I have been very fortunate over the years in having friends that share my love of travel. While visiting my friends Jeff and Nikki in San Luis Obispo, we visited the Montaña de Oro State Park, Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve, followed by day trips to Solvang, Santa Barbara, Pismo Beach and Moro Bay. Later, Jeff and I embarked on a road trip through central California, including a drive up historic Pacific Highway 1, a tour of Hearst Castle, hiking in Yosemite National Park, whale watching off Monterrey, a tour of the haunted Winchester Mansion, and finally a visit to the ghost town of Bodie.
Favourite moments
Driving the spectacular coastline of Pacific one from San Luis Obispo to Monterey
Getting up at the crack of dawn to watch the sunrise over Mono Lake
Watching Suicide Squad from the back of a station wagon at the Sunset Drive-In in San Luis Obispo
Touring the bizarre Winchester mansion, California’s most famous haunted house
Strolling the trails of Yosemite National Park
Drinking coffee in the lounge of the Hotel Majestic in Yosemite National Park
Touring the eerie ghost town of Bodie California
Capturing sunset images of the Spanish monastery at San Juan Bautista
Staring out over the broad expanse of Southern California from the hilltop of Hearst Castle near San Simeon.
Birdwatching at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve
documenting the rugged coastline of Montaña de Oro State Park
Eating lunch at Sandy’s under the Huntington Beach Pier
Watching Brian Setzer perform at the Del Mar Raceway
Drinking in the sunset at Coronado Beach
Touring the tranquil Spanish Monastery of Santa Inez in Solvang California
Of all the cities on the west coast, San Diego best epitomises the sunny Southern California of my imagination. My first visit was part of a business trip to the annual CSUN conference held every March. I recently returned for a short stay (2016) and found that even 6 yrs later it had lost none of its charm.
Favourite moments
Whale watching on the schooner America
Coronado Beach at sunset
Friday night in the Gaslamp district, besieged by Hari Krishnas and naked cyclists
Taking the panorama of San Diego Bay from the Cabrillo Point.
Strolling among the jets of the massive USS Midway Carrier Museum
San Diego Bay
Hotel Del Coronado
Balboa Park
Balboa Park
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
Old Town San Diego
Whale watching on the schooner America
Whale watching on the schooner America
Whale watching on the schooner America
USS Ronald Reagan
Schooner California San Diego Marine Museum
San Diego Marine Museum
Star of India: San Diego Marine Museum
San Diego Marine Museum
San Diego Marine Museum
Point Loma
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo
Trip Notes
San Diego is blessed with the best year-round weather in the continental United States. It has two seasons: warm summer and cool summer. Oddly enough, May and June are actually the worst months to visit because it is generally overcast, but otherwise its sunny most of the time. There is plenty to do in the San Diego area whether for a sightseeing, adventure or family vacation. For the vision impaired, I found it an easy town to get around in, whether you splurge on the Old Town Trolley, or use public transit. Many areas such as the Gaslamp Quarter, Little Italy, Balboa Park, Seaport Village are great for strolling.
Favourite Spots
Hotel Del Coronado: Landmark wooden hotel dating from the 1890’s, famous as a movie location for Some Like it Hot. Even if you don’t stay there, drop by for a drink or ice cream
Gaslamp District: Famously fun nightlife district with numerous restaurants and bars with relaxed charm
USS Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum: Take a walk through US Naval Aviation history on this massive USS Midway. Audio Tour is strongly reccommended
Maritime Museum of San Diego: Awesome collection of vintage ships including the full rigged Star of India, the schooner California
Old Town San Diego: Charming recreation of traditional San Diego life during the colonial period with lots of nice restaurants and shops.
To the Ends of the Earth 