Training Day

Last week we highlighted car-related activities in the city, so this week we thought we'd continue with the transportation theme with a post dedicated to trains and trolleys.  Considering southern California has a reputation for being car-obsessed, we have some amazing mass transit options for getting around.   Whether you are a Ferroequinologist (yes, there is a word for people who study trains) or just a fan of seeing the sites without worrying about parking, we've got you covered with train-related fun in San Diego.

Starting off small, really small, you can pay a visit to the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park.  Although everything here is tiny, and the museum is a small space located on the lower level of Casa de Balboa Building, this is the world's largest accredited model railroad museum.  It's filled with intricate scenes of not just trains but of the bridges they cross and canyons they traverse.  There is a detailed version of the San Diego and Arizona Eastern Train Line that is 1/87th of the actual size, and the Pacific Desert Lines that is 1/160 of the actual size, one of the largest miniature train scenes in the world (talk about oxymorons!).   The museum is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday.  Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, $6 for children (14 to 6), $5 for military (with ID), and kids 5 and under are free.  The impressive tiny details and computer-controlled trains will keep kids and kids-at-heart enthralled.  

The shiny Red Trolley that bips around downtown is not just a great way to get around they're also an entertaining way to take in the city while you sit back and relax.  Three different trolley lines cover over 51 miles of tracks and with 53 stations to stop at getting around town is both convenient and easy.  We're fans of the nifty green line which will take you from Gaslamp Quarter up to Seaport Village then onto to Old Town and to the Fashion Valley Mall; all great destinations that allow you to avoid parking in these normally busy areas.  Single Rides for adults are $2.50 and multiple-stop day passes start at $5.  

Located 30 minutes north of Mission Bay is the Poway Midland Railroad, a vintage railroad station that is owned by the city and run by community volunteers.  Adults can take rides for $1.50 and kids for $0.50 on Saturday and Sundays, check out their Facebook Page for updated train schedules.  There is an electric mix of different trains you can take for a spin, like an electric trolley from the 1890s, a San Francisco street cable car from 1906, and a 1950 Fairmont Speeder Train.  It's evident that the volunteers running it love what they do, and the little ones will enjoy the short rides around this small historical gem.  

San Diego has a sophisticated commuter train system that runs east and west (the SPRINTER inland rail) and north and south (the COASTER), and rivals any cosmopolitan city.  The difference with our commuter train is that the ride comes with stunning views as it hugs the California coast.  For a fun half day trip, we recommend hopping on the COASTER at the Santa Fe Depot downtown and taking it up to the Oceanside Transit Center, a few blocks from the ocean and their lovely pier.  Walk along the water and then have lunch at Ruby's at the end of the pier for delicious burgers and shakes, and keep your eyes open for dolphins and whales.  

The Pacific Southwest Railway Museum pays tribute to San Diego's rich railroad history with two original antique train stations.  Twenty minutes east of Mission Bay in La Mesa is a small train depot that dates back to 1894.  It's run by volunteers and features a vintage locomotive, box car, and caboose that you can walk in and explore on Saturdays from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.   The PSRM has a larger outpost in Campo, 60 miles east of San Diego, which is also run by volunteers who are passionate about trains and their history.  Trains run out of a restored depot, which seems to appear out of nowhere as you drive up to the desert location.  You can book rides on the weekends, with tickets starting at $19 for adults and $9 for children.  Train enthusiasts will love getting a closer look at the different train cars at the yard, and kids will love climbing onto the massive vehicles for a ride through the desert.  If you get there early enough, the train conductor usually offers peaks inside the engine car and gives a little tutorial about how they run.  

San Diego has something for 'railfans' (yes, another official word for train enthusiasts) and those who just love convenient transportation.  But, once you get a look at the elaborate details and sheer power of these machines (both in miniature and actual size), you might feel the urge to break out the books and study ferroequinology.  Use Mission Bay Vacation Rentals as your home base, and start mapping out your different locomotive trips and stops all within San Diego.  

Catching a Bite

The San Diego coastline is dotted with some remarkable piers. We have the longest wooden pier (Oceanside) and the longest concrete structure (Ocean Beach) on the West Coast.  Our piers aren’t just for taking in breathtaking vistas, we’ve also got some great food joints on some of them as well.  Take advantage of the cooler temperatures and longer days (Daylight Saving Time won’t kick in until November 1st) with a leisurely meal outside.  

Oceanside has the second longest pier in San Diego (1,942 feet long) and is the farthest north pier in the county.  A quick 40 minute drive north from Mission Bay will take you to an expansive beach with a pier that has an old-time feel, but don’t be fooled, this sturdy structure was built in 1988.  The retro look has a lot to do with the 1950’s style diner, Ruby’s, located at the very  end of the pier.  Ruby’s consistently delivers thick, delicious shakes, tasty burgers and fries.  However, Ruby’s secret weapon is their unbelievable breakfasts.  From their French toast made from thick slices of their cinnamon rolls or hearty omelettes stuffed with thick-cut bacon, cheese, avocado and served with ‘housemade’ salsa, you cannot make a wrong choice here.   They’re open from 7:00 am to 9:00 pm (except on Friday and Saturday they close at 10:00pm) and breakfast is served until 11:30am.  

San Diego’s longest pier is the T-shaped structure in Ocean Beach, which was constructed in 1966.  Step back in time at the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe, which sits halfway down the pier. Here you will find a no-frills cafe, with a friendly staff and generous portions.   Order the perfectly sweet chocolate chip pancakes for breakfast or the enormous breakfast burrito.  For lunch try the famous lobster tacos while you take in views of surfers below.  An added bonus: locals claim that this is the best coffee in Ocean Beach.  Keeping in tune with OB’s party vibe, the pier is open 24 hours, however the Ocean Beach Pier Cafe is open from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm. 

Our southern most pier in the city and on the West Coast of the United States can be found at Imperial Beach.  On clear days, as you stroll down the pier, you can catch a glimpse of Mexico and Los Coronados Islands.  The Tin Fish is a tasty restaurant at the end of Imperial Beach Pier, with panoramic views of the ocean.  Casual fare like fish and chips (waffle fries) are served in baskets with their savory home made sauce.  All the fish tacos are amazing, and for the adventurous eater, you do not want to miss the grilled calamari tacos.   Open from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm, The Tin Fish will make you feel like you’re eating in the middle of the ocean. 

Although not technically over the water, Pier 32 Waterfront Grill, made our list thanks to their  their delectable food and views of the marina and harbor.  You can dine inside, but our choice is always to eat al fresco, especially with the outside heat lamps that ensure comfortable eating, no matter how chilly it might get.  Feast on garlic fries or any one of the grilled sandwiches.  This is a place you’ll want to bring the little ones for sure, as they have a giant sand box next to the restaurant where they will enjoy playing.  They’re open for lunch from 11:00am to 2:00pm Monday through Thursday, Friday from 11:00 to 7:00pm, and on Saturday and Sunday they’re open from 9:00am to 7:00 pm.

There’s nothing quite like sitting over the ocean, feeling the sea breeze, and enjoying a delicious meal.  You might even consider a Pier Pilgrimage so you can sample all of these great restaurants.  If you’re staying in Mission Bay at one of our Vacation Rentals you’ll be surrounded by all these enjoyable eateries, not to mention the gorgeous views that await at the end of these piers.