San Diego, June 2006 -- Any Suggestions?
 

Hi there,

My girlfriend and I have decided to travel to San Diego this coming June. Does anyone have any advice or suggestions regarding a trip to San Diego? Hotels, restaurants, sights to see, anything at all that you can tell me would be greatly appreciated. I've been doing research on where to stay, eat, and go, and this part of the trip is always the most fun-- hearing from people who've actually been there, or live there, really helps, and I'm very grateful for your help.

Thanks very much,

-M.

M-
We need more information. How many days were you planning to visit? Are you looking for nightlife or are you interested in biking around Mission Bay, shopping,taking a tour, visiting museums or theme parks? Do you want to lie on the beach for endless hours or learn how to surf or sail? Give us more info so we can help make your trip to SD memorable .

Since neither of us have ever been to San Diego, we're open to almost anything. Museums are good, theater, shopping; biking around Mission Bay might work if I can find a place to rent bikes for a reasonable price, same goes for anything in the bay itself, like boating or swimming. We definitely want to see the San Diego Zoo, and any romantic spots would be great especially since I'm thinking this might be the trip where I ask her the big question...

Speaking of romance, she loves to dance-- are there any nice restaurants that also offer dancing?

Thanks again!

Regarding dancing:
I have seen people sway to the live bands playing at Croce's in the Gaslamp. They also serve pretty nice food and it's a place I'd certainly recommend.

Regarding swimming in the Bay: I'd prefer the ocean. The beaches at the Hotel Del on Coronado and a bit out of town in Del Mar (about 20 min. to the North) are my favourites.

For lodging areas, I'd look into either downtown around the Gaslamp Quarter (for being centrally located for the fun nights out), Coronado (for its close proximity to downtown and still prevalent small town feel and great beach) or La Jolla/Del Mar (upscale beach communities; La Jolla with worldclass shopping and great dining options and an abundance of natural beauty; Del Mar a classic SoCal beach town, great beach, very relaxed and still close to the city).

I actually like staying in the Del Mar area. San Diego is easily driveable and there are a couple of reasonably priced lodging options there if you are on somewhat of a budget (at least the value is quite o.k.).

You don't mention budget being a factor so I don't know what you're looking for, but definitely check out Humphreys Half Moon Inn, a very nice place to stay and they usually have a band on the weekends.

If you are looking for a truly romantic setting for dinner, do consider George's at the Cove on Prospect St. in La Jolla. The food is awesome and they have a rooftop terrace overlooking the ocean where prices are even a bit lower than in their gourmet section underneath (admittedly the food is a bit simpler on the terrace, too, but still memorable). Service is gracious, too.

Hi Nijhazer!

I live in SD, so hopefully I can give you some good suggestions. Not sure what your budget is, but anywho here are my picks...

Romantic/Cool hotels:
1. The W (downtown)
2. Hotel del Coronado (Coronado)
3. The Lodge in Torrey Pines (Del Mar)
4. Le Auberge (Del Mar)
5. La Valencia (La Jolla)

Places to go and see:
1. Balboa Park (http://www.balboapark.org/)- eat at the Prado (romantic spot on patio), lots of cool things to see, museums and the Zoo is here too
2. Old Town (http://www.oldtownsandiego.org/) - not so cool since they took out Bazzar del Mundo, they've replace it with Plaza del Pasado. Still good eats and shops.
3. La Jolla - go to the cove, check out the sea lions, there are shops here and lots of good places to eat. Georges is here, which is one of the best restaurants, but pricey. You can eat for less on their patio on top of Georges. Go during sunset, the view is amazing and very romantic!
4. Temecula - go for the winetasting!
5. Gaslamp in downtown (http://www.gaslamp.org/) - tons of shops, restaurants and the place were most go to party and dance. You might want to try Ole Madrid, Savilla, Aubergine, and Deco's. These are restaurants that turns into a night clubs.
6. Tijuana - a 30 minute ride from the Airport. It's cool to walk around on Revolution, get cheep tacos and beers.

Shopping (my specialty):
1. Best mall in SD is Fashion Valley in Mission Valley
2. Outlets in Carlsbad and near Tijuana border
3. Cool outdoor mall in downtown called Horton Plaza

Restaurants:
1. World Famous in Pacific Beach on Wednesday nights, $1.50 lobster tacos and amzaing view of the ocean
2. Bandars in the Gaslamp for Persian
3. Sbicca's in Del Mar
4. Hotel del Coronado (romantic)
5. The Prado
6. Try In-n-Out burgers if you've never had one
7. Lolitas Mexican food (several in expensive taco shops)
8. El Agava in Old Town, one of the biggest Tequila bars in US
9. Tapenade in La Jolla for French
10. Bertrand at Mister A's, very romantic and great views of SD
11. Mille Fleurs - really expensive but romantic
12. Mister Tiki Mai Tai Lounge - young, fun and hip.

Please let me know if there is anything I can help you with or answer.

Happy Travels!