California, Here We Come! DLR, Hollywood, and San Diego *OCTOBER 15-23, 2011*

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

In Balboa Park we rode on the free tram that takes you to the different Balboa Park attractions. Balboa Park is quite impressive with 15 museums, restaurants, the zoo, gardens, and hiking and biking trails.

I would have loved the chance to see and hear an organ concert at the Spreckels Organ Pavilion. There are free concerts every Sunday afternoon.

We were all starving at this point, so we hopped back on the trolley. We almost got off at the stop for Little Italy, but we all had Mexican food on the brain. Soon we arrived in Old Town San Diego. We walked along San Diego Avenue and decided to give Café Coyote a try. We really enjoyed our lunch and after one of their margaritas it was a good thing we had a ride!

After our big lunch we decided we needed to walk around for a while. We also did a bit of shopping before getting back on the trolley.

Continued in the next post.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Stu had been talking to his friend Greg throughout the day to make plans to get together with him and his family one more time. It was decided that we would meet up with them at Seaport Village. They had been in San Diego for almost two years, but they had never been to Seaport Village. They would be moving to Japan due to a transfer in January, so they I think they had a good time being tourists with us. While we were waiting for them we did some more shopping and exploring along the water front.

We decided that we would have an early supper together at The Fish Market, so started to make our way in that direction. Along the way there are several memorials. We first came across the USS San Diego Memorial.

“Unconditional Surrender” The statue is an interpretation of a photo taken of a Sailor kissing a nurse in Times Square, New York City on Aug. 14, 1945, following the announcement of V-J Day.

"A National Salute to Bob Hope and the Military” There are 15 life-sized bronze statues that arranged as if they are attending a Bob Hope show. Each figure represents a serviceman from a different conflict.

As if these memorials weren’t impressive enough, in the background was the USS Midway.

The kids had a great time climbing the trees along the way.

Since we were having an early meal we didn’t have any wait at the Fish Market. The food was great and the company was even better. The girls had a great time making a new friend with Greg’s daughter.

After dinner we decided that we would all go back to the hotel. Sandy said she would be willing to hang out in the room with the three girls while we went for drinks with Greg and his wife. It was an absolutely perfect way to wrap up an excellent vacation.

Up next: Top moments and final thoughts

 

[jennabennabofenna]

im loving this trip report. looks like you all had a blast!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

im loving this trip report. looks like you all had a blast!

I am glad that you are enjoying it and thanks for taking the time to post! We really did have a fantastic time in Southern California. I was even getting a little teary today when I was writing these last few posts and remembering just how great our stay was.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

Loved it!! I'm glad I live in Southern California.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

Loved it!! I'm glad I live in Southern California.

You are very lucky to live in Southern California! If I lived there it would be difficult to get me away from the beach. What is your favorite thing about living in Southern California-besides Disneyland Resort?

 

[Kathy Jetson]

It looks like you guys had a great vacation!

I don't like going over big bridges either. Going over large bodies of water makes me panic. I always think my car is going to fall in

The Hotel Coronado really reminds me of the Grand Floridian.

Your family pictures on the beach turned out great. Thats good you got Stu to agree to everyone wearing the same color!

That house you took a picture of is beautiful! When I win the lottery I want one just like. Palm trees and all

After I posted this I saw the thumbs down sign on here. I don't know how I did that and now I can't get rid of it UGH!

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

It looks like you guys had a great vacation!

I don't like going over big bridges either. Going over large bodies of water makes me panic. I always think my car is going to fall in

The Hotel Coronado really reminds me of the Grand Floridian.

Your family pictures on the beach turned out great. Thats good you got Stu to agree to everyone wearing the same color!

That house you took a picture of is beautiful! When I win the lottery I want one just like. Palm trees and all

After I posted this I saw the thumbs down sign on here. I don't know how I did that and now I can't get rid of it UGH!

I am with you on thinking the car is going to fall in while crossing over water. The trolley was freaky because you a bit elevated, so you were looking right over the edge of the bridge. It still makes by heart race just thinking about it!

The Hotel del was one of the hotels that the Grand Floridian was modeled after. There are definitely some strong resemblances.

Stu can be a stinker, but I knew he would come around. He likes to think he is tough, but he has a hard time saying no to any of us.

That house that we saw was fantastic. The driver told a story about it, but I can't quite remember how it went. I think that the house was moved to Coronado and it is the only Victorian out there, but don't quote me on that! It would be one of my first purchases after a lottery win too.

 

[WDWJonasGirl]

To be honest, I like Hollywood, some of the concert venues and some of the other stuff.

 

[LoveMyTwoPrincesses]

To be honest, I like Hollywood, some of the concert venues and some of the other stuff.

We really don't have many opportunites for concerts where we live. I bet you get to see a lot of awesome acts!

 

[tessieg]

Looking for your final thoughts!!! We are headed to CA in two months and working on final plans. I appreciate the ideas I was able to get from your report.