we'll be traveling to SD in july (8-14)from atl.. staying at the hilton@missionvalley do we need a car to SEE the sights? or is public trans. enough? food spots? THANKS!

rent a car. will make the trip much more enjoyable. the hotel you are staying at is not convenient for public transportation. san diego is a very easy city to drive in.
for nice dinner out i recommend tom hams lighthouse. go before sunset for the nice view of downtown. great restaurant - entrees $15-25. for mexican go to casa de bandini in old town. just up the hill from your hotel on claremont drive is a pizza place called mountain mikes - great pizza. east of your hotel for fast food go to rubios. go to the green flash on pacific beach for a sunset dinner.

have you tried the hilton on harbor island its usually just as cheep and better location

yes, you will need a car; it'll be much easier!! Green flash definitely for a nice sunset dinner; Kemo Sabe in hillcrest for a trendy dinner spot; Indigo Grill in Little Italy (hip euro-latin-asian eclectic fare); Ruby's Diner in mission valley for great burgers! or In'n Out in mission valley. Jasmine Restaurant in ClairemontMesa for delicious DIM-SUM. Great Mexican food at Casa Guadalajara in Old Town. Few blocks away from hilton, Todai seafood buffet; all-you can eat seafood, sushi, pretty good deal! you'll have a great time! see you here!

Get a car. San Diego is easy to figure out. Your wasting too much time using the public transport systems. Mission Valley Hilton is an OK place to stay but mostly business travellers. I recommend looking at Embassy Suites in downtown or another downtown location similarly priced- much more to do.
Food places 1. Georges at the Cove in La Jolla -Upper Deck (casual section) at lunchtime or sunset for an impressive view of the coastline from La Jolla to Del Mar. 2.Even better view of Downtown skyline from Coronado at Il Fornaio or Peohes. Tom Hams at Harbor Island is kind of run down and haven't changed their decor and menu since I was a kid 25 years ago but they do have a good view. 3. Kemo Sabe, Hash House a GO GO or California Cuisine in Hillcrest for california style food in a trendy part of town.
Sights- 1. Torrey Pines State Park Hiking Trials - awesome views of the ocean and coast in bewtween La Jolla and Del Mar. 2. Cabrillon Monument at the end of Point Loma and at the entrance of San Diego Bay for great views of the Central/Easterna and Southern San Diego. 3.Soledad Mountain - Great viewpoint for all of San Diego in one of the nicest places in San Diego - the Top of La Jolla.