Best thing about the place is its location. We only needed our car for trips to Ralph's and adventures in north and east county.
Our Balboa Park Explorer passes came in very handy. Our Zoo memberships more than paid for themselves. Three times at the zoo and we didn't see everything. They have monkeys in the walk-through aviaries now! We spent a day at the Safari Park. The walk-in kangaroo enclosure at the Safari Park was amazing. It's full of baby roos right now and they are very curious about people.We used most of our free passes and discount tix with visiting family.
We kayaked the marine preserve and cliffs at La Jolla Shores and came back that same night for a sunset dinner at the Marine Room. A few days later we did the Coastal Cliffs Walk.
Biggest surprises were Saturday 8AM fish market at Seaport Village, Pancho Villa Mercado and Specialty Produce. I never thought I would say that a trip to a produce store was the highlight of my day but it was.
The Jr. Theater production in the Casa Del Prado was excellent and, at $10 a ticket, a real value. We also managed to catch a play at the Old Globe.
The guided tour up the California tower was excellent. Who knew what a big sound could come out of that tiny carillon?
Listening to a live performance of Bohemian Rhapsody on the Spreckels Organ (largest outdoor musical instrument in the world) was pretty mind-blowing.
Getting to know a busker while having our morning lattes was fun for us old people.
We bought some San Diego art from a San Diego artist in the Spanish Village while having iced latte's from Danny's.
Our day in the Temecula Valley wine country was great. The Mediterranean lunch at Fazeli vineyards over looking the vineyards was lovely.
Amazing restaurants abounded. Cucina Urbana (we had ten people) was fantastic. Cliff Hanger Cafe at Torrey Pines was breathtaking. Caroline's at Scripps Institute of Oceanography is a hidden gem (tip: go right before it closes to get a great table and parking). The Julian Beer Company has real barbecue and home made brews. Bay front table for ten at Bali Hai was amazing and a great value. The Bali Hai back story is well worth discovering. But nothing tops the Marine Room at sunset. Not a cheap evening but a great memory.
We saw a lot of family and friends and hosted several barbecues in the little patio.
We'll be hard pressed to find a better place to escape the St. Petersburg Florida summer heat. If we can't, see you next summer.