Page 105 - 2014 Travel Guide to California

A Bridge to Coronado
The arcing San Diego-Coronado Bridge
connects downtown to Coronado. Often
referred to as an island, the genteel city
with an active Navy base actually sits on
a peninsula attached to the mainland by
the Silver Strand, a narrow strip of road
and sand running past quiet lagoons and
pristine beaches to the southern part of
the county. Ferries cross the bay between
downtown and Coronado as well, giving
travelers a chance to enjoy downtown’s
urban delights, but sleep by one of the
world’s loveliest beaches.
PANORAMIC VIEW of the San Diego-Coronado Bridge, above;
Balboa Park’s water fountain, below right; surfers in Oceanside, opposite.
SPECIAL
»
EVENTS 2014
GASLAMP QUARTER MARDI GRAS Said to be the country’s second largest. March 14,
Downtown San Diego gaslamp.org
ART WALK @ LITTLE ITALY April 26-27, Little Italy artwalksandiego.org
ROCK ’N’ ROLL MARATHON June 1, Central San Diego runrocknroll.competitor.com/san-diego
SAN DIEGO COUNTY FAIR June 7-July 6, Del Mar Fairgrounds sdfair.com
THOROUGHBRED HORSERACING July 16-Sep. 3, Nov. 5-Dec. 7, Del Mar dmtc.com
SAN DIEGO LGBT PRIDE PARADE, RALLY AND FESTIVAL July 18-20, Hillcrest and
Balboa Park sdpride.org
COMIC-CON July 24-27, Downtown San Diego comic-con.org
BALBOA PARK DECEMBER NIGHTS Holiday celebrations. Dec. 6-7 balboapark.org
»
MUST
SEE,
DO
» Mission Bay Park Half water and half land,
the nation’s largest man-made aquatic park includes
27 miles of recreational pathways plus multiple
playgrounds and picnic areas and is the best place
around for jet-skiing, waterskiing, and kayaking.
› sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/parks/
regional/missionbay/facilities.shtml
» Embarcadero Downtown’s wide bayside
promenade takes you past ferries, cruise ships,
historic vessels and a decommissioned aircraft carrier.
› portofsandiego.org/embarcadero-marina-park-north.html
» San Diego Zoo Known for its endangered
animals (and its irresistible Giant Pandas), the zoo
easily requires a full day. Allow time for the
fabulous shops.
› sandiegozoo.org
» Balboa Park The largest urban cultural park
in the United States, this rambling park
encompasses museums, theaters, artists’ studios
and gardens.
› balboapark.org
» La Jolla This posh Mediterranean-style village
by the sea is among the California coast’s classiest
communities with a rugged coastline, abundant
gourmet restaurants and ritzy galleries and shops.
› www.lajollabythesea.com
2014 T R AV E L G U I D E TO C A L I F O R N I A 103