What Happens in San Diego...Lasts a Lifetime

Keep San Diego's Beaches Safe & Alcohol Free

2008-10-16T12:24:12-07:00

The beach should be a fun and safe destination for people of all ages. That’s why we support Proposition D.

Abuse of alcohol has reached a point where there is no alternative other than making all San Diego City beaches, including Mission Bay, alcohol-free.

The San Diego City Council has put Proposition D on the November ballot, which would make San Diego beaches alcohol-free. Take the opportunity to stand up for public safety and vote YES on Prop. D and encourage everyone you know to get out and vote this November 4th.

Please visit SafeBeachesSanDiego.org for more information about this issue and to find out what you can do to make San Diego beaches a fun and safe place for everyone.

San Diego, Zoo, San Diego Wild Animal Park, Sea World and Legoland special offer!

2008-08-31T12:17:47-07:00

Visit San Diego and take home happy memories because “What Happens in San Diego Lasts a Lifetime.” No regrets here, just sunshine, sandy beaches and dozens of world-class attractions for all ages.

Let the “Enlightened Explorer” be your guide with an insider’s view of a side to San Diego you’ve never seen before. Hidden beaches, free attractions, restaurants only the locals know about—all that and more just a click away.

Let us help your travel planning with money-saving tips and links to the cheapest San Diego hotels, attraction tickets and packages found anywhere on the internet.

Start your journey with The Enlightened Explorer and remember—“What Happens in San Diego Lasts a Lifetime”.

Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland, Wild Animal Park 2nd Day Free!

For a limited time, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California are all offering the 2nd day free when a single day admission ticket is purchased. These four San Diego attractions have never offered discounts like these at the same time.

These are very special offers and ONLY available on the internet through select resellers. Only SeaWorld is offering the special through their website.

Tickets can be purchased through Enlightened Explorer's ARES Travel pages:

San Diego Zoo
Wild Animal Park
SeaWorld
Legoland

The San Diego Zoo offer is valid through December 31, 2008 and includes the "Best Value" ticket with 2nd day free including unlimited Guided Tour Bus, Express Bus and Skyfari Aerial Tram all for $31. This special offer cannot be purchased at the gate or the Zoo website.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park offer is valid through December 31, 2008 and includes the "Best Value" ticket with "Journey into Africa" tour, "Conservation Carousel Ride" and all "Park at Dark" activities. This offer cannot be purchased at the gate or Wild Animal Park website.

The SeaWorld San Diego offer expires September 30, 2008 and includes 2nd day free with purchase of single day admission.

The Legoland California offer expires September 30, 2008 and includes 2nd day free with purchase of single day admission. Offer not available at park or Legoland website.

These are the best internet deals ever offered for these attractions. The San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland CA are trying to make travel affordable during tough economic times.

Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by dialing 1.800.969.9932.

Hornblower Harbor Cruise Free for Kids in October!

Hornblower Cruises & Events is inviting all children ages 12 and under to explore the Bay for free in October. Complimentary tickets will be provided for up to two children, per each paying adult on a one hour, narrated harbor cruise during the entire month of October.

The Harbor Cruise is narrated by a seasoned Hornblower captain and highlights over 50 famous sites of the Big Bay, including the Coronado Bridge, the Star of India, and military ships including submarines and aircraft carriers. Each harbor cruise boat has a full snack bar serving a variety of food and beverages, including adult beverages.

“Hornblower is encouraging families of San Diego to take advantage of this offer to show children the beautiful scenery of San Diego bay,” said Hornblower Director of Marketing Rebecca Milkey.

For the entire month of October 2007, adults who buy a full-fare Harbor Cruise ticket at $18.00 for a one hour cruise each will receive two free child rate tickets. The passes must be used during the month of October and are only valid for the one hour cruise. For more information see here or call 1.800.969.9932.

The Enlightened Explorer

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San Diego Sailing

Imagine driving or flying to San Diego on a Friday, checking into comfortable accommodations and taking a sail on San Diego Bay--all before sunset...

Continue reading about San Diego Sailing and watch our new video!

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20 San Diego Hotels Starting For $75 or Less

Gas prices got you down? Here’s a way to save this summer to help ease the pain at the pump.

The Enlightened Explorer has found 20 hotels in San Diego that start at $75 or less...

See our list of 20 San Diego Hotels Starting For $75 or Less

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Best San Diego Beaches

San Diego visitors like to know what the best local beach is. My usual reply is "to do what?" Any number of beaches can be perfect depending on what activity you enjoy most...

Continue reading this article Best San Diego Beaches

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10 San Diego Attractions for $10 or less

See our list 10 San Diego Attractions for under $10

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Hornblower Harbor Cruise Free for Kids in October!

2008-08-11T12:51:13-07:00

“Hornblower is encouraging families of San Diego to take advantage of this offer to show children the beautiful scenery of San Diego bay,” said Hornblower Director of Marketing Rebecca Milkey.

The Enlightened Explorer

Zoo, SeaWorld, Legoland, Wild Animal Park 2nd Day Free!

2008-08-11T10:47:58-07:00

For a limited time, the San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland California are all offering the 2nd day free when a single day admission ticket is purchased. These four San Diego attractions have never offered discounts like these at the same time.

These are very special offers and ONLY available on the internet through select resellers. Only SeaWorld is offering the special through their website.

Tickets can be purchased through Enlightened Explorer's ARES Travel pages:

San Diego Zoo
Wild Animal Park
SeaWorld
Legoland

The San Diego Zoo offer is valid through September 1, 2008 and includes the "Best Value" ticket with 2nd day free including unlimited Guided Tour Bus, Express Bus and Skyfari Aerial Tram all for $31. This special offer cannot be purchased at the gate or the Zoo website.

The San Diego Wild Animal Park offer is valid through September 1, 2008 and includes the "Best Value" ticket with "Journey into Africa" tour, "Conservation Carousel Ride" and all "Park at Dark" activities. This offer cannot be purchased at the gate or Wild Animal Park website.

The SeaWorld San Diego offer expires December 31, 2008 and includes 2nd day free with purchase of single day admission.

The Legoland California offer expires August 31, 2008 and includes 2nd day free with purchase of single day admission. Offer not available at park or Legoland website.

These are the best internet deals ever offered for these attractions. The San Diego Zoo, Wild Animal Park, SeaWorld San Diego and Legoland CA are trying to make travel affordable during tough economic times.

Tickets can also be purchased over the phone by dialing 1.800.969.9932.

10 San Diego Attractions for $10 or less

2008-04-15T14:37:37-07:00

High gas prices got you down? Stop worrying. Most of your travel dollars go for lodging, food and attraction admission. We’re gonna help you save on your attraction budget by suggesting 10 San Diego Attractions that cost $10 or less. These aren’t boring activities either, but some of San Diego’s most popular attractions. This should ease the pain at the pump when traveling this summer.

1. San Diego Padres (Major League Baseball).
This might be the best deal in town. Advance tickets start at $5 for “Park at the Park” lawn area overlooking center field. Advance bleacher seats in center field start at $7. Even “day of game” tickets for “Park at the Park” and bleachers are $7 and $10 respectively. For seating information and ticket purchase go to the San Diego Padres Official Site.

Stay in a convenient Downtown hotel and walk to the ballgame which saves you money on transportation and parking and you’ll get to see the historic Gaslamp District.

2. Maritime Museum of San Diego ($10 Adults, $7 Children)
One of San Diego’s most popular attractions. See 5 historic sea vessels for one low price. Includes admission to Star of India, H.M.S. Surprise, 1898 steam ferry Berkeley, the 1904 steam yacht Medea and the B-39 soviet-era Russian attack submarine. Maritime Museum of San Diego tickets.

3. Birch Aquarium ($11 Adults, $7.50 Children).
Ok, I said $10 and this is $11, but what’s an extra buck for one of San Diego’s best values. A must see for families with children. Birch Aquarium

4. Cabrillo National Monument ($5 per vehicle)
Best view of San Diego—a must see attraction. Don’t forget to visit the nearby tide pools.
Cabrillo National Monument

5. San Diego Natural History Museum ($9 Adults, $4 Children)
San Diego’s premier museum. Totally renovated and updated in 2001.
San Diego Natural History Museum

6. San Diego Trolley and Bus Pass ($9)
Unlimited use for 2 consecutive days. The Trolley is one of the best ways to see San Diego with stops in Old Town, Embarcadero, Downtown (Ballpark, Gaslamp, Seaport Village, Convention Center), Mission San Diego and Mexico Border. San Diego Trolley

7. San Diego Mission (Free)
Where San Diego’s modern history began—a must see historical attraction.
San Diego Mission

8. Old Town San Diego (Free)

California State Historic Park. A trip to San Diego is not complete without a visit to Old Town. Nearby Main Street has numerous shops and Mexican restaurants—some of the best in San Diego. Old Town San Diego

9. Balboa Park Carousel and Miniature Railroad ($2 each)
Great for kids and adults who are kids at heart. Balboa Park Carousel

10. San Diego Beaches
Always free and always fun.

So much to do for so little money. Remember, when it comes to vacationing in San Diego—“Just get here and let San Diego do the rest.”

San Diego Vacation Packages

San Diego Hotels

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20 San Diego Hotels starting for $75 or less

2008-04-14T13:16:46-07:00

Gas prices got you down? Here’s a way to save this summer to help ease the pain at the pump.

The Enlightened Explorer has found 20 hotels in San Diego that start at $75 or less.

These San Diego hotels are not run-down dives in sketchy parts of town. Rather, they are nice properties in convenient locations with amenities travelers expect. Our hotel provider, ARES, chooses only quality properties for their customers so you can be sure these 20 hotels meet rigorous standards for comfort, convenience and cleanliness.

Some of these hotels have gorgeous resort-style pools like the King's Inn and Ramada Qualcomm. Others are popular “Boutique” hotels like the Hotel Occidental and 500 West, located in the hip and happening Downtown/Gaslamp area.

The Portofino Inn and Ocean Inn Encinitas/Legoland are located in the quaint coastal village of Leucadia, just a short walk to the beach.

Make San Diego your destination and your travel dollar won’t have to suffer.

And remember, when it comes to San Diego travel, “Just get here and let San Diego do the rest”.

Super 8 Motel Mission Valley
Kings Inn (MissionValley)
Days Inn Mission Bay/SeaWorld
Super 8 SeaWorld/Zoo
Ramada Limited SeaWorld
Quality Inn Airport/SeaWorld
America's Best Value Inn Mission Bay
Ramada Inn & Conf. Qualcomm
Days Inn Mission Valley/Qualcomm
Howard Johnson Express Inn Hotel Circle
America's Best Value Inn Con. Ctr. Downtown
Hotel Occidental (Downtown)
500 West (Downtown)
Point Loma Inn (Airport, Point Loma)
Ocean Inn (Encinitas/Legoland
Howard Johnson Encinitas/Legoland
Leucadia Beach Inn
Portofino Beach Inn (Leucadia/Legoland)
Bay Inn & Suites (South Bay)
Bay Breeze Inn & Suites (Chula Vista/South Bay)

Kings Inn Mission Valley Ramada Inn Mission Valley/Qualcomm

San Diego Sailing

2008-04-07T16:42:50-07:00

Imagine driving or flying to San Diego on a Friday, checking into comfortable accommodations and taking a sail on San Diego Bay--all before sunset.

Not only is it possible, but very easy. San Diego has dozens of marinas, most offering motor and sail boat rentals, often for about the cost of an upscale hotel room.

The video on this page documents a recent weekend I spent with two friends who traveled to San Diego—one by plane, the other by car, to enjoy a weekend sailing on San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

My friends had reserved a 28’ Catalina sailboat for the weekend through Harbor Sailboats, a San Diego Sailing Club that offers lessons, boat rentals and charters and is located on Harbor Island—minutes from San Diego International Airport. Renting a sailboat is a bargain considering you get accommodations for the weekend (most sailboats have full cabins with lavatories, sleeping berths and kitchens) and a first-rate sailing vessel fully outfitted and ready for sailing on San Diego Bay or the Pacific Ocean.

At mid-afternoon I met my friends at the marina where they quickly settled into their boat. An attendant from Harbor Sailboats, a certified sailing instructor, gave us a quick overview of the boat, its capabilities along with general instructions for launching and berthing. In short order we launched the boat and began motoring through the marina on our way to San Diego Bay.

The accompanying video tells the rest of the story. We enjoyed 3 days of sailing on San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean where we saw many different motor and sail boats, marine mammals (California Harbor Seals and Grey Whales) and panoramic views of San Diego Bay, Point Loma, Coronado and the vast Pacific Ocean.

For more information on sailboat rentals, local marinas and hotel accommodations see the links below.

John Rogers
The Enlightened Explorer

Editor’s Note: Renting a sailboat does require proper certification. See your marina of choice for more information.

San Diego Marinas

Harbor Island West
Sunroad Resort Marina
Sun Harbor Marina
Driscoll Mission Bay Marina
Chula Vista Marina

Port of San Diego List of San Diego Marinas

San Diego Accommodations near harbors and marinas

Mission Beach Roller Coaster

2008-04-07T11:19:04-07:00

I could tell you a bunch of dull, boring facts about the Mission Beach roller coaster, commonly known as the “Giant Dipper”. Like the fact that the Mission Beach roller coaster is one of two original oceanfront roller coasters still operating on the west coast. Or that the Mission Beach roller coaster was rebuilt and reopened in 1990. Instead, I will get right to the good stuff. Riding the Mission Beach roller coaster is simply a whole lot of fun.

In the age of mega roller coasters with massive vertical drops and corkscrew turns, one might ask, how could a small, wooden roller coaster be so much fun? The answer lies not in the statistics but in the experience.

The Thrilling and Historic Ride

Walking up to the landing area you are whisked back to yesteryear. White washed wood, carnival lights, clanking steel and creaking timbers remind you, this is no modern marvel. The screams from a ride in progress test your nerves: are those people really scared or just having a great time? The answer is both.
Riders are seated in small rail cars, just like the old days, with a drop down bar. With no fancy seat belts the question always comes to mind, did the bar lock? Of course it did but wondering makes it just a little bit scarier. The ride begins with an abrupt jolt, you can actually feel the steel chain grab the car and off you go. As with most roller coasters the beginning is fairly benign, but don’t get too comfortable, the screams you heard will soon be your own

As the car speeds up you are rushed through a series of hair raising turns and steep vertical drops that whip you back and forth, making you wonder once again about that drop bar When the car crests the top of the tracks, you can briefly enjoy the best view of Mission Beach before quickly descending. The car races through a darkened tunnel, eliciting loud screams of terror and excitement. Just when you think you have had enough, you arrive at the landing. You stumble out of the car and walk past the wide eyes of the next group of riders.

Don’t be surprised if you get back in line and go again, it’s that much fun. Next time you visit Mission Beach, take home one of San Diego’s best memories, the Mission Beach roller coaster.

Getting There

The Mission Beach roller coaster is located at the Mission Beach amusement park (Belmont Park), on the corner of West Mission Bay Drive and Mission Boulevard in Mission Beach California. For information on pricing and hours of operation visit the Giant Dipper Website.

Snorkeling La Jolla Cove

2008-04-06T08:18:22-07:00

La Jolla Cove Snorkeling Adventure

By John Rogers, Senior Editor of Enlightened Explorer Travel

Snorkeling is one of San Diego's most popular ocean activities. Last summer it dawned on me: I’ve never explored the undersea world. After years of swimming, body surfing and exploring the beaches it was time to strap on a mask and venture into the ocean.

The family and I jumped in the car and drove to La Jolla Cove, San Diego's most popular snorkeling spot. We arrived early so parking would be easy. If you visit during the summer, especially weekends, try to arrive before 9:00 am.

After parking we walked to Prospect Street in La Jolla Village and rented all the equipment we needed at World Core Surf Shop for a nominal fee. From Prospect Street we walked to the cove, just a block or two away.

Once we arrived, we were anxious to get into the water. The Cove has a very beautiful but small sandy beach area. We spread out our towels in a comfortable spot near the water, donned our snorkeling gear, and ventured into the ocean. Our efforts were rewarded immediately! Less then 20 feet from shore, a magical undersea world unfolded. Bright orange Garibaldi, rays, and other small fish were abundant and friendly. The undersea plant life is stunning—green sea grasses flowing gently with the currents, anemones patiently waiting for a meal, stately kelp beds looking like tall undersea forests…We were told that seals occasionally swim through the Cove along with harmless shark species.

We snorkeled for hours before tiring. Wearing wetsuits extended snorkeling sessions in the chilly water. People-watching entertained us for another hour on the Cove’s beach. Veteran open-ocean swimmers of all ages come in and out of the water at the Cove—some without wetsuits--- burrrr! You'll even see them in winter with their leathery, well-tanned skin when water temperatures drop below 60 degrees! Also of interest was the cultural diversity of visitors. We heard languages from Europe, Asia, and Africa. Everyone was having a wonderful time and nobody felt unwelcome at La Jolla Cove.

La Jolla Cove is beloved not only for snorkeling but also for scuba diving and kayaking. Kayakers usually start from La Jolla Shores and paddle over to the Cove. For folks who are physically challenged or who simply prefer less activity, La Jolla Cove is a beautiful place to chat, read, walk along the bluff, or take a few pictures. It’s guaranteed to inspire for you for years to come!

Swimming in the ocean makes you very hungry; good thing La Jolla has some of the best eateries in all of San Diego! We took the advice of a local and had sandwiches at a deli located in a small enclave of shops just off Prospect Street. Other “best-bet” restaurants near the Cove are La Dolce Vita (which some folks say has the best latte in La Jolla) and Top of the Cove, which offers ocean-view dining. We worked off lunch with a stroll around the Village, a shopping and dining area above the Cove that boasts some of the best private art galleries in the world. Also not to be missed is the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art, just a few blocks south on Prospect Street.

Next we walked the coastline between the Cove and Children's Pool. No fooling—this is one of the most beautiful stretches of coastline in all of California, with intimate sandy beaches, coves that are surprisingly uncrowded… green grassy open areas on the bluff above the water… colorful native and cultivated flowers. Handicapped and physically challenged folks will find this stretch of coast accessible and relatively easy to negotiate.

We ended the day walking back to the car and planning our next trip to La Jolla Cove. I don’t mind saying a good time was had by all.

John Rogers was born and raised in San Diego. He spends much of his free time exploring the beaches and open spaces of California, especially those described in this site.

Kayak the Sea Caves in La Jolla

2008-04-06T08:14:55-07:00

By David Hail, co-founder of local date ideas website NearHere.com

Set in a marine ecological reserve with sea caves, a kelp forest, abundant wildlife, and the beautiful La Jolla coastline, La Jolla Shores is widely regarded as the best ocean kayaking spot in San Diego.

Aside from the general beauty of the area, the outstanding feature is the seven sea caves carved into the 75-million-year-old sandstone cliffs. The neat thing about these caves is that they are set into the water and, excepting Sunny Jim’s Cave, are only accessible from the ocean. While Sunny Jim’s may be reached by walking, The Clam’s Cave, Arch Cave, Sea Surprise, Shopping Cart, Little Sister, and White Lady can only be seen by kayak or boat. You can actually kayak into the caves with the right tide and swell, but it can be dangerous and is not recommended unless you are on a tour with an experienced guide. Now personally, I don’t usually go for the guided tours because you end up in a big group of people who want to chat about God knows what and the pace gets set by some couch potato from Cleveland. But as far as kayaking in the reserve is concerned, a guide isn’t such a bad idea. He or she will allow you to safely explore the sea caves during proper conditions and will also provide a wealth of information about the local animals, ecological reserve, and kelp forest. Speaking of wildlife, some of the animals you may see include sea lions, harbor seals, dolphins, distant whales in the wintertime, and perhaps a brightly-colored garibaldi or two. Whether you’re in a tour or not, expect to spend a few hours on the water as you paddle from La Jolla Shores to the sea caves, La Jolla Cove, out to the kelp forest, and then back.

If you opt to go it alone, the rental shops will transport both you and the kayaks to La Jolla Shores beach and return at a prearranged time. They pretty much all have complimentary lockers available and wetsuits for rent in colder weather. Bring dry clothes, a towel, hat, sunblock, sunglasses, etc. Reserve your single or double kayaks at least 24 hours in advance during the off-season and earlier around the holidays and peak summer season.

When you’re finished in the water, there are plenty of good spots for a picnic at La Jolla Shores, La Jolla Cove, or Ellen Browning Park and some excellent restaurants in the village within walking distance. If you have the time, you might also enjoy walking south to see the seals sunbathing at Children’s Pool.

Driving Directions and Costs
La Jolla Kayaks
Hike, Bike, Kayak