San Diego Wonder Cruise / National Parks

[MomOTwins]

We are cautiously letting ourselves start planning for a cruise in March 2022. Right now, we have a spring break 5-night booked on the Wonder round trip from San Diego (our first time on a classic ship--excited to be getting closer to our Grand Slam!). The cruise ends on a Friday, and we can stay in the area until Sunday (due to work time off limitations, staying longer is not possible). My initial thought was to book us a couple nights at Disneyland, but husband made the point (though it goes against all my disney-obsessed instincts), that if we are going to be in California for the first time, we should rent a car and go SEE some of California. In particular, he'd love to see some natural splendor--mountains, deserts, forests (it looks like we're too far south for sequoias, but if that's wrong let us know as he'd be very interested) etc. I know we don't have time to do it justice, but if we could see one special, uniquely Californian park, we'd be happy.

I've been google mapping all morning trying to figure out what the best national or state parks near San Diego are, and where we would stay etc., but I keep getting confused (some things listed as state parks seem to be kind of suburban areas instead). And I'm also cognizant of the fact that what looks to be a 2 hour or less drive on google maps may be substantially more in traffic, and time is precious. One more wrinkle, we're flying in so would not be set up for camping, so we need somewhere not too far from hotels/park lodges/airbnbs--I don't mind splurging on something nice. Are there any SoCal locals on here or other folks who have done something similar before or after a West Coast cruise and can offer some recommendations of where to go and places to stay?

 

[bobbiwoz]

Joshua Tree NP is one we chose to visit after one WBPC cruise on the Wonder. We spent a fair amount of time on the road and also stayed at Furnace Creek in Death Valley NP. Then we did go to DL.

We were retired, just the two of us, and these were NP I never thought we would get to see. We spent a total of 8 nights after the cruise. I am so happy we did all of it.

 

[Disneyland_emily]

It’s definitely ‘California’ but not so much dirt and rocks but Cabrillo National Park is one of my absolute favorite places in California.

 

[HiStitch626]

Sequoia and Kings Canyon are amazing, but they are also 300 miles from San Diego. Joshua Tree is much closer and very doable for a short trip. It will definitely give you a desert experience. if you’re interested in birding at all, I highly recommend the Tijuana Estuary, south of San Diego. On the way to and from Joshua tree, a visit to the area around the Salton Sea is interesting.

 

[BlueRibbon]

Given that you'll only be in town for a couple of days, I'd recommend staying around the San Diego area. Driving up to LA can take 2-2.5 hours each way, and there is a lot of great stuff to see around San Diego! If you want to stay away from theme parks and zoos (San Diego Zoo, and Safari Park are awesome) the parks to see are: Old Town, Cabrillo National Monument, and Balboa Park. You can double up the zoo and Balboa park since the zoo is technically in the park. Just those 3 will take you all day, and many would argue you can't fit it all in 1 day.

 

[OKW Lover]

My initial thought was to book us a couple nights at Disneyland, but husband made the point (though it goes against all my disney-obsessed instincts), that if we are going to be in California for the first time, we should rent a car and go SEE some of California.

Did you point out that Disney's California Adventure might suffice?

OK, seriously now. There is so much to see/do in the rest of California you could easily spend weeks checking it all out. Just be aware that DL is in South California and a lot of the really interesting stuff is in North California. Its a huge stat and could take you a lot of time trying to get to some of the sights.

 

[Cheburashka]

Did you point out that Disney's California Adventure might suffice?

OK, seriously now. There is so much to see/do in the rest of California you could easily spend weeks checking it all out. Just be aware that DL is in South California and a lot of the really interesting stuff is in North California. Its a huge stat and could take you a lot of time trying to get to some of the sights.

Agreed. California is big, and there are no forests anywhere near San Diego, which is more of a desert region. Personally I'd either go to Disneyland, or spend a few days at the beach in southern California, or else drive straight up to northern California to see San Francisco & nearby Muir Woods, which are more interesting and pretty than southern California imo. I might be biased in my opinions as I'm a Texan & have driven through the American southwest many times, so I've already seen enough desert and joshua trees to last a lifetime. I would fly out of San Francisco if visiting northern California, though, as I wouldn't want to drive all the way back down to San Diego afterwards.

 

[Intr3pid]

You won't have time to go into most national parks in two days. Certainly not as day trips.

If you have never been to SoCal and just have a weekend to spare, stick with San Diego/LA. Do DL / Universal / San Diego Zoo, plus a Hollywood tour - and maybe a drive through Palm Springs/Joshua Tree NP on your way to LA.

 

[Geomom]

We did a week long trip to San Diego when my oldest was a toddler...so 20 years ago! (Time flies!) We went to Joshua Tree National park, did some wineries in Temecula, and went to the San Diego Zoo. I believe we drove past the Mt Palomar observatory as well. Joshua Tree is worth seeing, very otherworldly. We stayed in Indio for a night as it was cheaper than Palm Springs.

 

[bwvBound]

In particular, he'd love to see some natural splendor--mountains, deserts, forests (it looks like we're too far south for sequoias, but if that's wrong let us know as he'd be very interested) etc.

You don't mention beaches ... are these something you have easy access to at home?

If beaches are 'unique' and of interest to you ... you might consider booking the Hotel Del Coronado and spending the weekend moseying about the Coronado Island. On the plus side, you won't have far to drive ... either from the Cruise Terminal or the Airport! In fact, one could take a water ferry from the Cruise Terminal area directly to Coronado Island ... and then walk, Uber or Lyft from there to anywhere on the 'island.' Short drives from there include the Cabrillo Monument (mentioned above), Harbor/Shelter Islands, etc. It would be a relaxing weekend hanging out on the San Diego coast. Not a bad option! Very little driving stress.

Joshua Tree National Park is, as mentioned above, other worldly ... but it is also a rather long drive from the San Diego coastal area. Expect ~3.5+ hours each way ... and not a particularly pleasant drive unless you take the scenic routes up through Ramona, Santa Ysabel, Warner Springs, over the Santa Rosas to the Palms to Pines Scenic Byway ... dropping down a dramatically steep and curvy 2-lane highway to the desert floor. (A very dramatic drive ... not recommended for those who are queasy passengers??) Then again, if you are up for the adventure ... and if the journey is as important as the destination ... then go for it! Overnight somewhere in the desert region (Palm Springs, Indio, Palm Desert, etc) and plan a trip on the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway before returning to the coast? (Note: March in the Santa Rosa Mountains is often cold and wet. Check conditions for snow and/or black ice. Drive carefully ... no racing through shadowy curves!!!)

An easier "day trip" to the San Diego mountains might include a visit to Julian, a quaint mining village, and the Anza Borrego Desert which, in March, might be in bloom!! Of course, hanging out in Balboa Park and visiting the San Diego Zoo are always great options.

(Hmmm ... I might need to plan a day trip down to the coast. I seem to be talking myself into it while typing this post ... lol. It has been too long since my last visit to Balboa Park ... and I'd like to explore it fresh from my OneWheel as these folks are doing .... )

Anza Borrego Desert in Bloom!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

If you stick more local to San Diego, Cabrillo is actually pretty nice, albeit smaller than many parks. The Tiajuana Estuary is a state area: https://trnerr.org/. Torrey Pines (the state park, not the golf course) is fantastic. Border Field State Park is also interesting.

 

[dancebum]

Given that you'll only be in town for a couple of days, I'd recommend staying around the San Diego area. Driving up to LA can take 2-2.5 hours each way, and there is a lot of great stuff to see around San Diego! If you want to stay away from theme parks and zoos (San Diego Zoo, and Safari Park are awesome) the parks to see are: Old Town, Cabrillo National Monument, and Balboa Park. You can double up the zoo and Balboa park since the zoo is technically in the park. Just those 3 will take you all day, and many would argue you can't fit it all in 1 day.

Hi, I'm a local San Diegan, these are great suggestions, lots to see and do in San Diego, Cabrillo is really fun, I also like Torrey Pines State Beach for a fun hike that ends on the beach. If you wanted to stay another night and have a total change of scenery, Lake Arrowhead and Big Bear Lake aren't too far. But these suggestions are great and the most convenient.

 

[bwvBound]

You might also consider looking through 'excursions' offered through tour consolidators such as Viator ? Sorta like booking cruise excursions at the various ports ... but they pickup and drop off at/near your hotel. We booked a tour through them when we had an undecided day in Sydney, AU, a few years back and were 100% delighted. It was a "Blue Mountain" tour which involved quite a bit of driving ... but the tour operator broke it up in such cleaver ways that it was not a burden.

Samples of their San Diego offerings:

• Half-day 4x4 Border Trail Adventure (you drive!)
• Top Gun and Air Combat Experience
• Chauffeured Vineyard Adventure to local San Diego vineyards (grape to glass)
• Private Vacation Photographer session
• Mexican Street Food, Tijuana Day trip
• And more ... Segway city tours; Cycling around the Bay; Surfing lessons; Sailing; Ocean Fishing; Snorkeling; Kayak; Paddle Board (on my "someday!" list); OneWheel lesson (Jesse is a good guy!); Scavenger Hunts; etc.
  I quit scanning at page 10 ... too many options!
  

 

[jrabbit]

....

Anza Borrego Desert in Bloom!

I've been on Soarin' Over California and I don't remember this desert looking like this in the film - and where are the jet fighters? One of "these" have been "photoshopped"