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Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
Category: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Landmarks & Historical Buildings [Edit]
6905 La Jolla Scenic Dr S(between Soledad Park Rd & Via Capri)
La Jolla, CA 92037
Neighborhood: La Jolla
(858) 459-2314
141 reviews for Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial
Review Highlights
"Beautiful w/ a 360 degree view of all of San Diego."
(in 11 reviews)
"Try to go on a clear day when the views are amazing."
(in 17 reviews)
"What is there not to love about Mt."
(in 23 reviews)
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141 reviews in English
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Review from Michael G.
Plano, TX
2/9/2012
Your review helps others learn about great local businesses.
Please don't review this business if you received a freebie for writing this review, or if you're connected in any way to the owner or employees. -
Review from Robert C.
1/23/2012
I spent the first 18 years of my life in San Diego, and to this day I don't think I've found a better spot to marvel at its beauty (except from a plane). On a clear night, you can see all of downtown and La Jolla light up. A truly gorgeous and romantic spot.
Several years ago they turned it into a memorial, and now there are countless names and plaques surrounding the cross. A fitting place for such a thing - very quiet and serene, as well as beautiful.
I always recommend people to pay a visit here if it's their first time in San Diego, as it really is breathtaking. Bring a jacket, and head down to the Livingroom or one of the other cool spots in downtown La Jolla afterwards to warm up for a lovely, scenic evening. -
Review from Vineet S.
1/10/2012 1 Check-in Here
Wow what a great spot to have the bird's eye view of the San Diego city. Defintaely a must visit place for everyone when one is in the city. There is plenty of space to park the cars and it also has a nice park to enjoy the view.
Probably the best time is early morning and evening during the sunrise and sunset.Well the ride to this spot is kind of steep. I did see some people riding bikes up the uphill. One needs great stamina to do that.There is a wall where names of the veterans are engraved with the pictures.
I would defintaely be back at this awesome spot whenver I am in San Diego. -
Review from Dave And Renee S.
Salem, OR
2/8/2012
A real "First Class" Veterans Memorial! Renee and I were very impressed with the way this Memorial had been structured. High on Mt. Soledad, a huge memorial cross in the center and at the highest point, and a lot of beautiful marble stonework. The workers were adding marble tops to the memorials in January 2012 when we were there. What a GRAND location to pay tribute to our veterans. We would highly recommend Mount Soledad Veterans Memorial on any trip to southern California.
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Review from Robert F.
12/28/2011 1 photo
For my 400th review I wanted to choose something special...
This spot on Mt. Soledad means a lot to me. I have many memories coming here, as I grew up in La Jolla, and even went to school down the street from here. This was a make out spot, a place to take wedding photos, a place to get one of the better views of San Diego from above. There is free parking, and it is a nice park to sit and take it all in.
So that is what bothers me about all the controversy. So many San Diegans enjoy this place. They don't want it changed, they don't want the cross monument removed after being here for so long. Why do a few sour intolerant morons continue to try and ruin it for everyone? Why do these few people continue to try and overrule the overwhelming majority of the rest of us?
You can clamor all you want about the separation of church and state (a principle not in the Constitution). I understand the arguments. But every time there has been made an attempt to sell or transfer the property so there is no conflict, it is blocked by lawsuits. Voters continue to overwhelm with support, but it is always a case of the squeaky wheel gets the grease. I say screw these people. The memorial association has spent a lot of money and really made a beautiful war memorial out of this. If you can't enjoy it for that, or if you are that offended by a symbol, perhaps you need therapy and a lesson in tolerance. What's next, ripping crosses and stars of David out of Arlington Cemetary? My two cents....Listed in: Best of La Jolla
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Review from Will C.
1/4/2012 1 Check-in Here
When I lived in San Diego, there were a few spots that I'd call my 'happy spots.' Places that would give me the same feeling and sensation as if it were my first time visiting the place. Mt. Soledad is one of those places. On a clear day, you can see towards Coronado Island to the south. At night, you can see the traffic on the 5 and 8.
During the SD wildfires back in '07, Mt Soledad was an interesting place to see the fires north in Rancho Santa Fe.
The drive itself is fairly short and quick coming off the 5. Take the La Jolla Parkway exit and drive up a few winding roads up north and you'll be there in less than 10 minutes off the freeway.
There are plenty of benches that offer one a near-360 degree perspective. Unfortunately, you cannot see Pacific Beach from the monument. -
Review from Greg E.
The perfect spot to come if you want to see the entire city and even parts of Mexico!
Being a U.S. Navy veteran, I thought it was cool to see the monument. Apparantly the cross has generated controversy throughout the years. It really didn't matter to me. The evelation alone is worth coming up here for, especially for the breathtaking views. Simply put : OUT-F***ING-STANDING!!
The path up here is very steep. If you're riding a bicycle up here, I admire your stamina. My fellow yelper Dean P. and I came up here via an automobile. This is another gem that he showed me on my tour around the city. Parking was not at all an issue and if my family ever comes out here to San Diego and visit, this will be one of the first places that I would take them.
The history of the cross and the controversy surrounding it can be found in this article: http://www.aclu.org/re...Listed in: San Diego's Own
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Review from lottie t.
1/24/2012
The site is a gorgeous site, especially for the Veterans Memorial. The point overlooks La Jolla, and you can see the ocean, it's a very nice and peaceful view. This is the perfect place to have a memorial so people can pay their respects, and look at the ocean - being at peace. It is also beautifully taken care of.
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Review from Emerald H.
La Jolla, CA
1/20/2012
The view of the city and ocean from all angles is spectacular. Plus, the workout you get from running up Mount Soledad can't be beat. Especially when the reward is the view.
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Review from Emily S.
10/18/2011
The view up here is amazing! And, you don't have to hike up a mountain for hours to be able to see it. Well... you do go up a mountain. But you drive up it. :D
From the top of the Mount Soledad Veteran's Memorial you are able to get a 360 degree view of the city. Around the memorial are plaques with veterans on them. And, when we were there, there was an old veteran available to talk to you if you wanted to talk to him.
There's a nice big grassy area here to hang out at... or maybe have a picnic.
Parking is free. And was plenty of parking.
This place is something nice to see if you're in the area. It'll be a quick trip! -
Review from Kristen S.
San Diego, CA
12/11/2011
If you want a great view of San Diego, this is the place to get it. The actual monument is alright, if you are into that kind of thing. I just love the 360 degree view of the city. I often bring out-of-towners here.
Listed in: SD Tourism
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Review from Aaron B.
La Jolla, CA
9/30/2011 41 Check-ins Here
Fantastic, nearly 360 degree views of the city. Bring some binoculars if you have them. I think the only place that even slightly competes with Mt. Soledad views is Cabrillo Monument. Mount Soledad Veteran's Memorial is free, so if you're on a budget, here you go.
With respect to the actual monument, even though I am a member of the military for 20 plus years now, I'm not a fan of the cross, I believe it, intentionally or not, endorses Christianity as the de facto religion of the veterans honored on the plaques. The arguments that it is a "War Memorial" & not a religious symbol is down right laughable. You want proof? Try building a 29' tall statue of Buddha or a Crescent Moon & Star (Islam) monument on the site. The "War Memorial" folks would have a conniption.
Anyway, enough political/philosophical pondering, it is a fantastic sight seeing place, go and check it out! -
Review from Sharon V.
What better way to honor those who have served our country on Memorial Day than with a visit to Mount Soledad?
My husband and I decided to drive up to Mount Soledad in the late afternoon and just missed the Memorial Day Ceremony as there seemed to a mass exodus coming down the hill. One would usually be disappointed once this realization kicked in but for me, I was grateful there would be fewer crowds. I was right. When we arrived, there was plenty of parking in the top parking lot. Score!
The views from this beautiful landmark in San Diego are breathtaking. And then as you stand in the grassy area to face the cross, it's even more magnificent. Even on an overcast day, there is beauty all around and even though the winds were blowing steadily, it created this harmony that was fitting for the mood.
I come to Mount Soledad often; for solace, to give thanks and to conquer that hill on my bike--and often times for no reason at all. Regardless of the reason, I am so grateful we have a monument as beautiful as this to pay tribute and to remember our veterans and those who are currently serving our country. They are the reasons why we are able to enjoy the many Liberties we all have today.
If you haven't been able to visit Mount Soledad in La Jolla, you should put it on your list. -
Review from Fredd S.
9/6/2011
This review is based not on the monument, but on the fun ride that this monument can be, and the gorgeous vistas that you'll get as a reward.
So what you need to do is get to Kate Sessions park. From here you go North on your bike and ride up the hill, ride, ride, RIDE!!!! You well be out of breath, you will be sweaty, but when you get there you will see all of SD. ALL OF IT!!! you see the piers, the mountains, the border. It is San Diego's second best view.
Take a date here, and make it into a picnic. -
Review from Shane D.
6/22/2011
This place is pretty special to me.
Many of my relatives and friends have served in the military. Perhaps the one I was closest with was my grandfather who fought in WWII. He passed away a couple years ago, and it was pretty tough on us.
Being from Pennsylvania originally, he obviously wanted to be buried in the same place as his parents and my grandmother back east. So it's too far for us to visit regularly from California.
When he was alive and came out to visit, we went to Mt Soledad once and he commented how beautiful it was, and how moving to read about all the servicemen on those plaques.
So after his death, my aunt requested the Mt Soledad Memorial approve a plaque for my grandfather's memorial. After a background check of his service records, he was approved, and now he sits on top of this beautiful spot with many of his fellow military heros.
So now we have a special place nearby, that he loved, where we can go and remember what a great man he was, and pay our respects to not only him, but every hero who has served our country.Listed in: Views
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Review from Jim L.
San Diego, CA
7/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
I've been fortunate enough to ride my bike up here several times and what a treat. After a climb, you get to take a rest and enjoy amazing views and reflect why that cross is there in the first place and do a little "thank you" to this who made it possible for the cross to be placed in the first place.
So here is mine to you.......THANK YOU!! -
Review from Dmitriy S.
San Diego, CA
7/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Come up here for a sunset on any clear day, and you'll understand why there's a 4.5 star rating of Mount Soledad. From La Jolla to Miramar to downtown San Diego, you have a (almost) 360 degree view of the entire San Diego area. Whenever I make a visit down to San Diego, I make sure to come up here and experience the natural beauty of the area.
One great thing about Mt. Soledad is that the surrounding area is very well preserved. There's rabbits everywhere, which makes it a great place for kids as well. The memorial itself is very well constructed and maintained.
Every city has their designated go-to overlooks that are frequented by tourists, locals, and romantics alike. SF has Twin Peaks, Berkeley has Grizzly Peak, L.A. has Griffiths Observatory. San Diego is in those ranks with Mt. Soledad as one of the most beautiful overlooks in California. -
Review from Ms J.
San Diego, CA
7/5/2011 2 photos
Wow... This place is amazing.
Im a San Diego Local. My family has served in the military and so has my Boyfriend. This place is so special, The view, The sunset, The Feeling you get when you see all the faces of those who have served this country.
Its wonderful. -
Review from s h l.
San Diego, CA
11/20/2011
Absolutely amazing views - just unbelievable...but that's about it. Great photo opportunities but there really isn't much to do besides that. It's situated in a residential neighborhood with ridiculously amazing houses. The parking isn't too bad and the drive up is kinda hilly...The great thing about this attraction besides the spectacular views is it's FREE!!! What's not to love about that!
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Review from David H.
11/12/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Beautiful breathtaking views from up top. Look down towards the water and watch the sun setting. Look down towards the freeway. Nice and relaxing to be up here. I don't know what all the fuss is about the cross. People don't you have better things to fight or worry about? Sheesh! Just enjoy the view!
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Review from Haik K.
5/4/2011 1 Check-in Here
Mount Soledad.
Words can not define how I feel when I slowly make my way up the twists and turns of the hill that you need to get here. Sometimes, I drive from the backside and let fate lead me to it.
First and foremost, it is a war memorial. Who would have thought La Jolla would be home to so many heroes? My respects to them and their families.
One thing San Diego has plenty of is places where one can escape the urban jungle and feel alignment with the universe. I brought a gal up here once, we pretended the city below was just like SimCity and we thought of what we could do to make it better (nothing besides adding a badass roller coaster was the consensus).
My buddies and I found this place our freshman year of UCSD (shortly before getting kicked out). We used to come here all the time, have a cigarette, follow the freeway all the way to downtown by pointing our cigs out to as far as we could see. Some of us claimed to see the giant Mexican flag in Tijuana, others claimed to see Shamu do a trick at Sea World. Whatever the case...you feel on top of the world here and realize that San Diego is one hell of a nice place to live.
Can't wait to go back.
P.S., please do not destroy the cross because of some secular philosophy. Heritage is heritage. Cheers. -
Review from Jason H.
San Diego, CA
8/23/2011
How can you not give this place a Five star! Beautiful w/ a 360 degree view of all of San Diego.....
I like to go here and just sit on the steps by myself and just look. I tune out everything and just relax!
If you are walking up the street from the below parking lot, stay on your left hand side. Walk pass the benches and glassy area and you'll come across a small dirt path. Go down the path (Don't go in sandals, too risky). At first you'll see an incredible view. Keep going down. It's the one place I found no one goes. You can sit there and relax with a beautiful view for yourself! Take your ipod and some headphones with your favorite music and mellow out!
Life is good! -
Review from Mary J.
3/18/2011
San Diego's best-beloved make-out point.
Perfect spot for:
Tourists
Family
Dates/ Significant others. Preferrably at night. (cough cough. wink wink)
Standing on a mountain and taking in the beauty of all San Diego has to offer, whether it's night or day.Listed in: .*:BEST in SD:*.
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Review from kumi k.
4/27/2011 1 photo
As we were driving up, our anticipation grew as we glimpsed bits and pieces of the awesome view. And when we reached the top, the vista literally took my breath away. In 5 years that I've lived in US, I have never seen a more incredible view.
A must place to go to if you're planning a romantic getaway to San Diego.Listed in: An Out-Of-Towner's Guide to…
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Review from Hannah S.
3/27/2011
This is one of my favorite spots in San Diego to chill and relax. The memorial is pretty and I'm glad the crazy folk haven't managed to tear it down. If its a clear day, you can look out and see all of San Diego.
Ahhhh San Diego!! Drink it in, it always goes down smooth! -
Review from Sean L.
I drive over Mt. Soledad to get to work on most days. Even though it's a little faster from Crown Point for me to hop on the 8 East to get to my office in Kearny Mesa, it's worth the extra time for me. The morning commute is such a key player in my attitude during the day, and after coming over the mountain and seeing that Pacific Ocean, the feeling of living in one of the best places on the planet washes over you, how can you not have a great day?
The cross on the mountain and possibly the Veteran's Memorial has created controversy over the years. Seriously? It's a cross, it means something positive to a lot of people. I don't see how it can be a negative thing to the rest. If you don't care for it, ignore it, it's really worth all the effort and debate you're putting into whether it stays or goes? I guess when we think about war, poverty, overpopulation, pollution and depletion of Earth's natural resources... yeah, I guess I see how a big statue on top of a hill fits in there. Seriously? If fighting this is what gets you out of bed in the morning, GFY and just stay in bed because I don't want to hear it.
Hmm, a little sweet and a little salty. Two parts of my review for you... had I driven over Mt. Soledad today before writing this, perhaps I would have been a little nicer throughout paragraph two. -
Review from Shirley F.
San Francisco, CA
3/20/2011 5 photos
a place where you can see the view of San Diego.
If you want romantic view at night with your date/girlfriend/boyfriend, don't go too early. There will be lots of families (or crazy girls with no boyfriends) there screaming and talking loudly. -
Review from Emily S.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2010 30 Check-ins Here
Incredible at any time of day...
Wild weather, like mini-La-Jolla-Mt.-Washington.
(Google Map Mt. Washington kids).
With that being said bring a jacket or a blanket or both...
It sucks to get up there and not enjoy because the mountain has it's own micro-climate...
Plus your chances of hanging out with loved ones with potential snuggle time increases by 85% when you have a blanket.
Park benches are plenty and the steps to the cross provide all the seating you need with a large crowd.
The only gripe I have is the Cigarette butts all over this place...
I didn't see the part of the sign that says "Memorial and Ashtray"
There are many trash cans but still so many BUTTS!
Anywhoooo
Love the international flavor you'll find there... Great time to reflect on the Men and Women who have served and continue to serve this great country.
So bring a jacket and Enjoy....Listed in: Got Visitors?
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Review from Darren S.
1/4/2011 3 photos
- Easy destination for all visitors
- Great views to all sides
- For those late nights when the restaurants and bars are closed, there's a porta-potty
- Unless you're a teenager with a steady and have nowhere else to go, don't go late at night b/c all of the benches will be occupied by teenagers making out -
Review from Jay D.
San Diego, CA
11/8/2010 7 photos
Ever since the Jesus peoples and the Not-Jesus peoples started to get in a fight over this place it has lost a little of its luster but, it easily and quite deservedly gets 5-stars. It remains one of the best places to watch a sunset in all of San Diego so be sure to take out-of-towners here for a visit.
Avoid the protesters if at all possible. On one recent visit, the "Yay-Cross" people were heatedly shouting at the "Nay-cross" people. I got within three equidistant feet of each of them and quietly put in my ear plugs. The 1st Amendment guarantees the right to free speech, not an audience. -
Review from Maria C.
Definitely worth the drive up the steep hill even in my STICK!!!
I have been here on several occasions - day and evening - and I will never get tired of this beautiful landmark. I have taken visitors here and they are completely speechless.
My dad is a 22 yr veteran of the USMC and will def take my parents here on a special occasion.
Yes, parking can be a pain; however, I have never experienced an issue since I usually go during off-peak hours.
Mt. Soledad is a sight to remember and honor, unbelievable views, and one of the greatest treasures in SD. -
Review from Kristin F.
San Diego, CA
7/23/2010 10 photos
One of those I-can't-believe-I-haven't-been-here-sooner places. In fact, it's sort of embarrassing that I never visited this gorgeous memorial until 2 days ago.
I'm a planner; I rarely do anything or go anywhere on a whim. I like organized, planned activites. Funny that I brought my mom here spur-of-the-moment the other day when I realized that we had a few hours to kill before visiting the Chula Vista Nature Center. Turned out to be a fantastic decision.
The memorial and its grounds, perched high atop Mount Soledad, are stunning. Screw the weather; we went on a super-hazy, super-overcast day, and the experience/view was still profound.
The nicest gentleman--a volunteer guide, I assumed--spoke with us a bit as we ascended the stairs to approach the base of the cross. He readily offered to take our photo and was a wealth of information for anything memorial-related. The beautiful memorial plaques can be purchased and displayed for fallen as well as living veterans. The guide also informed us that this memorial is the only of its kind in the world.
Lots of free parking, grass for picnicking, benches. Lots. No shortage of views either.
I'm confident you'll love this place if you haven't yet had the pleasure of visiting it.Listed in: San Diego Sun
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Review from Susan C.
Granada Hills, CA
7/20/2010
Is a visit to the Memorial worth the drive up the steep incline that will make your car cry? Yes.
Spend your half-hour or so at this sight-seeing must sitting on the steps leading up to the cross, laying out on areas of grass, or enjoying the all-encompassing view of San Diego from a bench.
There's not really a "wrong time" to go:
When it's bright, appreciate the tribute to, and history of, the Veterans;
when it's dark, take the opportunity to look up at the bright stars, or look out into the colorfully-lit city.Listed in: Outdoors!
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Review from Kattie C.
Coachella, CA
10/8/2010
360-degree view of San Diego and if you've got a good eye, you can see TJ [so I've heard]. Went here for 4th of July weekend as well, and it was AWESOME [though crowded... expect to park on some obscure side of the mountain].
Also, at night, Sea World fireworks can be seen [though they look like little drops of color since everything is SO SMALL.] Great view. Bring a thick jacket in colder months because the top gets COLD.Listed in: Vacation
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Review from Neko C.
7/10/2011 4 photos
My boyfriend and I came up here to watch the sunrise- and what a breath-taking sunrise it was!! Best view of the San Diego area, hands down!!! As a UCSD student, I love how I can look out to my right and see my campus, the beach my friends and I go to all the time, and the University City area that has been my home for the past 4 years, and to my left is Pacific Beach, where I drink with my friends, and the greater San Diego area, where I have had many wonderful adventures. As someone who calls San Diego their home, there's just something about being up there, looking out upon your home, that makes you feel super sentimental :)
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Review from Melanie L.
Los Angeles, CA
8/13/2011
Very Pretty! But dont forget the bug spray! (still scratching)
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Review from Cindy W.
4/20/2010 1 Check-in Here
Who doesn't love Mount Soledad?!!!!
How dare you people try to tear it down!!!!
My 100th review was an ROTD because I guess it was heartfelt. Since this is my 200th review I guess I should make it heartfelt as well haha.
I have been coming here for since high school. I went to La Jolla high school so we used to come here all the time just to look at the gorgeous scenery and of course just relax. Many times I have come here after a bad day and just reflect on life.
During my college days my friends and I would come up here to encourage one another out. Many of you know that I have had my share of health problems since college. How frustrating is it to have doctor after doctor tell you that they don't know how to cure you or the medications aren't working. How crazy is that I survived chemo and all these crazy drugs.
Being able to come up to Mount Soledad you feel away from all your worries and your cares. Since it is so peaceful, it's such a great spot to "count your blessings" or to shrug off some anger. You can look over to one side and see mission bay, or you can look over to another side and see the ocean, or sea world.
I find myself getting lost in looking at the ocean and looking forward to greater things that will happen. NOW this review DOES come with a happy ending :) Stay tuned for review 202 to see what happens!!!!! -
Review from Jenny D.
Denton, TX
8/16/2011
This is a wonderful place to go and look out over all of San Diego. It is beautiful any time of day or night... make sure to make it part of your itinerary when you visit!
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Review from Michael N.
San Diego, CA
5/1/2010
Mt. Soledad serves as the perfect location for any hobby.
Photographer? On a clear day Mt. Soledad is the place to be for a panoramic view of the San Diego area.
Bicyclist? I see hardcore badasses biking up and down this mountain every time I'm here. Beware: this ain't no simple hill.
Romantics? Bring your beloved for a nice picnic and some snuggly time. There's a nice patch of grass and some mini-trails that will give you the privacy you want for the more intimate sessions of your date..by intimate I mean nothing more than first base you horny bastards!
Historians? The Veterans Memorial has little plaques detailing individual veterans and their stories during their service in WWII ranging from Navy to Army, from captains to cooks.
Musician? Bring your guitar and play some nice tunes with the wind in your face and you might soon realize that it won't be just the wind that brushes up against your cheeks :]
The only hobby that Mt. Soledad doesn't cater to is probably WoW. Sorry Azeroth heroes, you'll have to fight the horde at home. -
Review from John S.
San Diego, CA
2/8/2010 ROTD 8/27/2010
Mount Soledad shows off all of San Diego's beauty and every aspect of it. You can see everything from up there! A full panoramic of America's finest city. Even the drive up is fun.
It reminded my why as an out-of-towner I chose to stay in San Diego in the first place. It's humbling to me that the Veteran's memorial is perched upon the highest point in the city for all to see. Despite all the controversy surrounding the cross, I'm glad that people are still proud of San Diego's military tradition...as they should be!
P.S. Don't wear sandals. A friend sliced his toe up pretty bad on the sharp bricks. I trust all of you reading this are smarter than him to begin with because, well, you're reading. Just as a precaution though-no sandals!
