I am from NY and going to San Diego with my long-time girlfriend. This is our first major trip together, and I was wondering what you would recommend for a romantic time, as well as a all-around great time. We are staying at the Hanelai Hotel in San Diego. I know about the Zoo, and Disneyland, and Tijuana (maybe). Thanks in advance.

Catalina Island. It is a real nice spot to go to right across from San Diego. Walk around the area by the Marriott with all the restaurants and shops with brick pathways. I am not sure when you are going but it can be quite cool there on the water.

There's a restaurant (I believe it's called Humphrey's) in SD with outdoor seating by the water. They present live music outdoors and I'm told the atmosphere is very romantic. Not sure what if they stick to one musical genre but my friends saw jazz guitarist Larry Carlton. As for Tijuana... I recommend it but only if you skip ALL the squalor at the border and go further into town. Use the search function of this forum - there was a good thread a few months ago w/loads of info on the merits of visiting Tijuana.

Note: Catalina Island is not by San Diego.

A drive along the coast can be very romantic. North of La Jolla we found some lovely shops in Del Mar -- sort of built into the cliffs. And don't forget Sea World!

Hi Andrew - Coronado Island is across from San Diego. Catalina Island is near LA.

If you enjoy B&B's, I can recommend a very romantic one in San Diego called Heritage Park Bed-n-Breakfast Inn. You will be treated like royalty and enjoy a very delicious, home made 3 course breakfast every morning. It's a large Victorian home, but you're made to feel very comfortable. If you mention this is a 'special' occasion, your hosts will have a little surprise waiting for you.

Enjoy San Diego ... it's a very beautiful and romantic city. If you have a chance, drive up the coast to La Jolla. It's not that far and the scenery is absolutely beautiful.

Have fun,
Debbie

Debbie

For a romantic dinner, look into Anthony's Star of the Sea (one of several Anthony's, but the loveliest). Also consider the restaurant at Rancho Bernardo. Bistocio (sp?) is really good and very romantic. About 30 minutes north of San Diego.

My first piece of advice would be to change your reservation aSAP! The Hanalei is a noisy, lousy dump. We stayed there one night a few years ago and bolted as fast as we could down to the Town & Country I would do the same. I have stayed a lot of different places in San Diego. The Hanalei is the worst!! You would be better off at Motel 6

I'm a native San Diegan and I can confirm the excellent advice that ALL these people have given you. Alas, Cindy is quite correct -- you will be disappointed in the Hanalei; there are much better ones around. The restaurant that Dick mentioned is also great -- it's the El Bizcocho (odd name!) at the Rancho Bernardo Inn. Wonderful Sunday brunch.