Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/566324
time out 10 w e s t w o r l d | f a l l 2 0 1 5 (boat) sheila hansen, (giant dipper) san diego tourism authority, san diego zoo global San Diego A coastal gem sparkles with family fun by Sheila Hansen as the days grow shorter and temperatures drop, fall is the perfect time to pack up the clan for a sun-kissed break in San Diego. anchored by a natural harbour and spread across beach-lined coastline, rolling hills, mesas, mountains, can- yons and desert, the city's family- friendly offerings are as varied as its geography. The cherry on top of an autumn escape? October's Kids free in San Diego promotion includes deals on some 100-plus activities, lodgings and restaurants (sandiego.org/promotions/kids-free). KICK-start the FUN by driving your own two-seater motor- boat around the vast harbour. fol- lowing your guide from San Diego Speed Boat adventures (speed- boatadventures.com), cruise past marinas, sunning sea lions and landmarks such as the USS Mid- way Museum (midway.org) – slow down to marvel at its massive golden anchor and imposing grey hull. Back on land, head to said museum, a retired aircraft carrier showcasing 29 restored warplanes. Refuel at the bubble-gum-pink fif- ties-style Corvette Diner (cohnres- taurants.com/corvettediner) north of the bay, where sassy servers sporting poodle skirts and beehive hairdos deliver burgers, beers and shakes; parents can linger over lunch while kids hit the adjoining Gamers Garage arcade. More old- school thrills are to be had at Bel- mont Park (belmontpark.com) in the nearby Mission Beach area. after surviving a turn around the Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster, reward yourself with a candy apple or giant bowl of ice cream at the Sweet Shoppe just steps away. Come morNINg, load up on red velvet waffles or peanut- butter-and-banana-stuffed french toast at local downtown hangout Café 222 (cafe222.com). You'll need the carbs for your journey to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park (sdzsafaripark.org), about an hour's drive northeast of the city. Gape at beautiful, critically endangered Sumatran tigers along the Tiger Trail, opened last year, and some of the other 300-plus species dot- ting this 720-hectare park: greater one-horned rhinos, California con- dors, Red River hogs, lorikeets and cheetahs, to name a few. mINUtes From dowN- town, the la Jolla neighbourhood (lajollabythesea.com) brims with beaches, boutiques and bistros. Pad along the waterfront while taking in views of upscale hillside dwellings and the Pacific Ocean, then watch the sun go down from your seawall perch above the Chil- dren's Pool – more a lounge area for sea lions and harbour seals than a swimming hole. for dinner, sink your teeth into the fabulous five-cheese flatbread at Sammy's Woodfired Pizza & Grill (sam- myspizza.com/location/la-jolla). at the eNd oF the day, tuck into a chic bungalow-style room at Paradise Point Resort & Spa (paradisepoint.com). Set on a palm-tree-peppered, 18-hectare island on Mission Bay, the property is a getaway unto itself with five pools, Zagat-rated top 10 seafood restaurant Tidal, beach bonfire pits (ask about the s'mores kits at check-in), minigolf and more. W (l-r) At the helm of a two-seater speedboat in San Diego's harbour; Belmont Park's 1925 Giant Dipper wooden roller coaster; long-necked locals at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park.