This introduction to San Diego represents 56 years of map creation and thought

FIRST TAKE A QUICK STUDY OF THE COUNTY MAP

Navigating the city with ease is understand the configuration of the freeways and major highways and thoroughfares. It’s actually pretty easy. A view of the county map shows that the major north-south freeways are I-5 (interstate 5) and I-15 Interstate 15. Most travelers coming to San Diego from Los Angeles come here via I-5 and those coming to San Diego from the inland regions of California come via Riverside County via I-15. Eastward travelers arrive in San Diego by car via Highway 80 from Phoenix, Arizona.

Our other smaller freeways are East-West Freeways. A glance at the county map, you’ll see how they’re numbered from North County southward to Tijuana as follows: Highway 78 travels from Oceanside to Escondido; Highway 56 travels from the city of Del Mar on the coast to the city of Poway; Highway 52 travels east-west from Santee in East County and crosses freeways 15, 805 and Interstate 5. Not to be overlooked is old Highway 80 coming from East County’s City of El Cajon and Arizona. Then there is a smaller hIghway coming from Rancho San Diego and the many Casinos. Finally, in south county is a small east-west freeway connecting Interstate 5 with the 125 Toll Road and the cities in East County.

BEST HOURS TO NAVIGATE THE LOCAL FREEWAYS

The best news about San Diego’s freeways and highways is that they are easy to navigate. Even better if you wait till after 9 a.m. and get off of the freeways before 3:30 you can get anywhere in a. half hour.

MANY LOCAL ROADS ARE HISTORICAL

Beyond the Freeways and highways are several essential thoroughfares. What’s great about these roads is that they are historically significant, and thus virtually impossible to forget. Let’s get started. The first commercial thoroughfare on what is now the west coast of the United States of America is Rosecrans Street. It came into being out of necessity in the 1700’s because when the Boston Whaling Ships made stops in San Diego after coming around the horn (the tip of South America) to take on hides and tallow, the only place they could tie up their ships was at Ballast Point on the seashore of the Bay. Ballast Point got it’s name because it was here on the seashore that the sailors off loaded their ballast of rocks to weigh down their ships and on load their ships with hides and tallow from the Ranchos that comprised San Diego County when it was a Spanish Colony.

Thus, busy Rosecrans Street empties out at the foot of Old Town, which is today a must explore historical landmark, operated by the State of California. They offer a free, fun and informative walking tour of many of the historical buildings. Parking is FREE. The tour is FREE and Admission is FREE. Be sure to have lunch a one of the many recommended Mexican Restaurants and be sure to have a frosty margarita while you’re entertained by strolling mariachis. But don’t think for a moment, that Old Town is a tourist trap, on the contrary Locals Love dining in Old Town and never tire of showing their out-of-town guests their adopted city. You’d be amazed at the number of visitors that came to San Diego on a vacation and ended up living here. See the Old Town Chapter.

EVERYTHING IS PERSONALLY REVIEWED

Thus, the SanDiegan.com is first and foremost written for Newcomers, followed by Visitors and finally for LOCALS. Thus, everything is personally reviewed, updated and researched for people who are deeply interested in what makes San Diego tick from a social, economic and historical perspective. So, when you leave San Diego, you’ll know you’ll be back because you haven’t seen it all.

A BAY CRUISE OF SAN DIEGO IS A MUST

At dusk, plan on taking a breathtaking champagne harbor dinner and dancing cruise on a Hornblower Yacht around San Diego Bay. A view of San Diego aboard a luxurious boat is an absolute must. It’s the same view the early explorers saw when they discovered San Diego. It’s just as breathtaking a view today as it was then, perhaps even more so. All three of these two must-see sightseeing excursions (Cabrillo Monument, Old Town Historic Tour with lunch, and a breathtaking champagne dinner and dancing cruise on San Diego Bay will definitely make you fall in love with San Diego.

WHY CABRILLO MONUMENT IS THE BEGINNING

After a visit to Cabrillo Monument you may find yourself taking a mapped excursion to historic Old Town via picturesque Shelter Island and Liberty Station (see map). What’s most important is the view will give you a panoramic view of San Diego Bay and the city from Cabrillo Monument. Then with this geographical perspective in your mind’s eye you’ll know how central San Diego is laid out. Then by studying the maps you’ll be able to navigate the city like a local in no time. THUS, THE ESSENTIAL SAN DIEGO TOURS CAME INTO BEING IN 1969.

WHAT TO SEE ON SUBSEQUENT DAYS

On subsequent days, add the other cities and suburbs you want to see allowing one day for each one.

How to Use this Website:

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