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During your San Diego vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Torrey Pines State Reserve
The rare Torrey pine tree grows in only two places in the world: Santa Rosa Island, 175 miles northwest of San Diego, and here, at the north end of La Jolla. Even if the twisted shape of these awkwardly beautiful trees doesn't lure you to this spot, the equally scarce undeveloped coastal scenery should. The city first donated 369 acres as a public park, and the 1,750-acre reserve was established in 1921, from a gift by Ellen Browning Scripps. The reserve encompasses the beach below, as well as a lagoon immediately north, but the focus is the 300-foot-high, water-carved limestone bluffs, which provide a precarious footing for the trees. In spring, the wildflower show includes bush poppies, Cleveland sage, agave, and yucca. A half-dozen trails (all under 1 1/2 miles in length) travel from the road to the cliff edge or down to the beach, and there's a small visitor center, built in the traditional adobe style of the Hopi Indians and featuring a lovely 12-minute video about the park. Watch for migrating gray whales in winter, or dolphins who patrol these shores year-round. For a taste of what Southern California's coast looked like a couple hundred years ago, this delicate spot is one of San Diego's unique treasures. Note: There are no facilities for food or drinks inside the park -- bring a picnic lunch.
Knott's Soak City USA
Themed to replicate San Diego's surfer towns around the 1950s and 1960s, this 32-acre water park is San Diego's only facility of its type. There are 22 slides of all shapes and sizes, a 500,000-gallon wave pool, a 1/4-mile lazy river, and assorted snack facilities. The park is located about 25 minutes south of downtown, just north of the border line.
Reuben H. Fleet Science Center
A must-see for kids of any age is this tantalizing collection of interactive exhibits and rides designed to provoke the imagination and teach scientific principles. The Virtual Zone includes Deep Sea, a motion simulator ride that lurches you into a virtual ocean floor, plus two different virtual reality attractions with a scientific bent. The Fleet also houses a 76-foot-high IMAX Dome Theater that shows films so realistic that ocean footage can actually give you motion sickness! And in 2001, the Fleet unveiled a spiffy new planetarium simulator powered by computer graphics. Planetarium shows are the first Wednesday of each month ($7 adults, $6 kids age 3-12, $6 seniors). The gift shop features an inspired collection of toys, gadgets, and clever souvenirs.
Comfort Suites Mission Valley
With expanded rooms and extra amenities, Comfort Suites Mission Valley offers you room to be yourself. And whether you're traveling on business or spending time with family and friends, Comfort Suites' convenient location is close to everywhere you need to be in San ...
Paradise Point Resort & Spa
Paradise Point Resort & Spa is an island oasis of blue skies, pristine beaches and lush gardens. Located across the street from Sea World Park, Paradise Point is ideally located on Mission Bay, the heart of San Diego.Luxury San Diego lodging and accommodations on private Mission Bay beachHow can you top a day of swimming, playing, lounging and exploring San Diego? Perhaps by stretching out on your private patio and watching gulls dart between the crisp white sails in the marina as a lazy ...
Hyatt Regency Islandia
* 6 miles from downtown, Lindbergh Field Airport and Sea World'* Nearby Tijuana, Laguna Beach and Los ...
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