Above it All

The Mt. Soledad Cross is one of the best-known landmarks in San Diego. Designed as a tribute to the men and women who gave their lives in military service. The only Veterans Memorials to honor veterans, living and deceased from the Revolutionary War to the current global "War on Terror". The Black granite plaques include a picture of the veteran with a brief description of their military experience. Located in La Jola, it has become a draw for people who enjoy the magnificent panoramic view of San Diego from the nearby observation deck. You can drive it to the Cross or take a bike tour, which makes the trip even more special. Both Hike, Bike, Kayak, and La Jolla Kayak offer bike tours that incorporate a visit to the Mt. Soledad Cross, as well as other nearby areas that you will find equally beautiful.

There are approximately 300 bridges within city limits and architect enthusiasts are sure to enjoy the hunt for the hidden bridges. Two of the oldest are located in the Hillcrest and Bankers Hill neighborhoods. Built in 1905, the Quince Street trestle bridge is a pedestrian bridge, recently restored to its original glory. Located in Hillcrest, it crosses over Maple Canyon between Third and Fourth Avenues and has become a romantic spot full of history. Locals know the pedestrian bridge located in the northern Bankers Hill area as "the wiggly bridge". Officially, it is known as the Spruce Street Bridge and was built in 1912. It spans over Kate Sessions Canyon, which lines Fourth and Fifth Avenues. Whether conquering your fear of heights is on your visitor`s agenda or not, taking a stroll or drive on some of theses bridges is not only a connection to the past but a great way to see San Diego`s hidden gems.

Take a fun adventure for the whole family at La Jolla Zip Zoom, a 2 hours guided tour featuring three thrilling zipline courses. The courses range from 300 feet to over 2700 feet in length with high speeds of 50 miles per hour. The side-by-side lines allow you to experience thrills next to a companion. Take in the spectacular views of Palomar Mountain. The San Luis Rey River and the La Jolla Indian Reservation. The native guides will share stories about this beautiful Indian reservation established in 1875. The local plants and wildlife found on the reservation still make up a small portion of their traditions. The La Jolla Zip Zoom is committed to providing each guest with a safe, comfortable, and memorable experience. From the trained Adventure Guides to their industry-leading technology your safety is their top priority. Experience that sense of freedom, speeding through the air above it all at La Jolla Zip Zoom, California`s most exciting zipline! LA JOLLA ZIP ZOOM (760) 742-3776

San Diego County is home to seven piers, many of which provide opportunities for fishing and restaurants with sunset views. Piers are the perfect place to take a stroll, marvel at the surfers below, or simply people watch. Some of our favorites: The Oceanside Pier is the second-longest pier in San Diego County. The pier is 1,942 feet long and is made of wide, sometimes uneven wooden planks. Ruby`s Diner is at the end of the pier. A crystal pier in Pacific Beach, you can sleep over the ocean in one of 29 cottages on the pier. Make your reservations way ahead of time: 11 months for a summer reservation, four months for a wintertime stay. The Ocean Beach Pier is the longest concrete structure on the west coast at 1,971 feet. A walk down the Imperial Beach Pier ends at the Tin Fish Cafe and a view of Mexico.

The night sky enchants and beckons us, daring us to delve into the dark abuses and discover a world beyond our own. Palomar Observatory is the place to be for stargazing and dreaming under the twinkling stars. Located at Palomar Mountain, the solar observatory offers a view of the diamonds in the sky with five telescopes, use nightly for a wide variety of astronomical research. It is home to the famous Hale Telescope, a 200-inch telescope that is the workhorse for modern astronomy. Whether you are and astronomy, history or engineering enthusiast, or simply curious about the Observatory, you will enjoy visiting the museum and taking one of the guided tours of the facility. (760) 742-2119