San Diego, California: You Were Fun!

Our heads have been in “full-swivel” mode from the moment we entered California, and we haven’t been disappointed once with anything we’ve seen. I think it’s fair to say we knew very early on we were going to enjoy our time in the state…

San Diego was our city of choice and we wouldn’t have had it any other way. We had our pick of any number of our favorite cuisines, submerged ourselves into all the chaos of the big city, walked the quiet streets of surrounding neighborhoods and, of course, let Richey loose at some of the most beautiful dog parks we’ve ever seen. We even made some new friends in the process. However, when you can soak up a city’s culture AND learn a little history, it’s just that much better! So, we couldn’t pass up the chance to visit Cabrillo National Monument. This historic location, with its blue water backdrop, is a well visited destination. And, it didn’t hurt that our Access Pass got us in for free! Information on this Pass can be found on the sidebar of our Home Page under Helpful Links.

Cabrillo National Monument

Cabrillo National Monument was established in 1913 and commemorates Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo who, in 1542, was the first European Explorer to navigate the California coast. Located at the southernmost tip of Point Loma, a statue of Cabrillo looks out over the bay he sailed into on September 28, 1542. From where the statue stands, visitors enjoy sweeping views of the Pacific as well as Point Loma Naval Base and downtown San Diego.

Old Point Loma Lighthouse

On top of a hill, sitting at 422 feet above sea level, is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. It was put into service on November 15, 1855, and was acclaimed to be the highest lighthouse in the US. It was also thought to be in the perfect location since the elevation would make it possible for the light to be seen from both the ocean and bay sides of Point Loma. Unfortunately, after only thirty-six years of operation, the once celebrated elevation would prove detrimental to its existance; clouds and fog often masked the light. As a result, it was shut down and a new lighthouse was established at a lower elevation in 1891.

The Struggle

There’s a much longer story behind this little structure, however. A underdog or comeback sort of story, if you will. After its lighthouse duties were stripped away, it was boarded up, neglected and even broken into and vandalized. It was then threatened with demolition at different times in its history. Its only savior just happened to be the very thing that shut it down to begin with. The elevation. The magnificent view from the tower that was still attracting tourists kept it alive.

Over the years the lighthouse would go on to serve as a radio and signal tower, Army post exchange, tea house and visitor center. In 1913, a half acre of land, which surrounded the lighthouse, was set aside as Cabrillo National Monument. This was probably another “life-saver.” And then finally, between 1933 and 1935, when Cabrillo National Monument integrated with the National Park Service, the lighthouse underwent a major historic rehabilitation.

Also part of the lighthouse history is its Keepers. In its thirty-six years of operation, eleven principal Keepers and twenty-two assistant Keepers served at the old lighthouse. The seclusion, distance from town and low pay are thought to have contributed to the high turnover. However, the last Keeper, Robert Israel, stayed for eighteen years until it was shut down and he transferred to the new lighthouse.

Isn’t it amazing how a simple structure takes on a whole new life once you learn its history? You can’t help but to root for it and be glad it’s still around. Next up…

San Diego Zoo

We know there’s a ton to do in San Diego but we were most eager to get here! We’ve both loved zoos since we were children and not much has changed since then. It cost us a $100.00 for entrance, and that’s WITH our military discount! We saved $12.00. It’s expensive, but they say it’s for a good cause. Just bring your own lunch and drinks. A medium soda costs more than $6.00 and that doesn’t include refills!

On with the pictures…

This is the man in charge! A Silverback. He mostly kept to himself and away from the crowd. Apparently, he had some things on his mind.

This is the largest, yet most adorable, creature at the zoo.

And then there was this.

Doing what they do best

Horny Animals

 I seriously thought about kidnapping this little guy!

Hippo

The next two photos were taken through fencing.

Interesting fella

A llama

I’m pretty sure this is what Kevin Hart refers to as a “Deerbra.”

The next three pictures were taken through glass, but this guy is worth a photo however you can get it!

Most of the birds were hiding in the aviary, but we were lucky enough to get a picture of this one.

I overcame my fear of heights to ride on this thing. Well… more like I was talked into it!

Don’t let the smile fool you. I am hating absolutely every single minute of this ride!

We had a very close encounter with some polar bears, but as it turned out, they were quite friendly.

Hakam is always willing to oblige when I want to take silly photos.

And we finished up our day with a bus tour of the park. Now stop checking out the girl behind us!

After the Zoo, we hit downtown San Diego for a bite to eat. Cuban food was on our minds… it’s one of our favorite cuisines! And did we luck out with this find. Havana 1920! We sat at the table above the hostess outside and to the right. The restaurant atmosphere is very nice, the service was great and the food is fantastic!

The view from our table. By time we finished our dinner, the streets below us were bustling. The city lights came on and music was playing everywhere.

 I was very excited to see our appetizers and salads heading our way, apperantly.

We just so happened to dine here on “Date Night.” A special including appetizers, salads, two dinners and three small daiquiris – our choice of flavors from a long list of them! $50.00… can’t beat that! We started with Empanadas (delicious) and the tastiest salads we ever had!

And then dinner… Ropa Vieja (Hakam’s favorite)

Lechon Asado (my favorite)

Banana, Mango and Coconut Daquiris!

All we have to say is… yum!  Next Up…

Old Town, San Diego

Old Town is the historic center of San Diego and an absolute “must-do” if you’re ever in the area. California has some serious history invested in this town, but we’ll get to that later. Old Town is a fun place to visit to celebrate San Diego’s heritage and catch a glimpse of early California. There’s plenty to see by simply walking the streets, but there’s even more to eat if you get hungry. Mexican food is what’s on the menu here… So, if you like it, you’ll be hog-heaven! Luckily, we love it!

The below picture is of the restaurant recommended to us for the best authentic Mexican food – Cafe Coyote. We had high hopes since making fresh tortillas, curbside, seemed pretty authentic! But, after inquiring about a seat on the patio with our dog, Richey, we were informed they’re not dog-friendly. So, we took our money and our pup across the street.

And we ended up here… Fred’s. The name doesn’t exactly scream Authentic, but the statue of a Mexican man wearing a sombrero with a holstered pistol and holding a bottle of Tequila gave us hope.

We sat outside on the colorful patio and enjoyed the perfect weather for an outdoor lunch. The atmosphere was nice but the best views in the place were at my feet.

I bet Cafe Coyote’s is sorry they didn’t let Richey in after seeing how well behaved he is. Their loss. We wouldn’t go back even if they asked!

For lunch we ordered the queso and chips, fish tacos and a dish from the “specials” menu, which we can’t remember the name of. The fish tacos were delicious!

but this… not so much

Richey thought it all looked scrumptious, but he thoroughly enjoyed the tortilla chips and gave them two paws up!

What did we think about Fred’s? We thought the atmosphere, service and fish tacos were great, but we didn’t care for the nameless dish. So, maybe we were a little harsh when we said we wouldn’t go back to Cafe Coyote’s. We’d consider it, but they would have to apologize to Richey first.

After lunch we walked the streets of Old Town admiring Spanish tiled roofs and old mansions, and perusing the countless stalls located on every corner of every street throughout the town.

These stalls were everywhere and sold a little bit of everything.

The Whaley House is a Historical Landmark. It’s also considered a mansion… and haunted!

Funny story about this next photo… I popped into this Five & Dime to pickup a few postcards and then decided to take a picture of it when I left. So, I positioned myself near the street curb and pointed my phone at the building. The man standing in front of the door saw me with my phone held high and ready to snap a shot, when he stopped, squared his body with mine and stared into the camera. At first I thought my eyes were misinterpreting what they were seeing, so I waited. Surely he would move after I lowered my phone, but he didn’t. So I waited some more. He didn’t budge. I even tilted my head and gave him the “huh?” kinda-look, but it had no effect. It was just him and I, standing there, staring at each other.

It became very clear that if I wanted a picture of the Five & Dime, it was going to have to include him. So, I raised my phone once more, allowed him to shift his weight from one leg to the other (yes, he was posing) and then I snapped my shot. I lowered my phone, gave him a thumbs-up, and then watched him walk away. Best photo I took that day! And I’m not talking about the quality. Thank you, mysterious man… I will never forget you.

And on we went to…

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park

Old Town San Diego State Historic Park is located at the center of Old Town. In 1769, Old Town San Diego was the site of the first permanent Spanish settlement in California. As such, Old Town is the historic heart of San Diego and considered the “birthplace” of California. In 1968, the State of California established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the Mexican-American heritage that characterized San Diego during the period of 1821 to 1872.

The park offers a main plaza, exhibits, museums and period-appropriate Living History demonstrations, which includes blacksmithing, quilting, carpentry and more. You can also browse all sorts of specialty shops for cigars, pottery, apparel and any number of other unique finds, and also grab a bite to eat. And of course, those stalls everywhere in town are here, too.

Courthouse Museum

Inside the Courthouse

The following three photos were taken through glass. Try to disregard the glare and imagine the judicial system back then. Arrested, tried and convicted all in one day, and under one roof. Super convenient!

 Judge’s Office

Lawyer’s Office

Sheriff’s Office

 We didn’t know it at the time, but the red structure behind Hakam is the old school house from the period. Oh well, we’re sure you would rather look at a picture of Richey than get a closer look at a historic building. Right?!

This Wagon was stored outside and has definitely seen better days. What a shame! Like the lighthouse at Point Loma, I bet it has quite a story to tell. Located just feet from it, however, were some very handsome wagons, also from the period and beautifully preserved behind glass. They were pristine! I tried to capture some photos through the glass, but the glare was too intense and made them barely recognizable.

 El Centro Artesano

A road map

Outdoor theater

And to conclude… another stall

Just when we thought it would be tough to compete with our trip to Arizona, San Diego, California gave us pause. We had a wonderful time in Old Town and the Historic Park, and at the San Diego Zoo and Cabrillo National Monument. We also enjoyed the dog parks and downtown San Diego, and just simply walking the streets and getting a feel for this lively city. A city, by the way, with an endless list of things to do we wish we could have stayed longer to experience. And if I haven’t mentioned the weather… it’s perfection! The weather alone is enough reason to visit. But mostly, we enjoyed the impression San Diego left on us. One that had us thinking we could call this place home one day. That decision won’t be made for a very long time, but when it is, San Diego will be in the running!

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Until next time…