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.  

Take Me Out to the Ballgame!

Did you know that the San Diego Padres are only one of two Major League Baseball teams that originated in California?  No imports here.  The Padres season is about to kick-off and to celebrate we’re blogging about the classic American pastime: baseball. 

In our opinion, Petco Park, located in downtown San Diego, is the most beautiful baseball stadium in the world.  A relatively new acquisition to our lovely city (it opened in 2004), the open-air ballpark offers stunning views of the city while you cheer on the Padres.  At game time over 40,000 people make their way to watch their favorite team, do the wave, and wait for the umpire to yell, ‘play ball!’  The food at Petco Park will not disappoint.  Besides the hot dogs, popcorn, and beer, you can enjoy savory steak sandwiches, healthy salads, tacos, and seafood.  Getting there could not be more convenient thanks to the San Diego Coaster and Trolley (the perks of living in an organized city). 

 

Baseball games and snacks go hand in hand, and no game would be complete without a soft, giant pretzel.  Turns out pretzels can be tasty and good for you, if you get them from the San Diego Pretzel Company.  Their all-natural, artisan, hand rolled soft pretzels have been around since 1995, and are low in fat and made with vegan ingredients.  For those who are connoisseurs of the East Coast pretzel (both New York and Philly style), these pretzels are as authentic as it gets, and they’re a high source of protein to boot.  Their factory is located a little bit south of downtown, and is open to the public.

For the quintessential baseball stadium food, the hot dog is king.  If you can’t make it to a Padres game in Petco Park, you can still enjoy some of the best hot dogs in the country at Daddy’s Hot Dogs.  Known not only for fresh, delicious food, Daddy’s is famous for making everyone feeling like family.  

Be sure and say “hello” to Daddy and also, know, you shouldn’t ask for changes to the menu, you just need to trust the chef.  Not a meat-eater?  No problem, they have the tastiest veggie dogs you’ll ever try.  One thing you won’t find anywhere else is the “I don’t see what I want” Dog.  Daddy will cook up a custom dog that he creates on the spot.  

Just because you don’t play for the Padres, doesn’t mean you can’t perfect your swing.  At Brickyard Cages, one of San Diego’s most state-of-the-art in-door training facility,  players of all ages can practice hitting both baseballs and softballs.  Their staff is made up of experienced instructors and the Brickyard offers individual and group lessons and clinics.  Open seven days a week, this is the ideal place for competitive training or just good old-fashioned fun.  And, don’t be intimidated by the most technologically advanced pitching machines around, Brickyard is tailored for people of all abilities. 

The Padres have been part of California since 1969 and their amazing stadium is at the heart of San Diego.  Mission Bay is a hop, skip, and a jump from all the baseball action.  Even if watching a game isn’t your thing, there are plenty of alternatives to having fun and still taking part in America’s favorite past time.