Exploring San Diego County

The city of San Diego is an amazing place to visit, but around San Diego there are also many amazing places to visit within the county of San Diego. My husband hails from Escondido, about 30 minutes northeast of Sand Diego, so we get to explore many of the areas gems.

Quick Tips:

There's a lot to do and see in Southern California, so you'll need to come up with a plan of attack. Some things you can pick and choose on - for example, the San Diego Zoo (in the city of San Diego) and the Wild Animal Park (in Escondido) are both run by the same group. A visit to both on the same trip would probably be a bit much for most, so you can choose one to go to, based on what else you would like to do.

Best Way To Get Around:

Once you're outside of San Diego, you'll probably want a car to get around quickly and conveniently. There is also a decent bus system that runs throughout the county, so it would be possible to get around that way as well. Plus, trains and the trolley do reach into some parts of San Diego county as well. See www.sdcommute.com for more info.

PLEASE NOTE: This review covers the World Famous bar eating area, not the main dining area.

We went to World Famous on Wednesday night to take advantage of their $1.50 lobster tacos (Wednesday nights, 4 pm to closing). Considering that these are usually $4 each, it is a fantastic deal! It is even better, as the tacos are made with REAL lobster, cabbage, cheese, and a white sauce in a tortilla. They were so good, I had to order a third one! My husband also had a applewood bacon quesadilla, which was also excellent (although not as much of a bargain). And when the bill comes, don't have a heart attack—the tacos are billed at the regular price, but then discounted down below.

We were seated at a table right next to the windows. It is almost a porch area (air comes in from the outside, although there is an awning and walls), so it can be a little warm (don't dress like you'll be in freezing air-conditioning all night). We had a nice view of the beach. However, you may need to bring your sunglasses, as there was a glare as the sun was setting!

Although it was not crowded when we went in, my sister-in-law warned us that sometimes there is a line out the door. As we were leaving, there were more people waiting for a table, so it seems that earlier may be better (or maybe we were just lucky). Parking, however, is an issue (it's very limited in that area), so if it's available, I would take advantage of the $5 valet parking.

Ruby's is a mostly west-coast chain of diners featuring burgers, shakes, and sandwiches. We walked in at 9:55pm (10pm was closing time) hoping we could still get served dessert, and they very graciously accommodated us. Our waitress (dressed in pinstripes) was a hoot and added to a fun experience.

All the desserts people had were good. I had a chocolate shake with Take Five mixed in (it was their shake of the month), which was delicious but way too rich (and much) for me to finish all at once. The two guys at our table got sundaes, for which they could choose from all the traditional sundae toppings such as hot fudge, strawberry, and pineapple. My sister-in-law got her 'usual'- fresh baked apple pie. It was all wonderful.

We also got an order of Jalapeno cheese sticks (with three dipping sauces) to share. My husband loved them, I hated them. Maybe he really likes Jalapenos; the consistency and taste of the cheese was not what I expected.

Ruby's made a great final stop to a night in which our plans A&B for what to do had gone away.

Estradas offers authentic Mexican meals in a cozy, home-like atmosphere. The food is good and plentiful, the decorations are authentic but minimal, and when you walk in, you feel like you've just walked into someone's kitchen.

We went to Estradas for my father-in-law's birthday. He specifically wanted to go there for their Chili Rellenos, which aren't healthy, but they sure are good! The menu is full of typical Mexican fare - burritos, quesadillas, chimichangas, and more. No one had any complaints on their meal - everything was excellent. I even had leftovers on my quesadilla, and it reheated great the next day.

You can easily eat a meal at Estradas for under $10. Your only challenge might be realizing that it is a restaurant! The outside is unpretentious and their sign is small, but go ahead inside and get ready for some good food! They are closed on Mondays, so go another day of the week!

We stopped in here for a few drinks between dinner and a show. It is a cool, laid-back place to hang out. The Wavehouse has two main outdoor bars as well as a grill serving slightly overpriced food.

We sat at the bar and watched the folks riding the waves on the Flowrider while we drank. It was pretty good entertainment, especially since the price was right (free for us). There are also tables and hanging hammocks available. (Although while we were there, the hammocks seemed to be overrun with children.)

After the sun went down, they lit fires in a couple of fire pits, so we pulled over some chairs and warmed up around the fire. It was very nice and relaxing just to sit around a fire right next to the beach.

It seemed as though there are quite a few specials, too. For example, the card I picked up was advertising $3 Heineken, Dos XX, mai tai, and margaritas on Friday nights. We were there on a Wednesday, and riding the Flowrider was half-off for San Diego residents. There are cover charges some nights, so check first.

See www.wavehouse.com for more info on specials and current rates for riding the Flowriders. Or call them at (858) 228-9304.

Point Loma is an easy drive from downtown San Diego and offers a relaxing and beautiful side trip. Cabrillo National Monument (its official name) is a National Monument run by the National Park Service and has a $5 per vehicle entrance fee. However, the beautiful blue ocean/sky views plus the relaxing setting are well worth it.

Aside from the gorgeous views, the main highlight at Point Loma is the Old Point Loma Lighthouse, which guided sailors safely in from 1855 to 1891. It was of particular interest to us, as my husband's great-great-great-grandfather, Robert Israel was the last lighthouse keeper at the Old Point Loma Lighthouse. However, even without the family connection, the historical displays were interesting and informative.

The inside of the lighthouse and assistant lighthouse keepers house are open for self-guided tours. They are kept in period style from the late 1800s. The thing we enjoyed the most was walking around the area enjoying the breezes and scenery.