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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.
Sunday, April 26, 2009
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
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
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