Thursday, July 9, 2009

Picnic Post, Vacation Edition

This week's picnic is all about vacations. My family's favorite vacation spot is California, specifically San Diego area. That is where we honeymooned, and now that we have kids, we have started a tradition of hitting the beach and visiting starting the weekend after Labor Day. I'm not sure how long we can continue this when our kids get into school, but it is the perfect time to enjoy San Diego. Most of the crowds are gone by then and the weather is still warm enough to enjoy the ocean water. I have always loved the beach and the calming sounds of the ocean, so it's perfect that I am married to my own California man. Mike's sister lives in San Diego, so we are able to stay with her and enjoy her "insider knowledge" of the town. We also make sure to spend several days with Mike's parents and sister's family who live more inland. Here are just some of our favorite San Diego spots.

We love the beach, LaJolla being our favorite family-friendly one.


Little Italy in downtown San Diego has some great restaurants, and fabulous gelato.


Scripps Aquarium is a fun destination.


If you're willing to splurge, the San Diego Zoo is amazing (or so I've heard, we haven't made it there yet).

Balboa Park is fun, with beautiful architecture and has tons of museums and things to do.


San Diego Harbor is full of interesting ships and a sculpture tree walk.


Seaport Village is a fun little shopping area.


Sea World is another big attraction (This is one of our honeymoon stops, but we have not taken the kids yet, maybe when they're older).

There is so much more, but these are just a few highlights. Oh, I miss the beach already...

10 comments:

  1. When our kids were little we went on vacation after Labor Day--what wonderful times. I miss those quiet, hassle free days.

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  2. I LOVE San Diego -more specifically, Coronado Island. I'd live there if I could! I'd probably have to live in a cardboard box, but it would be worth the sacrifice! (Sometimes we daydream about Miguel's and their mega-cheese crisp!)

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  3. Sounds wonderful, I love the shark photo :)

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  4. I love the beach to and can't wait to take my kids someday. Great pictures-it looks like so much fun.

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  5. Great pictures! I've never been to San Diego but heard from friends how nice the weather is and what a fun place it is to be!

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  6. I've never been to San Diego, but it sounds like a great family friendly vacation spot.

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  7. i am wanting to head off to the beach, too! thanks for all the san diego attraction ideas- if i am ever there i will refer to your post for things to do! :)

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  8. Looks like a lot of fun and that shark photo is too cute!

    I'm a real big fan of neat architecture, so Balboa Park would really be neat to visit.

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  9. I've been to San Diego on business, but hasn't really much of it. It looks like I might be there in early August for work, and this time I am seriously considering to bring my family along. Your pictures made me want it even more. The only catch is that we are going to New Jersey shortly after - it might be too much travel in too short a time. Anyway, we really have to make it down there soon - maybe next year.

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  10. I loved being able to vacation after school started when the girls were younger. San Diego looks beautiful. I was there once but it was the end of our trip down the coast of California and we didn't spend that much time there. I'd love to go back.

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