Ultimate Guide to Little Italy San Diego From A Local [2025]

As you walk through Downtown San Diego, you may find your interest straying from the main city scene. Let your focus go, though, because you may find yourself on India Street. If you walk along this road, you’ll see restaurants, delis, bars, and so much more. Welcome to Little Italy San Diego!Perhaps the biggest thing you’ll see is the Little Italy Landmark sign. Don’t turn back! I promise this is a great place to visit and I will show you all of the neat things you can do in Little Italy, San Diego! But before you go to the activities, let me also give you list of the most popular tours and excursions in Little Italy of San Diego:Popular tours in Little Italy of San Diego 🍷 Combine history with wine tasting on this guided walking tour around San Diego’s Little Italy 🍲 Get the lowdown on Little Italy’s best eats in San Diego with this Taste of Little Italy Tour 🚌 Explore both Old Town and Little Italy with a full-day ticket to ride a hop-on, hop-off trolley through the cityLittle Italy San DiegoThings To Do in Little ItalyLittle Italy Mercato/ Little Italy Farmers MarketHours: Saturdays – 8am to 2pm & Wednesdays 10am to 2pmLocation: W. Date Street from Kettner Blvd to Union StreetThis is probably one of my very favorite farmer’s markets in the Downtown San Diego area. The wide variety of items from art, to food, to flowers, to artisan kitchen pieces in utterly mind blowing into. Every time I visit the Mercato, I find new things and I leave paying way less for groceries than I would at the store. Farmers Market San Diego in Little ItalyThese vendors also welcome product questions that you may have, they’re proud of their profession after all. If you happen to have a certain diet, you can find some really delicious food. There are countless stands that sell vegan products both food and household items. This farmers market is an artery in the community, feeding families and businesses. You can bring your family,your spouse, or your furry friend with you. More often than not, I make a day out of a trip to the market. I take the trolley out and grab a coffee from a neighborhood shop and breakfast from a deli then start browsing the market with my reusable bags at the ready. If I ever need recommendations, the vendors happily give me some great suggestions. The experience is wonderful and definitely worth getting up a little early on Saturday.Little Italy Food Hall/ Piazza Della Famiglia Hours: 6am to 10pmLocation: 523 W Date Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone Number: (619) 269 7187In the popular area that is Little Italy, you may find it a little hard to find a place to eat or you may have a family of people with different tastes in food. Well, have no fear the Little Italy Food Hall is here to provide! Tucked just out of sight of the Main Street, where the fountain flows the food hall waits for visitors. From lobster rolls to ramen, tacos and gelato, this food hall is perfect if you are with a group of people with some picky eaters. If you are a fan of Sam The Cooking Guy, check out one of his 3 former restaurants restaurants: Graze by Sam (great cocktails), Not Not Tacos (some of the best tacos in Little Italy), and Samburgers (great value burgers and tasty sides). Read our full review of Little Italy Food Hall here>>Photo provided by Not Not Tacos San DiegoIn the one-story food court like room, there are 6 different restaurants of different cuisines and a full bar. The atmosphere takes me back to middle school when my friends and I would hang out at the mall food court. We’d all get different things and share. The same can be done here. You can also meet new people if that suits your fancy or have a nice quiet meal by the fountain and enjoy the day. However, you choose to do it, at least you’ll have some delicious food to join you. Piazza della Familia Little Italy San DiegoLady of the Rosary ChurchHours: 7am to 8am; 11:30am to 12:30pm; Sunday 7am to 1pmLocation: 1668 State St, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 234 4820This gorgeous church serves the Catholic community as a safe haven and place of worship. It is known as the Jewel of Little Italy because of its fabulous architecture. The church strives to bring the joy of the gospel while imitating Jesus via mercy, compassion, and love. They give back to the poor and help the marginalized. Lady of the Rosary Church Little Italy San DiegoBuilt by Italian immigrants in the 1920s, this church resembles the dream to build an Italian parish in San Diego that came true under the leadership of Father Rabagliati and his faithful followers. Visitors commend it for its beauty and claimed generosity towards those in need. It is indeed admirable of them to go on this journey. They hold masses every day as well as an extra-long service on Sundays. Mona Lisa Little ItalyHours: 9am to 9pmLocation: 2061 India Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 234 4893If you’d like a taste of old-world Italy, then I suggest you come on down to Mona Lisa Little Italy. Not only is it a really amazing restaurant with stellar pizza and lasagna, it is also a deli & market. You can get some really lovely Italian ingredients. This spot is great for grabbing a classic deli sandwich or shop for your dinner that night. Either way, the atmosphere is amazing with the seasonal gourmet ingredients and friendly faces.Art Galleries in Little ItalyThere are a little over a dozen art galleries in Little Italy, all covering different types of art. The Mee Shim Fine Art Gallery, in particular, has been praised for its brilliant mixture of real and surreal art styles. The exploration of expressions and poses is simply fascinating. Mee Shim is not the only artist on the block, however. Walking down the many streets that make up Little Italy, you will find at least one gallery if not more. Each one has a style of their own and some, you can even purchase some pieces to support the local artists. Amici ParkHours: 6am to 6pmLocation: 1660 Union Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 525 8213This is a lovely little park that encompasses the dog park, Bocce Ball courts, and the amphithéâter making it Little Italy’s triple threat. It is a great place to take a walk while eating ice cream or sit to read a book, play a game of bocce, and have your dog socialize. During the farmers market, you’ll be able to listen to some live music in the park and settle down for a break. If you’re bringing your partner, it’s a great spot for a romantic moonlight walk. Little Italy Dog ParkHours: 6am to 7pmLocation: 254 W Date Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 233 3898Little Italy Dog ParkA super neat fenced-in dog park is tucked right in the heart of Little Italy San Diego. Dozens of furry friends find canine companions in this park. It is safe, well-maintained, and friendly! It also provides an area for smaller dogs if you’re worried about that. This is an off-leash area for your dogs to run around in. If you choose, you can sit in the shade and relax rather than play around too. They think of everything here which is likely why this is a community favorite. Little Italy San Diego ToursLittle Italy Walking Tour with Wine TastingI recommend this walking tour if you are one who doesn’t really fancy crowds and just wants to enjoy their time in Little Italy while sipping on some wine. On this Little Italy walking tour, you will visit 3 of the best wine bars in the area.During your walking and sipping, you will travel back in time as you listen to your guide passionately explain the history of the area. It is lovely and relaxing and, I mean, wine is fantastic. Book your Little Italy Walking Tour here>>Book your Little Italy Walking Tour hereHop-on Hop-off Trolley ToursOne of the best ways to check out the sites of San Diego and specifically Little Italy is taking a trolley tour. These are hop-on-hop-off tours you can take for around $42/person. What this entails is basically the ability to take an all-day tour of the area where you can get off in spots that you find interesting then get picked back up at a certain time once you’re done exploring. It’s a great way to get information while also having the ability to really explore areas of interest. I suggest taking a peek. This tour explores both Old Town and Little Italy, to really immerse you in San Diego’s history. Book your San Diego Trolley Tour here>>Book your San Diego Trolley Tour hereSan Diego Scenic ToursIf you’re the type to enjoy the beauty of your vacation, then this San Diego Scenic Tour is the tour for you. In four hours, your guide takes you around to the most stunning spots in San Diego while educating you on the history of each of the landmarks you visit.This is a great tour to avoid crowds as the limit of people per tour is 14 and it is personalized to each and every group. On top of that, snacks are included so you don’t have to worry about getting munch! Book your Scenic tour tickets here>>Book your Scenic tour tickets hereSan Diego Scavenger HuntI absolutely adore these types of tours because they are great for visiting and learning about the city’s highlights. Scavenger hunts are a really fun way to see the city because it gives you goals and challenges that can be easy but also fun. You can do it with friends, family, or a spouse. It is a really smart way to find places that interest you to visit later in the day or later in your stay. I recommend doing this first thing when you’re ready to explore. Book your San Diego Scavenger Hunt here>>Book your San Diego Scavenger Hunt hereLittle Italy RestaurantsBest Pizza Places in Little ItalySorrento Little ItalyHours: (Wed-Fri) 11:30am to 2:30pm; 4pm to 11pm (Sat) 11:30am to 11pm (Sun) 11:30am to 10pm (Mon-Tues) 4pm to 10pmLocation: 1646 India Street. San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 546 0365WebsiteSorrento Little ItalyIf you’re looking for a modern cozy take on classic Italian pizza, then look no further than Sorrento. They serve wonder thin-crust pizza along with fantastic southern Italian dishes. Guests have raved about the lovely atmosphere and deliciously fresh tasting food. Every single one has said that the wait is definitely worth it. However, if you aren’t a fan of waiting, I suggest calling to reserve a table to save yourself the long line. Enoteca Little ItalyHours: 4pm to 8pmLocation: 1655 India Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 237 9606WebsiteThis restaurant takes rustic Italian food and makes it chic and modern. If you’re the type interested in a diverse and refined menu, then you should make a reservation! Patrons excitedly praise Enoteca for their inventive fresh foods and friendly spot. Anytime I ate there it was delightful and the food always comes out hot. I recommend reserving a spot near about an hour and a half before close and walking about Little Italy beforehand.Isola Pizza BarHours: (Mon-Tues) Closed (Wed-Thu and Sun) 2:30pm to 9pm (Fri-Sat) 2:30pm to 9:30pmLocation: 1526 India Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 255 4230WebsiteIf you just want a casual slice of pizza in a lively environment, I suggest stopping by Isola. The contemporary space provides a bright feel as you eat their Neapolitan-inspired pizzas and sip on some fantastic wine. The owners are incredibly responsive if you leave a review and are proud of their convenient delicious food. It is a favorite for many locals. Definitely stop by!Best Restaurants in Little ItalyCIVICO 18451845 India St, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 431-5990From Brunch to Dinner, Secure Your Table Here$$ | ItalianFresh PastaPersonally, I have been to this restaurant a couple of times. I love it based on the fact that they use authentic techniques and fresh ingredients to bring the palate to Italy. It’s owned by two brothers who were born and raised in Italy and they want to bring their home to the states.When I ate there, the food spoke to me and told me about their gorgeous country. The interior was comfortable and humble as to not draw away from the food. On top of all that, they even have a vegan menu so everyone can be happy.Ballast Point BreweryHours: (Sun-Thu) 11am to 10pm (Fri-Sat) 11am-11pmLocation: 2215 India Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 255 7213WebsiteBallast Point Brewery San DiegoYou wouldn’t think that a brewery in Little Italy would be popular but people rave about their food and selection of wine and beer. Not to mention their friendly atmosphere. People hang out inside and outside all day long. After work, it is a perfect spot to blow off some steam or if you’re a visitor, it’s a great restaurant to stop by after a day of sightseeing. Morning GloryAddress: 550 W Date St, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 629-0302WebsiteMorning Glory Little ItalyOverlook the city as you munch on some breakfast classics at Morning Glory. Fair warning: there will most likely be a wait, but it is worth it. Their menu consists of some classic breakfast items from around the world that are done in a really innovative way. It’s very lively so don’t go if you want a silent breakfast.It’s friendly, innovative, and refreshing; I am looking forward to going. Because there’s a wait, I recommend putting your name down and exploring a few shops along India Street while you wait. There are some neat markets in the area.IRONSIDE FISH & OYSTER1654 India St, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 269-3033WebsiteOyster Bar by Zack BensonMussel by Lyudmila ZotovaPhotos provided by IronsideBrought to you by the owners of Born & Raised, Ironside is its opposite. Serving some of the finest seafood around for a fair price, this Little Italy spot is sure to make the seafood lovers swoon.Much like its sister restaurant, the menu changes daily to keep things fresh. I’ve dubbed it one of the best restaurants in San Diego because of the endless praise it receives for its service, food, and venue. Be sure to make a reservation stat.Cloak and PetalHours: (Mon-Fri) 4pm to 9pm (Sat-Sun) 1pm to 10pmLocation: 1953 India Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 501 5505WebsiteThis is a neat little restaurant that serves Japanese tapas with craft cocktail pairings. Cloak and Petal is known for its immense attention to detail as well as the lovely cherry blossom tree that really sets the tone of the atmosphere. The experience doesn’t just end at the food either, they have incredible service. Overall, this is a fantastic restaurant but I do recommend reserving a table so you are guaranteed a spot. CRACK SHACK2266 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 795-3299WebsitePhotos Provided by Crack ShackWatch out, everyone, because the Crack Shack is in town, and it doesn’t play around. With the famous chef Richard Blais at the head of the culinary team, each plate is treated with the utmost care and consideration. These aren’t your average fried chicken dishes.Their philosophy is to treat every piece as if it were a $90 plate of food. The great thing is that none of their dishes will break the $30 mark, and it’s only $30 dollars because it’s a big family meal.The atmosphere is so friendly and welcoming, while the food is just straight-up mouthwatering. And if you like your chicken with a little booze, then drop by for happy hour Monday-Friday from 3 to 6. Beware, though, expect lines. Food this good is in high demand.UnderbellyHours: 11:30am to 10pmLocation: Corner of Kettner & Fir, 750 W Fir Street #101, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 269 4626WebsiteCurrently closed due to renovations!A small ramen shop on the corner of a street with a quaint atmosphere. This is a place where you can sit next to a total stranger and have a full-on conversation. Great right? Their take on the classic Japanese ramen, a comforting staple of the country, is interesting to say the least. If you’re just getting introduced to ramen and want to explore the cuisine, I would start here. I recommend going in the afternoon when the shop isn’t as busy if you want a quiet meal, otherwise, definitely reserve a spot before going as it can get busy in the evening.BORN & RAISED1909 India St, San Diego, CA 92101(619) 202-4577WebsiteCredit: Medium Raw ArtsMichelle OrenciaCredit: Anne WatsonCredit: Medium Raw ArtsPhotos provided by Born & RaisedThis is the absolute place to be if you’re looking to satisfy a luxurious palate with steak. Their humanely treated meats are sure to melt in your mouth and then set your palate ablaze when paired with an expertly crafted cocktail.The price is most definitely worth the quality of food and service, according to past guests. I highly recommend setting up a reservation, especially if you’re bringing a date. Waiting for a table on a date is no bueno.Photo Credit: Born and RaisedLittle Italy San Diego HotelsHotel Republic San Diego Autograph CollectionLocation: 421 W B Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 398 3100WebsiteThis stylish hotel offers lovely accommodations for families and couples, including an on-site restaurant, bar, indoor pool, and even a spa & wellness center. The advanced accessibility shows how incredibly considerate they are toward their guests. They are also just a 5-minute walk from the nearest trolley station, giving you the opportunity to explore the city of your own accord. Compare prices here>>Hilton Garden Inn San Diego DowntownLocation: 2137 Pacific Highway Suite A, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 696. 6300WebsiteWith this convenient location and stellar amenities, it’s hard to not stay at the Hilton Garden Inn. The brand is consistent and reliable with quality and the fact that it’s located extremely close to the trolley station makes this hotel just that much better. I recommend this brand for families, business travelers, and couples. Make sure to make a reservation before your travel date. Compare prices here>>Hampton Inn San Diego DowntownLocation: 1531 Pacific Highway, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 233. 8408WebsiteThis hotel is lucky enough to be in the very heart of the city, putting it in the epicenter of activity. It’s close to the trolley stations and most of the downtown activity but still manages to provide guests with a nice, relaxing, luxurious place to stay for their trips. Hampton Inn is a wonderful place for couples, families, and business people of all kinds. Compare prices here>>Best Western Plus Inn BaysideLocation: 555 W Ash Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 233. 7500WebsiteThis casual hotel offers guests lovely, comforting amenities that just top of any kind of stay. Because of its convenient location, you can explore the deepest depths of San Diego and save on inner-city travel. It is also in close proximity to popular tourist spots, making it extra convenient. They are also extremely considerate in making their amenities accessible to people of all kinds. Compare prices here>>La Pensione HotelLocation: 606 W Date Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (800) 232. 4683WebsiteA modern hotel in the middle of the area with a spa, a restaurant, and a cafe, sounds wonderful right? Well, you can get all of that plus a free breakfast at La Pensione Hotel. This hotel is most popular with couples. The romantic atmosphere makes special occasions even more special. But it also suits families and solo travelers as well. With everything so close, you’re compelled to explore the area. Compare prices here>>Urban Boutique Hotel San DiegoLocation: 1654 Columbia Street, San Diego, CA, 92101Phone: (619) 232. 3400WebsiteThis is a cute little hotel right in the heart of Little Italy that accomplishes a cozy yet luxurious feel while being convenient and reliable for guests. People happily keep going back for the service alone! It’s close to tourist spots and general places of interest. The comfortable amenities and close entertainment make Urban Boutique to die for. Compare prices here>>Events in Little Italy San DiegoSan Diego Art WalkWebsiteThis is one of the many ways that San Diego celebrates the rich art culture that it has. Every year, there’s a full weekend dedicated to art and culture. Over 300 artist display their gorgeous pieces and allow themselves to humbly brag about their hard work. This is where you can discover new artists, learn things about different cultures, and buy from local artists. It is an all-around good time.Art Walk Little ItalyTaste of Little ItalyWebsiteYearly, Little Italy features its great Italian restaurants, urging them to rub shoulders with new and old people. This is an opportunity to broaden your palette by trying new things from new restaurants, including desserts, dinner, appetizers, and cocktails. There are two routes to choose from 5pm to 9pm. I usually try to go to both routes and really nibble on everything that I can. It’s a lot of fun!Little Italy Christmas Tree LightingWebsiteDuring the Christmas season, the Little Italy community goes all out for decoration. Walking down the streets at night is lovely. A cold chill tickles your nose, the gentle chatter from establishments sing in your ears, and the delicious mingling of scents from the restaurants entices your taste buds. However, the highlight of the season is the Christmas Tree lighting that occurs in early December. This is the kick-off of Christmas, and boy, does it put you in the mood. Christmas in Little Italy San DiegoLittle Italy San Diego is a neighborhood that has a lot of fun, low-key stuff to do. You’ll find charming restaurants, cute shops and boutiques, and a nice atmosphere that tourists and locals enjoy. Definitely add this cute neighborhood to your list of things to do in San Diego. TRAVEL TIPS🏘️Book your accommodationBooking.com will help you to book accommodation in advance and check availability✈️Book your flight in advanceTo find the cheapest flight options, you can use WayAway and find the most suitable option for you🧾Get your tickets and tourswith Viator and GetYourGuide to get the most out of your journey Ultimate Guide to Little Italy San Diego – Pin for later: Last Updated on February 11, 2025 by Maria HaaseThe post Ultimate Guide to Little Italy San Diego From A Local [2025] appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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How to Visit Disneyland in 1 Day – By A Local

Walt Disney once said “Disneyland will never be completed. It will continue to grow as long as there is imagination left in the world.”On July 17, 1955, Walt Disney’s land of fantasy, enchantment, magic and futurism opened its gates and welcomed the public to its 160-acre theme park in Anaheim, California. And the rest is history.Disneyland in 1 Day is quite ambitious and we want to help you make the most of your time at this magical place. Our family is a huge fan of Disney and visit the parks at least once a year or more. Over the years, the park Walt called “the happiest place on Earth” has expanded to what is now 500 acres, adding even more lands and attractions. And though this magnificent theme park is a happy place indeed, for those who visit for the first time or remember the low-tech days when enjoying the park was much simpler, it can be somewhat frustrating and overwhelming.That’s why our Disney family is here to offer some insider tips and sound advice for navigating the park and getting as much out of a visit as possible, along with the not-to-be-missed attractions.When to VisitThough there is no real “off-peak” time of year to visit, planning is essential because there is a vast number of locals who hold annual passes and visit often. The ideal times to enjoy Disneyland best are mid-September through mid-November (before Thanksgiving break), mid-January through mid-March and on Tuesdays through Thursdays. The crowds are less, and you’ll likely find shorter wait times for popular attractions.  Ways to Maximize Your VisitStay in a Disneyland Resort HotelIf you stay in one of Disneyland Resort hotels, you’ll have early access to the park (currently 30 minutes), before it opens to the general public. You’re not only walking distance to the park entrance, but you can knock out some of the top attractions before the crowds build up. But you need to be in line and ready to go the moment the gates open.If you’re not staying in a Disneyland Resort, be sure to get in the Disneyland Park queue early, as the longer the day goes on, the more crowds and extended wait times you’ll experience.Purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-PassIf you do happen to visit Disneyland on a busy day or a day that’s busier than expected, you have the option to purchase a Lightning Lane Multi-Pass. Yes, it’s going to cost you more over and above your already expensive park ticket, but it can ensure you have the opportunity to experience most of the top attractions that day without long wait lines. Current pricing runs about $32 per ticket per day for the upgrade. I highly recommend it to make the most of your 1 day in Disneyland. The main benefit is not standing in a lengthy stand-by line for an attraction, which can be anywhere from 45 minutes to 120 minutes or longer at peak times on a busy day.The Lightning Lane (now called Multi-Pass) allows guests to reserve a time for an attraction within a one-hour window. The caveat is that you can only reserve a particular attraction once a day, but there are many others to choose from and once you enter the one-hour window, you may choose another attraction.It should be noted however, that the absolute newest and most popular attractions are not included on the Multi-Pass. They are however available with an added Lightning Lane Single rider purchase for each ride (prices vary).Is it worth it? It depends how badly you want to get into the attraction and your tolerance for long wait lines.Get to Know the Layout of the ParkIt’s important to understand the layout of Disneyland, especially if this is your first visit or you haven’t been to the expanded park in a long while. Guests enter the park and head straight down Main Street, U.S.A. filled with shops and restaurants. Main Street ends at a circle in front of the castle with spokes leading to other lands. Adventureland and Frontierland can be accessed to the left, Fantasyland directly through Sleeping Beauty Castle and Tomorrowland to the right.New Orleans Square is located behind Adventureland, Mickey’s Toon Town behind Fantasyland and Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is accessed through Frontierland.Since you only have time to explore Disneyland in 1 Day, you unfortunately can’t see everything. The age and preference of your family members and friends will determine what attractions you see as top priority, so, we’re listing the most popular (and yes, most in demand) attractions in the park.Don’t Miss these Top Rides & Activities During your 1 Day in DisneylandStar Wars Rise of the ResistanceStar Wars: Galaxy’s Edge is the newest land at Disneyland Park, and typically the newer attractions see the biggest visitor demand.You’ll want to beat feet to this incredibly immersive attraction as soon as you enter the park to access the wait line as early as possible to enjoy the experience of being recruited by The Resistance and battling the villainous First Order aboard a star destroyer. Unfortunately, the complex ride breaks down often, but you may be lucky getting there early.While here, make sure to experience this thrilling interactive smuggling adventure as a pilot, engineer or gunner in a Galaxy, Far, Far Away as part of the Millenium Falcon crew on the Millenium Falcon Smuggler’s Run.Big Thunder Mountain RailroadLocated in Frontierland, this thrilling coaster ride through a haunted gold mine is the “wildest ride in the wilderness.” Ride it during the day, then hop on again after dark for a whole new rip-roaring adventure you’re guaranteed to love.Walt Disney’s Enchanted Tiki RoomThough there never seems to be much of a queue waiting to get into this attraction in Adventureland, it offers a respite along with a sweet and delightful presentation. A ‘cast’ of over 150 talking, singing and dancing birds and flowers along with a magic fountain and tiki drummers and totem poles that come to life make this a favorite throwback attraction that has never grown old since it first opened in the Disneyland Park in 1963.Pirates of the Caribbean“Yo ho, yo ho, a pirate’s life for me.” You’ll never get that song out of your head after a New Orleans Square ride on a swashbuckling cruise through caves and into Caribbean waters plagued by buccaneer scoundrels. One of the most exciting parts of the cruise is spotting the appearances of the most famous pirate of them all, Johnny Depp, i.e. Captain Jack Sparrow. Fun fact: Did you know that the HMS Surprise, the ship used to film Pirates of the Caribbean, is at the Maritime Museum in San Diego?Haunted MansionThis immensely popular dark ride attraction also located in New Orleans Square takes riders on a spooky tour through a haunted plantation manor filled with ghosts, ghouls and spirits.Guests who visit during October through the end of December will be treated to a frightfully festive haunted transformation inspired by Tim Burton’s Nightmare Before Christmas. The Haunted Mansion Holiday complete with Jack Skellington, Sally, Oggie Boogie and Zero is unique to Disneyland only.Space MountainThis indoor, space-themed roller coaster in Tomorrowland opened in May, 1977 as the second coaster in Disneyland Park after Matterhorn Bobsleds.The smooth, thrilling, ride that practically takes place in the complete dark features a race through the cosmos to the edge of the galaxy with drops, sharp bends and other fascinating turns. It’s a thrill for all ages.It’s a Small WorldWe never tire of this precious whimsical boat ride that debuted at the 1964-1965 New York World’s Fair. Located in Fantasyland, the song-filled journey via canal traverses the globe. Along the route, a cast of 300 audio-animatronic dolls in authentic national costumes representing children from all over the world sing the timeless classic “It’s a Small World (After All)” in their native tongues. It is a special feel-good moment of global togetherness.Peter Pan’s FlightObviously, the wish of humans to fly has made this attraction the most popular in all of Fantasyland. Though the fantasy area right behind the castle offers other fairy tale attractions like Pinocchio’s Daring Journey and Snow White’s Enchanted Wish, Peter Pan’s Flight always has a wait line. There’s just something about soaring out the window over London to Never, Never Land with the boy who just wouldn’t grow up.Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway RailwayMickey’s Toontown’s animated and colorful neighborhood celebrates Walt Disney’s original characters such as Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy. Playful attractions all focus on these delightful characters but the most fun and most popular of these is Mickey and Minnie’s Runaway Railway. Climb aboard this runaway train for a zippy, zany and fun adventure through cartoon world. Even the big kids love it!Final Thoughts on a Day in DisneylandWhile Disneyland offers many other attractions and experiences throughout its various lands, we’ve covered the main ones that most visitors hope to check off their wish list.Downloading the Disneyland app will provide the best and most updated information on wait times, ride closures and more. This makes it super easy to adjust your itinerary and make the most of your jam packed Disneyland in 1 Day adventure. But for those who still like to have a paper map in hand, these are available at the gate or at many of the shops throughout the park. How to visit Disneyland in 1 Day was written by Noreen Kompanik for SanDiegoExplorer.com. Last Updated on November 5, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post How to Visit Disneyland in 1 Day – By A Local appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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Get Your Spook on at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego

It’s not too late to freak yourself out this Halloween season, and if you’re a fan of chills and thrills, you can’t miss out on Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego.Howl-O Scream combines that thrill rides from SeaWorld and interweaves them with five different haunted houses designed, quite frankly, to scare the bejesus out of you. It’s similar to the way other theme parks like Knott’s Berry Farm transform themselves into something out of your nightmares, but Howl-O-Scream has its own offerings that make it stand out among the pack.How Hall-O-Sceam stands outFor one, a few of the haunted houses come with hidden speakeasies, and they post the password for them on the Howl-O-Scream Instagram stories every day. I’m sure they’re not the only ones in the world who do this, but it’s the only one out of the three of these types of theme park Halloweens I’ve been to that’s done that, so it was a win for me.There’s also the added factor of the rollercoasters being near the water. Staring at the blanket of stars elongated over the ocean sends shivers down my spine just thinking about it. I hadn’t visited SeaWorld prior to this experience, so it was my first opportunity to check out the rides, which I loved.Just one quick thing…The one negative I have, before I go any further, is that they didn’t fully honor our ticket types. Yes, the tickets were complimentary media passes, but they were ones that clearly stated — both on the physical ticket and in the e-mails that delivered them — that they were tickets that included front-of-the-line passes for both the haunted houses and the rollercoasters.After some back-and-forth and some unwillingness to show me what “they saw on their side,” the park eventually honored the front-of-the-line for the haunted houses, but not the rollercoasters. I would have argued more if we had actually paid for the ticket, but it was a little upsetting when it was all clearly stated, and would have been infuriating had I put money into the ticket. In the end, we only wound up going on one rollercoaster because of the wait times, but the one we did get to go on was awesome.Welcome to the Carnival of ChaosI digress, and even though it was a speed bump, it most definitely did not ruin the night. I recommend getting there right at 7, if you’re able, to attend the opening ceremony — or, rather, the opening SCAREmony. The host welcomes you to the Carnival of Chaos, and you get to be there when they unleash the spooks that walk among you.I understand they can’t touch you, but that doesn’t change the creep factor at all. It doesn’t matter if you tell me the chainsaw has no blade. A masked man chasing you with a real chainsaw is still scary. And in this day and age, how is anyone going to promise me he’s not going to snap?That, of course, is all part of the fun. A few of the spooks are actually great to talk to if you’re brave enough to face them head on and crack a joke. We wound up having a great conversation with the host of the Carnival, who gave us a tip on how to find the speakeasy in the Circus of the Damned.I won’t spoil all of the locations for the speakeasies (they’ll list them with the password), but they’re worth checking out, if you can. I also recommend getting the pass they wound up letting us have, the Front Line Fear, because it’s worth it to skip the lines for the haunted houses. They are the main attraction, after all, and the lines for them nearly tripled what we saw for the rides on the night we went.Take a walk through the haunted houses — if you dareMind you, if you wind up going to the Circus of the Damned, be aware that it’s a 3D Maze and it’s terrifying. I wound up running around the corners screaming the password for the speakeasy so much I wound up just getting shown to it. Outside of the Circus, it’s up to you what type of scare you’re looking for in regard to the other houses. They each offer something different and they’re all unique in their own ways.For example, in Simon’s Slaughterhouse, you’ll wind up in a bloody meat-packing maze while chased by butchers with buzz saws. In Area 64: Alien Outbreak, you’ll move through mad scientists and horrifying aliens in one of the darker houses. Over at the Nightmare Experiment, you’ll run around with patients at the botched end of an experiment, with the Doctor running around to find you. There’s also the Death Water Bayou, which might have been the scariest one for me as we faced the curse of the evil Swamp Witch.The scare zones keep you on your toesIn between the haunted houses — which will stick with you, trust me — the spooks also walk around in between locations. If you download the app for the park, it will also hightlight where each of the different “scare zones” are in between the houses. Just in case you’re afraid of dolls, be aware there’s a whole bridge of them (including a live one) that you’ll have to cross through in the Deadly Toys zone. It reminded me of the Island of Dolls in Xochimilco in Mexico City, which is great for the food but up there with the spooks.While you’re at it, be prepared to run as someone chases you in the Graveyard, face the scarecrows in the all-new All Hallow’s Harvest, hang with the vampires in the Red Moon Revelry, and join citizens in their search for the murderous Jack Ripper.Stop for some live entertainment and give your heart a breakOn that latter note with Jack Ripper, that’s actually one of the more fun things about Howl-O Scream. Outside of the scares, they also have live entertainment and “vile vignettes” for you to enjoy while you bring your blood pressure down.Among the shows is the Monster Stomp, which is a “rock and rhythm spectacular” in the Nautilus Ampitheater that explores the “menace and mystery” of Jack the Ripper. It’s the longest show available, so make sure you check for the showtimes so you don’t miss out.In between, the “vile vignettes” are smaller interactions within and between the scare zones for added entertainment. Truthfully, we mostly walked by these, as they’re predominantly just add-ons in the scare zones and outside the haunted houses. They’re still good for the entertainment, but we didn’t stop long enough to really watch any of them (though part of that was because we were afraid things would pop up behind us.)What are you waiting for?In the libations department, they’ve also got plent of specialty drinks, like the “blood” syringe, for those who enjoy a good libation in between all of the madness. Perhaps it will take the edge off, or maybe it’ll make it all that much worse — up to you to decide.Whether you’re seeking a thrilling date night for a family-filled night of scares, you don’t want to miss out on Hall-O-Scream this year. You can grab your tickets at the SeaWorld website, which start at $41.99, or check out Groupon for special deals. They offer discounts for park members, and Howl-O-Scream runs through November 2, 2024.Last Updated on October 29, 2024 by Maria HaaseThe post Get Your Spook on at Howl-O-Scream at SeaWorld San Diego appeared first on San Diego Explorer.

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