Thanks, everyone. I started a Seattle thread and am getting a lot of good ideas - I'm getting excited about planning this trip!

And thanks for the heads up on Victoria - it looks gorgeous, really charming. You guys have helped me so much. I really appreciate it. If you have any more tips, feel free to post on my Seattle thread. Getting excited!

I just wanted to come back to this thread and say thanks for the heads up on visiting Victoria B.C. We loved it! I liked it even more than Seattle. Right on the water, beautiful flowers everywhere, Butchart Gardens, and we saw whales. Had tea at The Empress. I wouldn't have known about it if it weren't for you guys!

We're also making a return trip to San Diego. I am determined to go to Balboa Park this time. Would also like to spend at least one night in La Jolla - La Valencia or the Grande Colonial for our anniversary. Does anyone have any pros and cons regarding those two hotels?

I think we're going to give the Marine Room and Juniper and Ivy a try this trip. I went ahead and booked the Colonial since we could get a pretty good rate there. I know you guys recommended Piatti too - too many good choices!

Are there any good casual restaurants near the aquarium in La Jolla? Doesn't have to be fancy, maybe something outside? Thanks again for all the help!

The Colonial and La Valencia are in downtown La Jolla right in the village. Both are very nice.

The Aquarium has a little cafe (but I don't recommend it). The nearest to the Aquarium would be something in the La Jolla Shores on Avenida de la Playa (which is just a mile or two down the road).

If you just walk along (or drive) down the street you can chose from various places from Jeff's Burgers to Galaxy Tacos. A newish place is called Shorehouse Kitchen which looks good and has good reviews - it is at 2236 Avenida de la Playa but closes at 2:30.

http://www.shorehousekitchen.com/

Have a wonderful trip and congrats on your anniversary.

http://piatti.com/lajolla/

Piatti's is expensive for lunch but it is one of the nicest and you could share a pizza. You can sit outside under the giant fig tree.

Thanks, nana - you always have great recommendations. We loved the places you recommended last time - I think we got Cody's and Brockton Villa and Cottage from you. Someone else recommended Caroline's. We love any tacos. Had Puesto last time and really enjoyed that but want to try some new spots. My husband is a pizza nut so he would love Piatti. Thank you so much.

Nana, we ate at Shorehouse today and loved it. I had the Thai chicken salad, very good. Love the Colonial too - very nice!

Good to know vg! I haven't been there.

We just spent a fun day on Mission Bay last weekend with grandkiddos. We rented stand up paddle boards from the Mission Bay Aquatic center on Santa Clara St. in Mission Beach.

http://www.mbaquaticcenter.com/

http://www.sugarandscribe.com/

This is a great place for breakfast and lunch and is near The Colonial. Actually it is across the street from the Cottage.

Thank you, nana; somehow I missed this post, but I would love to try Sugar and Scribe the next time we go back. It definitely looks like our kind of place - everything on the menu looks great.