San Diego's Treasures

San Diego is a destination most people are familiar with. It is considered a family destination, with popular sites such as San Diego Zoo and Sea world. San Diego has so much more to offer than overpriced attractions. As a rule, I avoid tourist attraction preferring to experience any place I visit as a local as much as I can. In my humble opinion, it’s the only way to see the hear of a culture.

Highlights:

La Mesa, CA

La Mesa is located 9 miles from downtown San Diego. La Mesa means the “the plateau” and it’s fitting. This place is rich with culture the buildings themselves tell a story.

This plants are unique to La Mesa

Transportation:

The best way to get around is by using San Diego’s public transit system. It’s just as effective and Atlanta's system. You have the choice of a trolley (train) or buses. In order for the system to be truly efficient, you will have to take the trolley and transfer to a bus. All buses leave from Old Town. The easiest form of payment is to purchase an all pass. It’s a reusable pass. You can load the amount you want to the card. I chose a two-day pass which allowed me unlimited access to both trolleys and buses.

Mission Beach

Mission Beach is a great place to go if you want to relax and be alone. There are houses—colorful houses lining the boardwalk, but the people seemed almost indifferent to the beach. I have to admit I was a little disappointed I expected to see surfers and people… Basically, I had a picture of what a California beach should look like and of course, it didn’t measure up. I didn’t realize that Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are connected. Mission Beach is more sedated and is best for someone who is looking for quiet.

Just down the street is Belmont Park, which sits on Pacific Beach. Does that remind you of another place?

Belmont Park

Belmont Park was the very picture of what I thought a California beach should look like. Including screaming kids (I didn’t stay long). Belmont Park is similar to New York’s Coney Island. They both sit on the beach and they both boast one roller coaster. However, that’s where the similarities end.

First, let me say between the two parks I was most impressed Belmont. Not only because they actually had lifeguards and lifeguard towers but because of the funnel cake shop. That is the be all or end all with me.

I opted out of funnel cake for this delicious treat.

If you can make funnel cakes the right way you're alright with me. My trip to New York will be forever stained. I went to Coney Island with high, I mean sky-high expectation and was deflated. I mean it’s New York! I expected everything to be on point. No topping for the funnel cake. Someone actually suggested I put ice cream on top of it. What? I couldn't believe my ears.