San Diego [a few days, a lot done] trip report

Finally! Been waiting for this trip report all day. We're invited to a wedding in Rancho Santa Fe, north of San Diego, late in July. Think I'm behind in the planning department, as I'm finding hotels on the coast hard to come by a summer weekend, especially because it's opening weekend at Del Mar Racetrack that weekend.

I've booked the air and am looking for a moderately priced hotel between San Diego and Solano Beach. We may decide to stay at on the coast for two nights and in SD for the third night.

Thanks for sharing your experiences, Deb. I'll be accessing this thread for your details, especially the restos. Loved the zoo photos!

Funny thing is that we spent a lovely afternoon in San Diego about two weeks ago when our cruise ship had to skip all three of our Mexican ports and substituted SD for one of those ports. We docked near the Midway, saw the Gaslight district and Horton Plaza. Also Seaport Village, the very definition of a tourist trap, IMHO. Never dreamed we'd be returning so soon!

Glad you had a great trip Deb!
Great pictures too..
How was the Gaslamp Marriott?
Love Point Loma Seafood..did you get the calamari sandwich?

We flew in on 7 am flight from Albuquerque on Southwest. We picked up the rental car from Dollar and got on “the 5” heading north. It was 8:30 am and we had been up since 3:45 CA time so breakfast was definitely in order. We had lots of time before we could check in, so we decided to head to San Juan Capistrano and check out Ramos House for breakfast and then decide our course of action. MomDDTravel had suggested this to me and told me that it was also a favorite of ncounty too. So with 2 thumbs up [or is that 4??] off we went!

It was pretty gloomy looking out with the good old Marine layer doing its thing. The temps were cool and we were wondering if we had packed enough “warm” clothes. As we headed north, we started to see peeks of sun and a patch or 2 of blue sky. We left sunny skies and temps that had been in low 80’s for the past few weeks [early for SW Colorado] and hoped that the weather in San Diego would hold for us.

It took a little over an hour to get to San Juan Capistrano. It was an easy drive, with not much traffic. We parked in the municipal garage down by the railroad tracks [free parking for 3 hours] and followed the odd directions that were posted on the Ramos House website -- http://www.ramoshouse.com “Park at the train depot, walk across the tracks, and we are the second shack on the right.” We wondered about the “shack” part of the description and I could hear DH thinking “we drove over an hour to have breakfast at a shack??]

The restaurant was charming! The sun was shining by the time we got to SJC, and we sat in the gardens, at a lovely table for 2. Most of the tables were taken, I was surprised since it was about 10 am on a Tuesday morning. Our waitress took our order, suggesting Mimosas to start. Well, it is a vacation, it’s almost my birthday, so why not?? I had one made with Pomegranate juice, DH had traditional with Orange juice. They had a fresh raspberry in the bottom and were both very refreshing!

I ordered Crab Hash w/Smoked Bacon Scrambled Eggs & Sour Cream Rémoulade; DH ordered Sweet Potato Duck Hash w/ Mushroom Scrambled Eggs. The waitress came back to say they were out of duck hash, so DH ordered the Crab Hash instead. Great choice – there was so much crab! It came with wonderfully tender buttermilk biscuits and apple comfit. As much as we wanted to try the Apple Cinnamon Beignets, we were just to stuffed and passed.

Now we needed to walk off some of those calories, so we walked along Los Rios street, checking out all of the homes and their beautiful gardens. It is “ oldest remaining residential street in California, Los Rios dates back to 1794 when about 40 adobe structures were constructed to house soldiers and workers overseeing construction of the Mission. Today, only three of the original adobes still remain: the Rios, which has been continuously occupied by the same family since 1794; the Montenez, which held religious services while the mission was being constructed; and the Silvas…the remaining part of the street is only 600 feet long.”

By this time, it had warmed up considerably, so we grabbed our shorts and short sleeves, found a bathroom and swapped the warm weather clothes for the jeans and long sleeves we’d started the day with in Albuquerque.

We walked up and down Camino Capistrano and then headed towards the Mission. You can see the upper part of the Mission, where the roof has fallen away, from the road. We walked around the Mission and were able to go inside the Basilica. It was very beautiful; fairly simply but at the same time elegant. Someone was playing the organ and it was very serene.

It was noon, and we decided we would head down the coast, making our way to the hotel.

More to come...

Looking forward to the rest, Deb!

I slacked off today, yk, tomorrow is another day! Also, yk, are you not on Facebook anymore? I thought I had you on my friends list, but can't find you. If you wouldn't mind, can you email m, I have someone who has questions about Westin St. Francis. Click my profile for email.

Deb

Hi Deb - I'm not on FB, and never was. Is it MomDD who wants to know about the Westin St Francis? I'll try to post a hotel review/trip report tomorrow here.

BTW, it's totally OK to slack off a day on TR!

P.S. Happy Belated Birthday!

Yes, yk, it is MomDD that is wanting some info.

I could have sworn you were on FB - oh god, who was that person I thought was you????

Deb

Oh yipppeeeeee!!! I love reading your report. You are a wonderful TR writer Deb. YK it is me that is a askin' about the Westin in SF.

I am thrilled that you loved the Ramos house. It is a "special" place. It is always packed (crazy I know!) not cheap; so I go there for birthday or special lunches etc. Last time I was there was November with a dear old friend from high school who drove up from S.D. she loved it too. So glad you enjoyed it and it was truly a pleasure helping you in anyway!

Thanks! and that was supposed to be a blushing face

hey you...get writing!

Love your report so far Deb. I have gone by the Ramos House a million times and have never stopped there - now I will. In fact mentioned to my DH tonight that we should meet some friends there later this week. We are looking forward to trying something new. Thanks lots.

The ramos house is fantastic, isn't it? It has been far too long since I've been there but it is one of my favorite places in southern California.

Betsy, when you're in Rancho Santa Fe, drop in at Thyme in the ranch. It's lovely.

MomDD- are you going to the Westin? It is a lovely hotel right on Union Square.

Hi Deb,
I'm sure enjoying your report. Makes me homesick a bit...

I think every 4th grade class in Southern California takes a field trip to the Mission San Juan Capistrano. This is when the kiddos learn about the Gold Rush and all the missions. Part of the history that's so worth learning. Glad you enjoyed it.

I look forward to hearing about your outing to the Midway. I just love checking out the old battleships.

Hi Ncounty - yes, I am going there with my stepdaughter in August to celebrate her 16th birthday - just a "stepmonster" daughter trip away -

Cali - Ramos house is WONDERFUL - it is only open for breakfast/lunch - just be advised. It is one of my favorites ... it is special.

Swisshiker - Indeed about the Mission San Juan right? I enjoy it there and thought Deb might like walking through as well... not the "best" mission in California but a good easy access one.

Speaking of... oh Deb.... get those fingers moving!

I am really enjoying reading about your trip.

Debit, thanks for info on Ramos. We may be going through SJC next February. (ps, your New Mex info was so helpful on our recent trip).

We lived in SanDiego from 1970-73. I always enjoy reading about the changes. All that downtown and Gaslamp area back then was an area of sailor's bars, banks, and some kind of sleazy stuff. The Mission Bay area and SeaWorld had just been completed. We went back a few years ago and all we heard about was May Grey and June Gloom. Those two months used to be very hot.

hoping did you live in East County? The marine layer has always been on the coastal areas...

MomDD, maybe over the years I've forgotten? No, we lived in two places that were walking distance from the zoo, then later, out beyond Miramar. DH was a Coastie who operated the hoist from a helicoptor.

As for East Country, used to love going to Julian and Ramona.

Hoping - that is east county to this girl who thinks there is no life "East of I-5"

I lived in Mira Mesa - no June Gloom... Penquitos - no June Gloom... it was when I lived in Del Mar, Bird Rock (La Jolla) ... you get it RIGHT on the coast. You may have gotten it by the zoo...

Anyway - it is a lovely town!

Dawn, thanks for the info on the Ramos House hours - maybe that is why we have never been there. We are talking about going for lunch.

Hey Deb, how about more details?

Thanks for the Thyme in the Ranch info, ncounty. It's on my agenda. Sounds delish. Any other recommendations in the area?

http://www.thymeintheranch.com/

we are still a waiting

Betsy- In Solana Beach, you can try Beach Grass cafe for breakfast. In Del mar, I usually go to Stratford coffee house for a casual coffee and breakfast.... I also like a crepes place nearby....it is either called Crepes del mar or Crepes and corks? A gorgeous dining experience is having breakfast at L'auberge del mar. I was just there today. It was beautifully remodeled. food is just okay but the setting is very posh and lovely.

Try to fit in a stroll through the Solana Beach farmer's market on Sunday on Cedros from 1-4 pm. If you are active and fit, a hike in Torrey Pines state park is gorgeous....I prefer the beach path all the way down.

Yoo-hoo, Deb. Waiting patiently for more!

Thanks for your suggestions, ncounty. Both the market and a hike sound great. Will check out Torrey Pines state park on line and map out a route.

Not sure yet where we're staying. Looking at hotels from Encinitas to Mission Beach. Many have special rates that end around the first week in June, so I'll continue to monitor those, and if nothing turns up, I plan to bid on Priceline. Do you know if the racetrack opening will tie up traffic along the coast?

Yup, traffic can be bad around del mar once the fair begins and then the racetrack. If your event is in RSF, stay in encinitas rather than Mission Beach.

Deb..... not so patiently waiting any longer

ok, ok.

The drive down the coast was nice; we went along the coast as much as we could but we seemed to lose it after San Clemente, which was a lovely town to drive through.

We got on the 5 for a bit, then headed off again and drove through Encinitas Solano Beach and Del Mar. I had never see the race track before, so it was kind of neat to be able to see it, even if we just drove by. We got back on 5 and headed into San Diego.

We drove through Gaslamp -- lots of new buildings since our trip in Dec 2004. Found the Marriott without problem. It was around 3 pm by this time.

When I made the reservation, I put in that we were there for my birthday and requested a "quiet room, on a high floor with a view". I always ask, you never know. A quiet room often gets you a corner room, which usually means views. I also like a room at the end of the hall so you don't have to risk hearing people walking by your door at all hours of the day and night.

The lobby was modern and very nice. There were HUGE bowls of candy on the counter, Hershey kisses, twizlers and NECCO wafers. Wow, that was a treat!

The young man checking us in noted that it was my birthday and said that our room wasn't ready yet. He took our cell # and said he would call when it was ready - about 30 minutes. As we were talking, he said something to the effect that he just saw that the person in that room had requested a late check, so it wouldn't be available.

He starts looking on his screen, spending a bit of time scrolling. I casually mention, "we wouldn't mind an upgrade" while he was looking for another room. He says, "that is exactly what I am looking for!" YESSSSSSS! One of my favorite travel words combos "free upgrade!"

He says that he has a junior suite for us,but it isn't on a high floor, it is on 10th floor. I tell him that will work.

It still was going to be another 30 minutes or so, so we left our bags with bell captain and head out to stroll 5th.

We realize we haven't eaten since breakfast, so we think a light bite would be nice. As we are walking up 5th, I see a little brown Smart car parked on the street. I look at it because it appears to be milk chocolate brown. I notice it has a business name painted on it, a gelato shop and I turn to my right and lo and behold, there is the shop. We go in and I am blown away by the gelato displayed in the case. There must be 24 flavors, all piled high in their stainless steel bowls, with the drizzles of sauces and sprinkles of crunchies on the tops of what appear to be clouds to delightfully fresh gelato. Let the tasting begin!

I must have had 6 different tastes, and would have done more but other customers came in, so I felt pressured to choose. I had Nutella and DH had Orange Chocolate. Mine was good, his was decadently rich. Just a hint of orange, but oh so fudgy.

My cell rings, the room is ready. We head back to the Marriott. We go to the desk, get our room cards and get our bags and up we go. I forgot to mention that all of the staff had on Padres baseball shirts. I asked and they do that when Padres are in town playing. It was clear that they were only 1/2 block from Petco.

We take the elevator and exit on the 10th floor. I realize that I should have asked for a room on one of the concierge floors [20 & 21] but DH says that might have been pushing it. I caved too quickly when I heard suite.

Our room was indeed at the end of the hall, a corner room no less. We faced the harbor, but couldn't see much of it because we weren't high enough. We could see the stadium though, at least part of it.

The room was lovely with a sitting area that had a couch and a couple of comfy chairs, a desk and tv. The bedroom part also had a tv and the tv's were maybe 8 feet apart! Pretty funny, you would have had to use earphones to watch different shows. The bathroom was spacious and had lots of white fluffy towels. The bed was triple sheeted with soft white sheets, duvet and was very comfortable. I was pleased!

We didn't stay long, we wanted to go up to the outdoor bar/lounge on the roof. Up we went, and found the workout room [small but had enough things to do what you would want to do, workout wise. There were towels, water, fruit available.

The bar and lounge area was great. There was a counter running around the entire area where you could sit,drink and see the ballpark and also get a great view of the harbor.

We figured we would catch a game up here before we went to the one on Thursday.

We headed back to room, put the news on and dozed off. We woke up and realized it was almost 8 and we needed to eat!

Off we went to Filippi's in Little Italy. We had eaten there twice on our last trip, it isn't fancy but good old school pizza and hearty entrees.

We had an antipasto and split a pizza. Both were very good, but the antipasto would have fed 4 as a meal and we couldn't finish the pizza. I think the meal was under $30.

We headed back to hotel. We had valet parking included in our rate, so with in and out for free, it was very convenient.
We got back to hotel, the game was still going on, so traffic was ok.

So a full first day, with much more to come. Tomorrow, the ZOO!

Yippeee!!! I am loving every word Deb!

Your room sounds fabulous. Dh and I too always try to get the Lounge floor as well. I LOVE the rooftop bar at that Marriott. One night we went up after a game - sat and on the big screen they were playing Gladiator - it was rather sexy to see Maximus up there

Our daily rate includes the breakfast buffet in the hotel restaurant. It is quite a spread,with both hot and cold items and many cooked to order items. In fact you can order off the menu for all items except the frittatas. The price for the buffet would have been $18 a person, so we figure more proof we got a deal.

We get the car and head off to the zoo. It is nice to remember the way, to be back to a place you have visited before.

We get to the zoo, buy our tickets and head in. We didn't get the tickets with the bus tour, deciding we would get around ok. It is a massive zoo, and honestly, the map provided and the signs are less than great. We do manage to hit all of the important stops, I am greatly disappointed to find out that the elephants are not on view as they are getting ready to open their new habitat. We missed it by a few days.

We spend the entire day at zoo. We see the pandas, who are asleep each of the 3 times we stop by [I am sure they will be awake this time, despite being told they sleep 23 hours a day], gorillas, orangutans, giraffes, koalas, catch a show. We see lots of birds, we pass areas that have beautiful vegatation growing. I love going to zoos, it is one of my favorite things to do.


See first post for links to pictures.

Exhausted, we head back to hotel. We rest a bit, and then decide it is time for dinner. We want seafood, so with suggestions from here and chowhound, we head to the Fish Market near the Midway. We decide to walk, as the valet says it is doable and about 15 minutes.

Well, after walking all day at zoo, that was a long walk. As we approach the restaurant, I say to DH "we ate here last trip" I am slightly bummed because I wanted to try to limit repeat restaurants, well except for Filippi's.

We get a nice table, by the window and a great view of Coranado. We both have cioppino and wow,it was great. We should have split an order because it was HUGE! The waitress is nice, asks if we are in SD for business, so I say no, for my birthday.

We order desserts, which we shouldn't have but hey, on vacation and we did walk 100 miles today. She brings mine with a candle on it and tell us "it's on her." Another favorite phrase, traveling or not. And honestly, I wasn't plying her for a freebie.

We leave and walk back, enjoying the walk as a means of walking off the stuffed to the brim feeling.

We get back to room, the ball game is still being played so we open the window and can hear the game and we put it on the tv. It is wierd cause there is a short time delay between what we see on tv and what we hear. WE hear the crowd cheering, see a homerun on the tv and then hear the crowd on the tv cheering. We decide to go up to the rooftop and see if we can get seat at the railing counter and we do. We have a nightcap and watch the rest of the game. There's a huge firepit behinds us which helps keep the cool night air at bay.

Tomorrow, another day. We will tour The Midway [thanks to MomDD] and then head to La Jolla for my birthday lunch at George's by the Cove.

PS The gelato shop is Chocolat Cremerie
509 5th Avenue
San Diego

Telephone: 619.238.9400

Check out the website to see the gelato. They have desserts and food too.
http://www.chocolatsandiego.com/

Thanks for the Gelato shop... I will sure to go when dh and I are there in July. I have actually never been.

It is pretty new; they had their business license [or maybe liquor license ] in the window. I just told DH it is a good thing there isn't anything like that within 250 miles of here or I would be in BIG BIG trouble.



Deb

Thanks for getting back to us, Deb. We were out of town for a few days, and I'm happy to read your updates. Keep up the good work!

I forgot, we had some good appetizers at The Fish Market: DH had littleneck clams on the 1/2 shell which are his favorites and I had peel your own shrimp in a kind of spicy boil.

My birthday morning started early - 4:30 am when my cell phone chimed that I had a message! Scared the bejezuus out of us. Nothing to be alarmed about, just my dear friend in NY texting me a happy birthday wish and forgetting the time difference!

We fell asleep and awakened to my cell phone ringing at 8 am. This time it was DD calling to wish me HB. Ok, that was it, time to get up & head to the buffet. We had different items [french toast, waffles, as opposed to eggs and pancakes the day before]that we ordered. Again, lots of choices, fresh fruit, cereal, juice, piping hot good coffee, danish, muffins etc.

We got the car and headed over to the Midway. We knew the way from walking last night, so it was nice and easy. A big shout out thank you to MomDDTravel who sent us passes for the tour of the Midway.

We got right on, parking next to the ship in a lot. There were a lot of people, but once we started doing the tour, it thinned out alot. It is amazing to view the inner workings of a ship that size [we have toured the USS Missouri in Honolulu]. It is truly mind boggling that they could have all those wires in there, and engines etc. While in the hospital/medical area, we were told that one of the chief reasons for visits to sick bay were head injuries from low ceilings, and the steps were so steep and openings so tiny.

We went up to the flight deck, where we were told about how the planes landed and took off, no easy feat. I got my next HB wish, when DS called as we were on flight deck. I took a picture and sent it back to DS so he could see what we were seeing.

We really enjoyed seeing the planes and the innermost parts of the ship.

We finished up and got back into the car to head up to La Jolla where we had reservations for lunch at George's Ocean View Terrace.

I will keep bringing this up till you finish

Tap, tap, tapity, tap, tap.... Mom DD and I aren't getting any younger, you know.

thankyouverymuch Besty! we sure are not..finish er up Deb!

sigh...

Quit sighing and type, Deb!

you ever gonna finish this?

geez, I knew it was you!!!

Can I plead memory loss???



Deb

er, shouldn't you be tending your farm, missy? I just had to rake your damn leaves or something like that.

haha

hahahahha ... you knew it was me topping this? Well YOU brought it up in another thread..or else I would not have

The real reason is that some strange person accosted her in a parking lot miles away from home...and she still hasn't recovered.

LOL to you both!

Dang, I knew that link was gonna cost me!
Deb

Whoo-hoo! You've been found out!

It just so happens San Diego is one of my all time favorite cities and that I love the way you write ...so get back on it

Good trip report. San Diego and D.C. are my two top picks to take grandkids someday.

How were those fish tacos Deb?

Hi MomDD!!!
When do you leave for O'ahu?

Ksucat - NOT soon enough!! November 1... I am thinking of leaving a few days early... going to see if dh can leave work and we can switch the flights around - I would like 10 days and had to take a 10 week leave from school so that is not an issue now...

Well, George's doesn't have to worry, but they were pretty good according to the reviews!

OK, so where was I??

We got to La Jolla and found a place to park right in front of George's. We went in and were promptly seated on the terrace deck. It was a beautiful day, the water looked like sapphires with diamonds sparkling on top.

I ordered the fish tacos and DH had the blackened fish sandwich. Both were excellent. Fish tacos are so foreign to us here in SW, but I love them after having them in Half Moon Bay last year.

We had dessert [a chocolate thingy and a lemon thingy, I really can't remember!] and went out to walk along the ocean. We got to see seal, but there weren't tons of them like there were last trip when you could hardly see the sand for the seals.

We headed back to the hotel to get ready for the Padres game.

More to come!

We walked from the hotel to Petco Park, about a minute to get there and in our seats within 5 minutes. We have great seat, along the first base line - our favorites.

We watch a great game with Tim Lincecum pithcing for the SF Giants http://tinyurl.com/lyfx4z

Also, it was Tony Gwynn Jr's first game for Padres and he hit the winning run! It was pretty cool.
http://tinyurl.com/ormkcf

We had a fun time with some folks sitting behind us who were from England and had never been to a baseball game and didn't know too much about the game. DH thought how confusing it must be to watch a game no knowing anything. {Kind of like Farmville on Facebook!]

I left the game to run back to the Marriott to use their lobby computer to check us in for our flight home. It was so convenient.

Dinner was stadium fare - beers and hot dogs and crackerjacks.

We went back to hotel after game and went up to ALTITUDE Sky Bar at the top of the Marriott for a night cap and to sit by the big/huge fire pit. We could watch the ground crew doing there after game work.

Deb

We got up Friday morning, had the last of our included in the price buffet breakfasts at the Marriott; then checked out

We decided to drive over to Coranado and walk the beach. We found a spot to park on the street and walked south for a ways, past the Del, until we couldn't go any further [some military installation ended the sidewalk with signs of WARNING US GOVERNMENT NO TRESSPASSING. Man, it was a beach, didn't seem fair. So we turned around and walked north again. We also walked through some of the neighborhood streets looking at houses and the flyers on the for sale ones. Sheesh - $$$$$$$

We got in the car and took the long way back to mainland [headed south]. We then got onto North Harbor Drive and headed up to Point Lomas Seafood for lunch.

It was a bit breezy and kind of chilly and silly us, we didn't realize there were tables inside! So we sat outside, freezing [not really] our keisters off. DH had fresh clams on half shell, I had Crab Louis Salad. Very, very good and fresh.

From there we headed up to Balboa Park to pass the remaining few hours until our flight home.

More to come

Yeahhhhh!! Love it of course!!

I love that rooftop bar... love Petco Park - and Georges... I do think San Diego remains one of my favorite places in the world...

Come back soon Deb.

oh and hhhhahaa on the Farmville - I still have NO idea what on earth I am doing!

We strolled along El Prado taking in the sites and sounds of a beautiful spring afternoon. It was graduation day for a community college over by the Spreckles Organ. It was fun to see the excited graduates.

We decided to just do anything free and we were able to spend several hours doing just that! We spent time in the Botanical Gardens, The Mimken Museum of Art. We walked through several lovely gardens including Alcazar and Japanese Tea Garden. We stopped at the San Diego Art Institute, the Spanish Village art studios and the International Cottages. There were a few wedding parties taking pictures.

As the day drew to a close, we sadly said our farewells to our second favorite city in CA. We turned our rental car in, headed to airport, stood in a very long security line [but we had lots of time] and got on the plane. We landed in ABQ late, but were staying in hotel right at airport,so we were just a few minutes from a bed.

This was a great trip. My only regret, is that we didn't stay overnight in San Diego and fly home the nest morning. It was kind of hard to "kill so much time" before our 7 pm flight. I much prefer to wake up and get on a plane. I have to admit, I can't think of a better place to kill time than at Balboa Park.

Thanks for all the help and sorry it took so long to finish.

Deb

ahhhh my friend my friend... you should let me know when you finish
I am with you on the later flight. We had a 2:00 pm out of Oahu and I think it was the perfect time. Got to sleep in a bit, have breakfast, return the rental car etc all without a rush. Nice.

Thank you so much for sharing your journey with us - MY regret is that I had school on the day you were in OC and we did not get to connect in person. Plan another trip.