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Board and Explore the Coast of San Diego County
Why not take a day trip? The double-decker COASTER train offers breathtaking coastal views and affordable fares. Stations along the 40-mile route lie in the heart of thriving coastal communities, including downtown San Diego, leaving you within walking distance of many of the region’s must-see spots.
STATIONS
D E S T I N AT I O N S : Oceanside Transit Center Downtown Oceanside features more than 25 shops, restaurants and a cinema. Other features: Oceanside Pier, Beach and Amphitheatre • California Surf Museum • SPRINTER connection to Vista, San Marcos and Escondido Carlsbad Village Carlsbad Village is home to more than 40 boutiques and 45 restaurants. Other features: Carlsbad State Beach and Seawall • Wineries and breweries • Surf shops Carlsbad Poinsettia Catch a BREEZE or FLEX bus connection to these hot spots: Legoland • Carlsbad Flower Fields (seasonal) • Karl Strauss Brewery • Carlsbad Premium Outlet shopping • Pick-your-own strawberry fields (seasonal) Encinitas Historic downtown features boutiques, cafes and more: Art galleries • Moonlight State Beach • BREEZE bus connection to Self Realization Gardens Solana Beach Cedros Design District is a long line of shops, pubs and galleries, with short bus connections to: Del Mar Fairgrounds and Racetrack • Fletcher Cove & Tide Park Sorrento Valley Sorrento Valley is a thriving business district most frequented by commuters, but it also serves as the best Station to meet a taxi for a visit to UCSD or La Jolla-area attractions. San Diego-Old Town Transit Center Walk to Old Town San Diego Historic Park or more than 50 shops and Mexican restaurants • Catch Trolley or MTS bus connections to: Qualcomm Stadium • San Diego State University • Fashion Valley & Mission Valley shopping • Sea World San Diego-Santa Fe Depot Stroll to the Harbor for the Maritime Museum or Coronado Ferry • Catch Trolley or MTS bus connections to: San Diego Zoo • Balboa Park • Gaslamp Quarter • Little Italy • Horton Plaza • San Diego Civic Center • Petco Park
Purchase your tickets in the machines at any COASTER station. Find schedules and more at GoNCTD.com/COASTER
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Follow Us On:
The Gateway to San Diego, visitors enjoy miles of wide, sandy beaches. A picturesque Cape Cod-style harbor offers unlimited water recreation and boat tours. Discoveries can be made at Oceanside’s rich cultural venues that include the Oceanside Museum of Art, Mission San Luis Rey and the California Surf Museum. The California Welcome Center provides local and state information along with tickets to major attractions.
To learn more about Oceanside, please go to
visitoceanside.org or call 800-350-7873. getaway san diego
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From the Editor
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Explore
Shoppers will love Carlsbad State Beach
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Explore
10 Spots That Will Make You Fall in LOVE with the San Diego Area
I can still remember the first time I visited San Diego. I was living in Riverside at the time and attending Cal State San Bernardino. The weather was Southern California perfect. As Steve Martin said in that iconic movie LA Story – “Sunny, 72. And that’s the weather. Our next weather report will be in four days.” Really, nothing beats Southern California weather and it doesn’t get any more perfect than San Diego in the summer. This list of 10 spots that will make you fall in love with the San Diego area is my personal list. These are the spots that made me come back month after month (Riverside is close) and then eventually take up permanent residence here. Although these spots are known the world over, they are my own precious gems for different reasons. I hope they hold as much wonder for you as they did for me.
#1 Old Town San Diego Old Town San Diego is known as the birthplace of California. It was here, in 1769, that Father Junipero Serra came to establish the very first mission in a chain of 21 missions that were to be the cornerstone of California’s colonization. In 1968, the State of California Department of Parks and Recreation established Old Town State Historic Park to preserve the rich heritage that characterized San Diego during the 1821 to 1872 period. Historic buildings include La Casa de Estudillo, La Casa de Bandini, La Casa de Altamirno Pedrorena and the Mason Street School, San Diego’s first one-room schoolhouse. Just up the hill from Old Town San Diego Historic State Park, you’ll find Heritage Park where several of San Diego’s most notable Victorian homes have been relocated and authentically restored to their original 22
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splendor. Just a short walk down San Diego Avenue is the Whaley House, an officially designated haunted house, the Little Adobe Chapel on Conde Street, the first Church in Old Town San Diego and El Campo Santo on San Diego Avenue, an 1850 Catholic Cemetery. Old Town San Diego is so much more than a fabulous glimpse of the past. It’s one of the best places to grab the most AMAZING Mexican food in the present. My personal favorite is El Agave, Mexican food with a New Mexico twist. What can I say? Cross Senora-style with green chiles and blue corn and I’m in heaven! Speaking of chiles, La Piñata makes some of the best chile rellenos I have had in my life! I am not exaggerating here—it’s their specialty. So delicious! If mariscos are your thing (and, trust me,
#4 Cabrillo National Monument
By: Diane Hansen
they are mine) Miguel’s Cocina is where you need to go. They serve up ocean-fresh seafood entrees with family secret sauces that are to die for! Miguel’s has locations all over San Diego County. So if for some reason you don’t make it to Old Town, give them a shot in Carlsbad, on Coronado Island or in Chula Vista. oldtownsandiego.org
#2 The Gaslamp Quarter (San Diego)
Every year when I go to San Diego Comic Con (SDCC), I hang my hat in The Gaslamp Quarter. Just steps from the San Diego Convention Center, this center of day and night life is a destination in itself. One of my favorite places here is the rooftop sand bar at W San Diego. It’s called Veranda Bar, but locals affectionately call it The Sand Bar. Why? Because it’s a beach in the sky! Kick off your shoes so you can feel the real beach sand between your toes. Kick back on a bench with your friends or dance the night away on the sand. This is truly one of San Diego’s coolest rooftop bars. You must see it to believe it. After you visit the W, hit up one of the many fabulous restaurants in the Gaslamp Quarter. There are rows and rows of them to choose from on every street. I haven’t found one bad one yet! I’ve tried. It just doesn’t exist! Of course, the best thing about being in the Gaslamp Quarter this time of year is the boys of summer are playing. That’s right; take me out to the ball game, because the San Diego Padres play right here in PETCO Park! The Gaslamp Quarter really is a one stop destination, but you won’t want to stop because the San Diego area has SO much to offer! >>
#3 San Diego Zoo If you know me—and by the time you finish reading this magazine you may feel like you know me pretty well— you will know I am a zoo freak. I LOVE zoos. If I visit a city, I go to the zoo. Maybe it’s because when I was growing up in Devine, Texas, taking a trip to the zoo in San Antonio was like going on vacation. I’ve always been an animal lover, but the San Diego Zoo really brings out the kid in me. It doesn’t matter how many times I go, all of the sudden I’m eight years old and I can’t wait to see what new exhibits they have brought in. The San Diego Zoo has two parts, the zoo and the San Diego Safari Park. Both are worth a visit for sure! Once a year at the San Diego Zoo, I like to get a Backstage Pass. If your family is into animals, THIS is the animal experience of all experiences. You will have the most amazing encounters with the animals and their trainers. You can touch the animals, help train them, and experience some awesome up-close adventures with some unbelievable critters. You’ll get the inside scoop about the staff and animals and, of course, their photographers will snap away and take photos of every minute so you can just enjoy the fun. (These are available for purchase later in the day, but you are more than welcome to bring your own camera.) You also get super special perks like priority bus loading and 10 percent off at the gift shops. To get your Backstage Passes, call 619-718-3000. You can do same-day purchase on site too if they haven’t sold out. sandiegozoo.org Now, the San Diego Safari Park is a different animal! Not only do you see different kinds of animals, things really get wild here in the way you see them! Choose from three epic safari adventures: Behind-the-Scenes Safari, Africa Tram Safari or Caravan Safari. A Behind-theScenes Safari will take you, by guided cart, to visit keeper-only areas! That’s right—lions, tigers and oh-my! You are right there with them! This is more than a trip to the zoo, this is almost as good as a trip to Africa! (Now won’t you be happy you saved on air fare by coming to San Diego instead?) sdzsafaripark.org
#4 Cabrillo National Monument
Cabrillo National Monument always takes my breath away. Climbing out of his boat and onto shore in 1542, Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo stepped into history as the first European to set foot on what is now the west coast of the United States. It’s an epic moment in history and Cabrillo could not have set foot on land any more beautiful than the park where Cabrillo National Monument stands. Majestic cliffs tower over the pounding waves of the Pacific Ocean. If you are looking for a romantic spot to bring your sweetie, baby this is it! Be sure to steal a kiss on the Plaza at the Cabrillo Statue. Your romantic gesture will only be amplified by sweeping views of San Diego and the harbor, considered one of the best views in the whole San Diego area. Of course, if you really want to know every inch of this national treasure, stop by the visitor’s center. There you can view the “Age of Exploration” exhibit, watch films (there’s one showing every hour on the hour) and participate in ranger-guided programs that will tell you everything you need to know about the history of Cabrillo. nps.gov/cabr
#5 Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Pacific Beach and Belmont Park
A rollercoaster on the beach overlooking the ocean—could it be? Yes! It could! You will find that and dozens of other attractions, games and rides at Belmont Park. Belmont Park is located on the infamous Mission Beach, where people from all walks of life co-mingle to have fun, play sports, surf, swim, shop, dine and party. Pacific Beach is a preferred beach for runners and cyclists, lots of active folks here. Every single one of them entertained from dawn til dusk and back to dawn again with everything this area has to offer. This area stretches beside Mission Bay, San Diego’s glistening port frequented by boaters, cruisers, recreational watercraft and many, many visitors. If you want to taste the essence of San Diego beach going, this area is where you must go! Check out our article on the Coolest Beaches. Yup, Mission Beach and Pacific Beach are right there on our list. So what are you waiting for? Go! belmontpark.com
Scan this QR Code with your smart phone to watch a video about Mission Bay
#6 Coronado Beach
Coronado Beach is another one on our list. It was just named the “Top Beach in America” by Dr. Beach. If I could name the top island in America, though, it would be Coronado Island. Not only does it have the iconic Hotel del Coronado, it’s a Hollywood icon. And it’s not even in Hollywood! Hotel Del is now and has always been a celebrity mecca. Hundreds of celebrities, dignitaries, authors and almost every single American president of the past 20 years have all been guests of the hotel. Thomas Edison, George Burns, Harry Truman, Charlie Chaplin, Babe Ruth, Charles Lindbergh, Lucille Ball and Frank Sinatra all stayed at the Del at one time or another. L. Frank Baum, who lived on Coronado, was a frequent guest of the hotel, and it is rumored that the Del was his inspiration for Emerald City in The Wizard of Oz. He also designed the crown chandeliers that still hang to this day in the Crown Room. Countless TV and movie productions have been filmed at the Del—including My Blue Heaven, K-9, Mr. Wrong, The Stunt Man, The Married Virgin, Simon & Simon, Ghosts of California, Baywatch and, of course, my favorite, the 1959 Marilyn Monroe classic Some Like It Hot. hoteldel.com
#7 Theme Parks: SeaWorld and LEGOLAND
I grew up with Shamu. Sure, my SeaWorld in San Antonio had a killer whale named Shamu, but the REAL Shamu was and always is at SeaWorld in San Diego. One of those big life experiences you must have while you are here is getting splashed with saltwater by one of these amazing creatures. Tip: Sit in the front row and if you are REALLY adventurous, don’t wear a plastic poncho. The splash will keep you cool the rest of the day as you enjoy SeaWorld’s many shows, attractions, and activities. seaworldparks.com Another thing I grew up with—LEGOS! I had lots of them,
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#8 Balboa Park
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TOTAL 25 HRS OF SCREENING Held in the second half of August, OIFF officially kicks off a season of film festivals, which are conducted annually and continue through the Fall each year in San Diego County (until now nearly all film festivals in San Diego took place between September – November every year). Among the highlights of the festival are its traditional redcarpet opening gala, recognition of the industry activists, and closing ceremonies with Best-In-TheCategory honorary announcements, Best of Festival Trophy, and Audience Choice Award. AUGUST 16, THURSDAY 5 pm to 9 pm – red carpet welcome & opening evening at Star Theatre, 402 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside
WWW.OCAF.INFO
AUGUST 16 to 19, 2012
PLUS RED CARPET GALA, WORKSHOPS, & AWARDS
AUGUST 17, FRIDAY – sponsored by Getaway San Diego 12 pm to 9 pm – screening of films at the Theatre, of The Grace Chapel of The Coast, 102 N. Freeman St. Oceanside (formerly Crest Theatre) 7 pm to 9 pm – “Screenwriter’s Workshop” at MediaTech Institute, 302 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside
AUGUST 18, SATURDAY - sponsored by Star Theatre 10 am to 9 pm – screening of films at Star Theatre, 402 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside 12 pm to 1:30 pm – "Copyright for Filmmakers" workshop at Oceanside Library, 330 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside 5 pm to 6:30 pm – "Understanding Contracts For Filmmakers And Producers" workshop at Oceanside Library
SCAN THIS:
AUGUST 19, SUNDAY - sponsored by MediaTech Institute 10 am to 3 pm – screening of student films at MediaTech Institute, 302 Oceanside Blvd, Oceanside 3:30 pm to 4:30 pm – “Navigating Into PBS Network” workshop at Oceanside Library, 330 North Coast Hwy, Oceanside 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm – closing awards gala at Star Theatre, Oceanside
760-433-3632
FACEBOOK.COM/likeOIFF getaway san diego
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SERVER OF THE MONTH
GETAWAY Rewards Outstanding Service !
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GETAWAY Pick – Best Movie Watching and Dining Experience in One Cinépolis Cinépolis Luxury Cinemas is a completely revolutionary concept in movie theaters that will enhance your movie-going experience like you never imagined. This is more than a movie theater, it’s a vacation experience! You’ll be fully pampered in an intimate and comfortable environment. Buy your tickets online or visit the luxury box office/concierge area once you arrive. Relax or socialize with your friends and family in the well-appointed lobby. The theater is dotted with comfortable seating areas and offers full restaurant and bar service. Get to your theater early and enjoy at-your-seat wait service. Sit back and relax in their plush leather electric reclining seats! The menu at Cinépolis offers a wide variety of food and beverages to delight your senses. Choose traditional movie favorites like popcorn and soft drinks or opt for a milk shake, some gourmet finger food or dessert. Finally, enjoy the show! Cinépolis theaters feature state–of–the– art sound, big movie screens, and some movies are available in 3D! 12905 El Camino Real, San Diego, 858-794-4045. 3941 El Camino Real, Carlsbad, 760-603-8638. 8910 University Center Lane, Suite 640, La Jolla, 858-458-0308. cinépolisusa.com Scan this QR Code to watch a video about Cinépolis theater in La Costa.
Scan this QR Code to watch a video about Cinépolis theater in Del Mar.
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SCAN TO WATCH A VIDE0 ABOUT CINEAPOLIS IN DEL MAR
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