A Good Run

Based on my blog, you may think I'm one of those people who just LOVES to run, but I'm not. Sometimes I wake up in the morning and the only thing getting me out of bed is the dog, who's so excited and who gives me those sad eyes that fill me with guilt when we don't go. However, once I start running, I usually feel better, sometimes even great. That's how it was today. So, in honor of a good run, I'm posting some of my favorite running spots in San Diego.

Central: Balboa Park (of course!)
East: Lake Murray
South: Tijuana Estuary
North (inland): Lake Miramar
Coastal: Sunset Cliffs and just about anywhere along the beach :)

Where ever you are, there's bound to be some sweet spot to go running. Take the proper precautions if you go somewhere with little foot traffic, stay hydrated and enjoy!

Mt. San Jacinto

This past weekend I headed to Mt. San Jacinto for a fun day hike. Instead of taking the Aerial Tram, I drove into Idyllwild via HWY 243 north and took the Deer Springs trail to Suicide Rock (map of park at ) When you go, stop at the Ranger's station to get a permit before starting the hike and remember to bring plenty of water, comfy clothes and some good food. The hike is a moderate climb to 7528 ft. elevation. If you're used to taking the Tram, you'll notice your surroundings at the end of the hike will feel familiar to those at Mountain Station, which is 8,516 ft. You're not going to see snow at that elevation this time of year, but maybe in the winter months. I stopped at a burger joint on the way out of town for a nice cold beer and a burger. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday. Happy hiking!

Snorkeling in La Jolla Cove

Snorkeling in La Jolla Cove is one of those must-do activities if you live in San Diego. During the summer months, the area is packed with visitors. Parking is difficult and the water is crowded. Because of this, my favorite time to go is in the fall, on a weekday if possible. The water is still warm and the visibility is great on a clear day. There's tons of fish in the water and if you're lucky you'll see a shark - but don't worry, they're harmless (at least, that's what I've been told!). I'm not an expert on fish, and the only one I recognize is the garibaldi, but I definitely love seeing everything going on under the water. There's plenty to see in the Cove, but if you're looking for a little more, you can swim over to a near-by cave and check it out. The cave is fun to explore, but it can be dangerous if the waves are big, so be careful. Definitely bring friends and family with you. Snorkeling in La Jolla Cove is an all-ages activity. Enjoy!

Wakeboarding Mission Bay

I love trying new adventures and this time it's wakeboarding! There's a terrific deal offered through BuyWithMe.com to learn wakeboarding in Mission Bay for only $15 with Wake Diva. Wake Diva is for women only, beginners to advanced. They provide gear, training and a supportive environment, so it'll definitely be fun. I'm looking forward to getting up on a wakeboard, even if I have to land on my face a few times first!

The link to the deal is: http://www.buywithme.com/sandiego. BuyWithMe is based on the concept of social purchasing. They offer great discounts, but a minimum number of people need to buy each deal in order for it to be available. The offers are also only available for a limited time, so contact some friends and make some plans to go wakeboarding before the deal runs out!

Have fun!

Point Loma kayaking

I love kayaking because it always feels like an instant adventure for a day! I recently borrowed a kayak from a friend and took it out around Point Loma. I started on the San Diego Bay, but I think if I do it again I'll try from Ocean Beach. If you decide to try from the bay, you can launch from a small beach at the corner of Lawrence St. and San Antonio Ave in Point Loma. From the bay, you have to keep an eye out for traffic, but it's pretty easy to navigate and it's kind of fun going over the waves caused by some of the boats. I did have a moment of fear when it seemed that I just couldn't get out of the path of the Coast Guard - but I finally sorted it out. I'm not an expert kayaker yet! When I got out to the Point the wind really picked up. There's not too many places to stop on the south side of the Point, but I know there are some nice beaches on the north side. Bring your lunch and plenty of water!

Trestles and San Onofre beaches, San Mateo campground

Just less than an hour drive North on the 5 you'll find Trestles and San Onofre beaches. For camping, I recommend San Mateo campground over San Onofre Bluffs. It's nice that the bluffs are close to the beach, but the campsites there are close together and right next to the highway. San Mateo campground has good-sized campsites with some shaded areas, and there is a trail leading to Trestles (about 1.5 mi). Don't plan on taking too much with you to the beach if you're walking the trail - it's a bit steep in areas. Keep it minimal - a bathing suit and a surf board will do. If you're going to be at the campsite for a couple of days, you may want to bring a bike to ride down to the beach. San Mateo campsites are about $25/night. Trestles is beautiful and it lives up to it's reputation for having great waves. Beginner surfers may want to stick to San Onofre. If you are staying at San Mateo, you'll have to drive to San Onofre. Last I checked, it was $10/vehicle to drive down to the beach. Both beaches can be pretty rocky, so if you do surf, be aware. I like having booties even if it's a total fashion disaster. There's volleyball and tiki huts at San Onofre if you want to just hang out on the beach.

The San Onofre State Park website gives you a general idea of what to expect for camping and how to make reservations: http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=647.

Sunset Cliffs

Last weekend I headed down to Sunset Cliffs in Point Loma. According to the city website for the cliffs, the vision for the area is: "Create a park where people can enjoy San Diego's natural coastal environment as it once was, free from the effects of man and intended to inspire the user to reflect on the grandeur of the sea, and the beauty of the cliffs that was once Point Loma." Sunset Cliffs really is a beautiful area. It's a great place to run or walk and there's always surfers out in the water. During my visit, I followed a sketchy path down to a secluded beach (it even included a hose to climb down - not the best idea when you're coming from work and wearing heals!) It was worth getting my work clothes a little dirty to relax on the beach and watch the sunset. There's several paths in the area that take you along the beach or the cliffs. Head toward the beach on some of the streets in O.B. and you'll find locations with stairs going down to the water, or drive to the top of the cliffs and follow some of the various paths. Get out and explore and have fun! (http://www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/shoreline/sunset.shtml)

Kayak to Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay

It was two summers ago that I took a kayak out to see a concert at Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay, an outdoor venue on the San Diego Bay offering concerts from May to October. I had a fantastic time and I hope to get out there again this summer. If you have a kayak and want to see one of the concerts, you can launch from Bessemer St. in Point Loma. It takes about 15 min. to get to a location where you can see the concert. The view of the stage is obstructed, but the sound quality is great and it's a fun atmosphere.

I'm looking into options for kayak rentals - if you're associated with a college or university, you can usually get a good price for rentals through their outdoor programs. USD rents to the public.

For a concert listing, check out: http://www.humphreysconcerts.com/.
A map to the concerts is below:


View Larger Map

Seasonal Event: Horse Races July 22 - Sept. 9, 2009, Del Mar, CA

It's that time of year again! This year the Del Mar horse races are being held July 22nd through September 9th. Everyone in San Diego should check out the races and make some bets at least once a year. Even if you don't know how to bet, it's pretty easy to figure it out. Who knows, you may have beginner's luck. And, you get to bet on horses with cool names like Nasty Gent, Shesalittlepistol, and Lucky Honey! It's a lot of fun to go with a group of friends. General admission prices are reasonable. Expenses can get high depending on how you bet and how you drink - the margaritas are damn good and tough to resist, but they're $12.50 each. I'm not a huge gambler myself, but I love to make a couple of small bets and watch the horses. It's exciting to see them race - they're so powerful! I love watching them enter the track. I like to bet on the ones who look like they've got a lot of moxie, even if they're ranked 20-1 odds (hey, more money if you win!). Check out one of the 4 o'clock Fridays (Del Mar Summer Concert Series) where you get the extra bonus of a free concert after the races. For tickets and more info go to http://www.dmtc.com/season/.

Seasonal Event: US Open Sandcastles July 18-19 2009, Imperial Beach, CA

Sandcastles is coming up! I love this event. If you've never been before, definitely check it out on Sunday when the sculptures are being made. As you can see from the pictures, there are some really cool sculptures. On both days there's a street fair where you can find funnel cakes and flavor ice galore. The official website has more information, including a sign-up sheet if you want to try competing in the amateur competition: http://www.usopensandcastle.com/. From what I hear, it's harder than it looks, so if you do sign up, make sure you have plenty of help!

If you've gone to Sandcastles in the past, you may remember a brilliant fireworks display and a parade. Unfortunately, the organizers have had to cut these events out of the program. Despite this, there are still plenty of things to see and do and it makes for a great day or weekend at the beach. One last point: it's usually pretty packed, so street parking is going to be limited and you may end up paying for parking.

Special Event: 4th of July

It's about that time when everyone starts asking you if you have plans for the 4th of July. You may already have something in mind, but if you don't, you may want to consider watching the fireworks from a surfboard out by the pier in Ocean Beach. Every year, a group of people paddle out on their surfboards and watch the fireworks from the water. I think it's a little scary, but only because I'm not used to going out in the water at night. The experience is definitely worth it though. You get a great view of the fireworks coming from several different locations and the reflection of the fireworks off of the water is amazing. Last year, the water was a little cold, so you should bring a wetsuit. Like any beach in San Diego on the fourth of July, it's going to be crowded. You could go super duper early, try to find parking, and hang out all day, or you could get dropped off and picked up (if you're lucky enough to have a friend who will drop you off!), or you could ride your bike if you live close enough, but you'll have to have a rack for your board or meet someone down there who has a board. You could also consider taking the trolley - I believe the old town station is the closest - and riding your bike from there. Of course, you can alway try to just drive over in the evening and take your chances with parking. Fireworks usually start around 8:30 or 9:00 p.m. Let me know if you have any questions and whatever you decide to do on the 4th, have fun!

Paddleboarding

I've been watching the paddleboarding surfers in the water for a while now. This week, I finally decided to try it out. I rented a board from a local surf shop and took it out both in the San Diego Bay and in the ocean. The board is big and kind of heavy. Mine was 11', although I probably would have gotten something around 10' if it was available. Talk to your local surf shop or board rental shop to find out the best size board for you. Also, you definitely need to figure out how you are going to transport the board, unless you rent it somewhere really close to the beach. A friend with a truck is great for this! As a beginner, I really liked going out on the bay to test my balance on the board. In relatively flat water, it's not too difficult to stand on the board after a couple of attempts. I had more trouble getting my balance in the ocean. I think it's best to stand close to the middle of the board, feet parallel, and start paddling right away. It's easier to maintain your balance when you're paddling the board than when you're not moving it. This sport requires balance, focus and strength. I really enjoyed it and hope to get a chance to try it out again soon. The board I rented was $40 for 24hrs.

Paragliding Torrey Pines

This weekend, I went tandem paragliding at Torrey Pines. I have to admit I was a bit nervous about going over the cliff. To my surprise, the experience was actually calming and relaxing. The wind lifts you up just as you get to the edge of the cliff and the next thing you know you're already floating up over the ocean. You feel light, the wind blowing against you feels great, and the view is beautiful. I was amazed that rather than feeling fearful, I felt at peace. There is also an opportunity for tandem hangliding, but it is only available when the wind conditions permit. For information about the Torrey Pines Gliderport, check out thier website at http://www.flytorrey.com/.

Seasonal Event: Carlsbad flower fields

The flower fields in Carlsbad are beautiful in April. It's definitely the time to go. I was in the area and just stopped by for a quick visit, but I was able to get some great photos and I really enjoyed my time there. The fields are just off of the 5 (exit Palomar Airport Rd. near the outlet mall). Plan a day seeing the flowers and doing some shopping or make a point to stop by if you're in the area. It really makes you smile just to see all the colorful rows. Admission is $10 for an adult.

paintball

Paintball in San Diego is a lot of fun. It's a great activity for birthdays or team building - it can also be a fun date if you're looking for something different than dinner and a movie. I went to Velocity Paintball in Ramona. It's a bit out there, but worth it. At Velocity, they have regular beginners matches and they split you into even groups. It's convenient because you can go with one person or with ten and you'll be easily accommodated either way. I wore fatigues for two reasons - thicker clothing softens the sting of the blow and your clothes can get really dirty, so you don't want to wear something that would get ruined. Also, I recommend wearing old shoes. I've only been paintballing twice and I've gotten rid of my sneakers shortly afterwards both times! Bring your own food and drinks. There's also a pizza place nearby that's just right for a quick lunch.

Snowboarding

It's winter sports time... sweet! Just a 3 hr. drive away and you have access to Big Bear and Snow Summit. You can make a day trip of it or plan a weekend. Last year, we rented a cabin that slept 8 for super cheap. It was so cozy! I definitely recommend it over a hotel. I consider myself intermediate when it comes to snowboarding and Snow Summit is just right for me, but there's plenty of routes in the area for beginners to advanced. Unfortunately, I don't ski so I can't comment too much on that, but it looks like the skiers are having fun :). Check out the Big Bear Resorts website for specific information: http://www.bigbearmountainresorts.com/index_winter.php.

Yosemite

Wow. Yosemite is totally amazing. You should have at least four days off to make this trip, since it's a pretty long drive. When I went, we drove up and stayed in Oakhurst the first night, which is the last town on the 41 with hotels, food and gas. There a couple of small towns between Oakhurst and Yosemite Valley, but it's best to get plenty of food before you leave Oakhurst. We woke up in the morning and headed to the park entrance. Since this was my first time to the park, it was really a chance to scout the place out for future trips. The park is huge. For your first trip, I would recommend going to Yosemite Valley for pretty much everything. If you can sleep in the park itself, it will save you a lot of time, since it's about 40 min. to the valley from any of the closest towns. I stayed in a heated cabin, since it's pretty cold up there right now. The cabin was small, but really cozy. It's a little bit pricier than some of the hotels outside of the park, but it's worth it. I'm working on planning my next trip. I love to procrastinate, but when planning this trip it's best to make your reservations early. Here's the website for the park and for reservations: http://www.nps.gov/yose/, http://www.recreation.gov/.

Catalina Island

Catalina Island is a great place to go for a weekend away. Recently, some friends and I rented a sail boat and headed over to the island for the weekend. If you don't know anyone who can sail you over, you can get there by ferry for about $65 - the Catalina Express leaves from Dana Point and Long Beach (the picture above shows the ferry leaving Avalon). The ferry will bring you to the small island town of Avalon, where you can shop, eat and sleep. Or, if you're feeling a bit more adventurous, you can explore the island by foot or by kayak and camp. From what I hear, it's a bit of a hike to get to the nearest campsite. We just slept on the sail boat, but I think next time I'd like to try renting kayaks and camping on a private beach. Ferry info and more is available on the Chamber of Commerce site at http://www.catalinachamber.com/. Have fun exploring the island!

Mt. San Jacinto/Palm Springs Tram

Just two hours away from San Diego, Palm Springs and it's surrounding areas have a lot to offer. This past weekend, I headed up to Mt. San Jacinto (http://www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636) via the Aerial Tramway (http://www.pstramway.com/). The tram is about $20 round trip, but it's worth it. The bottom of the tram revolves so that you have a great view no matter where you're standing. It's pretty amazing to go from the dessert to the top of the mountain - the temperature can drop about 20 degrees and the land changes from barren to full of trees. Once at the top, there are a number of different hikes you can try. The hike I went on was great - I love being in the woods, so this was just what I needed. When I went it was foggy and cool - great weather for the fall. I imagine it would be beautiful in the spring as well. If you plan on camping, you'll have to carry your equipment about two miles up hill to the closest campsite. There is water at the campsite, but it needs to be filtered to drink. I am yet to camp at Mt. San Jacinto, but I'm looking forward to another visit! If you've gone and have any pointers, let me know!

Ferry to Coronado and bike ride

A great trip to do if you live near downtown is to take the ferry across the bay to Coronado and go biking along the boardwalk. You can bring your bike on the ferry for no extra charge (it's only $7 round-trip). I recently spent about an hour exploring Coronado on bike. You can go around the bay, past the golf course, up to Orange Avenue, to the beach and back. You can even stop for a margarita if you want! It's a beautiful ride and Coronado is a bike-friendly place. I usually ride a hybrid bike, but you could do a whole trip around Coronado with just a cruiser. Alternatively, if you live in Coronado, you can take the ferry and ride your bike around downtown and check out Harbor Dr. or Balboa Park. As always, let me know if you have any suggestions for this topic! I always like to get more information for future adventures.

For ferry information, go to: http://www.sdhe.com/san-diego-bay-ferry.html.

a weekend away... just north to Dana Point

Summer in Southern California is great for beach camping with friends. This past weekend I headed up to Doheny State Beach in Dana Point for camping and a wedding. The campsites were close together, but comfortable, and some of them were right on the beach. The wedding was held in a paved, canopy-covered area in the beach park. The beach itself has volleyball courts, picnic areas, a food court, and waves made for longboarding. For surfing, there's a lot of waiting around in the water. Once a good set comes in, everyone gets up. Overall, it was a fun place to camp. For planning purposes, you may want to bring lunches and dinners, but there's a Denny's close by if you want a nice, greasy breakfast in the morning without the clean-up. For more information go to: http://www.dohenystatebeach.org/.

Mount Soledad Memorial

A couple of times a year, I make my way up to Mount Soledad Memorial. You can see the big, white cross of the monument as you drive past La Jolla on the 5. If you haven't been there yet, you should definitely check it out. It's a great place to see San Diego either on your own or with friends and family. I hear it's a nice place to take some wine and cheese in the evenings, but I haven't tried it yet.

To get there from downtown, take the 5N to La Jolla Parkway, turn left at Ardath, and make your way up the hill. It's probably best to get directions - the address is 6905 La Jolla Scenic Drive South, La Jolla, CA 92037. Check out their website for historical information and facts about the memorial: http://www.soledadmemorial.com/.

Balboa Park

Balboa Park is the type of place you can visit over and over again and explore new areas every time. You can check out the numerous museums and find great places to eat, or you can just take a stroll and enjoy the trees. A great way to see the park is by running or biking. You can find different trails on your own, or stop by the Balboa Park Visitor's Center for trail maps. Check out their website for more information: http://www.balboapark.org/.

Skateboarding

Skateboarding is a classic Southern California sport. This week, I went out in the street and practiced. I didn't start skateboarding until recently. If you're like me and didn't grow up with it, you should give it another shot. San Diego is really a great place to learn, and being able to skateboard helps you get around fast in the beach areas. I started with the two-wheeled waveboard. It can be difficult to get started, but it's easy to use once you figure out the right movement. This week I've been riding a regular skateboard - practicing my turns and balance. I even bought some Vans! (not just for looks, they really do make it easier to move your feet on the board). I suggest getting a used board to start with. Check out Play it Again Sports in PB. After some practice, check out your local skate park.

Mission Gorge climbing

Mission Gorge is a great place for hiking and climbing. Many of the climbing routes have bolts and anchors. If you go climbing, you'll have to have all the right equipment and know what you're doing, or go with an experienced climber. It's a great place for all levels, including beginners. Equipment can be rented or bought at places like REI. The hike up to most of the climbs is a steep hike in itself, but it's not too long! The views from the climbs are beautiful. Even if you haven't climbed up too far, you start from a high enough elevation that you feel like you're above all of San Diego. Be sure to bring snacks and plenty of water. There are a few climbs that may be in the shade, but this is San Diego and the sun can hit pretty hard on some of the non-shaded climbs.

If you've never climbed before and are interested in getting started, I would recommend trying an indoor rock climbing gym to get some practice and tips. You may even find a climbing partner who can help you out. Most of all, get out there and have fun!

Silver Strand

The bike path on Silver Strand, connecting Coronado to Imperial Beach, is great for short bike day trips in either direction. It's about 15 miles round trip and gives you a chance to get out and ride by the beach. There's an estuary on the Imperial Beach end, which is where this picture was taken. There's also a few stopping points along the way if you want to drive and just take a walk. I like to ride from IB to Coronado, grab some lunch and walk around and then head back. Get out and see southern San Diego!

diego girl

Hi Everyone!

I've been living in San Diego for about six years now. I'm lucky to have a diverse group of friends and family in the area to introduce me to local places and events and to encourage me to try new things. This site is for newcomers to learn about places to bike, camp, climb, surf, skateboard, etc. and for locals to rediscover what their city has to offer. I'll give everything a test run and give you advice on how to avoid pitfalls and make the most of your adventures. And your feedback and comments are greatly appreciated! I hope you find my site helpful! Get out and enjoy your city!

~diego girl