San Diego
The South - California
Our visits: So far 2 visits in August 1992 and March 2016
Cabrillo NM
Description: The Cabrillo National Monument was built in honor of Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo. He was the first European to land on the west coast of America in 1542. Also part of the National Monument is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse and a small stretch of coastline where you can view tide pools at low tide. In winter, gray whales often swim by below the rocks.
Our rating: A small, nice national monument. We especially liked the view of San Diego and the ocean. The lighthouse is also quite nice to look at. If you are in San Diego, do not hesitate to make a trip here.
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 20$/car valid for 7 days
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Open daily from 9am - 5pm.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Best time to visit: Beautiful all year round.
Our visits:
So far 1 visit: March 2016
Tuna Harbour Park
Description: The attraction at Tuna Harbour Park is the Unconditional Surrender statue by Seward Johnson. It was inspired by a photograph taken in 1945 in Times Square, New York by Alfred Eisenstaedt.
There is also a small memorial to Bob Hope in the park.
Our rating: The statue of Seward Johnson was one of the things I really wanted to check out in San Diego. For me a must see, but probably not for everyone. I like the artist's statues and try to look at his works whenever I'm around somewhere.
Coronado Island
Description: Coronado Island is a peninsula just off San Diego. It offers some nice sights like Centennial Park, from which you have a great view of downtown. You can also admire the Coronado Hotel, which served as a setting for the movie Some Like It Hot .
Our rating: Very nice part of San Diego. Everything seems dignified and sophisticated, at least in the part where we were traveling. We were here mainly for the view and the Coronado Hotel. We liked both. A trip here is worth it, especially if the weather is good.
Gaslamp Quater
Description: The Gaslamp Quarter is a historic district in downtown San Diego. Beautifully redecorated, it is home to plenty of pubs, theaters, restaurants and stores. The Hard Rock Café San Diego can also be found here.As of Dec. 30, 2018, the Hard Rock Café in San Diego has closed its doors; however, there is still a Hard Rock Hotel in the neighborhood.
Our rating: Since we were here during the day, there was not yet so much going on. But in the evening it is certainly fun to walk around the neighborhood. The quarter looks very nice and well-kept.
Sea World
Description: Sea World was founded in 1964 by four graduates of the University of California and has since developed into a huge amusement park with roller coasters and attractions centered around numerous sea creatures. Orcas have been shown here since the late 1960s. Three of the orcas that live here today are wild-caught. The company claims to be committed to the protection of the species. Everyone may form their own opinion about this.
Our rating: We visited the park in August 1992. Seeing orcas was something special for us at that time. After we have seen the animals in the wild a few years later and have dealt a little more with the subject of whales and dolphins in aquariums, a visit to such a park is no longer an option for us.
