paula1470

I love Coronado, too, but not for Fourth of July weekend. First of all, it's probably too late to get a reservation. Next of all it is so packed, you can barely get around. My aunt and uncle were renting a place on Coronado last year and it turned out part of the rental time was 4th of July. They didn't necessarily have to be there then but that was the availability. I went down to visit them on July 5th and 6th. Luckily I knew the back way into their condo. The beaches and restaurants were packed. They did enjoy the fireworks show over San Diego Bay, but they said, never again for July 4th. They will be back this summer but not during that time period.

I don't think the OP has been back since they started this post, so don't know what their plans are.

1happyfam

Thats ok I am coming in for the end of June through the 4th, I am interested in your posts # older teens, well one will be turning 21 while there another turning 18 while there...
So it is a special trip. Still figuring it out.

Tabernash2

In La Jolla, you have to eat at George's At The Cove.
Amazing outdoor patio directly over the water.
Fantastic food and service.
Pricey, but more than worth it, especially for a special dinner.
Check out their menu on-line.

Tomsd

For the particular surf shop on Mission Blvd - will have to drive by. There are at least two- if not 3 - within a couple of blocks. All are pretty good but my niece really liked the one she took 3? days of surfing lessons from.

Great little sandwich shop around the corner too.

Tomsd

And the best deal IMO - for view and reasonably priced/tasty food is the Cohn Group's C level - next to Island Prime - on Harbor Isalnd Dr(close to the airport) - overlooking the bay and views of Coronado to downtown.

During happy hour - plenty of good h'or d'ouerves for $5 and wine/beer for the same price.

Tabernash2

I forgot to specify, George's "Ocean Terrace". They have a more expensive and dressy indoor restaurant on the lower floor.
http://www.georgesatthecove.com/ocean-terrace

Tabernash2

happyfam, we'll consider this partly your thread, too!

The teens will like something at Balboa Park. The zoo, of course. Or there's a cool planetarium there, too. There is beautiful Spanish-style architecture at the Park, with gardens and fountains.

Somewhere in the midst of the plaza type area, there's a Mexican restaurant. We were there ages ago, but even if the food is mediocre, the setting is beautiful, inside and out on the garden patio. It's more family style prices, but also kind of special for its setting.

Tomsd

The Prado at Balboa Park is a very good restaurant - (now also run by the highly regarded Cohn Group - www.cohnrestaurants.com, again - they have C Level on Harbor Island) and they have not one - but two happy hour specials with quite tasty, reasonably priced faire.

1happyfam

Tomsd & tabernash2- Thank you for all the info!! Is la Jolla the best spot for us to stay to enjoy all that you both have mentioned?
Are there fireworks in this area too?

paula1470

1happyfam, I love La Jolla and go there all the time (live about 45 min away) but there are a couple of issues you might want to consider about staying there.

First the traffic going in and out of La Jolla is tough, especially during rush hour so considering you will want to be going to the Zoo, Balboa Park, etc, I'd keep that in mind. Next if your older teens want to just spend some time at the beach, you will have to drive. You'd have to go to La Jolla Shores which isn't far but you still have to drive through some traffic to get out of downtown La Jolla. You can also go to the Pacific Beach area but a little further to go.

Tabernash2

We haven't stayed in La Jolla, just visited for the day and had dinner. Sorry I can't help with that. We last stayed at the Omni which is a gorgeous hotel, but we were there for business.

Guenmai

I don't have time to read all of the above suggestions right now, but when friends come here to visit me in L.A., I send them, in their rental car, in the direction of The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and then over to Shoreline Village for lunch at Parker's Lighthouse Restaurant and all of the little shops at Shoreline Village. That's usually after they've done all of the things in L.A. proper, along with having gone to Disneyland out in Orange County.

http://www.aquariumofpacific.org/

http://parkerslighthouse.com/

http://www.shorelinevillage.com/

Happy Travels!

1happyfam

Paula- Good to know... So where would you recommend we stay in that area?... I keep forgetting about traffic everywhere, ugh!

Guenmai- Thank you for the links & suggestions!

Guenmai

You're welcome. Also as for where to stay, www.airbnb.com might do the job. Also as for places to eat in L.A., as we have some really great food here, there's a Fodor's thread that we've all been enthusiastically adding to.

http://www.fodors.com/community/unit...os-angeles.cfm

Happy Travels!

1happyfam

YES! Thank you for the link for food...I hate traveling and not having ideas for food

Guenmai

You're welcome. Have fun here in California if you also decide to come. Smiles.

Happy Travels!

nanabee

Beth, If you are going to be here in San Diego on the 4th of July you really must not miss the 4th of July Parade in Coronado. It is a blast. Get their early though an stake out a spot. After the parade there are a number of activities
http://www.ecoronado.com/4th

Below is a sample of what you might expect (this is actually the events for 2013 but they should be similar for this summer).

*Wake up & get your spot along Orange Ave for the parade (photo). You can't set up before 5:00 AM! Tip, you can also take the ferry over from downtown San Diego to Coronado. The traffic is going to be heavy, so plan on walking or biking.
•7:00 AM - 37th Annual Independence Day 15K Run-5K Run/Walk
Tidelands Park (Registration at 5:30AM)
619.298.7400 (www.kathyloperevents.com)
•8:00 am to 4:00 PM - Art in the Park
Spreckels Park (6th & Orange Avenue)
•9:00 AM - 53rd Annual Rough Water Swim
Central Beach (Check-In Starts at 7:30 AM)
•10:00 AM - 64th Annual Independence Day Parade
Location: Orange Ave from 1st Street to Churchill Place
•4:00 PM - Concert in the Park at Spreckels Park
Music by: Coronado Community Band
•9:00 PM - Fireworks Over Glorietta Bay / San Diego Bay (Big Bay Boom)

If you miss the parade you will also enjoy the Concert in the Park at the park on 6th and Orange and the fireworks over Glorietta Bay.

It would be a really exciting day especially if the Navy Seals do their military show!

paula1470

nanabee- Hadn't been to Coronado for years for 4th of July. Last year my aunt and uncle just happened to be there, they didn't really want 4th of July but it was the time the condo was available. It was fun but the biggest madhouse I'd ever seen. I did drive in and my aunt and uncle had a parking space for me, thank goodness. I knew how to get to their condo without going on Orange, again thank goodness. It was fun but so many people. My aunt and uncle said, never again, for July 4th. I guess we are just old, haha. For someone from out of the area, it is quite an event and the fireworks over the Bay are great.

Tabernash2

Last thing I'd want to do in lovely San Diego, is get in the midst of a traffic madhouse & parade crowd. No. thank. you. So much else to do.

paula1470

Yeah, I didn't love the crowds on Coronado but if you are anywhere near the beach and/or fireworks shows, you are going to be in a crowd. One year was pretty cool, though. My friends were staying on Shelter Island for one fourth of July. We drove down to their place (from North San Diego County), and when the time for the fireworks came, just walked across the street, sat on the rocks by the bay and watched the show over San Diego. No crowds, wonderful seat and great views.