San Diego Tourist Attractions?

Aquajock

Aquajock

Cathlete
Hey there, sportsfans -

DH and I are going to be spending a week in San Diego 10/02 - 10/08 (flying back Sat. 10/09) and I'd like your suggestions as to attractions in addition to the San Diego Zoo and the Universal Studios theme park in L.A. Nothing booze-oriented, please.

Thanks!

A-Jock
 
Hi A-Jock,

I'm heading out to San Diego for a wedding next week (9/24-9/27). My folks and I are staying with a cousin who lives out there, and he's planning to take us to Balboa Park and possibly Coronado Island on our "free" day.

Balboa Park looks pretty cool - it has museums, gardens, exhibits, etc. Here's the URL: http://www.balboapark.org/.

I'll let you know how it is.
 
Ah, one of my favorite playgrounds. October is perfect timing, fewer visitors & awesome weather.

Balboa Park, where San Diego Zoo is located, is huge & has several museums & gardens in addition to the zoo. The Hillcrest neighborhood nearby has some terrific restaurants & independent stores. Not for the homophobic.

I love Coronado island. Nice, upscale village with restaurants & people watching & good strolling. I always enjoy a visit to the well preserved Hotel Del Coronado (rent "Some Like it Hot" before your trip). Several beachside walking/riding/blading paths with rentals. You can drive to it over the bridge or just take a ferry from downtown.

La Jolla. Del Mar. Carlsbad. All trendy beach cities, up the coast from San Diego & accessible by public transportion.

If you want something a little grittier, Ocean Beach & Pacific Beach are quite close (or maybe just neighborhoods in San Diego city) around Mission Bay, which offers dry & wet recreational pursuits. A non-weekend visit to Sea World on Mission Bay might be an option.

If you enjoy outdoor art, visit University of California, San Diego's campus in La Jolla. You'll need to get a map, the artwork is spread all over the very large, hilly campus. It's a great way to combine cultural & physical activity.

Nearby is Torrey Pines State Park which offers a variety of ocean bluff trails.

The Gas Light District in downtown San Diego has plenty of dining options. Close to downtown is the Mission District which is an historical area which seems bigger on tourism than history, but the strolling is good.

You have to visit Rubio's, there are many, for a fish taco or two.

San Diego has a mass transit system that should shame its neighbors to the north. In the core of the city there are trolleys. The Coaster trains run up the coast to the trendy beach cities. The main station is downtown, near the harbor, convention center & the Amtrak station. It's a very visitor friendly city but if you rent a car, plan for traffic.

Bring warm weather clothes though coastal fog might be a little chilly. Have fun!

Debra
 
You may want to do the wild animal park in Escondido instead of the zoo. You get to see animals in more of a natural setting. If you're up to it, you can take a bus into Tijuana, Mexico and go shopping for the day. Balboa park has a few museums you may be interested in seeing.

Beth
 
I agree about the Wild Animal Park. IMO it's more unique and striking than the Zoo.

I also highly recommend the Gas Lamp. Be forewarned that several popular bars dot the streets, but you don't have to participate in that to enjoy the cool restaurants. My most recent fave is the Mai Tai Tiki Room (I think I got the name right): try the "nigiri-style" seared salmon with cucumber salad and sauce; it's to die for!!!

For high-end shopping and dining, as well as a gorgeous view of the coast, visit downtown La Jolla. Prospect Street is the heart of this neat area. The Cove is an area of the La Jolla beach that is nestled in downtown, and believe you me, it's wonderful. If you're looking for the ultimate in spa experiences, please, please, visit Gaia Day Spa in downtown La Jolla. Seriously, it's incredible. The Cottage or Brockton Villa restaurants serve amazing breakfasts, and La Vache (a country French restaurant) is cozy and delicious for lunch. La Vache's original restaurant is in Hillcrest, an adorable little district closer to downtown. It's a great place to check out for offbeat stores and a cool general atmosphere.

I agree that Rubio's offers just about the most delicious fish-tacos on the planet, but for something a little more traditional, try the Old Town Mexican Cafe in old town San Diego. They don't take reservations, but the wait usually isn't toooo long, and the food is super yummy.

I'm sure there is cool stuff that I've forgotten, but this will have to do for now. Enjoy your trip!
-Kate
 
I was stationed at the Seal base in Coronado while I was in the Navy! I was right across from the Hotel Del Coronado. The Hotel Del Coronado is where Marilyn Monroe filmed "Some Like It Hot" I believe. They also filmed "My Blue Heaven" there. That was my all time favorite beach in San Diego. It's so nice over there!

:)
 
OK here are some suggestions from my family in San Diego:

"Places to visit in San Diego area. ( my ranking on interest ) -

Balboa Park with Museums, Organ Pavilion, Shakespeare, San Diego Zoo.
Sea World
Downtown Gaslamp district ( restored area with restaurants).
Legoland
Wild Animal Park
San Diego Bay
Mission Bay
Ocean
California Missions.
Tijuana
Indian Casinos
Universities
Factory Outlets
Golf
Hang Gliders
Fishing
Maritime Museum
Midway Aircraft Carrier Museum
Seaport Village shopping
Marine Aircraft Museum at Marine Corp Air Station

Within 2 hours drive -
LA
Palm Springs
Desert
Mt Laguna
Disneyland



Judy
AKA "Likes2bfit"
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I would like to visit SD myself sometime. Let us know how the zoo turns out. I have had several people tell me it's a major disappointment and pales in comparison to the zoo just outside Chicago. Of course, I've been to Chicago a few times and never seen their zoo either. LOL!
T. :)
 
>I would like to visit SD myself sometime. Let us know how the
>zoo turns out. I have had several people tell me it's a major
>disappointment and pales in comparison to the zoo just outside
>Chicago. Of course, I've been to Chicago a few times and never
>seen their zoo either. LOL!
>T. :)

Hey Trevor! I'm from Chicago. The Brookfield Zoo is awesome! A lot of people even have their weddings there. :)
 
Hi Dani!!
THAT'S the one!! Couldn't think of the name. I have been to Chicago a few times and have kicked myself for not seeing more although it was for work so we squeeze in what we can. Last time, I visited that technology museum with the working coal mine inside of it. And I had to see Soldier Field. No Cubs game yet either! Guess I better go back! :)
T.
 
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