Ideas for San Diego First Timers
 

Need advice. Going to San Diego with my husband for his 60th birthday in December. Aside from seeing a Charger game on the 30th, I need ideas on what else to do while there. Best place with great view for a steak dinner? How to get tickets for NY eve dinner on the USS Midway? Best day trip to take out of town? How long does it take to do the zoo or sea world - do they both take a full day? We have 8 days there (one of them NY day) so any itinerary suggestions you have are appreciated. I have no idea how long it takes to get anywhere or to see the sights. We will have a rental car and are staying at the Dolphin Motel as I hate spending money on a hotel we are hardly ever in!

Thanks for all your ideas!
Cheryl

You are nicely located at the Dolphin - and can get around the main part of SD fairly easily. From there to the Zoo - 15 minutes max, and it's sister resort - which we like as much if not more than the Zoo - Safari Park (formerly Wild Animal Park in Escondido) is about 35 minutes), while Sea World would be about 10 minutes - if that - from the Dolphin.

You could zip through any of them in a half a day - but they certainly offer more than that.

If you like foothills and old mining towns - plus some Wineries/tasting rooms - Julian is fun - an hour from SD.
http://www.desertusa.com/Cities/ca/julian.html

And getting over to very cute Coronado would take maybe 20 minutes, http://coronadovisitorcenter.com/CVC/index.html , assuming of course - you are not heading out during rush hour traffic to any of these places, but even then - from Pt. Loma to Sea World or the Zoo would not be that affected.


For a wonderful view of downtown and the bay/Coronado - and a gourmet selection of dishes - including fine steaks - close to the airport is Island Prime/C Level, less than 10 minutes from where you are staying http://www.cohnrestaurants.com/menu-.../island-prime/

You might even go back for their bargain cocktail hour. :)

I/we also love the Fish Market - downtown - next to the USS Midway (10 minutes) - and close to where you are staying in Pt. Loma is Pt. Loma Seafoods (you could probably walk?) -fairly basic but the fish doesn't get any fresher.

As for tix for a NY eve function at the Midway - no idea. Just google away and call, whatever.

Thanks... some great ideas there. I already checked out Island Prime.. looks perfect! Julian looks like a wonderful idea!

Julian is a cute little town, if they weather isn't to you liking there you might go over the pass to Borrego Springs. It's beautiful in the winter if you would like some light hiking go to the nature center.

New Year's Day might be nice to enjoy the beach.

If you are feeling spry - here are some other hikes around San Diego. My wife and sister just walked around Coronado for a couple hours yesterday with a local group - and had a good time. You can also take the ferry from downtown SD - the Embarcadero - over to Coronado.

http://www.sandiegomagazine.com/San-...-in-San-Diego/

BTW - just went over to pick up a fishing rod - and thought I remembered the Dolphon. Nondescript but a great location - and you can walk across the street to Pt. Loma Seafoods - or a few blocks to Liberty Station - where they have a Trader Joe's, restaurants, etc - and if you want one of the hottest "tickets" in town - on Sundays - the Rock Church - with former Charger Mylew McPherson holding forth - draws huge crowds to the 5 services. http://www.sdrock.com/

And if a long range fishing boat comes in while you are here - just across the street at the docks - it's fun to see them unload the Tuna, Wahoo, Yellowtail, etc.

cherylm57:

We enjoyed spending time at the Cabrillo National Monument www.nps.gov/cabr/index.htm

Not far to Ocean Beach and walk out on the pier.

Have fun.

Sandy

Don't miss Torrey Pines State Beach. I live in San Diego, and I think it's by far the most beautiful place in the county.

The views from atop the Torrey Pines cliff (you can reach the top by car) are unbeatable. Take a walk around the short Guy Fleming trail. You'll find dramatic cliff and beach views, as well as the endangered torrey pine trees.