Welcome to Weekend Driver's tour of San Diego's South Bay Beaches. I'm your guide, Jack Brandais.
You've found your way to one of the last freeway exits in the southwestern most corner of the continental United States. Dairy Mart Road might seem an odd name for a street, but this is where Dairy Mart Farms were located, once home to thousands of cows, part of one of San Diego's biggest dairies.
Today, most of the cows are gone, but in the midst of this very densely developed area over two countries, the Tijuana River Estuary is home to some farming, stables and open space. It's an important stop on the route birds follow when migrating. That makes the estuary a favorite for birders.
Over the next 40 miles, travel from the US-Mexico Border, through Imperial Beach and up the Silver Strand to Coronado. Then it's a couple of secret places to view downtown San Diego, a trip over the coronado bay bridge, Barrio Logan, the Gaslamp Quarter and downtown San Diego.
Along the way, we'll see some of the least known areas of Southern California, take a look at an important estuary, wide-open beaches, and a couple of classic beach towns.
For drivers, it means a few twists along the road; narrow, old highways and and a very unexpected country cruise.
We're coming up on Hollister Street, our next turn. If you'd like to go right to the beach, go straight ahead instead of turning north at Hollister Street. We'll have plenty of beach stops later, though. One reason this tour doesn't go to Border Field State Park -- which is right at the Mexican Border and on the beach, is because the gate to the park is frequently locked. In addition, part of the road to get there is dirt. So, give it a try if you like. Otherwise, look and listen for your next turn. (less) Welcome to Weekend Driver's tour of San Diego's South Bay Beaches. I'm your guide, Ja...(more)
02 -- Hollister Street
Hollister Street heads north almost from the US Mexico border. Enjoy the stables and country atmosphere, but look out for horses and riders along the roads and narrow bridges.
It's hard to believe you're almost in the middle of a metropolitan area with more than three million people.
This area was planned for development at many times in the last century. However, one thing or another blocked construction and we're left with a beautiful open space and agricultural area.
This region is not without controversy. But for a day trip, it makes a nice drive.
You can learn more about the estuary when you check out the Visitor Center a little later. (less) Hollister Street heads north almost from the US Mexico border. Enjoy the stables and ...(more)
02a -- Along Hollister Street
We're heading into the Palm City and Nestor neighborhoods. Even though homes were built here in the 1960s, sharp-eyed visitors will still see remnants of the area's old rural character, especially if you look up the side streets.
Up next is busy Coronado Avenue, where we'll make a left turn. If you're hungry and want to try some of the local taco shops, I recommend the carne asada burrito. Taco shops are all over San Diego. They're not the most stylish places to eat, but the food is generally good. Just make sure the shop as an "A" card in the window from the county health department.
After the turn onto Coronado Avenue, look for the South Bay Drive In Theater. Yes, it's still operating, even though as you drive by, it might be a swap meet. The sellers are there during the day on weekends and Wednesdays. Every night of the year the "passion pit" is in operation, usually with double features running on each of its three screens. Be aware of one regulation... management reserves the right to spot check the inside of your vehicle, including the trunk. So don't try to save the admission charge by smuggling any friends into the drive-in using your trunk. (less) We're heading into the Palm City and Nestor neighborhoods. Even though homes were bui...(more)
03 -- South Bay Drive-In
One of the few drive-in theaters remaining in San Diego county is the South Bay Drive-In. If you're here on the weekend, it's a swap meet, but the screen comes alive at night. www.southbaydrivein.com/ (less) One of the few drive-in theaters remaining in San Diego county is the South Bay Drive...(more)
3a Third Street
Turn left here to go to the Visitor Center. Fourth Street is gated and/or one way north. (less) Turn left here to go to the Visitor Center. Fourth Street is gated and/or one way north.
04 --Estuary Visitor Center
We've now driven around the preserve and are about to learn about it. You've arrived at the Tijuana Estuary Visitor Center, 301 Caspian Way (619-575-3613). Open daily, the center offers exhibits on the flora and fauna in the estuary, as well as a fabulous view of the marsh. Friendly park employees and volunteers point out sites and birds, and paths lead away from the center. There are nature walks and bird walks on weekends, a speaker series and, for kids, a Junior Rangers program. The estuary is home to endangered species such as the California Least Tern and American Peregrine Falcon. Bring your binoculars. Estuaries like Tijuana used to be located every few miles along the coast -- almost every place where a river met the sea. However, most have been developed, leaving few places for migrating birds and other wildlife.
http://trnerr.org/visitors_center.html (less) We've now driven around the preserve and are about to learn about it. You've arrived ...(more)
05 -- South End, Seacoast Drive
You've found your way to the south end of Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach. Park if you like -- and can find a spot -- because from here you can visit the beach or estuary. Behind the condos to the west is the Pacific Ocean. To the east is the estuary. Look back and you'll see the Visitor Center to the northeast, due east is the Navy's Imperial Beach Naval Outlying Field, where generations of helicopter pilots have learned how to fly. To the south is a path leading to the beach. Controversy? Check to see if there are any sewage warning signs. You see, the Tijuana River flows north from Mexico and in this area, sewage flowing in the river from Tijuana can pollute the beach even though it might not smell. If there aren't any signs up, you're safe to swim. Now, when was the last time a tourist tour mentioned sewage?
When you're done checking out the beach and estuary, head north. If you're hungry, there are several restaurants in the area -- mostly funky, local joints. Take your pick or if you're looking for fancier fare, wait until we get to Coronado. (less) You've found your way to the south end of Seacoast Drive in Imperial Beach. Park if y...(more)
06 -- Imperial Beach Pier
Do spend some time in Imperial Beach. A funky beach town that hasn't been too gentrified, the rough edges make it interesting. The pier and adjacent park have recently been spruced up, and while there are a few new shops, this is Imperial Beach. If you're looking for Seaport Village, you won't find it. Walk out to the end of the pier for a truly great experience. If you decide to eat a the Tin Fish fast-food cafe at the end of the pier, beware that wait times for your food can be very long. (less) Do spend some time in Imperial Beach. A funky beach town that hasn't been too gentrif...(more)
Take a drive up historic Fifth Avenue through the Gaslamp Quarter. One of the largest collections of Victorian-era commercial structures, the Gaslamp has been brought back to life over the last 30 years. It's now a thriving entertainment district, with restaurants, nightclubs, hotels and other attractions. (less) Take a drive up historic Fifth Avenue through the Gaslamp Quarter. One of the largest...(more)
17 -- END I-5
You've found your way to Interstate 5. Hope you had a great trip! (less) You've found your way to Interstate 5. Hope you had a great trip!
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