With its varied terrain, spectacular diversity of natural beauty, and year-round great weather, visiting San Diego is like going to the beach, the mountains, the desert, rolling green valleys, and a big city all rolled into one. Add to the mix a plethora of activities and a touch of sophistication, and San Diego proves to be the perfect vacation spot for baby boomers.
If you've never been to a San Diego beach, you probably imagine them covered with young blonde surfers and slim bikini-clad hotties, and perhaps you don't really want to expose your bathing-suited-over-50 body in the midst of such perfection. Worry no more. You will find those types on several of the surfing beaches, but San Diego also has numerous family beaches and quiet little coves that provide a little privacy. Try the Casa beach and La Jolla Cove - no surfing allowed! These are quiet tucked-away little areas that offer scenic views and gorgeous sand and water, perfect for a refreshing swim or catching some rays.
Many boomers enjoy golfing, and San Diego will not disappoint. Perfect for golfing, the area averages only five inches of rain a year, and no rain at all from April to October. Yearly average temperature is 75 degrees. What more could you ask for? How about 90 great courses with spectacular scenery and some of the lowest greens fees in the country? Arrowood is a great course for experienced players. Designed by Ted Robinson, Jr., the rolling greens challenge golfers with its many unique water features. Mission Bay Golf Course is where Tiger Woods won a Junior World Title. The level greens and wide fairways make this the perfect course for beginners, juniors and seniors. A must-play course for any ability level is the famous Torrey Pines, site of the 2008 U.S. Open Championship. The north course is shorter and less challenging than the south, though both provide top-notch golfing and beautiful ocean views.
If you're fascintaed with art and history, check out some of the area's great museums. The San Diego Museum of Art houses works of old masters, 19th- and 20th-century American painings and sculptures, Asian art and modern art in all media. Explore the award-winning exhibits at the Natural History Museum, sports memorabilia at the Hall of Champions, or the archaeological artifacts of the San Diego Archaeological Center. Tour a real aircraft carrier at the USS Midway Museum, or visit Whaley House Museum, the most haunted house in America. There are numerous other museums of art, science, history, automobiles, space, photography, women's history, and film history. See a 70,000-gallon saltwater tank, filled with amazing marine life and pools where visitors can actually touch and learn about tidal creatures at the Birch Aquarium.
Boomers interested in a little gaming action have several casinos to choose from. Harrah's Rincon Casino boasts 1,600 slot machines, 59 tables, live entertainment, sports bars, and eight restaurants ranging from casual buffets to gourmet dining. Located in the beautiful Palomar Mountains, Pala Casino has 2,300 slots, 87 game tables, eight restaurants, outdoor concerts, and a 10,000-square-foot day spa where guests are pampered like royalty. A bonus, Pala charges no sales tax of any kind.
A trip to San Diego for a baby boomer would not be complete without visiting the historic Gaslamp Quarter in the downtown area. The Quarter has fascinating shops, more than 100 restaurants, 35 night clubs, live theater, art galleries, and wonderful rooftop lounges, perfect for providing great views of the bustling district. Just strolling through the Quarter is an adventure in itself!
And there's more! How about taking a sunset cruise over the scenic Del Mar Costal Valley in a hot air balloon? Or booking a charter boat for some thrilling offshore battles with marlin or tuna? You can hike, cycle, or ride horses along many beautiful mountain or desert trails; indulge in some world-class shopping; take a day trip into Mexico; visit the famous San Diego Zoo and Sea World; learn to sail; go mountain climbing in the rugged Laguna Mountains; tour the rolling green hills of the nearby wine country; view the spectacular Anza Borrego Desert; or choose from among hundreds of restaurants and night spots. The list is virtually endless!
San Diego has anything a vacationing baby boomer could imagine, and some innovative activities and sights you'd never think of. You'll want to try everything, but time is of the essence, so choose wisely. After all, you want to save a a few adventures for next time!
This tidbit of real travel advice was contributed by Holly Abee.