Hi,

My friend will be in San Diego on a conference the 2nd week in August and will have one full day to enjoy it.

Staying at the Hilton Bayfront
No car
Enjoys good food and wine and really no food preferences
Thinking about the old trolley tours as a nice way to see a lot
Enjoys art but not looking to be in museams all day
Loves to people watch and be in the outdoors


What are the must sees in San Diego?

Best restaurants?

Your favorite spots?

If you had only one day, how would you spend it?

Thank you
Linda

I'd say do the Old Town Trolley if she wants to see the big sights (Balboa park, Zoo, etc) and be able to jump on and off. If she just wants to do things in Balboa Park, I'd say get a city bus and just walk to the various museums. Lots of People watching opps up there!

Or, I'd take the foot ferry to Coronado. Rent a bicycle and cruise to the beach. People watch up on the big rocks, or go swimming. the water should be nice in mid-august. After that, head over to the Hotel Del to see it and perhaps have a drink there. Go down Orange Ave and get lunch or dinner at one of the great local restaurants, such as Tent City or Chez Loma, then head back to San Diego. Tent city has sidewalk seating, so it's a good view spot!

The Old Town Trolley is a good way to see the city in a couple of hours..
Since you are staying at the new Hilton on the bay across from Petco Park in the Gaslamp, I would have a nice dinner at either Jsix at the Hotel Solamar or Oceanaire..
You could have drinks and app's on the deck of the Fish Market downtown..not a fan of the restaurant but a fan of the top of the market upstairs and the sushi and oyster bar.
Finish it up with drinks at the Top of the Hyatt..stunning views.
Take the water taxi over to Coronado for a sunset cocktail at the Hotel Del..the water will be nice for a swim..rinse off at the outside shower at the del..
Have fun!

www.hoteldel.com
www.sdhe.com
www.gaslamp.org

Thank you so much for the replies. I do think the old town trolley is definately a way to go.

we were out sailing in the bay a couple of weeks ago and saw the 'seal tour' which is almost exactly like the 'duck tour' in Boston..
looks like fun and this might be another option for you.

www.sealtours.com

the san diego zoo is an extraordinary experience. I don't even LIKE san diego and i think the zoo and balboa park is pretty special