Nancy Wesson

My husband and I will be going to San Diego on business and plan to extend our trip several days. Please suggest some very nice but reasonable accomadations near some area attractions. What are some "must sees" and some good restaurants? Any other help you could give would be helpful. Thanks!

Irene

There are many must sees in San Diego including The San Diego Zoo with the panda's on display, The Wild Animal Park in Escondido (45 min. drive) where you see animals in their natural habitats, Sea World which just opened a new exhibit, Mexico is just a few miles south if your interested in that, many shopping malls, Old Town is supposed to be one the most visited places in San Diego and it has wonderful Mexican restaurants throghout the park at fairly reasonable rates. My favorites are Old Town Mexican Cafe just superb, Casa de Pico for outdoor dining, but expect to wait in line, and Casa de Bandini. All are wonderful. Balboa Park offers Museums in every possible area all in one spot and it's near the Zoo. As far as accomodations I would have you stay somewhere central like Mission Valley. The rates are fairly reasonable. There are many Best Westerns and Holiday Inns in that area that should have 1- 800 numbers. Call 1-800-555-1212 and ask for the 800 numbers to those hotels. If you or your husband were in the military get your ticket attractions through the MWR on the military bases in town otherwise go to Horton Plaza Shopping Mall lower level and go to the Artix booth. They sell half price day of show tickets as well as discounts to the major attractions I just mentioned.

Redd

I second the suggestions above, particularly the Zoo, which is second to none. You could easily spend the better part of a day there. Point Loma is also a must. It's a peninsula that juts out into Coronado Bay. Absolutely breathtaking scenery! If you have the time, make sure you check out the museums in Balboa Park. They're not exactly in the "must see" category, but well worth a visit if you have the time. Frankly, San Diego might disappoint the die-hard "sightseer." There are definitely interesting things to see and do, but the best way to spend your time is just relaxing, strolling on the beautiful beaches, sipping coffee at a nice little cafe, etc. Kick back and enjoy the blue skies, wonderful weather, and laid back atmosphere.

Edith

The perfect place to stay in San Diego would be near the beach, Hotel circle is to far from all the attractions of San Diego. Staying in Old town would be a good choice or downtown near the Gas Lamp district I have stayed at the Ramada Bay View and Love their rooftop spa with a spectacular view of the Coronado Bridge at night.
If staying in Old Town it would take you a long time to eat at all the wonderful cafes. Have a wonderful trip.

mark leinwetter

1. Seaport Village
2. stay at a Best Western "Blue Sea Lodge" on
pacific bean (oceanfront) or Hotel Del COronado
on COronado Island or the Hyatt San Diego
3. Go to Seaport VIllage regardless near the Hyatt
4. Relax - this is a wonderful place

Have Fun !

Gina Minchey

My husband and I took our daughter to San Diego in April specifically to go to the zoo. It was wonderful! The hippo exhibit is a must see. You can actually see them swim underwater, and it is amazing. We also saw the Wild Animal Park (you can get a combination ticket for both) and Sea World. Sea World was nothing really special if you've been to one before. We stayed in Old Town which was reasonable and OK, maybe a little seedier than I expected but not bad. Eat at the Rockin Baja Lobster there. It was really good (sort of a cross between seafood and Mexican). Hope you have a great time!

Janice

We were in San Diego last year for two days. Did Zoo early and Old Town later on 1st day. Did Wild Animal Park and Seaport Village on 2nd day. Would recommend all of these places. Don't remember name of restaurants but did have good food. It was a great little trip. Have fun.

Jon

Nancy: The Del Coronado ranks as one of the nicest hotels I've ever stayed in. Staff is extremely courteous, not snooty and rooms are best in the old part of the hotel. Their breakfast buffet is nice, but there's a great place for seafood across the street-The Brigantine. Balboa Park has several nice museums, but if you're there on a Sunday, go to the Spreckels Organ Pavilion for a 2 p.m. recital. The Zoo is the best but is a good idea to get there early and take the double decker bus tour.

C. Grant

If you want a reasonably priced hotel I would stay at the Best Western Hacienda Hotel in Old Town. Rates are approx $85.00. You are very close to downtown, seaworld, airport and of course Old Town.
Old town is touristy but great fun , the line will look horrendous at Casa De Pico but it moves quite quickly. I wouldn't stay in Mission Valley. It sits in the middle of Hwy 5 - depressing. Can't walk to any decent restaurants.
Take the Molly Trolley. Allows you to get off and on as often as you like a various tourist attractions. I would take the ferry to Coronado and have a drink at Peohis (restaurant) and get a view back to San Diego. Coronado is also where the Hotel Del Coronado is. Historical monument. On a very expansive beach - great for walking. They also do quite a spectacular Sunday brunch. I think the ferry costs 4.00 per person.
For eating - the Gaslamp quarter has a large number of Italian restaurants on 4th avenue. A good place in the vicinity is Sammy's Woodfired Pizza - they have lots of pastas and salads - larges portions and reasonable prices. Located right next to Horton Plaza which is a large shopping mall located downtown.
The US Grant hotel downtown also often offers specials for 89.00 - 99.00 per night.
you may also enjoy going to La JOlla which is the swanky part of town. Lots of nice homes. Several restaurants with views of the ocean. My favorite is called Trattoria del Acqua (italian) located in La Jolla - reasonable prices - wonderful food.
Have fun.