Mingle with pandas and pachyderms at the famous San Diego Zoo if you are looking for critters. Wander the grounds of historic Hotel Del Coronado where everything is lit to perfection. For a meal to remember don't miss their Christmas brunch. Be prepared to spend several hours being treated like royalty. If big ships are more your style, head to the USS Midway for a tour or hands on demonstrations.

But if relaxing is your goal and watching surfers skim the waves is as much activity as you want, spend some time in Pacific Beach.

Laid back surf towns line up like stepping stones along southern California's coast line. Only minutes away from the hustle and bustle of downtown San Diego lies Pacific Beach. Close your eyes and you will think you have landed in a hippie surf town of the 60's. Some areas of PB, as the locals call it, seem to be stuck in a time warp. Only some of these hippies are real…and not so young. They might even remember the 60's.

Year round surfers, big dogs taking their owners for a ride, small dogs prancing in time to their own beat, and an unusual Grinch make the Holidays in Pacific Beach special. Chat with recent retires as you stand in line at Kono's Surf Café for a mouth watering, filling and reasonable breakfast. The daily special complete with coffee is usually under $6.00.

Walk two or three blocks to the end of Crystal Pier where surfers will not disappoint you. Year round these men and women wait for that perfect wave. In the meantime, they ride the ones the ocean gives them. On windy days, kite surfers ride a different type of wave as their parachute-type sails hurdle them along the tops of spraying sea foam.

Fishing is an everyday pastime along the Pier, as humans, dolphins and pelicans all vie for dinner. Discover what sleeping over the ocean feels like when you stay in one of the cabins of the Crystal Pier Hotel. These individual units, complete with their own decks, perch on the edge of the Pier.

Take some time to see what the Saturday Farmer's Market has to offer. Fresh cut flowers mix with mouth watering strawberries and over a dozen kinds of tomatoes. Sample a new variety of orange or tangelo and mingle with the locals bargaining for farm fresh eggs or home grown potatoes. Amidst all the fresh picked produce and small town atmosphere it's hard to believe there is a city just over your shoulder.

People watch as you stroll along the 5 mile boardwalk. Dogs are almost as abundant as people…and equally as festive. Joggers with their pooches decked out in Christmas wreath collars or jingle bells weave in and out of amblers with their tiny canines in festive sweaters. Yippy Chihuahuas try to take on well mannered Golden Retrievers as envious Labs watch.

Christmas even comes to the beach. A lone Christmas tree fits the simple surf and sand scene. Squawking seagulls ignore it and little children decorate it with seaweed from the beach.

If you can, it's best to ignore the Grinch, a green painted man on roller blades. His red fake fur cape, fuzzy green slippers, and red and white thong didn't leave much to the imagination. Ahh…you never know what The Holidays in PB will bring.

As your relaxing day comes to a close, grab your camera or your favorite holiday beverage to celebrate the end of another glorious day in Pacific Beach. A palette of pastel pinks to vibrant oranges gleam along the horizon as the sun hurriedly drops into the ocean.

This holiday season take a relaxing side trip to Pacific Beach. The city will wait for you.

Most tourists visiting the Zoo, Sea World, Legoland, Mission Beach, the museums and other spots on the typical ‘What to See in San Diego' list will miss these extraordinary places. They are well worth visiting if you have the time or can forego seeing one of the other spots. If you want directions and further details, you can find them easily on the Net.

Torrey Pines Beach - Magnificent sandstone cliffs rise 300 feet overlooking walking paths along the Torrey Pines State Beach bluffs. Trails from the Torrey Pines Reserve lead down to a 4.5-mile stretch of beach considered one of the finest in the county for swimming, walking, or hanging out. If you're up for a good walk, hiking trails venture through the reserve among the rare Torrey pines rewarding hikers with spectacular views from up top. Or you can park down below by the beach and forego the hike. Torrey Pines State Park and beach present a look back in time to how the natural environment along the southern California coast looked before development changed the county's other beaches. Best of all it is the least crowded beach in the county.

Cabrillo National Monument Bayside Trail - If you like to hike but you're not a fanatic about it this short hike will fit the bill. Alongside and under the Cabrillo National Monument lies the Bayside Trail, an easy 2.25 walk that reveals some of the most spectacular views you will see anywhere of the bay and ocean.

Cabrillo Tidepools - Because of their protected status, you will find several of the finest California tidepools below Cabrillo National Monument. On the western side is a rock-laden inter-tidal zone, a peek into the ocean ecosystem that lies along coastal San Diego. During low tide pools form along this shore, filling the rocky hollows. The depressions brim with ocean life such as star fish, sea cucumbers, urchins, sponges, sea anemones, an occasional octopus, crabs, and countless other creatures. It's best to tidepool during the winter months, when those negative low tides happen during daylight hours when the park is open. During summer the negative low tides occur at night when you can't see anything and the park is closed. You'll need a vehicle to reach the lower area of the park where the tidepools are located. An internet search will provide you with low tide time tables.
Witnessing the Grunion Run - During summer nights in Southern California the infamous grunion begin their runs on local beaches. If this is a new term for you grunions are five -- six inch long, small, slender fish with bluish green backs, silvery sides and bellies. Unlike other fish, during selected times of the summer they emerge completely from the water to lay their eggs on the wet sand during high tide in the wee hours of the night. To watch a grunion run is a pretty remarkable event. It doesn't happen anywhere but Southern California. It's spawning like you've never seen before.

The California Department of Fish and Game keeps a schedule of the "runs"; they say that the grunion make these excursions only on particular nights, but with such regularity that the time of their sandy arrival can be predicted a year in advance.
Many people flock to the beaches to watch the phenom but others come to fish the fish. However it isn't "fishing" like you've ever seen; no pole is necessary. You don't exactly catch them in the tradition sense. It's much easier than that, sort of. The grunion wash up at your feet to lay their eggs and are briefly stranded until the next wave comes to take them back into the water. You can chase them down and grab them barehanded, yep with your hands, and dump them in a bucket. It's pretty hilarious to watch people trying to scoop the slippery fish off the sand. If you want to try this uniquely Southern Californian experience you must have a valid State fishing license. Check the net for times and locations to purchase your "fishing" permit.
Kayak on the Bay or Ocean

There are a number of companies offering kayak tours should you not have your own boat. If you've never kayaked you might want to consider taking a commercial tour. The local kayak tour companies do an admirable job getting you into the mysterious La Jolla Sea Caves and the La Jolla Ecological Reserve where kayakers frequently see seals, sea lions, gentle leopard sharks and an occasional dolphin. Other tours explore the calm waters of Mission Bay, La Jolla Shores, South San Diego Bay, and the Coronado Islands. One of the most popular tours takes you to an area where you can witness California gray whales migrating from Alaska to their birthing grounds in Baja, Mexico and back again. Still other tours guide you during the early morning hours or evening when the water is calm and blissfully quiet. There are also a number of companies that will rent you a kayak, give you a map and steer you towards aquatic nirvana. Check the internet for kayaking companies in San Diego.

Of course some of the great hot spot in San Diego are the beaches. Everyone goes to the beach and even if you are single you are bound to meet other singles. There are surfer beaches where you can learn to surf and ride the big waves. Some beaches also have bars and dancing towards the evening. There are several of restaurant's to check out along with various Bar and Grill's.

The Altitude Sky Bar is located on the 22nd floor of the Marriott's Gaslamp which is the rooftop. It has a great view of the city nightlife.

Stingaree is a large restaurant mixed with a club and lounge included. It is a large place that can hold up to 1200 people and there is a cover charge of $20. This is definitely one of the hottest spots in San Diego for singles.

Pacific Beach Bar and Grill has 60 televisions sets including plasma tv's and various cable stations to watch. There are mostly sporting events that are aired for large crowds since the place is able to hold a good amount of people with a comfortable amount of room. There is an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet for those that stay very late into the morning. It is known for its great tasting food.

Johnny V plays classic rock and 80's music. It is geared towards an older than college age crowd. You can play pool and have some drinks during happy hour. By 10pm the dance floor is crowded.

Finally, there are a few more places to mention.The Open Bar has a DJ and dancing mostly towards the evening. Cass Street Bar and Grill has the most activity between 8-11pm. It is a sport event viewing place that offers great food and drinks. If you are going to stay in San Diego there are a number of cottages and motels that are all nice and economical. Always plan ahead and prepare yourself to have great fun.

This allows us to get our mail delivered to us here. We got the oil changed and brought a new tire for the one that blow out in New Mexico. We got caught up on all the things that you let go as you are traveling and still got to relax before heading on to California.

We started out in the morning for Yuma for our over night stay. It was uneventful all the way there. We found a KOA that was east of town. The KOA was a nice place to stay. They had a restaurant right there and the food was very enjoyable. The interior roads were rough but the sites were pull through. The cost of the site was reasonable and the people were friendly.

We got to Yuma and pick a RV Park that was backed up against the Arizona canal system; it was like a river but with cement banks. We were on the grass there but it was close to the exit so we could leave in the morning without waking everyone around us.

We headed for San Diego, California the next morning, which was through the mountains but nothing like the mountains north of Los Angeles. We were planning on camping at CampLand on the Bay, which is located on Mission Bay. We signed in for a week stay; we had been in San Diego before and wanted to check on some friends. We did some site seeing and shopping. The weather was nice for the time of year, it was February, the temperatures were in the 70 to 80's. The park had modem dial-up service only, and charged by the minute.

We were right on the Mission Bay, what a view, we enjoyed it . Well be heading north to Oregon after this week stay. See you in part 8, California driving North.

1. Sunset Cliffs

   Located in Ocean Beach, Sunset Cliffs is a true escape when you're seeking a little time away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Offering stunning views of the vast Pacific Ocean, you're sure to leave here with what you might be looking for - peace.

2. Mt. Helix

   Not too many people know about this hidden beauty, which is located in the higher parts of La Mesa. Tucked away at the top of a mountain, Mt. Helix is a place of refuge for those who want a little quiet time with beautiful views of the city as well. The cross is only one of the many things that might possibly take your breath away while up here.

3. Mt. Soledad

   A popular landmark in the city of San Diego, Mt. Soledad is nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the I-5 Freeway. Many have heard of the continuing controversy of the Mt. Soledad cross, but the beauty and history of the cross is also what makes this place such a stunning and unique visit, not to mention everything you can see from here.

4. Cowles Mountain

   If you're looking for a good hike and some picture worthy sights, Cowles Mountain might be for you. Located within the Mission Trails Regional Park, it's hill is 1,592 feet at it's highest, offering panoramic views of San Diego, even as far out as the ocean. The hike is probably classified as medium, but well worth it once you reach the top.

5. Julian, CA

   If you're looking for an affordable vacation for the day, you might want to try Julian. This small, historic city offers so much for so little. It's located about an hour east of San Diego in the Cuyamaca Mountains. The city is famous for their delicious apple pies and cider. You're sure to leave with a satisfied appetite... and wallet!

6. La Jolla Cove

   One of the most photographed beaches in Southern California, La Jolla Cove proves to be the "jewel" of San Diego. It's a very small beach and sometimes, you can even see the seals washed up on shore, which is sure to be an amazing experience. Whether you go in the daytime or in the evening, you'll be able to appreciate this beautiful escape.

7. Kellogg's Beach

   Not many know about this small, secluded beach. Located off Rosecrans on Kellogg Street in Point Loma, it secretly lies behind the residents' homes. If you're looking for a quiet retreat to the beach, Kellogg's Beach is perfect. Make sure not to tell too many people about this place - one of the reasons for it's beauty is the fact that it's still a well kept secret - not to mention, a little hard to find!