Location: La Mesa
Top Things to do in La Mesa
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What to do and see in La Mesa, United States: The Best Places and Tips
La Mesa is a city in Southern California, located 9 miles (14 km) east of Downtown San Diego in San Diego County. The population was 57,065 at the 2010 census, up from 54,749 at the 2000 census. Its civic motto is "the Jewel of the Hills."
Restaurants in La Mesa
1. USS Midway Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Located in downtown San Diego, the USS Midway (Museum) was America’s longest-serving aircraft carrier of the 20th century. Today, the interactive museum is an unforgettable adventure for the entire family as guests walk in the footsteps of the 225,000 young men who served on Midway. Visitors explore a floating city at sea, the amazing flight deck and its 29 restored aircraft, flight simulators, and are inspired in the Battle of Midway Theater, included with admission. Admission also includes a self-guided audio tour narrated by Midway sailors in English, Mandarin, Spanish, Japanese, French and German. Visiting Midway is a once-in-a-lifetime experience in San Diego, known around the world as "Navy Town, USA."
Reviewed By Peter T
If you like history, and particularly military history, then this is a must see attraction. Be sure to grab a headset for the self-guided audio tour, it's a great supplement to simply walking around and reading. When you get aboard, do the "Island Tour" first, as it is popular and they can only get a given number of folks through in a day. The "Island" is another name for the bridge and control rooms. There is no extra charge.
Volunteers are great - most are veterans, and some even served on the Midway when it was in service. Their knowledge and experience is also a great supplement to the posted information, and they are more than willing to talk.
The website says it takes 2-4 hours to see. We spent over 6, and we didn't even do/read everything that we could have.
You can buy your tickets online and get $2 off the ticket price, and skip the ticket line. Though don't worry if you choose to purchase your tickets on site, the line moves fast.
2. World's Largest Lemon
Overall Ratings
3.5 based on 26 reviews
Reviewed By L9490HVmarys - San Diego, California
This lemon is really big and has a small lemon grove behind it. Across the street is a park with some play features for kids and an interesting historical theme. This park has a trolley stop in it that goes all the way to downtown San Diego. It is hard to believe this little city is right next to the City of San Diego.
3. Santee Lakes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 146 reviews
Reviewed By sydney47 - Longmont, Colorado
literally, these lakes have something for everyone. Camping, fishing, playgrounds, volleyball, family get- togethers,geocaching, birding, pedal boats and the list goes on and on. we will definitely be back overall grade B+
4. The Water Conservation Garden
Overall Ratings
5 based on 77 reviews
Reviewed By Susan B - El Cajon, California
The Water Conservation Garden is part of Cuyamaca Community College. It is a beautiful garden planted with an amazing collection of specimens that are adapted to this area and require very little water. It also has great explanations of the difference in water needs of different specimens, instructions on composting, fire safety plantings, and even has classes available for gardening instruction. It has a small gift shop and an amphitheater for group presentations (periodically local agencies give lectures and people even hold weddings here). It is free, but there is a suggested donation. I visit every 2-3 months to get ideas.
5. Lake Murray
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 111 reviews
Reviewed By jeepers13192016 - Spring Valley, California
The lake is a reservoir tucked in between residential neighborhoods. The lake offers fishing and kayak rentals. Most people go to the lake to walk, bike, or jog the paved path. The path does not go all the way around the lake. The path ends at a chain link fence. At that point you turn around and return the way you came. There is a lot of parking available at several different parking lots. This is a very popular location on weekends. There are picnic tables under the many eucalyptus trees.
6. Mount Helix Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 104 reviews
Reviewed By Caps M
Beautiful gem in the greater San Diego, definitely worth the short drive up Mount Helix, cruising between wonderful and huge sports players’ and show biz celebs’ houses, up til the breathtaking nature theatre, a “havre de paix”, where nature and the 360 view on all San Diego, mountains and ocean views, are there to shut you up for a while ;)
7. Cozy Thai Massage
Overall Ratings
5 based on 1 reviews
Reviewed By grandslamhomer - El Cajon, California
My wife and I went to the Cozy Thai Massage in Spring Valley, Ca the other day and were pleasantly surprised by how awesome the Thai Massage was for both of us. Yanee and Narin were the massage therapist for me and my wife in separate rooms. We had a 60 minute Thai Combination Massage which was the most intense and relaxing massage we have had in a long time. The different Thai techniques that both Yanee and Narin used on us were new to us, but so relaxing. They gave us a little Hot Stone, and Deep Tissue massages also. After are massages, our lower back pain and range of motion was much better. We will definitely be back to see Yanee & Narin again for another Fantastic way to reduce our stress and anxiety and to feel relaxed.
8. Balboa Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 10 reviews
One of the most popular urban parks in the United States, this bucolic paradise is packed with an array of attractions, including the world-famous San Diego Zoo.
Reviewed By itinerary_queen_pa - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
We tried to visit Palm Sunday for the 2p organ concert. The line of traffic was crawling through the park. There was no parking available. We rolled down our windows and listened to the organ as we crawled along just trying to get out of the insanity. We had planned on visiting both the railroad museum and Japanese garden as well. After this bad experience and a wasted 90 min of our vacation stuck in park traffic, I hesitate to consider returning.
9. Helix Brewing Co.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 13 reviews
Reviewed By cklamesa - La Mesa, California
First off--the beer is excellent with a nice variety. The facility is good for kids to wiggle around in while the parents enjoy a beverage. We have been with just adults and the food trucks for an evening meal. We will be back. The owener is available and hands on.
10. San Diego Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Founded in 1916, the Zoo has been an icon in San Diego for nearly 100 years—and an absolute must-see in Southern California. Spend the day monkeying around in our tropical oasis as you visit beautiful habitats that are home to gorillas, eagles, tigers, sun bears, Asian leopards, rare reptiles, a palette of colorful birds, and more. Visit the Australian Outback to delight in our colony of 24 koalas, and travel along Panda Trek to experience giant pandas and other animals that share their bamboo forest habitat. Go back in time through Elephant Odyssey to discover what animals used to roam Southern California and see what the elephants are up to. Enjoy a guided tour on a double-decker bus or the scenic view from the Skyfari aerial tram, and dine in the peaceful surroundings of Albert's Restaurant. Discover the wonders of wildlife with animal encounters, interactive experiences, and keeper chats. A leader in animal care and conservation, the San Diego Zoo is at the heart of the San Diego experience.
Reviewed By Michelle248367 - Rochester Hills, Michigan
So much to see, it's great! Wear comfortable shoes, don't worry about style. Buy tickets in advance, get discount (best are through work or AAA) and save waiting in line at ticket booth. No coolers or straws allowed in park, but you can bring in food and beverages. We were glad we brought our own to control for cost and not eat things like hot dogs. Different areas of zoo have different selections. Suggest you start at Panda, line grows as the day advances. We had a great time as adults and teens.
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