It's quick and fun. Actually 111 Steps. Nothing crazy but if you're in the area. La Mesa has…read moremore but this is just off the freeway.

Challenging and it's definitely steep. As 68 years old, this is doable. Slow & steady. 02Sept24read more

The best lights of the year!!! And for such a great cause..... we make this a tradition every…read moreholiday season,because it's so close we go a bunch of times!!! Don't miss out!

I hope no one wants to behead me for giving 4 stars...it's just, BELARDO LIGHTS was on the top 10…read morebest lights in San Diego list and for anyone to drive across San Diego 15-20+ miles for what they think they will be getting, is just kind of a slap in the face as the name can be slightly deceiving...it is not your typical "neighborhood" light show - think candy cane lane, pepper drive, merry-tage etc.... All I am saying is, if your family hops in SUV to drive all the way across town, just make sure you understand it is ONE house, (1), singular..not plural. PERIOD. Just ONE house that does lights. Now, that 1 house is an incredible sight to see, as you can tell from the photos and videos posted online and on yelp. They support a wonderful cause, we donated in the cute donation box set up in the front - the music is wonderful, the lighting goes perfectly - it is a synchronized light show - I mean, they did it right.... I just wanted to clarify for anyone that turns right on BELARDO and thinks...why are none of these houses lit up, why is it so dark, why does no one have lights...well...ya gotta keep on driving until ya get to the one house. Perhaps change the name to BELARDO HOME or HOME ON BELARDO or Belardo light show. That's all, carry on. xoxo

I was recently notified that I am now the Baron of Kensington. I had better review my barony before…read moreI get usurped. I am the Duke of the following: Kensington-Normal Heights Branch Library Refer to my separate review. This place is too cute. Stehly Farms Market I reviewed this place, too. I was once the Duke of Kensington Mini Park This one, too! In addition to the above, I can also recommend Kensington Club, Earthwell Refill, and Stella Jean. The Ken Club is one of the oldest bars in San Diego and they are old school. Cash only! I have seen bands here and I have sung Louis Prima and Faith No More during Sunday night karaoke. Check out their calendar of events. Earthwell Refill is a zero-waste shop that sells household and hygiene products. Bring in your empty bottle or purchase or borrow one from the shop. We get our shampoo here. Stella Jean has good ice cream. They do a few vegan flavors. I want to try the Date Shake Cake. Warning: Burger Lounge uses beef tallow to cook their French fries and their onion rings. Enjoy your visit to my barony, a community in which I would never be able to afford to live!

From the many travels that I have taken there is one place that when you walk through the many…read moreparts of the town there have been many places that have been places that have been stuck in time and the places that have the great food and he many smaller places that you can sit outside. The history of one place that has the many places that have the many places such as a cheesecake factory that was only used by Merv Griffin which is one place you may say is what is the place and the many things to discover. There are many that like to take trips through the many older neighborhoods which can be declared as some of the older neighborhoods are some of the many where the older times of San Diego can be found. I had taken the bus from the SDSU neighborhood and wanted to see the many other parts of San Diego that had remained hidden for many for some you have to take the bus to get to. To have taken the bus the travel to the area was a time of 25 minutes I had seen the many stops that when you travel on the San Diego Transit route 11 to the area of Kensington Adams Ave parking you can't find much. From the many years that when you look at Kensington the history of Kensington was the history and the background of Adams Avenue that had a Spanish background in the many house that were during the years of 1926. For many that knew Adams Avenue was streetcar row that in 1913, a massive trolley car barn was built, to store and perform and complete minor services to several hundred trolley cars would exit and enter if through a series of switches off. When you take a look at Adams Ave you are seeing the many areas that was the main track system that would take you to the many stops that would be along the many stops from the Antique Row and further on down Adams Avenue. With the many areas of Kensington, you are on a history walk that takes you to the many areas of the park and the many areas of the neighborhood that you see many of the art works that are still on the walls you see from the tattoo shops and the Lastat's coffee shop no that's not the Vampire it might be. The city of Kensington is one place that you can take a bus up to the area you can walk amongst the many locations and take connecting busses that can take you downtown and over to the area of North Park the many areas people do drive by and not know they have passed by history of the North Park area. As a Yelp Elite is take a day and take the bus you can save gas and time where you can visit the park and the many shops of Kensington and the many areas of Hillcrest you can ride the city bus number 11.

I went to the Taste of Old Town recently and it was so fun. The people at each restaurant were so…read morefriendly and the food was delicious. I appreciate Old Town San Diego for putting this together. Thank you!! I'm visiting my brother here and so this was a fantastic place to spend time with him and see the culture of San Diego.

Old Town is always a good visit. I use to bring my students here for study trips. Old Town offers…read morevisitors a plethora of Mexican Eateries, some that have been around for a while like, "Old Town Mexican Cafe," "Casa de Reyes," and "Casa Guadalajara." There are many more eateries in the area. Another feature of Old Town San Diego is that it is resident to the famous haunter Whaley House, and "Casa de Estudillo" house. The "First School House" in town is cool to check out and so is the Casa de Bandini and Cosmopolitan. There's plenty of shopping opportunities, too. From shopping for pottery, jewelery, art, and clothing, Baazar del Mundo is sure to offer plenty.

I love hidden San Diego and honestly anything that's a little odd, so once I heard about this, I…read morehad to find it and see for myself. It feels a little disrespectful to say that a sculpture looks like a turd when that wasn't the artist's intent, but... it looks like a turd. It's hard to look at it and think of anything else. At least that's what I thought. When I sent a photo to some friends and family, they were all able to quiet the intrusive thoughts of poop for long enough to think of some other possible interpretations, including: * a Cheeto or cheese puff * a giant cashew * a snake emerging from the ground * a dinosaur-sized macaroni * a rock (less creative but classier, I guess) Now, I'll just have to come back and see it again for Halloween -- I've heard that someone (who would do this?) puts giant googly eyes on it. Keep San Diego weird!!

A piece of art that really moves you, get it?…read more Public art is always subject to debate, and in San Diego the preference tends to run on the "less-than classy side". Statues of dolphins, horses, and fishermen will barely cause a ripple on anyone's radar. However, there is one sculpture in particular that causes looks of befuddlement more than any where else. Representing a large bowel movement, this sculpture is often referred to as the "Scripps Turd" which remains its reputation to this day. The Abstract Sculpture, titled Okeanos, a.k.a. "The Scripps Turd" is made of bronze and was created by artist William Tucker. Tucker is a modern British sculpture and art scholar born in Cairo, Egypt. He attended the University of Oxford and went on to further study sculpture at Saint Martin's School of Art in London under teacher and mentor Anthony Caro. He has since received several awards and honors for his work, such as: The Guggenheim Fellowship for Creative Arts in 1986. The International Sculpture Center's Lifetime Achievement in Contemporary Sculpture in 2010. The title of National Academician at the National Academy Museum in 2011. People driving along North Torrey Pines Road in La Jolla had undoubtedly once noticed Tucker's big, hulking 13-foot piece of art in front of the Scripps Green Hospital. Despite the public's distaste for the art piece, the 3,500-pound sculpture was commissioned for $200,000 in 1987. The money came from donors in honor of Frank J. Dixon, the Director of the Institute for 25 years. Tucker named the artwork after the Greek god of rivers and oceans, Okeanos or (Ōkeanós), also known as Oceanus. Okeanos was a Titan who represented the ocean and was the eldest son of Uranus (ha) and Gaia. Tucker said the form, to him, suggested an ocean wave, and it was hailed by many critics when it was revealed. Michael Brenson, the former art critic of The New York Times, wrote of Okeanos in 1988: "The sculpture is a rippling curve that seems to spew out of the earth and curl up like a wave. It suggests not only water but also clouds and vegetation and human limbs." Alas, the public didn't feel the same way. Nor did philanthropist Edythe H. Scripps, who had "The Turd" moved to a new location by The Scripps Research Institute at the mere cost of another $40,000 (more money down the drain. I drew inspiration in recalling a smaller sculpture featured in the classic documentary film on the life of legend Joseph Dirtè (see tip photo). Upon seeing this work of art, the latter was most likely inspired by this same piece. A "chip off the old creative block" perhaps.

Green Flash is a meteorological optical phenomena that you can see during sunset or sunrise. It is…read morevery rare to be able to see. Given the right conditions, you can see a distinct green spot above the sun's upper limb, that usually only lasts for no longer than two seconds. It is even more rare, the green flash can resemble a green ray shooting up from the sunset or sunrise point. This sculpture is the work of Malcolm Jones and is dedicated to that phenomenon, but it in no way aids you of viewing. You will find it on the Mission Beach boardwalk. The piece is made of a solid cast acrylic archway that is supported by two concrete pillars. There is also a bronze plaque describing the green flash phenomenon located on the sculpture and another title plaque. It was made in 2002 and is in fair shape, especially considering its age. Some has put stickers on it and the plaques are show signs of corrosion. It is unique and I actually learned something new in the process. It definitely sticks out. I have come to the terms that I will probably not ever see a green flash. It takes masterful planning, precise timing, and patience. I have 2 of the 3 (you can figure out which one I am missing). Parking here is simple. There is a free parking lot right by it. You can park, get out and talk a closer look. Well, as with most sculptures that I have visited and reviewed, this is not a long stop. I was there less than 5 minutes. So, you may want to consider making this stop part of a larger itinerary to maximize your time and trip. The beach, a park, and an amusement park are in walking distance if you are looking for ideas.

I walked under this on my way to Mission Beach in San Diego and wondered what it was. It looked…read morelike something out of the 1970s!!! What is the Green Flash?? Well, it happens at sunrise or sunset, right before the sun drops out of view or starts to appear, it is said that a green flash appears for about 2 seconds. So this SoCal local flavor arch is a tribute to those 2 seconds!! Don't blink or you might miss it, literally, lol!!!!!

I've visited the store for snacks and drinks a few times in the past, but I finally dined in to try…read moretheir delicious food. I tried the homemade style Colombian empanadas with potatoes and beef inside, the Cuban sandwich with salad, and my guest ordered the chicken Milanesa with rice, beans, plantains, and salad. The empanadas came out hot and fresh. The outside was crispy and the filling of potatoes and beef was delicious. I want more! My Cuban sandwich was good as well. Some parts of the meat were too chewy for my liking, but that might be a personal preference. I enjoyed the salad with it, added some freshness to the dish. Tried bites of the milanesa and the breading was flavorful. Same with the rice and beans. I really liked the plantains too. The service has always been nice, especially when I dined in. Our server was super friendly, warm, and always had a smile on her face. I haven't tried many things from the culture so I always have fun trying the snacks and drinks from the store. The dining area is cute with tropical decor around the whole room.

Ever since Tropical Star changed ownership, the prices have increased dramatically and frankly,…read moresome of them are ridiculous. Certain items have literally doubled in price. And for the prepared food? They cut the size of everything and they charge even more. What makes it even more frustrating is that many products no longer have prices displayed, so you don't even know what you're being charged until you're standing at the register. Why? Customers should be able to see what something costs before deciding to buy it. I used to shop here twice a week and Tropical Star was always my go-to place for Latin ingredients. Unfortunately, not anymore. With these prices and the lack of transparency, I simply can't justify shopping here again.

One of the best pizza spots in San Diego! Regents Pizzeria seriously did not disappoint…read more We tried a little bit of everything. For the Chicago deep dish, we got the Legalize Pepperoni, which was thick, cheesy, saucy, and loaded with pepperoni. For NY style, we tried the Tela, which had the perfect thin and crispy crust. We also got the gochujang wings, which were packed with flavor and had the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. They also have 30 rotating beers on tap, so there's always something new to try and plenty of options to pair with your pizza. Great food, great atmosphere, and I love that you can get both Chicago deep dish and NY-style pizza in one spot. Definitely looking forward to coming back!

There's a reason this place is an institution--the pizza is good, but the vibes are fun. There are…read morealways people, ucsd crowds, and a good energy. Chicago-style deep dish or NY-style thin crust are both tasty! Lots of combos and to order. The wings were good too. I liked the lemon pepper better than the gochujang. The gochujang had a nice kick, but I expected it to be a little sweeter. I love that you can buy pizza by the slice, and you can even get a combo of 6 individual slices with a large salad and garlic knots--great idea! The fries were good too, almost garlicky like the ones at Gordon Biersch. I like this place and imma try the pasta next time.

Made a 7:45 reservation and was seated within 5 mins. The place is a cozy family vibe from the…read moreplatings down to the cutlery. It's what you would find at your grandmas! We ordered two pastas and a pizza, both were delicious! If you love mushroom I would highly recommend the rigatoni alla Norcina. If you want a combo of all the classic Roman pastas get the Zozzona. The pizza was flavorful, the only thing was that I think since there were so many "wet toppings" the dough was a bit soggy. I would definitely come back to try all the other pasta and pizza flavors.

i almost want to gate keep this place since it is hard enough to get a reservation, but elvira…read moredeserves all of its flowers! we reserved for a large party, and got a room to ourselves that truly felt like walking into someone's home dinner table! the service was excellent, our waitress had recommendations for everyone. she was also very clear with me as a vegetarian when items (like the eggplant) would be fried alongside meat which was super sweet of her! i ordered the rigatoni sugo with ricotta, and i think everyone was jealous because of how stunning it was. the ricotta and basil were fresh and the pasta was perfectly al dente, no notes! we were celebrating a birthday, so we even got a pistachio tiramisu and a cute polaroid souvenir! as a note: we had brought a cake from another place, and they do warn they can only serve cakes from other businesses (not homemade) and will cut and serve the cake themselves! we had no issues, but haven't experienced this before. definitely will be back!

Wow! What a great place to park your car!!! They paved the road and there is lots of room…read more I parked my truck here. Then I walked up to the top of South Fortuna Peak. If you come up/down the south approach to the peak, I recommend you bring a walking stick because the trail is in bad shape. It is easy to fall. The ground is sandy and steep. If you walk the north approach, it's less seanic, but samer walking.

The pedestrian bridge that spans the little ravine at the east end of Clairemont Mesa Blvd that you…read morehave to cross over to get into Mission Hills Regional Park is sooooo cool. It is an iron frame construction bridge with wooden planks set in that you walk/run/ride on. The bridge will actually move a bit as you cross which is kinda a cool sensation. The area all burned (including the wood planks) in the Cedar Fire, and thus the area is quite interesting as it recovers from the devestating fire. I love this place to enter the park, as well as the bridge you cross. YAY for bridges. I heart bridges.