san diego trip -- advice needed

We have family in San Diego and when we went in 2007 they said don't even think about Tijuana. It is very sketchy, to be kind.

They also suggested Old Town Mexican Cafe for dinner and that was very good and I'm not a big fan of Mexican food.

I second (third, fourth) the suggestion of the zoo over Sea World. Much better value for the money.

We were up at the Point Loma Lighthouse at Cabrillo when a carrier group was pulling out. That was way cool, especially after seeing Midway.

 

Cross "go to Mexico" off the bucket list. That's about the only reason.

State Department has an advisory out telling Americans to stay away from Mexico.

 

Just go to way out east to El Centro, or south to Chula Vista, squint, and pretend you're in Mexico.

The waits to cross the border are averaging about 2 hours each way...and TJ is just as dangerous as Monterrey or Juarez.

I repeat my earlier recommendation of happy hour at the rooftop bar at the Marriott. Best view in town, especially if you're a transportation geek like me (planes, trains, boats, subs, helicopters, everything all the time in view from your seat. And the ladies are mighty fine.)

 

i wasn't planning on crossing the border. I have an aunt that has lived in Mazatlan for 40 years and I've never been to visit her.
thanks for all the suggestions, folks.

 

I know San Diego very well. Here are my suggestions:

1. Hiking Torrey Pines, as others have said.

2. If you're there August and September (and maybe July, check) you can snorkle with the leopard sharks at La Jolla Shores. It's pretty cool. Leopard sharks are harmless, but they come right up near the shore in the summer and you can get real close to them.

3. Favorite beaches: La Jolla Shores, Coronado behind Hotel Del. If you have a dog, there's a dog beach in Del Mar that's really fun.

4. Breakfast: El Indio has great breakfast burritos. Swami's Cafe in Encinitas is good.

5. Quick meals: In-N-Out, of course. El Indio. Burger Lounge. Wahoo's Fish Tacos. Pizza Port in Solana Beach has great pizza and great beer. Go to about any hole-in-the-wall Mexican joint and eat a California Burrito.

6. Fancy meals: Flemings Steakhouse in La Jolla. Chart House in Cardiff. George's at the Cove in La Jolla. Just about any Italian place in Little Italy. There's a little-known Italian place in Hillcrest called Charisma that I love. If you want an amazing dessert, there's a place called Extraordinary Desserts downtown.

7. Adult attractions: Balboa Park has several. Walk around the La Jolla Cove area as others have said. There's a music venue near Little Italy called Anthology that I love.

8. Kid attractions: Kids ages 6-12 love Legoland in Carlsbad. The zoo is awesome. Sea World is awesome. Disneyland is 90 minutes north. Mostly, though, kids from inland areas love the beach, no matter how cold the water is (and it is).


San Diego is a million times better than Tijuana. Don't even bother going to Mexico, it's a waste of great time you could be spending in S.D.

 

I second and third the Marriott Gaslamp. Stayed there for a conference 2 years ago. Absolutely enjoyed my stay there.

I wasn't totally impressed with Old Town. Seemed like a tourist trap -- at least from a shopping perspective -- but the restaurants were decent there. Wish I spent more time at Coronado, too.

 

To cross into Canada over land, you need an enhanced drivers license or a passport.


I'd guess it's the same way for Mexico.

 

I also love San Diego and I'd move there in a heartbeat.

I like the whole seaport village area. That Marriott there is one of my favorites. It's touristy, but still cool. Sea World and the zoo are good. Petco Park also very nice.

I would not go to Tijuana.

 

If you go to Coronado sometimes The SEALS train in public beach area in front of The Del. Very cool to watch them landing their rubber boats on the rocks. I was there when a team was in middle of "Hell Week". Had to be tough to train while looking out at bikini's and beach goers sucking down cold beer.

 

Bump.

Wife has a conference there in March, and I’ll likely tag along for a few days.

Any new/updates recommendations? She’s staying at some fancy (and expensive) new hotel that’s still being built, I believe. When I come out to join her, we’ll probably stay somewhere cheaper.

Whatcha got?

 

Torrey Pines for golf;

La Jolla for beaches; Or Pacific Beach;

Even without kids, the San Diego Zoo is tremendous; fresh air, beautiful setting, good walking.