Bio

Welcome to San Diego!

So You're Planning a Trip to San Diego but don't know where to begin? Let's see if we can't help out a bit!

Where to Stay

Let's Start at the very beginning: what are you looking for?

Beaches?

"I want to stay RIGHT on the beach!"

Coronado - You can't go wrong with a hotel here. My favorite is the classic Hotel Del.

La Jolla - La Jolla Shores. Right on a very nice, mostly local, beach. It's a little old school (think yacht clubs and people calling each other Reggie and Muffy.)

"Walking distance is a-okay by me!"

Del Mar

- L'Auberge Del Mar - Fancy Schmancy, but stellar service and a gorgeous view. Located in the heart of Del Mar, so easy walking and shopping nearby.

- Best Western Stratford Inn - in Del Mar and RIGHT beside the Del Mar Farmer's Market. This is actually where we have family stay when they come to visit.

- Camino Del Mar Inn - looks super cute and similar ammenities to the Best Western.

Lodge at Torrey Pines - I really like this hotel, and the restaurants are incredible and it's a good location....BUT it's located on a cliff up in the hills which gives it gorgeous views, but it's not suuuuper close to the water. They do have a shuttle that takes you down to the beach and back, but that might be a drawback if you wanted to pop into town for something, or left something in the room.

La Jolla

Hotel La Jolla - DH and I have stayed here and it's a short walk to the beach. It's basically like across the street and down the block from the beach, so may be the furthest from the water, even though it's not far...does that make sense?

Grand Colonial - LOVE this hotel. I've never stayed there but it's beautiful and has a fantastic restaurant. Overlooks the water and is a very short walk to Children's Beach. In the heart of La Jolla Village.

La Valencia - Another nice one, right beside the Grand Colonial. Has all the same amenities including view, good restaurant, and location.

Hotel Parisi - This is located right in the heart of La Jolla village, but across the street from the beach, and the Hotel Valencia.

"Where are all the pretty boats?"

Mission Bay - all the hotels here are very nice and located right on the marina, but there is not really a beach. This is an excellent location if the only thing you want to do is Seaworld.

Seaport Village - Downtown, but right on the water. Again, no beach, but loads of lovely boats ;-)

Citylife?

Gaslamp

-Bristol: Our favorite boutique hotel! It's got pop art, a great location, and usually very good specials available.

-Ulysses Grand: Our favorite nonboutique hotel downtown. It's grand and luxurious, and again, a great location.

-Omni: If you're going to a Padres game, this is the place to stay. Especially because you then have access to the special Omni level of the stadium which is suh-weet.

-W: It's a W and lives up to their standard. The sand bar alone is reason to stop by, even if you're not staying. This is located just a smidge north of the gaslamp, so if you're looking to explore Little Italy, this is a good choice.

All I want is someplace cheap - it doesn't matter where it is, and yes, we will have a car!

-Mission Valley: There's not much to do in this area, but there are a ton of hotels. Name a chain and you can find it here.

What to Do

Carlsbad

Village of Carlsbad: cute shops, antiques, restaurants beside the ocean
Carlsbad Mineral Water Spa: Carlsbad was originally farmland owned by John Frazier. He dug a well and found that the water in the well was similar to mineral wells from his home in Bohemia – Karlsbad. “Carlsbad” became a destination for those seeking the rejuvenating and curative effects of the water. The original well is found here.
Batiquitos Lagoon: one of the last remaining tidal wetlands in Southern California. It is now under protection so that fish and birds thrive here. There is a 2 mile trail from the nature center along the north shore.
Legoland: Rides and exhibits centered around that iconic toy. Legoland bills itself as perfect for families with children ages 2-12, and the park is really geared toward them, without the fast paced thrill rides that other area parks have.
Carlsbad Premium Outlets: outlet stores.
Strawberry picking: Carlsbad is one of the premiere strawberry growing locations in the country and most of the rest of the country get their strawberries from Carlsbad which is known for its super sweet berries. Of course, we’re lucky enough to be able to pick our own!
Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park: A real working ranch owned by the Cisco Kid. Four miles of trails through native gardens and buildings restored to the time when Leo Carrillo entertained his Hollywood friends for the weekend.
Beach: Carlsbad State Beach and South Carlsbad State Beach
Carlsbad Sculpture Garden: Materials for building become art and have come out to play in the new sculpture garden exhibition by Carlsbad artist Fritzie Urquhart. Innovative assemblies and playful accoutrements contribute color, sound, sparkle and volume to ten new sculptures that were inspired by play and childhood activities. A xylophone, pinwheels, and a giant pinball machine are just some of the games that become fully realized in Urquhart's exhibition where children and adults alike can engage in the frivolity.

Del Mar

Village: Cute shops and ocean views.
Beach: We LOVE Del Mar Beach. There are grassy/shady areas with trees, wide expanse of sandy beach, and trails along side that wind right beside the train tracks. Between Del Mar and La Jolla is also Torrey Pines Beach, which is another favorite.
Free Flight: An exotic bird park – they encourage people to come and play with their birds, yup that means holding real live animals!
Check out the Farmer's Market on Saturdays.

La Jolla

Beach: La Jolla shores is the local beach, not too many tourists there. You’ll find most of the tourists on the smaller, children’s beach. Children’s beach is also where you may or may not find the sea lions. There is a huge political controversy regarding the sea lions who have been coming here for years to whelp their pets and sunbathe on the shores. Many locals are not happy with the presence of the sea lions, complaining that they attract sharks and their waste contaminates the water. A few years back they lobbyed to dredge the area, making it inhospitable to the sea lions and this proposition was passed. Since then there have been numerous injunctions stalling the dredging process and you will likely see members of the community standing guard over the sea lions since all protective roping has been taken down.
Shopping: La Jolla is the Beverly Hills of San Diego and here you will find boutiques and galleries.
Kayaking: La Jolla is home to tide pools and caverns. Kayaking is a popular means of exploring both.
Torrey Pines park: The torrey pine is the rarest native pine tree in the US and Torrey Pines park is one of two places in the world where it grows naturally. There are several hiking trails that lead to the cliffs, 300 feet above the ocean. The ocean views are always gorgeous, especially around sunset.
Museum of Contemporary Art: Designed for the philanthropist Ellen Browning Scripps, this museum was originally built in 1916. The views from outside rival the work inside which focuses on both California artists, as well as examples of every major art movement since the 1950s.
Birch Aquarium: The largest oceanographic exhibit in the United States. Check out the 70,000 gallon tank simulating the La Jolla kelp forest, or the simulated submarine.

Mission Bay

Seaworld: THE place if you like marine animals. The beluga exhibit is neat, and you’ll enjoy the ride through the penguins. Check out forbidden reef to feed the moray eels and pet the sting rays. If you want a little tamer, you can always feed the seals and sea lions. Of course, you can’t forget the shows!
Bay: The bay has 27 miles of shoreline and is very family friendly. You can rent bikes, or just walk around it. Perfect places for picnicing.

Old Town

Old Town Historic State Park: The first European settlement in Southern California. Contains an adobe walled cemetery, Victorian buildings, and the Juniperro Serra Museum.
Mission San Diego de Alcala: Not exactly in Old Town, but not to far away. The first in a chain of 21 Missions stretching up the coast. Established by Father Junipero Serra in 1769.

Little Italy

food! Chocolates, pastas, Italian markets, design and art shops. Check out the Farmer's Market on Sundays.

Hillcrest

Used Bookstores
Fun Boutiques
Fantastic Restaurants
Check out the Farmer's Market on Saturdays!

Balboa Park

museums

Mingei International Museum
Museum of Photographic Arts
Museum of San Diego History
Ruben H. Fleet Science Center
Air and Space Museum
Museum of the Living Artist
San Diego Automotive Museum
Hall of Champions Sports Museum
Model Railroad Museum
San Diego Museum of Art
Museum of Man
Natural History Museum
Timken Museum of Art

Gardens

Cactus Garden
Alcazar Garden
Australian Garden
Botanical Building
California Native Plant Garden
Casa del Rey Moro Garden
Desert Garden
Florida Canyon Native Plant Preserve
Memorial Rose Garden
Japanese Friendship Garden
Marston House Garden
Palm Canyon
Trees for Health Garden
Veterans Memorial Garden
Zoro Garden

fountains
Zoo: Our famous San Diego Zoo! The new elephant odyssey exhibit just opened. There are also baby tigers, bears, a giraffe, a gorilla! If you don’t like animals, there’s always the gardens!
Trails: There are a number of trails that cut through the park, a map is available online.
organ concerts: Concerts every Sunday from 2-3.
Old Globe: Shakepeare Festival in the summer, award winning productions during the year, as well as a great place to see some shows before they hit Broadway.
Starlight Ampatheather: Open Air Family theater in the summer. Due to its location, directly under the airplane flight path, the action starts and stops during the performance. Bundle up, it gets cold here, and don’t forget to pack your wine and cheese!
Puppet Theater: Performances are Wednesday through Sunday at 11am, 1pm, and 2pm.

Gaslamp

Shopping: Horton Plaza and of course all the stores along fourth, fifth, and sixth avenues.
Theater: Check out the ½ price ticket booth located outside Horton Plaza for some great deals on theater.
Museum of contemporary art: Smaller than the La Jolla counterpart.
Symphony
Opera
Petco Park: Go see the Padres!

Seaport Village

Shopping: carousel, specialty shops, located along the embarcadero.
Maritime Museum: Steamboats and sailing ships including the Berkeley – the famed ship that saved thousands of San Franciscans during the 1906 earthquake by carrying them to Oakland. Also included is the HMS Surprise, used in the movie Master and Commander, and the Star of India which made 21 trips around the world in the 1800s.
USS Midway: Now the San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum, this retired naval ship has a 4 acre flight deck, flight stimulator, and interactive exhibits.

Coronado

Beach: Silver Strand is our favorite San Diego beach. White, sandy, and beautiful!
Hotel Del: A national historic landmark since 1977, the Hotel Del is a San Diego icon.

Point Loma

Cabrillo National Monument: A 160 acre preserve containing Oceanside trails, tidepools, and the lighthouse.

East County

Wild Animal Park: New baby elephant, tigers, cheetah and rhinocerous. Get up close and personal with the animals!

Julian: Gold mining town known for its apple production and wildflowers.
Temecula: San Diego’s Wine Country. Home to a majority of our wineries.

Are You Hungry?

North County:

Blanca - fresh, local, seasonal foods, great wine list.
Cavaillon - French food in the heart of suburbia.

Iris - total local place; fantastic food and a great wine list

La Jolla:

Roppongi - Sushi and Asian Fusion
Cafe Japengo - Really "interesting" sushi; not your standard fare.
Piatti - Italian food that's like eating in someone's home.
Michelle Coulon - whether you're picking up lunch or pastries, you can't go wrong.

Old Town:

Old Town Mexican Cafe - Good margaritas and a fun atmosphere.

Little Italy and environs:

Filipi's - walk through an Italian grocery/deli to get to the restaurant. The menu isn't extensive, but it's fun and good.
Chi - Chocolates! In the winter the hot chocolate is the best!
El Indio - my favorite Mexican, possibly the creator of the taquito.
Luche Libre's - DH's favorite Mexican; known for their tijuana hot dogs.
Starlite - Our favorite place for drinks, but the food is also fantastic. Fresh, local, and seasonal with a menu that changes daily based on what's available.

Balboa Park/Hillcrest:

Prado - one of my fave restaurants. The food is good and the atmosphere is perfect for a quick bite or a long evening.

Celadon - Thai food
Sushi Deli - IMO best sushi in San Diego
Extraordinary Desserts - not to be missed, phenomenal desserts!
Hash House a Go Go - Best breakfast, hands down, in San Diego.

Crest Cafe - second best breakfast; the stuffed french toast keeps us coming back.

Northpark:

Gulf Coast - Cajun food!

Pomegranate - Amazing Russian/Georgian food.

Eclipse - Chocolate!!!!!

Gaslamp:

Oceanaire - I don't know which is better, the seafood or the service. The crab cakes are soooooooo good!, but the hash browns are better!

Dobson's - It's fine dining in a casual environment. The owner is always present and makes sure your experience is great.

Coronado:

The Boathouse - situated on it's own little island, the food is incredible and the atmosphere is so romantic!
1500 Ocean - It's at the Del, so it's not surprising that it's phenomenal. The service, attention to detail, and the food are equally superb.