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.
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).
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.
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!
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).
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
