San Diego Outdoors

There could be many books written on all that you can do outside
in San Diego and, in fact, people have done just that! But let’s try to do an
overview here. Keep in mind that it is by no means all inclusive.

Head to Balboa Park to explore 1,200 glorious acres of land
punctuated by lush flower beds, carefully maintained landscaping and walking
trails to keep you busy for hours, if not days. It’s a local’s favorite for
recreating, especially on the weekends when some folks even partake in lawn
bowling. Put a little inside in all this outside by taking in at least a couple
of the seventeen museums located within the park. (Or just look in the
windows.) You can actually buy a stay-for-the-day pass from Balboa Park that
allows you to enjoy any five museums for one low price. The Botanical Building,
an historic beauty, is a must and even better, when you’re inside surrounded by
their thousands of plants, you’ll feel as though you’re outside. The San Diego
Automotive Museum, also within the park, is a favorite as well.

Of course you’ve heard of the San Diego Zoo. It’s one of the best
in the world. Well, guess what? That’s also in Balboa Park. Psyche yourself up
for your visit there by checking out their zoo cams before you go. Bet you’ll
watch them when you return home, too.

Enjoy the waterfront scene in the Seaport District where you can
also take the kiddies for a whirl on the historic carousel. It’s a gem. Venture
off from here to the Children’s Museum in downtown San Diego, a fun-filled visit
that delights parents and kids alike.

Take in some nice sites using your own pedal power on the
Bayshore Bikeway, a twenty-four-mile bike path that wends its way through
Coronado, then along the Silver Strand State Beach, traversing communities such
as Imperial Vista and Chula Beach as well as the San Diego National Wildlife
Refuge, an immense wetland, home to many birds and other critters. It’s fun to
take Flagship’s Coronado Ferry across San Diego Bay to start your ride at the
Coronado Ferry Landing.

For this and all kinds of other cycling excursions in the
area–self-guided or not–contact Pedego Coronado where you can even line up an
electric bike. Nice! You can rent more fun–perhaps a surrey with a fringe on
top–at Wheel Fun Rentals. They also offer Segway tours, for the stand-up fun
seekers looking to conserve calories.

Not far from here, the San Diego Symphony hosts summer pops
concerts, memorable musical happenings loved by locals and visitors (in the
know).

Try to carve out some water time when in San Diego. San Diego
Sailing Tours and Hornblower Cruises and Events offer diverse excursions for
people in search of varying levels of adventure. Good news is that it’s sunny
most everyday here, so foul weather is rarely a factor. Either way, when you’re
over at this part of the harbor, check out the Maritime Museum of San Diego
and/or the USS Midway Museum, both topnotch museums that will provide you with
an appreciation of the importance of San Diego and its relationship with the US
Navy. And don’t worry, you’re safe around here because San Diego is home to the
largest naval fleet in the world. Or at least safe out on the water.

Scale it down some with a little kayaking in Coronado and nearby
lovely and oh-so picturesque La Jolla. You can take a kayak tour or even rent a
bike with Bike & Kayak Tours. Aqua Adventures Kayak & Paddleboards also
rent kayaks, SUPs and canoes. They organize tours on Mission Bay, a tranquil
place to try out or refine your paddling.

The West Coast means sunsets, right? Go to Sunset Cliffs
Boulevard for one of the best vantage points. Wear sporty footwear, so that you
can venture out on the trails along the cliffs and find a good place to sit,
stare and contemplate. Or just be lost in the majesty of it all. Watch out though
because the ocean plummets to near-frightening depths below. No doubt, however,
that it’s a great place to get all zen, just like the locals.