Little Italy

Little Italy in San Diego is one of our favorite neighborhoods. There is a great farmers market (mercato) from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm on Saturdays. The area has many restaurants and there always seems to be a special event in the works. Many of the residents still speak Italian and live the Old World Italian life in downtown San Diego. The harbor is nearby so the views are spectacular from many parts of Little Italy. Make sure to slow down and talk to the residents. This is another way to Enjoy San Diego!
For more information visit www.littleitalysd.com and www.littleitalymercato.com

Lake Hodges East Arm

Lake Hodges is a man made lake in north San Diego. The dam which is not visible from the 15 freeway was built in 1918.Rancho Bernardo is to the south and Escondido is just north. The eastern section of the lake may or may not have water depending on the rainfall. The area is a great place to hike, bike, fish and bird watch. There is a pedestrian bridge just west of the 15 freeway that is said to be the longest stressed ribbon bridge in the world. The bridge was built in 2009. Lake Hodges is part of the San Dieguito River Park that runs from the Pacific Ocean to the mountains. When the lake is full, fishing is good in this area. When the lake is low there are lots of birds and you may see freshwater clam shells. This is just another way to Enjoy San Diego!
For more information see www.sdrp.org and go to the resources tab.

Crystal Pier

Crystal Pier is located in the Pacific Beach area of San Diego. The pier was built in 1927 and the cottages were added in 1930. This is a fun place to take a walk when the surf is high. The pier moves with the large wave action. It is also the only place in the area that you can actually sleep above the ocean. The cottages are old, but are located just above the surf line and you will hear the surf all night. This is another place to Enjoy San Diego!
For more information see www.crystalpier.com

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park

Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is somewhat out of the way for most San Diego visitors. This is a beach bluff park with a small beach that is used mostly by surfers. Parking is primarily on the street and there are a few small parking lots along the cliff. On most days, even weekends, there are only a few people on the beach. This is an amazing beach to visit at low tide. It is a bit difficult to get to but well worth the effort. There is a stairway to the beach at the foot of Ladera Street at Sunset Cliffs Blvd. To reach the sandy area you will need to trek over large rocks for a short distance. There is also a path along the cliff and a steep area with a rope to help you access the beach. Both routes are not suggested for small children or anyone who is not in good physical condition. Most visitors stay at the top and take in the great views and sunsets. Although hidden away Sunset Cliffs Natural Park is another way to `Enjoy San Diego`.
For more information see- www.sunsetcliffs.info

Encinitas Fall Festival

This year the Encinitas Fall Festival was on Sunday November 18. This is a huge street fair with over 400 vendors, live entertainment and lots of great food. The Fall Festival has been going on for 20 years and takes up Highway 101 from D to J streets. Besides the vendor booths there are plenty of open stores, shops and restaurants to keep you interested. Encinitas considers itself a small beach town (of around 60,000 residents) and events like this almost convince you of that. The old buildings and surf lifestyle are here to take you back to a simpler time. Encinitas is a fun town to visit all year. It boasts some of the best surfing beaches in California and the Self Realization Center (Swami`s) is always a good place to relax and reflect. This is another wonderful place to enjoy San Diego!
For more information see www.encinitas101.com/events/fall-festival/

Leo Carrillo Ranch, Carlsbad

Leo Carrillo Ranch in Carlsbad is a great place to spend some time. There are walking trails and old California ranch buildings to explore. This little slice of yesteryear gives you the opportunity to see what California was like 50 to 100 years ago.
The actor Leopold `Leo` Antonio Carrillo (8-6-1881 to 9-10-1961) loved his ranch and at one time owned about 4500 acres in Carlsbad. He spent his time away from Hollywood here and invited many of the film stars of that time to visit. The ranch today has 27 acres and is owned and operated by the City of Carlsbad. There are guided tours of the property and you can also tour on your own. There is no fee for parking or entry. This is just another way to Enjoy San Diego!
For more information visit www.carrillo-ranch.org

San Diego Blues Fest

The second annual Blues Fest was on Saturday September 22, 2012. This is such a fun event to attend. The music, food and drink are great and you cannot beat the setting. This event is located in Embarcadero Marina Park North on San Diego Bay at Seaport Village. The cost was only $10 plus two cans of food and the proceeds go to benefit The Jacobs & Cushman San Diego Food Bank. The park had lots of open grass area for your blankets and chairs. There were two stages of great blues music.
For more information see www.sdbluesfest.com