Have you heard of the Spruce Street Bridge yet?  Yes… there are still some hidden gems in San Diego.  Yes…there is a suspension bridge in San Diego.  Yes…she’s wiggly and offers peek-a-boo views of downtown’s skyline.

For those that need data points… the Spruce Street Bridge is 100 years old this year.  Built in 1912 and 375 feet long, she sits 70 feet off the ground and can hold up to 2,000 people…although…that’s not that common in any one time. She floats over the lush Kate Sessions Canyon and nestled in a quiet neighborhood in Bankers Hill.  Short snippet can be found here: http://www.hillquest.com/history/spruce.html

I love finding these natural secret treasure spots.  It offers respite from the busier urban surroundings and gives you space between your thoughts.

A great route is to start off at Balboa Park.  Fuel up with a salad and panini at the The Sculpture Garden Cafe at Balboa Park’s SDMA.  Cross the bridge, down Laurel, and turn right on First, and then left on Spruce.  You’ll find it tucked at the end of the cul de sac.   Don’t rush…sit…dangle your legs off the edge and stay a while.  Feel like a different perspective?  Then follow the bridge to the end and take the trail down into Kate Sessions Canyon.  Be sure you are wearing good shoes.  If it’s you’re here on a “date” … ladies leave the heels at home.  For shutterbugs and photographers, both the canyon and bridge should provide endless hours of entertainment.  Have one of your friends dress up in a costume or theme/genre and snap away.

Once you’re hungry again… head down Fifth for a treat at Extraordinary Desserts which is a delicious way to end a relaxing afternoon.

100 years old this year (built in 1912)

Overlooking Kate Sessions Canyon

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Spruce Street Bridge is 100 Years Old.

Every time I go to Pacific Beach we find ourselves walking onto the pier.

Pacific Beach is iconic for Southern California’s beach life.  Palm Trees.  Surf Shops.  Frozen Yogurt Cafes.  Sports Bars.  Boutiques.  And everyone’s working on their tan.

It’s popular with the collegiate crowd.  And that means young adults happy as can be to be in the sun having fun.  I don’t like PB during the night time.  I do like it during the day.

After a morning brunch at World Famous (amazing breakfast food on the strand) we found ourselves walking to the pier (surprise) and I caught this beetle about to jump into the water.

He wanted to surf.  I guess.

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Pacific Beach Pier

Ahhhh… I couldn’t resist.  I had to post this picture.  The San Diego County Fair just sparkles at night.   Thank you Optical Bliss (www.opticalbliss.com) for the picture!

Oh.. and by the way… the best way to capture this shot is to hop on a motorcycle and park on the side of the road right by where the bridge crosses the lagoon and act like a shutterbug!

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., San Diego Fair At Night Sparkles

There is something about the fair….it’s the crazy rides… the outrageously delicious food… that just screams Summer Days are here!

The San Diego Fair at Del Mar Fairgrounds marks the official start of summer for me.  It runs from Memorial Day to July 4th weekend.

And just like last year, I plan on getting on all the crazy rides again!

Picture is compliments of Optical Bliss (www.opticalbliss.com).

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., It’s officially summer: San Diego Fair in Del Mar

Standing watch at the top of Palm Canyon in Balboa Park are these three massive trees.  Their massive root systems show testament to their age.

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Big Trees with Massive Roots in Balboa Park

Dirt track.  Dual Sport.  Paragliders… by sunset.  So much fun fun fun!

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Paragliders

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Fun things to see at Balboa Park

The largest free annual environmental fair takes place every year at San Diego’s Balboa Park.  Earth Fair draws 70,000 visitors.  The event is produced entirely by volunteers.  It’s a colorful event with three entertainment venues, a Kids Activity Area, a Food Pavilion, booth exhibitors, art installations, parades and more.

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Earth Fair at Balboa Park

It’s much more fun to opt for  other creative way to take pictures.

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Taking Pictures at Balboa Park

One of my favorite beaches in North County San Diego for the 180 views of surfers bobbing up and down in the water as they wait for the next wave. Named for the Self-Realization Fellowship Retreat, Gardens and Hermitage located a few hundred yards north on Highway 101.  Access the beach from a set of wooden steps perched on the hill.  And even if you don’t put your toes in the sand, you can just watch the surfers walk by in a steady stream. This beach is a favorite among the more serious surfers and just watching them is great sport.

Parking is limited.  There is a public bathroom, and a few picnic tables.  During low tide you can walk north and make it all the way to Moonlight Beach.  It’ s a special walk.  Take it slow and observe all the different colors of the sand.  On your way play with a few rocks and balance them on top of each other.

Magically Delicious Travel - Sharing my travel photos and stories., Swami’s Beach