Hidden San Diego
Blue skies and palm trees
By Marc Menkin
San Diego has some off the beaten path treasures, and many of these are easy to add on to your vacation. For instance, the San Diego Zoo has a botanical area called Fern Canyon, a fantastic place to view a variety of ferns, from maidenhare fern to staghorns (which grow without roots in the soil) to the impressive 60 foot high tree ferns. There are steps and a ramp that lead you through Fern Canyon. It is located to the right of the main entrance and near the loading area for the bus tours. On a hot day, the shade in Fern Canyon is wonderful. There also are very few people in Fern Canyon, even on the busy weekend days.
There are also some tree-lined streets that are worth checking out. My favorite is on Waverly Street north of Pacific Beach in the Bird Rock area. If you are driving on Mission Blvd leaving Pacific Beach and toward La Jolla, continue on Mission where it will turn into La Jolla Mesa Road. Go up the steep hill and there will be an area to the right at the top of the hill where you can pull off to the side. Get out and see one of the best views available of Mission Bay, downtown, and beaches south of Pacific Beach.
Make a u-turn and drive down the hill on La Jolla Mesa. Turn right on Linda Rosa Ave, left on Midway, and make a right on Waverly. There is a tunnel-like sight on Waverly with the trees covering up most of the street. The trees are mostly eucalyptus and oak, with some unique palms. The homes are all pristine and the trees form a canopy like effect. It is amazing! If you have time, park and wonder around these neighborhoods. Our Pacific Beach/La Jolla Bike Tour also visits these streets.
In Seaport Village (located near the convention center and downtown) there are several outstanding street performers near the Harbor House Restaurant. There is a Storyteller, a magician, a ventriloquist and other animated characters. The backdrop of the bay, swaying palms and Coronado Island behind one of these shows is really pleasant.
Another excellent off the beaten path adventure is to drive coast highway 101 in North County. The road has numerous sights, shops and hidden beaches. If you exit off the I-5 freeway on Encinitas Blvd, go east and visit one of the finest botanical gardens in all the land – The Quail Gardens are on 230 Quail Gardens Drive. It is a 30 acre attraction with oaks, palms, cycads, cacti, hibiscus and the largest bamboo collection in the country! There is also a waterfall that should be one of your Kodak moments!
When you leave the gardens go west on Encinitas Blvd past the I-5 and make a left on coast highway 101 coast. You will now be traveling south on the 101 and through downtown Encinitas. Make a right turn on K Street and check out the gardens on 215 K Street at the Self Realization Fellowship Ashram and Meditation Garden. On the northwest corner of the ashram grounds, a meditation garden meticulously maintained by monks is a cool, quiet retreat with lush vegetation and koi ponds, and a spectacular view of the famous Swami’s surfing spot!
Minutes later, you will pass by the ocean on your right and downtown Del Mar (near 15th Street) would be an excellent stop for coffee, food and unique shops. Happy Trails!
Marc Menkin is the co-owner of Where You Want To Be Tours to Discover Secret San Diego. www.wheretours.com For reservations, 619.917.6037
