We're going to San Diego over the holidays this year. We're staying 3-4 nites at "the Del." Rather than spend the entire week in San Diego, I thought we might go somewhere else also. Any suggestions? Mexico? Nearby wilderness area??
Thanks in advance for any and all help.

Will you have your own car (not a rental)? If so and you want to get a feel of "Mexico"--go past Tijuana to Puerto Nuevo and have a lobster lunch, then return by late afternoon. Border towns are not places to be after dark.
Are you interested in astronomy? A trip up to Palomar Observatory would be a change of scenery--pack a lunch. Even Julian would be contrast to the beach. Get over to Mission Beach to ride the roller coaster then have lunch/dinner at the Wave House--very fun place with two wave pools (www.wavehouse.com).

Even if you aren't hikers, hike at Torry Pines. For a minimum of effort, the hiker is treated to spectacular views.

Also, Anzo Borego is great for a change of scenery (I know I'm spelling that wrong.) On the way you can stop at Julian ... don't know why, but the town is known for PIE. Several places sell terrific pies, whole and by the slice.

spend some time visiting the beach towns in "North County"
I love Carlsbad and Encinitas - have some great beaches
Also love the hikes at Torrey Pines
we look at trip up to Temecula for wine tasting that we enjoyed
there are so many nice areas around there- I doubt that I would go to Mexico

oops- just noticed you are going with teens so guess wine tasting is out

One other area I think teens might like is Imperial Beach - its the epitome of a California surfing town. There is a LONG pier thats takes you out past the surfers with a restaurant at the end of it. We had a fun afternoon there

I lived in San Diego for many years and never went to Imperial Beach - I would pass.

How old are your teens? What are they into? My neices came to Ca. and they wanted to go to Newport and Laguna Beach because of the tv shows.

I would pass on Mexico. There is nothing very nice about TJ - if you like Mexico (I love it) you will be dissapointed and if you have never been - it will give you a poor impression imo. The border can take hours to get through on any given day - no fun either.

We were at SD in March. We found the Wild Animal Park to be just as good if not better than the zoo. You hand feed giraffe's, and Rhino's right out of the back of truck you are riding in.