This sparkling city-- with its bays, beaches, and nearly perfect year-round weather-- embodies the mystique of Southern California. Gay night life in San Diego rivals that of many larger cities, and you might just see a marine or sailor hereabouts, too.
Time Zone and Time Difference
San Diego is on Pacific Time, three hours behind New York and two hours behind Chicago. They adopt Daylight Savings time on the first Sunday in April and revert to Standard Time on the last Sunday in October.
Airports
San Diego International Airport at Lindbergh Field (SAN) Shuttle and bus service in and near the airport offers access to hotels and locations in and around San Diego.
Shuttle vans are operated by off-airport companies near San Diego International Airport. Shuttle Service is available on the Transportation Plazas across from Terminals 1 and 2 via the sky bridge and curbside the Commuter Terminal. Shuttle vans can be contracted by the Customer Service Representative at the Transportation Plaza.
Public transit is available via The Flyer, a Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) bus that travels between the airport and downtown San Diego, stopping at Terminals 1 and 2.
Aventine Transportation - Limo Service PO Box 12235, La Jolla, California 92039. Tel: 858-688-1234. Email. San Diego's ultimate Limousine and Town Car service!
Rental Car Companies (Warning)
Rental car booths are located near the baggage claim areas in both terminals. Shuttles are accessible at Terminal 1 center traffic aisle and at the traffic island at the far west end of Terminal 2. San Diego International Airport offers shuttle access to car rentals, hotels and other airport locations.
Tips for Tourists
- Do not advertise you are a visitor. Place maps, travel brochures and valuables in the glove compartment or trunk before you get to your destination. Carry wallets, checkbooks and purses with you.
- Check the back seat before getting into your car.
- Always lock your car and take the keys. Don't hide a spare key on your vehicle, a thief is sure to find it.
- Never leave your vehicle with the engine running.
- Park in well-lighted, busy areas.
- Whenever you stop overnight, remove bags and other valuables from the car and take them inside your room.
Parking & Curbside Regulations
- When parking your car at visitor attractions or around the city, note curbside regulations and park within marked stalls. If your car is missing from where you parked it, call 619-531-2844 to see if it has been towed.
- Note the following curb markings which are strictly enforced:
- White: Three-minute maximum, (10 minutes at hotels) for active loading only, 24 hours a day, unless otherwise noted. Exception: Airport/Hospital - the driver must stay with the car.
- Green: Short-term parking for the posted duration or unlimited time with a visible disabled placard.
- Yellow: Twenty-minute loading zone for vehicles with commercial plates only, 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. except Sundays and certain holidays, unless otherwise posted.
- Red: No stopping, standing or parking. Be especially observant of the marked fire lanes.
- Blue: Reserved for physically disabled persons only with vehicles marked by a California or out-of-state officially issued placard or plate. These violations are vigorously enforced and costly. For information call 858-279-0704.
- Parking Meters: Some meters only accept quarters and are enforced Monday-Saturday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Meters with yellow poles are also enforced on Sundays.
- Tow Away Zone: Any location is potentially a tow away zone if you park illegally. Tow away zones are clearly marked and the regulations are strictly enforced. Having your car towed can be expensive. Contesting a citation: If you do get a ticket, and you feel it is a mistake, you may contest it in person, by telephone or by mail within 30 days of issuance.
- Contesting a citation: If you do get a ticket, and you feel it is a mistake, you may contest it in person, by telephone or by mail within 30 days of issue.
In Person
World Trade Center
1255 Fifth Ave, San Diego, CA
Monday-Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Telephone
619-236-7145
TT/TDD 1-800-735-2929
Mail
P.O. Box 129038
San Diego, CA 92122-9038
Currency
U. S. Dollar
Climate and Weather
San Diego enjoys beautiful weather year round with an average daily temperature of 70.5° Fahrenheit (21.° Celsius). A marked feature of the climate is the wide variation in temperature within short distances due to the topography of the land. You can enjoy coastal, mountain and desert environments all in the space of one day.
| Month |
High |
Low |
Humidity |
Rainfall |
Sunshine |
| January |
65 |
48 |
63% |
2.11" |
72% |
| February |
66 |
50 |
66% |
1.43" |
72% |
| March |
66 |
52 |
67% |
1.60" |
70% |
| April |
68 |
55 |
67% |
0.78" |
67% |
| May |
69 |
58 |
70% |
0.24" |
59% |
| June |
71 |
61 |
74% |
0.06" |
58% |
| July |
76 |
65 |
74% |
0.01" |
68% |
| August |
78 |
67 |
74% |
0.11" |
70% |
| September |
77 |
65 |
72% |
0.19" |
69% |
| October |
75 |
60 |
70% |
0.33" |
68% |
| November |
70 |
54 |
65% |
1.10" |
75% |
| December |
66 |
49 |
64% |
1.36" |
73% |
|
|
Surf Report Surfshot.com
Language
English. Due to its proximity to Mexico, a knowledge of Spanish is useful.
Holidays
2007 Federal Legal Holidays
- January 1, 2007: New Year's Day [Jan. 1 every year]
- January 15, 2007: Martin Luther King Day [3rd monday in Jan]
- February 19, 2007: Presidents Day [Washington's Birthday] (observed) [3rd monday in Feb]
- May 28, 2007: Memorial Day (observed) [last monday in May]
- July 4, 2007: Independence Day [July 4 every year]
- September 3, 2007: Labor Day [1st monday in Sept]
- October 8, 2007: Columbus Day (observed) [2nd monday in Oct]
- November 12, 2007: Veterans' Day [Nov. 11 every year]
- November 22, 2007: Thanksgiving Day [4th thursday in Nov]
- December 25, 2007: Christmas Day [Dec. 25 every year]
Getting Around
Think of San Diego as a lovely mosaic -- her uniquely diverse regions the tiles, her streets, highways and country roads the mortar that holds her together. Like most of Southern California, San Diego is a commuter community, with most folks choosing to navigate the highways and byways in personal vehicles. Visitors will enjoy the lovely city best if they avail themselves of a rental car (a convertible if you can!) -- there is nothing like a leisurely drive down the coast at sunset with the ocean breeze blowing through your hair, or a country sojourn with golden hills rolling by. Of course, visitors wishing to explore the Gaslamp District, Julian and our different beach towns will enjoy doing so on foot. San Diego's balmy weather makes walking tours a pleasure; cyclists will delight in the variety of sights and terrain the city offers.
Local commuters are well served by train, trolley and bus. The Coaster train accommodates San Diego's coastal routes, with pleasant depots from Oceanside to the Santa Fe Depot downtown. As we move inland, the Trolley serves the downtown and adjacent areas, while bus service is comprehensively available. All public transit systems are linked, meaning you can easily travel from Santee to La Jolla or Escondido to Old Town, making connections from bus to trolley to train. Commute planning is easy -- get information on all transit services and routes with one phone call (North County, 800-COMMUTE; San Diego, 619-233-3004.)
Things to see
Visitors to San Diego often expect nothing more than beaches, surfers and an entry to Tijuana. San Diego provides all those things, but offers so much more, including sights, sounds and tastes to dizzy the senses. There is the chic hubbub of downtown, chic shopping in La Jolla and bodysurfing in Carlsbad. Hiking in the Cuyamacas becomes a meditation, while Hillcrest is a trendy dream and Rancho Santa Fe a peek into lush affluence. There are the transcendent moments of the first fish taco, the first stroll in a Kate Sessions garden and, so sublime -- the first tangerine and lilac San Diego sunset over the ocean. Those seeking adventures in dining can choose nouvelle at Fio's downtown and fusion at Roppongi in La Jolla, or can hunker down for carnitas at Los Olas in Cardiff By-The-Sea. Solana Beach's Belly Up Tavern is San Diego's place for live music, while those in a more refined mood head downtown for smoother riffs at Croce's Restaurant and Jazz Bar. Lay your head at any of downtown's world-class hotels, or choose a sweet coastal bed & breakfast like the Pelican Cove Inn -- or even a deluxe suite at the La Costa Resort Hotel and Spa. Looking for a more rustic retreat? Head for the hills, and enjoy country house hospitality at Julian's White House
.San Diego has a multitude of "must sees" -- things of such originality or quality that they have no rival or peer. Of course, one must begin with the San Diego Zoo and Wild Animal Park; both are leaders in the field of animal research and preservation. More critters can be found at SeaWorld and the Stephen Birch Aquarium at Scripps-La Jolla; the blue Pacific is San Diego's muse, and the life and welfare of the ocean is both taught and celebrated at these places. Those seeking fine arts and culture will willingly surrender themselves to Balboa Park, home to fabulous theaters and museums. Budding botanists and serious horticulturists alike will be entranced at the Quail Botanical Gardens in Encinitas, while those who search for the perfect wave can pursue the dream anywhere along the coast. For visitors looking for a window into the history and spirituality of the region, San Diego's missions await with classic Spanish architecture and lovely grounds. The "new kid on the block" is Legoland, Carlsbad's theme park dedicated to the creative child in us all. The town of Julian, tucked away in the hills, is a step back into Main Street, USA.
- Balboa Park 1549 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92013. TEL: 619 239-0512. Balboa Park is home to fifteen museums, various performing arts venues, the San Diego Zoo and a variety of recreational facilities. Attractions that cater to kids include the Hall of Champions (sports), the Natural History Museum, the carousel and the miniature train. Discounted admissions to Balboa Park's major cultural attractions are available through the Balboa Park Passport. The $30 Passport, valid for one week, represents a $70 value and allows entry to 12 park museums and the Japanese Friendship Garden. Each park museum also offers free admission one Tuesday per month. Morley Field recreational area includes tennis courts, a bicycle track, a swimming pool, picnic areas and canyon trails. The Visitor's Center is located in the historically reconstructed House of Hospitality on the Plaza de Panama, offering maps, photos and postcards.
- Coronado 1047 B Avenue, Visitor's Center, Coronado, CA 92118. TEL: 619-437-8788. An often overlooked cool Coronado fact: Author L. Frank Baum wrote his magically trippy 'Wonderful Wizard of Oz" while residing here. The home where this classic was written still stands today on Star Park Circle, which is but one more reason to visit. Every cliché about stunning sunsets and sparkling beaches applies to Coronado -- but in this case, what is cliché elsewhere is vibrantly true here. Coronado is decidedly upscale -- her streets are filled with historical homes and the downtown main drag, off of Orange Avenue, is a pedestrian's dream of chi-chi shops cozied up to gourmet eateries. It's all about old-money beach chic mixed with a touch of irreverent surf culture, and a remarkably warm and accessible community. The locals are proud of their town and are welcoming to visitors. Referred to usually as an island (really more of a pseudo- peninsula), Coronado is home to NAS North Island (personnel provide a snappy military presence in town),a pretty yacht harbor and street upon street of historic and unique homes.
On the Pacific side, the Hotel Del Coronado, opened in 1888 and recently refurbished, is the star. For weekend getaways or brunch, the red- roofed Victorian icon has no peer. On the San Diego Bay side, visitors can shop and browse to their hearts' content at the Ferry Landing Market Place, full of one-of-a-kind boutiques and restaurants. The Coronado Ferry runs between here and the mainland, adding more potential for fun transportation plans. Coronado can be accessed by her famous bridge (a $1 toll applies) or the San Diego Bay Ferry (catch it on the hour at the B Street Pier, just $2 each way and 50 cents for bikes.)
Try
- The Reuben H. Fleet Science Center 1875 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. Tel: (619) 238-1233. It features five galleries of exciting, hands-on science exhibits, as well as major traveling exhibitions. Their 76-foot IMAX Dome Theater, the first in the world, presents the biggest films on the planet, plus planetarium shows and more. Its unique configuration wraps the audience in images and provides the illusion of being suspended in space.
- Gaslamp Quarter Boasting Victorian-era architecture, the Gaslamp covers 16 blocks of Downtown. Fifth Avenue is the main street in the quarter and the center of San Diego nightlife.
- La Jolla 1000 Many St., La Jolla, CA 92037. TEL: 619-454-1444. Somewhere between the old money conservatism of Coronado and the small village funkiness of Leucadia lies La Jolla. Too established to be "nouveau riche" and too embracing to be considered merely upscale, the town of La Jolla has a Santa Barbara feel to it. Older, well groomed tourists stroll along streets side by side with mommies pushing Baby Joggers; young surfers chat with preppy students at outdoor cafes. A great spot for a weekend getaway or an afternoon in the Village of window shopping or even some pricey real shopping. Everyone wants to come to La Jolla -- parking spots can be elusive.
- Legoland California Lego Drive, Carlsbad, CA 92008. TEL: 760-918-5346. The aptly titled land of LEGO has over 125 acres and 5,000 LEGO models made up of more than 30 million LEGO bricks. In addition to the models, Legoland features more than 40 interactive exhibits, attractions, family rides and shows. The park is split up into nine zones -- the Beginning, the Ridge, Village Green, the Lake, Imagination Zone, Fun Town, the Garden, Mini Land and Castle Hill.
Mini Land features scaled-down versions of five major United States destinations -- Washington, DC, New Orleans, New York, the California coast and a New England harbor. The kids-scale Fun Town features a "real-life" driving school as well as a skipper school where kids can learn boating skills and even earn their pilot's wings.
Thrill-mongers can get a mild adrenaline rush on LEGO TECHNIC, a 45-foot tall coaster that zips along at 26 mph -- for LEGOLAND, that's pretty darned fast. Other mild "thrill" rides are The Dragon (a gravity coaster) and Spellbreaker (a hanging coaster). Rides are designed to thrill and excite -- not frighten.
The park's broadest appeal is to kids under 12 and to any adult secure enough to surrender to their inner child. Handicapped access is superior, with accommodating restrooms and a very easily traversed layout. Grub is expensive, as is the norm at theme parks, but Legoland has broken new ground by offering lots of healthy choices, such as pretzels and fruits, in addition to standard belly-blossoming theme park fare. Our fave Legoland munchy? Brickolini's wood-fired pizza.
- Mission San Luis Rey 4050 Mission Avenue, (Highway 76), Oceanside, CA 92057. TEL: 760-757-3651. Beautifully maintained and restored, Mission San Luis Rey has the air of a small country parish even though she's the largest of California's missions. Pack a picnic lunch and eat in the cool shade of the mission's pepper trees the museum's dedicated docents are always available with insider information. Be prepared to spend at least 30 minutes gazing openmouthed with awe inside her main sanctuary
- Old Town / Old Town San Diego State Historic Park Calhoun & Mason Street, San Diego, CA 92101. TEL: 619-220-5422. Step into the Alta California of centuries past as you stroll through Old Town. Places to linger include San Diego House (originally a saloon owned and operated by a freed slave and a cornerstone of Black American history in San Diego), the Mason Street School (SD's first public school, still holding history classes for the public) and, of course, Bazaar Del Mundo. Bazaar Del Mundo is a permanent fiesta, with fab shopping and ethnic (not just Mexican) food. Plenty of parking. -L.S. Galloway
- SeaWorld Seaworld Drive, San Diego, CA 92109. TEL: 619-226-3901. SeaWorld California is synonymous with San Diego. In fact, no trip to San Diego is complete without a visit to the home of Shamu young or old, all visitors leave smiling and (sometimes) soggy. Clyde and Sea-more, the lovable walrus and seal duo, are always on hand to show off their dramatic flair, these days starring in a hysterically funny home improvement show, "Fools with Tools." Shamu and his orca buddies go through their paces several times daily over the years the shows have evolved from cute tricks and schtick to the present well-produced, thoughtful and preservation-conscious exhibitions. Not to be missed, either, is the dolphin show, with an opening "unplugged" troubadour and a chance for audience members to participate. Extreme sports fans will love the Intensity Games that include rock climbing and wake-board challenge exhibitions, and there are always the bird shows Take a break from the bright San Diego sun in the Pirates 4-D, or take a jet helicopter ride in the virtual "Wild Arctic." After a tummy churning (there is a non- motion option) simulated flight explorers wander through an Arctic research station and get a puffin's eye view of beluga whales, polar bears and walruses. Get hands-on at the Dolphin Discovery or the California Tide Pool, or wander through any number of exhibits. Highlights are the Penguin and Shark Encounters (not together - they have separate exhibits, folks). Make a point of seeking out the Manatee Rescue, its somewhat obscure entrance keeps some folks from finding it. These sweet and simple creatures are poignant in their contentment here; they continue to be threatened by man and machines.
A few other things to note: Plan to stay day into evening - there's much to do and see. Bring a change of clothes for those brave enough for Shipwreck Rapids and show splash zones. Call ahead and inquire about available discounts - SeaWorld often offers association and resident price breaks. Recently, locals have groused about park prices, but SeaWorld delivers over and above the full $40 adult admission price. Food is everywhere and reasonably (particularly by theme park standards) priced - those churros are mighty tasty.
- San Diego Zoo 2920 Zoo Drive, San Diego, CA 92101. Correspondence should be mailed to P.O. Box 120551, San Diego CA 92182-0551. Tel: (619) 231-1515. At the San Diego Zoo, you will see some of the world’s rarest wildlife including giant pandas (and Hua Mei, the only panda cub in the U.S.), and koalas. New at the Zoo is Ituri Forest, a mysterious central African rain forest where adventurers encounter forest buffalos, hippos, otters, okapis, colorful birds and acrobatic monkeys. Other unique habitats include Polar Bear Plunge, Tiger River, Gorilla Tropics and Sun Bear Forest. The 100-acre Zoo, one of the area’s most popular attractions, is also a lush botanical garden. Also included in the San Diego Zoo's 4,000 animals representing 800 species are the ever-popular favorites -- lions, tigers, bears, elephants, giraffes, orangutans, zebras and gorillas. Most of the Zoo's inhabitants live in enclosures which resemble the animals' natural homes in the wild. San Diego's ideal climate makes it possible for most of the Zoo’s animals to live outdoors year-round and for visitors to have a pleasant visit no matter what the season.
MUSEUMS
- MIngei International Museum 1439 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego CA 92101. Tel: 619 239 - 0003. Mingei International built and established the Museum of World Folk Art in University Towne Center, San Diego, California on May 5, 1978, In August 1996 it opened a new, architecturally designed, state-of-the-art museum in Balboa Park, San Diego. Changing exhibitions focus on traditional and contemporary folk art, craft and design.
- Museum of Contemporary Art - La Jolla 700 Prospect St.La Jolla, CA 92037. TEL: 858-454-3541. The MoCA-La Jolla serves up the same intelligent and stimulating contemporary fare as her downtown sister. The MoCA-LJ has the advantage of providing a real The main of two San Diego locations, the MCA La Jolla's seaside grounds embrace the Ellen Browning Scripps House -- designed by the brilliant Irving Gill in 1916. The clean lines still seem new today, and it serves as a suitable "contemporary" setting for art from that genre. The impressive permanent collection holds 20th-century works from a variety of media, and including such artists as Robert Irwin, Bruce Nauman, Niki de Saint Phalle and William Wegman. Make a point to take in the Garden Gallery -- the outside grounds are filled with unique sculptures and art installations. Take time to linger and wander, but bring sunglasses -- the white stucco is blinding in full sun. Other don't misses include the Museum Store, which offers unusual gifts and books, and the Café, which boasts nice bistro/deli offerings. Not just a place to perch for culture vultures, the MCA La Jolla is also a popular and gorgeous spot for weddings and special events.
- MoCA Downtown 1001 Kettner Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101. TEL: 619-234-1001. Tucked into the Helmut Jahn-designed America Plaza, the downtown scion of La Jolla's Museum of Contemporary Art enjoys peculiar access: both the trolley and the train run through the location, creating incredible convenience as well as a live pop art exhibit. The MCA-downtown proper houses a solid permanent collection of traditional and innovative media modern art, with interactive and multimedia installation having a strong presence. Guest exhibitions like the women-conscious Alexis Smith and Amy Gerstler's Sorceror's Apprentice (through January 22, 2002) offer fresh and current flair. Take advantage of the Museum Bookstore for creative gift shopping -- the photography and architecture tomes demand a lengthy browse, as does the kids' merchandise. Cool for parents -- museum admission is free, and the first Sunday of each month offers family-flavored events and activities. Note that the museum is closed Wednesdays.
- Museum of Photographic Arts1649 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101. TEL: 619-238-7559. Visitors can leisurely browse through MoPA's breathtakingly diverse permanent collection -- still works by Margaret Bourke-White and Weegee share space with Alfred Stieglitz, Matthew Brady and Ansel Adams. Each photograph in the permanent collection possesses editorial quality silent but eloquent comments on the triumphs and tragedies of man and nature. Of particular significance for our San Diego community is the large body of work by Latin American artists. MoPA's curators appear to have taken great pains to develop collections that reflect the community that surrounds the museum. The masterpiece quality of the permanent collection is kept vital and interesting by its juxtaposition with the ever-changing visiting exhibitions. Guest works vary greatly in media, encompassing still photography, video and film. Take advantage of the complimentary tours offered at 1:00 pm on Sunday afternoons - docents have a knack of providing historical and social perspective for the different collections, and possess a remarkable amount of technical information on the creation of the images.
- San Diego Museum of Man 1350 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. TEL: 619-239-2001. Topped as she is by the trademark-familiar tower of the California Building, many people don't even know the MoM exists underneath. Long a popular destination for school field trips, this fascinating home of artifacts and exhibits often escapes the attention of the general public. Established in 1915, it now houses both permanent and traveling exhibits. A recent NSF grant has allowed an expansive renovation for the building, which, during WWII, was emptied of exhibits and served as a hospital. Permanent exhibits include 'Life and Death on the Nile: Sungods and Mummies in Ancient Egypt,' which encompasses a fascinating Children's Discovery Center; 'Kumeyaay: Native Californians'; 'From the Hands and Hearts of the Greater Southwest'; and, new in 2002, 'Footsteps through Time: 4 Million Years of Human Evolution,' an interactive exhibit showcasing all the major anthropological finds relating to human evolution. The Mom shop offers up anthropologically themed gifts and books.
- San Diego Museum of Art 1450 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA. Tel: (619) 232-7931. Located in the heart of Balboa Park, their galleries offer opportunities for learning, introspection, and connection with cultures from around the world.
- San Diego Natural History Museum 1788 El Prado, Balboa Park, San Diego, CA 92101. TEL: 619-232-3821. The museum's programs and exhibits rely primarily on the natural history of Southern and Baja California. The focus is evident in the museum's design and décor, with Spanish Colonial-inspired architecture and a snazzy bronze "crack" in the floor of the four-story atrium -- a reproduction of the San Andreas Fault. Classes (including the Wacky Science Sundays with Mrs. Frizzle) and field trips are also available for the public, and there are free, guided walks during the weekends. The Natural History Museum Store has loads of funky merchandise like reproduction fossilized skulls, a tie with a map of the Southern California faults (for easy earthquake risk reference during business meetings and formal occasions) and wonderful books -- a great place for gift shopping for budding naturalists or archeology geeks who have everything.
The Scene
Put a star on your map at the intersection of Fifth Avenue and University Avenue, which marks the center of Hillcrest and the heart of San Diego's lesbian and gay community. For a mile in any direction you'll find pride is open and out. Home for many, Hillcrest, located off Balboa Park, is also a great destination spot for unique shopping, dining, clubbing and cultural activities. In a nutshell, there's something for every taste and style.
We recommend you checkBuzz Magazine before you plan your night out in town.
Beaches
- Black's Beach One of the most famous nude beaches in the world. This long stretch of beach has been a major attraction for gays and straights alike since the '70's.
Events
The San Diego area has several yearly lesbian and gay events and fund-raisers, including the Annual Pride Parade, Rally and Festival held last weekend of July, the Imperial Court Coronations held the first weekend in August and the San Diego AIDS Walk, which falls on the first Sunday of October. Free weekly area magazines and newspapers abound; Gay and Lesbian Times and Update are just two you'll find in pride-friendly shops around town and in Hillcrest.
Magazines and Organizations
- AIDS Walk San Diego 3788 Park Blvd, San Diego, CA 92103. Mailing Address: PO Box 3068, San Diego, CA 92163-1068. Phone: (619) 291-WALK (9255) Email
- Bienestar: Q.U.E. P.A.S.=A. 3020 N. Park Way, San Diego CA 92104. Tel: (619) 295-2192. Email The connection to what's going on for Gay, Bisexual, Lesbian, and Transgender communities throughout Los Angeles County. Find out about free services, community calendars, weekly gatherings, and much more offered by and for Latinos.
- BiSanDiego.org Email
- Buzz Magazine 3316 Fourth Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103. Tel: (619) 291-6690. Buzz Magazine is San Diego's No. 1 Gay Magazine. Published every two weeks to a strong readership of more than 12,000, Buzz Magazine covers local events, club, music, seniors, theater, books, Hollywood, auto and more -- all with a gay perspective. Buzz Magazine is published by Buzz Publications, a division of Focused Image, Inc. Email
- The Center 3909 Center Street, Hillcrest. San Diego, CA 92103. PO Box 3357, San Diego, CA 92163. Tel: (619) 692-2077. Currently undergoing renovations to improve access and provide wonderful community spaces. During renovations, this facility is closed to public access to protect your safety. Heidorn Lifeline Crisis & Suicide: (858) 212-LIFE (5433). Email or in San Marcos at 370 Mulberry Drive, Suite A, San Marcos, CA 92069. PO Box 1177, San Marcos, CA 92079. Tel: (760) 744-0220. Email
- CyberSocket 7510 Sunset Blvd #1203, Los Angeles, CA 90046. Tel: (323) 650-9906. Cybersocket is distributed to several businesses in the Hillcrest area. Email
- Ebony Pride San Diego 2936 Lincoln Avenue, PMB #308, San Diego, CA 92104. Tel: (619) 515-3606. Email
- FilmOut San Diego Gay & Lesbian Film Festival 1010 University Ave. #1869, San Diego, CA 92103. Tel: 619-291-3456. Email
- Front Runners San Diego PO Box 3633, San Diego CA 92163. Tel: (619) 525-3100. Email
- Gay and Lesbian Times 3911 Normal Street, San Diego, CA 92103. Tel: (619) 299-6397. Email.
- Imperial Court de San Diego PO Box 633063, San Diego, California 92163-3063. Email
- International Association of Gay Square Dance Clubs (IAGSDC) P.O. Box 87507, San Diego CA 92138-7507. Tel: (800) 835-6462
- The Lavender Tel: 619-221-8223. Email The World's only biweekly lesbian publication.
- PACTO Latino AIDS Organization 2876 Howard Ave, San Diego, CA 92138 Tel: 619/563-3901
- Primetimers San Diego PO Box 633005, San Diego, CA 92163. (858) 274-9621. Members are composed of mature men and guys over 21 who prefer our companionship. We are singles and couples who enjoy socializing together. Email
- The San Diego Chapter of the Golden State Gay Rodeo Association (G.S.G.R.A) 4220 East 15th Street, .Long Beach, CA 90804. Tel: (619) 298-4708. Email
- San Diego Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Tel: 619.297.7683. Fax: 619.260.3096 E-mail
- Update Southern California?s Gay and Lesbian Newspaper ? TEL: (619) 299-4104. E-mail
Dining
Reservations for restaurants in San Diego can be made through Open Table. They handle web reservations for hundreds (maybe thousands?) of restaurants.
Shopping
Attention all shoppers: San Diego has joined the higher echelons of world-class shopping. The kind of shopping that begs comfortable shoes and may require an extension to you visit. From sprawling discount outlet centers to quaint upscale boutiques, your options are as varied as our weather is predictably sunny.? The sales tax rate for San Diego is 7.50%.
Day Trips
MEXICO
Being so close to Tijuana, some travelers cannot resist the temptation of a shopping trip to Mexico.? If you do, these are some tips to make a safe trip.
While in Mexico, stop by Club Extasis at the Border. Tel: 011-526-682-8339.
- ?International travelers visiting Mexico need a valid passport and a multiple entry visa, or visa waiver, to reenter the United States. U.S. citizens need a passport, or a birth certificate, (original or notarized), with a photo ID.
- Minors (children under 18) traveling alone should have written permission. The note must be signed by both parents (or legal guardian) and be notarized. A minor traveling with one parent must have a notarized note signed by the other parent. If one parent has sole custody, or the other parent is deceased, minor must have papers stating this.
- Drinking on public streets is prohibited. The drinking age in Mexico is 18 years.
- Possession/use of illicit drugs or firearms is strictly prohibited in Mexico.
- Pets are allowed into Mexico with verification of a rabies vaccination within the past six months.
- If driving into Mexico, purchase Mexican auto insurance on the USA side of the border.
- Riding the trolley to the border and walking across is an alternate way to get there.
- Should you require legal assistance in Mexico, contact your country's consulate office.
- Remember, you may not enjoy the same rights and privileges you have in your native country
References
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