San Diego Adventures

We have not been to San Diego in some 40 years. We recently had an opportunity to return to the city and visit some former lake neighbors who have lived there for over 35 years. The three-day trip was packed with lots of sightseeing, food, and a variety of city experiences. Since we had been to the zoo before, we skipped it this visit and planned to see other things we had not seen. The restaurant scene was "over the top" in my estimation. There were so many to choose from with very diverse menus. Did you know there are over 4,986 restaurants in the city?  

A memorable lunch at a nearby yacht club offered stellar views of the water and fancy boats docked.

Near Point Loma, we enjoyed panoramic views of San Diego Bay and learned about Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo's historic landing.

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park offered breathtaking ocean vistas and dramatic cliff formations.

We enjoyed watching the seal escapades at La Jolla Seal Rookery.

The Mediterranean climate of San Diego and its rich underwater world of marine life attract large colonies of Pacific harbor seals and California sea lions. In the morning or late afternoon, most of the San Diego seals and sea lions can be found basking in the sun along the sandy beaches of La Jolla. It was difficult to get clear photos of the seals and lions because they blended into the landscape/rocks.

Coronado Island Escapade

A visit to the island of Coronado over a very steep bridge was quite spectacular. The massive hotel has about 1,500 rooms and a pristine white-sand beach. We are on the 😊steps

 Backside of the hotel with more rooms. 

                                                                                                                                       

I thought the plastic domes over the tables, protecting them from wind, sand, and rain, were a creative touch. 

Back into the city and to the harbor area, we found the iconic "Kissing Statue." The statue, crafted from bronze, is titled “Unconditional Surrender” and is commonly known as the “Kissing Statue.” Located next to the historic USS Midway Museum, this towering sculpture has become a symbol of love, celebration, and the end of World War II.

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The legacy of Bob Hope is commemorated with a major sculpture titled "The National Salute  to Bob Hope and the Military" located in Waterfront Park. 

 

I was mesmerized by the expansive Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial in La Jolla. It honors veterans by preserving their legacy. Each granite plaque is a narrative of bravery, a testament to the unbreakable spirit of those who defended our freedom. 

  

The Old Point Loma Lighthouse is a beacon of history and maritime heritage at Cabrillo National Monument. Perched atop the Point Loma Peninsula, this iconic structure offers visitors a glimpse into the past, showcasing the lives of the lightkeepers and the evolution of coastal navigation. Built in 1855, the Old Point Loma Lighthouse was one of the first eight lighthouses on the West Coast.

So you can see we made a wide sweep of the city in a very short time. On our last day, an extra bonus was that our hostess made homemade cherry turnovers that were so delicious. I documented all her steps as a tutorial, hoping to recreate this flaky puff pastry at home. Check the Ever Ready site for the Cherry Puff Pastry Tutorial on Monday.   

San Diego is a must-see destination with so many interesting sights and activities. Living in the desert makes the Pacific Ocean a very attractive sight.