we are planning to flee the Sask winter by spending 4-6 weeks in SD.We dont want to drive if we dont have to.We like the city scene,but want a beach location.La Jolla sounds great but wonder if public transport would be awkward from there? would you recommend Mission Bay area or Coronado for us?? thanks!

Our transit system sucks and takes hours to go several miles..
I highly recommend that you rent a car..if at least for several weeks..great deals on hotwire for $13-15 a day..
La Jolla/Coronado/Misson Bay/
Del Mar/Carlsbad are wonderful places but things are expensive..
Lots of bike riding in Coronado, LJ and Mission Bay area that you won't need a car so much..it does rain here but not much..
Wishing you all the best and have fun in my gorgeous city!

vrbo.com

I agree with TahitiTams - the public transportation system is non-existent in San Diego. I would recommend La Jolla/Del Mar over the Mission Bay area or Coronado. Whenever I have guests, they always make disparaging comments about Mission Bay -- I guess it's a little run down in some areas. With Coronado -- it's a really beautiful area, but I think you'll find it really small...especially if you're going to be there for 4-6 weeks. Hope that helps.

IIf you actually want on the beach, then I would go to northern San DIego county, such as Carlsbad.
We use Barbara McCLain - toll free 877-99BEACH

haveing a vehicle in san diego is definitly worth it even it you rent it half time. then you can drive up/down the coast, into the desert if it's lousy on the coast. if you are bikers, then renting bikes is an option. san diego is actually pretty good for getting around on two wheels if you are exploring the coastal areas (la jolla, mission/pacific beach, coronado, etc.) info on your age, budget, types of restaurants you want, bar scene, hotel or condo rentals would help us guild you to the right area. with 4-6 weeks, you could split it up. a monthly rental in one area and then move for the other two weeks.

thank you everyone,I see that more info will be good. We love to eat well so will splurge as often as possible in fine restaurants. my husbands knees dont allow him to bike. bar scene is not important, but unique shops,galleries and museums make our hearts beat faster(sad,maybe,but true)Coming from a small prairie city I admit to being cowed by the idea of California freeway traffic,thus the preference for not driving more than neccesary again,thanks..v

addendum; we are looking at condos in beach areas,probably 2 BR.

I think the north coast is the way to go but a car is necessary. But if you use the coaster train you can go downtown, many restaurants walking distance in Gaslamp district. Also the trollies close to train station for trips to old town, Tijuana,Mission Valley, taxi to Balboa park and zoo etc.

Coronado is a very popular location for extended stay tourists as there are a surprising number of nice restaurants on the island, and it is so close to Downtown. The town is very walkable and there is a local bus around the island.

There is also good bus service to downtown San Diego and Balboa Park( museums, the zoo), adn a pedestrian /bike ferry to the side of downtown by the Star of India.

If you want to rent a car for specific trips, there are a couple of car rental places right in Coronado.

I think you'd tire of Mission Beach rather quickly. It really is a party scene location.

La Jolla is also very nice, but it is a lot farther from many of the tourist places, especially if you'lll be using the bus. On the other hand, it has a lot of fine dining and galleries right there.

I'd sugest you choose Coronado or La Jolla based on your lodging. Both can be very pircey, so that may help make your decision.

I would do Coronado for the proximity to Downtown SD and Balboa Park or La Jolla and you can do so much with North SD which is so beautiful as well..
What is your budget for a 2 bedroom condo for a month+?