I am looking at a vacation rental for a week for our family (me, wife, 20 yr old son and 22 yr old son) in San diego. It looks great, convenient and will meet all our needs. I just want to get some locals' input on the immediate neighborhood where the condo is located. It is at the intersection of 10th Avenue and Island Avenue. Any thoughts on the surrounding neighborhood, including amenities, in greatly appreciated.

You'll probably have to wait until the West Coast wakes up to get a good answer. I know they've redone that whole area in the past couple of years, and your place is about a block or so from the new Padres Petco Stadium and a few blocks over from the Gaslamp area down 5th Ave.

bardo1, try this relocation site. Lots of locals there to give you info.

http://www.city-data.com/forum/san-diego/

topping for west coast crowd

Looks like a decent area near Gaslamp district and Horton Plaza. Not too far from Harbor Drive and Seaport area also. Now my memory goes back 5 years ago, so maybe locals will have specifics on that intersection (still safe at night, etc.).

The location is a block from Petco Park for Padres Baseball and the area has been cleaned up alot in the last couple of years but it is on the fringe of the Gaslamp area but it is central to everything.
Just heads up at night because it can get a little sketchy..
When are you planning your trip?
If it during baseball season, it is a blast..the downtown area is just buzzing and it is a real party!
Gaslamp.org

As others have said its near Petco Park and the Gaslamp. Do your sons prefer to be there? I know most kids your sons age would prefer to be down at the beach like South Mission or Mission Beach/Pacific Beach. The area where the condo is located is undergoing lots of chamges. The gaslamp is lively but your 20 yr. old son can't go into clubs due to his age. Lots of restaurants and bars. If you need more help, just post.

As others have said, the time of year will depend on whether you like that location.

itsv,

We'll be there first week of July.

We will probably only spend one day at the beach and the rest of the time kind of "all over" the San Diego area as the attractions appear to be spread througout the city.

We'll have a rental car (and a reserved parking space included with condo).

I chose apt. because it seems central, is spacious, and is large and well appointed at a good price.

We are not familiar with any of the San Diego neighborhoods. Is there a Whole Foods or other good grocery close by? What restaurants, etc. are within two blocks? Is there a direction we should not walk?

HI bardo.
First week of July is a great time and the Padres are at home ALL week which will be fun and festive and crowded but at least you have a parking spot..
Do try and catch a game..you can get a park pass for $5 pp and doesn't get you a seat but allows you to roam the stadium and have a blast.
I wouldn't venture east of where you are..think of always going toward the water..great restaurants in the Gaslamp quarters and I provided a link for you to check out..
Whole Foods is in Hillcrest, which is uptown and about 10 miles away but easy to get to..there is a Ralph's Grocery Store on G street..
I would suggest taking the water taxi over to Coronado..cheap and a fun way to get around.
Have fun!

sdhe.com
padres.com

Bardo1,

Tahtitams did a great job of answering your questions. Whole Foods is at the corner of University Avenue and Robinson. From your place get over to Sixth Avenue heading north. At University Go right and then about 2-3 blocks whole foods will be on your right.

For places near your place to eat there is a new corridor along J and 6th street developing. Try JSix at Solamar Hotel, The Palm Steakhouse across the street, Red Pearl Kitchen further down J street and my favorite Oceanaire next door. There are lots of places around the ball park and you should take your sons since it would be fun.

Since you don't plan on doing a lot of beaches, i think your location will be fine. Freeway access is nearby and you can get to most places within 15 minutes.

If your sons are interested in learning to surf, I would sign them up for lessons at Ocean Beach Surf Shop. (I always do that for my out of town company). If they are getting on your nerves you can leave them for their lessons and you can escape and go shopping. Our favorite place to eat and an insitution in Ocean Beach is Hodads. Great burgers and malts and a place you just have to experiience.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. For breakfast I like the Island Cafe which is really near your place and for a great sandwich/salad I like Bread on Market (which is at 7th and Market.)

Hope that was helpful, itsv

Thanks to all who been SO helpful. We booked the (10th Ave & Island Ave) condo. We can't wait to visit!

Bardo,

Today in our paper they wrote up a place called Urban Kitchen and Bar on 10th ave. near your place. Its more of a pizza salad place but it got good reviews. I also forgot about Chive which is on 4th near your place. Great food. There are so many new great places in the Gaslamp that you will not go hungry.

I also forgot that there is a Ralphs grocery store about six blocks away from your place. Its a nice store and part of a popular chain. If you are going to cook in your condo and like fish, then you need to head over to Point Loma Seafood and visit their fish market. A great place with a wonderful takeout counter. Have fun.