San Diego County – Beachcomber Pete Travel Adventures

Borrego Springs, California

Borrego Springs, California is part of San Diego County. With the year round pleasant climate that all of California has to offer, it’s a mostly seasonal residence with heavy tourism. Among its many activities, there are four public golf courses, horseback riding and a tennis center. Surrounded completely by the Anza-Borrego State Park, it’s a relaxed, quiet community that still has plenty to offer in terms of entertainment, culture and dining.

Homesteading in the Borrego Valley started around 1875. They dug their first successful well in 1926, which was fairly important since they were surrounded by desert. With a steady water supply, irrigation was possible. As the farming community grew, the town built a small general store, a gas station and a post office. World War II brought the presence of the armed forces to the town. That came with paved roads and the introduction of electricity to the still relatively untouched Borrego Springs. The state park was already a tourist attraction. After the war, developers subdivided the village to capitalize on the tourism. Even today, the town could still be considered a budding community. Borrego Springs was never incorporated. That means they have no municipal governing body, such as mayors, etc.

Borrego Springs is an ideal vacation. They officially open the tourism season with the Borrego Springs Days Desert Festival every October. It’s a three day event that features arts and crafts, carnivals, live music, dances, a parade and the Miss Borrego Pageant. Every March, they host the Borrego Springs Circle of Art. It’s held at the Christmas Circle Park, which is in the heart of the village. It’s a free event and exhibits the work of artists that ranges from photography, oil and watercolors, weaving and more. In April, there’s the Borrego Springs Circle of Art. This is a great night with a spectacular show in the Anza-Borrego Desert of wildflowers. The highlight of the night though is the competition of tall tales and possibly earning the title of "Greatest Prevaricator of All," in honor of ‘Pegleg’ Smith. In mid-November, everyone watches for the Leonid meteor showers.

With its rich culture and quiet atmosphere, Borrego Springs is a quaint village with no stops signs. Yet it has high class accommodations like the Palms at Indian Head and the Borrego Rental Management Group. The French Corner offers gourmet dining. And it’s all comes with a courtesy and service not found anywhere else. Borrego Springs is a great place to visit!

Filed Under: Borrego Springs, featured, North America, San Diego County, United States

Coronado, California

Coronado, California is a beach city with the atmosphere of a tropical island. Many people vacation here for that very reason. The Coronado Central Beach is designed to accommodate a variety of needs and desires. They offer many amenities, such as dog runs, free parking and beach restrooms and showers. Other beaches in the region are easily accessible and offer variety within close proximity. This region of the country is all about sunshine and pleasure.

The city is located approximately 5 miles from the city of San Diego. Coronado Beach is thought to be one of the best United States beaches, while the cost of living is more expensive than any other spot in the country. The population is just shy of 25,000 people. The city sits on a peninsula and connects to the mainland by an isthmus known as the Silver Strand. In total, Coronado is said to have over 250 days of glorious sunshine and no snow. Temperatures generally range from 48-75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Built in 1888, the Hotel Del Coronado is ranked as a top world resort and attracts many visitors from around the world. Baseball stars and presidents frequent the city for its relative privacy, its leisure activities and its sunny-day qualities. The top employer in Coronado is the United States Navy. Most other employment focuses on city jobs, teachers and day workers for the tourism industry.

Fine restaurants providing extremely "tasty" cuisine and various stylish shops abound in Coronado. Spas, massage parlors, manicure shops, local festivals and elite bars are all draw cards to the city, the beach and the Hotel Del Coronado. The 1906 Lodge at Coronado Beach is a 5 star facility that comes highly recommended by visiting patrons. The Beach Village at the Del is considered "the perfect summer retreat." There are a total of 35 hotels available within the city.

The Coronado Golf Course is rated among one of the best places to play by Golf Digest. The Gondola Company re-creates Venice for welcome visitors. Two live performance theaters provide great entertainment, while the Primavera Ristorante is noted for its Italian cuisine. A great restaurant providing American cuisine is the Crown Room at the Hotel Del Coronado. These two restaurants rank as the top two among 60 or more restaurants in this area.

Filed Under: California, Coronado, featured, North America, San Diego, San Diego County, United States

La Jolla, California

La Jolla, California, is an oceanside community about 15 miles north of San Diego. La Jolla, which means "the jewel" in Spanish, is technically located within San Diego's city limits, but still very much an independent town of its own. It is home to some of the area's most beautiful beaches, best-rated restaurants and a variety of shops and boutiques.

Weather

Weather in La Jolla is virtually the same as it is in San Diego. The average temperature, year-round ranges between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The climate is considered comparable to a milder version of the Mediterranean, as it is mostly sunny and temperate all year long. However, unlike many coastal towns, La Jolla experiences almost no humidity. The average yearly rainfall is less than 10 inches and you may see a thick fog in the morning, but it usually burns off by the afternoon.

Things to Do

La Jolla's beaches are one of its biggest draws, as there are numerous activities available such as kayaking, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, windsailing and hiking. The beach at La Jolla Shores is one of the best beaches in California, for its wide, sandy beachfront and panoramic views of the coastline and city. La Jolla Cove is a favorite for kayaking and snorkeling as it features the tourist attractions of the Seven Caves and La Jolla Underwater Park. Here you will find a number of resident wildlife species like dolphins, sea lions, leopard shark and other fish. For golf enthusiasts, visit Torrey Pines Municipal Golf Course, one of the best and most beautiful in the country for a round of championship golf.

Dining and Hotels

La Jolla offers a wide variety of accommodations including romantic bed and breakfast inns, upscale luxury hotels with in-room whirlpool tubs and beachfront suites with private balconies. Many of its accommodations overlook the ocean providing a romantic and relaxing setting. The city's restaurants include four- and five-star dining establishments such as the Nine-Ten restaurant where you can dine via a romantic, outdoor patio. There is also George's at the Cove, which offers exceptional views of the ocean from every dining table.

Shopping

Prospect Street in La Jolla is similar to a small-scale version of Beverly Hills Rodeo Drive. It is La Jolla's main street and it is common to see expensive sports cars like Lamborghinis or Ferraris parked along the street. Types of shops found along Prospect Street include art galleries, clothing boutiques, jewelry stores, perfume and bath products shops, and a few trendy coffee shops, cafes and restaurants.

Filed Under: California, La Jolla, North America, San Diego, San Diego County, United States

Mission Beach, California

Mission Beach is located in San Diego County, California between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. It is known for biking, roller blading, swimming, surfing and beach volleyball.

J.M. Asher helped form a place in the 1920s where people of San Diego and throughout California could enjoy the summer on the beach. Eventually, people liked the thought of living on the beach, so they decided to reside there. The area of Mission Beach began thriving in the 1930s and 40s when residential buildings were built. The beach now is home to numerous species of fish, birds and various other animals, and thousands of guests visit the area, as it is fun for the whole family.

The beach extends for almost two miles across the Pacific Ocean, and the boardwalk is a popular place to congregate. Many people love to walk or bicycle on the boardwalk. The area is home to the Mission Bay Aquatic Center and Mission Bay Golf Course. Visitors enjoy skiing, windsurfing and sunbathing at the beach. SeaWorld is also a part of Mission Beach.

Mission Beach consists of numerous restaurants, shops and beach rental venues. Lifeguards are on hand throughout the year, especially during the summer months. Swimming and surfing a permitted in separate areas of the beach; however, the beach is not suited for scuba diving.

Public restrooms and showers are situated at numerous locations throughout the area, and beach fire containers are available during the summer. You must put out the fire before you leave the area. Alcohol is permitted in certain parts of the beach; however, it is not allowed on the boardwalk. Free parking is also available in parts of the area.

While at the beach, you can enjoy lively and vibrant nightlife as the area is home to numerous popular bars. You can relax and enjoy the atmosphere while gathering at the bar.

Glass containers are not permitted throughout the park; however, dogs are allowed on a leash in certain areas. If you have more than 50 people, a permit is required. If you swim, the beach contains no rough currents, but there is a drop-off that can be dangerous for children. Weak swimmers are encouraged to use floatation devices.

The weather is beautiful year-round. The skies are blue for most of the year, and the sun is normally shining. The most rain occurs between January and May.

Filed Under: California, featured, Mission Beach, North America, San Diego, San Diego County

Carlsbad, California

Carlsbad, California, is a nice resort town located on the lovely shores of the Pacific Ocean in San Diego County. Travelers coming to Carlsbad will be blessed to see the beautiful man-made and natural features, active culture, laid back residents and vibrant lifestyle.

Carlsbad is also bordered with gorgeous lagoons and magnificent mountain peaks. These natural beauties allow first time visitors a view that is unlike any other. There are few other places in the world that offer the unspoiled beauty that Carlsbad owns. People from all over the world come to share the breathtaking sites in Carlsbad.

Although Carlsbad has a history that dates back to the 1900s, it was in 1952 when Carlsbad became incorporated as a city. Although the charming town is small, it is a big part of what makes the city so distinctive today.

Transplants to California were lured right into Carlsbad by the clement weather, the gorgeous sunshine and the leisure pace of life here. Along Carlsbad Village Drive, it’s a commonality to see men walking or jogging with their dogs, women carrying baskets on their arms and skateboards and bikes moving along the streets. The marketplace in Carlsbad is where many of these people are going. The marketplace is open twice a week for children to roam around with their parents. It is full of fruit and flowers, vegetables, toys, jewelry, clothing and musical instruments.

Visitors won’t find themselves bored in Carlsbad. In September of each year, the Fiesta del Barrio commemorates the region’s native culture with dancers, conventional foods, musicians and a bazaar. The Fiesta is like a reunion where people can revisit the history of their culture. The massive art fair has many different performances and paintings that are a main focus of the fair. There is always a music festival to be found in Carlsbad where plenty of artists are ready show the visitors what they can do.

The major event of the year in Carlsbad is the huge Oktoberfest celebration. There is plenty of German food and drinks, music and bands and entertainment for all ages. The crowds gather in thousands to enjoy one big party.

No one wants to miss the Strawberry Festival that is held annually celebrating the rich agriculture of the city. You can see many different cooking shows, garden exhibitions and have any outdoor questions you have answered by professionals.

People in the town of Carlsbad work hard, but they also play hard. The people in Carlsbad want to share the beauty and love of their town with visitors. This is one place you will leave feeling great to have been there to experience its culture, music and natural beauty.

Filed Under: California, Carlsbad, featured, North America, San Diego County, United States

San Diego County, California

First settled by Native Americans, the region of San Diego County in California has had residents for thousands of years. Europeans first established the area when the Spanish military and Catholic missionaries came in the mid-1700s. An original county of the state of California, the county had its start in 1850. The beautiful beaches and bays as well as the other attractions and the nearly perfect weather continue to draw in people who want a coastal getaway.

Beaches

Most San Diego County coastal cities have beaches, and especially in North County are found spectacular seaside scenes. Of course, some of the beaches are better known than others. For one excellent choice, Coronado Beach is considered as one of the best in North America. Then, Mission Beach is near the heart of San Diego, and the stunning La Jolla has beaches and reefs to explore. Now, surfers love catching the waves off the shores of San Diego County. Still, everyone out to experience the county should check out a beach or two for some relaxation and water sports.

Cities

The largest of the county's cities is San Diego, but several other urban centers are placed along the coastline and inland within the region. Here are 3 of the larger of these cities:

Carlsbad – In North County, Carlsbad has a thriving downtown restaurant and shopping district and is the home of LEGOLAND California.
Chula Vista – While this city in South Bay only has a boat ramp on the coast, Chula Vista also has Knott's Soak City that is a popular water park with numerous slides.
Encinitas – A small town in North County, Encinitas has the top beaches in San Diego County for surfing.

Other Adventure Options

Here are examples of the many other attractions found within San Diego County:

Balboa Park – A well-known and loved city park, Balboa Park has great features like walking paths and scenic landscaping as well as museums and playgrounds for children.

Point Loma Lighthouse – This historic landmark is opened for tours and wedding ceremonies.

San Diego Zoo – One of the largest and best of zoos in the United States, the San Diego Zoo caters to its wild animals and offers bus tours.

Sea World – For getting up close to the wonders of underwater worlds, Sea World has animal shows and sea adventure encounters during the daytime and even at night.

Filed Under: California, featured, North America, San Diego County, United States