Would San Diego be a good destination for a early-30s female travelling solo? If so, any recommendations as to what area and hotel to stay at (hotel price range around $150/nt)? Ideally, I'd like to stay near a beach and be close to shopping (or easily get to lots of shopping places). I'm also interested in checking out the zoo and wild animal park but assume I can probably pick up a tour shuttle to get there.

Will I need a car to get around, and if so, is San Diego easy to drive around? Or would I be able to get by with public transit and walking?

TIA for any assistance.

SD is a great place for the solo female traveler. Very safe relative to the other big cities. The major malls are in Mission Valley (Fashion Valley, Mission Valley Center), Downtown (Horton Plaza) and La Jolla (UTC-University Towne Center). All are fairly close to the ocean and all have major hotels. You need a car if you want to shop all over. If you don't want a car stay in Downtown or Mission Valley - a light train (SD Trolley) runs from Downtown to Mission Valley and right through the Malls. Outlet store shopping is further out 1. Border Outlets at the Border of Mexico 20 miles south of Downtown 2. Viejas- about 40 miles east of Downtown 3.Carlsbad - about 30 miles north of Downtown. I'd recommend Downtown or La Jolla. Downtown hotels- Doubletree, Hilton, Hyatt, Marriot. La Jolla- Marriot, Hyatt, Embassy Suites or near the water The Empress Hotel or Grand Colonial. The last two are in the Village area of La Jolla (next to the ocean) which is very nice with smaller upscale shops in a very upscale area. This is probably the nicest area but a little farther than the other locations.

One comment: Last time I was in Gaslamp it did not really feel comfortable for a female traveling solo. Not that it was dangerous. It just seemed more two and group oriented at dinner time. the other ideas mentioned above sound great though!

Thanks so much, sd!

definitly rent a car. it's a very easy city to drive around. a few sections of freeways you'll want to avoid during rush hour but your hotel could advise you of that.
i don't find downtown (gaslamp) very friendly at all. as a solo, i'd stay in pacific beach (younger crowd, very social) or la jolla for more upscale but further to drive to the attractions.