Sharing a beach line with Tijuana is California's San Diego, a lively city with a feel good vibe.
We had one day here, which is not enough, but we did our best to jam pack in as much fun as possible without killing ourselves. We began, therefore, with a drive along the outer peninsula of the San Diego Bay to find the Hotel del Coronado.
This beautiful, classy lady was built in 1888. With style like hers, it's wonder she's been in more than a dozen films and is a getaway for celebrities.
Afterwards, we made our way made to San Diego proper to really delve into the city. We passed through the Gaslamp Quarter historic district on our way to Little Italy's Farmer's Market.
This open air market is insane.
It's not the biggest one we've been to, but the narrowness of only being one street wide without using the sidewalks makes the hordes of people flowing up and down its several block lengths a rather tight squeeze.
After a quick lunch at Sam the Cooking Guys' Not Not Tacos situated at the water's end of the market, we found our way to the bay. This time it was to see the Star of India, The Surprise, and enjoy a boat tour.
The boat tour provided an incredible view of San Diego, a couple of sea lions blissfully sunning themselves, and a unique view of the Coronado Bridge.
Architect Robert Mosher designed the bridge so when one is underneath and parallel, the supporting arches appear bell shaped.
Ingenious!
Our tour also took us under the USS Midway, the 20th century's longest serving aircraft carrier who was the world's largest warship for the first ten years of her life.
I was going to take a picture while under her but all that would have shown up is grey everywhere. This ship is massive in general but when you're under it, you feel like a spec on the water.
While not a sailor myself, I appreciate beauty of the old sailing ships. There's something about being aboard a 161 year old ship that gives one goosebumps.
Meet the Star of India. Built of iron instead of wood, she was a great experiment who circumnavigated the globe twenty-one times during her career. Although primarily a museum now, the Star is the world's oldest active sailing ship, even if her trips now are much shorter.
Her interior showcases different aspect of life on a 19th century ship.
Bunkbeds for travelers, with families often sharing beds. Trim boards on the dining table helped to keep dishes from moving when underway. The captain's cabin, while not the sumptuous place seen in many movies, still provided personal space.
Floating next to the Star is the HMS Surprise.
The ship that never was. The Surprise is 20th century replica of the 18th century Royal Navy Frigrate HMS Rose, with a few adjustments. Built in 1970 as an attraction vessel (sailing thousands of miles as such) and training ship she was first registered as Rose. She was purchased in 2001 for the movie Master and Commander: The Far Side of the World to play the part of the HMS Surprise, undergoing extensive remodeling for her role in the film.
Leaving stardom behind, she found her current home with the Maritime Museum of San Diego who sail her who a few times a year with other tall ships including the Star. Rose was reregistered as the HMS Surprise in honor of her role in Master and Commander. Sharp eyed fans may recognize her as the HMS Providence in Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides.
About a mile away, past restaurants and street vendors, near The Midway you'll find a 26 foot tall bronze replica of Victor Jorgensen's iconic 1945 V J Day kiss photograph.
The statue is both a reminder of the incredible joy and relief felt when World War II ended and a controversial statement about consent as the nurse in question wasn't asked if she wanted to be kissed by an over jubilant sailor.
Near the statue is a lovely walking area of eateries and shops with beach chairs and a park nestled in and around for enjoying the bay, flying kites, or just relaxing. This would have made a great place to watch the sunset but our tour guide talked up having a drink at the Top of the Hyatt (hotel) bar situated on the 40th floor as the best place to watch the sunset.
It was a great suggestion. The bar is classy yet cozy with unbeatable views of the bay and the perfect place to finish off the day with a sunset cocktail and the person you love.
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