| If you're finding that you can't quite afford | | | | lush gardens, ubiquitous palm trees, mega |
| that Hawaiian vacation this year, take heart: | | | | swimming pool and island music, the resort |
| there's another destination that will be | | | | takes on the feel of a true Hawaiian resort. |
| easier and less expensive.. And if you're | | | | |
| already in Southern California, it's just a | | | | The resort also is nearly surrounded by |
| few hours' drive. | | | | Mission Bay Park, a popular playground for |
| | | | San Diego County residents who flock to the |
| San Diego's Mission Bay, along with Pacific | | | | acres and acres of green lawns, waterfront |
| Beach, may not have the 80-degree water, or | | | | and recreational areas. The Mission Bay area |
| the hula girls, but there is plenty of water, | | | | was developed several decades ago from a |
| swaying palm trees and consistent weather | | | | tidal marsh where the San Diego River drained |
| that practically guarantees you'll get all | | | | into the Pacific Ocean. About 25 million |
| the time you need to bake in the sun. It's | | | | cubic yards of sand and silt were dredged to |
| easy to leave the everyday grind of work | | | | create the land forms in the park, which are |
| behind and settle into a vacation frame of | | | | almost entirely manmade. The area has |
| mind. | | | | restrictions on development that ensure that |
| | | | it will remain available for the public to |
| The comparison with Hawaii is particularly | | | | use. |
| apt at a hotel like the Hilton San Diego | | | | |
| Resort, a sprawling campus of both high and | | | | And use it they do. Whether it's day camping |
| low-rise accommodations, many with views of | | | | on Fiesta Island, or walking or riding along |
| Mission Bay. Location and landscaping are | | | | the many miles of bike paths skirting the |
| what make this resort special. With its own | | | | bay, or simply picnicking on park property |
| docks on Mission Bay and a fleet of various | | | | with dramatic views of the bay, San Diego |
| water craft available for rent, water | | | | residents and visitors alike have taken a |
| activities are never far away. And with the | | | | liking to Mission Bay. |