Seaport Village and Beaches

San Diego Metro KOA

Chula Vista, CA

January 12, 2024

Harbor Drive in San Diego

Wednesday's destination was Seaport Village.   It's a fun outing...we can walk, shop, eat and never have to move the jeep and it's less than 10 miles from the KOA.  

The walk along the harbor passes by store fronts, patio cafes, a very green park with trees and picnic tables and benches, and a marina on one side. The beautiful bay with various size boats going out or coming in, Bay Bridge, Coronado Island and the Navy shipyard are on the other side.

Fun stores to browse...

 

A beautiful green park...

Looking toward Bay Bridge which connects San Diego and Coronado Island...

Looking toward San Diego...

 

Navy shipyard across the bay...

Getting closer to the marina...

Passing by the marina, we always take time to read the names of the sea going vessels..."Snaphappy" was our favorite this time...

The history of Seaport Village's reclaimed land can be traced as far back as 1782 when sailors aboard a pair of Spanish expedition ships anchored in the bay.  As the story goes, the sailors began to fall ill from scurvy and were buried there.  Then in the 1930s, train tracks were laid along Harbor Drive when the land was converted into a railroad yard to ship goods and materials to San Diego.  

It wasn't until the late 1970s that someone had a vision for Seaport Village which officially opened in 1978.  Today it is a 14 acre waterfront complex with lots of color, a laid-back vibe, and unique shopping and eating choices.  

And while there, don't forget to look up or you might just forget you are right smack dab in the middle of downtown...beautiful San Diego !

Walking and shopping sure makes me hungry.  Our lunch choice was Edgewater Grill...they serve brunch until 3:00 !  It was little chilly for the outside patio, but we had a very nice window table with a really nice view of the bay.  

Joe patiently waiting while I washed my hands...

The service was stellar and the food was yummy.  Joe chose fish and chips served on a bed of mixed greens with fries and malt vinegar.  I had brunch...not a surprise...and chose crab Benedict with local crab, poached eggs, house hollandaise, english muffin, avocado, and breakfast fries.  I ate every morsel ! 

We did make one small purchase...

Friday's destination was Mission Beach.  We joined Ronnie and Carol for a much needed beach walk...I was in heaven!  Our walk began at a grassy knoll somewhere at Mission Beach and ended past the Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach.  Some of the walk was sandy ocean and some on the boardwalk where beach reparation was in progress.  

One of the last of San Diego's beach communities to be developed, Mission Beach got its start in 1914.  It is built on a sandbar between the Pacific Ocean and Mission Bay. 

 

Mission Beach...glistening rocks

This family friendly beach spans nearly 2 miles of ocean front.  A boardwalk runs along the beaches on both the ocean and bay front areas.  Since our arrival and thru this morning there has been a high surf advisory with winds gusts up to 45 mph and breaking waves between 12-18 + ft. high with water finding its way to nearby boardwalks and roads.  Piers were closed and I even read that the sea wall at the Children's Pool in LaJolla has damages as well which is not good for the seals and sea lions who birth their pups this time of year.  

I have always enjoyed the challenge of capturing waves as they roll over...

I'm guessing this surfer feels the same. 

Crystal Pier, first built in 1927, is an 872 ft long wooden pier.  

It is usually open to the public for fishing, people watching or just relaxing to the sounds of crashing waves, but that portion of the pier was closed due to the high surf.   But, Crystal Pier Hotel and Cottages were open for rentals. Imagine a night of sleeping over the ocean... 

Each cottage features a private deck on the pier...

Also built in 1927, the hotel primarily features original cottages...restored, renovated, and rustic...a reminder of days gone by. 

Past the pier, the glistening rocks disappear and we enjoyed the shore birds and their funny antics scooting in and out, chasing each other and probing for tasty morsels.  Lots of Marbled Godwits... 

and Willets.

Back at Belle,  we had a really nice rainy Wednesday night.  Rain in Belle is awesome especially when it's a good steady rain and no winds are involved. 

The three of us enjoy the flowers and the grass here at the KOA and get plenty of walks around the resort.     

Of course an afternoon nap is nice too !

I'll close with a few photos...

Until next time,

 

HAPPY TRAILS!

Beaches

San Diego Metro KOA
Chula Vista, CA
January 25, 2017


In between rainy days, we have had a couple of fun sunny days. Monday, Jan. 16, we met Lisa and Hans  at Ocean Beach for a walk and lunch.  It's always fun connecting with them and catching up. So much so, I didn't get many pictures of us !  

OB is home to the OB Municipal Pier which is one of the most visited landmarks in San Diego.  It was officially christened in July 1966 and just celebrated its 50th anniversary. 

The pier extends 1971 feet.  Hans informed us the pier is the longest concrete pier on the west coast. 

It's unique T-shape at the end of the pier adds 360 feet to the south and 193 feet to the north.  

There is no fishing license required to fish from the pier.  Herring is the most common fish caught and there is no limit.  But, the only fish we got a glimpse of was a shark !












I love this view of the pier from the south end extension.

The tide was in so we strolled through neighborhoods.   It's so diverse and charming.  According to Lisa the streets have changed very little since the time she grew up here.






 

  

 Walking and talking always works up a good appetite. I love fish tacos so Hans and Lisa suggested South Beach Bar and Grill...great company, awesome view of the ocean, and yummy food.  

The next day on Tuesday, we enjoyed a nice easy bike ride along Mission Beach - Pacific Beach Boardwalk, also known as Oceanfront Boardwalk .  We ride south to north about 4 miles one way. 

Biking along the boardwalk has it's challenges...dodging bicycles, skaters, and walkers...there is an 8 MPH speed limit. 


The south end of the boardwalk (on the right side with wide open beach views) is residential with quaint old homes, apartments and condos. I dream every time I ride by there !






About halfway, is Belmont Park...home to the Giant Dipper.   
 It's a historical wooden roller coaster located in Belmont Park on Mission Beach.  This piece of history was built in 1925.  With high speed and exciting dips,  it's a favorite among locals and tourists.  

The Giant Dipper was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.  It consumes 2.8 acres, is 2,600 feet long, it's 70 ft high with a 60 ft maximum drop. 



Unfortunately, the Dipper is closed this time of year for maintenance.

Up next is Crystal Pier, where the boardwalk changes from residences to shops, hotels and restaurants with outdoor seating.  


Construction on the pier, which started in the early 1920s, progressed in stops and starts. 




The Cottages were built in 1930 and have a history of guests enjoying the unique experience of "sleeping over the ocean".  

The end of trail for us is the north end where the trail runs  atop a 75-foot bluff.  


Ronnie and Carol enjoy the view and the sunshine !

On Thursday before the rains and winds settled in for the weekend and beyond, we met Hans and Lisa at The Blue Guitar, a guitar shop in San Diego.  

Joe watches on as Hans and DeForrest, the owner, talk guitars.

 

We all enjoyed lunch at El Pollo Loco.  Joe and I chose the stuffed chicken quesadilla...way to much food, but guess who ate every bite !







So until next time, take care and...

HAPPY TRAILS !