The Arizona Republic
Jun. 28, 2006 07:44 PM
Don't miss: The small aquarium at the end of the Manhattan Beach Pier. There are a shark tank and a tide-pool tank. (Yes, you can touch - the creatures in the tide pool, not the sharks.) Best of all, it's free.
Walk this way: The Strand offers a peek at a mélange of architectural styles. Bring a camera.
Hidden charm: Stroll along 10th Street between Valley Drive and Highland Avenue. The pedestrian-only lane is lined with cottages, each with a porch and lush front yard. Very cozy.
Blend with the locals: Try Peet's Coffee & Tea (1-310-379-1896) in downtown. Despite its proximity to a Starbucks, it remains very busy.
Best people-watching: Along the Manhattan Beach Pier, where tourists mix casually with the locals. You might even find Roseleen Gaffney-Jones hurling bits of bread into the air for hovering sea gulls.
For the kids: Visit Fun Bunn's Beach Rentals (1-310-372-8500). You can rent surfboards, body boards, wet suits and bicycles. Now, just stand back and let the fun happen.
Where to stay: If you want to be close to the beach, try Sea View Inn at the Beach (1-310-545-1504 or www.seaview-inn.com). It has complimentary bicycles and boogie boards as well as wireless Internet, but the biggest perk is free parking. If you want to splurge, try Shade Hotel (1-310-546-4995 or www.sha dehotel.com), a boutique hotel with luxury rooms and a spa.
Where to eat: Beaches (1-310-545-2523) serves classic American fare (burgers and other sandwiches and steaks) and benefits from a great location, on the beach just a block from the center of downtown. Tiered seating allows a wonderful view from every table. For breakfast, it's hard to beat Uncle Bill's Pancake House (1-310-545-5177 or www.originalpancakehouse.com). Its specialty is the Apple Pancake, smothered in sautéed apples and baked in a cinnamon glaze.
Walk this way: The Strand offers a peek at a mélange of architectural styles. Bring a camera.
Hidden charm: Stroll along 10th Street between Valley Drive and Highland Avenue. The pedestrian-only lane is lined with cottages, each with a porch and lush front yard. Very cozy.
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Blend with the locals: Try Peet's Coffee & Tea (1-310-379-1896) in downtown. Despite its proximity to a Starbucks, it remains very busy.
Best people-watching: Along the Manhattan Beach Pier, where tourists mix casually with the locals. You might even find Roseleen Gaffney-Jones hurling bits of bread into the air for hovering sea gulls.
For the kids: Visit Fun Bunn's Beach Rentals (1-310-372-8500). You can rent surfboards, body boards, wet suits and bicycles. Now, just stand back and let the fun happen.
Where to stay: If you want to be close to the beach, try Sea View Inn at the Beach (1-310-545-1504 or www.seaview-inn.com). It has complimentary bicycles and boogie boards as well as wireless Internet, but the biggest perk is free parking. If you want to splurge, try Shade Hotel (1-310-546-4995 or www.sha dehotel.com), a boutique hotel with luxury rooms and a spa.
Where to eat: Beaches (1-310-545-2523) serves classic American fare (burgers and other sandwiches and steaks) and benefits from a great location, on the beach just a block from the center of downtown. Tiered seating allows a wonderful view from every table. For breakfast, it's hard to beat Uncle Bill's Pancake House (1-310-545-5177 or www.originalpancakehouse.com). Its specialty is the Apple Pancake, smothered in sautéed apples and baked in a cinnamon glaze.
san diego
