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During your San Diego vacation, don't miss these great establishments and attractions:
Junipero Serra Museum
Perched on a hill above Old Town, this Spanish mission-style structure overlooks the slopes where, in 1769, the first mission, first presidio, and first non-native settlement on the west coast of the United States and Canada were founded (in 1774 the San Diego Mission was relocated 6 miles up Mission Valley; see below). The museum's recently upgraded exhibits introduce visitors to the Native American, Spanish, and Mexican people who first called this place home. On display are their belongings, from cannons to cookware; a Spanish furniture collection; and one of the first paintings brought to California, which survived being damaged in an Indian attack. Follow the stairs up the tower and notice the map mural which documents the arduous journey Father Serra made to San Diego. From the 70-foot tower, visitors can compare the view with historic photos to see how this land has changed over time. Designed by William Templeton Johnson in 1929, the stately building can be seen from miles around. (And incidentally, the Spanish revival structures on the opposite side of the valley are contemporary and part of the University of San Diego.)The settlement remained San Diego's only European village until the 1820s, when families began to move down the hill into what is now Old Town. An archaeological dig on the lower slopes is ongoing to uncover more of the items used by early settlers. The large cross overlooking the site is made of floor tile from the presidio ruins. Presidio Park, which was established around the museum, is a nice place for a picnic.
Singing Hills Country Club at Sycuan
The only resort in Southern California offering 54 holes of golf (two championship courses and a 3,000-yard par-54 executive course), Singing Hills has taken advantage of the area's natural terrain. Mountains, natural rock outcroppings, and aged oaks and sycamores add character to individual holes. The golf courses are part of the Sycuan Casino & Resort. Greens fees are $39 Monday through Thursday, $45 Friday, and $53 weekends for the two par-72 courses, and $16 to $18 on the shorter course. Cart rental costs $12. The resort offers a variety of good-value packages.
San Diego Aerospace Museum
The other big kid-pleaser of the museums (along with the Fleet Science Center, above), this popular facility provides an overview of the nation's air-and-space history, from the days of hot-air balloons to the space age, with plenty of biplanes and military fighters in between. It emphasizes local aviation history, particularly the construction here of the Spirit of St. Louis. Highlights include the only GPS Satellite on display in a museum, and a World War I-era Spad. The museum is housed in a stunning cylindrical hall built by the Ford Motor Company in 1935 (for the park's 2nd international expo), and has an imaginative gift shop with items like old-fashioned leather flight hoods and new-fashioned freeze-dried astronaut ice cream. Allow at least an hour for your visit.
Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites SAN DIEGO-SORRENTO VALLEY
Welcome to the Holiday Inn Express San Diego Hotel. We are located in the heart of Sorrento Valley, very close to Qualcomm Corporation, La Jolla, and the Miramar Marine Base. We are also within 15 miles of Seaworld, San Diego Zoo, Legoland and the Gaslamp Quarter. We offer free high speed internet, local calling, Continental breakfast, and a 24 hour fitness and business center. This hotel is committed to providing accessible facilities under the American Disabilities Act. If your ...
Holiday Inn Select SAN DIEGO NORTH MIRAMAR
Business and Leisure travelers will enjoy excellent accommodations and attentive staff at the Holiday Inn Select North Miramar Hotel. We make traveling for business easy with our free shuttle service to and from the airport and to companies (5Mi. Radius). Airport drop off is by scheduled appointments for our corporate guests. The hours of operation for the free shuttle service are 5:30am-9:30pm Monday through Friday and 7:00am-9:30pm Saturday and Sunday. We now offer free high speed ...
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