Here is a great resource to plan your trip to the 2016 Nationals in beautiful sunny San Diego, California. There are so many things to do and see

Here is a great resource to plan your trip to the 2016 Nationals in beautiful sunny San Diego, California. There are so many things to do and see. htt...
Author: Roger Grant
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Here is a great resource to plan your trip to the 2016 Nationals in beautiful sunny San Diego, California. There are so many things to do and see. http://www.sandiego.org/ This gives you a direct link to see all that San Diego has to offer. Including what to do, and where to stay. You can even request you very own Free travel guide

25 Fun & Free Things to Do in San Diego Having fun in San Diego doesn't require a lot of money; in fact, many things to see and do here are absolutely free. With 70 miles of beautiful beaches, near-perfect weather year-round, and a variety of magnificent settings countywide, San Diego offers a fun and inexpensive getaway during all seasons of the year. Free Activities for Kids and Adults in San Diego Head to San Diego's many beaches, all free to the public, to swim, body surf or hang-ten. Play in the sand, collect seashells or just bask in the sun. Visit La Jolla Cove and see the magnificent sunset on the ocean. La Jolla Cove is one of the most spectacular natural settings in the world. Visit downtown San Diego's Seaport Village for hours of free entertainment, leisurely strolling and window shopping. Enjoy a laid-back day of hanging out in the grass and watching the many passing yachts and ships on picturesque San Diego Bay, or take in the sights from one of the many bay-view eateries. Stroll through the 16½-block historic Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego and view the renovated turn-ofthe-century Victorian architecture, home to boutiques, art galleries, specialty shops and more. Fly a kite along the grassy field in the Tecolote Shores of Mission Bay Park, a 4,600-acre aquatic park. Here, away from trees and overhead wires, friends and family gather to launch colorful kites into the bay breezes.

Enjoy free organ concerts at 2:00 pm on Sundays at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion in Balboa Park. The Organ Pavilion features one of world's largest outdoor pipe organs, a San Diego landmark since 1914, where organists play traditional favorites, waltzes and show tunes on enormous 32-foot pipes. Visit Old Town and witness the living legacy of San Diego history. Guests are also invited to wander free through Old Town's historic buildings, including the blacksmith shop, Seeley Stables, Stewart House, Estudillo House and the oldest schoolhouse in San Diego. Bike or jog along Mission Bay Park's many trails. Joggers and walkers share more than 20 miles of scenic running paths that wind through sunlight and shade near the shoreline and feature workout courses at planned stations along the route. Visit the U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista for a free tour of the 150-acre facility, including training fields and tracks, athlete dorms and the Otay Lake Reservoir. Tours are offered from the Copley Visitor Center at 11:00 am on Saturday. Self-guided tours are available daily between 9:00 am - 4:00 pm. Stargaze outside the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center in Balboa Park on the first Wednesday of every month. The San Diego Astronomy Association sets up huge telescopes to offer guests a great view of all the stars in the night sky. Take a scenic, one-hour drive to Mt. Laguna. Once there, hop out for an invigorating hike and enjoy the fresh mountain air whispering through the pines. Step back in time with a stop in Julian, a century-old gold mining town in the Cuyamaca Mountains. Pick up a free map at the Chamber of Commerce for a self-guided walking tour of the area's historic sites and later enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie - a Julian specialty! Grab your picnic basket and head to Torrey Pines State Beach where you can watch talented and daring hang gliders do tricks in the strong winds that sweep along the coastline cliffs. The 59-Mile Scenic Drive allows travelers to take in all of the must-see places in San Diego. Rollerblade, skateboard or bicycle along the Mission Beach Boardwalk, a scenic 3-mile boardwalk along picturesque Mission and Pacific Beaches. Visit Mission Trails Regional Park to explore the cultural, historical and recreational aspects of San Diego. Stop at the Visitor's Center and learn about the wonders of nature and the people who once lived on the land. Or, roam through the park's 40 miles of natural and developed hiking and biking trails. Go scuba diving or snorkeling off San Diego's shores and see spectacular creatures of the sea. La Jolla Cove offers some of the clearest waters on the California coast, as well as miles of protected underwater preserves to explore. Go bird watching at the Torrey Pines State Reserve. Located high above Torrey Pines State Beach, the area is home of the rare and ancient Torrey Pine as well as a beautiful protected habitat for swifts, thrashers, woodpeckers and wrentits. Stroll through Balboa Park and marvel at its beautiful Spanish Colonial Revival architecture. While there, take

advantage of the park's variety of offerings, including 15 museums (select museums free on Tuesdays for San Diego residents), free daily park tours, public organ concerts (Sundays), and spectacular gardens (seven are free daily). Visit other museums around town that offer similar free days. Both the downtown and La Jolla locations of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego are free on the third Thursday of each month from 5:00 - 7:00 pm. Gather family, friends and firewood for a cozy beach bonfire at one of the beaches in San Diego County, including Coronado Beach, La Jolla Shores and Mission Beach. Explore the tide pools in Point Loma at low tide and get up close and personal with flowery anemones, scampering shore crabs, elusive octopus, spongy deadman's fingers and many other magnificent sea creatures. Drive to the top of Mt. Soledad in La Jolla for breathtaking, 360-degree views of San Diego, including the gently curving La Jolla coastline and Mission Bay. Spectacular views of San Diego's East County communities also await guests at the top of Mt. Helix. Visit the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and experience the natural beauty of the desert. The 600,000- acre park is one of the largest state parks in the United States and each spring, following winter rains, explodes into a rainbow of colorful wildflower blossoms. Take a scenic walk along The Big Bay, San Diego's "largest attraction." With 27 miles of waterfront featuring bayside parks, marinas, hundreds of shops and restaurants, and miles of promenades and bikeways, the Big Bay appeals to all ages and interests. Balboa Park What could be better than an entertaining park where your kids can experience art, culture, and learn something new along the way? The largest urban cultural park in the United States, Balboa Park is often referred to as the “Smithsonian of the West.” Its 1,200 lush acres are home to 85 cultural attractions, including 15 museums, eight gardens and the San Diego Zoo. The park features a massive array of interesting and fun activities for all ages including: San Diego Air & Space Museum, Balboa Park Carousel, Balboa Park Miniature Railroad, Marie Hitchcock Puppet Theater, San Diego Automotive Museum, San Diego Hall of Champions Sports Museum, San Diego Model Railroad Museum, San Diego Museum of Man, Reuben H. Fleet Science Center, San Diego Museum of Art and San Diego Natural History Museum. San Diego Bay No stay in San Diego is complete without a trip to the waterfront. San Diego Bay is bustling with activity, as it serves as the homeport for Navy ships, a large sport fishing fleet, thousands of pleasure craft, and an increasing number of cruise ships. Mission Bay, a 4,600-acre aquatic playground, is the largest facility of its kind in the world featuring separate, designated areas for sailing, power boating, fishing, swimming and water skiing. The USS Midway Museum is a retired aircraft carrier that now serves as a fascinating interactive floating museum. The Maritime Museum of San Diego consists of several historic sailing vessels docked on San Diego Bay including old tall ships, passenger ferries and even a Russian submarine.

San Diego Theme Parks and Attractions SeaWorld San Diego: SeaWorld is one of the best theme parks in San Diego because it features thrilling water rides, entertaining shows and a variety of beautiful sea creatures in all shapes and sizes. SeaWorld San Diego is also famously known as the home of Shamu, the lovable giant Ora whale who stole the spotlight for many years at SeaWorld. Visitors can enjoy a variety of educational shows and exhibits including “Turtle Reef” and the “Shark Encounter.” No visit to a San Diego theme park would be complete without riding some rides. SeaWorld is known for its wet and wild rides, so be sure to pack an extra pair of clothes. Some of their rides include Manta, Riptide Rescue, Journey to Atlantis and Shipwreck Rapids. For a view of San Diego’s beautiful coastline, ride the Bayside Skyride and SkyTower. LEGOLAND California: Located in Carlsbad, LEGOland California is filled with towering LEGO statues, fun water rides and entertaining shows. This San Diego theme park brings to life one of the mt age old children's toys, LEGOS. These blocks have been building children's imaginations since the fifties, and now you and your kids can step into a LEGO wonderland full of rides, hands-on activities and more! Aquatica San Diego: During the summer this popular water park situated next to the Cricket Wireless Amphitheater opens its gates to anyone looking to get a little wet and wild. With a huge variety of water slides, a wave pool, lazy river and more, this water park is easily one of the best San Diego theme parks to visit during the summer months. However, there are many ways to cool off in San Diego such as the beach, your hotel pool or SeaWorld. San Diego Zoo: By far one of the most famous San Diego attractions, the San Diego Zoo is a must for any firsttime visitor to San Diego. Even locals tend to enjoy the zoo at least a couple times a year. Whether you have kids or not, the San Diego Zoo is one of those timeless attractions for all ages. Animals are always interesting and fun to watch, and the famous San Diego Zoo does a fantastic job to give you a full experience. During the summer, the zoo is open every day from 9am to 9pm with special celebrations, shows and animal trainer talks. Get to the zoo early and learn about some special animals right from their trainers. If you plan on being in San Diego for at least a few days and want to see the zoo, we recommend either the Go Card or the two day pass that will allow you to check out the San Diego Zoo Safari Park up in north county as well. San Diego Zoo Safari Park: The San Diego Zoo Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park) is a similar yet different experience to the San Diego Zoo. This popular San Diego attraction can be thoroughly enjoyed with the purchase of one of their many special tours. Enjoy a day of wild safari tours, exhibits and zip- lining at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Visitors can watch animals in their natural habitats and learn about wildlife conservation. Some of the best San Diego attractions are in and around the downtown area such as Balboa Park and its many museums. Balboa Park is a great place to have a picnic and enjoy being outside in the beautiful San Diego weather. One of our favorite attractions in San Diego is Belmont Park, which is located right on the sand in Mission Beach. It is one of the oldest San Diego theme parks with a small roller coaster as well as games and other small rides. There are a couple of sweet bars and restaurants right next door including the ever popular Wavehouse. Check out more top San Diego attractions for some fun ideas on where to go during your next visit to sunny San Diego. Check out Seaport Village in downtown for some fun shops and tasty eats right on San Diego Bay. Shoot across the bridge to the Coronado Island and have fun golfing, riding bikes, hanging

at the beach or meandering through the Hotel Del Coronado. This old Victorian-style hotel happens to be one of the oldest all-wooden buildings in California, and it has been a National Landmark since the seventies. If you're in to history, you may want to cruise over to Old Town. This area of San Diego represents what the city was like back in the days when it was a Spanish mission during the mid 1800s. Check out the 22 historic buildings, play a round of pitch-and-putt golf and eat at one of the 30 or so amazing restaurants. There are also a handful of friendly vendors and souvenir shops, so you can find something to help you remember this great city. If you aren't travelling with any little ones, a trip up to Temecula (San Diego's Wine Country) is in order. You can check out the wineries of Wilson Creek Winery and Vineyards or enjoy some fantastic wine flights at Callaway Vineyard & Winery. With so many great theme-parks and attractions, it's impossible not to have a great time in San Diego. So, book your vacation now and enjoy all this incredible city has to offer! See more at: http://www.sandiego.com/theme-parks#sthash.oBTMijcB.dpuf The Beaches If San Diego is known for one thing, it would be for our gorgeous beaches. With 70 miles of pristine coastline, year-around sunshine and mild temperatures, you can enjoy the surf and sand almost any day of the year. For visitors and locals alike, the beach is a veritable wonderland and the place to spend entire days with family and friends. From expansive sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, reefs, tide pools and everything in between, the beaches in San Diego are as varied as the California beach towns that were built around them. Discover beaches perfect for families and dogs, beaches coveted by the world’s top surfers, or to enjoy a fire, play volleyball, spot sea creatures or simply relax and people watch. One thing’s for sure, on any given day at any beach in San Diego, you’ll find a front row seat to a magnificent display of the western sky as the sun descents into the Pacific. So grab your beach towels, slather on the sunscreen, and get out to explore some of the finest beaches in the world. Whether families wish to swim, surf, snorkel, play volleyball, or just lie in the sun, there’s a stretch of sand for everyone along San Diego's 70 miles of coastline. Coronado Beach is an aquatic wonderland recognized annually by the Travel Channel as the best family beach in North America. La Jolla Shores is recognized as one of the most family-friendly beaches in San Diego County according to the Travel Channel. Ocean Beach is home to the Ocean Beach Pier and the popular Dog Beach. A three-mile boardwalk popular with inline skaters, skateboarders, runners, and bicyclists connects Pacific Beach and Mission Beach. Mission Beach is home to Belmont Park, featuring its vintage “Giant Dipper” roller coaster and amusement arcades. History San Diego boasts a rich heritage that comes alive at many monuments and historic sites located throughout the county. Be sure to see Cabrillo National Monument in Pt. Loma, Mission San Diego de Alcala in Mission Valley, Old Town State Historic Park and the Gaslamp Quarter downtown, during your stay in San Diego.

SAN DIEGO COUNTY BEACHES BEACH CLOSURES 619-338-2073 BEACH & WEATHER REPORT 619- 221-8824 L=Limited US WEATHER SERVICE 619-289-1212 N=No COASTLINE PARKS & BEACHES 619-235-1169 Y=Yes LIFE GUARD SERVICE (TOWER) 619-221-8800(24hrs) S=Seasonal LIFE GUARD SERVICE (ADMIN) 619-221-8899 PLEASE NOTE: See: www.sandiego.org/beaches/ for detailed information on every beach. ALCOHOL - not allowed on city beaches and bays without special event permit; some state beaches do allow alcohol in non-glass containers DOGS - only on leash between 6pm-9am (except Dog Beach) CURFEW - generally at 10pm (check with Life Guard or read the posted signs). Boardwalk maximum speed is 8 mph, (13kph); no overnight camping or sleeping unless on official campgrounds! BLACK'S BEACH- 619-221-8899 Steep cliffs keep this beach isolated. NUDITY BAN ENFORCED (7/99). Exit 1-5 at Carmel Valley Rd, go west, then go south on Torrey Pines Rd, Park at Torrey Pines State Beach and hike 20 minutes south on the beach. BONITA COVE 619-221-8899 Popular with mothers with young children. Offers playground equipment and recreation facilities. Exit I- 5 at Sea World Dr, follow signs for W Mission Bay Dr. CARDIFF STATE BEACH 760-753-5091 (tel. no. for San Elijo SB) $6 per car/weekdays, $8/weekends & holidays. Recommended for expert surfers and swimmers only. Dogs are permitted on leashes. Offers showers, barbecues and fishing. Exit I-5 at Encinitas Blvd, west to Hwy 101, then south for one mile. CARLSBAD STATE BEACH 760-438-3143 (for campground) Popular for volleyball, frisbee, board and body surfing. Offers picnic area and fishing. Exit I-5 at Tamarack Ave and drive west to Carlsbad Blvd. CARLSBAD STATE BEACH – SOUTH 760-438-3143 (for campground) – Reservation recommended. Excellent for swimming and popular with campers. Offered: RV dump, Showers and fishing. Exit I-5 at La Costa Blvd., go west to Carlsbad Blvd., turn right and follow the signs. CHILDREN'S POOL/CASA COVE 619-221-8899

MARINE MAMMAL RESERVE. NO TOUCHING! Marine mammals are fully protected by Federal Law! Exit I-5 at La Jolla Parkway (the street name changes to Torrey Pines Rd), right on Prospect St, right on Jenner to Coast Blvd and follow signs. CORONADO BEACH – NORTH 619-522-7346 Excellent for experienced surfers. Popular for volleyball, showers located on Central Beach. Dogs are allowed to run free. Exit I-5 at Coronado Bridge exit, left on Orange Ave, right on Isabel Ave, right on Ocean Blvd, and drive to the most northern end. CORONADO BEACH, SOUTH 619-522-7346 One of the widest beaches in the county. Popular with locals and visitors. Exit Coronado Bridge, left on Orange Ave and right on Isabella to Ocean Blvd. "D" STREET BEACH 760-633-2740 Attracts local surfers. Rocky cobblestone beach. Exit I-5 at Encinitas Blvd west, go south on Hwy 101, to "D" St. DEL MAR BEACH 858-755-1556 At City of Del Mar Beaches alcohol is allowed 24 hours! Includes dog permit areas. Family beach, lots of sand year round. Exit I-5 on Via de la Valle and drive West, cross Hwy 101 and continue straight through to Beach signs. DOG BEACH (AT OCEAN BEACH) 619-221-8899 Dogs are allowed to roam free. Frisbee is popular here. Experienced swimmers only! Exit I-8 at Sunset Cliffs Blvd, right on W Pt Loma Blvd & right on Voltaire St. FLETCHER COVE 858-755-1560 Cliffline access only! Popular with beachcombers & shell collectors. Exit I-5 at Lomas Santa Fe Dr; go west until it becomes Plaza St. Right on Beach Front Dr. GARBAGE BEACH 619-221-8899 Popular with the surfers. Experienced swimmers only! Access via stairs at Ladera St and Sunset Cliffs Blvd, Exit I-8 at Sunset Cliffs Blvd, follow Sunset Cliffs Blvd around to Ladera St. HARBOR BEACH 760-966-4536 760-435-4000 Known for its white sand and popular with young surfers. Fishing available of jetty, showers provided. Exit I-5 in Oceanside at Harbor Dr and drive south. Paid Parking. IMPERIAL BEACH 619-423-8328 Best known for U S Open Sandcastle Competition, also surfing competitions are held here. Exit I-5 at Palm Ave and drive west. Pier closes at 10 pm.

LA JOLLA COVE & ELLEN BROWNING SCRIPPS PARK; ECOLOGICAL PRESERVE 619-221-8899 Suitable for families. NO taking of sea-life, flotation devices, spear fishing. Alcohol only from noon until 8pm. Exit I-5 at La Jolla Parkway, (street name changes to Torrey Pines Rd), right on Prospect St, right on Coast or Girard. LA JOLLA SHORES 619-221-8899 Suitable for swimming and surfing. The consumption of alcohol at this beach & park area is prohibited at all times. The taking or possession of sea life or artifacts is prohibited! Exit I-5 at La Jolla Parkway, right on La Jolla Shores Dr and left on Vallecitos. LEUCADIA (GRANDVIEW) 760-633-2880 Popular with locals of all ages. Exit Leucadia Blvd off I-5, drive west to Hwy 101 & drive north to Grandview access. MOONLIGHT BEACH 760-633-2880 Excellent for families, volleyball is popular, picnic tables. Exit I-5 at Encinitas Blvd., go west, to B St MISSION BEACH – NORTH 619-221-8899 Popular with people watchers who enjoy the combination of skaters, bicyclists and leisurely strollers. Exit I-5 at Grand Ave, drive west, take a left on Mission Blvd, and drive to the roller coaster. MISSION BEACH – SOUTH 619-221-8899 A favorite with students and surfers. Lots of restaurants, shops and pubs. Exit I-5 at Grand Ave, drive west, left on Mission Blvd and drive to the end. OCEAN BEACH – NORTH 619-221-8899 Experienced swimmers only! STRONG RIP CURRENTS! The volleyball action is here.Exit I-8 at Sunset Cliffs Blvd, right on W Point Loma Blvd and right on Voltaire St. OCEAN BEACH – SOUTH 619-221-8899 STRONG RIP CURRENTS! Showers provided.Exit I-8 at Sunset Cliffs Blvd, right on West Point Loma Blvd & left on Abbott St. OCEANSIDE PIER BEACH 760-435-4000 Suitable for families. Long stretch of white sandy beach. Exit I-5 at Mission Ave, go west to Hill St, drive one block north, turn left on Third St. PACIFIC BEACH 619-221-8899 Sandy beach, boardwalk, bicycling and roller-skating. Exit I-5 at Grand Ave, drive west to Mission Blvd. SAN ELIJO STATE BEACH 760-753-5091 $6 per car/weekdays, $8/weekends & holidays.; must be out by sunset. Sandy Beach; excellent surfing reef! (dogs south of tower 7). Exit I-5 at Encinitas Blvd; go west, then south on Hwy. 101.

SEASCAPE BEACH 858-755-1569 Very popular with the Del Mar race crowd and volleyball enthusiasts. Exit I-5 at Lomas Santa Fe Dr and drive to the 500 block of South Sierra Ave. SILVER STRAND STATE BEACH 619-435-5184 Parking $6 per car/weekdays, $8/weekends & holidays.; must be out by 8pm ($13.00 fee charged for overnight; self- contained RV type only. First come first served basis.) Popular with young families due to the shallow and calm waters. Exit I-5 at Coronado Bridge, left on Orange Ave, drive past Hotel del Coronado and continue down Hwy 75 until you reach Coronado Cays. SWAMI'S BEACH PARK 760-633-2880 Use the stairs at Swami's to access this popular surf spot. Offers picnic tables and barbecues. Exit I-5 at Encinitas Blvd and go west, left on First St and drive to Swami's Beach, long steep stairs. TORREY PINES STATE BEACH 858-755-2063 $6 per car/weekdays, $8/weekends& holidays. Closes at sunset. Offers fantastic views and a long stretch of beach. Exit I-5 at Carmel Valley Rd. go west, then south on Torrey Pines Rd. WINDANSEA 619-221-8899 NO SCUBA; I-5 at Grand Ave, west on Grand Ave, north on Mission Blvd, north on La Jolla Blvd, left on Nautilus St

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