Missions, Beaches and a Different Mall

We started our day by going to the Mission Basilica San Diego De Alcala.
Built in 1769, it is California's oldest mission, now restored and an
active parish church today. The front veranda is lined with little alcoves holding clay statues of saints. The church is 150' long, 35' wide and 29' high. The size was dictated by the height of the trees available originally to use for the beams.
This adobe structure has 2-3' walls. The Campamario holds the Mission bells. They weigh 805 - 1200 lbs and rang to announce times for Mass, work, meals and siestas. A Crown shaped one was cast in 1802 and supplied by a Spanish King.



We drove to Coronado, a resort city on the peninsula between San Diego Bay and the Pacific Ocean. The 2.1 mile blue bridge, 210' high was only completed in 1969. This seaside resort is home to the historic 1888 Hotel del Coronado, a well known landmark with Victorian turrets and cupolas. It is massive and delightful with a huge chandelier in the front lobby.The old pier remains are still seen on the beach. We drove down the Silver Strand Blvd, following the beach, then up I 5 to the Westfield Horton Plaza.




We got parked in the garage and found our way to the street, but for the life of us, we couldn't find the entrance to the Mall. We finally followed someone in. It is 5 levels of multi-colored architecture of shops, theater and restaurants surrounding the Vegetable Garage.