Barbara

There's also a winery and vineyard in Escondido on the way to the Wild Animal Park.

http://www.orfila.com/winery.html

A different day trip would be the Tecate Train, if it runs when you're in San Diego (and isn't full)

http://www.sdrm.org/events/tecate/

Kealoha

I miss San Diego! Ok, we live only an hour away but I loved it when we lived there. We got married at the Mission San Diego--its a nice piece of California history so you might find that interesting if you like history. The Old Town has good mexican food, and of course the margaritas! We lived in Hillcrest for 3 years, and my main complaint was we never ventured out because everything we needed was in Hillcrest (its a gay community). They have good restaurants. They have a good sushi place--Ono Sushi--its been years so I hope its still there. A mile or so away towards downtown area is the BEST dessert place called Extraordinary Desserts--a must! There's also a fusion restaurant (I forgot the name) and a wine bar in Hillcrest. Right by Hillcrest is the Balboa Park and the San Diego zoo, and just two miles away is Downtown San Diego that has the Gaslamp district. Gaslamp have some nice Italian restaurant. If you're feeling a bit adventurous, there's Cafe Sevilla, a Spanish restaurant, and Bandar a persian restaurant.

If you are up for it, I also recommend kayaking at the Mission Bay--always fun. But it could be a little cold for January.

We took a limousine to Temecula a few years back--they drive you to different wineries (my husband got a little drunk, I was tipsy so it was GOOD we did not have to drive ourselves). I especially recommend Wilson Creek winery. They have this nice almond champagne (which we used for our wedding), and the loveliest owners--a retired couple who will make you feel welcome.

TahitiTams

Hi Barbara..
Just saw the PBS California's Gold with HH a couple of days ago on the Tecate Train and I made a note of the website and it looks like the perfect day trip for locals and tourist alike..
I love Tecate..very old Mex..and to get a tour of the Tecate Brewery and stroll the plaza and panderia too.its around $42 pp.
Orfila's is great too..
Thanks for sharing this!

Barbara

TT, I saw that program too! I didn't know the train actually went anywhere until then. It looks like fun.

itsv

Depending on the actual days of your stay you might want to check out the San Diego Restaurant Week website. (Sorry I don't have the link). But its a great deal here in the city where many of our better restaurants offer a fix-priced meal between $30 and $40. Menus are posted on the website, but I recommend reservations since locals love restaurant week since it allows you to check out places and have great food at a reasonable price. If you are in Escondido, then I would try AsiaVou (my spelling may not be correct). Fabulous food. Also if you want a great San Diego unique experience, then go to Island Prime or its bar C level. Its across from the airport, but has a great view of San diego on Harbor Island and the food is very good.

For farmer's markets, there is a website that should turn up in a google search. The most interesting farmers market is held on Sundays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Hillcrest at the Dept. of Motor Vehicles parking lot on Normal street. It is the largest on in the city. A farmers' market is held each day in San Diego in a different part of the city. The website should be able to give you more specifics, but the Hillcrest one is considered the best one. You could do breakfast in Hillcrest at a place like HashHouse A Go Go on 5th ave. then wander over to the market. Portions are huge and everyone loves the place.

Also Extraordinary Desserts (which is owned by Karen Krasne as mentioned by other posters) has opened up a second location which I like much better than the Hillcrest location. It is downtown on Union Street between Beech and Cedar (take 5 north get off at Front, turn right on Cedar and then left on Union). That location serves both lunch and dinner as well as treats, is a ton bigger than the other location so no waiting and has a wine bar and appetizers. We love it plus check out the front door which is my daughter's favorite.

Also Old Town has undergone some changes which many locals don't like. The state gave the lease to a new company and changed the feel of the place. There is no longer Casa De Pico Restaurant or Bazar Del Mundo. I live right above it and foot traffic has gone done since it doesn't have the ambiance it used to have. The owners of Bazar Del Mundo have tried to replicate it with a much smaller plaza on the corner of Juan and Taylor st. near their restaurant Guadalajara Grill. I just wanted you to know in case you had been there before and where wondering where some of the places had gone.

One thing I do when I have out of town company is we take the ferry from downtown over to Coronado and eat at Peohe's, Il Forniao or some other place and walk around there.

Also fun is the area all around Petco Park. Lots of new shops and restaurants opening up all the time. We love the Red Pearl Kitchen, Oceanaire (I know its a chain but the food is just excellent) and JSix (its in the Solemar Hotel).

Many people enjoy the Thorton Winery in Temecula, its about 30 minutes away from your timeshare.

Hope this is helpful. Also you have to go to Point Loma Seafoods. A local institution that has been around about 50 years with the best seafood (take out counter and market).

ddreher

wow! great posting. you should be a travel writer/guide. thanks a lot!!!!

ddreher

itsy; i see that you said that you live near old town. on our last quick visit to san diego, we ate at berta's latin american in old town. it was great and it the only reason that we are going back to area. still there? you eaten there?

itsv

ddreher:

I don't know if Berta's is still there but it could be. Although I drive through Old town everyday, I haven't eaten there in awhile other than at Zocalo Grill. (Used to have a great happy hour deal, but less so these days). If Berta's isn't there, then I would try Old Town Mex (carnitas are their leading dish) or some place like El Agave (always gets great reviews and has something like 150 types of tequilas). Another Mexican place that is getting my attention these days is called "Ortegas". Its run by a family from Puerto Nuevo (below TJ) and they serve great mexican style lobster. I also love their mexican choc. cake. Its located on University near Front street.

By the way definitely stay out of the Extraordinary Desserts in Hillcrest. Last night two guys just out dining with their wives were shot by a nut inside the restaurant at 9 p.m. One guy was killed. No one knew the guy and it makes no sense. Police are still looking for him. Very sad.

If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. itsv.

TahitiTams

I have always wanted to go to Berta's in Old Town and its still in business and here is their website..looks yummy.

www.bertasinoldtown.com

Kealoha

Itsy, I am shocked about the shooting. We lived in Hillcrest for about 3 years, and I always felt safe. I am so sorry to hear about the shooting. Hillcrest is a nice area with good restaurants and homeowners who take a lot of pride in the area. I suppose wherever one is, we just need to be more careful. I hope this does not discourage people from going to Hillcrest as it is so close to everything.

Barbara

However, the shooting had nothing to do with the owners of shop, and there really is no reason at all not to visit if you want to.