Carlsbad/San Diego Ideas
 

Hi - My husband and I have a timeshare exchange to Carlsbad in Sept. I have been to San Diego and La Jolla a couple of times but he has never been. We arrive on a Sunday from the East Coast and leave the following Sunday morning so only have 6 days. This is the rough itinerary.
Monday - go to the resort's orientation (but NOT the timeshare presentation!) Been there - done that! Then look around Carlsbad, go to beach

Tuesday and Weds - take Coaster train or drive to San Diego. Do trolley tour and USS Midway one day and Balboa Park / zoo the other day.

Thursday - Husband may have golf lesson and get custom clubs. I could shop ;)

Friday - Go to Long Beach and meet up with his cousin, maybe sightsee around LA with her, depending on her schedule.

Saturday - wine tasting in Temecula. Any recommendations on wineries?

Is that too much? Not enough? Have I left out any "musts"?

Can you recommend any restaurants in Carlsbad, Old Town San Diego,Balboa Park, and Temecula?

Thanks!
Sara

Sorry can't help with your restaurants but the itinerary sounds okay since you have been before. I have been more or less underwhelmed with restaurants in San Diego.

The Midway is great.

Having only visited this area for the first time last March, but planning a repeat in March 2015, I can only give my opinion of two places we liked in Temecula.

South Coast Winery was very comfortable and hospitable for tasting as well as having lovely grounds and what I thought was good wine.

Had dinner at a rather new place in town, Parea, which featured small plate combinations that were very good.

Enjoy your 6 days there

you are doing a lot and going to spend a lot of time in your car... I would not drive to Temecula to go wine tasting but that is just me -

I assume your husband is going to Callaway? Perhaps you could go to the outlets in Carlsbad... honestly, I would spend the day in La Jolla on Sat not going to Temecula or enjoy the beach in Carlsbad area.

I would not go all the way up to LA from Long Beach - traffic is a bear - I would head south from Long Beach going back towards Carlsbad and go to Laguna Beach area... or go to San Juan Capistrano if beaches are not really your thing - go to the Mission and have lunch at Ramos House cafe (they are only open for breakfast/lunch) http://www.ramoshouse.com/

or if you are having dinner in San Juan we enjoy Cedar Creek Inn http://www.cedarcreekinn.com/

If you are in Laguna - cannot beat the views from Las Brisas - I would sit on the patio - http://www.lasbrisaslagunabeach.com/

Of course there is always the Montage for an afternoon cocktail/glass of wine..those views are over the top! http://www.montagehotels.com/lagunab...02waApkC8P8HAQ

enjoy!

Oh if you go to La Jolla - my old favorite - is George's roof top terrace...http://www.georgesatthecove.com/

Re traffic around LA If you drive up to Long Beach Friday morning you should be good traffic wise (Friday morning light). If you are going to sight see with your friend I would head up to LA no later than 11 am. You are going to want to stay parked until after 7pm at night tho!!

Or you could just sight see around Long Beach. We have a few things to see here.

Thx for all the comments and suggestions.

mlgb - can you recommend any restaurants in Long Beach? Stuff to do? I see there is an aquarium there that looks pretty good.

momddtravel2 - yes I think husband would be going to Callaway. He has to look into that and he also has to contact his cousin about where to meet. I am doing everything else- LOL!!
Las Brisas looks great and seems to be maybe halfway between Carlsbad and LA - I put the bug in his ear about that.

Really looking forward to the trip!!

Well I love Carlsbad and it seems like you are not actually spending any time there- there is a nice little downtown area with shops and restaurants and several nice beaches. There used to be a wine tasting place across the street from Tamarack beach- don't know if it is still there.

I would just relax and spend a little more time there.

If you are looking for high end dining you could check out the Four Seasons- if not, there are many more casual dining places.

I don't think Temecula is worth the drive since you have just a few days.

Sunbum - I love it there too!

Sara - I don't know where the cousin lives (is it in Long Beach?) If so her driving to Laguna would be about 1/2 way as you said. It is a lovely town, if you go there, spend time walking around, lots of galleries, cute shops etc. Very popular area.

Actually the cousin lives somewhere in LA - don't know her address. They email and do Facebook but he needs to talk to her.

Carlsbad does look like a really cute town.

You guys have talked me out of Temecula! I have been there and hubby not really into wine - I am sure there will be plenty of opportunities to taste wine in a restaurant or wine bar!

Here is some Carlsbad wine tasting for you

http://www.witchcreekwinery.com

If you get bored (which I can't imagine doing in Carlsbad) , drive down to coast to some of the other beach towns- in Delmar you will find the Delmar Plaza. It has some nice restaurants too and agree with Momdd that George's is a nice treat.

My daughter used to live in Carlsbad and I do miss visits to see her there.

I like Carlsbad quite a bit. You should be able to get in some relaxing time. One thing that might interest you is a short drive away in Escondido: The Stone Brewing Co. Bistro and Gardens (http://www.stonebrewing.com/visit/). Stone makes excellent, assertive beers (their Arrogant Bastard Ale is initially a shock to the palate, then it's sublime), and the Escondido site is actually very nice. The brewery tour is cool, the tasting room is a riot, and you can get a nice lunch there.

Second the reco for George's at the Cove. LOVE that place. Many, many years ago I enjoyed a very memorable Happy Hour there with a dear, departed colleague who had a local magician trying to pick her up (she kept flashing her wedding ring, but the guy was a real flirt!), then doing really accomplished close-up sleight-of-hand magic. Lots of fun.

I, like mlgb, am a Long Beach local. The usual sites for sight-seeing in Long Beach include the Aquarium of the Pacific (very concentrated focus on sea life of the Pacific Ocean, very well-curated), the dry-docked Queen Mary (haunted!), the Rancho Los Cerritos, the Museum of Latin American Art, the Long Beach Museum itself (small, charming, on a bluff with gorgeous harbor views), a stroll on Second Street in lovely Belmont Shore.... Not a huge list of things, but it's still a nice place to live.

Restaurants in Long Beach? At the high end we have Michael's on Naples as well as Chianina, an Italian specialist and a steakhouse run by the same owner; he also run's Michael's Pizzeria, a Neapolitan-style pizza joint. All are excellent. In downtown LB you'll find a tight collection of Chain Restaurant Hell in a knot in the Pike (a shopping-and-entertainment complex named after our late, lamented downtown amusement park); ignore those places and head up Pine Avenue to better places like Café Sevilla (we really enjoy this tapas place-- actually connected to a place in San Diego, last I heard) and King's Fish House (good seafood, although I can name one better place down in Los Alamitos, the Original Fish Company). Over in Belmont Heights, people are loving the Attic (Southern). Down Broadway, Sonny Bono's oldest child Christy (Cher's stepdaughter) runs her eponymous restaurant; I've heard VERY mixed things about it, as her old eatery was quite wonderful and she has none of those people in the kitchen right now.

Second Street in Belmont Shore has a lot of good places. I love George's Greek for the relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff and the tasty Cypriot-Greek food. Nick's on Second is very popular for a good reason: The food is pretty great. The restaurant itself is perfectly-located and quite nice (in fact, Christy Bono had run another restaurant in the same space and renovated it beautifully).

My personal faves in that immediate area are Enrique's (Guadalajara-style, meaning Mexican by a classically-trained chef) and White Wasabi (sushi and sashimi with improbable, but delicious, Italian flourishes).

The food scene in Long Beach is decidedly unpretentious and unfussy. We just like to eat tasty food.

If you feel like heading down to Seal Beach for dinner (just across the county line), I like Walt's Wharf on Main Street. Great food, lively bar; there's usually a wait.

Good list from rjw of course. I would add if you are just meeting someone for a meal and not sightseeing, in Signal Hill off of Cherry (south) is Delius (Kobe Beef burger). Or Kinokawa (across from the Costco), excellent traditional sushi and strange hours, I think they are closed Su & Mo now, and from 2 to 5 pm).

I always forget about George's Greek. If you are downtown Long Beach on Pine there is also a branch there, near Kings. It is a good alternative to "Chain Restaurant Hell". Or you could eat on board the QM.

I wonder why rjw has not mentioned Benley or is he trying to cut down on the competition for seating?

mlgb: LOLZ! I reserved the reco for Benley simply because of its out-of-the-way location, way out in the Cypress-adjacent East LB hinterlands. But oh, their <i>phở</i>...! We're already planning to go there tomorrow night; since we're heading out east Sunday, we don't want to dirty dishes Saturday night!

Here's a blast-from-the-past question: Have you been to Papalucci's in Belmont Shore recently? The good red-sauce Italians in LB are getting thin on the ground these days, and I used to love going there for pasta and garlic fumes.

For inexpensive eats, an impressive beer list and killer harbor views, there's always the Yard House in Shoreline Village. Or Belmont Brewing Co. in Belmont Shore. The food is solid and the beers are quite nice. And there's that bonus of being able to order an actual yard of your favorite beer on draft at the Yard House...! ;)

I am not big on the traditional Italian, rjw.

The one that we used to go to (like 30+ years ago) was Francelli's. I think they are still there.

Now that I am in NLB/Bixby/Cal Ht's the option is Nino's. Despite being "Gordon'd" I think they are pretty much back to their original menu. Decent enough antipasti plate and lasagna. I actually like the flavor of their sauce.

I also always forget about the YardHouse! Another one that is nice for tourists is Claire's at the museum. They do a good Bloody Mary/weekend brunch. Open Th-Sun only.

Ahh, Francelli's! I used to live around the corner from that joint! Done takeout from there more often than I'd like to admit. And it's always fun to go there then get a cocktail over at the bar locals nicknamed the Grey Poodle (I'm sure you know which one I'm talking about ;) )...!

My mother-in-law loves Claire's at the Museum. One of these days we'll get there. Again, more things to see than hours in the day any more...! Life's too damn short.

Wow - lots of great info here! I will research some of these!! Thanks!

Depending on which resort you are at, I would plan some time to enjoy the property. I just spent a wonderful day last week at the saltwater pool and had a spa treatment at La Costa... It was a wonderful use of time! :-)

lynni- I love La Costa! That IS a wonderful use to time!

Momddtravel2

I truly enjoyed myself! I loved the shop there that had all of the Lily Pulitzer clothing and the market that serves ice cream 24 hours a day!! I also had the best poolside food/bar service I've ever had and REALLY relaxed. I was so glad that I "stayed home" that day instead of heading off property!!

>>Long Beach? Stuff to do?>>

If you are driving on the 5 North to Long Beach (before you get to the 405 or the 173 toll road) you come to the charming town of San Juan Capistrano which has a restored historic Spanish Mission (built in the 1700's) that is well worth stopping by to visit. The town of SJ Capistrano also has a number of wonderful restaurants and shops along it's main (and pretty much only) street.

We have a time share in the same place you are going in Carlsbad and the restaurants next door are both very nice. But, you pretty much can't go wrong with any of the restaurants in the Carlsbad main street area.

Old Town has a number of restaurants that are fun depending on what you want. I like the Old Town Mexican Cafe

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restauran...alifornia.html

I'll weigh in on a few San Diego ideas. I've personally never really chilled in Carlsbad, so can't help much here. We usually stay further south in San Diego. Probably our favorite place is the Catamaran, because you can walk to the beach and it is near some great bars, restaurants, and beach action. One of our favorite restaurants is JRDN. It is pricey for dinner, but their outside (beachside) patio offers little plates and wonderful cocktails and drinks. You're right next to the boardwalk, so lots of folks out and about, dogs, bikes, skateboard, surfers; you get the full beach vibe.
The restaurant is in a hotel called Tower 23, but it might be a little pricey. It's worth checking into. We also like the Bahia and the Dana, but they aren't on the beach, but on the bay. The Hyatt Spa is lovely as well.

You didn't mention the zoo, which is in Balboa Park. The Park is one of my favorite places in San Diego. So much to see and do. Photo ops, museums. Very special place.

I also really like Little Italy. Lots of shops, wonderful restaurants, and people watching. They do a Farmers Market on Saturdays, I believe.

I'm glad you guys rethought Temecula. It's a lovely place, but we've never been impressed with their wines or wineries.

Del Mar, on the PCH, is also a nice beachy area. If you stay near the highway, which cuts through town, you can walk to a lot of places. We stayed at the Courtyard in Solana Beach and really liked that area also.

If you need some restaurant recs, besides JRDN, I'd be happy to add those also. San Diego has amazing restaurants, you just need to stay away from most chains (except In and Out and Rubios) and find the "new" farm to table type establishments. Breweries, such as Stone Brewery in Escondido and Liberty Station, also are the big new trend coming to most youthful cities. Draft is a new place that opened up in South Mission Beach (south of Pacific Beach) that offers a very cool atmosphere and happy hour. Small plates. I second George's rooftop Terrace. We've had wonderful meals there...

Hi,
I actually live in Carlsbad, here are some of my suggestions for restaurants:
In Carlsbad: Miguel's (Great fish tacos, and on Tuesday they have them on special at their bar)
Vigilucci's for seafood and pasta. Has an Ocean View.

In nearby Encinitas, there are several restaurants with beautiful views of the Ocean/Sunset on 101 (Coastal Highway), near the San Elijo Lagoon. 2 of them are the Chart House and Pacific Coast Grill.

Have a nice trip

Alexandra

Hi,
One more thing: Traffic on Fridays to LA is usually worse than any other day of the week. If you can change your trip to LA/Long Beach, you may want to change it to Saturday. Usually Saturdays and Sundays have less traffic since the commuters are off.
Thanks
Alexandra

"San Diego has amazing restaurants, you just need to stay away from most chains (except In and Out and Rubios)"

I used to love Rubios, but they've been bought out by a large chain - I think General Foods or something and their food is terrible IMHO. If you want more authentic Mexican I'd check out Porkyland in La Jolla off Torrey Pines near Girard. It's kinds like Rubio's (more fast Mexican and you can also take out). Or even Chipolte is better than Rubio's these days.

http://goporkyland.com/

Bookmarking

Balboa Park is beautiful but the Zoo is fabulous. Not only in the collection but also the grounds are lovely. I believe they'll still be open late in Sept. Check the calendar.

The best time to see the animals is early in the day when they open, get your hand stamped and go to the park. It's an easy walk. You can have lunch at the Prado. Then when the heat of the day is wearing off go back to the Zoo. It gets better when the day cools off.

More great suggestions- thanks!

I don't think Saturday will work for the Long Beach/ LA trip as we are leaving fairly early Sunday so don't want be gone all day and into evening on Saturday. Maybe we could just meet the cousin for lunch or brunch on Saturday and get back to Carlsbad in late afternoon. Husband still dragging feet on emailing the cousin. I need to light a fire under him!!

Keep the ideas coming :) Thank you much!

nanabee- Rubios is not what it use to be! I do like Wahoos...not sure if there are any in S.D. but they are in Orange County...

About the only thing I must have at Rubios these days is their good old fish taco. They do that right. But I will agree. Lately it has been a bit disappointing. Their iced tea has been terrible.

In and Out is just what it is; good hamburgers, cheeseburgers. Order their fries well done and they come out golden and hot, hot, hot.

One of THE places to eat in San Diego right not is Cucina Urbana near downtown. Amazing doesn't describe it. This is dining, my friends. A little Mex fusion with, well, everything. You will not be disappointed. http://www.cucinaurbana.com/home


And Bo Beau is another fave. WONDERFUL.
http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/bobeaukitchenbar
If you eat here, you MUST have this dish;
Crispy Brussel Sprouts
pancetta, parmesan, balsamic. Heavenly vegies that are to die for...

Enjoy San Diego. It's the land of endless pleasures...

As much as I like the SD Zoo - I like the Wild Animal Park - now called Safari Park - even better - and I have volunteered at both places.

Drive over to Escondido early - see/get around Safari Park before it gets hot and then stop at delightful Orfilia winery on the way back and take their short- very interesting tour.http://www.orfila.com/

And as far as restaurants - sooooo many choices. The best deal - including a fabulous view of the Bay, downtown and Coronado - is the cocktail hour at C-Level/Island Prime (part of Cohn Group - which also owns Bo Beau) - Mon-Fri from 3:30 to 5:30. Great h'or d'ourves for $5 as well as wine/beer and my favorite - a Desi Arnez - a mint with mango mojito, or some such. see: http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/islandprime


In and Out burger is ok - they will make your burger to order - and plenty of places for good fish tacos (still like the Tues $1 specials at Rubios - or is it a $1.50 now?) - but agree - Cucina Urbana is amazing. Dang - it's getting too popular now. :)

And from the deck at George's in La Jolla (I had an office in the village for years) - it'ss less expensive than thei more formal restaurant - and with a fabulous view - also not to be missed.

And have not been to Bo Beau yet but do want to try their fabled brussel sprouts. Know the designer - and it was one of our quiet favorites back when it was Thee Bungalow? - or was that across the street. Get a wee bit confused with soooo many changes/great choices these days.

Here is the cocktail menu for C Level: http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/islan...enu/happy-hour

Yes, Tomsd, Bobeau used to be Thee Bungalow. And we dined there often as well. We also really like the 3rd Corner for good wines by the glass, cheeses and bristo menu; small plates. Very moody ambiance. there's a 3rd Corner in Encinitas as well.

There's another place that we LOVE, LOVE in San Diego, but won't reveal, or it might go the way of Cucina Urbana.

Point Loma seafoods is one of our favorite places for lunch. Right on the water, near the fising boats. You can sit outside. Their crab sandwich is my fave, and their smoked fish, fresh fish to take home.

These restaurants look all great but unfortunately we will prob only be able to eat 2 dinners in San Diego. Most evenings we will be in Carlsbad or nearby so need more recs for there. Thanks everyone and Alexandra for the Carlsbad recs!

You'll not have a difficult time finding a nice meal in Carlsbad. It's a lovely little town. Just don't write a fabulous trip report and make it too popular :)

Hi - was hoping to give a trip report by now but unfortunately we had to cancel. :(
My 95 year old FIL had a setback and my husband was not comfortable being on the other side of the country. After he stabilized, we did go to Rehoboth Beach DE for a few days which was nice.
Still hope to to to SD area another time so will bookmark this thread. Thank yu all for your help,
Sars

Sorry to hear this sara. Hope you can re-schedule, and best wishes to your FIL.