While most Pride activities center around the community of Hillcrest, there are so many other areas of interest in the great city of San Diego. They don’t call us America’s Finest City for nothing. The following are some suggested excursions for those who want to experience more of our glorious city.
Cabrillo National Monument and Park
Just a twenty minute ride from Hillcrest, the Cabrillo National Monument boasts beautiful views of the San Diego skyline and the ocean. Walk the beach trails, explore the tide pools or simply take in the beautiful landscape. Stop and grab a bite at Point Loma Seafood; a meal you will certainly not forget.
Hours: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. daily. nps.gov/cabr/index.htm
Cowles Mountain: Mission Trails Regional Park
Hike the 1,593 feet mountain and be rewarded with 360 degree views of San Diego. The hike up the mountain is 1.5 miles with a change in elevation of 950 feet. Warning: not for those who are not in good shape as the climb is challenging. mtrp.org/directions.asp?idno=2
USS Midway
One of America’s longest serving aircraft carriers is permanently docked in San Diego harbor. Get a feel for what it is like to live at sea while serving your country. Also, take a gander at more than 25 different aircraft used in combat. A true San Diego gem. Grab a bite at the Fish Market right next to the carrier. midway.org/
Balboa Park
While the Pride festival takes place in Balboa Park, many visitors do not take the time to explore one of the most beautiful city parks in the United States. The 1,200 acre site boasts seventeen museums, the San Diego Zoo and beautiful gardens. Take a walk through our urban oasis and experience what is the West Coast’s version of Central Park. balboapark.org/
Take in a show
San Diego is a theater town. Whether it is Diversionary Theatre located in LGBT friendly North Park, the La Jolla Playhouse, Broadway San Diego in downtown or the Old Globe in Balboa Park, there are plenty of options to satisfy your inner Broadway. Check out the respective theaters for the line-up during Pride.
La Jolla
La Jolla is one of San Diego’s most iconic communities. Nestled on the coast about 20 minutes north of Hillcrest, La Jolla has a beautiful shoreline and a great, quaint downtown. Visit the beach with seals; a requirement when in La Jolla and have a drink at one of the ocean view restaurants on Prospect Avenue.
Black’s Beach
San Diego’s unofficial, official nude beach; bare it all beneath the bluffs of Torrey Pines. See whales, dolphins as well as paragliders while enjoying San Diego’s most famous beach. There are a variety of ways to access Black’s Beach but many use the dangerous climb down the face of the mountain. Meet a San Diegan and they will give you directions. It’s a great pick-up line, “Want to go to Black’s Beach tomorrow?”
Coronado Island
Coronado beach was recently voted the 2012 Best Beach in America. Visit the iconic Hotel del Coronado site where the famous Marilyn Monroe movie Some Like It Hot was filmed. Cruise around downtown Coronado and stop to get the best views of the San Diego skyline from Ferry Landing Marketplace. There are many options for you to dine looking at the water.
Shopping
Visit the Fashion Valley and Mission Valley shopping centers located just ten minutes from Hillcrest. Farther afield are the Las Americas premium outlets near the Mexican border. San Diego definitely has everything to satisfy your inner fashionista.
OK, you cannot say that LGBT Weekly did not give you options. You may never set foot out of Hillcrest, except to go to the festival or one of the other circuit parties around town, but at least you will know what the best things are to see when you visit the new love you found in San Diego this weekend. Happy Pride!
