debi

My husband and I will be arriving in SD a day and half prior to a cruise in mid October. Neither one of us have ever been there and are interested in suggestions on what to see and do in a short period of time. Also, are there hotels close to the cruise piers? thanks in advance.

Alice

Go visit baby panda Hua Mei at San Diego Zoo. Three year Zoo agreement with China for keeping panda is up next year.

Jane

Well the zoo certainly is worth going to - it is amazing. there is an old section of San Diego that has many Mexican restaurants that are great, you can take a tour of the little island nearby w/ famous hotel - starts w/ a "C"
Sorry can't remember name but anyone will know.
Enjoy the incredible weather too

Mary

You can visit Old Town in San Diego the margaritas at Bazaar Del Mundo are excelente! There are also mariachis that will serenade you while you have a meal. There's also shopping within walking distance.

Kathy

If you can rent a car, I would recommend visiting Torrey Pines State Park in LaJolla. You can walk the trails and get a magnificent view of the cliffs along the ocean or walk along the beach.

Boots

The zoo was a hit for our family on trip to San Diego last month. Suggestions: Go early and catch the first bus tour around the property. See the pandas next. Then take your time and enjoy. By mid-day it can get pretty crowded. Our second favorite thing was exploring the La Jolla tide pools and Seal Beach (actually called Children's Pool). Go to the tide pools at low tide to see sea creatures (look on internet for times). Cabrillo Point had nice tide pools too, but watch out! We almost got stuck when the tide came in. Yikes!

xxx

Coronado Island. Hotel Del Coronado. Well worth a visit. Also check out Balboa Park.

sd

With a day and a half it depends what you like. If you're outdoorsy type then Torrey Pines State Park would be fantastic. Park for free at the Torrey Pines Golf Course and walk north and follow the other people - you'll eventually run into the trails that lead to the ocean or pay $5-7 and park in the upper parking lot after driving down the Torrey Pines grade. If you like quaint shops/luxury small town wandering go to La Jolla and spend a half to 3/4 day walking around and eat lunch at the Top Level of George's at the Cove for the most spectacular view or at Brockton Villa right in front of La Jolla Cove. If you want animals go the the Zoo, Wild Animal Park or Sea World. Save your evenings for Dowtown, don't do downtown in the daytime. It's a lot more active and all the restaurants are open at night. For the half day before you leave on the cruise take a ferry over to Coronado and enjoy the views of SD Harbor and take a look at the Hotel Del or eat brunch there if you have time. October is a good month it's usually pretty warm in the mid 70's. Have fun!