I asked Maribel to guest post for me today. Maribel blogs over at Stroller Adventures. I love reading her blog, and seeing her latest family adventures, more so, in what museums they end up going to next. I do love museums. But I also love reading her blog because she gives insightful information about San Diego, and showcases different events happening there.
Because I am so new to California, and have yet to explore San Diego, I asked Maribel to write-up a post of some of her favorite San Diego spots, and boy, did she come forward. That gives me even more reason to begin exploring San Diego. I hope you enjoy her post, and make sure to follow her on facebook.
Maribel’s Guest Post:
I love traveling and visiting what my hometown has to offer, sharing about it is also fun so when Minnesota Girl in L.A. invited me to write a guest post for her I was and still am truly honored. I love reading about her experiences in Los Angeles and enjoy her great photographs and all the fun events she attends.
I would love to take this opportunity to share with you my favorite places to visit in sunny San Diego, these are the places my family and I visit again and again and enjoy to the fullest on each visit. Located in the Southern most point of the beautiful State of California is a City called Chula Vista. It is most known as “Lemon Country” since the late 1800s that is why each August they host the Lemon Festival which is so much fun. They are also home to one of the three United States Olympic Training Centers.
Along the coast of Chula Vista just as you exit Interstate 5 {off of “E” Street} is the Living Coast Discovery Center {formerly Chula Vista Nature Center} on the 316 acre Sweetwater Marsh National Wildlife Refuge. All the animals on exhibit as well as the plants are local which means they are found in San Diego County. Including the beautiful Easter Pacific Green Sea Turtles you will see as soon as you arrive. Currently they have a special temporary exhibit called “Washed Ashore”, this exhibit uses trash that has washed ashore along the San Diego beaches and turned it into sculptures of sea life. It is fascinating to see how water bottles, plastic bags can be up-cycled into something so unique and art. For more information on the Living Coast Discovery Center click here
Credit: Maribel
Another favorite is the Coronado Island, located just West of Downtown San Diego you can either take the ferry from Seaport Village or drive over the Coronado-San Diego Bay Bridge or drive from Imperial Beach along the Silver Strand Beach. It’s perfect for taking sunset walks along the beach or to ride bikes as a family, you can pick up some sandwiches or salads at Tartine Café on First St. and have a picnic while enjoying the views of the San Diego Bay as boats sail by. If you are at the historic Hotel Del Coronado stop by their Babcock and Story deli bar and pickup some delicious sandwiches to enjoy the beautiful sunset as you hear the waves crashing on the beach.
Photo Credit: Maribel from Stroller Adventures
Are you a music lover? Do you enjoy history and the evolution of musical instruments? Then you must visit the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad. Which showcases pianos, mandolins, harmonicas, guitars and every single instrument that influenced an era in time. There are also instruments for you to play and at the end of the Museum you will see how music is evolving with technology. It is an interactive museum, which makes it even more interesting. The Museum of Making Music also has special concerts, so make sure you visit their website often to attend.
Photo Credit: Maribel from Stroller Adventures
The world famous Balboa Park is sure to amaze you, on a yearly basis 12 million people visit it. It has so much to offer including 16 museums, 16 gardens, 8 different attractions. Among those attractions is the world famous San Diego Zoo and since 1977 Balboa Park was designated a National Historic Landmark. Balboa Park is a favorite for both locals and tourists. On any given Sunday you can enjoy a live organ concert in the Pavilion. The Botanical Building is spectacular, with its aromatic plants and relaxing fountains. The International Cottages share the wonders of 32 different countries and cultures including of the United States of America. Learn about their ethnic food and holidays too.
Credit: Maribel
As you may have already noticed I love Museums and animals, so it was a given that I would include the Birch Aquarium as another one of my favorite places in San Diego. The Birch Aquarium is an extension of the famous Scripps Institute of Oceanography, which is located in La Jolla next to UCSD. This aquarium has roughly more than 350 species of fish and it is also a Museum and an aquarium nursery. It also has a little tide pool area for guests to see and touch starfish, sea cucumbers and hermit crabs. It is also home to my favorite sea animal: the weedy sea dragon. If you’ve never seen one you are in for a surprise.
Credit: Maribel
Maribel, I just wanted to thank you for taking the time for sharing your favorite San Diego places to visit. I look forward to checking out the Living Coast Discovery Center, Balboa Park, and The Museum of Making Music. I truly need to plan a weekend away in San Diego sometime very, very soon.
