San Diego - 5 hr. layover - any suggestions?
 

I'm arriving at 5:40 pm and departing at 11 pm. (Tue or Wed, not sure)

Is that enough time to catch the bus downtown, old town or whatever and grab a bite and a beer?

Any suggestions?

Preferences:

Food - Mexican, nothing fancy but not a dive and easiest to get to.

What about Harbor Island?

Thanks

Old Town is very near the airport, so you definitely have time for dinner and a stroll.

Don't take a bus for it will take forever..cab it to either Old Town or Gaslamp area..you could go to the Brigantine in Shelter Island and have some fish tacos and a couple of marg's.
Miguel's is across the street and has decent mex.
Cab to either these locations will cost about $10 each way.
Have a great time!

brigantine.com
gaslamp.org

I agree. Go to either Old Town or Gaslamp. Old Town is probably best, more unique. They're both within a $10 cab ride from the airport. Just grab that. Don't waste time on buses.

We have had a couple really good meals at Coyote Cafe in Old Town - really good carnitas and fresh made tortillas.

Why Harbor Island? To me, that is only useful if you are staying at the Sheraton there or need to check up on a boat you have parked there.

A quick cab ride is excellent advice. There are some good Mexican places in Old Town and Gaslamp quarter, but I usually head to the fish joints so I can not recommend a Mexican restaurant.

In any case, you will be able to enjoy yourself with a quick taxi in the time you have. The cab is only a few minutes from downtown or Old Town.

I will chime in here AAFrequentFlyer and say that SAN has always been a quick, easy airport for me to get in and out of. The taxi cab stand is outside of baggage claim on an island.

Sometimes during daytime there can be a bit of traffic but not enough to worry about.

I have dined in mex. restaurants in both Gas Lamp and old town but I do not remember the names of them. There was a very colorful restaurant in old town but I think they moved to a new location. The place was so colorful it was quite fun to eat there. There is a mex. restaurant or 2 in old town that are in historic buildings. Have fun, enjoy, drink a brew for me.

BREW?!?!? Have a margarita--a las rocas con sal!

old town would be a good choice if you want mexican. several great restaurants and easy to walk around.