Because of their protected status, some of the best tidepools in California can be found right at Cabrillo National Monument. On the western side of Point Loma lies the rocky inter-tidal zone, a window into the ocean ecosystem that lies along of San Diego's coast. During low tide's pools form along this shore in rocky depressions. Since the tide pools are within the Cabrillo National Park, it is patrolled by park rangers. Ranger walks are available during most low tides and a slide program is shown daily at the Cabrillo park visitor center.
It's a walk that provides you with million dollar views, and it'll cost you nothing but a willingness to spend some time exploring. We're talking about the San Diego Bay waterfront - the Big Bay as the city likes to promote it - and the attractions that are available to enjoy. Harbor Island gives you some of the best panoramic views of the city skyline. A stroll along the embarcadero gets you near the historic Star of India tall ship, which is dwarfed by gigantic ocean liners making a port of call or the U.S.S Midway aircraft carrier floating museum. And don't forget public art displays and Seaport Village, which gives you a million dollar view of Coronado and the bay bridge. The Big Bay is easy on the eyes and budget.
The New Children's Museum reopened to nifty new digs in the downtown Marina District in 2008. The Museum, an environmentally sustainable building designed by architect Rob Wellington Quigley, provides a dynamic, playful public space and community center for children and families. The New Children's Museum offers up free admission on the second Sunday of each month, with extended Museum hours from 10am–4pm. Sponsored by Target, the free day allows all children and families in the community to enjoy the Museum, and ensure that cost is not a barrier. Every Target Free Second Sunday also includes a variety of special performances and activities for children.
The U.S. Olympic Training Center in Chula Vista is the first USOC training facility to be master-planned from the ground up and is dedicated to the development of America's future Olympic athletes, with many making the Olympic team. Opened in 1995, the Training Center rests on a 150-acre complex adjacent to Lower Otay Lake and provides training for athletes in nine Olympic sports: archery, canoe/kayak, cycling, field hockey, rowing, soccer, softball, tennis, and track & field. Free guided tours are offered Tuesday through Saturday at 1:30 p.m. Complimentary self-guided tours are available from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. For more information call the Copley Center at (619) 482-6222
Centrally located and only eight miles northeast of downtown San Diego, at 5,800 Mission Trails Regional Park provides a quick, natural escape from the urban hustle and bustle. And if you're into the outdoorsy thing, Mission Trails is ideal for you. If you like hiking, there are 40 miles of challenging trails, including the popular trek up Cowles Mountain, giving you a spectacular view of the city. You can explore the Old Mission Dam, which the the Kumeyaay Indians built to provide water for the San Diego Mission. There are also miles of biking trails to explore. If you haven't been, you'll want to start at the Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor Center at One Father Junipero Serra Trail San Diego, CA 92119-1008.
Taylor Guitars makes some of the finest acoustic guitars around, and they are manufactured right here in El Cajon. Known for their meticulous craft, Taylor Guitars offers guitar fans a free guided tour of the Taylor factor is given every Monday through Thursday at 1 p.m. (excluding holidays). The Taylor Guitars Factory Tour takes guests through the steps of guitar construction. From wood selection to final assembly, guests will experience each process as a guitar evolves from raw wood into a finished instrument. To take the tour, no appointment is necessary. Simply check-in at the receptionist desk in the lobby of our main building by 1 p.m. and register for the tour.
