How Cute is This?

I love it when the San Diego Zoo has baby animals and how cute is this cheetah?  I went to the zoo last weekend hoping to see him and got all the way to the gates and found out my Zoo Pass expired!  What?  Now What?  Well, I went down the walkway to one of the "secret" spots in Balboa Park.  Where?  Just wait, you'll see.

I walked past the Merry Go Round, a vintage carousel that was actually the same one used in Coronado's Tent City in the early 1900's.  Now that's pretty cool.

Some things you just can't improve on.  Maybe they had it right back then.  

It's hard to believe that they still have this wonderful train ride in the park.  You'd think by now this would have been paved over for a parking lot, but I'm sure glad they didn't.  $2 to ride, how can you resist?

And here we are, Spanish Village.  A lot of locals don't even know about this place, but I love it.  With the artist shops and a bit of live music, it felt like we were on vacation.  A sunny day in November, it reminded me why I live here.

Vibrant colors, no photoshopping!

The sound of an acoustic guitar, a singer with a French accent, it was a romantic respite from everyday life.

Tons of photo opps, you don't even have to be a good photographer to get shots like this!

And lots of cool things to buy inside the artist shops.

So no baby cheetah for me today, but still a fun day out in the sunshine.  Next time you're in Balboa Park, take the little detour and go visit Spanish Village.  It's what makes San Diego so, well, San Diego!

Go Wally Go!  More Local Wally at his guide to San Diego!

Things to Do in San Diego this Sunny Saturday

Get off the computer.  Turn off the TV.  Unplug the Wii.  It's Saturday, it's sunny, and it's Memorial Day weekend and you need to get outside!  Here are some of my favorite weekend activities!

 SAN DIEGO ZOO:  I know, it sounds so obvious but when was the last time you went to the zoo?  The new elephant exhibit is incredible, there's a baby panda, and you can now feed the giraffes for a small fee.  And look, that guy is about to lose his Rolex!  That's actually the ultra cool and ultra expensive Backstage Pass.  If you see people hanging around inside the rhino exhibit, hang around and you'll see them take turns feeding the rhino.  Pretty cool.

 

SWAMI'S BEACH, ENCINITAS, SELF REALIZATION FELLOWSHIP GARDENS:  I love Encinitas.  I guess that's why I live here.  Check out the goofy boat houses on 3rd Street, then head over to the gardens behind the temple.  You'll find it on the south edge of downtown.  The koi ponds are some of the best this side of Maui and the view, ahhh, what a view.  Look for dolphins - you'll see then in the surf.  If you have the time then check out my complete guide to the North County Experience.  Local or tourist, this is a great way to spend the day.

HIKE DEL MAR:  Torrey Pines State Park has some great short hikes, but my favorite new hike is one that takes you along the bluffs and next to the railroad tracks.  Get off the freeway at Carmel Valley Rd and to west, then turn north on Highway 101 and make a U turn at the top of the hill and park.  You can even bring your dog.  Hey Andy, want to go for a walk?

LA JOLLA:  So much to do, so much to see, don't let the thought of crowds stop you from jumping in a kayak to check out the 7 caves, or snorkel with the seals at the Cove.  Or just bring a camera and snap some pics, it's all good in La Jolla.  Afterwards head over to Alfonso's for some of the best carne asada tacos in town and a house margarita that's better than anyone else's premium.

DISC GOLF IN BALBOA PARK:  Want a cheap way to spend the day with some friends?  $4 gets you on the course with a rental Frisbee.  It plays like golf - same rules, same concept - but you toss a Frisbee into a basket, sometimes located over and around and beyond.  Loads of fun, wear tennis shoes and bring some beer in a backpack cooler.  OK, alcohol isn't legal but everyone seems to have a beer in their hand!

OK, so on the count of 3 let's turn off our computers.  1 - 2 - 3.................