The 822 foot Mt. Soledad is known for great hiking and cycling trails, impressive views from the top, and a popular memorial at its summit. The Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial is marked by a massive cross, a landmark that has been the source of much controversy in San Diego. Nonetheless, like the cross at the top of Mount Helix in Eastern San Diego, the cross that tops the summit of Mt. Soledad is visible from many areas in Northern San Diego, including Clairemont Mesa and Pacific Beach. The Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial is considered one of the most unique in the country, and features 3,300 plaques honoring military veterans from all American branches.
Parking and public transportation at Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial
Two primary parking lots are located along La Jolla Scenic Drive, both of which are very close to the memorial itself. Parking is plentiful, and finding a spot is not likely to be an issue.
Best and worst time to go to Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial
The memorial itself is open from 7 a.m.-10 p.m. Daylight hours are recommended for hiking the outdoor trails or sightseeing.
Admission to Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial
Admission to the Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial is free thanks to donations given to the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association. For info on joining the Mt. Soledad Memorial Association, click here.
Must see and do at Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial
- Explore the memorial, including the giant cross and the various plaques.
- Try some photography; there are phenomenal views in every direction.
- Start at Kate O. Sessions Park and hike to Mt. Soledad for one of many hikes in the area.
Other places to visit near Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial
The Marine Room
With a memorable blue seahorse for a logo, this nearby restaurant specializes in French cuisine. La Jolla is among the most affluent areas around San Diego, so expect the prices to reflect that.
Kellog Park
For much more of a beach setting, check out the nearby Kellog Park. With a large grass field, boardwalk, and room for BBQ's, Kellog Park is well worth the short drive from Mt. Soledad.
Barbarella
Known for a cozy atmosphere and unique options like the Pizza Bismark for breakfast, this local restaurant has a daily seasonal selections and even a menu for dogs.
Insider tip for visitors to Mt. Soledad Veteran's Memorial
Mt. Soledad was the final home of notable children's author, Dr. Seuss. Also, the giant cross has been a source of controversy since 1989, primarily because many people see the giant religious symbol on government property as an infringement on the separation of church and state.
Author's bio: After a seven year career in the US Navy, Nicholas Napier completed his MBA and settled in California. He's published over 40 articles as the San Diego Fitness Trends Examiner, and regularly contributes as a freelance writer to various companies.
USS Constitution Museum is home to America's tall ship USS Constitution located in the Charlestown Naval Yard. It is open to the public and provides special events, retirement events, change of commands and public guided tours of the ship.
Fort Ward is a preserved system of Union batteries and forts originally built to protect Washington, D.C. during the Civil War. The site features a museum operated by the City of Alexandria that's dedicated to preserving the history of the site and features exhibits. Education programs, lectures, tours and living history activities are offered. The 45-acre site also includes a park with picnic areas that may be reserved. Admission is free and donations are welcome.
Located on the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, OH, the National Museum of the United States Air Force is the oldest and largest military aviation museum in the world. The National Museum of the United States Air Force has over 360 aircraft and missiles on display and also houses thousands of other items that pertain to aviation history. This museum is perfect for aviation history enthusiasts or for history enthusiasts in general, since it features aircraft from the era of the Wright Brothers up to modern spacecraft. As a result, the museum illustrates just how far aviation has come since the Wright Brothers started the creation of their legacy.
Best and Worst Times to Visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force
The best time to visit the National Museum of the United States Air Force is from March-October because the weather is less likely to produce hazardous road conditions during those months.
For that reason, the worst time to visit the museum is from November-February because that is typically when weather and road conditions are more dangerous.
For those who want to see as many exhibits as possible, another bad time to visit the museum is from January-March because the 8th Air Force Control Tower and Nissen Hut are only open on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays during that time.
Must See/Do at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
If it is not under renovation or closed for security reasons, visitors to the National Museum of the United States Air Force should visit the Presidential Gallery, which features various presidential planes, including the Boeing VC-137C that flew President John F. Kennedy's body from Dallas to Washington D.C. after his assassination on November 22, 1963.
In order to gain an understanding aviation's origins, visitors should walk through the Early Years exhibition, which features early military aircraft, including a reconstruction of the Wright 1909 Military Flyer.
Another must-see is the Missile and Space Gallery, which shows visitors just how much aviation has advanced in such a short period of time, and is home to various missiles as well as the Mercury and Gemini capsules.
Admission to the National Museum of the United States Air Force
Admission to the National Museum of the United States Air Force is free. The museum is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day, but specific exhibits have special hours.
Visitors do have to pay to view a movie in the 3D theatre or to use the flight simulators. Those who wish to participate in these activities at the museum can visit the Air Force Museum Foundation website or call 937-253-4629 for prices.
Parking and Public Transportation to the National Museum of the United States Air Force
There is free parking available on-site at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.
Taxi and bus service is also available to and from the museum. Visitors can check the Dayton RTA website to learn more information about specific bus routes and park-and-ride locations.
Food at the National Museum of the United States Air Force
The National Museum of the United States Air Force has its own restaurant on-site called The Valkyrie Café. Located on the second floor of the museum, The Valkyrie Café is open from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. every day the museum is open and serves a range of food items which cost as little as $1.15 for a bag of chips to $6.00 for a chicken tender or chef salad.
For visitors who find themselves needing something to eat or drink in between meals, the museum's Refueling Café in the Cold War Gallery sells an assortment of snacks and drinks. The Refueling Café is open Wednesday-Sunday from noon-4 p.m. during the summer and on Saturdays and Sundays from noon-4 p.m. the rest of the year.
Insider Tip for Visitors to the National Museum of the United States Air Force
For security reasons, all bags are subject to search before entering the museum. Visitors should also note that backpacks, packages, and large cameras cannot be brought inside the museum, though smaller bags and cameras are permitted.
Author's bio: Miranda Roehler grew up in Northwest Ohio. She studied Creative Writing and History at The University of Findlay and has been published in multiple international journals.
The Independence Seaport Museum is located along the Delaware River on Penn's Landing in Philadelphia. It is the main repository for many historic artifacts, art and archival items from the Delaware Valley. It is the perfect place for families and individual travelers who enjoy maritime history, boat making or taking a sail on the Delaware River. It is best known for Admiral Dewey's famed flagship, Olympia and the World War II submarine, Becuna.
Best and worst times to go to the Independence Seaport Museum
The best time to visit the museum is the last week of June. Each year the museum hosts the Tall Ships event which is considered one of the most exciting interactive sailing events in the United States.
The worst time to visit the museum is during the week of the Christmas holiday as the museum is closed on Christmas day and New Year's Day.
Must see/do at the Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors to the museum with a passion for boats must attend a class in the museum's wooden boat-making shop, which is open year-round.
Another must do is taking a tour of the vessels docked in the river the Olympia and the Becuna. These are part of the museum's permanent collection.
For families, Seafarin Saturday offers tons of fun and free admission. There are interactive nautical activities plus other hands-on fun like making pirate rattles or sailor valentines.
Admission to the Independence Seaport Museum
There are a variety of prices for tours, events and exhibitions. General admission for adults, kids and seniors is under $20 and includes a boat-making tour, general admission to the museum plus ship and submarine tours.
Parking and public transportation to the Independence Seaport Museum
Parking is available in the large lot adjacent to the museum. Additional discount parking is available at the Quality Parking lot on Front Street just a couple of blocks away. There is also an abundant amount of metered street parking as well.
The PLASH shuttle is available all year round and operates via 22 stops. There is more information about their year-round seasonal schedules on their website.
Food at the Independence Seaport Museum
Visitors can bring their own food and eat on the fourth floor of the museum. In addition, there are many restaurants and pubs within walking distance of the museum. If visiting in the summer months, there are food vendors directly outside the museum along Penn's Landing offering a variety of items like hot dogs or funnel cake.
Insider tip for visitor to the Independence Seaport Museum
The museum is the only place where the adventurer can rent a kayak on the Delaware River between May through September.
Author's bio: Stasia DeMarco is a native Philadelphian. She has been a freelance journalist and digital media specialist for 20 years.
