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San Diego, California OFF THE BEATEN PATH www.TrustedTours.com |
All too often when visiting a city we miss special places because they are either better known to locals or are outside of the hub of greatest tourist activity.
For those who enjoy touring historic homes, two, open only Friday through Sunday, are often missed. The1887 Queen Anne Villa Montezuma is an ornate mansion with an opulent interior of spectacular stained glass and ornate wood carving. The1905 Arts and Crafts style Marston House in Balboa Park is filled with original furniture and decorative arts. In stark contrast, the simple, white adobe Mission de Alcala, elements of which date to 1774, was California’s first Spanish mission. Originally in Old Town, it was moved 5 miles east to Mission Valley where it is open daily.
Shopping in San Diego is synonymous with Horton Plaza, the boutiques of La Jolla or the shops in Coronado. For other shopping ventures enjoy three floors of antiques in the The Cracker Factory in the Gaslamp Quarter or find unique handmade gifts made by working artists in their studios at the Spanish Village Art Center in Balboa Park.
In Ocean Beach, there is more than just the beach scene. Hunt for antiques in the 6 malls of the Ocean Beach Antique District along Newport Avenue, where hundreds of antique dealers gather. Further up the coast in Del Mar, shop in boutiques, galleries and restaurants along winding stone walkways in Del Mar Plaza, tucked into the hillside. Yet further north, and on weekends only, browse through the unique and unusual Encinitas Seaside Bazaar, an open-air, European style flea market. All around the county, year-round, on any day except Monday, San Diego Farmers’ Markets display the most luscious fruit and vegetables and the most gorgeous flowers grown anywhere.
For more active nature encounters and dramatic views, walk the trails and visit the war memorial at Mount Soledad, the hill behind La Jolla distinguished by a 43 foot cross. Along the La Jolla Coastal Walk between La Jolla Cove and Children’s Pool, you’ll find yourself high above ocean and down in tidal pools. Just north of La Jolla, hike the 7 mile trail though the forest of rare, gnarly Torrey pines, protected in the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Along the way, come upon spectacular ocean views, sculptured cliffs, wildflowers and a chance sighting of daring hang gliders taking off from 300 foot cliffs.
For a day trip, venture inland. Drive to Escondido through agricultural fields and vineyards, open for tours and tastings. For a glimpse of a town straight out of gold rush California, raw and dusty, visit Julian. Surrounded by mining land now converted to orchards, it is just as popular for apple pie as it is for the restored 100 year-old buildings of the original mining town. Sip sarsaparilla tea at the soda fountain in the Julian Drug Store or cider at the Julian Café and Bakery, surrounded by Wild West memorabilia. Check out the early 19th century odds and ends found in local attics on display at the Julian Pioneer Museum.
Trust us, we've been there!
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