help with trip to san diego

Coronado would be a great choice. The other "beach" areas have a lot of partying going on and not sure if you really want to let your two teenagers on the loose.

The villages of La Jolla and Del Mar would also seem to fit your profile.

If it's the same Paradise Point resort I am thinking about - it's nice but by itself.

whats the beach scene like in late february. I know it all depends on the weather . can you expect alot of people at the beach on a nice day or is it too early in the season. will the water be warm? thanks again

hoteldel.com

or

lajolla.com

little cheaper choice more for teens to do.
I like the Hyatt there. betterbidding.com for deals.

thanks. lajolla does look nice. would two teenage girls be able to walk around safely without getting too bored. are there alot of other teens in that area? thanks

The girls could walk around La Joll without much concern, especially in the village area. They might also enjoy gonig to the nearby movie complex/entertainment area - AMC - and possibly over to the Westfield Shopping center off La Jolla Village Drive (10 minutes) - or to the upscale Fashion Valley Mall - about 20 minutes away.

For the beach - the air temps have been very nice - in the 70's and 80's and people have been going to the beach - but the water is a bit cooler than in the summer. Check out the best little beach - The Cove - right below the LJ village. http://www.a-zsandiegobeaches.com/lajollacove.htm

And I don't remember the names - but there are a couple of hotels which are on Coast Blvd - directly overlooking the Cove/Ocean. Incredible views - even if they are more of the basic variety, and you can walk up the stairs to the Village - where I had an office for years. We used to grab sandwiches for lunch and walk down and have a mini-picnic overlooking the Cove.

And a couple miles away to the north - at La Jolla Shores - this is a nice oceanfront hotel, and there is a cute little area with a few restaurants and shops nearby. http://www.ljshoreshotel.com/

Uno Mas: You could also go up to the UC San Diego Campus - toward Torrey Pines Golf Course - and the girls might like walking around the campus. http://ucsd.edu/

And the beautiful Scripps/Birch Acquarium is also on the way. http://aquarium.ucsd.edu/

The weather in Feb. will be warmer than Maine but not always "beach" weather.

How old are your teens? I have stayed at the Paradise Point Resort and you would need a car for other areas - the teens might be very bored very fast there imo.

On Coranado it also depends on where you stay. Be aware that the Loews property is set off all by itself and again the girls would need a car in order to get around any place by themselves.

I would consider staying downtown San Diego at any of these properties and going to the beach during the trip:

http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/sandt-san-diego-marriott-marquis-and-marina/

http://manchestergrand.hyatt.com/hyatt/hotels/index.jsp?null

We have stayed at either many times - we have had a sail boat take us out on the harbor it is a lot of fun, the girls can walk through seaport village and the gaslamp is a ton of fun for them (not alone at night!) you can take the pedicabs if you do not want to walk

Or if you can swing the Hotel Del Corando that is always wonderful.

If you want to stay in the Village in La Jolla this is a good option

http://www.thegrandecolonial.com/

Just know that staying in the "village" in La Jolla (where the girls would be able to walk around on prospect street - but there is no "real" beach it is rocky and cliffy there - there is la jolla cove which is a little cove of a beach - but the weather may or may not be beach weather at ALL. I am going next week and have been checking the temps - the day I arrive is a high of 63 low of 47. I know you are from Maine but that is NOT beach weather and it is always cooler by the coast.

Have other plans than sitting by a pool/beach. JMO.

thanks for all the replies. they help so much !! btw.. can anyone confirm the water temp at this time. a friend in nearby carlsbad said that it was 68 the other day. that sounded a little high. thanks

http://www.nodc.noaa.gov/dsdt/cwtg/spac.html

looks like around 58. It is very cold in Jan and Feb and even up in the summer at times.. it just never gets that warm. I grew up in San Diego and lived right in La Jolla much of it and spent my youth living at Marine Street beach... and then spent the last 14 years in Orange County. Wets suits in the winter on the beach except for a rare day here and there.

ok. thats kind of what I figured. sounds like maine water temps in the summer. lucky if it gets into the 60's. thanks

lobstercraven - did you decide on where to stay?

no, I want to going over all the options with my family tonight. I plan on pulling the trigger either tonight or tomorrow at the latest.

Good luck Lobstercraven - let us know - whatever you decide Southern California is sure to be a treat in comparison to Maine this time of year!

I just want to let the teens know that there probably wont be much swimming involved in a trip to san diego this time of year. my daughter is a fish. a hotel with a nice heated pool might have to be enough! thanks

can you think of any place where the pools really stand out? will they need to be heated? or do they shut down the pools this time of year?

The pools are open year round at just about any place you will stay and yes, they are usually heated. But picking a place based on the pools is not what I would do.

Believe I mentioned - the air temp here the past few weeks has been like summer - into the high 70's and 80's, and a lot of people have been at the beach.

As for which beach the girls would like - different strokes for different folks - and guess tourists must like long, never ending sand - but I have been to every beach in San Diego during my what - 30 years here - and still think the Cove is the best. Plus it probably has the warmest water as it has a nice shallow/sandy area - and people swim (and dive) there year around, a lot of them without wetsuits.

For you from Maine - it would probably seem balmy.

Geesh - how much beach do you need vis a vis the great setting?

Also - if you want a nice peaceful type atmosphere - downtown is not the place to be.

FYI - here is a chart on water temp - now 59 degrees at the Cove, and the girls might like the cute life guards at the stand there.

STay at the Catamaran on Mission Bay-it's fun, has a Hawaiian theme, across the street from the beach and lot's of restaraunts. It's more of a younger part of town, but close to downtonw attractions. Too cold to swim at the beach, but you can rent beach cruisers from the hotel and bike along the bay side path and the boardwalk.

BTW - the Colonial Hotel is beautiful - as is the La Valencia - but not sure if the planned renovation for the La Valencia has started. Actually - if you want a place with a great pool - I believe Estancia has one, with private Cabanas and beatiful grounds, as well as a spa.

http://www.estancialajolla.com/

would you prefer one over the other of these three in lajolla . hyatt regency, embassy suites, or the marriot. they all were pretty much the same price. I liked the looks of the hyatt best. thats based on what little I could tell from the internet.
The la valencia you suggested really looked nice but it was quite a step up in $$.

can you give a comparison of la jolla to del mar? thanks

Here's the weather, Monday I wore a jacket, Tuesday I wore my rain coat, Wed was a light sweater, today I thought I should dig out my summer clothes.

Del Mar is a nice community but La Jolla has more scenic beach and cove, and is a lot better for tourist. The water is cold right now. La Jolla is more convienent to the other things you'll want to do. Not that Del Mar is that much further but if you get stuck in traffic it will take you longer to get through a little piece of freeway.

ok, I think we will stick with la jolla. anyone have a preference to any of those three motels in the above post.

hyatt regency, embassy suites, or the marriot.>

None of these places are actually in the Village in La Jolla - they are along La Jolla Village drive which is a 20 minute drive to any beach area - depending on traffic - I lived in a condo right on La Jolla Village Drive across from where the Hyatt is - it is all in an area that is more of business/stores etc. - google earth it and you will see what I mean.

I agree with Lsky on her description of La Jolla vs Del Mar. I like the beaches in Del Mar in the summer but again it is iffy on if it is actually going to be beach weather...

can you bike ride in la jolla or is it too busy?

You can ride a bike around La Jolla (the Village area in particular) but just be aware of traffic. It's not that busy.

Yesterday - went by the Seaforth Docks (Mission Bay) and they said one of their fishing boats reported 64 degree water just off La Jolla - in the kelp beds, so I am guessing the Cove was even warmer as it has shallow/sandy parts where the water warms up more than the average.

And lobstercraven - it's still "bug" season - but how soon are you coming? Friends of mine caught a lot of bugs a few days ago - and about 1/3 of them were legal size.

And once more for ye doubters: We have been having warm weather this "winter" - (the Sierras have not received much snow) - and it has seemed like summer for over the past month. Same today although a little storm is supposed to blow through this weekend.

BTW - I have not worn anything other than a Polo shorts and shorts all "winter". It's been very nice, with really not much rain or bad weather.

And uno mas - IMO - the most resort like Hotel in La Jolla - up on the Mesa by UCSD - is Estancia, but it may be booked or not what you were considering rate wise.. Maybe some of the former San Diegans don't know about it as it's relatively "new".

If you want something more in the two plus star range - try the La Jolla Cove Suites - which has a pool and is right across from The Cove http://www.la-jolla-cove-suites.com/?gclid=CIzx476rlK4CFQVkhwod2gJ0Hg and you can walk up the stairs and be right in the heart of the Village.

Or the Best Western by the Sea is just off Prospect on Fay - and there is also a La Jolla Suites Inn (or some such) or check out along La Jolla Blvd going toward Pacific Beach, starting a half mile or so down at the Travel Lodge - which I think has a nice pool. Tried to sell it once - but some time ago.

There are some nice places to eat toward or along Pearl St - by La Jolla Blvd - including a Couple Thai places, Asian Fusion at Roppongi, Burger/Brew Pubs such as the new Smash Burger in the old Hard Rock is it? - and the La Jolla Brew Pub), Samy's Woodfried Pizza, La Tapanede (more upscale - but but it has a very reasonably priced cocktail/happy hour menu in the bar) and so forth. http://www.hotels-rates.com/La_Jolla/CA/usa/

Here are a couple of web pages for more La Jolla Hotels - and the ones toward Pacific Beach - "Baja" La Jolla - are also acceptable.

http://www.google.com/#hl=en&cp=20&gs_id=2a&xhr=t&q=La+Jolla+Blvd+Hotels&pf=p&sclient=psy-ab&site=&source=hp&pbx=1&oq=La+Jolla+Blvd+Hotels&aq=0v&aqi=g-v1&aql=&gs_sm=&gs_upl=&bav=on.2,or.r_gc.r_pw.,cf.osb&fp=ae570371bd915c46&biw=1253&bih=660

Fooey - my Pearl St. Restaurant page didn't take - so here it is, and if you also want some early morning coffee and pastries - with a nice view and a bit of local "flavor" - try the "Living Room" - on Prospect.

http://www.yelp.com/search?find_desc=restaurants+pearl+st%2C+la+jolla&find_loc=San+Diego%2C+CA

Well, fooey dos - the La Jolla Cove Suites hotel webpage doesn't seem to be working - but here are some reviews.

And another nice little hotel (which I also tried to broker a deal/sale for a partnership of mine) is the La Jolla Inn - right on the corner - a half a block from the La Valencia.

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Hotel_Review-g32578-d77391-Reviews-La_Jolla_Cove_Suites-La_Jolla_California.html

And here is the La Jolla Inn which I forgot - has a great deck that overlooks the Ocean. Don't remember if they have a pool, but you might be able to slip over and use the La Valencia's.

http://lajollainn.com/

BTW - our Lobsters aren't as succulent as those you have in Maine, but are very tasty with some rice, maybe refried beans, wrapped in a big soft tortilla and some salsa.

And along Pearl St. - the little El Pescador (fish stand and market)- has excellent/fresh fish. Just plain atmosphere and goof fish.

Tom - hope the weather holds up... I arrive next week.

As far as the Estancia - I am aware of it - my Mom stayed there and I visited her. I am not crazy about the location. jmo.

The Estancia is a cool place (our daughter's wedding was there), but it is not a good choice for your trip with teens lobster.

I haven't read all the posts (I apologize) but I would defintely recommend Coronado. It has everyhing for families with kids on any age. The beach is consistently rank on of the top beaches in the world. There is a small sheltered bay (Glorietta Bay) where you can rent sale boats and paddle boats. If you like swimming sports - there is a fantastic public pool on the Silver Strand. Coronado is a great place to bike as a family (the "island" is safe and generally flat), there are lots cute stores, cafes, restaurants. It is a 5 minute drive over the Coronado Bridge into Downtown SanDiego, and 10 min away from Balboa Park and the San Diego Zoo. So it is very centrally located.

I grew up in Coronado and live in La Jolla now - and I still prefer Coronado for family vacations!!

The beach water, of course, in Feb. will be in the high 50's or very low 60's. The weather, however, will be beautiful.

OMG, sorry I didn' edit - I got interrupted by a phone call!

"Sale" boats are a great bargin!! LOL!

"I have not worn anything other than a Polo shorts and shorts all "winter". '

Tom you made me smile. I have a friend who hasn't worn a pair of long pants since his mother made him. I've seen him dressed in a parka with his shorts and hiking boots on. It's been chilly this winter. I've worn my wool coat a lot this year.

Don't forget LSky chilly is in the eye of the beholder. We do get down right cold when it hits the high 50's here in SanDiego but when my daughter visits from Portland, OR she's running around in her bathing suit!

Then again when my sister visits from Hawaii - and it's 75 degrees she sits around in a snow jacket, wool socks, ad mittens complaining that it's freezing cold and "turn that darn heater on!"

Glad to do it Lsky. Since I grew up in Oregon - and now have just a little Polar Bear "insulation" - which I am in the process of "diminishing" - I mean it when I say I don't wear anything but a Polo Shirt and shorts - but hey - it's still been a warm "winter" here.

And nanabee - shame on your for not reading all the posts - and while I also like Coronado - hands down - at least to me and most people - staying in the Village of La Jolla for your first trip is the best choice.

And MomDD: Hey - that's what makes the world go around - and I just hope we provide enough info for lobster so that they can choose what they think will fit their preferences.

Uno Mas: The water off the La Jolla Cove was 64 degrees a couple of days ago - reported by a fishing boat - and they don't get it wrong.

Who knows what will happen by the end of Feb - but I am guessing it will be warm, sunny weather. Any takers?

I hope it's fairly warm and sunny but I still want to have a chance to wear my winter clothes. I'm a California native so winter clothes are fun for me. Heck, we travel to places when it snows and we don't even ski

nanabee, I like your sister.

LOL LSky. If you build a fire at sunset on the beach - and the marine layer (fog) moves in - maybe you can wear your winter togs. Geesh - we still have our ski gear stuff packed in the garage, but rarely use it. Once in a great while - I might throw on the parka shell (if it's raining) but rarely zip in the liner.

And yes, everything is relative. I can remember on our Honeymoon on Kauai - waaay back when - when we were staying at a place mid-island (Kapaa)for a night - waiting for our Princeville Resort booking the next day. In the morning - I looked out the window (overlooking a little grassy area right by the beach) to see the sunrise - and there some little old Asian ladies (part of the groundskeeping crew) who were in their warm coats and had scarves around their hats/faces. Moi - I was just in a swimsuit and flip flops getting ready to go snorkeling in the nearby rocks.

A few hours later - they had shed the coats, etc - and were happily tending to the flowers before they took a lunch break and opened up their box lunches. Great stuff.

Lsky - I guess me too - being in San Diego from about 9 years old - 50 degrees IS chilly - and 70 is NOT beach weather Now having said that, I love going to the beach in the winter but am not in a bathing suit (if it is not 80) and certainly not stepping into the arctic ocean .

Tom the Estancia IS a lovely property I am just not a fan of the location -

I am torn between Coranado and the village in La Jolla - to me it comes down to where the person is going to stay. If they say Loews on Coranado I might say.... not my favorite - isolated. If they tell me they are staying at the Hyatt on La Jolla Drive cause they are confused about locations - no way - stay over at the Loews...

I just hope it is nice from 2-15-2-26 -

Lobster - you have to let us know where you end up going

lobstercraven:

Welcome to Fodors.

Our son lives in San Diego and we visit often. You will have a lovely time and the weather will be warmer than Maine.

Take a look on http://sandiego.org for visitor information. You can review hotels on http://tripadvisor.com

Please post back where you decide on staying and how it all works out.

Sandy

Hi tom & everyone . thanks for all the help. we have narrowed down our choices to renting a house either on olivetas ave between marine st and sea lane or the other house is down next culumet park on chelsea ave.
we are leaning towards olivetas ave because its closer to the village and i assume the beach.do you care to weigh in on these two places? again, I cant thank you all enough.
btw tom...funny you mentioned buggs!! I come from a family of lobstermen, thats what I do for a living. see ya

I think Olivetas would be great and you are easy walking distance to a number of places on Pearl st, or a short drive further into the village.

Was just at a new bait and tackle shop this am - as the local Lets Talk Hookup Radio show was there - and was asking about catching Halibut in the bays here. http://www.hookup1090.com/

You can also catch them offshore - but I will be casting from the banks/etc.

Co-icidentially - there was also an article in the SD Union Tribune this am about local lobster "hooping" here - which you might find of interest. http://www.utsandiego.com/news/2012/feb/10/hoop-net-trip-aboard-alicia-produces-lobsters/

Thanks for the links above. pretty interesting. where would the closest commercial fishing docks be ? I might take a ride over while the girls are out shopping.

well the girls voted for the house on olivetas ave. looks like a nice place. chris

lobstercraven:

Please share the link to the house on Olivetas Avenue as it would be helpful to others looking.

Thanks.

Sandy

I would say anything by Marine street is great - I love that area of La Jolla - not sure but we use to call it Bird Rock...you are lucky! The link to the home would be great!

heres the website . www.lajollacottages.com we are staying in the "artist beach retreat

the other place we are considering is at www.seabreezevacationrentals.com type in # 5436

which one would you have picked.

btw... for all of you that are interested. sometimes its not that much of a difference in price to rent homes/ cottages etc. rental prices are quite negotiable at times.

we should save $ on parking and food and have the ability of doing or own laundry. doing laundry keeps the suitcases smaller and less expensive to put on the plane. food for thought.
chris

SD no longer has much commercial fishing - the Tuna fleets having had their day a few decades ago. But they do have the best long range sport fishing fleet at Point Loma - about 10 minutes or so from your La Jolla place. You can find Fisherman's Landing, H & M Landing and Pt. Loma Sportfishing are all located at "the docks" within 100 yards of each other. For example - see: http://www.pointlomasportfishing.com/

And closer is another sportfishing compamy - Seaforth - just down the road in Mission Bay/Quivara Basin. http://www.seaforthlanding.com/

BTW - as for riding bikes - if you rented them in La Jolla - you could ride down to Mission Beach and along the Boardwalk, or just drive down to Mission Beach and rent some beach cruisers. Think both the older and younger "kids" would love it. You can ride along the ocean and also along the bay. For some pics - see: http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/2J1Je91jWxBZbeuDn8BqTA?select=rFa2Xs7nGhGqUOD5ey6SFQ

And since the tide was out early this am - I drove around Mission Bay - and part of SD Bay - checking out the fisherman and what luck they were having (not much bite this am) - and went by a place my cousin and his family used to love to stay at in Pacific Beach - the Capri by the Sea. It's about a 20 story high rise - with condos and magnificent views, right on the boardwalk. http://www.booking.com/hotel/us/capri-by-the-sea.en.html?aid=311088;label=capri-by-the-sea-N0JM3dOo4UDEecrTqO*46wS8204760723;ws=&gclid=CIHF4pS4ma4CFRJThwodhw_8Hw

Also - I think your Artist Beach Retreat looks fantastic. Didn't check out the other one - but I would prefer staying there rather than down by Bird Rock - which doesn't have as many choices for dining, etc.

Your other location - Forever Views on Chelsea also looks nice - and having an ocean view is hard to beat. We just about bought a house on Calumet - which was literally one block to the west from Chelsea - literally on the bluff overlooking the ocean. But the erosion on the cliff wall was a bit disconcerting - and the Coastal Commission wasn't allowing anyone else to build a seawall/protective barrier - so we passed as drilling 40 foot deep pylons was going to cost a good chunk of change.

Looking back - we should have done it.

what do you think about the location of this house? www.vrbo/290233

woops. try www.vrbo.com/290233

La Jolla Shores is a great location - with huge grassy area/park by the beach - and they have a cute little street nearby with some restaurants/shops, plus the fabled Marine Room restuarant is just on the other side of the La Jolla Beach and Tennis Club.

http://www.yelp.com/search?cflt=restaurants&find_desc=&find_loc=La+Jolla+Shores%2C+San+Diego%2C+CA

And you are within a mile or so of the Village.

Chris - we have often rented homes for the very reason you have shared - we travel/ed with our 4 children and either rented condos or homes often!

we were thinking about making a drive up the coast towards la one day. Are there any places worth checking out? we were thinking huntington beach, anaheim ( disney) or beverly hills. Im not sure we would go as far as bev hills with traffic and we here its not that nice.
But you know, three girls from maine and they think they have to go to hollywood!! maybe this would be a good time to get it out of their system.

I think it is a great thing to do if done right, and by that I men - get up EARLY - at Oh Dark Thirty - as in 4:30 AM or so. Tell the girls they can sleep - while you zip up the freeway - beating the rush hour traffic into LA/Hollywood - which can be done in about two hours without traffic.

I would take the 5 north from SD - and then the 405 to the 110 north into downtown LA - for a good view of downtown/the high rises - and then on to Hollywood - which is just north of downtown LA.

Have some good maps with you - and get one called the LA Freeway map - which shows the various freeways and listen to AM 1070 - which gives the news, and most importantly - the freeway conditions every six minutes during the rush hours. If there is an accident or tieup on any one freeway - you can use the map to try and avoid it - go around it.

For your LA day - I would just bullet up to Hollywood straight away (you could do Disneyland another day if they really want to see that - as that is only an hour or so from La Jolla) - and you could be in Hollywood for breakfast at one of the hot spots - and one of my favorites - is Mel's Drive-in - which has pictures on the wall of various movies - including the nostalgic xxx (fooey - senior moment - have to look it up - but it had Richard Dreyfuss and involved a lot of action at the drive in - oh yes: American Grafitti http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0069704/ ) - with other pics of some of the young directors - such as George Lucas - also on the walls.

The Mel's on Sunset would bring back memories to old timers - who might remember the hit TV Series of the 60's - 77 Sunset Strip - which had "Kookie" - or Ed Byrnes as a young star - always combing his hair. http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0051247/

see: http://www.melsdrive-in.com/hoursandlocations/westhollywood.html

Of course, there are other hot spots - including Pink is it? - where you might also see some Hollywood stars. http://www.pinkshollywood.com/

Or, you could let the girls google away and see where they want to have breakfast.

From there - after seeing the Hollywood sights (most are on the main drag) - I would drive out Sunset to the beach at Santa Monica and drive up toward Malibu, where you could have lunch - or maybe a quick snack - and then double back on the 101 and down the 405 before afternoon traffic hits (as early as 3:30) - to get down to Orange County and pull off at around Irvine to get over to Laguna Beach (check the map)- for a late lunch/early dinner. From there - take the Coast hiway(1) down to San Clemente - and then eventually back on freeway 5 through Camp Pendelton back to Oceanside and North County San Diego.

If you have more Q's - or need the LA Freeway map - shoot me an email - and we could meet up for a cup of coffee somewhere - perhaps in my old stomping grounds - the Village of La Jolla. Tschiffsd@aol.com

That would give you a very good review of much that glitters in LA.

Oh yes, Beverly Hills is just above Hollywood - so when driving along Sunset - you see the "flatlands" of Beverly Hills and take one of the side streets up to see some of the Mansions.

wow tom. thanks for all that info. Im sure my wife will like to read this when she gets back from work. Im not sure I could ever get them all out of bed at 4am though. I guess it all depends on how much they want to see hollywood. thanks

Well, you could go around 8:30 and forego the Malibu drive part and just get back down to Laguna before 3:30.

And I was thinking of Pinkberry - where some of the Hollywood types pop in for a yogurt, whatever.

http://www.pinkberry.com/

And you could also take Interstate 5 into downtown LA/on to Hollywood (again - listen to AM 1070 for updates on any traffic problems) - which I normally don't like to do as it can narrow as you get toward LA downtown - although they have worked on it, and my wife usually takes it. That way - you go right by Disneyland - and could even drive around it a bit if you didn't want to go in.

http://www.family-vacation-getaways-at-los-angeles-theme-parks.com/Disneyland-Maps.html

One more thought. If you did it the first couple days after you arrive, your body clocks are still closer to East Coast time, and if you did get up around say 4:30 and were on the road by 5, it would be more like 7:30 to 8.

Also - if you drove out Sunset to the Ocean - you could head up toward Malibu for a little while - and then retrace your steps down to the little connetion just south of Sunset - Freeway 10 over to the 405 (only a couple miles) and down to Laguna/Orange County and/or back to SD.

Following this thread with interest as I'm headed to SD from Boston in early March. While we've had no snow (literally), we have had cold air and I'm thinking mid 60s will be a welcome delight.

Question, if we're doing a whale watch early in the day, would you bundle up for that, assuming it's cooler out on the water? I'm sort of hoping to wear capris and cargo shorts for the trip, but would bring warmer for the whale watch.

Im sure tom will weigh in on this some more but being a commercial fisherman my whole life I would def plan on being cold. bring a nap sack with a hvy sweat shirt or jacket. shorts are iffy. have fun.

Would agree with lobster that it can get cooler out on the water - and layering up (or being prepared to) is a good idea. I usually wear shorts all the time, but people accuse me of being part Polar Bear.

And if you are lucky - and are the first one to spot a whale -you can bellow: Thar she blows.................

It's been a fairly warm/light winter here, but we are now getting the 2nd storm front moving through - in a week's time - and it's supposed to snow down to 3,000 feet tonight - so the foothills east of here might look pretty in the am. dos

Thanks, the layers/sweatshirt idea is a good one

Amy
Im not sure how long a whale trip is in san diego. It must depend on how far the boat has to travel to get to the whales . Its quite common here in maine to travel 20 plus miles to the area the whales are feeding etc. It all depends on the speed of the boat . that can turn into several hours, half a day etc. If your lucky, you wont have to travel that far and be out that long.

The further & longer you are out , the more apt you are to get cold. If you get a day thats a little windy ,that wind will feel cold due to the water temp. even if its a nice warm day at shore, it could be quite chilly on the water. not always, but more then often.

but again, if your only going to be out a short amount of time & not too far out, then it wont be that big a deal if its a nice day.

Usually - it's about a half day trip (4 hrs or so) - and in some of the boats - you can stay inside most of the time if you like. But a good windbreaker to put over the sweater is well advised, with a hood or maybe take a wool hat if it doesn't have a hoodie.

I think we went out with these guys a couple of years ago - and did see some whales, but some trips are better than others.

http://www.hornblower.com/hce/port/overview/sd+whalewatching?mkwid=sjpwwN2me&pcrid=9423140418&kw=whales%20watching%20san%20diego&mt=b&gclid=CPyrhNbkoq4CFYoZQgodVRODSw

I'm a born Bostonian so I consider myself hardy stock, but wasn't sure how warm warm is this time of year in San Diego. The whale watch is a half day but we' re going out early on the 9:00 boat, so guessing that will be cooler.

I am in San Diego right now and it is very cool in the morning and last night was in the high 40's. in rancho Bernardo - not sure how cool it got at the coast. It really is not always beach weather and Amy I would 100% be prepared for cool/cold weather out on the ocean.

Poor Mom. This is probably the coldest front we have had move through all winter. And unfortunately - for the next 10 days doesn't look like it's going to get much above the low 60's.

Hey - you should have been here a few weeks ago.

60's is pretty nice for walking around though. beats the 20's. cant wait.

wow. looks like there is alot going on at the safari zoo. zip lines , guided tours, drive your own car . any advice on getting around the safari park?

Take the trams to see the whole park - and also just walk. Great to explore. Also get the schedule for the various shows.

Was out at Dog Beach at Ocean Beach today - and had a couple of bites - presumably Halibut - but nothing in the old lunch pail.

It was nice and warm today and people were out all over, in summer garb.

not so many halibut around my area these days. hopefully it stays warm . thanks for that zoo advice. is it school vacation out there too?

There could be a Holiday Monday - but don't think the local schools' spring break is until later in March?

lobstercraven, I asked a while ago on here about logistics on the safari park. I didn't get too many bites, but what I did figure out is you get unlimited use of the Africa Tram Safari with your entrance fee which can get you around a lot of the park. For an extra fee, we also booked the Adventure Caravan Safari, which is two hours and goes deeper into three exhibits on a smaller vehicle and has opportunities to feed giraffes and rhinos. We're planning to walk after the caravan safari to the exhibits that interest us.

Our Poway school district has all next week off. Don't know about San Diego city schools though.

Ok, thanks Amy. Btw.. Are you going to try the zip line? I wonder what the reviews are on that.

It was warm yesterday but very cool today. I keep feeling like I am a broken record but the weather in San Diego this time of year is VERY unpredictable. It was certainly not like Maine at all - but I was/am in Coranado and it was cool, and we had on sweat shirts, and pants and in now way would be sitting on a beach without a blanket on me over my sweats.

yeah, I figure we will be lucky to get one beach day while we are there. I will be happy as long as its good walking around weather. let me know how you like the zoo. enjoy your vacation.

38 here today and I went out with a fleece and yoga pants. Anything warmer than that in SD, I'll be happy.

lobster, no we opted for the caravan over the zipline. I figured it'd be a longer lasting experience for the $$$!

Fiddely Foo: Lost my entry when I went to cut and paste about the Cheetahs, and it was a long one.

Oh well- as for Safari Park - they used to have one main tram that went all around - but I think now they have two smaller ones. And you can get out into the exhibits on the back of a flat bed truck - which does cost extra.

You can also feed the Giraffes for a nominal amount - $1 per treat - and that is in the Africa exhibit -which you reach by walking down past beautiful Okapi and Giant Elans, a mockup of a research station in Africa, and the like.

You can also take a nice hike up to Condor Ridge - by the Lions and Tiger exhibits - and you might see them sleeping in the open - or they might be hiding out in the tall grass/bushes.

One think I have been hoping to see is the Cheetah Run - and here is a U Tube of it: They get up to speed FAST. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WZHCMs16c5o

Here is more info on Safari Park - a half hour or so north of SD, and you can also feed the small birds (nector from a small cup and they will land on your shoulder, arm, hat, etc) and perhaps there will be Butterflys floating around their enclosure also.

http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/parkwildlife/cheetah.html

Here's a map of the Safari Park (nee - Wild Animal Park)- and they have moved exhibits around a bit - but just ask when you get there about what you want to do - and also get a schedule of the free shows. Don't know if they do it anymore - but they used to let a Hawk or a Falcon swoop down from a balloon cage/perch - and was an amazing dive. They also have some cute/informative animal shows - such as one with a Lynx, etc.

http://www.sdzsafaripark.org/planyourtrip/map.html

that cheetah run was pretty neat. I hope to be able to see that.I cant thank you enough tom for all the info & links you gave us. they will come in handy with the i-phone. just push a button and all this info is right there. looks like a pretty decent stretch of weather coming up. or at least thats what the computer leeds me to believe.
I hope it warms up for ya amy. oh well beats the heck out of working.

lobster on the news today I did hear it will be warming up. I hope so!

nice

You're welcome, and hope it helps with planning your trip. I am looking forward to seeing the Cheetah run - and will appreciate if you can report on it.

Threw the plastic bait around both Mission and San Diego Bays yesterday, and it's not only too early for Halibut - but you usually have to have a boat to get to where they lie in the sand. At least the legal size ones.

Have a few "ghost" shrimp I may use today - and/or some frozen Anchovies. Not too much live bait this time of year, at least around the shore.

Oh well, it was a nice day and am learning more about what not to do.

Again, think the girls will love feeding the giraffes at Safari park at the Africa outpost or whatever it's called. Think it costs a dollar for a couple of treats, and you are head level with them - and they just reach out their incredibly long tongues and take the morsel. The Okapi also have long tongues, but you can't hand feed them.

While on your trip - it might be a little harder to readily find what you want - but sometimes have taken picnic lunches (sandwiches, beverages and cheese and bread, whatever) - to Safari Park and just further enjoyed the great setting.

They also sell food at the park if you decide to snack there.

BTW - went to my usual Starbucks - in Mission Valley -next to the Ralph's - about a mile east of Fashion Valley shopping center (4 miles or so east of Sea World) - and this was about 9 AM. Sitting at a table outside, doing her homework, was a cute young coed - who was wearing a tube top - and she was quite cozy in the sun.

We might have a little cooler weather coming in this weekend - but my car temp guage was resigering 77 at about 10 am, and I was almost too warm when I was making a few casts in Mission Bay.

And as for the Fashion Valley shopping center - it has 7 majors, plus speciality shops such as Gucci and Yves St. Laurent - a food court, AMC movie theaters, Godiva choclate, etc - and if you want to visit the docks one day - you could drop the gals off there for a couple of hours and I think they would love it.

Then again, your credit cards balanes may be at risk?

http://www.simon.com/mall/?id=765