Any San Diegans? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

pmizell · #1 08-06-2002, 12:06 AM

Or So California people in general around here?

Stupid question I know!

Anyhow, I'm taking a driving trip to San Diego this week to visit a friend over the weekend. I'll be out there Friday and me being the outdoorsy type, was looking for some good places to camp out within about a 300 mi radius of SD. Any suggestions?

I saw an article on MSNBC the other day, they recommended a spot called Jalama Beach St Park, north of Santa Barbara. Think I'll stay there a night or two, then venture off somewhere else. Joshua Tree St Park maybe?

Any other suggestions on sights to see in general are welcomed too!

TIA!

JCE · #2 08-06-2002, 12:53 AM

Paul:

Why don't you come by the SoCal MercedesShop get together on Saturday, about 1 hour north of San Diego!

Sign Up List For Aug 10 Bbq/meet

There are so many campgrounds to choose from, but many have been reserved solid for months. San Onofre beach state park is nice, and close to san Diego. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=647 Doheny park at the beach is pretty, close to dana point harbor and the ferry to Catalina, but may be booked as well. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=645

There are a lot of inland mountain campgrounds in SD county, but there was a big fire a week or 2 ago in Julian that may impact the camping. Joshua tree is going to be pretty damn hot this time of year! If you really want the desert/mountains experience, you might side trip to Palm springs and take the cable car to Mt San Jacinto - miles of hiking trails at 10k+ elevation, clean air, friendly people. http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=636 . Get an offseason hotel in one of the local motel 6 hotels, or do a 2-3 hr day trip from SD and enjoy a day of hiking!

http://www.parks.ca.gov/default.asp?page_id=637 covers the mount palomar area in San Diego County.
Lots of the state campgrounds are reservation required - info is at the parks home page. There are also federal and county campgrounds in some areas.

Jalama beach is 5-6 hours north of San Diego http://www.sbparks.com/docs/jalama.html and http://www.jalamabeach.com/ - it is really beautiful! (and about 17 miles off the beaten track, adjoining the Vandenberg missile range!)

Ah, forget the camping - come to the SoCal GTG for tequila shooters and BBQ ribs, and wander around Dana Point harbor afterwards drinking Starbucks and watching the rollerbladers instead!

MikeTangas · #3 08-06-2002, 01:08 AM

The fire John mentioned is still burning, but almost out. Not sure how much of the good camping spots around Julian/Cuyamaca area have been devastated, but a lot of countryside went up in smoke. This time of year the beaches are your best bet for cooler temps (the inland was pushing 100 today, desert much hotter).

By all means, join the So Cal get together.

placo1 · #4 08-06-2002, 01:20 AM

Actually I believe that Cuyamaca is closed due to the fire and majority of others are not allowing camp fires due to the dry season we're having.

If you're free Saturday and your in North County San Diego you're definitely welcome to hitch a ride with me up the GTG in the Newport Beach area. Either way the drive will be nice, the 101 is right on the ocean and is a beautiful scenic drive. The 5 North will be a bit more exhilirating if you know what I mean!

Let me know.

pmizell · #5 08-06-2002, 01:44 AM

WHOA!

That's alot of great info John, I appreciate it very much! And WOW, I had no idea you guys were getting together this weekend -- I never read this board. Since it's only an hour or so away, I'll do my very best to make it but I can't make any promises. If I do show up, it'll probably be around noon or so.

If I do make it I'll be sure to pick up something, probably a case of beer or if I knew for sure that I'd make it I could bring some great potato salad from a Houston-famous TX barbeque joint.

Man I hope I can make it up there. I would love to meet all you folks and throw down some margaritas and look at all the nice Benz's.

I'll most likely be alone -- I'll leave the woman behind

JCE · #6 08-06-2002, 02:18 AM

Great! here are David's directions to the park from San Diego (we should be there from roughly 9/10AM - 2/3PM).

Heading North on the 5 Fwy (from South OC/SD)

5 Fwy North
73 North toll road (will pass through $3.00 toll station)
Exit Newport Coast, & make a LEFT turn (west-bound/UpHill)
RIGHT turn @ first Stop light called San Juaoquin Hills Rd.
RIGHT turn @ first stop light called Vista Ridge.
Immediate Right turn @ first turn in (to parking lot)

Hope you can make it.