musictub

We are flying into San Diego on a Saturday at the end of October and have all day Sunday to enjoy the area before the conference starts Monday. We are staying at the Del Coronado (conference rate, thank you). So, my question is: which would be possible and more feasible to do:
1. Ferry over to Balboa Park as early as possible, bike around, eat lunch at a nice restaurant, tour one of the museums, see a play at the theater at 7:00pm, and ferry back after the performance?
OR
2.Rent bikes in Coronado then take the ferry to the Fish Market for lunch, tour the USS Midway/museum, see a museum in Balboa Park, then see the play?
FYI:
We visited San Diego once before for a short visit and really enjoyed Old Town and the San Diego Zoo. After reading all of the suggestions on this site and remembering how much we loved the San Diego Zoo, maybe I should include the Wild Animal Park instead.
Any thoughts?

musictub

Forgot to add that we could rent a car for the day.

DebitNM

You may be too late for the ferry back to Coronado.

http://www.sdhe.com/coronado-ferry

MichelleY

You should probably rent a car, especially for coming back at night. We really liked touring the USS Midway so I would vote for that.

MichelleY

Or spending the day at the Wild Animal Park.

musictub

Thanks for the info. I think I'm trying to fit too much in one day.

bstorr

The wild animal park is quite a drive from Coronado. You'll spend half your day on the freeway. I would save that for another trip and stay in town. Plenty to see in the city, since you only have one day I would keep it local.
I prefer Balboa Park to the MIdway, but it depends on what your interests are. The Prado is a lovely restaurant in Balboa Park, plenty of people watching and terrific museums.
You could also visit Balboa Park, then dine in Little Italy, close to downtown. Indigo Grill is a memorable restaurant.
I promise I do not work for the Cohn Restaurant group! Just lived in San Diego for 4 years and became a fan after dining all over town.
Enjoy America's Finest City.

musictub

bstorr, thanks. How does this sound? Ferry over to Balboa Park as early as possible, bike around, eat an early lunch at the Prado or Fish Market, tour one of the museums, see a play at the Gobe Theater at 7:00pm, dinner (at the restaurant we didn't go to for lunch) and taxi back after the performance. Is this doable? I admit I am not clear on all the distances involved, and will work on that.

musictub

oops....taxi back after dinner.

Tabernash2

Taxi from Balboa Park to Coronado? I think it would cost a fortune. Maybe shorten the day at Balboa Park, by skipping the play and/or dinner there.

Since we enjoy our time oceanside, we could spend the day on Coronado island and be content just renting bikes and poking around.

musictub

Already have tickets for a 7:00 show at the smaller theater at the Globe! I'll look into renting a car for the day. Thanks.

Tabernash2

Good idea. Enjoy the Park and Coronado!

charsuzan

There was a car rental place at the del although it has been a couple of years since I stayer there.

musictub

When I realized that people ferry over to Coronado Island because it's so pretty, i thought, why not enjoy the area around where we're actually staying?After checking prices for cabs, cars, trolly, etc. our new plan is: bike around Coronado Island in the morning, ferry to downtown, bus from ferry to Balboa Park (~$18) to see a museum, early dinner at the Prado, & theater performance at 7:00, taxi back to hotel (should be ~$25). (Car rental from The Del is $107 for an basic car for one day!!)
We're really looking forward to it! Thanks for all the good advice!

musictub

Oops .. I meant bus or cab from ferry to Balboa Pk

paula1470

Sounds like a good plan. If you bike on Coronado, then you will be able to change from biking clothes before heading over to Balboa Park, dinner and the theatre. San Diego is casual but I probably wouldn't wear the clothes I bike in to the Old Globe.

I know you aren't going to the Wild Animal Park but just wanted to clarify something. Yes Coronado to Escondido is a drive but you won't spend all day on the freeway!! I live north of Escondido but I get to Coronado in an hour, it's about 45 min from Coronado to the Wild Animal Park. There could be some traffic depending on when you go but not usually much outside of rush hour. That being said, you will spend most of the day at the Wild Animal Park once you are there.

I think you made a good choice to see lots of sights in one day.

musictub

Thanks everyone! I think it'll be a wonderful day. Will be sure to report when we return to our regular life!

elizzie4000

Your last plan sounds good. I only just saw this thread and was going to tell you that taking a taxi from Balboa Park to Hotel Del won't cost you a fortune. I see you've found out that it'll run you $20 - $25.

Enjoy your visit!

Calcruzer777

Another possibility is after spending the day at Balboa Park, spend the evening over at Old Towne San Diego (one of the beautiful Mexican restaurants with mariachis providing the music. You could also spend part of the day renting waverunners and go out onto Mission Bay (I find active people doing active things together leads to much more romantic times).