ML Interest Tag: national-monument

Sightseeing Ahead! Top Places to Take Visiting Relatives in San Diego

by Lenya McGrath

It’s beginning to look a lot like the holidays and out-of-town visitors! Do you have relatives clamoring at your door ready to visit America’s Finest City? We’ll make sure you are the “hosts with the most” with this ultimate guide to showing off San Diego. From the post-airport pick up to lazy days enjoying the San Diego sun, we’ve got you covered with plenty of ideas to have your guests loving the sights. But be prepared for the guest bedroom to be fully booked. Click through the slideshow to see our picks for family fun.

Post Airport Stop at the Cabrillo National Monument

New visitors to San Diego will love to take up a scenic view once you've picked them up from the airport at the Cabrillo National Monument. Park in the large lot, then head down the small incline to the cliffs. Here you'll find the best views of San Diego looking across the Bay, back towards downtown and up to the hills. There's plenty of green space to enjoy the sunshine and bathrooms if a break is needed. If jet lag is a problem, head down to the tide pools below to splash some water on your face and breath in the sea air.

Fun Facts to Tell Your Guests:

  • The monument is named after Spanish explorer Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo, the first European to step foot in Californian close to this very spot in 1542
  • The opening and ending scene of "Saving Private Ryan" was filmed here
  • You can see all the way to Tijuana and Mexico's Coronado Islands on a clear day

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Cost: $5/car

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92106
619-557-5450
online: nps.gov/cabr

photo: Sunseeker Girl via TripAdvisor

Do you have any favorite spots to show off San Diego to your visitors? Let us know in the Comments below!

— Lenya McGrath

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Sail, Stomp, or Step Back into San Diego’s History

by Elizabeth Silva

Calling all explorers – size small and smaller! Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo made history as the first European to set foot on the west coast, Pt. Loma to be exact, when he sailed his San Salvador flagship to San Diego Bay in 1542 – and BOOM – discovered San Diego! This September, your mini Cabrillo can retrace history by learning about San Diego and explore the birthplace of California – starting with the San Salvador! If your little one loves history as much as we do, read on to find out more about these cool San Diego attractions.

Photo credit: Maggie Walton

Festival of Sail
Grab your brood of aficionados and check out the historically accurate, working replica of the San Salvador at the Festival of Sail, the largest tall ship festival on the left coast (Sept 5-7). To kick off the festival, the San Salvador will lead a parade of ships on San Diego Bay the day before (Sept 4). No doubt the littles will be delighted by the massive vessel standing 60 feet tall and weighing 230 tons. It took Maritime Museum of San Diego 5 years to complete the replica and it’s made entirely of wood just like the original. The Parade of Sail will also include a fleet of ships from all over California, and a few from various parts of the world. Kiddos will be mesmerized as tall majestic ships sail by, perform cannon fire salutes, and finally, dock next to the Maritime Museum. For a time-lapse video of the ship’s construction, click here.

Your tireless little historians will want to stake out uncharted territory in the days following at the Festival of Sail. Held over Labor Day weekend, the festival features visiting ships, kids’ activities like face painting, crafts, and a petting zoo, ship cannon battles, beer garden, onstage entertainment, lots of food and drink options, and more.

Insider Tip: Parking will be extremely limited, we suggest festival visitors use public transportation. The trolley station is only 3 blocks from the festival.

Parade of Sail
Sept. 4, 12:30 – 5 p.m., Cost: Free, cruises are an additional cost
Sept. 5-7, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Cost: $5-$7, cruises are an additional cost.

Online: sdmaritime.org

Photo credit: James Blank

Cabrillo National Monument
While they’ve got Mr. Cabrillo on their minds, take your tiny scouts to Cabrillo National Monument, San Diego’s only national park! Kiddos will enjoy the century-old monument featuring a 14-foot tall statue of Cabrillo himself and a birds-eye view of the San Diego harbor, the Pacific Ocean, and the city. During the months of January and February, whales can often be spotted from the lookout. Venture up to the Old Point Loma Lighthouse where kiddos can learn about the light keepers and their families who once lived there. Parents will appreciate the lookout spot above Ballast Point while the scouts have fun trying to translate the multilingual recorded message about Cabrillo’s voyage.

Insider Tip: During low tides, look out for the pools that form at the base of the shore. You may catch a glimpse of sea anemones, octopi, sea sponges and more!

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92106
Online: nps.gov

Photo credit: Jim Blank

Junípero Serra Museum
Round up your little history buffs and step back in time – way back to 1769 – when Spanish Franciscan missionary father Junípero Serra and a group of soldiers established Alta California’s first mission and presidio, a fort atop Presidio Hill. Kiddos will love visiting one of San Diego’s most familiar landmarks, the Junípero Serra Museum, where Parents can snap a few photos using the Spanish Revival architecture as a backdrop.

Insider Tip: Make a day of it! Pack a lunch and spend a sunny San Diego day at Presidio Park.

2727 Presidio Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92103
Online: sandiegohistory.org

Photo credit: Ce Helton

Mission Trails Regional Park
Want to get in a day of recreation, culture and history? Look no further! Check out Mission Trails Regional Park which offers a triad of San Diego fun! At nearly 6,000 acres, it is said that this park is the “largest urban open space park west of the Mississippi.” If that’s not enough to impress the littles, they can choose between 40 miles of trails for walking, hiking, biking or rock climbing. Kiddos can check out the Visitor Interpretive Center, two lakes, the Old Mission Dam, the San Diego River, or the equestrian staging center. The park also features exhibits dedicated to the history of San Diego’s native inhabitants, the Kumeyaay Indians, who lived within the park as long as 1,000 years ago. The best part? Everything at Mission Trails Regional Park is free!

Insider Tip: The park offers free guided nature walks every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m.

One Junípero Father Serra Trail
San Diego, Ca 92119
Online: mtrp.org

How have you explored San Diego history? Tell us in the comments below! 

—Elizabeth Silva

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A Walking We Will Go! 5 Guided Walks Around Town

by Cherie Gough

Ready to take the kiddos into the fresh air and tire them out? Kick off your flip flops and dust off your walking shoes. We’ve found some awesome walking tours throughout San Diego that will get your kids excited to trek forth, ask questions, and be inspired by the nature and history that surrounds them.

Photo Credit: Cabrillo National Monument Facebook Page

Cabrillo National Monument
If you haven’t visited Cabrillo National Monument in a while, get ready to share one of the most awesome views of San Diego’s skyline with your kids. Enjoy the beauty of our city, explore some its history, and get in touch with the rare habitat that exists here. Volunteers and rangers offer guided walks each Tuesday at 10 a.m. and Friday at 1 p.m. on the paved upper grounds near the monument. Kids will love seeing a real lighthouse and pretending to be an old sea dog overlooking Point Loma. You’ll find some animals along the way. Lizards, rabbits and squirrels call this area home, and it’s a great place to watch for birds. More than 200 species of birds have been spotted here.

Want to explore further? On the west side, you’ll find the Coastal Trail. The 1-mile path with some steep stairs boasts terrific ocean views and leads to the tidepools. This dog-friendly walk is a popular trail for pups and their families.

For more of a challenge,the Bayside Trail Walk is a great bet. Signs along the way will help you spot the rare plant life that lives here and learn that Ballast Point is not only a local brewery, but also the place where Cabrillo landed. History buffs will enjoy seeing a spotlight used during WWI and WWII. If you trek down this 2.5-mile round trip trail, don’t forget it’s all uphill on the way back.

Trekker’s Tip: Depending on staffing, rangers at times give guided walks along the Coastal and Bayside Trails. Call to find out which walk is offered on the day you plan to visit. It can be cooler and windier at Cabrillo Monument than in other parts of San Diego. Bring a sweater.

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego, Ca 92106
619-557-5450
Online: nps.gov/cabr/planyourvisit/guidedtours.html

Cost: $5 for parking

Photo Credit: San Elijo Facebook Page

San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy
Need an easy getaway from the city? San Elijo Lagoon Conservancy located between Solana Beach and Encinitas is a beautiful place to enjoy the serenity of nature. Each Saturday from 10-11 a.m. and every 3rd Sunday from 3- 4 p.m., guides lead a family-friendly walk along the Nature Center Loop Trail starting from the Nature Center. The .5-mile loop gives toddlers and preschoolers the chance to get their socks dusty and experience a first hike. The Nature Center is a perfect starting point with bathrooms for a last minute pre-hike potty break and shade to wait in on those hot summer days. Your guide will help you spot and identify the many local birds that hang out in the shrubs and wetlands.

The Conservancy also offers two other guided walks. Older kiddos who long for the freedom to roam will enjoy the Wildlife Walk on the second Saturday of each month from 9-11 a.m. where the experience changes with the seasons. Families along with the general public are also invited to Summer Evening Walks each third Wednesday of summer from 5:30-7 p.m. Enjoy the beauty of a sunset together and see birds at one of their most active times of the day. Check the website to RSVP for these walks.

Trekker’s Tip: If you love your experience here, check out the Nature Center’s Family Fun Days held the first Sunday of each month from 11:30 a.m.- 1:30 p.m. Enjoy a nature themed, hands-on activity or craft, then walk the loop trail to earn prizes.

2710 Manchester Ave.
Cardiff-by-the-Sea, Ca 92007
760-634-3026
Online: sanelijo.org/walks#walks1
Cost: Free (RSVP online for Wildlife and Sunset Walks)

Photo Credit: Holly C. via Yelp 

Full Moon Pier Walks
Give Shark Week enthusiasts what they want. Geared toward older kids (9+) who are inquiring future scientists, the Full Moon Pier Walks offered through Birch Aquarium begin with a brief talk and video from local scientists. Usually only open to researchers, the full moon walk opens up a rare opportunity. Learn about current research and local marine life like leopard sharks that frequent La Jolla in summertime (not so scary after all). Continue your 90-minute walk along Scripps Memorial Pier where the view of the sunset is spectacular and the hands-on science begins. Marine biologists help guests pull up plankton samples from beneath the pier. You may even participate in a squid dissection or get some hands-on time with mussels or crabs.

Trekker’s Tip: Check the website for upcoming full moon dates.

2300 Expedition Way
La Jolla, Ca 92037
858-534-7336
Online: aquarium.ucsd.edu/Education/Public_Programs/Outdoor_Adventures/Pier_Walks/

Cost: $25/person; $22/Birch Aquarium members. Reserve online or by phone.

Photo Credit: Mission Trails Facebook Page

Family Discovery Walks at Mission Trails Regional Park
These outtings are a perfect way to get the whole family — including the littlest hikers — out into nature in a low key way. Held every fourth Sunday at 3 p.m. and led by trained volunteers, this walk is less than one mile and last about 90 minutes. You’ll start at the beautiful Visitor’s Center and begin a loop trail that will take you along the San Diego River to a historic grinding rock site used by Kumeyaay Indian tribe. The trail is mostly flat, but does include some stairs. Guides help kids look for tracks, flowers in bloom, and evidence of the changing of seasons. They are ready to answer your kids’ questions and try to focus on their interests as you walk.

The most frequently offered walks are the Guided Nature Walks offered to the general public each Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Like the Family Walk, trekkers begin at the Visitor Center and walk about one mile. Your hike will lead to either wooded oak areas, chaparral and sage habitat, or to the historic grinding rocks.

Special summer twilight walks allow visitors to explore the park as sunset approaches and the cool of the evening brings out nocturnal life. Offered the third Saturday each month of summer, mark your calendar for the next one on Sept. 19 at 6 p.m. Don’t forget a flashlight and a sweater for your evening hike.

Trekker’s Tip: If possible, arrive about 30 minutes early to explore the Visitor’s Center, which provides many kid-friendly, hands-on activities that introduce them to the history, animals, and natural surroundings of the park.

1 Father Junipero Serra Trail
San Diego, Ca 92119
619-668-3281
Online: mtrp.org

Cost: Free

Photo Credit: Tammy G. via Yelp

Old Town San Diego
For a tour that focuses more on history, try the walks in Old Town led by guides dressed in period attire. These walks start at the Robinson-Rose Visitor Information Center twice each day at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. and last about one hour. Just show up and you’ll be led back in time to Old San Diego. Each guide adds their own flavor and perspective. Many guides are former teachers and have lots of experience engaging kids. Peruse the native plant garden, say hello to the donkeys, and see kids’ faces light up as blacksmiths actually bend red hot metal. Guides encourage visitors to ask questions, and adapt their tours based on the tour group’s ages and interests.

4002 Wallace St.
San Diego, Ca 92110
619-220-5400
Online: oldtownsandiego.org

Cost: Free

Tips for Walkers:

  • Wear closed toe shoes.
  • Bring a hat and wear sunscreen.
  • Don’t forget your water bottle.
  • Wear layers and bring a sweater if walking in the evening or at Cabrillo.
  • Don’t forget a flashlight on evening walks.

Where does your family go to stroll in San Diego? Tell us what we should make sure to know! 

— Cherie Gough

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A Mini Treehugger’s Guide to Muir Woods

by Garrick Ramirez

sponsoredby_subaru

If your little one doesn’t exactly exhibit reverence for things older and taller than them (especially around bedtime), take ‘em to Muir Woods National Monument. It’s one of the last old-growth redwood forests on the planet and one of the only native salmon runs in California. Plus, there’s more than a few opportunities for your tiny treehugger to duck into a massive tree hollow and ham it up for your Instagram feed.

Muir Woods 2

Why It’s So Special
Muir Woods sports a variety of tree types but everyone’s here to see the Sequoia Sempervirens. These coast redwoods are the tallest—and one of the oldest—living things on earth. Why coastal? Because they like the summer fog probably more than you do; it supplies them with nearly half of their water intake. The tallest tree in Muir Woods is over 250 feet and most trees are between 600 to 800 years old. The oldest tree is thought to be 1,200 years young which is merely middle-age for redwoods.

William Kent noted how special these trees were when he and his wife purchased the land in 1905. Two years later, he donated it to the federal government and in 1908 it was proclaimed a National Monument

Muir Woods Redwoods

Happy Trails
Muir Woods sports a number of trails but most visitors are content with the Main Trail Loop. And rightly so: It’s an easy, level stroll that passes through the park’s most notable features including the hushed, awesomeness of Cathedral Grove. You can tailor the path’s length (½ hour, hour or 1 ½ hours) by choosing one of four bridges to cross to head back. Godsend for Gracos: the Main Trail is a stroller-friendly mix of boardwalk and paved road.

Muir Woods Cathedral Grove

Salmon Rush In
Redwood Creek begins on Mount Tam, winds through Muir Woods and flows out into the Pacific at nearby Muir Beach. In Winter, Coho Salmon and Steelhead Salmon (the fish formerly known as Steelhead Trout) return from the ocean to swim back upstream and spawn. You can catch them after heavy rains in December and throughout March. Watch for their offspring in summer months, darting in the deep pools that collect along the river.

Salmon Muir Woods

Earn a Badge
One of the most enjoyable aspects of visiting Muir Woods with young kids is their ability to become a Junior Ranger. Just pick up a free activity book from the Visitor Center and complete a series of hands-on exercises that guide you through the park. Upon completion, your child will be awarded a cool, wooden badge and get sworn in as an official Junior Ranger.

Muir Woods Junior Ranger

Wholesome Provisions
There’s no Coke or Cheetos in the redwoods (this is Marin after all). Instead, you’ll find a cafe offering line-caught tuna and organic peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as well and the Marin Melt, a toasty sandwich that’s made with local cheeses and was featured on the Food Network’s The Best Thing I Ever Ate.

Gift Shops
Nope, it’s not a typo: the gift shops within the park are plural. Muir Woods Trading Company has all the trappings of a tourist stop (think bear statuary carved from wood) while the Visitor Center bookstore stocks a smartly-curated selection of books and toys.

The Parking Situation
You must reserve a parking spot in advance or arrange for a shuttle ride (also in advance), check out gomuirwoods.com to book your spot.

Good to Know

  • Entrance fees are $15/adults ages 16 and up and free for children ages 15 and under. Check the site for free days throughout the year.
  • The redwoods host a wide array of life and they all like the thermostat turned down low. Even when it’s warm in the parking lot, it’s cold and moist in the groves so don’t leave  jackets in the car.
  • There are two full-service restrooms at Muir Woods: one in the parking lot and another adjacent to Muir Woods Trading Company in the park.

Muir Woods National Monument
1 Muir Woods Road
Mill Valley, Ca
Online: nps.gov

Have you visited Muir Woods yet? Let us know in the Comments!

–Garrick Ramirez

All images courtesy of the author

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Subaru believes in supporting local communities. That’s why, over the past 20 years, they’ve donated more than 50 million dollars to causes they care about, and their employees have logged more than 28,000 volunteer hours. And, it’s why they’ve created the Subaru Loves Learning initiative to help support learning in the Bay Area.
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Whale Watching and Tidepooling for Land-lovers

by Nikki Walsh

Whale watch with the kiddos may be on your bucket list, but an afternoon on a boat with them is another matter entirely. You can enjoy the fun of whale watching without the sea sickness at the Point Loma Whale Watching point. Here kids can climb on a whale statue (rangers show you where to look) and explore the sea creatures and anemonies up close at the tide pools. Here’s your insider’s guide to this fun winter San DIego activity.

Photo Credit: Cabrillo National Monument Facebook page

A Whale of a Time
Whales migrate during the winter, which is why you want to catch them now. It’s a short walk to the viewpoint (just the right amount to release that kid-energy). Your little explorers can check out the lighthouse at the top and see how the family lived. Then scramble up to spot some spouts and fins!

Insider’s Tip: The path is concrete so it’s ok to bring a stroller.

Photo credit: Monique Walsh

Your Friends and Anemones
Once you’ve spotted a few whales, grab some snacks and the little adventurers and take off down the short path to the tide pools. Look between the craggy rocks and your shore to see some little crabs nestled in the crevices. Little explorers can expect to find anemones, starfish, hermit crabs and other fun creatures.

Insider’s Tip: Check the tide pool chart for the low tide. February is one of the best months for low tides during daylight hours.

 Photo credit: Cabrillo Monument Website

Become a Junior Ranger
Head to the ranger station where you can watch a short whale video. Then ask a park ranger for the “Just for Kids” newspaper. This fun publication helps kids learn about tide pools and sea creatures. Once they’ve completing the challenge (don’t worry — it’s pretty easy), they are rewarded with a junior ranger badge. A feeling of calm in the air, the kids are ready for their nap (they should sleep like babies). You are revived (the views and sea air have done some good) and it’s time to call it a day at Cabrillo National Monument!

1800 Cabrillo Memorial Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106
Online: nps.gov/cabr

Hours: Open daily, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. (exception of some holidays)
Cost: $5 entrance fee

Have you taken the kiddos whale watching or visited this Point Loma spot? Tell us about your experience in the Comments!

— Monique Walsh

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Read This! Books That Celebrate San Diego and the Golden State

by Cherie Gough

Books are a staple on most family’s gift lists at the holidays. What better way to give the gift of reading than books about your kiddo’s home town. We’ve got some books to delight your little ones and remind them why California is called the Golden State. Click through the slideshow for a collection of books that celebrate our city and state.

Good Night San Diego

In this simple board book with short text author Adam Gamble leads the reader on a tour of San Diego from morning to bedtime. The book, with pages dedicated to some of San Diego’s finest attractions, provides toddlers a fun reminder of a day’s outing to Balboa Park, Coronado, Cabrillo National Monument, and more. The cute illustrations will help them dream of the places they’d like to go next in their hometown. This is a perfect bedtime book.

Click to Purchase

Do you have a favorite book about San Diego or the Golden State? Tell us in the comments!

— Cherie Gough

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Calling All LEGO Lovers: See the Art of the Brick

by rtjenniferwolfe

Let’s face it. We live in a LEGO world.  They are piled high in multi-colored mountains around the kids’ rooms, slowly but surely encroaching on every living space in our homes: hidden plastic pellets, laying in wait for hapless feet. Brick by brick our budding builders have erected interlocking worlds inhabited by space ships, robots, pirates, castles, cars n’ creatures –only to destroy and rebuild, destroy and rebuild.  We’ve spent a small fortune feeding the dragon but still they WANT. MORE. LEGO.

Before heading back to the LEGO store (where you inevitably will drop beaucoup bucks), detour over to The Forest Lawn Museum in Glendale which is currently hosting The Art of the Brick®, an exhibition featuring more than 30 astonishing sculptures crafted solely from LEGO bricks and rated by CNN as “one of the top twelve must-see exhibitions in the world.”  We’re talking life-size LEGO-people, towering crayons, and heady creations  that will blow minds and drop jaws, young and old.  This is LEGO art that will amaze you as much as your kiddo (and required neither the drive nor the money that a trip to Carlsbad will run you…).

The Ultimate Brick Master
The artist, New York based Nathan Sawaya, started out just like your little brickmaster, spending endless childhood hours in the LEGO land of his own room. Today he uses nearly one million standard LEGO bricks to construct his plastic masterpieces (try fitting that in the toy box at home) and spends six figures annually on supplies.

Interlocking Ingenuity
We love that Sawaya has abandoned the old LEGO stand-bys. You won’t find Starfighter vehicles or Hogwarts Castles here. (Although there is a castle of another sort…) These whimsical brick creations will no doubt inspire your kiddos to think outside the cardboard box they came in.

One of  Sawaya’s best-known sculpures, Yellow, features a, well, yellow man ripping open his torso as yellow plastic bricks tumble out.

Another one, Green, is a life-size man lifting his head off of his body. Gray (anyone else noticing a theme here?) depicts a man pulling aside curtains for a peek at the world.

Along with mind-bending pieces of an avant-garde flavor, there are also more familiar images that will stun and surprise with their precision. Check out a national monument….

…or imagine a world, like, more peaceful, man.

Kiddos thinking of trying this at home? Clear their schedules and a large room: they’ll need about a month and nearly 25,000 bricks for just one of these life-size LEGO-fellas.

But here’s a little secret: plans are in the works to bring your little brick artists their own mini-Yellows to build at home. Click here for more information.

Wanna make a day of it? 
The Art of Brick exhibit will only take a short time to walk through. But while you’re at the museum, check out the permanent displays, and enjoy the sweeping views and serenity from the gorgeous terraces outside.  You won’t find this at the LEGO store.

Forest Lawn is also a hop, skip and jump away from Travel Town and LA Live Steamers (should you happen to visit on a Sunday), so couple your LEGO adventure with a train adventure and you’ll have one happy little kiddo.  (Just remember to pack snacks, as none of those places have choice comestibles!  And nothing but nothing ruins an outing faster than starving kiddos.)

Nuts n’ Bolts
The Art of the Brick is on view now at the Forest Lawn Museum through July 21st, 2013. The museum is open every day except Monday from 10:00 am – 5:00 pm. Admission and parking are always free.

Forest Lawn Museum
1712 S. Glendale Avenue,
Glendale, Ca 91205
323-340-4921
online: forestlawn.com  
 

Do you have any LEGO hot spots that we don’t know about? Tell us about it here! 

–Jennifer Wolfe

Art of Brick photos (in order of appearance): Think, Erica Ann, Yellow, Gray, Rushmore, Peace By Pieces, Xray by artist Nathan Sawaya, courtesy of www.brickartist.com; additional photos by Jennifer Wolfe and floodllama via Creative Commons

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