San Diego's Finest Viewpoints
I never realized the how diverse the landscape of Southern California was until I traveled to the other side of the country and back. I took I-40 and really learned how hilly and diverse this southern landscape is. Whatever you're looking for in San Diego you'll find. Beaches, hills covered in boulders, mountains, desert, city, and farmland are all in the immediate vicinity. If you aren't in the mood to jump right into the center of it all but instead would just like to observe, there are some really great viewpoints to take advantage of.
One of my favorite escapes in high school was Mt. Helix. At the top of the mount is a giant white cross. The simplistic beauty of it is awesome. To me it is a sculpture totally non related to anything religious, it fits on that hill so well. Directly below it is Mt. Helix Nature Theatre complete with stone seats, open air and lots of nature. Everything from private weddings to Fiddler On The Roof performances are held there and is one of the best places to be on a hot summer night. Surrounding these monuments is a magnificent view of the East County. On a clear day you can see the mountains cutting a sharp edge into the sky then turn around and get a glimpse of the ocean off in the distance. Happily, the surrounding area still has it's natural charm as the sprawl has belonged soley to residents rather than businesses.
Cross town to the fabulous La Jolla and you find the West County's Mt. Soledad, also crowned by a white cross. The six granite walls circling the cross are a memorial to war veterans and an education for everyone. Around the entire hill is a breathtaking view of the city from as far west as one can possibly go in San Diego. Turn the other way and the ocean spreads out in front of you as far as you can see. When you've peeled your eyes away from nature observe downtown La Jolla, La Jolla Cove, and La Jolla shores lined with tall palm trees and bustling with constant activity. Enjoy a gorgeous sunrise or an amazing sunset atop this hill and I guarantee you'll never forget it.
Go a little further north to the surrounding area of the University of California at San Diego and stand atop the cliff's overlooking some of the best surf on the coast at Black's Beach. You'll want to pitch a tent and stay a while. A small area of plant life has been preserved where bikers, hikers, and wanderers go to breath the salty ocean air and gaze at the glistening ocean below. While this is only a one sided view it's definitely one of the best.
Want a break from the ocean for a minute? Head downtown to the Top of the Hyatt bar located in the Grand Hyatt and soothe the senses with a cocktail and another fantastic view. Sites such as the Coronado Bridge and Island, The Gaslamp Quarter, Point Loma and the surrounding houses on the hills are some of the scenes you'll take part in. View the low flying landing planes heading into Lindbergh Field Airport and enjoy the talented pilots as they almost brush the neigborhoods below them. Observe the massive Navy ships coming and going on their way to and from the sea. Catch a glimpse of the Coronado Islands to the south. Best of all, relax and be waited on...
Ready for more ocean? Steer towards Point Loma's Cabrillo National Monument where you'll drive past the naval base and Fort Rosecrans National Cemetary while heading up to the top. Enjoy the lighthouse and statue of Juan Rodriquez Cabrillo as well as the view of San Diego looking towards the east. See if you can spot Mt. Helix when the day is clear enough. This peninsula point is a memorial to Cabrillo for being the first Spaniard to set foot on the California coast and is almost completely surrounded by water. Head down off the peak and go west to check out the tide pools. If the tide is low you'll be amazed at what you find on the slick rocks in little pools. Everything from starfish to octopus can be seen. Feel the surf crash against the cliffs and imagine what it was like for an explorer like Cabrillo to discover the beauty of San Diego. There's just nowhere like it. - TKSandal
