This club is a prime spot to hear new and cutting edge music in San Diego. Bands such as Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins and Alanis Morissette have been among the previous guests. Local bands play here as well, primarily featuring a punk-rock flavor. In addition to music, the club offers pool tables, an enclosed smoking patio, vintage pinball and video games. A stage and dance floor provides plenty of room to dance. Meanwhile, the full bar serves a long list of beverages.
Founded in 1769, Mission San Diego de Alcalá was the first mission founded by Father Junipero Serra in The Californias. Like many of the Spanish missions that were built along California's famous El Camino Real, the mission is actually the namesake of the major city it's near--in this case, San Diego. The mission experienced a tumultuous history since its founding, and its church building has since been rebuilt five times on the same site. Today, the mission stands as a remarkable example of early California history and is currently registered as a National Historic Landmark.
During your visit to Balboa Park, do not miss this gigantic, world-class musical instrument. Believed to be the largest outdoor pipe organ in the world, this impressive structure was built in 1915 by sugar magnates John D. and Adolph B. Spreckels. Year around, as many as 2,000 people can sit and hear the Sunday afternoon concerts. At other times, local musical talent is displayed. Check website for upcoming performances.
This museum houses the world's largest indoor model railroad, along with many other exciting exhibits. The museum's aim is to preserve the history of model railroading and to educate the public on its varied aspects. There's a toy train gallery as well while another area of the museum is dedicated to four large-scale models depicting the main railroads of the Southwest. A gift shop offers t-shirts, overalls and books. Note that the first Tuesday of the month is free for San Diego County residents.
Featuring cutting edge live music, this is a popular hot spot in Old Town San Diego. In fact, when this place was known as Spirit Club, it hosted the then-unknown band called R.E.M. The stage continues to seek talent in rock, blues and alternative modes of music to provide live entertainment for San Diego locals and tourists. With a varying entertainment schedule, guests are advised to call for previews of upcoming entertainment on the telephone hotline. A full cash bar is available.
Climb 145 steps down into Sunny Jim Cave, the largest of the grottoes in La Jolla Cove. The area is now run by the Cave Store, which displays historic photographs of La Jolla and offers a small concession where visitors can purchase souvenirs, postcards, and T-shirts. A trip here provides a fascinating glimpse into what lies under, as well as over, the scenic California coastline.
Set overlooking the lush Mildred MacPherson Park, Univ Studio is a truly multipurpose event venue that hosts everything from music performances, art exhibitions, and food festivals. Their community open mic nights are extremely popular with the locals.
Lying in the center of the Mount Soledad Veteran's Memorial, the Cross is beloved for some but for others, it has been a subject of controversy. Due to the involvement of religion in government, the Mount Soledad Cross has gained a lot of popularity since the past few years. However, it has made its name as the local icon and is the proud landmark of La Jolla.
In Balboa Park, a group of adobe buildings comprise the Spanish Village. Among them, the Art In Wood Gallery offers a glimpse of 16-18 of San Diego’s finest wood carvings. Each piece that appears in the gallery—the gallery of the San Diego Carvers’ Guild—is juried by a committee that ensures only the finest of San Diego’s carvings appear in their gallery. Each piece is carved from domestic or tropical wood turned by the hand of the carver. Among the most unique type of wood to look for is that of the Avocado tree, which offers an array of colors unlike any others. - Erick Pettersen
This all-women surfing school is dedicated to helping females of all ages succeed in this popular water sport. Many classes are offered, ranging from two hours to five-day camps. The two-day clinic is the most popular course, taught on Saturday and Sunday mornings at the La Jolla Shores Beach. Beginning and intermediate surfers may attend this class, which includes ocean awareness, paddling and wave riding. Young surfers have their own class, as youth day camps are held for ages 10-18. Bring a swimsuit, towel, water and sunscreen for your class at the beach.
A tour of the Old Harbor Distilling Co. in East Village is must for any connoisseur of exotic spirits. This tour gets you acquainted with the complex process of making rum and gin. The facility is clean and their guides are patient with visitors. After the tour, patrons are guided to the tasting area, here you can delight your palate with the spirits you just saw in the making. San Miguel is their award-wining gin, a spirit that is sure to impress cocktail fans while those who love rum, they are sure to grab a bottle of the flavorful Navy Strength. Ampersand is their coffee liqueur.