PlanetEye

San Diego is the home to Birch Aquarium, an amazing destination with exhibits that will leave a lasting impression on you. 

In 1903, the Scripps Institution of Oceanography had an aquarium for people to visit, but it wasn't until 1992, when their new, awe-inspiring aquarium was built.

While strolling through this impressive facility you will visit around 60 tanks and a few   interactive tide pools.  Their intimate museum has a lot of information to share. 

One of their exhibits is a 70,000 gallon tank with floor to ceiling, thick glass enclosures.  Mature kelp sway with the movement of the water, and nestled between the kelp, you'll spot more marine life than you would scuba diving!  Schools of sea bass cruise by, and moray eels peek out of their homes.  

The shark tank is something you should not miss, because you will see different species of this marine animal.  As they circle the tank, you can take a close look as this powerful animal.  Ever seen a two-spotted octopus?  If not, you'll get the chance at this aquarium! 

The tide pools are located at the tide pool plaza.  It's a place where you can interact with these wonderful creatures, like sea urchins.  There are rules to follow at the tide pools, so for the safety of the marine life, do follow them.  By the way, the views of the ocean are amazing at this tide pool location.  During whale watching months, you can actually see the whales migrating. 

Birch Aquarium is opened every day, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Prices start at $11 for adults and go lower for seniors, college students and youth.

If you want some special dining while at the San Diego Zoo, then you might consider eating at Albert's Restaurant.  Although the zoo offers your typical fast food fare, Albert's Restaurant provides great food with beautiful scenery.

The restaurant is located in the tree house complex, which you will find adjacent to the Gorilla Tropics.  Their outdoor deck seating is an ideal spot, because you will have a view of a lovely waterfall and exotic plants growing from its rustic rocks.  It's a beautiful location and the sounds of the waterfall will put you in a very relaxed and refreshed mood.

While you are admiring the waterfall, it is the perfect time to sip on a cocktail, don't you think?  Their wine list has some nice choices, as does their beer selections.  Their full service cocktail bar can give you something tropical - a perfect compliment for the waterfall scenery!

Their year round lunch and summer dinner menu is quite impressive, and is not something you would typically see at a zoo.  Their appetizers include some tasty potstickers, empanada, and homemade soups. Their caesar salad is crisp and fresh, and their sandwiches are served up with beer-battered french fries. 

Their oven roasted chicken is great, as is their pan-seared halibut.  Their southwestern chicken and sauteed rock shrimp pasta dishes are unique and delicious.

And if you are a chocolate lover, you must try the chocolate mocha pyramid!

Whatever your food craving, Albert's Restaurant will have something you are looking for.

The price for a sandwich is about $14, their meat entrees are around $20 and the median price for a pasta dish is $15.   

Be sure to call ahead for reservations for summertime dining at (619) 685-3200.     

The San Diego Zoo just isn't like any other zoo.  Since its opening in 1915, the San Diego Zoo has made it their mission to create conservation projects and organizations to protect wildlife.

The zoo encompasses 100-acres and is overflowing with amazing things to see.  About 4,000 animals at San Diego Zoo are labeled rare and endangered, and visitors have the unique opportunity to take a peek at these extraordinary creatures.  Sprinkled throughout the zoo, you'll discover 800 subspecies and species, and see over 700,000 exotic plants from all over the globe.  

For many, a visit to the San Diego zoo is a journey of pure adventure for all ages.  In example, a wall of glass separating you and magnificent polar bears taking a swim in rather chilly water is a sight to see!  

And speaking of bears, don't miss the two Grizzly Bears that are siblings.   Although they are brothers, zoologists say that their personalities are different.  One is stubborn, and the other is nosey and curious.

The new Panda cub at the zoo is also gaining a lot of attention, so don't forget to see Zhen Zhen. 

How about watching some lions, tigers, or leopards interact in their den areas?  Their powerful roars will certainly catch your attention. 

If you're in the mood for some comical entertainment, than look no further than a walk through the Ituri Forest.  Swamp monkeys and otters will interact with one another.  More often than not, you'll see a monkey climb aboard an otter's back and hitch a ride down the water trail.

The exhibits are amazing at the San Diego Zoo, the property is serene, and the overall park is immaculately clean. You also have the choice of purchasing a Guided Bus Tour, Express Bus Rides and/or  Skyfari Aerial Tram Rides. Check out the Best Value Admission, because that will include all three riding choices at a great price.

The zoo is open every day of the year, so head on over there for a great visit!      

If you're in the town of Miramar in San Diego, and want to take a stab at an authentic barbecue meal, then head on over to Abbey's Real Texas Bar-B-Q.  This place, has received kudos from local television channels and the print media.

Rather than just slopping on barbecue sauce, this eatery produces a smoked meat that is sensationally tender and juicy. Their meat is slowly cooked for 20 to 30 hours in their own custom ovens.  They claim that their competition cannot even come close to the way they prepare a real Texas barbecue style meal.

Their menu is amazing; their barbecue sandwiches and wraps are a perfect lunch choice, where diners can choose between beef, pork, chicken, turkey, ham or sausage. Their Chuckwagon Special is a good lunch meal.

Abbey's can also serve family style with their platter specials. For example, their Meat By The Pound, says that one pound of their choice meats, including their beef brisket or pork shoulder, can feed two bucking broncos and one lil' dog.  With this type of description, you know that your in for an entertaining and tasty treat.  And plus, the chuckwagon, Texan atmosphere puts you in a fun mood.  

For the amount of food that you get, the prices are really good at Abbey's Real Texas Bar-B-Q.  Sandwiches run anywhere from $3.99 to $12.99, and platter specials start at $15.99. 

For vegetarians, there are a couple of choices, such as a vegetarian special and rice bowl.

This unique, family-style restaurant is opened Monday thru Sunday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

If you want to switch your vacation into high gear in San Diego, then what about a indoor speed circuit race?  Out of all the indoor kart racing in San Diego County, I would have to say that the top one is in Miramar, San Diego.  So, if you happen to be in the area, like visiting The Flying Leatherneck Museum, I highly urge you go to the Miramar Speed Circuit.

Their ¼ mile indoor track, is rated as one of the best  in the nation.  Miramar Speed Circuit offers its guests a 1/4 mile technical asphalt racetrack. This track is considered to be one of the finest indoor tracks in the United States, and was actually designed by professional racers. 

So even if you consider yourself a indoor kart pro, this track will definitely test your ability!  Their technical asphalt track at Miramar, features 3 hairpin turns and 2 straight-aways.  This asphalt track allows your race car tires to grip the track, and hugs every turn. 

Its Honda 6.58 horsepower karts reach 40 mph, and each one has a ROC Timing system, which gives you specs on your lap information.

Their state-of-the-art barriers, helmets, neck guards and SPARCO racing wear are available to gear up your racing experience.

The staff at Miramar Speed Circuit is top notch. 

Here are some more important things to know ahead of time:

• You must be at least 48' inches (4 feet) tall to ride the junior kart
• You must be at least 54' inches (4.5 feet) tall to ride the adult kart
• Closed-toe shoes are required

Miramar Speed Circuit also offers special packages and discount days, like lunch specials.  So, check that out for some additional racer savings.

The Flying Leatherneck Museum has been noted as being one of the most unique museums in the world.  Its collection of preserving aircraft and other paraphernalia from the Marine Corps is outstanding.

It is located in the town of Miramar, inland of coastal San Diego.

The museum is both indoor and outdoor.  Around 25 vintage military aircraft are on exhibit, as well as other memorabilia.  The items you will see here are original and one of a kind.  With its selection of uniforms, pictures and weapons, it's no wonder that this museum draws in so many visitors. 

It's also interesting to note that this musuem holds the history and memoribilia of the Woman Marine, which cannot be found anywhere else in the United States. 

Permant trophies can also be seen at this museum site.

As far as the aircraft is concerned, you'll see a collection of restored jets, propellor planes, helicopters and transports.  Here's a short list of what you'll be seeing:

Jets

McDONNELL-DOUGLAS A-4C "SKYHAWK"

McDONNELL-DOUGLAS A-4M "SKYHAWK"

MIKOYAN-GUREVICH MiG-15 FAGOT

Propellor Planes

CHANCE VOUGHT F4U­5N "CORSAIR"

GENERAL MOTORS FM-2 "WILDCAT" (GRUMMAN F4F)

ROCKWELL (NORTH AMERICAN) OV-10 "BRONCO"

Helicopters

SIKORSKY HUS (UH-34) "SEA HORSE"

PIASEKI HUP "RETRIEVER"

BELL AH-1J "SEA COBRA"

Transports

DOUGLAS R5D-2Z  (C-54) "SKYMASTER"

DOUGLAS R4D-8 "Super Gooney"

FAIRCHILD R4Q-2 (C-119) "PACKET" a.k.a. "FLYING BOXCAR"

For those of you who are military aircraft enthusiasts, The Flying Leatherneck Museum is not to be missed.  Their museum store also has some good items to see.  The museum is opened from Tuesday thru Sunday from 9a.m. to 3:30 p.m.  

T-4203 Anderson Avenue San Diego, CA 92145-0316
Phone: 1-877-FLY-USMC (1-877-359-8762)   

In the heart of downtown Oceanside, there is a nice, casual café called the Harbor House.  It's got a real family style feel to it, and the locals often congregate at the Harbor House for their meals throughout the day. 

The Harbor House is a good size café.  They've got a mixture of booths and tables.  There's also a place where you can belly up to the line-cook bar, for quicker service.

With a name like the Harbor House, it's no surprise to find large painted nautical murals in this eatery, along with some surfboards mounted on the walls. 

I recently ate there for a Sunday morning breakfast, and I was surprised at their large breakfast menu.  They had everything listed from different styles of pancakes, waffles, omelettes, scrambles, to fried steak and/or chicken dishes. My choice was the Eggs Benedict with turkey.  

When my entrée arrived, it was a hearty serving, paired with hash browns. The eggs were cooked perfectly, and the hollandaise sauce was just right. 

My other half ordered the biscuits and gravy, and two eggs over-easy.  He gave his dish a  thumbs up.

Our breakfast entrees with coffee were just under $23.00

For a busy, Sunday morning, the service was good, and our coffee was always kept warm with frequent refills.  And I might add that their restaurant was very clean.

I glanced at their lunch menu on the way out, and noticed a variety of sandwiches, salads and other specialities. 

If you're in the Oceanside area, and looking for a quick, inexpensive good meal - then you might want to try the Harbor House.

Harbor House Café

714 North Coast Highway

Oceanside, CA 92054

760-722-2254