Hi guys!
My husband has an event to attend for a couple of hours in the middle of the day tomorrow at UCSD. We are flying into SD in the morning. We were planning to meet up with relatives for the afternoon/evening, but those plans fell through. We fly out late in the evening. We thought we could go to the aquarium, and catch dinner somewhere nice (not too fancy, but nice, we won't be changing for dinner) Anyway, do we need to rent a car, or is there a lot within walking distance of the University. We are used to hot weather, so walking around in San Diego sounds nice

You need a car.

I agree that you need a car.

You could dine at George's on the Terrace (outside), or Crabcatcher, or Trattoria Aqua. Only three suggestions out of many possibilities, all in La Jolla. If you're wearing dressy casual/business casual clothing, then you'll fit in anywhere.

You could also go to Del Mar, a lot of people seem to like Pacifica.

The Birch Aquarium is close to UCSD a great place to visit. The Scripps Institute of Oceanography also does tours (and is across the road from the Aquarium). You can go the La Jolla Shores which is about a mile or two south of the Aquarium ( I think there is a bus that goes down La Jolla Shores Drive). You might check with UCSD as they also have shuttle buses.

My favorite restaurant in the La Jolla Shores area is Piatti's Restaurante.
Piatti-La Jolla
www.piatti.com
2182 Avenida De La Playa
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 454-1589
On the same street are a number of kyak and dive shops if you prefer to do some beach activities.

Agree with Barbara..

Georges on the Cove..eat at on the Terrace..great food and lovely ocean views..they have heat lamps if the fog is rolling in..
Crab Catcher for happy hour too..enjoy Piatti's but I think out of towners want to see the ocean while dining..

www.georgesatthecove.com
www.crabcatcher.com