Local Wally's Guide to San Diego
The original locals guide to San Diego...since 1996
Discover San Diego Locals Favorite Attractions!
On any given weekend you'll find locals surfing or hiking, checking out the parks or a new neighborhood, having some sort of adventure. These are the things that make living in San Diego so much fun, and these are the things we're going to explore in this Local's Favorites section.
Now don't get me wrong. I'm not one of those crazy guys who suggest that you skip the Zoo or any of the other big attractions to explore an off-the-beaten path activity. And don't worry that Local Wally has gone loco and has lost perspective on what makes a good vacation activity. Anza Borrego Desert in the Summer? Hour and a half drive for apple pie at Julian? Dangerous trip to Tijuana? Not on my watch!
When in San Diego, do as the locals do!
An authentic Italian neighborhood since the 1920's when the tuna fleets ruled, Little Italy today offers quaint shopping, tons of authentic Italian restaurants and one of the best Farmers Markets in town held every Saturday year round from 9am to 1:30pm. Live music mixed with fresh produce, the smell of homemade sausages grilling, the exotic tastes of live sea urchin, stop in for a stroll and grab some of the best pizza in town for lunch at old school Filippi's Pizza Grotto.
THE LOWDOWN: An old San Diego near downtown neighborhood bounces back without selling out to tourists, authentic and fun. There's even a stickball league that plays the first Sunday of the month from February through June - that's authentic!
LOCAL TIP: Filippi's Pizza Grotto is a San Diego institution for gooey messy pizza and cheap beer -this ain't some silly "gourmet" pizza with goat cheese and artichokes, this is the real deal! Check out the Italian market in front of the restaurant.
WALLY SAYS: If you love Farmer's Markets and trying local foods, don't miss the La Jolla Open Aire Market, open Sundays from 9 to 1:00 with lots of food stands and craft booths.
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HUMPHREY'S CONCERTS BY THE BAY 
Locals anxiously await for April when Humphrey's Concerts by the Bay announces their Summer concert schedule. This is San Diego's BEST outdoor concert venue and with only 1,400 seats even the bad seats are pretty good. Book a dinner package and you're guaranteed the first seven rows and a delicious meal. Ringo calls this one of his favorite places to perform and acts are as varied as 70's Soul Jam to jazz singer Diana Krall to aging hippies Crosby, Stills and Nash. Plan your trip around your favorite artist and stay at Humphrey's Half Moon Inn and you just might run into the stars at breakfast the next day.
THE LOWDOWN: Top notch artists play in an small venue located right on the bay. Great sound, gorgeous views, locals dock their sailboats nearby to catch a free show.
LOCAL TIP: Bring a picnic and a bottle of wine (be discreet, it's illegal!) and dine across the street on the bay before the show. Parking is free here as well.
WALLY SAYS: One of the best places to see a live show anywhere, book your seats ahead of time as shows sell out fast!
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I love hikes. Really short hikes. Torrey Pines State Reserve is my kind of hiking because the none of the four trails are over a mile long and all of them feature eye popping beauty (watch your step as you don't want to step on someone's eyeballs) without making you walk miles and miles to get there. The trails run along the bluffs of the Pacific, alternating between a foresty looking hike and an ocean view hike. Those willing to risk their lives can wander down the dangerous trails to Blacks Beach, the nude (often gay) hang out.
THE LOWDOWN: State park with various trails that meander through the trees and out to the bluffs high above the ocean.
LOCAL TIP: Check out the old menu at the old lodge, which is now the ranger station. Once a popular place to stop on your way to San Diego they had lobster dinners for... $2? I'll take two!
WALLY SAYS: Really pretty hikes, combine this with a trip to nearby Dog Beach or the Hanggliding port for a real local's day outing.
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If lately life has been a little dull, if the most exciting thing you've done lately is reading the internet on company time, then it's time for you to strap on some wings and jump off a cliff! I'm not kidding, you can take a tandem flight at the Torrey Pines Glider Port with an experienced pilot. The pilot will do all the work and all you have to do is scream "We're both gonna die!!!" as your hang glider lifts you off the ground and there's nothing but the blue Pacific Ocean beneath you. Great place to just watch, but come on, you can do it!
THE LOWDOWN: Watch the crazies jump off the cliffs or try it yourself with a 25 minute tandem flight, a once in a lifetime experience!
LOCAL TIP: Great picnic spot but call ahead to make sure the winds are right for flying if you want to watch the gliders soaring!
WALLY SAYS: I know it looks dangerous and it probably is, but I have yet to hear about a tourist crashing into the cliffs or landing in the ocean. Are you chicken? Do I hear clucking sounds?
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Move over Shamu. Sure, you're the star of San Diego but Scripps Aquarium is a great alternative if 1) you don't want to spend a lot of cash to see fish, 2) you don't want to spend a day in a busy theme park, and 3) you don't care about getting your picture taken with a guy in a whale costume. Scripps isn't about fluff, it's about ocean conservation but don't worry, the exhibits are fun and interesting. From sharks to seahorses, you'll see things that you've probably never seen before. Venture outside to the tidepool patio to find one of the best views of La Jolla in town.
THE LOWDOWN: 60 exhibits, giant tanks, interactive exhibits, fun for the entire family. Kids and adults alike love this place.
LOCAL TIP: Summer concert series on the patio called the Green Flash is a great way to spend the evening. You don't know what the green flash is?
WALLY SAYS: I used to take my kids here when they were little and then walk along the beach. Today the kids are grown but they still love a day at Scripps Birch Aquarium.
KAYAKING THE 7 CAVES IN LA JOLLA
You can't leave La Jolla without getting wet in the crystal clear turqouise water. One of the best ways to do this is paddling a kayak along La Jolla Shores Beach to the 75 million year old sandstone sea wall where you'll find seven caves to explore. All but one are accessible only by kayak and you'll feel like a kid on a pirate adventure as you enter the dark caves at low tide, the sound of the waves echoing against the walls. No experience necessary but take a tour if this is your first time -
THE LOWDOWN: Take a kayak into the caves. Along the way you'll see seals, bright orange garabaldi's and other wild life. Be prepared to get wet! Non kayakers can walk into one cave via The Cave Store.
LOCAL TIP: You can rent a kayak from a number of places but the easiest way is to book a tour where they'll help you get started and guide you to the best parts.
WALLY SAYS: There can be a kayak traffic jam during the Summer so kayak earlier in the day if you can.
LOCAL WALLY'S HOT PHOTOGRAPHY TIP: If you want some killer photos of you on your adventure, book with Beach Shoot San Diego - these guys will take you on a tour while taking some incredible "magazine caliber" photos. Honeymooners or romatics, you have to do this!
Forget about going to that fake luau at the hotel. Instead, grab that spare blanket off the bed, get some firewood from the supermarket and head down to the beach for an authentic San Diego experience. You'll find fire rings on Mission Bay, Mission Beach, Ocean Beach, Pacific Beach, and La Jolla Shores. Roast some hotdogs and marshmallows or go gourmet and skewer some shrimp and toss them in a tortilla with salsa with a squeeze of lime. Fires must be in contained in official fire rings so scope out your site early.
THE LOWDOWN: You want to live the local life? Then stay at the beach after the sun goes down and light yourself a big fire to stay warm. Pick a spot on Mission Bay to see the SeaWorld fireworks, a great way to wrap up a fun day.
LOCAL TIP: Check to see if the grunion are running for a truly odd San Diego experience. Grunion are little fish that spawn on the beach on certain nights. Locals try to catch them for a sardine-like snack, but note that you'll need a fishing license if you want to participate.
WALLY SAYS: California budget cuts threaten to remove the firepits - Please visit www.savethefirepits.com and send the mayor an email to support keeping this tradition alive.
LOCAL WALLY'S HOT BONFIRE TIP: Fire rings go fast so get there early in the morning and "reserve" one by tossing in a bunch of wood and leaning your gear on the side. But be ready that once the sun goes down you might have to share, but you wanted to make new friends anyway, right?
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SWIM WITH LEOPARD SHARKS IN LA JOLLA 
It's like the scene from JAWS where the Great White is pulling down barrels and then comes around and attacks the boat. For an instant you think you've made a grave mistake and everyone is going to die! Well, almost, except this time the boat is a kayak and the shark is a harmless Leopard Shark in the shallow waters off La Jolla. These spotted sharks are definitely not maneaters - heck, they're not even aggressive. Snorkel or kayak the waters south of La Jolla Shores near The Marine Room restaurant and you'll likely see scores of sharks in the shallow waters during the Summer months. Think of how impressed your co-workers will be when you can say you swam with sharks on vacation?
THE LOWDOWN: Schools of harmless sharks off La Jolla in waters 3 to 10 feet deep. Wade, snorkel, kayak, or take a tour to see them.
LOCAL TIP: Sharks are harmless but shuffle your feet in the sand in the shallow waters to scare off sting rays or you'll be crying like a little girl..
WALLY SAYS: If in a kayak remember to say the famous JAWS line "I think we need a bigger boat" when you first spot a shark.
SAN DIEGO MISSION / PRESIDIO PARK 
What will your neighbors think when all of your photos are of you either drunk or on the beach? For you PBS types - you know who you are - a trip to the San Diego Mission and nearby Presidio Park is home school heaven. Learn about the history of the first California mission and get yourself a photo in front of the bright red bouganvilla bushes to prove you were there. Then continue your history lesson ("blah, blah, blah...") at The Presidio's Serra Museum, which houses many original artifacts of that era.
THE LOWDOWN: Two educational experiences in one! Close enough to Old Town so you can ditch class and get a margarita to discuss what you learned.
LOCAL TIP: Both the Mission and the Presidio are iconic San Diego landmarks worthy of a photo stop.
WALLY SAYS: You don't have to be a guilty Catholic to enjoy a side trip to the San Diego Mission or Presidio Park.
OK, so you might think I'm scraping the bottom of the barrel when I'm recommending a tour of the Taylor Guitar factory but it's an essential visit if you're a picker or just plain interested how a guitar gets made. It's location in El Cajon (pronounced El Cuh-hone) is nothing to write home about but it's fascinating to watch how rough pieces of exotic woods are painstakingly crafted into high end guitars. Guitar players will be in heaven and non-players will find the free hour and 15 minute tour interesting enough for a short vacation detour. Tours held every weekday except holidays at 1:00pm.
THE LOWDOWN: Take a tour of the Taylor Guitar Factory and see how they make their fancy guitars from start to finish.
LOCAL TIP: Don't waste your time trying to find more stuff to do in El Cajon or anywhere else in the "East County" - this is it!
WALLY SAYS: Want to hear my Taylor guitar in action? Come listen to my hit record Cruisin' Highway 101, a smash song on the internet charts!
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An oddball of a gem within the National Association of Music Manufacturers (NAMM) headquarters, this hidden museum is a secret find sure to delight musicians and music lovers. Hands on exhibits let you goof around to your inner Brian Wilson delight - ever wanted to play a theremin, the sci-fi instrument used in Good Vibrations? You can, as well as a dozen or so other instruments. Got kids? Send them to the electronic drums. Don't miss the special exhibits - in the past they've had such treats as the Beatles recording artifacts from Abbey Road.
THE LOWDOWN: A museum filled with music history and hands-on interactive exhibits up north in Carlsbad.
LOCAL TIP: Probably not worth a trip on its own but if you're already in Carlsbad for Legoland or the Flower Fields then it's definitely worth a stop in.
WALLY SAYS: Great for older kids but might be a bit boring for young 'uns under 8.
It might seem silly at first to take a ferry boat to Coronado when you can just drive across the bridge but isn't that what vacations are all about? The ferry departs at both the Convention Center and the Broadway pier, taking you on a 15 minute ride to the Coronado Ferry Landing where you can shop the tourist shops or, better yet, rent some bikes and cruise around the island. Head over to the Hotel Del Coronado where there's ice cream (and ice cold martinis) waiting for you.
THE LOWDOWN: Think of it as a poor man's harbor cruise or a nostalgic trip when the ferry was the only way to get across the bay.
LOCAL TIP: If you're staying near the Convention Center it's fun to take the ferry across the bay for dinner. Snuggle up for the romantic trip back to the mainland (bring your Snuggie!)
WALLY SAYS: It's more than just transportation, it's part of the adventure. Shops at the Coronado Ferry Landing are a bit touristy but Peohe's has long been a local favorite for when guests come in town.
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It's like Dogs Gone Wild! Finally let off leash, these normally well behaved, obedience school graduates go absolutely bonkers as they tear across the sand and dive into the waves. Frisbees rule here and dogs swim in competition to see who can grab it first. A mad dash towards the waves, but wait, a new dog arrives, stop and sniff, wag hello, then back to business of having fun. Hey, is that dog on a boogie board? Heck yeah, this is San Diego afterall and this is Del Mar's Dog Beach. I doubt you'll have more fun than the dogs but it's very close!
THE LOWDOWN: Located off Via de la Valle in Del Mar, this lovely beach is dedicated to the dogs who are allowed off leash 9 months of the year. Crazy fun to see dogs having such a good time.
LOCAL TIP: Aim your GPS to The Brigantine restaurant. There's free parking on the bridge before you get to Highway 101. Get yourself a fish taco, the best in town, at the family friendly bar at the Brig afterwards.
WALLY SAYS: Who needs suntanned babes when you have dogs to entertain you at the beach?
Seeing the Carlsbad Flower Fields in full bloom is like the scene in the Wizard of Oz where the move went from drab black and white to retina scorching technicolor. I know the idea of a field of flowers sounds, well, boring, but it's quite the opposite. You'll be cutting off little old ladies for a parking space and pushing your way in line like a hyperactive third grader once you see the massive display that 50 acres of Ranunculus flowers make. Arts and crafts, local strawberries, and look, the Carlsbad Premium Outlets next door - sorry guys, you're stuck!
THE LOWDOWN: From March through May the flowers are blooming in Carlsbad.
LOCAL TIP: Down the street is "U-Pick" strawberries, great fun for the kids, backbreaking for adults. Visit and experience them before the city puts a giant business park there, which is the master plan.
WALLY SAYS: I remember the good old days when it was free to walk through the flower fields.... now it's $10 adults, $5 kids.
Move over Temecula. While San Diego struggles to build its reputation as a wine region the brew heads have quietly been taking over and creating quite a credible microbrew scene. It seems everywhere you turn there's another microbrew and if beer is your passion do yourself a favor and check out some of San Diego's local suds. With over 32 breweries you won't have to go very far to wet the buds. Serious hop-heads will want to check out an all day beer tour with Brewery Tours of San Diego where they'll pick you up in a limo and take you to three breweries for tastings and lunch. Arrogant Bastard Ale, anyone?
THE LOWDOWN: Discover San Diego's exciting microbrews, easy to find with this handy San Diego Brewer's Guild map.
LOCAL TIP: If you love beer you won't want to miss the tour and tastings at Stone Brewing Company in North San Diego. Plan to arrive 2 hours before the free tour as they "sell out" and there aint nothing else to do out there if you get there late. The tour is great and the free beer - plenty of it - is even better!
WALLY SAYS: Mmmm, beer.
LETS GO LOCAL WITH
THE NORTH COUNTY EXPERIENCE!
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