We will be attending a conference at Paradise Point Resort March 3-6. We must stay at this resort for those four nights. However, I'd like to fly into SD on March 2 so that we have a little time to unwind before the conference. So, we'll have Wednesday afternoon and all day Thursday to goof off. I would like to stay somewhere on the 2nd that has a lovely setting - an interesting area to stroll around. What would you recommend?

If I decide to play hooky part of the time and tour SD, which two of these three parks would you recommend the most? - Zoo, Wild Animal Park, or Sea World?

Lastly, how difficult would it be to take a day trip up to LA to tour Disneyland or Universal Studios?

I would stay in San Diego, there is so much to do.

There is so much to see in San Diego, a daytrip to LA or Disneyland is not necessary, or recommended with the terrible traffic going up there.

I like Sea World, with the Wild Animal Park a close second.

Well, most interesting to stroll around would be either the Gaslamp District or Old Town.

I would vote for the Zoo since it's in Balboa Park which also houses numerous museums and restaurants.

As far as a trip to Disney, about a 1.5 to 2 hour drive depending on what time you leave and what day you're going. LA you're looking at 2.5 to 3 hours (probably better to take the train than deal with the 101).

Of the three parks, I would recommend the Zoo; it's recognized as one of the best in the world. Take a walk through Balboa Park, Old Town or the Gaslamp District (downtown). Take a harbor excursion or take a drive to Coronado and/or La Jolla.

I would stay at your convention hotel if possible as I hate to waste time checking in/out unpacking/re-packing, etc.

I would visit Old Town and Zoo/Balboa Park if it's sunny. I would also visit Point Loma/Cabrillo Lighthouse. That's all you can reasonably do in 1.5 days except maybe stroll Gaslamp at night for dinner.

Another vote for spending your time in SD rather than treking up to LA. SD is a terrific town with lots to see and do. I've been there twice and not been to the parks you listed, so I can't comment on that.

If you have the budget, I would recommend staying at the Hotel Del Coronado. If you want a lovely setting and an interesting area to stroll around, this is the place.

Thanks so much to everyone! I'll visit Old Town and the Gaslamp District on my "day off" and play hooky for one of the parks... Any great eateries in the Gaslamp District you would recommend?

We love Lou and Mickeys. Kind of an east coast chop house with wonderful bar and drinks, very sophisticated feel to it. Pricey, but most people we recommend it to LOVE it. Best crab cakes anywhere, IMO. Flemings is also nearby and a lot of people love that place. Also lots of good Italian. You can pop into Martini Ranch before dinner for a , guess what, martini. It is a fun area to just walk around and look at the different menus and pick a place that looks good. The truth is the Gaslamp has many good restuarants. Just gotta choose what you are in the mood for.

Dear Crazy:

I just returned from San Diego (click on my screen name to view my trip report) and I would NOT visit the Gaslight Quarter during the daytime. See report for more details.

Other posters might have differing opinions. Anyone?

if it's only for one night, then you might as well just book into paradis point. checking in and out won't be worth changing. however, if it's two nights, i'd recommend staying in coronado (gloretta bay hotel is cheaper then the del) or "downtown" la jolla. both great places for walking. i'd recommend the zoo or sea world.

The Zoo - best flora and fauna in NA and probably the western hemishphere.
Agree with Lamchop, Gaslamp is "disappointing".
Coronado or LaJolla are VG - the Hot Del and Hot LaValencia are nearly worth the tariff.
M