Sunday, June 28, 2009

Watch Out For Tourist Information When Visiting San Diego

By: Mike Selvon

San Diego is a beautiful and cosmopolitan city that has a strong personality. It is livened up with some very evident multi-cultural influences, and has many Mexican touches and flares.

All of this combined, and so much more, has helped to make the San Diego area one of the top tourist destinations in California and there is a great deal of tourist information available to help visitors make the most of their stay in "America's Finest City."

When perusing through the extensive tourist info that is available about the San Diego region, it is easy to understand why San Diego has taken on the nickname of "America's Finest City." The fact is readily evident that San Diego has something for everyone. Some of the most popular and well-known attractions are the world-famous San Diego Zoo, the Wild Animal Par, LegoLand, SeaWorld, Balboa Park and the Birch Aquarium, just to name a few.

In addition, there is extensive tourist information available about the other activities around the San Diego area that are popular for those enjoying vacation travel in the area. Some of these activities include harbor cruises, whale watching, riding the trolley into Tiajuana, soaking in the ambiance of Old Town, and shopping at Horton Plaza or Seaport Village.

Because there is so much to do and so many places to see when traveling to San Diego, it is a good idea to pick up travel guides that are available from the San Diego tourist info booths. If you don't want to go and find one of these informational booths, then most of the local area hotels will also have a nice selection of tourist info and travel guide pamphlets. Collect a few of these and spend some time looking through them so that you can map out each day of your trip.

When you take some time to review the tourist info that is available you will undoubtedly be able to get more from your trip overall than if you don't have a good plan. By looking up each of the tourist attraction locations on the maps that are included in most of the travel guides, you will see which attractions are nearby to another one and this will allow you to get from one to the other quickly, thus helping to avoid running from one part of town to the other.

Almost all of the tourist guides for the San Diego area will include advertisements, and sometimes even coupons for the special "Best Attraction Pass" that is available. By purchasing this pass, you will have free access to more than 55 different tourist attractions and activities that you would otherwise need to pay for in order to visit.

This pass gives you a great deal of flexibility and allows you to visit as many of these attractions as you have time for. You can choose a one-day pass or from various multi-day pass options.

To maximize the savings that you get with the "Best Attraction Pass," keep an eye out for vacation packages that include the passes bundled with hotel and air arrangements. Most places that provide detailed tourist information will also have links to some great packaged vacation deals that will help you make the most of your time and money.

Mike Selvon portal offers free articles on vacation rentals. Find out more about tourist information, and leave a comment at the travel and tourism blog.

Article Source : http://www.articleonlinedirectory.com/Art/16208/53/watch-out-for-tourist-information-when-visiting-san-diego.html

Sunday, April 26, 2009

A Hidden Gem In San Diego: Mission Trails Regional Park

By: Jeremy Johnson

When most people think of San Diego, they think of the beach, Sea World, or the world-famous San Diego Zoo. But San Diego is also home to a lesser-known park that is arguably just as much of an attraction: Mission Trails Regional Park. Located in central San Diego, just eight miles northeast of downtown, Mission Trails encompasses both developed and natural open space and recreational areas.

Founded in 1974, Mission Trails has become one of the largest urban parks in the United States. At 5,800 acres, it is nearly seven times the size of New York City's Central Park (843 acres). The area was originally used by the Kumeyaay (the local indigenous people), is the site of the Old Mission Dam, and takes visitors back to the days before explorers landed in the area in 1542.

First-time visitors to the park should definitely start the day at the Visitor Center. The center is devoted to teaching visitors about the history of the area, the park's history, native plants and animals, and has information on the various activities at the park. The center also features videos and slide shows that depict the beauty of the area and give a history the people that have called Mission Trails "home". The Visitor Center is open from 9:00am to 5:00pm daily, and is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day.

As the name implies, Mission Trails Regional Park has a vast system of trails--over 40 miles total. There are hikes for every ability, ranging from "Leisurely" half-mile loops to "Challenging" hikes more than five miles long that take you to the top of one of Mission Trails' five peaks. Cowles Mountain, Pyles Peak, Kwaay Paay, and North and South Fortuna Mountains all offer tremendous panoramic views of the area; you can even see the ocean on a clear day. The peaks range from 1,194 feet (S. Fortuna) to 1,592 (Cowles).

Mission Trails is known for it's hiking, but the park also features boating on Lake Murray, camping at Kumeyaay Lake, an equestrian area, and some of the best mountain biking in the area. Lake Murray Reservoir is 171 acres (when full), and is very popular for fishing, boating, and picnicking. The lake has Florida-strain largemouth bass, bluegill, channel catfish, black crappie, and trout (stocked November-May). No camping is allowed at Lake Murray.

Although not permitted at Lake Murray, camping is allowed at Kumeyaay Lake Campground. This area has 46 primitive (no water or electricity) camping sites for tents or recreational vehicles. Each campsite has standard amenities, including picnic tables, tent pad, and parking. The campground also has bathroom and shower facilities nearby. Reservations are accepted. The next time you are in San Diego and can't stomach the thought of fighting the crowds and traffic at the Zoo or Sea World, I recommend you check out this hidden jewel of the San Diego park system. The rich history and beauty of the area make for a fulfilling experience that you won't soon forget.

Article Source : Article Directory Online: Free Online Article Submission

Author Resource : Jeremy hooks up his favorite toys with the right trailer hitch and when he's not towing he carries extra gear in his hitch mounted cargo carriers.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Great Travel and Vacation in San Diego

By: Paul Hata

Considering how San Diego is one of the best cities in the United States, its really easy to tell how popular the city is for travel and vacation. Among the many accomplishments behind San Diego, let's take a look at several facts behind this amazing city.

Balboa Park - Take a trip to the jewel of the city - Balboa Park. The atmosphere is breathtaking here, no matter when you visit. If you visit on Tuesdays however; you'll find that most museums have free admission. After you visit a while, dine at the Prado Restaurant and experience great food in a great setting.

Beaches - It's no secret that one of the biggest attractions to San Diego are the beaches. No matter what season you visit, the beach is one area that personifies the entire San Diego lifestyle. Whether your watching the tide come in or soaking in the sun, the beach is where the action is. From Mission Beach to the Belmont Park rollercoaster - make sure you hit the beaches here.

Fish Taco - Although it may sound a bit weird, the fish taco is one of the best foods in San Diego. Deep fried, battered fish encased in a corn tortilla is one of the foods that once you try it the first time - you'll crave anytime you come back!

Gardens - San Diego offers an amazing array of flowers and roses. With the climate being dry, it's the perfect conditions for roses, wild daises, and other exotic flowers.With different flowers in the winter and summer months, avid flower lovers will fall in love with everything San Diego has to offer them.

Going to Mexico - It's no secret that San Diego borders Mexico, with Tijuana being a metropolis in its own right. Visting Tijuana or Baja Mexico is perfectly safe day or night, no matter what you have heard. Keep in mind that they have their own laws, bring your passport, then enjoy everything that this foreign paradise will provide you with.

Nightlife - When it comes to nightlife, San Diego has something to please everyone. From country dancing to singing in a bar, the city has a very happening nightlife. No matter what you like to do at night, San Diego has it all - and probably a bit more.The Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego is the place to be for dancing, eating, or just people watching. You can experience the best of life in San Diego here, with food to fit every taste.

Population - Inside the city limits of San Diego, more than 1 million people live there.This makes the city the second largest in California and the sixth biggest in the entire United States! For the city to be this big, the residents still have that hometown experience - which is quite amazing!

Ride on the trolley - San Diego doesn't have the best public transit system, yet they do have the well known trolley. The highways here can be quite intimidating, making the trolley the ideal way to travel. If you want to learn more about the city, simply buy an all day trolley pass - you'll see more of San Diego this way than you ever thought possible.

Shopping and Dining - If you travel just 23 miles south, you'll be in the beautiful city of Tijuana. What was once thought of as dangerous,happens to be an amazing place of Mexican hospitality, with great restaurants, shopping, and a pleasing nightlife.

The Old Town - While historical San Diego isn't always apparent, a visit to the Old Town State Historic Park can bring back the past. There are snippets of Old San Diego found everywhere you look here. Although there are many fine restaurants here, make sure you visit the Old Town Mexican Cafe, as it serves the best Mexican food around San Diego.

Weather - No matter what type of year it is, it's never the wrong time to visit. The weather is near perfect year round, giving you the chance to experience everything to offer here.With an annual high of 70 degrees and a low of 55 degrees, you can pretty much go swimming year round.

Whale Watching - If you visit between December - March, you can catch some glimpses of the impressive gray whale. All along the coast or on a cruise, you can catch this very amazing mammal.

Zoo - The most attractive feature to San Diego is the zoo. The 100 acre zoo here houses almost 4000 animals all of which who have plenty of room to roam around. With pandas for everyone to see, the San Diego zoo is reason enough to give the city a visit.

For more reasons than one, San Diego is the perfect city to visit. You can visit here with family or friends and know that you'll always have places to go and things to see. Winter or summer, San Diego is the one place you'll never find boring.

Article Source : Article Directory Online: Free Online Article Submission

Author Resource : Paul Hata is active in various social and community programs.Paul has over 10 years experience managing successful multi-million advertising co.View 1000s of affordable shopping and travel services here - SearchAnythingWorldwide.com and SearchAnythingSingapore.com

Saturday, October 18, 2008

What's Hot In San Diego?

by: glenn@isnare.com

What's hot in San Diego? That question is not referring to the babes on the beach and the correct answer is not typically the weather. If you are asked that question the politically correct way to answer is to name the top San Diego tourist destinations.

1) The San Diego Zoo. This world famous zoo is not your average see the monkey and feed the goats attraction. This zoo has animals you might not have even heard of, such as the Oryx, and animals that you may be familiar with like the Wild Ass. By the way the Wild Ass is the animal version not the human version.

2) Sea World. Where Killer Whales seem cute and cuddly. There are also sharks, manatees, a "forbidden reef" where you can pet the bat ray, an arcade, rides, and of course, the Shamu killer whale show.

3) San Diego Wild Animal Park. Visitors claim this is just like being on an African Safari without traveling to Africa and the possible exposure to Malaria. The animals are in the open as opposed to being caged. Visitors can see lions, giraffes, elephants, the Nairobi Village with shops, animals and restaurants and ride the Wgasa Bush Line Railway.

4) Tijuana. The favorite Mexican city of underage college students everywhere but another popular destination for those visiting San Diego. Be prepared to be on your guard as Mexico's crime rate is higher than the United States.

5) The Beach. No trip to San Diego would be complete without a trip to Mission Beach. Still keep your mouth shut about the babes here.

There are many other great attractions in the San Diego area, such as the town of La Jolla, the Coronado Hotel, great Mexican restaurants and the San Diego Maritime Museum. Just remember to do your research, have fun and most of all, relax.

About the Author

Kent Krueger has been in the travel industry over 3 years. He has advised individuals and corporations on travel ideas, savings and marketing vacation rentals. Mr. Krueger is President of The Rental Network (Vacation Home Rental)

Source: Free Blog Articles

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Doing My Duty as a San Diego Football Fan!

Faders Suck! Commitment to Excrement!
Faders Suck! Commitment to Excrement! The ultimate fans gear any Raider Hater. And as San Diegan, it’s our duty to look down upon the Chokeland Faders. But hey, it’s all in fun. It’s part of the game for us hardcore football fans. So, show some support…

Here’s a direct link to the “Fader’s Suck!” shirt. Here’s also a link to Visualnewbie.com.

Republicans and Democrats Vote! Political Party Shirts!

Republican and Democrat Vote! Shirt Design
Here are some new shirt designs for those San Diego Republicans and Democrats.

Here’s a direct link to the products… Here’s a link to Visualnewbie.com.

Torrey Pines Cliffs, San Diego

I've basically lived in San Diego all my life and I've never seen the Torrey Pines Cliff. But I've seen countless photos of them on various sites and portfolios. Everyone I’ve spoke with says that the photos itself don’t do it justice. Every time I set my eyes on these gorgeous photos, it makes me want to go and visit. Hopefully when I get the chance from my busy life, I'll make it a day trip.