Free time? Try something new in San Diego this year

Drug Store News,  June 21, 2004  

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It really doesn't matter how many times you visit San Diego--there is always something to do and new reasons to love this city. With average temperatures in the low 70s and virtually no humidity, it's no wonder San Diego was ranked the No. 1 American city for outdoor activities by readers of Travel & Leisure.

For those Marketplace attendees lucky enough to grab some free time in this sun-drenched city, here are some suggestions on things to do--both outdoors and indoors.

A beach, a green or nine innings

No trip to San Diego could be complete without a visit to one of the area's spectacular beaches. Whether you want to surf or snorkel at Swami Beach in Encinitas or jog along the shore in La Jolla, San Diego's 70 miles of coastline offer a taste of endless summer.

Hike Bike Kayak San Diego offers a number of multisport tours that will let you experience San Diego's spectacular coast in a completely new way. Does the thought of biking down Mount Soledad, then kayaking along the La Jolla Caves thrill you? Or you might want to try your hand at the quintessential California sport: surfing. Even beginners generally hang ten by the end of a two-hour session. If you can balance your Marketplace schedule, anything is possible.

If surfing is not your scene, buy yourself some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and head to the San Diego Padres' brand new home, Petco Park. With its natural stone and stucco exterior and close-to-the-action seating, this park hits a home run with fans who want a traditional baseball experience.

Or head for one of the region's golf courses, and see for yourself why Golf Digest named San Diego one of the Top 50 golf destinations in the world. With more than 90 courses to choose from, there's a course for every type of golfer and a range of greens with fees to fit every budget.

So grab your clubs, your surfboard or your Padres tickets, and get moving.

Gotta have art?

Those looking for a serene museum experience will delight in the San Diego Museum of Art's groundbreaking exhibition, "St. Peter and the Vatican." The largest collection of items from the Vatican to tour North America, the exhibition includes a reproduction of the tomb of St. Peter, drawings by Michelangelo and Bernini's terra-cotta sculpture, "Charity with Four Putti."

If you like your art outdoors, be sure to visit the Port of San Diego's latest public art exhibit, "Urban Trees." Life-size sculptures of fantastical trees crafted by 30 artists to reflect the urban beauty of San Diego line the North Embarcadero waterfront in downtown San Diego.

Fantastical stories and art were the specialty of San Diego native Theodore Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss. To honor the 100th anniversary of his birth, the San Diego County Fair at the Del Mar Fairgrounds is holding a "Seussentennial Celebration" this year. The fair includes an exhibit on his career, readings and colorful Seuss-inspired decorations.

The young at heart also can consider an excursion to Legoland--it isn't just for kids. The newest addition to the park's "Miniland USA" exhibit is a miniature Florida, complete with a scaled-down version of Cape Canaveral and the Daytona racetrack. The park also features miniature city skylines.

You can also meet the star of the hit film "Master and Commander." No, not Russell Crowe--the replica of the 18th Century warship H.M.S. Surprise used in the film. The ship is docked at the Maritime Museum of San Diego, and visitors can view displays of period artifacts, costumes and props from the award-winning film onboard.

Travel & Leisure readers also ranked San Diego No. 1 for parks. The city could win awards for Balboa Park alone. The park covers more than 1,200 acres and houses 15 museums, including the city's Natural History Museum and Museum of Art, the Old Globe Theatre and the Japanese Friendship Garden. Balboa Park is also home to the world-famous San Diego Zoo.

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