Summer is almost here and with it brings longer days and chances to explore in my own hometown. I moved to San Diego three years ago and even though there are many things I have seen and done here, there are some specific places and experiences I’d like to explore this summer. So here it is, my “Summer Bucket List” for being a tourist in my own backyard.

1.  Climb up the newly opened California Tower in Balboa Park. http://www.museumofman.org/california-tower/
2. Take the vintage car on the SD trolley around the downtown loop. (Vintage Trolley Silver Line Service) http://sdvintagetrolley.com/
3. Attend a concert at the San Diego Summer Pops. http://www.sandiegosymphony.org/tickets-events/2015-16-season/summerpops/
4. Visit the USS Midway and eat at the Fantail Café. http://www.midway.org/    http://fantailcafe.com/
5. Take a ride on the Flagship Patriot Jet Boat in San Diego Bay. http://www.flagshipsd.com/flagship-fleet/patriot-jet-boat
6. Try an ice cream flight at Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream in North Park. http://www.hammondsgourmet.com/
7. Go on the Balloon Safari at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. http://sdzsafaripark.org/balloon-safari
8. Visit the SD Maritime Museum. http://sdmaritime.org/
9. Check out the new attractions at LEGOLAND San Diego. http://california.legoland.com/en/
10. Visit Dudley’s Bakery and Santa Ysabel Store & Backcountry Visitor Center in Santa Ysabel/Ramona. http://www.dudleysbakery.com/history.html  http://www.sandiego.org/members/history-and-heritage/santa-ysabel-store-backcountry-visitor-center.aspx

Of course my summer activities will also include trips to Disneyland, a visit to the San Diego County Fair, bike rides, and other outings. I’ll keep you posted on how my summer bucket list is coming along…I’m looking forward to being a tourist in my own backyard.

Have you made your Summer Bucket List yet? What are some of your summer plans?

San Diego Backyard Tourist Locations — Top: San Diego Bay with Downtown Skyline and Coronado Bridge. Left: California Tower and Museum of Man in Balboa Park. Right: Star of India at SD Maritime Museum. Picture credits: Krista. Collage created with PhotoGrid iPhone app.

Summer Bucket List Update:

#6 = Try an Ice Cream Flight at Hammond’s Gourmet Ice Cream | Check!  June 6, 2015

#4 = Visit the USS Midway and eat at the Fantail Café | Check! June 14, 2015

#1 =  Climb up the newly opened California Tower in Balboa Park | Check! June 27, 2015

#5 = Take a ride on the Flagship Patriot Jet Boat in San Diego Bay | Check! May 30, 2016

Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”