san diego trip -- advice needed

My sister went to UCSD. I've spent more than my share of time there. It's an amazing place.

 

I'll add a vote for the Zoo over Sea World. I'm not really a zoo person, but I love the one in San Diego. But definitely wear your walking shoes, because it's huge.

Petco Park is a great place to watch a game, even if you don't care about the Padres or the opposing team. You can get tickets for under $20 and enjoy the atmosphere.

 

Me and a friend one night went looking for San Diego's best margarita. There wound up being a 10-way tie for first place.

 

Zoo is fantastic; great place for the family. Sea World is pretty good but not on par with Zoo. Wild Animal Park is pretty good too if you have kids. Young kids (under 9)? Then hit LegoLand too.

Petco is very cool spot. If you can, stay at the Omni right next door (I can never go wrong with an Omni.)

Gaslamp district is pretty nice but I wouldn't walk too far at night.

LaJolla is a great beach as well.

 

Last time we were there the Padres were on the road but a ball game is definitely on the agenda this time.

We will also be touring the Midway, didn't have time to do it last trip.

Mrs. Huggy and I went to the races at Del Mar one Sunday, highly recommended even if you aren't into the ponies.

 

as usual, some good advice coming my way.
i was debating staying in gaslamp district? What are the pros and cons?
Padres are out of town when we're going, so that's not an option. i forgot about the zoo.
Is La Jolla the best/safest beach?

 

No shit; you may wind up being raped/assaulted/mugged by one of San Diego's many rogue cops:

http://www.kusi.com/story/14603675/yet-another-san-diego-police-officer-arrested

 

The El Indio suggestion is good for a cheap meal (I recommend with carnitas burrito with an extra side of guacamole. The pork is moist and tender and the guac is terrific).

For lunch or early light dinner I recommend:

http://www.pointlomaseafoods.com/

The seafood cannot get fresher than that. If you walk around back, you can see them gutting the fish.

Breakfast (actually lunch or dinner, too, if you don't want to spend a tremendous amount):

http://www.hobnobhill.com/

For lunch I really love the turkey croquettes, which you don't see on a menu everyplace. In fact, I can't recall seeing them anyplace else in any city.

If you are wedded to Marriott, I can't recommend beyond that, but I would not go out of my way to stay downtown. It is kind of a nice downtown, but not appreciably different than a downtown you can see in similar-size cities. And it is a pain in the ass the way every downtown is. Not every city has an ocean, however, so I would try to stay near it.

For beaches, lots of people like La Jolla and I'm not going to argue with them, it's nice. I have to agree with Boom about Coronado, though.

 

I have not been to it, but the Wahley House is considered one of the most haunted places in the country:
http://www.whaleyhouse.org/

On my list of things to do, but haven't gotten their yet.
In fact, I have lived in California for 11 years now and have yet to go to San Diego.

 

Hash House A Go Go for breakfast.

http://www.hashhouseagogo.com/

Taka is nice for sushi. There's better to be found in La Jolla, but Taka is the best in downtown San Diego.

http://www.takasushi.com/

It looks like Courtyards everywhere, but if you can get a good rate at the Courtyard on 4th and Broadway, it's a decent location and less costly than some spots by the water.

You should go to the Ralph's on G Street and get a case of water for the room because you'll need it after being out all day.