My family started vacationing in San Diego back when I was a teen and it immediately became one of my favorite cities. So, as a Catholic Pilgrim where should you go, what should you see, and is there any good place to eat?

NON-RELGIOUS PLACES TO VISIT

San Diego has so many great places to chose from that you really can't go wrong. There are too many locations to mention, so I'm just going to mention my top three places. Of course, the zoo is amazing and gigantic. Balboa Park is perfect for a lazy picnic in the sun and SeaWorld is always fun. However, here are my top three things to do:

Point Loma:

I love lighthouses and one sits atop Point Loma. There are great views and there is a tide pool area that is great for kids. They can find all kinds of sea creatures and have fun climbing on rocks and exploring little caves.

Coronado Island and Hotel Del:

To get to Coronado Island you have to go across a huge bridge or ride a ferry. At night the ferry gives stellar views of the lit-up downtown area. Coronado is a quaint island that hosts one of our country's coolest hotels--The Hotel Del. My sister and I are Marilyn Monroe fans and part of the movie "Some Like It Hot" was filmed there. If you like vintage, if you like taking a trip back in time, if you love unique, old things, go here. My family and my sister's family dressed up one night and had dinner in Hotel Del's upscale restaurant for my birthday. It was a perfect evening.

But, if you don't want to eat at a fine-dining restaurant there are plenty of restaurants to choose from and, for the most part, they are all unique.

Mission Beach:

There are plenty of beaches to enjoy while in San Diego, but I'm partial to Mission Beach. The reason is probably because that's where my family has been going since our first time. It's got a great boardwalk that is active with bikers, skateboarders, rollerbladers, runners, walkers, and everything in between. You wanna people watch? This is the place. It's very laid back. Spending a day there rejuvenates you. You can rent bikes, take the kids to the little amusement park, or just enjoy the beach.

WHERE TO EAT

When you are at Mission Beach go to Woody's and get yourself something, anything. It's all good. Get the hot chocolate with whip cream. You'll thank me later. It's a tiny place, with only outdoor seating, but your sitting by the beach, so who cares? The food and drinks are worth the trip every time I'm visit.

OLD TOWN: 

I can't go to San Diego without stopping by Old Town. How do I describe Old Town? I can't find the right words, so just go and allow yourself lots of time. It's got museums, it makes you feel like you've stepped back in time a bit, and it's festive and fun. As you walk around, you will see our Catholic heritage all over the place.

While in Old Town, I would suggest eating at Barra Barra. Kids will love it with tons of interesting decorations to occupy their eyes. You can sit inside or outside and I've never been disappointed by the Mexican food there. At one of the restaurants in Old Town, I had the opportunity to eat a roasted cactus! It was actually pretty good. Kind of like a pepper.

CATHOLIC PLACES TO VISIT

Mission San Diego

You have to go to Mission San Diego de Alcala. The California Missions were started by St. Juñipero Serra and the one in San Diego was the first out of twenty-one. It was founded in 1769. Take the tour and enjoy the grounds. Each mission has a beautiful inner courtyard where the monks used to garden. Most missions have engaging scavenger hunt worksheets for kids to work through. The missions are always a place of solitude, peacefulness, and a chance to connect with our past. Most times when you enter the church, Gregorian chant is playing and candles are glowing. Ah, man, I can't get enough!

The church in Old Town

While in Old Town, stop in at The Church of the Immaculate Conception. Near this church is where St. Juñipero Serra said his First Holy Mass in California in 1769. It's a beautiful church and my family attended Mass there a few years back. Because it's in a more tourist-y area, there are all kinds of people that attend Mass. The gift shop has lots of goodies and I know you'll love the inside of the church.

Pick a Church

Just pick a church, any Catholic church to attend for Mass. I once read that you get special graces by attending Mass in different parishes when you travel, because it's like you are on a pilgrimage. Take advantage of the chance to see a gorgeous church. They are all works of art in their own right. We decided to go to St. Joseph's Cathedral which is right downtown. It was so amazing inside. The stained glass windows, the statues, all the intricate details enhanced my worship. After Mass, our family took time to walk around the church and see all the artwork.

Being a Catholic Pilgrim means that when we travel we have a unique opportunity to experience history, culture, and our faith. San Diego provides you the fun of a big city where you can enjoy numerous activities. It has Catholic history which is abundant in Old Town and at the Mission. It has a plethora of Catholic churches to attend. Plus, it has the ocean and beach, which for me, always puts me in touch with the Creator. If you are traveling to San Diego, I hope this helps you and that you have a wonderful time. Drop me a line and let me know your favorite place in San Diego.

Travel well, Catholic Pilgrim!