Little Italy to the Embarcadero

I intensely dislike paying to park my car; but I love Little Italy, the Embarcadero and other places in downtown San Diego. So the way I deal with it is to park near where I want to go downtown and walk. This way I get some exercise and pay nothing to park my car.

There is a parking lot near the Little Italy Farmers Market where you can park free for two hours. If you are just going to the Farmers Market, that is enough time to get the job done; however, if you intend to do a little exploring before or after visiting the market, two hours won’t be enough time. The solution is easy: park in the Bankers Hill area just above Little Italy. Most the time you can easily find a place to park, for free on the street and walk down the hill to the Farmers Market. Today I’m continuing on past The Market to the Embarcadero.

The City of San Diego installed a fabulous park a couple years ago. You can’t have a park without grassy lawns, restrooms and play equipment for the little ones.  Done!

But San Diego didn’t stop there. They installed spray water fountains which are fun to watch and satisfying to run through on hot days to keep yourself cool. Today, the fountain was getting some regular maintenance and it wasn’t that warm out so I’m sure no one missed getting wet. In another month or two it will be a different story. 

                       

To the West, across North Harbor Drive, is the Maritime Museum of San Diego. It is fascinating not just to tour but to explore all the old ships, submarines, a ferry and the magnificent Star of India. I have been on the Star many times and I never tire of exploring her decks, reading about her travels and imagining what it must have been like to crew this 212 foot ship. She was launched just 5 days before Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address at the Ramsey Shipyard, Isle of Man, in November 1863. A can hardly resist sharing all the facts and trivia about the Star but alas, I don’t want to bore you. That said, if you find the maritime life interesting, visit the Star and the other eleven vessels maintained by the museum when you are in San Diego. If you truly are an “Old Salt” at heart you might even want to volunteer to keep The Star ship shape. I have seen mariners up on the masts hoisting sails and climbing to the crows nest. It’s a bit high for my taste but what a grand experience.

I could spend a day, a week or perhaps more exploring this area of the Embarcadero but I must continue on with my day and get a few chores checked off my list. Next weekend I’m continuing down the Embarcadero to USS Midway Museum. See you then. Aaron

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge

The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge is a popular walking destination for San Diegans and tourists alike. Of course, you have to find it first. It is located in the Bankers Hill, Park West, area of San Diego very near Balboa Park. In fact, if you park on the Northwest side of the park the intersection of Spruce Street and Balboa Park is only about 2 blocks South from the most Northwest corner of Balboa Park; walk six short block West and you are at the bridge. It provides a pedestrian connection between Brant Street and Front Street. The Spruce Street Suspension Bridge was built in 1912 and designated an Historical Landmark by San Diego Historical Resources January 7th, 1977.  

Okay, so there is all the technical stuff about the Bridge that I could dig up. If you know anything else, please don’t hesitate to share in a comment. What I find unique about this bridge is the location. Walk out on the bridge and you are instantly transported back to 1912. You quite literally feel like you are in the middle of a pristine Southern California Coastal Forest. You can spot a house or two but work with me here. Look both North and South, up and down Spruce Canyon. You have to search to find evidence of civilization. People I’ve talked with love this bridge. It gently sways when you walk out to the middle and instantly the noise from the City disappears.

The day I walked the bridge I shared it with a young couple taking engagement announcement pictures near the center of the bridge. I didn’t know they did that anymore, but this couple was, and is, and they were excited to be able to enjoy and share this beautiful location in announcing their engagement to the world.

After a few deep breaths of sunshine fresh coastal air and I’m off, back along Spruce Street to the park and the rest of my day. Oh, by the way, when you plan your walk to the Spruce Street Suspension Bridge, stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner at Jimmy Carter’s Mexican Cafe’. You will walk past it on you way back to your car. The food is great and the atmosphere is bright and cheery. When you RetireInSanDiego, this adventure is not to miss.

 

Explore San Diego. 

Dare to be an adventurer. 

It takes so little effort here in San Diego. 

There are a plethora of things to be discovered just outside your door. The rich history, Landmarks and people are all there waiting for you, when you RetireInSanDiego.