Perfect for Kids: Mormon Battalion Historic Site

If you are looking for someplace in downtown San Diego that is free, educational and fun for kids of all ages, you will want to stop by the Mormon Battalion Historic Site located at 2510 Juan Street. This is one of those locations that you may never find on your own or even think to visit unless someone told you about it, but once you go, you will definitely want to revisit. It is even open every day of the week, so it is easy to fit into your schedule.

About

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates this historic site, but you do not have to be religious or even agree with the views of this religion to appreciate and enjoy what you will find here. The site explains the Mormon Battalion formation and their journey to the San Diego area. On 20 July 1846, less than 500 men left from Council Bluffs, Iowa, for a 2,000-mile, 6-month, grueling infantry march during the time of the Mexican-American War. Included in this march was roughly 80 women and children, and when they all arrived in San Diego, they began to develop Old Town.

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Places to Visit North Country, California

As exciting as downtown San Diego is, many people do not realize that North Country also has a lot to offer. If you are wondering where the elite like to hang their hat in California, this is where you will find many of them! It is areas in Carlsbad, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar and Solana Beach where you will find that $1 million is the average price for decent housing.

North Country is known for its beaches, lagoons, rocky reefs, tide pools and rolling hills, but in addition to natural beauty, there are some pretty outstanding attractions to enjoy as well.

• Torrey Pines State Park – Here you can take your pick between the high road and the low road. A popular beach with lifeguards, showers and kid-friendly play area by a lagoon is where the low road will take you while the high road takes you to a coastal wilderness filled with sandstone canyons, pine forests, sea views and countless hiking trails.

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Rooftop Bars in Downtown San Diego

Even if you have been to a ton of rooftop bars elsewhere, there is nothing quite like the ones in downtown San Diego. Perhaps it is the diversity of cultures or the cool vibe that the bars bring to the table that make them so special. Of course, it certainly doesn’t hurt to have the city lights landscaped by mountains either! It does not matter where you go, you really cannot find a bad view here.

Stingaree
454 Sixth Ave
San Diego, CA 92101

Stingaree is about the hottest bar you are going find in the city. If the second floor seating and balcony overlooking the main level dance floor doesn’t get you excited, the dancers in neon-lit cages might. Everyone who is anyone can be seen here so please dress to impress. From spotlight DJs to bikini fashion shows, there is always something exciting happening here. Tables and VIP packages can be reserved ahead of time.

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La Puerta in Gaslamp (Almost 1,000 Yelp Reviews!)

When a restaurant in downtown San Diego manages to acquire nearly 1,000 Yelp reviews, you just know that there is something really special about them. It is a proven fact that although many people will take the time to leave a negative review when they have an unfavourable experience somewhere, it is rare that individuals leave positive reviews. So, when they do, others tend to take notice and wonder what all the fuss is about.

Location

La Puerta560 4^th Avenue
San Diego, CA 92101

Monday – Saturday 11:30 am – 2am
Sunday 10 am to 2 am

Brunch is served Sunday until 2 pm and happy hour is every day from 3 pm to 7 pm. Happy Hour offers half off drinks and appetizers. This is one of the few restaurants where you can find real food served all the way until 1 am!

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Downtown San Diego: 1 Hour Away From Wilderness

If you are longing for a nice strenuous hike in the wilderness, you will want to travel about 62 miles out of downtown San Diego for the day. Nestled in Julian is where you will find Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve, and some of the most spectacular views on the coast.

Getting There

Volcan Mountain Wilderness Preserve

1209 Farmer RoadJulian, CA 92036

Take Highway 78/79 to Main Street in Julian. Traveling north, this will turn into Farmer Road. Once you reach Wynola Road, turn right and make a quick left to get back on Farmer Road, and you can’t miss it.

History

A residential development threatened 220 acres of pristine wildlife habitat back in 1987. A group of concerned citizens developed the Volcan Mountain Foundation (VMF) in 1988 to protect one of southern California’s last relatively untouched areas.

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