we r from UK, spending 3, pre-cruise days in sofia hotel, in sept. no transport. walking mostly, 63 years old. looking for 'touristy' things to do. good food (all types) theatre?? how is local transport eg. to the zoo?? Any advice would be appreciated.

It is about a 3 mile walk from your hotel to the zoo entrance, and you will most likely want to do a lot of walking at the zoo.

For $5 you can buy a one-day bus pass (purchase with "exact change" from the bus driver)and take the #7 bus on Broadway (in the direction La Mesa via University Ave) to a stop on Park Boulevard just across from the Zoo entrance.

You can return the same way or walk West through Balboa Park (really worth seeing!) to Laurel and Fourth Avenue to take the #3 or #120 bus back downtown (South) to the Gaslamp district (about 1.5 miles) where there are more restaurants on 4th, 5th, 6th and the cross streets than you can count.

I recommend the San Diego Old Town Trolley Tour. It makes a loop through the major San Diego sights (the Zoo is one of them) and you can hop off-hop on all day. There appears to be a stop near your hotel, at Horton Plaza. Here's their web site.

http://www.trolleytours.com/san-diego/

The Sofia Hotel
www.thesofiahotel.com
150 West Broadway
San Diego, CA 92101
(800) 826-0009


The Sofia Hotel is on the lower end of Broadway nearest the San Diego Bay. I can't imagine walking to the SD Zoo unless you in really great shape. It will seem like a lot longer than the three miles it says on the map!
You could easily take the SAn Diego Trolly up C Street then catch a city bus up Park Blvd.

You will be in between the Gaslamp and Little Italy areas. Both are fun and great places.
I recommend taking in a San Diego Padres Game for sure. It is a great location and even if you dont like baseball you will have a wonderful time.
You can also walk down to the Embarcadaro (at the foot of Broadway on the San Diego Bay) and catch a day ferry over to Coronado. That would be a fantastic place to rent bicycles and ride down to Orange & 10th Ave. Check out the Hotel Del Coronado and wonderful landmark old hotel built in the mid 1880's. It's been host to movie stars, Presidents and international dignitaries for generations.

I have stayed at the Sofia a couple of times and am a big fan of the place. It has a great walking tour offered free to guests. It is a short walk to Horton Plaza and down to the Coronado ferry.
I am the same age as you and walked to Balboa Park (had the best meals at The Prado). I enjoyed myself immensely.
Brian at the front desk is extremely helpful and you will get excellent directions from him on how to use the public transportation system to go to all the lovely attractions of that special city.
Have a great time!

Oh, it has a great bar, too!

You might enjoy a visit to the USS Midway Museum. It's a very easy walk from your hotel, just along the Embarcadero from the cruise pier in fact.

http://www.midway.org/

It's worth the effort to stroll a little further to go to the Hyatt's Top of the Hyatt bar. The views are outstanding!

Sofia hotel is closer to the bayfront and just a heads up that its next to the bus station and at night, just keep your wits about you.
Rooms are smaller but its a decent hotel with good rates.
Currant, the restaurant has a new chef and its getting better reviews than the last couple of years.
I wouldn't rent a car..bus option to Balboa Park is easy.
Prado is great for drinks and app's on the back outside patio or in the bar.
Midway is an excellent thing to do.
Seaport Village and take a pedi-cab.
Take a bay cruise or water taxi over to Coronado.

thanks for the info. it is of great help. taking in a baseball match sounds good, what day of the week do they play home games?? just like most cities of the world 'take care around the bus stations'.
Thanks again all

padres.com

you can get tickets for less than $10 per person.
one of the best ballparks in the US.