About Carrie T
Carrie got the travel bug in college and immediately set out for a long term career in the tourism industry. She’s lived and studied abroad in France and Mexico, and traveled extensively both domestically and internationally. As the West Coast Regional Manager for Smart Destinations, she is an expert on Southern California attractions. She splits her time between San Diego and Los Angeles, building travel products that help clients save both time and money. Outside of enjoying the California sunshine, her favorite hobby is giving travel advice to her friends and family!
Blog posts written by Carrie T
April 30th, 2008 by carrie t
Downtown Julian photo uploaded by
Julian, California is best known for its apple harvest in the fall and the “best apple pie” in the USA. However, the spring is also a fantastic time to visit Julian, as millions of daffodils and lilacs come to live on the hillsides. Julian has great hiking and outdoor activities available as well. This town is filled with quaint B&B’s and great local restaurants, which makes it a perfect get-away destination. For more information, go to www.junianca.com.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
April 28th, 2008 by carrie t
Petco Park photo uploaded by
Baseball season is back!
The Padres have returned to Petco Park for another great season of baseball. Look for tickets and fantastic events all summer long – the season is underway now and runs until late September. For season and group tickets, call 619-795-5500. Also go to the Padres’ website for information on 2 for 1 days, Coca-Cola Family weekends, and military tickets. Tickets can also be purchased in person at the window at Petco Park.
For an exclusive look behind the scenes at Petco Park, buy a Go San Diego Card. The card includes admission to the Petco Park Tour.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
April 23rd, 2008 by carrie t
Wave House Flowrider photo uploaded by
The Wave House Athletic Club has something for everyone this summer. Be sure to buy a Go San Diego Card and head out for a day at the Wave House Athletic Club. With the Go San Diego Card, you can ride the infamous FlowRider Wave for a full hour session. Wet suit rentals are included in the offer. The fun doesn’t stop there – you are also welcome to enjoy the Olympic sized swimming pool for free swim and games.
This offer also includes use of the lockers, so you don’t have to worry about your valuables while you’re catching waves. The Wave House is also in the same area as Belmont Park, so be sure to head over to the Giant Dipper roller coaster – unlimited rides are available with the Go San Diego Card as well!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
March 31st, 2008 by carrie t
Recycling photo uploaded by
While on vacation, remember to reduce, reuse, and recycle. Since the 1970s, environmentalists are estimating that we use between 500 billion to a trillion plastic bags annually in the world. They usually find their way to the garbage very quickly, where they contaminate our environment.
Paper bags are equally as wasteful, as they consume high amounts of energy to produce, as well as recycle. Instead of thinking about “paper or plastic,” this Earth Day, take a moment to consider if the bags are really necessary in the first place. Grocery stores like altogether in an effort to reduce waste. Instead, they will be offering reusable bags at a low price.
So, help to take care of our planet and invest in a good canvas bag to carry with you while you travel – you can use this bag to tote beach supplies, carry groceries, or even pick up souvenirs while you are shopping on your trip.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
March 28th, 2008 by carrie t
Carlsbad Beach photo uploaded by
The Carlsbad 5000 is known as one of the most competitive 5k races in the country. Over 10,000 runners from various places around the world will line up in Carlsbad on Sunday, April 6 to compete for a $70,000 prize. The course extends along a beautiful stretch of seaside terrain, winding through Carlsbad village.
The event also features a beer garden and post-parties which help draw in a wide variety of runners every year (both professionals and amateurs are welcome to compete). Over 16 world records and 8 American records have been set on this course in the past 22 years!
For other activities in Carlsbad, check out LEGOLAND and Museum of Making Music. Both are included with the Go San Diego Card!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
March 14th, 2008 by carrie t
Old Town photo courtesy of Carrie Tayloe
A common misconception about Cinco de Mayo is that it’s Mexican Independence Day; however, that’s actually on September 16. In Mexico, Cinco de Mayo is hardly recognized except on the regional level. The date signifies the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla against France in 1862. Californians started Cinco de Mayo in the 1860’s to show their excitement about French resistance in Mexico. It’s since become an unofficial US holiday, and it gives us the chance to celebrate the influence of Mexican culture on our daily lives in the United States.
The best place to enjoy Cinco de Mayo is in Old Town San Diego, an adorable Spanish style neighborhood in heart of the city. Old Town turns into a gigantic (free) street fair for the long weekend. Bring your friends and family, and come early to grab a table on one of the outdoor patios. Handmade fresh tortillas, margaritas, and great music will be available all weekend long. While in Old Town, check out Junipero Serra Museum and the Whaley House Museum.
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
February 26th, 2008 by carrie t
Whale Watching Photo courtesy of San Diego Harbor Excursion
Here in San Diego, our whale watching season runs from December 26 - March 31st. Join for an amazing day on the water,where you’ll see California Gray Whales up close and personal.
These gigantic whales pass San Diego on their voyage from the Bering Sea all the way to Baja California, Mexico. This is almost a four hour tour, and if you are prone to sea sickness, we recommend bringing Dramamine!
For the best deal on the whale watching tour, as well as all the other top attractions in San Diego, purchase a
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
February 4th, 2008 by carrie t
Dog photo courtesy of Carrie T.
If you’re planning to bring your dog or other pet on your trip to San Diego, then you’ll want to check out these pet-friendly restaurants:
1134 Orange Avenue, Coronado CA 92118
619-437-1134
4934 Voltaire Street, San Diego CA 92107
Doggie Menu Available!
619-223-2202
712 ½ Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, CA 92109
858-273-8918
5500 Gaines Street, San Diego, CA 92110 at San Diego Humane Society
760-944-0612
1010 Prospect Street, La Jolla, CA
858-459-1187
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
January 22nd, 2008 by carrie t
San Diego’s Mission Bay Photo courtesy of Carrie Tayloe
While you’re on vacation you might be inclined to use the gym at your hotel, but consider waking up early and going for a jog along . The spectacular boardwalk is one of San Diego’s most serene spots (particularly in the mornings in late afternoons).
One of the best ways to enter the bay is in Pacific Beach. Head down Fanuel Street to the Bay (from the 1-5 exit on Grand/Garnet, take Grand or Garnet west toward the beach and then take a left on Fanuel. Follow Fanuel Street to the Bay. You’ll cross PB Drive, and then La Palma; there will be parking in that area either in the parking lot or find street parking). Along the bay is a beautiful boardwalk which you can loop or take over to the beaches. Happy travels!
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
January 2nd, 2008 by carrie t
Turf Supper Club photo uploaded by
San Diego is a tourist destination and a resort town at the heart of it. However, if you look hard enough, you’ll find that there are plenty of unique and fabulous local spots in the city. Of these, the is one of my favorites.
The Turf Club is a no frills Martini lounge and steak joint located in the eclectic neighborhood of Golden Hill. It feels like an old “swingers” bar from the minute you step inside. Grab a stool at the bar for the best service. (more…)
Planning a trip to
San Diego?
Read about attractions, tours, discounts, and more with the
Go San Diego Card.
