Visiting in May - need ideas! (San Diego, Ramona: houses, restaurants, shop)

[Global Friend]

My brother is in the Navy stationed in San Diego so I am flying out in May for a week. I've been to CA over 20 times but never made it to San Diego so I am excited. Besides seeing my brother, what are do not miss things to see? I do have a bad back so I can't do anything super physically difficult. I was curious about the San Diego Zoo? I'm an animal advocate so if that Zoo is not an actual sanctuary, Then I don't want to give them my money. I guess, let me know you're suggestions. Appreciate.

[NORTY FLATZ]

The zoo is ok. The Wild Animal Park (WAP) is affiliated w/ the zoo. (A great way to save $$, is to join the San Diego Zoological Society.) Do both, then make up your mind. I think you'll find the WAP to be a unique experience. Take the tram and other modes to get you across the savannah. Both of these DO have some walking, but there ae ways around it, if you make arrangements with the parks.
Since you are looking for animal sanctuary type stuff, there's a "Big cat place in Alpine." www.lionstigersandbears.org

You already missed HawkWatch for this year, so that's out. There's a thread here somewhere on it.

I can tell you from personal experience, that the WHOLE AIR TRAVEL INDUSTRY is in a state of turmoil. Canceled flights, when aircraft are loaded on the tarmac type stuff. Staffing issues, bigtime. (Dealing with a plane on the tarmac @ MCO right now. It should have been @ SAN @ 1437hrs.) It's just a mess. Good luck getting here. And good luck getting back home.

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Just remember that in all likelihood we will have "May Gray," overcast days with a heavy marine layer at the coast. Here, May is not the typical sunny spring month that most other states experience and enjoy, it can actually be quite chilly, so bring a jacket.

The whole Zoo issue is of course a matter of attitude. Some see them as outdated and morally repugnant prisons, while others (like me) think they can be a way for people, incl. Kids, to learn to love wild, endangered nature through encounters with the "ambassadors," the animals on display--provided the Zoos are not the torture chambers of undersized, stacked cages that some of us experienced as kids visiting the local Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is top of the line of the "ambassador" approach, with respect for the individual animals and their environment. But of course it is also a business, and the animals are confined. Yep. Still, without having had access to a Zoo in my home town when I was a kid I doubt that I'd have grown up to love wild nature the way I do now.

[1200RT]

Point Loma Light/Cabrillo. Great perspective of the bay.

https://www.nps.gov/cabr/learn/histo...l-monument.htm

[Clark Fork Fantast]

Balboa Park is a lovely visual experience in itself. The museums are excellent, and there is a good restaurant with a garden view.

La Jolla, "The Jewel," is worth a visit for the views along the water, and the shopping if you are so inclined. Some art galleries. Nice restaurants with an ocean view.

I have a particular fondness for our mountainous back country. If you have enough time for a day trip, go up to Alpine and check out the animal sanctuary, and then continue east on 8 to Highway 79 to Julian. Fun mountain town with apple pie specialties, and there is a wolf sanctuary that may be open. Drive back through Santa Ysabel, beautiful country with the hills all green. Go back to San Diego through Ramona, some nice antique stores.

Enjoy your stay!

[Global Friend]

Originally Posted by NORTY FLATZ

The zoo is ok. The Wild Animal Park (WAP) is affiliated w/ the zoo. (A great way to save $$, is to join the San Diego Zoological Society.) Do both, then make up your mind. I think you'll find the WAP to be a unique experience. Take the tram and other modes to get you across the savannah. Both of these DO have some walking, but there ae ways around it, if you make arrangements with the parks.
Since you are looking for animal sanctuary type stuff, there's a "Big cat place in Alpine." www.lionstigersandbears.org

You already missed HawkWatch for this year, so that's out. There's a thread here somewhere on it.

I can tell you from personal experience, that the WHOLE AIR TRAVEL INDUSTRY is in a state of turmoil. Canceled flights, when aircraft are loaded on the tarmac type stuff. Staffing issues, bigtime. (Dealing with a plane on the tarmac @ MCO right now. It should have been @ SAN @ 1437hrs.) It's just a mess. Good luck getting here. And good luck getting back home.

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

Just remember that in all likelihood we will have "May Gray," overcast days with a heavy marine layer at the coast. Here, May is not the typical sunny spring month that most other states experience and enjoy, it can actually be quite chilly, so bring a jacket.

The whole Zoo issue is of course a matter of attitude. Some see them as outdated and morally repugnant prisons, while others (like me) think they can be a way for people, incl. Kids, to learn to love wild, endangered nature through encounters with the "ambassadors," the animals on display--provided the Zoos are not the torture chambers of undersized, stacked cages that some of us experienced as kids visiting the local Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is top of the line of the "ambassador" approach, with respect for the individual animals and their environment. But of course it is also a business, and the animals are confined. Yep. Still, without having had access to a Zoo in my home town when I was a kid I doubt that I'd have grown up to love wild nature the way I do now.

Originally Posted by 1200RT

Point Loma Light/Cabrillo. Great perspective of the bay.

https://www.nps.gov/cabr/learn/histo...l-monument.htm

Originally Posted by Clark Fork Fantast

Balboa Park is a lovely visual experience in itself. The museums are excellent, and there is a good restaurant with a garden view.

La Jolla, "The Jewel," is worth a visit for the views along the water, and the shopping if you are so inclined. Some art galleries. Nice restaurants with an ocean view.

I have a particular fondness for our mountainous back country. If you have enough time for a day trip, go up to Alpine and check out the animal sanctuary, and then continue east on 8 to Highway 79 to Julian. Fun mountain town with apple pie specialties, and there is a wolf sanctuary that may be open. Drive back through Santa Ysabel, beautiful country with the hills all green. Go back to San Diego through Ramona, some nice antique stores.

Enjoy your stay!

Thank you. Very helpful info from everyone. Appreciate it.