolla Shores has bonfire rings on the beach, get there early in the day to grab a spot
WALLY SAYS: So much to do and so much to see, La Jolla is one of my most favorite places in the world!
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Local Wally can admit when he's wrong. I know, I thought there was no way a theme park built with Legos would fly, especially 30 miles north of the downtown in Carlsbad, but damn if this place hasn't taken on a life of its own. Best for the 10 and under crowd, Legoland is a giant playground of interactive toys and adventures, rides and amusements. You think your kids are out of control at the local toy store? You aint seen nothing yet!
The entire park is built with the young kids in mind. Rides are scaled down so the kids can go on their own and play areas are set up to let their imaginations soar. What kid wouldn't like take a dig in the sand for dinosaur fossils after riding a pint sized roller coaster? Or go on an Africa safari to spot life sized animals made completely with Legos? They can even get a Lego drivers license after learning to drive on the Lego cars in Fun Town or climb the rope ladders and zoom down the slides next to dragons. Future pirates will love Splash Battle, a water themed ride where you battle with water canons and all the kids will love the mini-water slides at the Soak N Sail. Even the most addicted to Xbox kid will love the simple pleasures of running around and exploring, stretching their imaginations as they learn new things.
On a hot Summer day you might want to have the kids dress in swimming suits under their clothes as there are plenty of water activities that they won't want to miss. And while outside food is not permitted, backpacks are OK so stash some snack foods at the bottom to save on some cash.
New to Legoland is the Sea Life Aquarium, an interactive and education aquarium built with the small kids in mind - think of a mini-version of SeaWorld that should provide an hour or so distraction from the blocks. It requires a separate admission fee (get the two for one ticket) so if you're already planning a trip to SeaWorld or the Birch Aquarium you could skip this and no one would notice.
LOCAL WALLY'S CARLSBAD FOOD TIP : While the food at the park isn't bad, it's not very good, either! If you can convince your rugrats to wait until you leave the park to eat there are plenty of good cheap food options, from In N Out Burger to Costco's $1.50 hot dogs to family restaurants like Pat and Oscars. Serious carnivores will love Tip Top Meats, home of the $6.95 "all you can eat meat" breakfast and the $9.95 prime rib dinner, all crazy good quality in a family restaurant setting. And if the screaming kids are getting on your nerves, Karl Strauss Brewery and Restaurant might hit the spot with their microbrews.
THE LOWDOWN: An entire park made with Legos for kids
LOCAL TIP: Bring aspirin if you don't have kids
WALLY SAYS: Can't deny that for kids 10 and under this place is better than Disneyland!
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