(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge.
My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is V.)

San Diego is a vacation destination. Tourists from all over the world come to San Diego. ‘Zonies’ flee the heat of Arizona, and rent beach cottages in Mission Beach during the summer months. ‘Snow Birds’ fly down from Canada during the winter months to warm up. International travelers and conventioneers visit all year long.

What would a whirlwind three-day visit to San Diego include? You’ll have to make some choices, because there are just too many sites to see in only three days. San Diego is a vacation destination. But here’s a sample itinerary:

Day One – Downtown and Coronado

Start at Balboa Park, and wander under the trees. Check out the Lily Pond and Botanic Garden, sit by a fountain, watch some street musicians, and visit one of the many museums.

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Looking Across the Lily Pond to the Botanical Garden Building
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Then head across the Coronado Bay Bridge to Coronado.

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Coronado Bay Bridge
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Look over across the bay to the downtown San Diego skyline.

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San Diego Skyline on a Cloudy Day
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Wander around the 1890’s luxury of the Hotel del Coronado. Enjoy a drink or a meal in one of the fine restaurants at The Del.

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Hotel del Coronado From the Beach Side
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Day Two – Beach Hopping

Now you have a difficult choice! San Diego is all about beaches. It boasts 70 miles of beaches within the county. So you’ll have to pick one or two or three. 

La Jolla Cove is justifiably famous for its gorgeous views. You can spot pelicans, harbor seals and sea lions, and even some cute little ground squirrels.

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La Jolla Cove
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Pack a picnic and take advantage of one of the quaint wooden picnic sheds that dot the La Jolla Cove area. The views along the La Jolla Coast Walk are stunning. Ask yourself, as I did, ‘Could Anything Be Prettier?’.

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Picnic Shed at the Cove
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If you choose to visit Mission Beach, be sure to catch a ride on the historic wooden roller coaster, the Giant Dipper.

Giant Dipper in Mission Beach at Sunset
Giant Dipper in Mission Beach at Sunset

Traveling with your dog? Then San Diego has a beach for you. Or two. Below is Dog Beach in Del Mar. 

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Dog Beach, Del Mar

Ocean Beach has a popular Dog Beach, as well.

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Ocean Beach Pier on an April Afternoon

Relax on the grass, or in the sand. Or get some exercise walking down the longest concrete pier on the west coast in Ocean Beach.

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OB Pier at Sunset
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Day Three – Visit the Mission and Pick a Park

Mission San Diego de Alcala represents the history of California. It was founded in 1769, the first of 21 missions built in California by Franciscan friars. It is a beautiful and relaxing place to wander around, trying to imagine what life was like almost 150 years ago.

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Mission San Diego de Alcala

Now it’s time to Pick a Park. You have plenty of choices! San Diego Zoo, home to two dozen adorable koalas.   

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Koala and Her Joey at the San Diego Zoo
Photo by Penny Hyde

San Diego Zoo Safari Park, with African animals in an expansive wildlife sanctuary.

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Elephants and Eucalyptus, San Diego Zoo Safari Park

Sea World San Diego, the first Sea World park, spread across almost 200-acres in Mission Bay, is home to whales, dolphins, sharks, penguins, sea turtles, and fish of all kinds.

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Shamu, the Orca, or Killer Whale, at Sea World
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Legoland, in the north-county San Diego city of Carlsbad, is especially fun for elementary school age kids. And you aren’t even too far from Disneyland. It’s less than a two-hour drive up to Anaheim from San Diego.

‘Must-Try’ San Diego Foods

Be sure to try some Rubio’s fish tacos. They are uniquely San Diegan.

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Fish Taco Especial – Look! A real fork!

Jack in the Box is a favorite San Diego fast food spot. I love Jack Tacos – they are their own thing. Two tacos for ‘about a buck’. Can’t beat that. 

And Julian Apple Pie makes a great end to any meal. A day trip to the old gold mining town of Julian is a lot of fun, too.

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Have fun, and be sure to come back again for more adventures!

Donna Amis DavisSan DiegoSan Diego A to Z(This is part of a series, Blogging from A to Z April 2014 Challenge.My theme for the challenge is Quintessential San Diego from A to Z, focusing on those things that are typical, or perfect, or classic examples of San Diego life. Today is V.) San Diego is a vacation...Author of the '60s SURF SHOP MYSTERIES and DIVE SHACK MYSTERIES