San Diego Sights Worth a Second Trip

While I’ve never spent more than a few days at a time in San Diego, it’s been part of some very memorable trips.

We camped at a State Park just outside of town on the final night of our trip down the coast in 2012.

Back when Phillip worked for an airline, we flew in just for an afternoon once, because we could go for free.

Another time, we took the San Diego Trolley south to the end of the line. Did you know it goes all the way to the U.S.-Mexico border? We crossed over to visit friends in Tijuana.

And, of course, there’s the trip I took with my grandma. We packed a lot of sightseeing into just a few days!

Fast forward to this year. When Phillip and I decided we’d join my brother, sister-in-law, their kids, and my parents on their San Diego trip in July, I started thinking about previous trips and what I’d want to see and do again.

Since I started writing this post before we left, I’ve kept a lot of those “first draft” thoughts in, so you can see what I was expecting vs. how it actually went.

Thoughts before our trip in July…

We have another San Diego trip coming up. It will, of course, be different than past trips. We’ll be meeting my parents, brother, sister-in-law, niece and nephew there.

We’re also bringing Quijote. It’ll be the longest trip we’ve taken with our dog. We’re excited – and just a little apprehensive – to see how that all works out.

Getting ready for the trip has had me looking at old maps and photos and thinking about the San Diego spots I’d like to revisit.

Geisel Library

This unusual-looking library building at UCSD in La Jolla that also has a collection of Dr. Seuss’s sketches. Phillip and I saw it from the outside when we were on the campus for a conference years ago but could never figure out when it was open.

Thoughts before July trip:

I’d love to actually go inside!

Did we go this time?

Yep! I stopped in with my parents, and we perused the Dr. Seuss art on display on the main/entrance-level floor (technically the 2nd floor).

Visiting Geisel Library now:

Floors 1 and 2 (underground and entrance-level) are open for self-guided tours most days.
Typical hours – Mon – Thr: 7:30am-10pm / Fri: 7:30am-6pm / Sat: 10am – 6pm / Sun: noon – 8pm
Hours vary, but you can check the daily schedule online.
The library is closed to the public on major holidays and during exams.
Paid parking is available in campus visitor spaces. (No designated library-only parking.)
The Geisel Library Revitalization Initiative (GLRI) is a project to renovate the most-used areas of the library. They’re currently in Phase 2 and don’t plan to finish the final phase until 2020!
I recommend going straight to the Information Desk, so they can point you in the right direction. They also have tour brochure/maps available, which may or may not be up to date, because of the ongoing renovations.

Guided tours–

Tour schedules change each academic term.
Register at least 3 days in advance for a tour time.
Summer 2018 tours are Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10am and 1pm (through August 30).

San Diego Trolley

Thoughts before July trip:

There were only two lines back in 2006(ish) when we rode the blue line to the border town of San Ysidro and then crossed into Mexico.

It was a fascinating trip south. We watched the lush city of San Diego give way to parched warehouse districts and then open desert. The tourists trickled out at each stop and commuting factory workers gradually took their place. It gave so much more context to the region than the abrupt transition of driving, where the freeway hides the landscape.

However, showing up with suitcases in this sketchy part of town without transportation arrangements was not a great idea then, and it would be a worse one now. (We thought we could just look for a bus stop once we got there. Our local friends were aghast and insisted on picking us up.)

All that to say, I would ride the trolley around San Diego again, but I wouldn’t recommend taking it down to the border without a Tijuanan friend that’s familiar with the route.

Did we take the trolley this time?

No. I don’t think there was a trolley stop near where we were staying, and we had our car.

Current Trolley info:

There are now four lines – orange, blue, green, and silver.
One of the trolleys on the silver line is a restored 1946 streetcar.
A one-way fare is $2.50 and doesn’t allow transfer to buses.
Some transit stations have free parking.
Pets are allowed, if they’re in an enclosed carrier on your lap.

Balboa Park

Phillip remembers reading somewhere that Balboa Park has the largest collection of museums outside of Washington DC. I would believe it.

The 1200-acre park is home to the San Diego Zoo, 17 museums and cultural sites, 10 performing arts venues, as well as restaurants, gardens, and trails.

Founded in 1898 (it’s celebrating its 150th birthday this year!), what really took the park to the next level was preparing to host the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. Many of the Park’s features and European-style buildings were constructed for the Expo.

Thoughts before July trip:

Phillip and I walked around there at night once. I don’t think the park ever closes. We saw a few other people, but it was really quiet!

Most of the outdoor areas are pet friendly, and there are 3 different dog parks, so it will be fun to explore with Quijote!

Did we go this time?

Yes! We had a picnic in the park, my brother and his family rode the historic carousel, and Phillip made a morning visit on his own to explore the park in the daylight.

I actually expected to spend more time there, since we were staying so close. But the rest of the family was staying in another part of town, so we ended up all over the place!

Organ concert

Spreckels Organ, a.k.a. the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ and a “world treasure for all people.”

Thoughts before July trip:

When I went with Grandma, they opened up a side door after the concert on and let people go inside to see the pipes and inner workings. I’m not sure whether they do that every time.
If we get into town early enough on Sunday, we could see the afternoon concert. Otherwise, maybe we can catch the Independence Day concert Monday evening.

Did we go this time?

Yep! We actually rolled into town just in time to hear most of the Sunday concert. There was a medley from Westside Story, followed by part of Balboa Park Suite: A Celebration of Many Peoples, a piece commissioned by the Spreckels Organ Society.

And they did open up the side doors afterward, as well as doing a little demonstration where they let kids try out different musical instruments. Phillip went to check it out, while I stayed back with Quijote.

Current Spreckels Organ info:

They still do concerts every Sunday at 2pm.
During the summer, there is also a Monday evening series called “The International Organ Festival.”
All concerts are free.
Kids, pets, and picnics are welcome.
You can buy snacks and souvenirs on-site to support the organ and its concerts (via the nonprofit Spreckels Organ Society).

The Zoo

Thoughts before July trip:

The time I went with my grandma it happened to be the annual Founders’ Day, when there was free admission and so many crowds! Although we could only make it to a small part of the zoo, we did wait in line to see a baby panda. Worth it.

There is no longer an annual free admission day at the zoo – I’m sure it was a victim of its own popularity. There are still pandas there. The “baby” would be 14 now! They grow up so fast.

Did we go this time?

No. Group planning is a bear.

Current Zoo info:

Open every day.
Hours vary. Summer hours are generally 9a-9p. It closes earlier other times.
One-day admission pass: Adult (ages 12+) $54 / Child (3-11) $44 / Kids under 3 are free.
There may be coupons for $5-10 off on Retail Me Not or Groupon. You can also get a CityPass if you’re planning on seeing other sights with pricey admission, as well.
Parking is free in the lot in front of the Zoo. Additional free parking is available throughout Balboa Park.
You can bring your own food but no large coolers, glass, alcohol, or straws.
Picnic areas are located outside the Zoo’s main entrance. Get your hand stamped if you plan to go back in.
Quarter-operated lockers are located in the Discovery Outpost across from Poppy’s Patio. Small locker: $.75 (16x24x14); Large locker: $1.50 (29x15x23).
Luggage storage is available inside Front Street Rentals for $5 per piece.
You can rent strollers, wheelchairs, and electric scooters at Front Street Rentals.

Seaport Village

A mix of touristy and specialty shops, as well as a starting point for tours. Not a bad place to wander around!

What I did not remember is that they charge for parking. There is a paid self-parking lot, meters, or valet. Even getting your parking validated gives you a discount, but doesn’t make it free.

Self-parking lot – Validated parking in the lot is $5 for the first 2 hours (or 3 hours Monday to Thursday) and $6/hour after that. Otherwise, it’s $8/hour.
For parking validation, you need to spend $10 or more at one of the shops or restaurants in Seaport Village.
Metered parking is $2.50 an hour. (No discount or need for validation.)
Valet parking is available on Kettner Blvd. or Pacific Highway weekdays after 4pm and all day on the weekends. Monday through Thursday rates start at $11 for up to 5 hours. Friday through Sunday, it’s $15 for up to 5 hours.
There is a trolley stop across the street, and that might be cheaper than paying for parking.

SEAL Tour

These are on amphibious vehicles. So you get a city tour, then it just drives into Mission Bay and continues on the water.

Thoughts before July trip:

I think Grandma and I might’ve actually giggled when it splashed into the water.

It’s overpriced and touristy but I would totally go again.

Did we go this time?

No. And the more I think about it, maybe it was one of those things that was fun in the moment but maybe wouldn’t be the same a second time.

Upstart Crow

Two-level bookstore and coffeehouse that sometimes has live music in the evenings.

Thoughts before July trip:

I discovered this place with my grandma and returned another time with Phillip.

Did we go this time?

Yes! Our whole crew met up for coffee, and it was cool to share this spot with them. The upper floor has been converted into a game room for kids.

Campground at Sweetwater Summit Regional Park

If you’re up for pitching a tent (or towing a camper), this is a great way to stay in San Diego on a budget! It’s only about 20 minutes away from the main sights, but still feels more “naturey” than…city-y.

Thoughts before July trip:

Worked out great when we were near the end of our epic California road trip! I would camp here again.

Did we go this time?

No, we decided early on that camping would not be ideal for this trip. Instead, we stayed at a nice little inn near Balboa Park.

Sweetwater campground info:

There’s water, power, restrooms, showers, trails, fishing, picnic pavilions, a playground and a kids’ splash park on-site.
Some campsites have corrals for those traveling with horses.
Camping fee: $29-36/night, +$1/night for pets, +$2/night for horses

Do you have any favorite spots in San Diego?

March 28, 2018December 20, 2019

Your 2018 Local Art Loves

becklaneartistFinished portrait of soul singer Lauren Mitchel.

In February, we focused on local artists and asked you to share local art you love from wherever you are.

Check out these submissions by artists and fans, and keep showing love to local arts!

Scottsdale, Arizona

Peter Skidd produces large works in steel, especially hand-painted wall art in the shape of bowls, waves, or lotus flowers.

He and his wife Sarah are a dynamic team, who we got to meet during a Hidden in the Hills studio tour.

Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Jocko Moriarty shared this work “purchased from a craft and souvenir shop in M’Chigeeng, Manitoulin Island, Canada and painted by island artist Leland Bell*.”

Richmond, Virginia

Mixed media artist Sarah Irvin shared High Note. It’s part of a series of pieces she creates by writing on Yupo, a smooth synthetic paper, and then smearing the ink with a squeegee. Her solo show, In and Out of Weeks, is at the Page Bond Gallery in Richmond through March 31.

Shenandoah Valley, Virginia

Another Virginia artist, Jessie Rublee creates ceramics for both functional and decorative uses. This porcelain vase is from her Frail and Sound series, which explores the dichotomy between the strength of the earth and fragility of pottery.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Jenny Parks draws an original, one-of-a-kind illustration on each pillow she makes – like this mandala “cuddle pillow” with a napping bunny curled up in the center. Her work is meant to comfort people in need of healing.

Sarasota, Florida

Many of Beck Lane’s works are vibrant, unconventional portraits of women. She recently completed a two-canvas painting of soul singer Lauren Mitchell.

San Francisco, California

Matthew McKinley shared pieces from several artists he’s worked with in the Bay Area. (More on his Instagram.)

Sophia Lee incorporates non-traditional materials into her paintings, like the expired make-up that gives color to Night Stroll.

Self-proclaimed “artist of multiple personalities” LE BohemianMuse feels abstract art is more able to capture the complexity of life. Her acrylic painting Bedlam Desired is from the Chaos Series.

Arran Harvey is interested in how people group together. In this spirit, Parade Crowd 2 focuses on the spectators, rather than what they’re watching.

*Note: This is the Canadian Leland Bell (a.k.a. Bebaminojmat), Woodlands school artist of Anishinabe (First Nations) ancestry. He was born on Manitoulin Island in 1953 and still lives in Ontario. Not to be confused with the American Leland Bell (1922-1991), a figurative painter born in Cambridge, Maryland to Russian-Jewish parents. Anyone else think it’s a weird coincidence that there are two 20th-century North American artists with the first name Leland?

Photos in this post link to their sources. Each one comes either from the artist or the person who submitted the work.

March 18, 2017May 23, 2023

6 Airbnb Getaways in the Western US

There is something so restoring about getting into nature, whether you’re taking a hike or just taking in the view.

If you’re feeling like you need a weekend away, here are some peaceful spots we’ve booked through Airbnb that are perfectly positioned for enjoying the great outdoors in Arizona, California, Colorado, and Nevada. All of them are close to hiking and most have kitchenettes.

I’ve included drive time to nearby cities and towns for reference.

Airbnb 101

For those who have never used Airbnb, it’s a site that allows people to rent out spare rooms or guest apartments, so you end up with a really unique stay with a more personal touch. As you’ll see, we’ve used it to find and book places like a cottage in remote Southeastern Arizona, a trailer near Monterey, and a cabin room near the San Juan Mountains in Colorado.

You can get $40 off your first stay when you sign up at airbnb.com/c/sliebold2. (Full disclosure: using that link also sends some credit my way…so win-win!)

California

1. Pasadena Glen Separate Cottage

The Setting: Lush, quiet neighborhood at the foot of the San Gabriel mountains that’s maybe technically part of Pasadena but feels like its own world.

Old Town Pasadena (or The Huntington) – 15 minutes
Downtown L.A. – 45 minutes
Phoenix – 5.5 hours

The Room: The cottage is like a standalone studio apartment next to a larger house.

Very comfortable bed.
Included mini fridge, dishes, fruit, breakfast bars, electric kettle with Starbucks Via and a selection of teas.
Lovely garden/mini-yard area outside with a table.
Private 3/4 bathroom inside the apartment.
Separate entrance with keypad.

Tips:

There’s a hiking trail at the end of the street.
You may get apples from one of their trees!
Sign a waiver if you plan to use the pool.
Two or three dogs also roam around the yard and will probably come to say hello. One of them is very large but very sweet.

How we ended up here: We stayed for a week while Phillip took a class at Fuller Seminary’s main campus in Pasadena.

2. Trailer or Tipi Camping

The Setting: Travel trailers (and a tipi/teepee) surrounded by sprawling gardens and DIY-projects-in-progress, wandering chickens and a few cats, a goat pasture, and forest.

Monterey (and Monterey Bay Aquarium) – 40 minutes
San Francisco – 1.5 hours
L.A. – 5 hours

The Room: Boho vintage travel trailer with cozy sleeping area, dinette, and posssibly-working kitchen.

Microclimate tends to be cooler and cloudier than surrounding area.
Primative toilet in the woods (with privacy screen) and solar-heated shower.
Self-serve breakfast available from a pantry with oatmeal, granola, fruit, etc. and fresh eggs in the chicken coop.
Fire ring available for cooking or evening bonfires.

Tips:

Think camping without the set up! Of course, if you’re not into camping, this is not for you.
You may be able to use the host’s Monterey Bay Aquarium pass at a discount.
The chickens greet you in the morning – and provide breakfast!
There’s also a tipi option, subject to availability. (It was already occupied when we stayed there.)

How we ended up here: We were going to be in the area the same weekend as the Monterey Jazz Festival, so lodging options were limited and pricey. We were on a tight budget and decided to take a chance. And we’re glad we did! It was the quirkiest place we’ve stayed via Airbnb, but it was a lot of fun!

Colorado

3. True Grit Mountain Retreat

The Setting: Cabin-like home with big picture windows looking out over gorgeous Colorado scenery and the San Juan Mountains.

Ridgway – 7 minutes
Ouray – 20 minutes
Denver – 5 hours
Albuquerque – 5.5 hours

The Room: On the split-level second floor, there are 2 guest rooms available with bathroom and laundry in between. (There is a second guest bathroom downstairs.)

The Queen Room has a queen-size bed and Mexico-inspired decor.
The Spruce Room has twin beds and a private balcony.
Lovely breakfast in the dining room.
Hot tub outside.

Tips:

It’s available during the summer only.
Get there before dark, if possible. Being out in the country means less light pollution – great for stargazing, challenging for finding house numbers.
Use of the kitchen downstairs is limited and may require an additional fee.
Nearby Ridgway is a one-stoplight-town that’s worth a stop. It’s home to the maker of the Grammy Awards and was the location for the 1969 western True Grit starring John Wayne. And a nice little roadside market!

How we ended up here: We needed a place to stay on the way home from a Denver road trip.

Arizona

4. Studio Cottage in Gated Community

The Setting: Quiet neighborhood street that winds through the Sonoran desert.

Downtown Tucson – 20 minutes
Phoenix – 2 hours

The Room: Roomy southwestern casita with dining table and kitchenette, colorful ceramic tile, and a pink clawfoot tub.

Food and coffee aren’t included, but the kitchenette is stocked with the dishes and appliances (coffeemaker, microwave, toaster oven, fridge) to let you do it yourself – everything including a kitchen sink.
Pool/hot tub.
Parking and separate entrance through the garage.

Tips:

Hike or drive through the scenic Gates Pass and stop to take in the view.
Nearby Mercado San Agustin has shops and restaurants surrounding a courtyard and is a nice place to hang out. There’s a Farmers’ Market out front on Thursdays.

How we ended up here: Basically, we’re always looking for excuses to go to Tucson and neat little places to stay there.

5. SE AZ Hiking, Birding, and Quietude

The Setting: Remote casita near the Dragoon Mountains.

Willcox – 30 minutes
Tucson – 1.25 hours
Phoenix – 3 hours

The Room: Separate little adobe house.

Well-stocked kitchen with sink, coffee, grinder, and milk in the minifridge.
Composting toilet and shower in a separate building.

Tips:

Breakfast may be available for an additional fee. (I think we paid $10/person. We had so much delicious food that even Phillip was stuffed.)
Property backs up to state land with hiking trails. You’ll want to get written directions (or a map) before you head out. We got mixed up and went the wrong way.
They provided a flashlight (for night visits to the outhouse, etc.), but you may want to bring a headlamp or other hands-free light if you have one.

How we ended up here: This is where we stayed for our 10 year anniversary after picking apples in Willcox.

Nevada

6. Las Vegas

The Setting: Neighborhood in the Las Vegas suburbs near the edge of where city streets give way to Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area.

Red Rock Canyon Conservation Area – 10 minutes
Las Vegas Strip – 30 minutes
L.A. – 4 hours
Phoenix – 5 hours

The Room: Apartment with a full bath and a few midcentury modern touches.

Keurig, coffee and tea pods, and snacks included, as well as minifridge, microwave, and dishes.
Separate entrance but very near the main house.

Tips:

We didn’t meet the hosts, but everything (including check-in) was taken care of with lots of thoughtful touches.
There’s a really cool guestbook/journal you can leave a note and/or memento in.
Check out our Las Vegas Off the Strip list for a list of non-casino things to see, including Red Rock Canyon picnic spots and easy hikes.

How we ended up here: Avoiding the craziness of The Strip while in Las Vegas for a wedding!

Have you used Airbnb? Where’s your favorite getaway?

January 23, 2017May 23, 2023

Citrus Season in the Southwest

It’s citrus season here in Phoenix! Farmers’ markets and roadside stands are overflowing with oranges, grapefruit, and lemons (so is my Instagram feed).

You can order online from The Orange Patch, which will ship across the U.S.
You can pick your own at Agritopia Farm.
Or go to the Farm at South Mountain for fresh squeezed juice.

When we were in Tucson just before Christmas, there were baskets of beautifully bright oranges, tangerines, and kumquats at the Thursday Farmers’ Market at Mercado San Agustin.

California Citrus Historic State Park in Riverside, which we’ve enjoyed visiting when we’re in Southern California, currently has extended hours for the season and special events like a harvest tasting on February 26.

The Pasadena Farmers’ Market lists lemons, navel oranges, grapefruit, tangerines, and tangelos as being in season right now. (When I was there this summer, it was piles of peaches and pecks of peppers.)

On the theme of citrus…

Recipes for different types of citrus.
Citrus fruit pattern by Anika Starmer, as part of her daily pattern project.

What’s in season where you are?

October 10, 2016October 10, 2016

San Diego Souvenir Mug

Phillip has been on this much-appreciated fixing-things-with-superglue kick.

He’s currently putting back together the mug my grandma got me as a souvenir of our 2003 trip to San Diego.

She had vacation time, wanted to go to San Diego, but didn’t feel she could make the drive alone, so I got to go along.

I drove and we worked as a team to figure out how to navigate San Diego – exploring the Gaslamp Quarter, peeking in at the inner workings of the Balboa Park pipe organ, accidentally visiting the zoo on (super crowded!) free day, shopping in Seaport Village, spontaneously deciding to take a Duck tour (laughing as the amphibious vehicle splashed into the bay), and wandering through the colorful Old Town Market that’s commemorated on my mug. We would walk from our hotel to the beach or to this Italian restaurant that had a second story with a view of the ocean.

She would actually be turning 86 today if it hadn’t been for pancreatic cancer in 2007.

I wish there was a word for the opposite of regret, to describe things that, even in hindsight, you are 100% glad you did.

I’m so grateful for that trip to San Diego with Grandma.