Posted by Tawmis By Jose Ysea, Inside Tucson Business For many Tucsonans the escape is just a few hundred miles away in San Diego. According to the San Diego Visitors Center, more Zonies visit America’s Finest City than from any other place; and for good reason. While San Diego boasts the usual suspects when it comes to attractions, there is an over-abundance of places and things to do in this weekend getaway hot spot. From the mountain retreats in the East County to the blue waters of the Pacific, there is something for everyone, and a little something you didn’t know was for you. If you drive to San Diego, you will find you can enjoy a little more of what the area has to offer. After sinking to sea level at El Centro, Interstate 8 will transport you up to 4,000 feet at the Tecate Divide. As you cross the San Diego County line, you will marvel at the rock formations that look like something out of a sci-fi movie. You are now entering tribal lands and that could mean only one thing: casinos. There are lots of casinos in San Diego County. From simple slots and poker huts, to lavish hotel resorts, there is something for everyone from the penny slot player to the high rollers. Most Tucsonans regularly come to San Diego. So you probably know the usual places. This summer, try expanding your experience to this waterfront wonderland. Venture outside of the Gaslamp Quarter; surrender to the surf at Mission Beach or La Jolla. Work your way north and explore the colorful flower fields in Carlsbad. You will also be able to pick your own strawberries grown in the North County agricultural area surrounded by suburbia. Cool ocean breezes make this an enjoyable outdoor experience your family will remember for quite a while. And San Diego is not only about the water. Wander eastward where you will come across green rolling hills that lead to the lush mountain areas that are coming back to life after the devastating wildfires of 2003. The mountain town of Julian is a must if you enjoy fresh homemade apple pie. Numerous shops offer many varieties of this golden delight. Walk off the calories as you visit some unique shops that offer a wide variety of tourist trinkets. There are a multitude of hotel rooms throughout the county that will provide first class accommodations for you and your family or your special someone. Numerous hotels offer packages that include golf, horseback riding, beach activities and luxurious spa treatments. Visit the haunted Whaley House, the calm waters at the Wavehouse or the Tony award winning La Jolla Playhouse for a different look at a familiar place. San Diego will not fall short. With the number of Tucsonans who visit San Diego, you should ask around and see what others are doing when they visit. Those recommendations may come in handy on your next visit; because chances are you will return to Tucson’s coastal playground. E-mail comments for publication to editor@azbiz.com. Jose Ysea is a native Arizonan, who grew up in Douglas, worked in Tucson and now lives in San Diego where he is a television news executive. © 2006 Inside Tucson Business. All Rights Reserved
on 6/7/2006, 3:28 pm
Former Zonie talks about his likes in San Diego
Posted: Friday, May 26, 2006 - 05:18:39 pm MDT
Springtime in Tucson can be the shortest season of the year. With temperatures hovering near 100 degrees and humidity closer to zero, a cool ocean breeze can be the one thing to keep you from crumbling like an old chocolate bar.
A Border Patrol checkpoint will remind you of your proximity to Mexico as you enter the outskirts of San Diego. If you haven’t already, you start thinking about where you will stay that will afford you the convenience and amenities you will need to make your visit memorable. San Diego is not short on rooms, but they get pricey during the summer months when you Zonies come.
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