I posted a couple weeks ago for info re Ensenada, your posts as well as some others have decided us against flying into SD and renting a car to spend 4 days in the Ensenada area.

Now we are just planning to stay around SD/LaJolla area instead. Wow, are the reviews of hotels confusing! I am on a super low budget, my friend is not at all, so we're juggling not slumming but not living in luxury either..hard to do re hotels! I wonder if there are any nice places on Coronado ( obviously way less expensive than the Del!)?

Neither of us can walk any distance,( even at the zoo) so bearing that in mind, we are looking for some other touristy things, do you have any suggestions "off the beaten path" - things maybe locals know about? I have read all the usual things, now is there anything quirky or fun around there that might not be in the usual guidebooks? We like art and artists areas. Not too big on shopping....( wel I am but she's not) .... but that said, one of the reasons for going into Mexico was in hopes of buying some cheap, decorated tiles , as well as a few cheap things to use as party favors for a Mexican themed party later on. Are there el-cheapo places around SD to find such things as well? I keep hearing how horrible and dirty Tijuana is, so I wonder if a day ( train) trip there would be a total waste? I am bummed about missing the yummy lobsters at the little lobster village, the fish tacos, and other things but ah well....I guess not worth the time and expense of buying insurance and etc & trying to get a rental car into Mexico & back out. Is there any NICE ( ie not hot/crowded/dirty etc) way to get down to Ensenada area for a day without a car?

You've been helpful already, hope you can do so again! Thanks!

(PS I just got lost on that thread of food places, spent about an hour reading all those great posts!Now I am hungry!)

Certainly not a San Diego expert, having just visited 2 weeks ago - but some relevant observations -

First, one thing we loved about San Diego is that it is relatively easy to drive to places and find a parking space on the street - either metered or even free. (At least compared to Boston it was easy). So if you can't walk any distance, that should help. Also, if either has official disability and has disabled car placard, that would help with parking.

As far as Tijuana, we drove to border, paid to park in a lot, walked across, etc. That was probably more walking than you could do - it was hot and exhausting. It was dirty and depressing. We stood in line to recross border to US for 45 minutes while the INS rounded up some guys. We bought only a t-shirt for our daughter and got out of there. Not my style of shopping - but you probably could get some bargains.

We found hotels to be expensive - couldn't offer inexpensive suggestion, but we also found the "add-ons" (like parking) could boost price significantly - as "freebies" such as breakfast included or kitchenette in unit could be useful ways to lower cost.

Have a good trip - I would move to San Diego in an instant!

You might find some deals on "Mexican-themed" stuff in Old Town-- in the Bazaar del Mundo, for example, or any of the little touristy shops in the area. It's an easy walking area, and has sites of historic interest, so it's educational, not just shopping. Learn while you spend!

I just got back from a quick run down to SD (I live up in LA County), and stayed at the Sommerset Suites, by Scripps Mercy Hospital in the Hillcrest neighborhood. It ain't fancy by a long shot, but our room was clean and had a little kitchen, and there's a large Ralph's supermarket about 3 minutes away by car, so you can save some money that way. The neighborhood is pretty safe, there's a lot going on there, and it's basically central to the whole area. My only complaint was a too-soft mattress.

A fact of life people have to face: Staying anywhere near a beach in southern California is going to cost you. Expect rooms at the Sommerset (which isn't even that close to the beach) to start at $100 or so-- but you might get AAA or AARP discounts.

You might want to check the El Cordova hotel www.elcordovahotel.com in Coronado. It id directly across Orange Avenue from the Del. It is in an old building, so not like a resort, but there are some really quaint shops and great eating and drinking places in the little courtyards. I'd try to get a room towards the back or off Orange Ave if you want more quiet.
There are also some other motels in coronado..all are comfortable, and nothing is very far away from it all. Just avoid any motel rooms on 3rd or 4th street. Those get very noisy in the early morning rush hour!

Brenda, having just returned from Coronado Island a few months ago, I want to offer a few suggestions. I was so glad we stayed on the island! It has that small town America feel and is a delightful town for eating and shopping, yet very walkable. Most of the big hotels are expensive. On my morning walks I saw some that were clean, hospitable, yet affordable. El Cordova, as lcuy suggested, is charming, well located and has a built-in restaurant, but may still be out of your price range (http://www.elcordovahotel.com/) These two are more "motel-like" but very friendly and convenient, The Crown City Inn (www.crowncityinn.com) and La Avenida Inn (http://www.laavenidainn.com/). Any of these would be perfectly acceptable in my view. You can catch a bus to get into downtown San Diego, only a 10 minute bus ride. Good luck and have fun!

Brenda; We have been to SD/LaJolla many times and have searched for nice places to stay, but that don't cost a fortune! The Best Western Inn By the Sea in LaJolla is a great value and a great location. You can walk to alot of good restaurants, walk to the ocean, etc. LaJolla is a fun area. There isn't many reasonable places on Coronado, especially within walking distance to ocean & shopping/restaurants. The ElCordova is nice, but pricey for what you get. My choice is LaJolla!

I did not read the previous posts about Ensenada, but I can understand it if people recommended against going there. However, thousands of people do visit Baja every year and have a great time. If this is something you really want to do, have you considered taking an organized tour? This would eliminate the hassle associated with driving down there on your own, and might be a good option given your physical limitations.

One well-known company that specializes in the area is Baja California Tours in La Jolla. They offer trips ranging from day tours to one-week. For example, a day tour to Ensenada is $60; to Rosarita Beach, $38. A 3-day/2night trip to Ensenada is $115. For more info, see www.bajaspecials.com.

I do not work for this company, nor am I affiliated with them in any way.

I also second the recommendation for Best Western by the Sea. I have recommended this hotel to friends when visiting La Jolla and they have enjoyed it. You will have to walk down a hill to get to the beach, so I don't know if that would be a problem for you.

Have a wonderful visit in our beautiful city.