With nearly 100 years of flying history, the Torrey Pines Gliderport is the most historic aviation site in North America, and Southern California’s premiere location for paragliding, hang gliding, remote control models and sailplanes. The Gliderport provides a world class flying site, flight lessons, certifications, tandem flights, equipment sales, and repair services.
Located in historic Balboa Park, the San Diego Zoo houses 4000 animals of more than 650 species and subspecies on 100 acres of land (so trust me, buy the tram ticket). They even have special experiences you can add on to your visit, such as a cheetah meet & greet!
Beautiful aquarium right around the corner from the venue! A fun activity for the little ones!
The Safari Park, an 1,800-acre wildlife park, is home to more than 3,600 animals representing over 300 species!
Live out your Top Gun fantasies on this retired Naval aircraft carrier-turned-museum. If you’re lucky, you’ll see an array of other military ships docked in the harbor including Aileen’s favorite, the hospital ship!
Aileen’s favorite beach to lay out on during high school. Very close to the reception with a scenic drive from Estancia. Rent kayaks to explore the kelp fields or a guided tour of the caves. Sign up for surfing lessons! Or simply grab some grub and soak up the sun on the beach. Top Hits - Osteria Romantica - The Cheese Shop for sandwiches - Shore Rider Bar - Dough Momma Pizzeria - Jeff’s Beach Burgers - Sandpiper -
Walk down along Coast Boulevard, the costal scenic walk along breath-taking cliffs. At one end you’ll find The Cave Store with a secret surprise in the back! At the other end you will find The Children’s Pool and walk along the sea wall to catch an up-cloak view of the crashing waves. There are a number of small beaches where you can snorkel, spot wildlife, walk through caves and even tide pools filled with sea anemones! Go up to Prospect Street for tacos, restaurants with breath-taking views of the ocean and ice cream! Any of these places would be a great place to watch the sunset! Top Hits - La Jolla Cove Beach for snorkeling - Children’s Pool - The Cave Store - La Jolla Tide Pools - George’s at the Cove - Duke’s La Jolla - Better Buzz - Sugar and Scribe Bakery - Parakeet Cafe - Catania - The Cottage
Named in the first verse of The Beach Boy’s “Surfin USA” and just a short drive past Torrey Pines State Park and Beach, you will find Del Mar. Famous beach getaway to Hollywood legends like Lucille Ball, Del Mar is now a quaint seaside village with stunning views. Del Mar has a pristine beach with plenty of food and shops in walking distance.
Get a sense of the true California surf culture in Solana Beach. Enjoy classic San Diego-style burritos at Roberto’s Taco Shop. Explore Cedros Design District for delicious brunch and bites at a cafe or stop in one of the many beautifully curated stores and vintage shops. Two noteworthy craft breweries can be found here, Culture Brewing Co and Pizza Port. Pizza Port has been around for decades and also serves mouth-watering pizza to pair with their brewed-on-site beer. Both have a wonderful selection brews on tap which has made San Diego a famous beer haven!
Just after Solana Beach and right before downtown Encinitas is Cardiff. Stop at Pipe’s Cafe for a fantastic breakfast burrito and Mexican hot chocolate. If you are still hungry, you can go around the corner to VG’s Donuts for an old school selection of fried dough. Try two of Aileen’s favorites: cinnamon crumb and chocolate old-fashioned. Top hits: - Pipe’s Cafe - VG’s Donuts
Take a scenic drive down Highway 101. If you pass Del Mar, Solona Beach and Cardiff, you’ll hit Encinitas. Grab an açaí bowl at Swami’s Cafe and run across the street to eponymous beach famous for surfing. If your lucky (and there at high tide), you might catch world-famous surfer Rob Machado around town! Or grab brunch at a Connell favorite, Encinitas Cafe. An institution along Highway 101 since 1989, this is where the Connells enjoyed many an after-church old-fashioned breakfast. Top Hits: - Better Buzz - Encinitas Fish Shop - Swami’s Cafe - Swami’s Beach - Self-Realization Fellowship Meditation Garden