LHC Software & Computing Review

The Obvious

Everybody has heard of Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. However, there are plenty of other fun things to do that make it worthwhile staying a few days longer if you can. Let us mention here some of the less obvious things to do.

Maritime Museum

The San Diego Maritime Museum on Harbor Drive, a couple miles south of the airport, is the home of several ships that you can visit. This includes two large sail boats, one of which was used in the movie "Master and Commander", and a soviet submarine. A short walk from the Maritime Museum you can take a tour of an aircraft carrier, and between these two sites there is a ferry to Coronado that allows you to take a ferry ride through the San Diego bay for a couple of $$. The adventuruous might want to find their way across Coronado from the ferry terminal to the famous Hotel Del. Though, this is more than a couple miles walk, I think. You will probably want to rent a bike near the ferry terminal.

Night Life

Being the 7th largest city in the US, and pleasant year round makes for interesting street life to watch at night downtown on 4th & 5th Street near Horton Plaza. There are plenty of restaurants, bars, clubs, etc. within a few blocks. Parking is available at Horton Plaza but nothing here is cheap, except for walking around and watching the night life. Many of the clubs won't let you in if you're wearing boots or sneakers! Though, some of the places with life music don't have these restrictions. While the night life's fun downtown, the food is better elsewhere in town, especially in Hillcrest, Kensington, La Jolla Coves, or Del Mar. The number of excellent restaurants are too many to name. Ask me for suggestions.

Surfing

If it's sunny, and you like the Ocean then definitely consider taking surfing lessons. Playing in the waves of the Pacific is a blast! It's the best way to waste an afternoon!

Beaches

For a scenic beach check out Torrey Pines, just a few miles north of UCSD. For a more Urban experience, check out the Pacific or Ocean Beach promenades. Pacific beach is particularly great for rollerblading. You should be able to find a place near the beach where you can rent the gear. For an upscale beach check out La Jolla Coves. Walk along the waterfront all the way to the Children's beach and watch the seals, and pelicans.