glynnis

My mom and I are planning about 5 days in San Diego in late May. Neither of us are big beach-goers. We are more interested in history, good restaurants, antique shopping, interesting architecture/scenery, that kind of thing. Also plan to hit the zoo. We have heard that Old Town or Hillcrest would be good neighborhoods to stay in, but that Old Town is kind of touristy. Any recommendations?

malvado

Old Town is the most touristy spot in all of San Diego. The quality of the restaurants there rank no better than an El Toritos or Chevy's IMO.

I would definitely reccomed Hillcrest over Old Town anyday for what you are looking for. Especially if you will be travelling by car, it is an easy central location to be. If you're relying on public transit, most of the busiest bus lines in SD intersect in Hillcrest with very frequent buses heading downtown to the trolley lines. Cabs are also very plentiful in this area and one of the few areas where you can easily hail them on the street.

Plenty of decent eats, funky shops, cafes, etc.

As for antiquing, that historically has been in the Normal Heights neighborhood (30th - 35th and Adams Ave)which is relatively close by. There are not many accomodations in central Hillcrest however, with the exception of perhaps the Sommerset Suites on Washington St.

Note: If you or your mom are homophobic, Hillcrest is not for you.

Barbara

Old Town is, as malvado says, very touristy. However, it's that way because it's quite interesting and you will be tourists. Personally, I would prefer to stay there than Hillcrest. There is one very good restaurant in Old Town, the Cafe Pacifica, but other than that the food is pretty mediocre, though some of the restaurants are fun to eat in. I like the Guadalajara Grill, myself.

You might enjoy Balboa Park, which is where the Zoo is. There are lots of museums, interesting architecture and an excellent restaurant, the Prado.

malvado

I'll give Old Town two good restaurants. In addition to Cafe Pacifica, try El Agave. Arguably the best Mexican food in San Diego. But don't expect your typical Northern Mexican fare (what most Americans know as Mexican food). For that, try any variety of red and yellow taco shops that are everywhere.

I still respectfully disagree with the other poster concerning Old Town. The interesting/historically significant can be seen and toured in half a day in Old Town. Nice place to visit but... for 5 days, Hillcrest is I believe a much better place to be centrally based.

Barbara

I do agree that you can see Old Town in half a day, but I'd still prefer to stay there rather that Hillcrest, which really doesn't have any hotels at all.

You might be better off staying downtown. You'd be close to the Zoo and Balboa Park and it's relly not very far to any of the places you're interested in going to.

Another alternative would be Mission Valley/Hotel Circle, where there are all kinds of hotels. It's just down the hill from both Hillcrest and Old Town.

glynnis

Thank you both for the advice! The places I have found to stay in the Hillcrest area are Park Manor Suites, The Cottage, and the Keating House. The last two are B&B's. Have you heard anything about any of these? The other area I thought of is the Gaslamp District, but it's downtown, right? Is it confusing to drive downtown? We will have a car but I am not a great navigator! Also I have read some postings that say that area can be sort of scary (vagrants and that sort of thing). Since we are two females traveling alone we want to feel safe. One more question--I've seen a lot of postings about Casa de Bandini in Old Town, but you haven't mentioned it. Is it good?

Jocelyn_P

Casa de Bandini is a great "experience." If I had their food at home it may not taste as good, but the restaurant offers a total package, with the cool decor, festive atmosphere and mariachi band. Honestly, whenever I go, I start with a margarita (they are the size of a small swimming pool), so it's hard to accurately judge the quality of the food after that! I always have a great time there.

rjw_lgb_ca

I'll comment on the Park Manor-- a buddy stayed there one weekend (from Dallas) and I crashed there one night. Great location (right across from Balboa Park), historic building, but quite rundown (granted, this was maybe four years ago, so...). Good restaurant on the ground floor, however.

Hillcrest definitely does not have good lodging options. The Sommerset Suites on Washington are convenient, all the units (not all technically suites) have kitchens, they have continental breakfast and "happy hour" (cheap) wine-- but it's not the best place. Downtown (the Gaslamp especially) is a short hop away, as is Old Town. Pick one, and plan on walking around in Hillcrest a lot (good consignment stores on University).

Underhill

I would recommend that you stay in one of the hotels (quite a few at various price ranges) in Hotel Circle. From there you can easily drive to Balboa Park for the zoo and the excellent museums and Prado Restaurant and also to the Hillcrest area and to Old Town.

Since you're interested in history, you might want to visit the Star of India clipper ship. You would also find the Hotel del Coronado interesting for its architecture, and the town of Coronado has any number of good restaurants.

Casa de Bandini is one of our favorite places, especially after one or two of those margaritas. Don't even think of driving for a while afterwards! That's the time to go shopping at the Bazaar del Mundo.

Heavens

I have a few things to add. Park Manor is an old funky hotel that reminded us of an old Hollywood boarding house. Our room was the size of a one room apt. But lacked the comforts of the bigger hotels. It was the only place we could find one summer due to a Promise keepers convention in town. Every hotel was booked. So we got this one. Let me just say that at the bar downstairs, there were many guys eyeing my DH. But, in a way, it was one of those travelling experiences. It ain't no Hilton, if you know what I mean.

There is another good restaurant in Old Town, IMO, and that is Jacks and Julios. We have been there about five times and each time had a wonderful meal. But, Cafe Pacifica is one of the best in the city. They know what to do with fish.

Hotel Circle is convenient for a base, but not that interesting of a place to stay in. We love the Hanalai, but that is b/c we like the balconies, queen beds, and view of the pool. The service has always been top rate and personable. The Doubletree nearby and the Mariott in Mission Bay are also good bets. But not with a neighborhood feel to it. The hotels are simply your base as you go out and see the sights.

We just stayed in the downtown area. You can walk around in the day. If it is just two ladies after dark, I would take a cab. But there is a lot to see in the general gaslamp area for walking. Lots of people and activies in the evening. Horton Plaza, theaters, tons of restaurants. If you stay in the general populated areas, you should be fine. You can also take the pedicabs and horsedrawn carriages to get around. They are very convenient and entertaining.

Hope this helps.

diann

We just returned last night from S.D. we had a car but opted for Old Town. I loved it, for the fact it is was always busy and hopping. I loved Casa Bandinis and we ate breakfast every a.m. at an indoor outdoor cafe called Coyotes. Very good mexican food. Driving is a snap, The town is extremely tourist friendly. Old Town is also located, close to everything of interest in San Diego. I hope this helps. We enjoyed our stay very much.

dwooddon

I would also favor Old Town over Hillcrest given only those choices. I, like others, suggest you consider hotel circle, the Gaslamp District, the waterfront, or the convention center areas over either Old Town or Hillcrest.

Except for hotel circle, you could also leave your car parked and use either the trolley bus or light rail to get from place to place.

I also vote for Casa de Bandini as one of my favorite places to eat in San Diego. Not for nothing has it been voted San Diego's best Mexican restaurant by San Diego newspaper reader's polls several times.

Have a great trip. San Diego is a wonderful place to visit.

4Janet

I would stay in OLd Town. There are good restaurants one being Old Town Mexican Cafe and Jack and Guilios which people come from all over to eat at. Also you can take the trolley to Fashion Valley Shopping Center(which is my favorite) or to the Gaslamp with tons of good restaurants so you would not have to drive all the time.

4Janet

This is Janet's husband, I would stay in Mission Valley if I had a car. The city is easy to travel in during the week. You will need a car or you will spend most of your time waiting for a public device. Plus there are many sites you will miss. You will want to take in the zoo, the Birch Aqarium in La Jolla and La Jolla village itself. Balboa Park is wonderful (next to the zoo)Many mueseums etc. It was designed for the "1915 World Exposition" The older good parts of San Diego are Mission Hills, Kensington, La Jolla, Coronado, and all of the beach cities. There is good food all over town. Just ask a local. During the week there is ample parking every where. Have fun. Tom

ltt

another vote for old town and casa de bandini

diann

I also noticed the trolley is right in old town and you can get off and on as often as you like HOWEVER it was my understanding it is $25.00 per person. If you used it more than once you could rent a car. Mission Valley is o.k. but I didn't find it scenic, it more for business travelers would be my opinion. Downtown is great but there are parking fees at the hotels. In Old town there wasn't. If you would like a view or a bay view than try shelter island. Humphreys seemed nice to me on Shelter Island. Also a Holiday Inn at the Embaradaro offered nice bay rooms. It is close to nice restaurants in and around downtown. It is across the street from the piers.

La_Mesan

Hands down--Old Town. Hillcrest is a gay community (not that there is anything wrong with that). We have stayed at the Hacienda Hotel in Old Town and found it to be very pleasant. The Acapulco Restaurant is adjoining. There are plenty of other choices there too--Agave and Casa De Bandini are among them. Plenty to do in walking distance and the trolley is nearby.

La_Mesan

Antique shopping is excellent in my town, La Mesa. La Mesa Antique Mall has parking and is only a block away from restaurants. There are about a dozen other antique shops within walking distance too. Take 1-8 East to Spring Street (south). Pass about 3 stop lights. Turn left at Lemon. The antique mall is on the corner of Lemon and Palm. La Mesa is only 10-15 minutes from either Old Town or Hillcrest.

Barbara

La Mesan, Glynnis and her mom have been and gone - a year ago.

J_Correa

Regarding the trolley - there is a tourist trolley that is basically a bus on wheels shaped like a cable car that you can tour the city on for $25/person - hop on and off all you want.

There is also the Red Trolley, which is the public transportation system. This is a lightrail train that you can use to get around the city. It goes downtown, through Old Town, and I believe out to Mission Valley.