1. Red Lion
City: National City, CA
Category: Accommodations
Telephone: (619) 336-1100, (888) 478-7829
Address: 801 National City Boulevard
Description: For the business traveler or visitors who simply like to spread out, the Red Lion is an exceptional bargain. It is located just east of I-5 near the border. Each of the hotel’s 168 suites has either a city or a bay view. Modern and comfortable, all suites are equipped with computer modems, and all have Internet access. Laundry facilities are available for guests, as is a complimentary continental breakfast and room service with reasonably priced meals. Red Lion’s central location makes access to beaches and to Mexico just an easy drive. If your favorite family pet does not reach your knees, it’s welcome here for a $35 fee.
2. Independence University
City: National City, CA
Category: Education
Telephone: (619) 295-5785, (800) 791-7353
Address: 2423 Hoover Avenue
Description: Although based in San Diego County, this is basically distance education for health and business professionals. It offers 10 different degree programs from AA to master’s degrees, and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council. More than 10,000 students are enrolled nationwide, and independent study schedules are personalized for each student.
3. National City Golf Course
City: National City, CA
Category: Golf
Telephone: (619) 474-1400
Address: 1439 Sweetwater Road
Description: This is a quick-play par 34 nine, and many golfers play around twice, completing a full round in about four hours. It’s a narrow canyon course that can be lots of fun for straight hitters. Those who lean left or right are in for some creative second shots. The fairways are narrow, especially on the only par 5, the 505-yard second. Water comes into play on three holes.Greens fees are $10.00 for 9 holes, $17.00 for 18 on weekdays; weekend fees are $14.00 for 9; $22.00 for 18. Carts are $7.00 per person.
4. Paradise Valley Hospital
City: National City, CA
Category: Health Care
Telephone: (619) 470-4321
Address: 2400 East Fourth Street
Description: Along with fine general medical care, Paradise Valley offers outstanding service in the areas of cardiology and oncology. Here you’ll also find 24-hour emergency and walk-in services and the New Life Family Center. Prospective parents come here for childbirth classes and then to have their babies in a comfortable, homelike atmosphere. The 237-bed campus also includes a center for health and well-being called the Body Works. The center offers low-cost massage and yoga classes. The hospital also offers pediatric services and a transitional-care skilled nursing service.
5. Chicano Perk
City: National City, CA
Category: Nightlife
Telephone: (619) 474-7375
Address: 616 National City Boulevard
Description: Welcome to the best of all worlds: good coffee (organic, fair-trade beans, no less), excellent digs, and on the weekends—live music. Spread out on the couch and tune in to rock en Español (rock sung in Spanish) as well as Latin R&B or hip-hop. Sets usually start at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, and around 5:00 on Sunday, when more mellow jazz is often on the menu. The newer National City location serves food too; both offer poetry readings and display art of local painters, all colored by the Hispanic traditions of these South Bay neighborhoods. The owners call themselves “Chicanos con conciencia”: Chicanos with a conscience.
6. American Athletic Club
City: National City, CA
Category: Parks & Recreation
Telephone: (619) 477-2123
Address: 2539 Hoover Avenue
Description: Rates range from $7.00 to $8.00 per person depending on the time of day. The club has six courts and is open Monday through Friday 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., and Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
7. Westfield Shoppingtown Plaza Bonita
City: National City, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 267-2850
Address: 3030 Plaza Bonita Road
Description: South Bay’s only enclosed, climate-controlled shopping center, Plaza Bonita is anchored by JCPenney and Mervyn’s. More than 150 specialty shops like Anchor Blue and Foot Locker will keep you shopping for hours. When you need a break, stop in at Applebee’s, Outback Steakhouse, or one of the many restaurants in the food court.
8. Ufo-Upholstery Fabric Outlet
City: National City, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 477-9341
Address: 1919 Hoover Avenue
Description: Even if you have no plans to reupholster any of your furniture, a visit to UFO will change that kind of thinking in a hurry. What seems to be miles and miles of racks of fabric will inspire your creative spirit, and you’re sure to find something you can’t live without or the perfect fabric to re-cover Aunt Matilda’s antique chaise. UFO, along with its sister store in North County Inland, is an Insiders’ secret not to be missed. It’s closed on Sunday.
9. B. Dalton Bookseller
City: National City, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 267-1294
Address: 3030 Plaza Bonita Road
Description: For the largest selection of titles, this is South Bay’s best bet. You’re likely to find exactly what you’re looking for in this pleasant, well-organized store. Like all B. Daltons, this store is open daily and has friendly and helpful salespeople.
10. Gracie’S Book Nook
City: National City, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 474-4464
Address: 1722 Sweetwater Road
Description: For the best in bedtime reading material, Gracie’s is the place. The “gently read” selection of titles includes mystery, romance, general fiction, true crime, and science fiction. It’s always a pleasure to search the shelves for the latest gem to hit Gracie’s, and you can’t beat the prices. If you’re like most Insider bibliophiles, you know what a treat it is to find a great used bookstore, and Gracie’s is tops in South Bay in the Sweetwater Crossing Shopping Center.
11. National City Swap Meet
City: National City, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 477-2203
Address: 3201 D Avenue
Description: Every Saturday and Sunday 50 cents will get you into this swap meet that’s primarily of the garage-sale variety. Household items and collectibles are abundant, but you will find some new items, too. Show up early; things usually start rolling by about 7:00 a.m. It ends around 4:00 p.m. Half a dozen snack bars and food vendors are scattered throughout the swap meet. Be sure to wear a hat and bring your sunscreen.
12. General Bead
City: National City, CA
Category: Shopping
Telephone: (619) 336-0100
Address: 317 National City Boulevard
Description: Whether you’re looking for a few beads to decorate your favorite jacket or you need hundreds of beads for that special craft project, you won’t be disappointed at General Bead. Choose from among 18,000 items spread out across 3,000 square feet. Beads of all sizes, shapes, and colors will dazzle you and inspire your creative nature. It’s closed Monday.
13. Chuck E Cheese’S
City: National City, CA
Category: Tours & Attractions
Telephone: (619) 474-6667
Address: 1143 Highland Avenue
Description: This is a carbon copy of the other Chuck E Cheese’s kids’ restaurants in the county. You’ll notice that they’ve popped up in every one of our regions, and for good reason: Kids absolutely love them. For more information, see our entry under Central San Diego.