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San Diego Architecture Gallery
Sunny San Diego has a spectacular skyline, best viewed by boat from the Bay. As you glide along the waterfront, older and lower buildings give way to glittering glass condos and hotels. Across town, Balboa Park houses not only the world famous zoo, but a fabulous collection of Spanish Renaissance buildings constructed for the 1915 Panama-California Exposition. In 1935, a second World’s Fair was held during the depression to boost the local economy, and saw the construction of The Old Globe theater, as well as several art deco and art moderne buildings. Although architecture may not be what draws people to San Diego, there are plenty of great buildings to…
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The Lodge at Torrey Pines- La Jolla, CA
While I do prefer my hotels to be historic, I make exceptions. The Lodge at Torrey Pines is an excellent example. While it may have only been built in 2002, it was inspired by classic California architecture. Perched atop a bluff, overlooking the Pacific, it is also spectacularly scenic. Further, it’s located adjacent to the famous golf course of the same name. So yes, exceptions can be made. Designed by architect William Hughes, the dark, moody lodge immediately transports you back in time. Built in the Arts and Crafts style, it is modeled after several iconic properties designed by Greene & Greene, early 20th century architects known for their California…
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Torrey Pines Golf Course- La Jolla, CA
If you are a golfer, Torrey Pines is on your radar. Either you have played these two magnificent 18 hole courses, which hug the Southern California coast, or you want to. Although municipal courses, they host a variety of professional tournaments, including the U.S. Open, and the Farmers Insurance Open. Following these events is the perfect time to play, as the courses will still be in tournament conditions. Which is to say impossible for us mere mortals, but exciting nevertheless; you will literally be following in the footsteps of Tiger, Phil and 2018’s winner Jason Day. Although tee times the day after a tournament are generally awarded to San Diego…
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La Quinta Resort & Club- La Quinta, CA
La Quinta Resort & Club may just be my absolute favorite resort, bar none. Between its stunning location at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains, its many golf courses, seemingly limitless pools, and historic casitas, it’s pretty hard to beat. The beautifully manicured grounds maintain a wonderful retro vibe, while the rooms are nicely updated. In the winter, there are few better escapes. Dating back almost a century, the resort was the brainchild of San Francisco businessman Walter H. Morgan. He dreamed of opening a verdant, tranquil retreat, catering to the famous and well-heeled of the day. In the early 1920s, he purchased 1400 acres from the Cahuilla Indians,…
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Mission San Juan Capistrano- SJC, CA
For those who love history and architecture, it is hard to beat the allure of a mission. Strung together by the Spaniards, they are a network of some of the oldest structures in America. One of the most significant and intact is Mission San Juan Capistrano; it is home to the last remaining chapel where Saint Junipero Serra celebrated Mass, ruins of a grand stone cathedral, and of course migrating swallows. Yes, the swallows have returned, albeit fewer than in the past. Initially founded on October 30, 1775, the Mission was abandoned just a few weeks later, when word arrived of a revolt in San Diego. Soldiers and padres alike…
