North Park: The best little community in San Diego

San Diego is made up of more than 80 seperate communities. Each with thier own attitude and personality. Most people only think of downtown San Diego or the two most famous beach communities (Pacific Beach (PB) and Mission Beach (MB)). While downtown and these two beaches are fun for locals in the off season there are many more communities that cater to just about every demographic imaginable. Here is a list of a couple communities and what they are known for:

• Ocean Beach - Sunset Cliffs is famous with locals and this beach is virtually locked in the 60's. Hippies, hamburgers, and surfers...this is the best laid back community in San Diego.
• Mira Mesa - A large Asian community has made Mira Mesa famous for any kind of Asian food you can think of.
• La Jolla - An upscale beach community with art galleries and posh resurants; people routinely wander the residential areas looking at some of the most expensive homes in America that are not locked behind high gates. Seal beach and the hikeable caves are also popular.
• Hillcrest - Is the local gay community but also very friendly to straight folks. Restraunts (excellent food deals), clubs, and art galleries are mixed in with some amazing craftsman and victorian houses.
• Cononado - Another extemely pricey area situated on what is not quite an island. A thin spit of land connects the island at the southern tip. The island is know for it's parks, views of downtown and of course the Coronado Bridge. One of the most popular attractions is the Hotel Del Coronado which was built by the principles of San Diego over 115 years ago. It is an amazing hotel and caters to just about everyone...
• Old Town - Is another tourist/local hang out. Mexican markets and resurants line the streets just below a Spanish fort. One of the most famous haunted houses, The Whaley House, is still considered by most to be a chilling expirience.
• Mission Trails Park - has 5,800 acres of natural preserve that includes hiking, lakes, and mountain vistas that are not only free to the public but the best way to see natural San Diego. Cowles Mountain is the highest point in San Diego proper and allows 360 degree views of the entire county. There are various trails up the mountain which can be hiked in about an hour.

No matter which community you explore; San Diego has it all. Avoiding the typical tourist traps like Sea World and the Zoo will allow you to see much more of the Southern California culture at a significant cost savings while avoiding throngs of people, screaming children, and circus like specticals. Next time you are in San Diego check out the food and attractions that fewer people think about. You will probably enjoy America's Finest City a little bit more.