d_claude_bear

I realize this advice comes too late for the OP, but may be useful to others.

IMO, a visit "to SD" is not the same as visiting La Jolla or Del Mar, etc. One can stay in downtown SD and have easy access to Balboa Park (museums, zoo, gardens, and more), Old Town, the Embarcadero, restaurants (Gaslamp, Hillcrest, East Village, Little Italy), Coronado (by ferry) and more.

If staying in La Jolla, etc. a car is almost essential unless you want to spend all the time within walking distance of the hortel.

Heavens

We really like the Catamaran in PB. Nice grounds, convenient for walking around on the boardwalk. The Bahia has just remodled and is a nice place, probably lots of families though. And the Hyatt (what used to be the Islandia) has recently remodled and is very nice, spa like atmosphere. Not on the beach though, but you could rent bikes and ride over to the beaches. If you stay in PB or Mission Beach I highly recommend renting bikes for getting around.

Lots and lots of good restaurants in San Diego. Yes, JRDN is one of the best, imo. Great beef, seafood. Not a large menu but great choices. We love to go for a drink at the beach side bar and a few of their appetizers. LOVE, love the sliders and fried brussel sprout leaves, crab cakes, all of it. Yummmmm. We also love Bay Park Fish Company off of Moreno Blvd. Great little local seafood place. Good selection, great prices. Try the poki with won ton chips.