Labor day weekend, four and a half days of fun in San Diego. We started off driving down from Roseville, CA. Because it was my daughter and I driving and we left on Thursday afternoon, I decided to go by way of 99 through the Central Valley of California.  Brought back memories of childhood family vacations from San Diego to Redding.  Lots of country to drive through, with small towns along the way. Some of those small towns have gotten pretty big in the last 30 years!

Crystal Pier Hotel Cottages

So, first stop in San Diego after checking into our hotel was Pacific Beach right next to the Crystal Pier. If you want a unique overnight experience at the beach check into the Crystal Pier Hotel and stay in one of the cottages on the pier. You actually get to park ON THE PIER!!!

Little Italy Mercato

Saturday started early with a trip to Little Italy Mercato.  Four whole blocks fresh fruits, vegetables, pastries, eggs, whatever you might want to cook for dinner that night.  Lots of locals with their dogs, live music, great sights. The highlight of Saturday was time spent on the Midway Aircraft Carrier and seeing all the boats on San Diego Bay. Sunday once again was bright and early and off to the famous Balboa Park Museums.  The Stay for the Day Pass was a wonderful bargain and we visited 3 museums, saw two movies, one of them IMAX, and visited the Internation Houses at the end of the day.  The House of Hospitality was a great stop for lunch. All in all a great weekend and a wonderful way to visit my hometown and share it with my husband and daughter. Living in Placer County is very much like living in San Diego, lots of activities, lots of towns to visit and instead of the ocean there is the American River and Folsom Lake. I love my life...