I am visting San Diego in 16 days. I know that this is an amazing place, I just wanted to know where I could experience San Diego the best. I have heard of Coronado, and La Jolla, but I am going to be there for 10 days, and need to know more to do. i was wondering if you could make itinerarys for each day, or just some suggestions! Thank You, you are greatly appreciated~Kim

La Jolla would be a good central location to stay. You'll be close to downtown and the Gaslamp District. I'd also recommend spending a day roaming around North County (Carlsbad area). And a daytrip to Laguna Beach is very easy from this area.

To experience San Diego at its best, I would suggest hanging out at the beach all day. It looks like you'll be here when the weather will be almost perfect. My favorite beaches are Coronado (big and wide), Del Mar and Torrey Pines (beautiful), La Jolla Shores (Surfers) and the Cove (Snorkeling/Swimming), Mission Beach (Roller Coaster/People Watching/Boardwalk), Black's Beach (Nude beach), Ocean Beach(Haight/Ashbury by the sea) and Sunset Cliffs.

For nightlife, check out the Gaslamp District (tons of bars and restarants downtown), Pacific Beach (young and surfer crowd), La Jolla (a bit upscale crowd)and Hillcrest (Gay section, with hip restaurants/coffeehouses and clubs).

If you are into parks and nature, go to Balboa Park, drive to the tip of Point Loma, hike Cowles or Iron Mountain, Torrey Pines State Park and go sailing at Mission Bay Park.

For leisurely strolls go to the harbor and walk from Seaport Village northward, walk the old neighborhood streets of Downtown La Jolla, Downtown Coronado and Mission Hills/Presidio Park (Beautiful old neighborhood above Old Town).

Museums/Theater? Balboa Park museums (largest concentrations besides mall in DC), Old Globe Theater, La Jolla Playhouse and Downtown San Diego has many small theaters.

Restaurants? Old Town (Mexican), Gaslamp (over 70 to choose from), Little Italy (Italian), Hillcrest ( lots of ethnic, i.e, Thai, Chinese, Indian,etc.)

If I think of anymore "San Diego experiences", I'll pass them along. You never mentioned what part of the city you are staying in. Also, sorry for the laundry list format of my message.

Thanks again for all of the information you 2! I am staying at the Sheraton Harbor Island in Downtown overlooking the bay.
More Suggestions would be great, i need all the information I can get.

Since you're staying downtown, you might want to rent a bike and catch the ferry to Coronado(bikes are allowed on ferry) and bike around town. The view from Coronado to downtown is great. You can actually bike by the Hotel Del Coronado and continue down the strand for 11 or 12 miles and return. It will be along the Silver Strand Beach. You may as well jump in the ocean while you're there!!

While in La Jolla, don't forget to check out the seals. They've taken over a small beach in the area and can be found sunbathing all day. Pretty cool. Also in La Jolla, you can drive to the top of Mount Soledad, which is almost 1,000 feet above sea level and admire the 360 degree view of mountains, ocean, bay and the entire city below.

If you are here after July 18, you may want to catch a horse race at Del Mar, I can tell you that people here love the races. The best part is that it is right next to the beach.

Where are you coming from by the way?

I am from dreary, and the ever so non-interesting, Rochester, New York.
San Diego is paradise compared to my city!
More info please, it is helping a lot!

Dear Kimmie:

Jay is off-base when he recommends that you rent a bike at your hotel (Sheraton Harbor Island) and bike to Coronado. The distance and traffic is way too great. The other advice given is good, though.

Kim.

Kim,
I actually liked Jay's response. I vacationed in SD last July, and found the traffic to be no worse than Rochester, New York. My dad and I are both very athletic people, and enjoy doing different things. Thank You anyways.
More suggestions would be greatly appreciated~Kim

While over on Coronado Island, make sure to check out Migeul's for lunch or dinner. And make sure to request that they bring out thew white cheese sauce with your salsa. A very popular Mexican restaurant in the San Diego area.