San diego tourist attractions

San Diego takes its name from a Spanish ship that sailed into its harbor in 1602. Seafaring, in fact, has long been associated with this one-time capital of the state, making it not only one of the best places on the west coast for seafood but an attractive landing place for thousands of Navy retirees who just can't give up living by an ocean. Even Hollywood has found its Moorish architecture, sublime climate and proximity to Mexico an attractive proposition for filmmaking, one of its most famous results being "Some Like It Hot" with Jack Lemmon, Tony Curtis and Marilyn Monroe.

Romance is no stranger to this region, especially at the Hotel Del Coronado on Coronado Island. This century plus landmark has not only attracted honeymooners throughout the ages but was the scene of a receiving line in which Edward VII of England first laid eyes on American divorcee Wallis Warfield Simpson. The Del, as it is called, was also the original setting of Richard Matheson's time-travel novel, "Bid Time Return," in which a playwright trances himself back to the turn of the century in order to meet an actress whose portrait has captivated him to the point of obsession. If that plot sounds familiar, the story became "Somewhere in Time" and the locale was shifted to Mackinac Island in Michigan.

Step back in time some more in San Diego's Gas Lamp District between 4th and 6th Avenues. Bed and Breakfast inns, intimate restaurants, upscale shopping and, of course, vintage gas lamps abound. In fact, the only thing that's a minus for out of towners is finding a place to park on the weekends. The combination of this historic sector's proximity to the convention center (especially during Star Trek and comic book conventions) and the amount of city expansion in terms of new high-rise developments and condominiums could cause you to orbit several times in search of a place to leave your vehicle.

Looking for a "one-size fits all imaginations" spot to go with the family? Put Balboa Park at the top of that list. Museums, theaters, restaurants that cater to every budget and ethnic cuisine, scenic gardens, train rides, bike trails and the world famous San Diego Zoo will fill an entire day. Speaking of the Zoo, it's always recommended to take the double-decker bus ride first and scope out which parts of this world class habitat you'll want to come back to. Since it covers 100 acres, it may not be the best place to take very young children who could tire out after the first couple of hours and require a piggyback ride from Mom or Dad.

Those who want to experience even more life on the wild side will want to check out the San Diego Wild Animal Park in nearby Escondido. The photo ops are incredible here and will give your friends back home the impression you were actually standing in the middle of the savannah when that rhino decided to pose for you.

Legos, anyone? You don't have to be a kid to be amazed by just how many things can be constructed from those little plastic building blocks. Entire cities, national monuments, Mt. Rushmore""you name it, it's probably there. Located in nearby Carlsbad, Legoland is 120 acres of mind-boggling imagination that has to be seen to be believed. Oh, and you'll never guess what one of the best-selling items is in their gift store"¦

San Diego also marks the spot of Christianity's ambitious foray into California in the 1700's and the quest of the early Spanish settlers to spread the Catholicism of their native country to the indigenous people of the region. Such movement was led by Father Junipero Serra whose plan was to create a string of missions, each within one day's walk from one to the next. The first attempt was the Mission San Diego de Alcala, a short-lived shrine that not only had to be relocated due to an insufficient water supply but which was subsequently destroyed by the very people whom its intent was to save from damnation. A band of discontent Native Americans""distrustful and dissatisfied with the Spanish military presence on their lands"" burned it to the ground and massacred the resident Franciscan friar, Father Jayme, making him the first Christian martyr. Undaunted, the friars set to work rebuilding the mission which, to this day, has been an active parish.

Last but not least is San Diego's Old Town. Here you can browse shops and stalls for original artwork, clay pottery and woven goods and clothing reminiscent of Mexico. This is also where you can tour the historic Whaley House which dates from 1857 and which, in its colorful lifetime, was a general store, a theater company, and an offsite storage wing of the San Diego County Courthouse. This residence seems to have attracted its own cast of ghosts as well, including a spotted dog that has been known to bark at those who trespass after hours.