First visit to San Diego
 

Hi folks,

Later this summer (Aug), i am planning my first visit to San Diego. Primarily to see the National vs. Padres. Secondarily, i very much would like to do a local wine tour, but will not have wheels. Sites i have checked refer to renting a limo, etc..however, since it's just me.. that's too pricey and alone, not much fun.. any suggestions for local groups that do tours from downtown during the week which allow/encourage hangers-on;-) ?

The searches I do on-line haven't been fruitful.

Also, suggestions for a nice place to get a massage?

Thanks very much!

If you like animals I would enthusiastically suggest the San Diego Zoo! Ride on the top of the double decker bus first thing in the morning and you will see lots of action (not sleeping in the shade) The bus ride gives you a nice overview for walking around later on.

The wine country is in central and northern California -- not near San Diego. Go to the zoo, the wild animal park, or sea world. I don't see how you can do San Diego without a car. Everything is separated by miles and miles of freeway and there is no realistic public transportation option. You can ask your hotel if they have shuttles to any of the popular destinations.

sweetblues: see responses to your other posts

California wine country is typically San Francisco area. However, Callaway in Temecula is a major production operation with tours and a restaurant to have lunch accompanying the tour. The web site mentions transportation companies. You can consult with your hotel if they have a recommended transport to Callaway. This is a one hour drive to Callaway from downtown San Diego.
http://www.callawaywinery.com/

Thanks everyone and sorry about the duplicate posts.. just getting my feet wet, forum wise!
It seems a car is a necessity. I have to decide upon the hotel.. watching the deals before i plunk down the $$. Then i can see what amenities they might offer touristy wise. the bus sounds like a lot of fun!

renting a car for a day can be inexpensive

also try:
http://www.temeculawines.org/

you can take the train from downtown - will travel through several of the beachtowns where you can get off and explore. My favorite is Carlsbad- there are 2 stops in Carlsbad- if you get off at the second stop you will be in the heart of downtown - which is very cute, nice shops and restaurants all within walking distance and a nice beach.

Last time I was there, there was a wine tasting room ( but I dont remember the name) and it was on the street across from the beach.

I love the beach towns north of SD - Solano Beach, Carlsbad - found the train easy to use

I understand (totally!) wanting to go on a wine tour while in Cali - but SD really isn't the BEST place to do that. The closest places to SD really aren't worth the trouble getting to (my opinion). If you had more days, then I would maybe say go for a real deal wine tasting trip.

Instead - I would really suggest going to Balboa park:

http://www.balboapark.org/

Go to the Prado: http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/restaurants/theprado/

It is in the park - which is GORGEOUS - and has a great atmosphere to sit and get drinks/apps. I would suggest getting to the park around 2:00/3:00 in the afternoon - walking around and seeing all the awesomeness (the zoo is right beside Balboa - so maybe hit up that in the morning!?). Balboa, on a good day, has lots of artsy and cultural things going on - and its just plain beautiful.

Also, there is an outdoor theater that sometimes hosts various free concerts where you can bring a picnic and wine and sit and enjoy the music & people watching.

If you like theaters - there is the Globe theater (in Balboa) and a large assortment of other historical museums.

Man - I'm looking forward to my next SD trip (in 2 weeks! :)