Eyeworld

EW ASCRS PREVIEW 26 February 2011 San Diego, March 25-29, 2011 continued on page 31 compiled by EyeWorld staff San Diego attractions T ourists flock to San Diego for its near-perfect weather, 70 miles of beaches, well- known attractions, breath- taking scenery, and laid-back vibe. Add a rich history and architecture and a growing art and world-class music scene, and op- portunities for exploration abound in "America's Finest City." Balboa Park 1549 El Prado 619-239-0512 www.balboapark.org Just minutes from downtown San Diego, Balboa Park is home to 15 museums, ranging from art to sci- ence to air and space to natural his- tory and anthropology, as well as the San Diego Zoo (see below). Shopping, restaurants, performing arts venues, and lush gardens also dot the landscape. The Balboa Park grounds are open 24 hours a day; the visitors center is open 9:30 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. daily; and museum hours vary by institution. Many popular museums, such as the San Diego Museum of Art, the San Diego Mu- seum of Man, the San Diego Natural History Museum, and the San Diego Air & Space Museum are located in Balboa Park. San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive 619-231-1515 www.sandiegozoo.org A mention of San Diego wouldn't be complete without paying homage to its world-famous zoo, which also bills itself as a "a sanctuary for thou- sands of animals, a landscape of rare plants from all climates, and a living classroom that entertains as well as educates." Be sure to check out the new Harry and Grace Steele Ele- phant Odyssey, a 7.5-acre multi- species habitat that features elephants, California condors, jaguars, and more. The habitat also gives guests insight about conserva- tion efforts to protect wildlife from extinction. Also, stop in and say "hello" to the giant panda family, which includes Hua Mei, the only panda cub in the U.S. Cabrillo National Monument 1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive 619-222-4747 www.nps.gov/cabr Named for Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to set foot on what is now the West Coast of the United States, the Cabrillo National Monument and surrounding area offer amazing views of the San Diego skyline and bay. In addition to the dramatic overlook, visitors are in- vited to check out the park's tidal pools and take in a Point Loma lighthouse tour. A $5 entrance fee will get you entry to the park for an entire week. Embarcadero Park North/South www.portofsandiego.org/embarcadero- marina-park-south.html The boardwalk area along the San Diego harbor on the east side of San Diego Bay is called the "Embar- cadero," which is Spanish for "land- ing place." The Embarcadero is home to the San Diego cruise ship terminal, the USS Midway museum ship at Navy Pier, and eight historic vessels owned by the San Diego Mar- itime Museum. The area also boasts restaurants and shops all the way down to Seaport Village, which of- fers dozens of shops, eateries, and art galleries along the waterfront. Gaslamp Quarter www.gaslamp.org Located in the scenic Victorian Na- tional Historic District, the Gaslamp Quarter is San Diego's premier din- ing, shopping, and entertainment district, with more than 200 restau- rants, bars, nightclubs, and lounges, and countless boutiques, art gal- leries, and shops to visit. The Maderas Country Club 17750 Old Coach Road Poway, Calif. 858-451-8100 www.maderasgolf.com Just minutes from downtown, Maderas was designed by former PGA Tour player Johnny Miller and Robert Muir Graves, a pioneer in landscape architecture. The course features a memorable coastal layout: par 72 over 18 holes and 7,007 yards uniquely sculpted around rolling hillsides, native wildflowers, and plenty of bunker and water chal- lenges. Mission Bay Park 2688 East Mission Bay Drive (Visitors Center) 619-276-8200 www.sandiego.gov/park-and-recreation/ parks/missionbay www.belmontpark.com www.seaworld.com/sandiego Covering 4,235 acres (about 46% land and 54% water), Mission Bay Park is the largest man-made aquatic park in the country. The park is per- fect for leisurely recreational activi- ties, including walking, jogging, picnicking, flying a kite, or cooking out. Bird lovers will enjoy the park's self-guided tour of the wildlife pre- serves, which are home to great blue herons, the smallest tern species, the least tern, and the light-footed clap- per rail and the Belding's savannah sparrow, both endangered species that depend entirely on the marsh. Mission Bay Park also is the home of the world-famous Sea World and Belmont Park, a beachfront amuse- ment park and recreation center.

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